Official Football Thread - 11/12

[Innovation]

COME ON!!! STURRIDGE! 2-1!

[Innovation]

You may think I'm crazy but I'd like to be drawn (at home) against City. Of course, Cardiff or Palace wouldn't go a miss.

[Innovation]

You may think I'm crazy but I'd like to be drawn (at home) against City. Of course, Cardiff or Palace wouldn't go a miss.

I'd LOVE to be drawn to United at home, so I might sound crazy aswell, I'd be much sweater if we took the Mancunians out, any of them

And knock City of that pedestal. Although, Bayern have already done that in the Champions League.

[Innovation]

Highlights of the Chelsea game last night.

[Innovation]

Why not start Meireles? He's creative, has a great pass and he can score goals. He was the missing link in our midfield, he sets up so many chances. I've said it before but I really believe Meireles has settled in faster than Modric would have. Such an awesome player.

If Torres does score a brace, I'd be so happy. I hope he gets at least one goal just to keep his confidence up. When he's playing at his very best, he's lethal and you can't really put anyone above him.

[xRas]

Lol@ The John Terry story... load of bollocks.

[Innovation]

I thought about Meireles, but if we play him defensive midfielder, he won't be able to use his creative passing skills and opening the game up from that position, Ramires is on fire recently I won't put anyone ahead of him, that leaves Lampard's spot, and I think Lampard was rested for a reason against Everton, so he can start against Arsenal in full health

So if he is gonna play, it'll have to be Mikel's spot, but will that suit him? or maybe AVB will play Lampard behind?

He can play the defensive midfielder role. Hasn't he played there for us a few times?

[Innovation]

I thought about Meireles, but if we play him defensive midfielder, he won't be able to use his creative passing skills and opening the game up from that position, Ramires is on fire recently I won't put anyone ahead of him, that leaves Lampard's spot, and I think Lampard was rested for a reason against Everton, so he can start against Arsenal in full health

So if he is gonna play, it'll have to be Mikel's spot, but will that suit him? or maybe AVB will play Lampard behind?

He can play the defensive midfielder role. Hasn't he played there for us a few times?

he has, but I don't think that role is fair to him, he can't display his abilities from there, but I guess if Ramires is fit again, he will take that part

He's a solid defensive midfielder tbh. I get what you mean though, in that role he can't create as many opportunities and get forward. Plus, if Luiz is playing, he'll be filling in for him often when he rockets forward.

I have faith in AVB's decision, he's a fantastic manager. I hope we get at least 3 years out of him, he's rebuilding an aging squad and is making us play much better in regards to attacking. A few years ago, my mates used to always tell me Chelsea were poor attackers. Not to mention how he's using the Carling Cup to play our youngsters, he's done it much better than Carlo did tbh.

I want to shout out Romeu again. I hope he stays with us; what a talent he is.

[Innovation]

How long does the buy back clause stays eligible for, 2 seasons? If he's happy he won't leave, even if Barça wants him back

I think it is two seasons. That's good, I just hope he will be at least a semi long-term manager. I can see us progressing a lot under him. He knows the club was getting old and he's been addressing it. He knows the club needed creativity and he brought in one of the best wingers in the world, as well as a great creative midfielder.

It also looks like he has a decent relationship with Roman atm, let's hope it lasts.

On a related note, the CPO vote didn't pass. Article.

It's a shame really, a new stadium would be a welcomed addition. I think we'd be able to fill most of it, plus we will need that extra revenue when the Fair Play rules really kick in. I can see why it didn't pass, but Roman is a Chelsea fan and I doubt he'd want to do anything to ruin the legacy of the pitch.

[Innovation]

yeah, it got around 61% approval, it need 75%, I'd really hate to see us leave Stamford Bridge, but it's the only way we can get bigger and stop depending on Roman for everything

I just wish Stamford Bridge was expandable, what's it surrounded with btw?

A lot of buildings.



Higher resolution

[dR3]

It was interesting and weird at the same time listening to a game on the radio last night, like we are in the 50s, lol.

Just watched the highlights, our goal was hanging for dear life after the red card. We absolutely dominated them when the forces were equal though.

All hail Big Pete.


For Saturday, I predict the following team:

-------------------------------Big Pete---------------------------

----------------Bosingwa - Iva - Terry - Cole------------------

-Ramires(if he's not fit, then Meireles) - Mikel - Lampard-

------------------Sturridge - Torres - Mata--------------------

I think it's safe to say that Luiz will be having a rest, he worked his ass off on Sunday, last night as well.

[MikeNUFC]

Gutted to get knocked out last night, especially with 70% possession and a decent team out. Ba was isolated and him and HBA really didn't work, the game kind of passed Ben Arfa by - still need to give him time. Perch is the worst player in the Premier League, although the whole defence was a shambles last night, bar Krul. Cabaye and Guthrie ruled the 2nd half and if it wasn't for a joke of a referee we would have had at least 2 stonewall penalties before they got theirs. Still, we didn't really deserve anything with such a shit first half and shoddy defensive display.

Great character to get back into twice, though, just a shame we were so weak at the back, otherwise we would have cruised through.

Atmosphere was incredible as well - there were 11,000 fans there and 5,000 of them were NUFC fans - this is a Carling Cup game on a Wednesday night with tickets at £20 - world class support. Blackburn fans are a joke.

Roman is a Chelsea fan

He's a businessman who has no connection with the club before he bought them - he wants them to do well because he wants to make money and increase his reputtaion - bit of an insult to the word 'fan', really.

[BigBangBazinga]

He's a businessman who has no connection with the club before he bought them - he wants them to do well because he wants to make money and increase his reputtaion - bit of an insult to the word 'fan', really.

This.

[Innovation]

Roman is a Chelsea fan

He's a businessman who has no connection with the club before he bought them - he wants them to do well because he wants to make money and increase his reputtaion - bit of an insult to the word 'fan', really.

As it's 2011, Roman must have spent around £800m minimum into the club? I'm sure he knows he will not get that back, so why does he still dig into his own pocket to help Chelsea? I mean he broke the managerial record fee to sign AVB to try to push Chelsea in the right direction after Carlo. Obviously he also bought Torres for £50m in January. Granted £50m isn't a huge figure for him, but it's still a lot of money. Even getting that £50m back in profits from Chelsea will take some time.

I agree, of course a part of the Chelsea takeover was to benefit his reputation, he is a businessman. And yes, you're right, he didn't have a connection with the club before he bought us. But still, even in 2008, he was clearly visible during some home games showing his support to Chelsea. Apparently under Jose he was even in the dressing room to boost moral? Not many owners even show an ounce of support for the clubs they own.

I'm not saying he's even a bigger fan than some of us on here, but I do think he cares for the club. He wrote off Chelsea's debt a few years back and yes, that does also benefit him but not as much as it does the club.

Maybe "fan" wasn't the best term to use, but I would class him as at least someone who cares for the club.

[Innovation]

I really believe Roman actually likes the club and not just using it as a business

100% agreed. He's been with this club for 8 years and he has not once benefited financially. Granted it's benefited his reputation but businesses are to make money. He has not made money but continues to spend into the club.