Chelsea

[blahblah]

I can't say I fancy that defence, and they will get mullered down their left? (It reads like the RB plays RB and RW as RW and the leftt go wherever.)

Courtois and Hazard are as good as gone, imho; and I sense Kante will have to be a bit deeper to compensate for the above and Jorgieboy settling in (assuming he doesn't go too).

That said Hig at 10 or under and I am interested as Sarri should know how to get him firing (even though he has always played pants when I have watched him).

[ctibbits]

I cant imagine Jorginho would be behind Kante. That is Kante's role and he is arguably the best in the world at it. The rest of it seems completely up in the air to me. If Chelsea sells another star to UTD ,as they did Matic, I will blow a gasket!

[blahblah]

I cant imagine Jorginho would be behind Kante. That is Kante's role and he is arguably the best in the world at it. The rest of it seems completely up in the air to me. If Chelsea sells another star to UTD ,as they did Matic, I will blow a gasket!

When I posted similar re Gueye as DM I got a reply along the lines of he is a legs man like Kante.

And more likely PSG?

[ctibbits]

I cant imagine Jorginho would be behind Kante. That is Kante's role and he is arguably the best in the world at it. The rest of it seems completely up in the air to me. If Chelsea sells another star to UTD ,as they did Matic, I will blow a gasket!

When I posted similar re Gueye as DM I got a reply along the lines of he is a legs man like Kante.

And more likely PSG?

PSG, Barca...fine with me. I would prefer we keep him to be honest but if he is gone then don't be stupid enough to sell him to a PL rival like they did with Matic.

[blahblah]

Ouch to not getting Rabiot as part of the deal?

If Sarri is going to get the players he wants as opposed to Roman and\or whoever then this could be good news?

From elsewhere:

Agent is a euphemism?

Preferred to overpaid twit

Certainly tart for Eden, imho. (Or selfish Kanute in more explicit terms )

[Oxford NZ]

Joe Hart as a Courtois replacement ( FFS) reported by some of the less reputable tabloids so not sure about accuracy.

[blahblah]

Joe Hart as a Courtois replacement ( FFS) reported by some of the less reputable tabloids so not sure about accuracy.

Are Citeh paying Chelsea to take him?

[Oxford NZ]

Joe Hart as a Courtois replacement ( FFS) reported by some of the less reputable tabloids so not sure about accuracy.

Are Citeh paying Chelsea to take him?

No they want 5.0 million apparently. Chelsea could be in more trouble than i thought. I would be happy with Caballero over Hart

[ricardo68]

I just watched Chelsea vs Perth Glory (Australian A-Leagie team) and the were poor. I might hold off for a while until their squad is locked in and they start to click under the new manager

[Zimmerman]

Presumably this is/was first game back though... and with a make-shift team. Hard to draw any conclusions.

Bulka, Zappacosta, Luiz, Ampadu (Kalas), Alonso (Emerson), Fabregas, Jorginho (Bakayoko), Barkley, Hudson-Odoi (Pasalic), Morata (Abraham), Pedro.

[Darbyand]

I keep seeing that Sarri is a 433 man. Alonso would be less attractive as a conventional full back, would be great if played even higher up the field.

[blahblah]

Apparently not (from previous page)

Read a piece on Sarri's formation - and wanted to share because it seems like Chelsea is a ready-made (or at least a very good) fit for the Sarri method.

Here is the link
http://www.thefalse9.com/2017/11/mauriz ... ation.html

From the article - in parallel with inputs about the Chelsea players

Napoli always start with Sarri’s preferred 4 3 3 formation. The system is so good because its very fluid and it allows Napoli players to interchange freely, especially the front 3. The two defenders are a perfect partnership with Albiol (Luiz/ Christensen) the technically gifted of the two and Koulibaly (Rudiger / Cahill)providing the pace and power although not without ball playing skills of his own. The two full backs are very complete in defence and in attack with Ghoulam (Alonso)always trying to overlap but Hysaj (Azpilicueta)is a bit more stationary. Jorginho (eh, well, Jorginho)is the pivot in midfield, he is the controller who sets the tempo with his passing similar in style to Sergio Busquets. Allan is very good as a box to box midfielder helping out in both defence and attack (Bakayoko / Loftus-Cheek is the exact fit, but surely Kante can be a more defensive box-To-box guy) with Hamsik an aggressive midfielder playing almost as shadow striker when Napoli have the ball (Fabregas / Golovin) and he often interchanges positions with Mertens when Napoli have the ball. The front 3 contain some dazzling players who rightly get most of the plaudits, Insigne (Hazard / whoever replaces him) is a skilful inside forward and playmaker. Mertens has been converted very successfully to a striker offering a different aspect in attack with his fluidity and pass (NOTE: This was initially Milik, and Morata approximates him. Surely Sarri can play with him. And of course if Higuain comes in, Sarri has played with Higuain, and fits in seamlessly). While Callejon (Willian/ Pedro)is an out and out winger who is mostly stationary down the right side.

A few hypotheses from my side:
1. Alonso will remain attractive.
2. If Golovin does not join in , Fabregas could be the big bargain.
3. If Higuain comes in as a striker (and 9M is still the price for the chelsea forward), he will be an incredible bargain. Higuain and Mertens have both been prolific.
4. I do not think this method will require too much time for Chelsea to adjust into.

Not quoting my comment from top of this

[Lucky]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

[Jamjack]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

Thanks Lucky. Do you think that was the back 4 who will start the season opener? Side show Bob trusted? Alonso safe as a more conventional full back? I think Rugiger looks like reasonable value.

[Lucky]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

Thanks Lucky. Do you think that was the back 4 who will start the season opener? Side show Bob trusted? Alonso safe as a more conventional full back? I think Rugiger looks like reasonable value.

I am not sure. Wait for the Community Shield. I think that will give us a better idea. Trophyless Sarri probably wants to really give it a try.

[ctibbits]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

Thanks Lucky. Do you think that was the back 4 who will start the season opener? Side show Bob trusted? Alonso safe as a more conventional full back? I think Rugiger looks like reasonable value.

I am not sure. Wait for the Community Shield. I think that will give us a better idea. Trophyless Sarri probably wants to really give it a try.

I watched them all too and the back for is by no means clear set the moment. The only thing I would take to the bank is that Azpilicuetta will be one of the back 4. Alonso is still not a great defender and there are certainly better options out there for Chelsea to buy or adjust accordingly. I agree with Lucky about Hudson-Odoi completely. He has looked to be in a league of his own. Starting with him at 4.5 as he is certainly the best option for that price point. I would assume he will start until Hazard returns and even then if Morata continues to play like he did yesterday then I could easily see Sarri trying Hazard as the no 9 like he did with Mertins.

[Jamjack]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

Thanks Lucky. Do you think that was the back 4 who will start the season opener? Side show Bob trusted? Alonso safe as a more conventional full back? I think Rugiger looks like reasonable value.

I am not sure. Wait for the Community Shield. I think that will give us a better idea. Trophyless Sarri probably wants to really give it a try.

I watched them all too and the back for is by no means clear set the moment. The only thing I would take to the bank is that Azpilicuetta will be one of the back 4. Alonso is still not a great defender and there are certainly better options out there for Chelsea to buy or adjust accordingly. I agree with Lucky about Hudson-Odoi completely. He has looked to be in a league of his own. Starting with him at 4.5 as he is certainly the best option for that price point. I would assume he will start until Hazard returns and even then if Morata continues to play like he did yesterday then I could easily see Sarri trying Hazard as the no 9 like he did with Mertins.

I’m hating the team selection headaches this year

[ctibbits]

Yeah the first 3-4 weeks are going to be crucial in regards to how lucky you get I suspect.

[Lucky]

I have watched all three pre-season matches and the stand-out player is Callum Hudson Odoi. I understand that he will stay with the senior squad. So definitely one to watch, even though with Hazard, William and Pedro around, he will be in a tough position to get full 90 minutes. Nevertheless, I am pretty sure that he will get gametime, assists and maybe one or the other goal.

Rügiger looked good vs Arsenal last night. He scored a goal and almost got a second. I am curious whether Sarri will have a preferred CB pairing or might just rotate the CBs frequently.

Morata very poor upfront. Even though there are statements of faith from Sarri, I would look elsewhere for value.

Thanks Lucky. Do you think that was the back 4 who will start the season opener? Side show Bob trusted? Alonso safe as a more conventional full back? I think Rugiger looks like reasonable value.

I am not sure. Wait for the Community Shield. I think that will give us a better idea. Trophyless Sarri probably wants to really give it a try.

I watched them all too and the back for is by no means clear set the moment. The only thing I would take to the bank is that Azpilicuetta will be one of the back 4. Alonso is still not a great defender and there are certainly better options out there for Chelsea to buy or adjust accordingly. I agree with Lucky about Hudson-Odoi completely. He has looked to be in a league of his own. Starting with him at 4.5 as he is certainly the best option for that price point. I would assume he will start until Hazard returns and even then if Morata continues to play like he did yesterday then I could easily see Sarri trying Hazard as the no 9 like he did with Mertins.

I’m hating the team selection headaches this year

In the game against Lyon Pat Nevin pointed out, how fast Rüdiger is.. And a few minutes later Rüdiger demonstrated it. His speed should make him a regular CB in the Sarri system. Therefore I believe that Azpi and Rüdiger are the safest bets in the Chelsea defence. In favour of Luiz would be his distribution, Christiansen more solid as a CB and age, Cahill likely to be phased out.

[Vid]

In the game against Lyon Pat Nevin pointed out, how fast Rüdiger is.. And a few minutes later Rüdiger demonstrated it. His speed should make him a regular CB in the Sarri system. Therefore I believe that Azpi and Rüdiger are the safest bets in the Chelsea defence. In favour of Luiz would be his distribution, Christiansen more solid as a CB and age, Cahill likely to be phased out.

Ampadu before Cahill.

[Lucky]

In the game against Lyon Pat Nevin pointed out, how fast Rüdiger is.. And a few minutes later Rüdiger demonstrated it. His speed should make him a regular CB in the Sarri system. Therefore I believe that Azpi and Rüdiger are the safest bets in the Chelsea defence. In favour of Luiz would be his distribution, Christiansen more solid as a CB and age, Cahill likely to be phased out.

Ampadu before Cahill.

Fully agreed. Great game, but do you believe in a pairing of Rüdiger and Ampadu? He certainly showed great distribution, but also made a few mistakes.

I think the jury is still out.

[Vid]

In the game against Lyon Pat Nevin pointed out, how fast Rüdiger is.. And a few minutes later Rüdiger demonstrated it. His speed should make him a regular CB in the Sarri system. Therefore I believe that Azpi and Rüdiger are the safest bets in the Chelsea defence. In favour of Luiz would be his distribution, Christiansen more solid as a CB and age, Cahill likely to be phased out.

Ampadu before Cahill.

Fully agreed. Great game, but do you believe in a pairing of Rüdiger and Ampadu? He certainly showed great distribution, but also made a few mistakes.

I think the jury is still out.

Less mistakes than his hair twin though!

[blahblah]

Less mistakes than his hair twin though!

I wonder if Sarri knows of the players Chelsea have sold inc Hair Cousin once removed, Ake - Citeh have one too Denayour(sp?)

Are there any ideas re the midfield 3. I assume Knate isn;t ready to start yet, and Barkley is more likely to start than Fab, with Jorgi and Kov?

Kov is an odd one as he as impressed me, but I haven't really watched him (Rabiot is another) to know if he jas FF potential. On the one hand RM want him to succeed Modric, but one the other his stats are pants and I read that he is more like Kante......

[Vid]

I've assumed from the Lyon game that Kante, Jorginho and Barkley would be the midfield 3 to start vs Huddersfield.