***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

[stlducks]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Yeah I think the way we have started bodes well.

If we are still winning games and picking up points before we’ve even adapted to his system, then once we fully adapt and hit stride we will be a very difficult team.

I think top 4 isn’t as unlikely for us as others are making it out to be.

I didn't hear anyone saying it's unlikely for top 4. In fact, most ESPN writers picked City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United for top 4 with Spurs and Arsenal finishing just below.

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[andanesean]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I didn't hear anyone saying it's unlikely for top 4. In fact, most ESPN writers picked City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United for top 4 with Spurs and Arsenal finishing just below.

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First and foremost, you are right, you should be able to finish the top 4 (least). Stand for my own account. But I have a big credibility issue when you hear most ESPN cover soccer, talk shows (studio) do not apply live matches where they are ok. Often it seems as if it should be inflated, and often it feels quite unworthy, and not least the shortcomings of information from credible sources. ESPN is excellent for American sports, but soccer before and after matches ?!.

[stlducks]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

First and foremost, you are right, you should be able to finish the top 4 (least). Stand for my own account. But I have a big credibility issue when you hear most ESPN cover soccer, talk shows (studio) do not apply live matches where they are ok. Often it seems as if it should be inflated, and often it feels quite unworthy, and not least the shortcomings of information from credible sources. ESPN is excellent for American sports, but soccer before and after matches ?!.

I should clarify, this was the list of ESPN UK writers making predictions. Not the media here in the states who are garbage.

I can't speak for other teams but I know Spurs ESPN writer is very good and one of the most reliable sources on Twitter.

But you are right, their post match is mostly garbage.

As for Chelsea, I had them in it for 2-4 with Liverpool and Spurs. I think they have too many good players to not be in the race towards the end. They are also my Europa league favorites.

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[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Generally speaking, most pundits had us "in with a chance" at top 4, at the most, and it was assumed there would be an adjustment period in the beginning under Sarri where we would be dropping points a lot.

The most common top 4 I've seen predicted, pretty much across the board, is City/Liverpool/Spurs/United. There were quite a lot of pundits that were already counting Chelsea out for sure, and many of them have changed their opinions slightly as well, seeing as how we are still picking up points during our transition period.

[andanesean]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

I believe in Liverpool or Chelsea can win this year. Tottenham they always fail, most recently against excellent Watford. United they are already gone in my opinion. City is not for me at the same level as last year, really do not think de bruyne value can be set too high, even if they have a top team. Watford will be Burnley this year. And Arsenal?- no not on the short run, their mentality is too weak. But CFC has really good chances with a good team and coach.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Will we ever keep another clean sheet?

Find out on next week's episode of Hanging Kepa Out To Dry!

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Really though, I think through all the turmoil, everyone (including us Chelsea fans) forgot how good of a squad we already had. Obviously there will be an adjustment period with Sarri, but we have such talented players we are still picking up results and haven't even hit any kind of form yet.

Pedro is back, having taken last season off. Our midfield went from mediocre compared to the rest of the top 6, to just behind City. Our CMs have such great control of the game already. Kovacic is such a good addition, if he keeps going like this then he should probably be our #1 priority signing next summer.

I think alternating between Giroud and Morata is a good call for both of them.

Lastly, Hazard is unreal in this system already. You can just tell he's having more fun, makes me wonder why we didn't try for an attacking manager sooner since it's been clear for a long time that's what Hazard has been craving. He's been unplayable in every game so far and he still hasn't even finished getting rid of all those cheeseburgers yet.

[Suntan Superman]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

you've all come a long way...

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1018906/Chelsea-boss-Sarri-Maurizio-Sarri-buys-wine-for-opposition-rumours-gossip-news

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Really though, I think through all the turmoil, everyone (including us Chelsea fans) forgot how good of a squad we already had. Obviously there will be an adjustment period with Sarri, but we have such talented players we are still picking up results and haven't even hit any kind of form yet.

Pedro is back, having taken last season off. Our midfield went from mediocre compared to the rest of the top 6, to just behind City. Our CMs have such great control of the game already. Kovacic is such a good addition, if he keeps going like this then he should probably be our #1 priority signing next summer.

I think alternating between Giroud and Morata is a good call for both of them.

Lastly, Hazard is unreal in this system already. You can just tell he's having more fun, makes me wonder why we didn't try for an attacking manager sooner since it's been clear for a long time that's what Hazard has been craving. He's been unplayable in every game so far and he still hasn't even finished getting rid of all those cheeseburgers yet.

Pedro is perfect for that "Callejon" role in Sarri's system. He was really good at making those diagonal runs off the back shoulder of the last defender. Granted he doesn't have the pace he once did but he's better suited than Willian who's probably more of a fit in that Eden/Insigne role. I imagine that Sarri will rotate Pedro/Willian and Giroud/Morata depending on how he anticipates the opposition will set up. A high line, I'd expect to see Pedro & Morata but against teams that sit back I think we'll see Willian and Giroud.

I actually think our starting MF is better than City's. You'd only really take KDB over Kovacic but give me Jorginho and Kante over Fernandinho & Gundojan. I don't really consider the Silva's midfielders though.

Yeah, I knew Eden was gonna rip ish up in this system. If he continues to be aggressive in front of goal in terms of just shooting, he's gonna bag 20-25 goals in the league EASY with probably another 10 or so in other comps.

Was hoping for a little more rotation today but Sarri hinted that he wouldn't doo too much rotation.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Really wanted to see Ampadu and CHO get some time in the EL, but I realize an away game against a desperate Greek team probably isn't an ideal place to give teenagers some game time.

Also a little mad that guy who grabbed Rudiger by the face and throat won't even get punished for it since the ref inexplicably gave him a yellow.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Really wanted to see Ampadu and CHO get some time in the EL, but I realize an away game against a desperate Greek team probably isn't an ideal place to give teenagers some game time.

Also a little mad that guy who grabbed Rudiger by the face and throat won't even get punished for it since the ref inexplicably gave him a yellow.

Yeah I was a lil upset they didn’t make the bench but poor Moses, he can’t even get a cameo.

That’s not a bad PAOK side. Runners up last year by a slim margin BUT we should have beat them 0-4. Our finishing was awful which was a shame because we played pretty well. We created chances and the only chances they had came very late.

Oh well, no injuries and some guys got a nice rest. It’s going to be hectic 30 days so getting home with no knocks is just as important as getting all 3. I’ll take the 3 though.


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[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

That game against West Ham will definitely go down in history as a Premier League game that was played between Chelsea and West Ham.

[KG]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

That game against West Ham will definitely go down in history as a Premier League game that was played between Chelsea and West Ham.

We missed Pedro that game. The chance that fell late to Willian was screaming for a square ball.

Anyway, excited to see Mason Mount and Lamps take on United today.


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[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

Poor Danny Drinkwater,can't even get a place on the bench for the Carabao Cup.

Did you guys only buy him just to have another Home Grown player in the squad? What a terrible career move it has turned out for him.

[Brahvocado]

Re: ***The Official Chelsea FC Thread***

We missed Pedro that game. The chance that fell late to Willian was screaming for a square ball.

Anyway, excited to see Mason Mount and Lamps take on United today.


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I love Willian but that was bs. He always wants to be the hero, not the first time he’s passed up a chance at an easy assist to go for a glory goal. Morays probably could have had 2 or 3 goals that game but everyone kept ignoring him, except for Hazard who probably should have lol