The big Question?

[redjohn8]

Who does Rafa play up front tomorrow? :idea:

I'm hoping that Robbie's signing will be a big kick up the arse for Cisse and Morientes. So with this in mind I would play him up front with Crouchie, prove to them that they are not automatic choices for big games, and go for the throat from the start.

I've got a feeling it will be Crouchie's day and by the time Robbie tires we'll be 2-0 up!

Any other dreamers out there?

[chrisbonnie]

first of all i dont think Crouch is an automatic starter at the moment, he`s been playing pretty crap the last few eeks, and even getting a wee bit greedy, which im sure isnt boding too well with Rafa

 

hmmm, we know Nando has a pyshcological edge on Terry from the Monaco days, so maybe him and Cisse from the start, but Robbie should defo get at least 20 mins

[Paul]

I think it's got to be Crouch and Fowler - even though both may tire. Guile is the key to unlocking the Chelsea defence and those two are best equipped to deliver.

[Cath]

I don't believe Rafa feels Robbie is 100% yet. Not expecting to see him start.

Given that Crouch was taken off and presumably rested in midweek I reckon we'll get Crouch & Cisse.

I'm tipping Xabi for a goal (in the right end). He was fired up waiting to get on on Wednesday and mightily unhappy at the og. Think he'll want to put that right.

[Paul]

I don't believe Rafa feels Robbie is 100% yet. Not expecting to see him start.Given that Crouch was taken off and presumably rested in midweek I reckon we'll get Crouch & Cisse.

I'm tipping Xabi for a goal (in the right end). He was fired up waiting to get on on Wednesday and mightily unhappy at the og. Think he'll want to put that right.

Agreed. I'd just like to send a strong message out to the other two to buck their ideas up. Also, it'd be so fucking sweet to see Robbie causing mayhem in their back line.

[MLB]

Crouch and Cisse with Fowler on the bench. Robbie should play for as much of the game as he possibly can.

[christian11]

I still think it'll be one up front (Crouch) with Gerrard in support of him, with Momo and Xabi in the middle just as it was in the Champs League. Robbie to come on I reckon.

 

Just got three questions in on "sleeping with the enemy" and had to stop, I hate such arrogance.

[snez1]

Crouch will start on his own like always against Chavski.

 

Reina

 

Finn

Carra

Sami

JAR

 

Luis

Stevie

Xabi

Momo

Kewell

 

Crouchie

[chorlton]

Crouch will start on his own like always against Chavski.

 

Reina

 

Finn

Carra

Sami

JAR

 

Luis

Stevie

Xabi

Momo

Kewell

 

Crouchie

 

 

I'm with that provided the midfield get up quicky. How fit is Didi?

 

In the second half i'd take off Luis, and go 4-4-2 with Robbie. Keep em quiet first half, then go for it second when they try to up it.

[Red Nick]

Id play Crouch and Robbie as there the only strikers with a future at our club.

 

If Rafa deems Robbie not fit enough for a full game then id go with Cisse till half time and then revert to number 11

[RedKnight]

I know Robbie isn't fully fit but I would love him to start tomorrow. At this moment Cisse is not worth a starting place in the team. Crouch and Fowler would give us the chance to play like we've wanted all season. Crouch holding up the ball and bringing others into play. And Fowler making the instinctive runs that will drag the Chelsea backline across the pitch which will give Gerrard and Kewell more space to support the strikers. Saying all that, I have a sneaky feeling that Nando will start with Crouch.

[Stu Monty]

Agreed. I'd just like to send a strong message out to the other two to buck their ideas up. Also, it'd be so fucking sweet to see Robbie causing mayhem in their back line.

 

If you listen to Rafa he is saying he may only get a month of a 100% fit Robbie. I think that shows both how far Robbie has to come but also the expectations Rafa places upon the fitness of his players.

[MLB]

We will need a big game from Morientes tomorrow if he starts.

[Captain]

If Rafa deems Robbie unable to last 90 mins he will not start him. You just don't start people in a match like this if the can't last the entire game, you bring them on as a sub.

 

If he decides to go with just one striker, I don't think it will be Cissé. If he goes 4-4-2 I think Rafa will start Cissé and Crouch.

[RedKnight]

I wonder if what happened at Old Trafford two weeks ago will have an influence on Rafa's team selection?

[Red Nick]

I wonder if what happened at Old Trafford two weeks ago will have an influence on Rafa's team selection?

As long is Robbie is on the pitch for the start of the second half everything will be fine

[madstock]

With Chelski having that foul little shite Essien injured and Geremi away doing his thing in the African Nations cup I feel we can really boss the midfield tomorrow, and hold quite a high line (assuming that Makelele will be playing in the Didi role??).

 

Could be a great game for Momo to "arrive", if he can grab the likes of Cole by the testes. (and occasionally find someone in a red shirt with a pass...).

 

Bearing that in mind I would go for a fairly attacking 4-4-2 in the first half:

 

Pepe

 

Finnan

Carra

Sami

Riise

 

Gerrard

Alonso

Momo

Kewell

 

Crouchy

Cisse

 

If we get the game by the bollocks we would then be able to sub Momo (assuming he hasn't been sent off for GBH) for God, move Stevie to the middle, Djibril to RW, and put 3 past 'em... although I would also like to see Garcia score a blatant 30-yeard screamer just to shut the fecker up about "the goal that never was"..

 

But then I could be spouting cobblers...

[Scouse_Datcha]

Rafa always play 4-5-1 against schelski. I can’t see a reason to change that tomorrow.

 

We might start with Traore, but I am not sure about him. He was 1 choice in every schelski game before but his lack of first team play is against him. JAR and Kewell did fine against Pennant and that may have convinced Rafa to go along with JAR on LB. This is also the only way to let JAR play if Rafa wants him.

 

Hamann has also played many of these games. But I think Sissoko, Alonso and Gerrard is perfect the balance they make. The speed and work rate that Sissoko have make it easier for Gerrard to go forward.

 

We have never scored more than 1 goal against them( year 0 started when russkie walked in with his blood money) during 90 minutes and I predict 1-1 as the result.

[Rashid]

I'd play Fowler and Cisse..... seriously...

 

Reina

Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise

Gerrard Sissoko Alonso Kewell

Fowler Cisse

[1892-LFCWasBorn]

Can see Rafa going for this:

 

Reina

Finnan

Hyypia

Carragher

Riise

Gerrard

Alonso

Sissoko

Kewell

Garcia

Crouch

 

Would give us possibilities ;)