***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[ImaGamer_OS]

Pre Match Briefing Part II

TACTICAL BRIEF

Both clubs have endured mixed results in pre-season, but how will they shape up for the first competitive match of the campaign proper? Former Blue Clive Walker looks at some of the important match-ups.

KEY BATTLES

'I can see John Terry versus centre-forward Arouna Koné (pictured below) being a key clash in this opening fixture,' says Clive. 'I have seen the Wigan striker a few times playing in La Liga and 15 goals in the tough Spanish league for Levante shows he has qualities. Mohamed Diame, goalscorer at the Bridge in Chelsea's 2-1 win, has moved on, along with Latics stalwart Hugo Rodallega.

'The pressure to score the vital goals that have helped maintain their position among England's elite now falls on Koné, who is 28 and not involved so much in the Ivory Coast set-up these days.

Read more here: http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2890009

[ImaGamer_OS]

Two new articles from Chelsea.com

Mata: Spanish Style

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-articl...-spanish-style

Di Matteo: Closing the gap

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2890529

[ImaGamer_OS]

19/08/12 - at Wigan Athletic (in our third strip - black and gold)

#WIGCHE for twitter followers. Wigan playing 3-4-3 and we in the 4-2-3-1. Our season starts now.

[ImaGamer_OS]

|| #BPL || GOAL 2' Ivanovic - Hazard plays a key roll in the lead up with beautiful through ball. Wigan 0 - 1 Chelsea #WIGCHE

[ImaGamer_OS]

|| #BPL || GOAL 7' Lampard (pen) - Hazard proving to be a handful and draws the penalty. Lampard converts. Wigan 0 - 2 Chelsea #WIGCHE

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Mikel has impressed me so far, looks very calm and composed on the ball.

[weeeeeeez]

Solid start huh ?

[ImaGamer_OS]

Quote: Originally Posted by ~LiverpoolRed~

Mikel has impressed me so far, looks very calm and composed on the ball.

Agreed.

Eden Hazard looking much more comfortable in his BPL debut than he did in the FA Community Shield vs Manchester City. Hi opening ten minutes were superb and he has that "edge of seat" feel to him when watching him play. Hoping we see Oscar earlier than anticipated in the second half.