Monday 28 October 2013

VIDEO: Eden Hazard Leaves Pablo Zabaleta On The Floor






Eden Hazard is one of the most skillful footballers in the world and arguably the best dribbler in the Premier League. Since he came under the spotlight, he has embarrassed a good number of defenders. Thomas Vermaelen, Rafael da Silva are just two of the players I can remember.



Pablo Zabaleta is generally believed to be the best Right full back in the league. He's a brutal defender, his dogged play meant most football fans expected a battle between he and Eden Hazard when Chelsea welcomed Manchester City. Many would have believed Zabaleta will come out on top. Eden Hazard owned Zabaleta, made him pick up a yellow card, almost got a penalty kick decision against him and left him on the floor amazingly.


  
Zabaleta was forced to do the splits, Eden Hazard has added him to his ever growing list of humiliated defenders. Hazard is on a mission, what he has done to Zabaleta will make defenders even more scared of him.

Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Chelsea- Blues To Silence Gunners?


       

WHAT: Fourth Round, Capital One Cup

WHERE: Emirates stadium, North London

WHEN: Tuesday, October 29, 2013. 19:45 UK Time.

         

Roughly 48 hours after beating Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will travel to North London to take on a very good and in-form Arsenal team in the Capital One cup. The kind of fixture Didier Drogba loved deciding the result during his time at Chelsea.

The victory over Manchester City made it FIVE consecutive wins in all competitions for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea army. Three of the five wins were away from home (Norwich, Steaua, Schalke). That's impressive record on the road.

Arsenal on the other hand defeated Crystal Palace at home 2-0 after losing 1-2 to a strong Dortmund side. In all competitions, Arsenal have lost only twice at home this season ( Aston Villa, Borrusia Dortmund) but they have not lost away from home. Chelsea have lost an away match only once this season ( Everton ) and once at home too ( Basel ). 

It's more than a game, It's a derby, the two biggest teams in London will battle for bragging rights. There's also prospect of winning the cup to build momentum and create good atmosphere within the squad while the season is still on.


TEAM NEWS

Playing Manchester City and Arsenal in two days means Chelsea have to rotate the team.


"We are going to give the game that the people who put the game on Tuesday want. If they want a big game, we cannot give a big game. If they want the players that were playing today, we cannot give them that."
                                                                                 - Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho also took a swipe at the governing body and at Arsenal. Mind games? The scheduling is bad really and Mourinho hinted at conspiracy.


"If they want Arsenal to win a trophy, that's a help, because if they want a big game between two big teams in London they should put the game on Wednesday and not on Tuesday. I'm not going to give them that. They played at 12:30 yesterday, so two and a half days to rest and prepare. So yes, I hope they all enjoy it. We are going to try and do our job, and we will do our job the best we can."
                                                                                          - Jose Mourinho

These players started against Manchester City. Willian, John Obi Mikel and Samuel Eto'o came off the bench.

                                                  submit football lineup

Chelsea's best player in the last two years, Juan Mata sat out the last two games, he didn't even come off the bench. This time around, the fans didn't get much upset but might lose their patience if he doesn't start this time. 

PREDICTED LINEUP

                         submit football lineup

Only Ramires and Gary Cahill started against Manchester City of the players I selected. Willian, Samuel Eto'o and John Obi Mikel came on in the second-half against City.

Jose Mourinho talked about Ramires's energy before. Ramires is the kind of player that can run around the pitch for 120 minutes at one stretch. Few hours of rest will be more than enough for him to get out there again in a game Chelsea might need his bravery. 

Almost every player in my eleven will be looking to prove something to the manager. I feel Michael Essien deserves to play too. Demba Ba? NO!

BENCH: Hilario, Kenneth Omeruo, Michael Essien, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Andre Schurrle, Fernando Torres.


PEEP INTO THE ENEMY'S CAMP
 
Arsenal have performed above everyone's expectation this season. The North London side are currently top of the Premier League, two points ahead of second placed Chelsea.

They have done well, they have won games but they have not been invincible or unbeatable. Arsenal lost their opening match of the season against Aston Villa before starting a winning streak that ended against West Bromwich (1-1).

Arsenal play in a similar shape to Chelsea, (4-2-3-1). The arrival of Mesut Ozil has given the gunners more belief and energy. Aaron Ramsey has been in great form, scoring and creating goals. But Arsenal will lack a real presence in midfield, Flamini is injured and Mikel Arteta is suspended after getting sent off against Palace. 

                              submit football lineup
"I will rotate against Chelsea, but play with a team that has a good chance to qualify,"
                                                                            - Arsene Wenger
                                 
As Mourinho stylishly pointed out, Arsenal haven't won a trophy for some time. That's why I believe Arsene Wenger will play his best team. Mourinho also pointed out that they have had time to rest. 


submit football lineup

In the end, the midfield might be key for Chelsea. Mesut Ozil is Arsenal's best player, Santi Cazorla as we all know is a brilliant player but winning the midfield war will ensure that Arsenal's most dangerous players have less time on the ball. 


KEY PLAYER: JUAN "FURIOUS" MATA


Arsenal can't count themselves lucky to be facing Chelsea and Juan Mata at this time. Juan Mata is an exceptional player but Arsenal are about to try and stop an "angry and hungry" Juan Mata. 

Juan Mata didn't play a minute against any of Schalke and Manchester City. The implication is that the manager doesn't think he's a player for the big games. That will surely annoy the little Spanish wizard.

He has spent just over two seasons at Chelsea but Arsenal fans are already familiar with his name. Mata scored in his first game against Arsenal for Chelsea, a good goal too even though the blues went on to lose that game. He scored against Arsenal last season in both fixtures, a free kick and one poacher's effort. Three goals and one assist against Arsenal in four games. Juan Mata doesn't seem to like Arsenal much.

All these convinced me Juan Mata will be Chelsea's key player against Arsenal. Arsenal are big opposition too and if Juan Mata leads Chelsea to victory over them, it will become harder for Jose Mourinho to keep overlooking him for the top games.


PREDICTION: Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
    

With the way Arsenal have played this season, this prediction looks too bold and maybe out of reach. But then, that's why its a prediction.

Arsenal have not failed to score in any game this season. I don't even know why I think Chelsea will keep a clean sheet. I also see the two goals coming after the standard 90 minutes. Why do I picture a player seeing red? I hope it's an Arsenal player. 

The thing with derbies is, form doesn't make much difference. Chelsea just need to go out there with that "Mourinho" spirit "We cannot lose".


  

Saturday 26 October 2013

Match Preview: Chelsea Vs Manchester City




WHEN: Sunday, October 27, 2013. 16:00 UK time

WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea have won four consecutive games in all competitions, with two back to back wins in the Barclays Premier League. The team has found the back of the net 14 times and conceded just twice in their last four games too. 

It's a good moment to face Manchester City after getting good results in recent times. Jose Mourinho's home record looks to be under threat as Chelsea welcome the City boys to the Bridge where Jose Mourinho has never lost a game in the Premier League (50W, 14D). 


TEAM NEWS

Jose Mourinho announced that with the exception of Marco van Ginkel, no other injury concern. Ashley Cole is fit and is expected to make a return to the starting eleven despite his uninspiring performances in recent times.


STRAY INTO HIS BRILLIANT MIND



As far as football is concerned, there are not many difficult jobs than predicting Jose Mourinho's selections and his tactics. He's brilliant and he's unpredictable. If I don't get it right, let's just pretend I never tried thinking like "The Special One".

                              submit football lineup

David Luiz was brought on in place of Oscar towards the end of the last game against Schalke. He wasn't asked to join John Terry and Gary Cahill in the heart of the defence, he was told to play in the midfield. It was a move by Mourinho to fortify the midfield and snuff out whatever threat Schalke could manage, Eden Hazard scored after David's introduction and Luiz himself came close to scoring.

With players like Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure in the City setup, Jose Mourinho surely knows that it's not smart to play the slower players in midfield. That's exactly why I believe his introduction of Luiz into the midfield in the last game means a lot more.


                                submit football lineup 

If he thinks playing Luiz in midfield is a step too far, there is John Obi Mikel who is the more established defensive midfielder. But the fastest midfield Chelsea have at the moment is the trio of Luiz, Ramires and Oscar, with due respect to Super Frank Lampard who has done well but he's 35.

The attacking trio, we are almost 100% sure Eden Hazard and Oscar will start but the slot left will be filled by one of Willian, Andre Schurrle and Juan Mata. I believe he will go with pure width and pick one of Andre Schurrle and Willian especially in a game the players will need to do lot of pressing. Magical Juan Mata? I think not.

Fernando Torres scored twice in one game, Samuel Eto'o once, that's a relatively easy decision. Oh! There's a certain Senegalese in the squad, Demba Ba? Bench? I don't think so. 

PEEP INTO THE ENEMY'S CAMP                

                              

Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany is out of this fixture with an injury. Javi Garcia is likely to be his replacement as a makeshift defender. That's good news for Fernando Torres. 

submit football lineup
Oscar is a very hardworking player and he's well capable of taking Fernandinho out of the game. But Manchester City's midfield general is Yaya Toure, a combination of Ramires and David Luiz might still struggle against the brutal Yaya. David Silva is also likely to spend sometime in the midfield while Sergio Aguero drops deep too. If Chelsea don't play fast players in the midfield City will have a nice time passing the ball around and that can mean defeat for Mourinho and his army.

Sergio Aguero in particular has been scoring for fun, his partnership with Negredo has performed well so far. Both of them started their derby win over Manchester United. Sergio Aguero!!! Another reason, Luiz must start in midfield. 

Defending against set pieces hasn't been the strongest point of this City team. Chelsea might need at least one of Juan Mata and Frank Lampard in this department. Joe Hart too has been error prone and he has come under scrutiny even in the national setup, Samuel Eto'o maybe?


KEY MAN: EDEN HAZARD



Eden Hazard wasn't playing up to the high standards most set for him after the loss against Bayern Munich. He then picked up an injury and to no one's surprise he has hit the ground running after that injury, scoring four times in his last three appearances( two starts) for Chelsea also grabbing an assist. 

Hazard's pace and ability to lead every counter attack can cause City problems on Sunday. The Belgian is brilliant especially with the ball and its hard to take the ball off him without fouling him. 

If Chelsea win or lose, Eden Hazard will be a major deciding factor. 


PREDICTION: CHELSEA 2-1 MANCITY



Jose Mourinho despite just starting his second stint at the club has already showed everyone he still has his magical powers. We saw him do it against Norwich City and Cardiff City, turned the two games around with his substitutions and tactical changes. 

If Chelsea can manage to somehow be in the lead or keep the game level at half-time then a win will look likely. Manchester City have been poor away from home this season too. 

What I see is a 2-1 victory for the boys in blue from West London.


Monday 30 September 2013

Match Preview: Tottenham Vs Chelsea




WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 2013. 12:45 UK TIME

WHERE: White Hart Lane, London, England

With back to back wins in all competitions after two consecutive losses, Chelsea have responded well to the crisis jibes. 

Against Swindon, the boys could have scored more but inadequate clinical ability meant they had to make do with two goals against an underdog team that performed decently well and tried causing them problems.

Chelsea will now travel once again, this time to White Hart Lane and play derby rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham have lost only one game this season, against Arsenal in another derby. Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-2 last season at White Hart Lane.

TEAM NEWS

Marco van Ginkel got an unfortunately nasty injury in the last game, he will be unavailable for at least six months. With the exception of Kenneth Omeruo, Tomas Kalas and maybe Ramires (who Mourinho says is a doubt but will be part of the squad).


PREDICTED LINEUP

                       submit football lineup     

There are not many more difficult jobs than predicting Jose Mourinho's starting 11. In the eleven I chose, only Gary Cahill started against Swindon town.

Just like most Chelsea fans, I believe Fernando Torres deserves to start. Jose Mourinho once suggested that MOTM in a game will start the next but only Samuel Eto'o didn't play during the week of the three strikers.

The trio of Schurrle-Oscar-Hazard are almost sure to start but there's a chance Juan Mata displaces Andre Schurrle. "Mazacar" fans might need to wait a little longer. Jose Mourinho was pleased with Mata's overall contribution against Swindon.

Ramires is an injury doubt, Marco is out, Essien played very well for 90 minutes against Swindon. Mikel-Lampard is the most likely partnership in midfield. I won't be surprised if Jose opts for Mikel-Essien pivot. 

KEY PLAYER: OSCAR DOS SANTOS


Oscar has arguably been Chelsea's best player this season. He scored Chelsea's opening goal of the season and in the Uefa Champions League too. He also scored what some may call a fluke goal against Fulham in his last appearance.

Jose Mourinho gave him a break, he wasn't included in the squad against Swindon town. His time off is set to pay dividend against spurs. Oscar will come up against countryman and National teammate Paulinho. 

Oscar has decided games in his short time at Chelsea, under Jose Mourinho he has decided even more games. If your manager says you are his No. 10, that's a huge responsibility and that makes him my key player for this one.

Chelsea bench: Mark Schwarzer, David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta, Michael Essien, Willian, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres.

A PEEP INTO THE ENEMY'S CAMP


My first real attempt to give an opposition scouting report, inspired by WAGNH. I hope I don't get you bored.

It's a London derby, derbies are generally difficult games anywhere in the world. Chelsea have had the upper hand over Tottenham in the past but it's a derby so all that goes into the bin.

Spurs have had a better start to the season, they have conceded only one goal so far (the fewest in the division) while Chelsea have conceded two goals. But then it's a London derby, so form goes straight into the bin.

Each team will have to rely on what they can do on the pitch and not what they already did. While the abilities of the players will be a deciding factor, Andre Villas Boas and Jose Mourinho will be the huge deciding factor. Who will get his tactics right? Who will motivate his players better? 

Andre Villas Boas has moved on from his rigid 4-3-3 formation, he at least learnt that at Chelsea, you owe us that one Andre! Tottenham now operate in the same shape, 4-2-3-1. 

                             submit football lineup 

Tottenham have had a good start, sitting on second position on the league table with same points with league leaders, Arsenal, But just like Chelsea, they have struggled for goals. Spurs have managed just (5) goals this season, one goal less than Chelsea have managed.

Their defence has been solid so far, conceded just one goal so far, one more than Chelsea. Their pivot pairing of Dembele and Paulinho is still growing. Both players are very energetic, Dembele especially has an insane work rate. Both of them will be ready to mark Oscar out of the game, the little Brazilian will need lot of help from Eden Hazard and Lampard especially. 

Villas Boas just like Jose Mourinho is yet to find his best attacking trio. He has made more use of inverted wingers who can cut inside and shot or create. Eriksen has impressed so far, he can create scoring opportunities if allowed to and can score wonder goals too. Mikel Obi will need to track and out-power Eriksen, If Obi gets the better of Eriksen, Frank Lampard will get enough freedom to get forward and help Oscar out. Eriksen looks the safest of my projected 11.

Roberto Soldado is more of a goal poacher who wants the ball in the box so he can pounce on it. Gary Cahill has to take his blocking skills along and John Terry will need to keep an eye on him. Soldado won't cause much problems in the air... He has scored two penalties this season, no goal in open play, none of Chelsea's strikers has scored in the Premier League this season. 

Chelsea wingers won't be facing the toughest possible battle this season. They therefore will have no excuse not make things happen. Eden Hazard, I'm looking at you!

PREDICTION: Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea



The two teams scored ten goals in 180 minutes last season but both teams have become very miserly this season. I believe this is the sort of encounter, a single goal can decide. And so I just tilted my head in a Chelsea fan's direction.

Brilliant football expected and wastefulness in front of goal also expected. Maybe one of Chelsea's defenders will decide this one.

Monday 23 September 2013

Tactical Preview: Swindon Town Vs Chelsea



So, we can at least be happy we are back to winning ways after home victory over Fulham. The match against Swindon will be a chance to get a winning streak started and be in good shape for our upcoming London derby.

Swindon Town are unbeaten in League and cups this season and Chelsea are yet to win a match away from home this season. Chelsea had difficult games away from home, traveled to Goodison Park and Old Trafford, drew the latter and lost to Everton.

Predicting the lineup is easier than ever, Jose Mourinho basically revealed who will start after saying those who didn't play against Fulham will play. Fans will be most endeared to this fixture because of Juan Mata.

                             submit football lineup

It's important for a true leader to remain on the pitch, if you don't start John Terry, Frank Lampard or Petr Cech, that's dangerous no matter your opposition. 

Jose Mourinho wants Juan Mata to adapt to the right wing role and track full backs, that's why we will most likely see Kevin De Bruyne start behind the striker. I told you before, Oscar and Kevin De Bruyne are the players with the traits Jose wants from his No 10.

If Juan Mata plays well attacking wise but doesn't do well defensively, we might revert to 4-3-3 but that will mean our Juan returns to the bench against Spurs.

                              submit football lineup

With a 4-3-3 formation, Juan Mata gets enough protection from the hardworking De Bruyne but I know Mata will want to prove to Jose Mourinho he can play the way he wants him and still be effective.

In the end, I agree with the manager that every player must learn to play without the ball. That's something Mata has been forgiven of by his previous managers but he's still young and will only be a better player this way.


Friday 13 September 2013

Lampard's amazing IQ score makes him a "genius"




Chelsea's veteran midfielder Frank Lampard took an IQ test in 2009 that put him in the bracket of Geniuses. 

Lampard recorded an amazing score of 150 which is not far behind well known wizard, Albert Einstein who had a score of 160. 

Every Chelsea player took the test at that time, the owner of the company that was in charge of the test was stunned by Frank's unbelievable score, "Frank Lampard scored one of the highest sets of marks ever recorded by the company doing the tests, And higher than me."  

We have not heard of many confirmed geniuses in football, Chelsea and their fans can be proud of Frank Lampard. If you didn't know, you now do! Frank Lampard is a genius!!!

Source: METRO

Match Preview: Everton Vs Chelsea




WHEN: Saturday, September 14. 2013. 17:30 UK Time

WHERE: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, UK

Referee: Howard Webb

It looks like forever since we watched our Chelsea play, thanks to the frustrating and much hated International break. 

Chelsea will now travel to Goodison park for their second away Premier League fixture of the season after that goalless draw at Old Trafford. 

Both Chelsea and Everton have had change in management, both teams are unbeaten too in the Premier League this season, Chelsea (2-1-0) and Everton(0-3-0). While Everton are looking to win their first match of the season, Chelsea will want to win their first match on the road. 

TEAM NEWS

Many Chelsea fans would have forgotten there's a certain Tomas Kalas around, he's the only player sure to be unavailable for Chelsea.

Both Oscar and Eden Hazard are believed to have had knocks away on international duty but the former played 30 minutes against Portugal while Eden Hazard too has returned to full training. Nice lads!

New Chelsea signings Willian and Samuel Eto'o are also in line for their debut appearances for the club. Jose Mourinho confirmed that the latter will surely play a part.

PREDICTED LINEUP

                                  submit football lineup

I have a feeling Jose Mourinho will be making much use of the players who didn't go on international duty. They remained at Cobham so they should be more prepared than the players who traveled. 

I know Gary Cahill has been very good this season but I opted for JT-Luiz because John Terry didn't travel and I believe David Luiz is a better defender. I also feel this is the best time to introduce Cesar Azpilicueta into the team this season, he will come up against Leighton Baines but he has done that before.

My pivot pairing of Marco van Ginkel and Ramires was a difficult decision. I feel van Ginkel deserves his chance and Ramires has arguably been our best pivot player this season ( I speak not of that silly tackle at Prague). John Mikel Obi was man of the match for Nigeria against Malawi but it's just Nigeria maybe. 

The attacking trio has to be the most difficult to choose (Thank God I'm not Jose Mourinho). If Eden Hazard and Oscar actually had injury scare on international duty, I think there's no need to rush them back into the team. Kevin De Bruyne is the player I actually dropped, tough! And for the Juan Mata loyalists, I think there's almost no chance he won't start tomorrow, No chance!

Oh! Demba Ba is still a Chelsea player?! I almost forgot! I personally don't want to see him anywhere near the bench. Fernando Torres or Samuel Eto'o to start almost definitely, the two were with Jose Mourinho during the international break. I believe Jose Mourinho would have had a good look at them and made his decision. I still think Torres, he scored last time out!

KEY PLAYER: JUAN MATA


Chelsea's best player in the last two years, Juan Mata is almost inevitably going to start tomorrow. Jose Mourinho suggested he was tired but that was before the international break. Pictures of training sessions even suggested he was the leader during training. 

Everyone knows what Juan Mata can do, he has been doing it and he can continue against Everton this weekend. The little Spaniard is exceptional with the ball at his feet, he can create and he can score goals! 

Juan Mata can be the standout performer at Goodison Park this weekend. Let's hope Jose doesn't ditch our hope!

Chelsea bench: Mark Schwarzer, Branislav Ivanovic, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Oscar, Kevin De Bruyne, Samuel Eto'o. 

PREDICTION


Chelsea to completely outplay Everton and put the match beyond doubt about 20 minutes before the final whistle. 

A clean sheet at Goodison Park looks hard but if anybody can, it has to be Jose Mourinho's army.

Everton 0-3 Chelsea 

Sunday 25 August 2013

Match Preview: Manchester United Vs Chelsea




WHEN: Monday, August 26, 2013. 20:00 UK time.

WHERE: Old Trafford, Manchester.

Chelsea's last win against Aston Villa may not have been convincing but their two wins out of two means a hundred percent record in the league. Pundits believe the Aston Villa match would have easily been a Chelsea loss some months ago. 

It will be Chelsea's and Mourinho's first match on the road this season and Manchester United's first home game at Old Trafford. The two teams have something to prove, Manchester United are defending champions and Chelsea are widely believed to be favorites this season.

A very competitive, combative and fascinating may be on the cards for either or both groups of supporters. 

TEAM NEWS

Tomas Kalas will surely miss out for Chelsea but there's doubt whether David Luiz will return. There's a possibility of Jose Mourinho handing the Brazilian a surprising start. 

Ashley Young, Luis Nani, Rafael da Silva, Darren Fletcher and Javier Hernandez are almost sure to be out for Manchester United as they are all injured.

David Moyes suggested that Chelsea's transfer target, Wayne Rooney will start against Chelsea. 


"Wayne has got a good chance of playing, he has got a good chance of starting too".
                                                                          David Moyes

TACTICAL VIEW

Manchester United are expected to play in a 4-4-2 formation. David Moyes could also opt for a 4-5-1 to boost their chance in the midfield.
                                 
                                  submit football lineup         

Having Carrick and Cleverley in the midfield might look good enough on paper but if Chelsea play in the favored 4-2-3-1, there will be one extra midfielder to track back and help Chelsea gain control. David Moyes could then opt for one striker and allow Phil Jones sit behind Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick, I hope he doesn't. 

Chelsea have wealth of options in the attacking midfield but still struggled to break through the Aston Villa defence. There was lack of width and all Chelsea's threat was through the middle, Aston Villa smartly crowded the middle and made it difficult for the blue boys. 

In recent matches against Manchester United, Chelsea had the most ball possession but were vulnerable on the wings. Chelsea bossed the games but Manchester United were dangerous on the counter. It will be a smart move by Jose Mourinho to play his pure wingers and give Victor Moses a rare start.

                             submit football lineup   

Many will believe Ryan Giggs will not be hard for Ivanovic to handle but when doubled up with Patrice Evra Ivanovic could be exposed. Playing Moses on the wing will not just help nullify the opposition's threat but give Chelsea another attacking dimension too. 

I think it's the perfect time to break the Lampard-Ramires pivot combo to ensure the midfield is owned by Chelsea. Pairing Michael Essien with Ramires will give the Brazilian the chance to join the attack when opportuned and both of them can still carry out the defensive duty together. Michael Essien is also a good passer from deep and can be the rock in the Chelsea midfield.

Fernando Torres was rested against Villa which means he could be handed a start by Jose Mourinho for this one. I still strongly believe that young Romelu Lukaku should lead Chelsea's attack. The Ferdinand-Vidic partnership is a strong one in the air and on the ground, Torres might not win a single aerial battle. Lukaku's hat-trick against United last season inconsequential, the Belgian is Chelsea's best bet to get the better of Manchester United's Centre back pairing.

KEY PLAYER: EDEN HAZARD


The Belgian wizard is set to be Chelsea's focal point of attack this season with Jose Mourinho giving him a big responsibility. Eden Hazard is a brilliant player with the ball and has the ability to unsettle the opposition defence. He scored two goals against Manchester United last season in five games. The eventual result could well depend on whether Eden Hazard gets it right on Monday night. 


Chelsea bench: Mark Schwarzer, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernando Torres. 

PREDICTION

Chelsea have only won two of their last five visits to Old Trafford, losing three and drawn none. Going by that, a loss seems unlikely.

Chelsea to edge the contest in reality despite domination but still win with a 3-1 scoreline. Look out for John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic.... But if Chelsea can "kill" Robin Van Persie as suggested by Marco van Ginkel, they might not be conceding any goals.



Tuesday 20 August 2013

Match Preview: Chelsea Vs Aston Villa



WHEN: Wednesday, August 21, 2013. 7:45 pm UK time.

WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London. 

Chelsea's opening game of the season ended a win, three points were bagged. It was a solid performance especially in the first-half. On to the next match now...

Chelsea will play an Aston Villa side that just defeated Arsenal at home. Chelsea isn't Arsenal but they can't take Aston Villa for granted.

Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea army will want to make it six out of six to continue in their bid for a solid form at home an in the season in general.

TEAM NEWS

Jose Mourinho has ruled David Luiz out but he suggested that the Brazilian will be available against Manchester United next week. Juan Mata is fit to play this time according to the Mourinho. No other injuries with the exception of Tomas Kalas who will still be out for sometime.

I'm expecting to see this starting lineup...
submit football lineup

I also have this feeling Jose could spring a tactical surprise and something similar to this may be seen.

submit football lineup

Bench: Schwarzer, Cahill, Ramires, Kevin De Bruyne, Oscar, Bertrand, Lukaku,

Gary Cahill is a good defender but he's not the best to play against a fast and pacey side like Aston Villa. We all saw what Benteke did with him last season. Ramires and Frank Lampard played 90 minutes against Hull City on Sunday, both need to kept fit and fresh for the Manchester United game. Essien and van Ginkel earned the right to play during the preseason fixtures too.

I don't think Mourinho will fancy Hazard on the bench. If Chelsea can overpower Villa early and put the game beyond doubt Eden could  be substituted early in the second-half with the Old Trafford clash in view. 

Fernando Torres started against Hull City and Romelu Lukaku replaced him to get few minutes but Demba Ba didn't step on the pitch. I'm not a big fan of Demba Ba and that's why I think he should start against Aston Villa. If he doesn't play well then he can be taken off and we know who plays against Manchester United. 

Selecting those to be on the bench is the toughest task now. Last season, we were lamenting lack of  squad depth with likes of Benayoun and Marin around. Having many good players is never a bad thing if you want to challenge for trophies. 

PREDICTION

Last time the two teams played, Frank Lampard was the hero as he scored two late goals to secure a win and seal a top four spot. 

Aston Villa's last visit to the Bridge was a complete overhaul by Chelsea, they lost 8-0. 

I predict a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Chelsea. The defence has looked solid and won't be gifting goals away this season. If Juan Mata starts too, Chelsea can be sure of creating more than enough goal-scoring chances.

Who would you like to start and who on the bench? Please use the comments section.  


Monday 19 August 2013

Michael Owen Hails Eden Hazard





Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, Michael Owen was more than impressed with Eden Hazard's performance against Hull City and he took to twitter.

You are right,Michael. We all know Eden is different class, don't we?

Sunday 18 August 2013

Match Review: Chelsea 2 Vs 0 Hull City




Almost no one would have bet against Chelsea beating Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Jose Mourinho's return to his fortress as manager. The boys didn't disappoint too.

Chelsea piled pressure on Hull City's defence in the opening minutes. Fernando Torres was fouled in the box but Frank Lampard failed to convert from the spot as McGregor made a good save to his right. 

After some decent passing in Hull City's half, Chelsea got a goal through Oscar. Hazard did well on the left and passed the ball to Kevin De Bruyne who was on the edge of the box and slid the ball underneath a defender to a well-positioned Oscar to finish perfectly.

Prior to the first goal Chelsea players looked tense but were still dominating possession so the goal brought relief. Chelsea kept playing well, Fernando Torres soon got a freekick in a good position though he looked to have dived. Frank Lampard took the freekick and well too to make up for his earlier penalty miss. Jose Mourinho's reaction to the two goals was a lovely sight.

Chelsea would have scored more goals in the first-half but for McGregor great saves. He stopped Ivanovic's header from crossing the line just before the half-time whistle. Chelsea would end the half two goals up.

The second-half performance wasn't as impressive as the first. The players looked a bit tired but still remained solid at the back that Petr Cech didn't need to make any real save. Andre Schurrle came on in place of Kevin De Bruyne with 23 minutes to play. Romelu Lukaku too came on for Fenando Torres to take part for less than 20 minutes. MVG came on for Oscar late in the game.

Petr Cech (7.5/10): When a goalkeeper gets a clean sheet, he has to get a good rating. He didn't have to make many saves but he did well when called upon.

Branislav Ivanovic (7.5/10): He did all he ought to do and hardly put a foot wrong. Good performance by the Serbian rock.

Gary Cahill (7/10): He's building a solid partnership with John Terry. He didn't make his decisions early enough on some occasions but did well to contribute to the overall excellent defensive performance.

John Terry (7.5/10): John Terry has looked solid again under Jose Mourinho. Excellent performance by Mr. Chelsea.

Ashley Cole (7/10): Chelsea's Mr. Reliable is one of the sure names on the team sheet, he hardly disappoints and he didn't disappoint, he didn't join the attack as well as he can but he was as reliable as usual.

Ramires (7.5/10): He didn't score but this was a very good performance by the versatile Brazilian. He bossed the midfield and most of his passes found a man in blue. Like his teammates, he dropped a bit in the second-half. 
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Frank Lampard (8/10): "Super Frankie" as he's fondly called by Chelsea fans, Frank did miss a penalty in the opening minutes but he still scored a brilliant freekick. 204 goals and still counting...

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10): He was decent but he wasn't anywhere near his best. De Bruyne assisted Oscar's goal and it was a lovely pass but his overall performance could have been better. He couldn't keep his long range strikes low enough but well done for trying. I have no doubt this kid will be one of the best players in the league this season.
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Oscar (8/10): Chelsea's little Brazilian started behind  Fernando Torres as No 10. He opened the scoring in this match and this season, eased the pressure on Chelsea players. Oscar seems to be getting used to scoring in the league now. 

Eden Hazard (8/10): He didn't score a goal but those who watched this match will know Hazard was fantastic. He terrorized the Hull City defence and created the most chances of any player on the pitch (6). Brillian Eden!

Fernando Torres (7/10): Everyone wanted him to score, he failed to but he played well. Fernando Torres combined well with others and he didn't really have a clear chance to score. He got a penalty and a freekick that Lampard scored but Fernando needs to make himself a real presence in the box.

Andre Schurrle (6.5/10): I can remember him having a shot that didn't lead to a goal. He didn't really make an impact after replacing De Bruyne, probably because others were tired.

Romelu Lukaku (6/10): Romelu Lukaku didn't see enough of the ball and that's not his fault. He still dropped deep to try and take part in the game.

Marco van Ginkel didn't have enough minutes to be rated.

TALKING POINTS

- Chelsea will keep getting better.
- There's incredible squad depth.
- The lads want to play at their best.
- Chelsea still need Juan Mata, Chances creation not as much without him.
- Frank Lampard got his 18th opening day start. The most in Premier League history.
- Frank Lampard is now tied with Alan Shearer for the most goals on opening day.  
- The defence will concede very few number of goals this season, probably the fewest in the league.
- No Chelsea player was booked.
- Chelsea's attack will get more ruthless.
- Jose Mourinho is as hungry for success as ever. 
- Three points and a clean sheet, WAY TO GO!!!

Man Of The Match: Oscar Dos Santos

Remember to vote your best player on the poll... KTBFFH!!!



Saturday 17 August 2013

Match Preview: Chelsea vs Hull City




WHEN: Sunday, August 18, 2013. 4 p.m. GMT

WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London.

Jose Mourinho marks his return to Chelsea and the Barclays Premier League with an opening match at home against newcomers, Hull City.

Chelsea have an excellent opening day record in the Premier League history. They won at home against Wigan Athletic 2-0 last season on the opening day. 

Coincidentally, the last time Chelsea won the league (09/10), it was Hull City they played against on opening day. Didier Drogba was the hero as Chelsea did a comeback to beat Hull City 2-1.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea signed three players for the first team this summer already, Marco van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle and Mark Schwarzer. Romelu Lukaku, Michael Essien, Kevin de Bruyne and Tomas Kalas who were all out on loan last season, will all with the exception of Tomas Kalas (injury) be available for selection.

Brazilian defender David Luiz has been ruled out by the manager, he's still injured. Juan Mata is still a doubt as the manager will still access him, the Spanish playmaker has not been fit for a while.

Some players were away on international duty on Wednesday. It's expected that the players who arrived early enough will be considered for selection.

"Luiz is injured and he couldn’t play for Brazil so he’s out. Moses, I don’t know where he is," Mourinho said.
"I don’t select him from Sunday. Probably I don’t select Azpilicueta because he is the same. He went from the States to Ecuador to be on the bench and then back to London.

"The only injury is David. The others will be an option and I have to assess Mata as he trained with the group for the first time. Let’s see how he feels."
Let's hope Victor Moses isn't kidnapped.

I'm expecting to see this starting lineup.

submit football lineup

Petr Cech will start between the sticks as long as he's fit. There's no explaining to do for the backline really. A pivot of two of Ramires, van Ginkel and Michael Essien most likely, Frank Lampard took part for England during the international break. Demba Ba or Fernando Torres will likely start, Romelu Lukaku played many minutes for Belgium. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea are unbeaten against Hull City in their last four Premier League games against them.

Hull City have been unable to win on their last 19 trips to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 14 opening games in the league, winning 12 and drawing 2.

Jose Mourino has never lost at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, played 60 games.

PREDICTION

The boys showed their spirit against Roma in just a preseason fixture. The players will work hard especially to keep Mourinho's record at Stamford Bridge and also get their season to a flying start. Chelsea to defeat Hull City 4-0 and show the difference in class between the two teams.

                                     









Thursday 15 August 2013

Samuel Eto'o-Chelsea Update!



Even though I never said anything about the Samuel Eto'o to Chelsea rumours before now, I call this an update because I assumed most of you already saw the rumour somewhere else.

Jose Mourinho himself gave us a clue. 
"I am always happy that somebody that worked with me previously is happy to be back and work with me again. That is a good feeling that I have, when I read something that Samuel is keen. It is fantastic for us, but we are going to see what happens."
                                                         - Jose Mourinho


You must know Palmeri by now, a very reliable source. When he knows he doesn't quote any sources, when he's unsure himself he will quote his source. I've not had any reason so far to stop believing him as he has been right almost all the time.

It's looking more real to me now. Don't be surprised if Eto'o ends up at Chelsea, it's looking like Chelsea are losing the Rooney race.

Will you like Samuel Eto'o at Chelsea?

Tuesday 13 August 2013

CHELSEA'S 2013/14 SEASON PREVIEW





Jose Mourinho is back! Yes, he’s back. Chelsea fans are still jubilant “The Special One” now “The Happy One” has returned to Chelsea. It now seems like he never even left, Feels good to have him back. It feels even more good to know he feels the same way returning here.


As expected, rival English Premier League fans are not excited about Mourinho’s return to England, they have not hidden their ill-feelings towards the world class manager.
Mourinho has something to prove at Chelsea despite the fact he's already known as one of the best we have ever seen. His fall out with Real Madrid would have multiplied his passion to win. He will be looking to make his Chelsea team unbeatable and protect his Stamford Bridge unbeaten status.
The Blues performed well during the pre-season, winning six of their seven games. They convincingly beat Italian giants, AC Milan and Inter Milan. And although they fell to a Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid side, the Blues still finished strongly as they earned a hard-fought victory against Roma on Saturday night. Against Roma the blues displayed the sort of spirit every "real" team we have seen Jose Mourinho manage, the spirit to never lose or even draw but win, summarily, the spirit to never give up. They fought back and won the game at death, it was just a preseason game but the players played in the second-half like a win actually meant more than it did. 
Chelsea have done some business already this summer. The team was strong last season but squad depth was always a problem.
INs
Andre Schurrle
Marco van Ginkel
Mark Schwarzer
OUTs
Yossi Benayoun
Paulo Ferreira
Jeffrey Bruma
Ross Turnbull
Florent Malouda
Thibaut Courtios (Loan)
Patrick van Aanholt (Loan)
Oriol Romeu (Loan)
Marko Marin (Loan)
Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne were excellent on loan to West Brom and Werder Bremen respectively last season. Mourinho made the decision to keep both of them as he believes they have something to offer the team now. Both of them will be looking to repay the manager's faith in them.
Michael Essien too has returned to Chelsea too after having a solid last season with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Everyone knows what Michael Essien is capable of but there is little doubt about him been at his best. Essien will want to continue to give Mourinho more than enough reason to keep him in the starting eleven. 
Young defender Tomas Kalas too will be part of the squad this season according to Mourinho after spending few years on loan.
Chelsea isn’t surely done with transfers with the club in hot pursuit of England International striker, Wayne Rooney who is currently a Manchester United player. Jose Mourinho said that Chelsea will continue to try to snatch him away until the window closes. The player is rumoured to be bent on joining the West London club this summer.
The manager has also dismissed any potential departures, said he
won’t be selling any of his players. Squad depth is not a problem for Chelsea anymore.
Players To Watch
Juan Mata

The 25-year-old little Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge during the summer 2011 from Valencia. He made immediate impact at the club, was the club’s player of the year in his first season and won the accolade again for his last season’s exploits. 

The Chelsea play-maker has continued to go from strength to strength. Chelsea missed him against Real Madrid as there’s no one as good as him at creating chances in the team. Juan Mata has unbelievable vision and his deliveries from set pieces are excellent. 

When Mata is on the pitch and on his day Chelsea are certainly a much better team. Jose Mourinho and the fans will be looking forward to his imminent improvement on last season’s outstanding performance.

Eden Hazard
Some say he can't be stopped, we all know that he's hard to stop for the best defenders. Eden Hazard goes past you, you let him go or get booked. 
Chelsea’s 22-year-old Belgian arrived from Lille during last summer for a reported £32million after Chelsea beat Premier League rivals, Manchester United and Manchester City to his signature. He took the Premier League by storm and was MOTM in the team’s first four league matches. 
Hazard seemed to have fallen asleep at a time but he came back to life after his infamous clash with that ball boy. His combination with Mata and Oscar ripped defences apart. Hazard had a great first season and with Mourinho back at the club, he has got himself the best tutor around. Mourinho has vowed to help turn him into an even better player. Even non-Chelsea fans will be watching out for this man.
Marco Van Ginkel
At just twenty years of age, Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel was signed from Vitesse this summer. Before Chelsea’s first Pre-season match a friend of mine asked me who Chelsea’s latest signing was and I told him van Ginkel. He just laughed and asked when Chelsea would buy a star player. I smiled and told him to wait and see during the season if they already signed a star player in him (van Ginkel).
I’ve been greatly pleased with what I’ve seen from the youngster in preseason. He described himself as a box to box midfielder but Mourinho has deployed him as the holding midfielder in the pivot. He still has to improve but at the age he is, his reading of the game is excellent, he works hard defensively and contributes to the attack well too. 
Remember his name, you might be saying his
name all season. Marco van Ginkel is one to watch this season and I believe he will surprise not just every Chelsea fan but every football fan.
Verdict: Barclays Premier League Winners
You might not like Jose Mourinho but no one can deny that he's an established winner. He has won a lot since he started his managerial career, in different leagues for different teams. 
With him back at the bridge, expectations are high. How they start the season will be pivotal, but the key advantage Mourinho will have over other managers is the class he is, he is certainly in a class of his own.
I believe at the end of the season, rivals will feel right to have been shivering on hearing he's back and the fans will be feel vindicated to have celebrated Jose Mourinho's return to the club. Chelsea fans, expect success at all fronts! Remember you read that here...