| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? 07:28 - Sep 4 with 3103 views | jacksinceever |
I think Chelsea are going to be a special force this season and will take some holding, let alone beating, by anyone.
That said I feel we can get a result and possibly even a win at Stamford Bridge, but I feel a change of formation may be needed to achieve it.
I would go with a defence of Rangel, Williams, Fernandez, Amat & Taylor.
A two-man midfield of Ki & Siggy, supported by Routledge & Dyer on the flanks.
Bony would be the lone marauder up front.
[Post edited 4 Sep 2014 7:29]
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 07:37 - Sep 4 with 2299 views | Zut_Alors |
Stick to our best team, I reckon. At least that way we know where we are against the best teams. Losing playing a new formation doesn't tell us much about our team, as everyone is likely to point to the change as a contributing factor to our — likely — loss. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 07:39 - Sep 4 with 2285 views | JethroJack |
A 2 man midfield would just invite wave after wave of Chelsea attacks.
Nath & Routs would be too busy defending to attack.
Same team as first 3 games for me, with Jonjo looking for the long out ball to Nath & Routs. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 07:40 - Sep 4 with 2284 views | Whiterockin |
I would go 4-3-2-1.
Bring Fernadez into defence and push Amat into holding midfield alongside JJS and Ki. Two in front of that possibly Gomis and Siggy and Bony up front. Chelsea play through the middle so our midfielders would counter that. Dyer is in the form of his like but I would have him on the bench for this one as we will need a lot of hight in the team. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:02 - Sep 4 with 2238 views | jack247 |
I wouldn't change anything formation wise. Siggy dug in defensively at Old Trafford and if we leave him out, Bony will be very isolated up front. I can see the wingers being pegged back in this one and having to break from deep, probably bring Montero on when one of them tires.
Although the aim has to be to take points from every game, it's not a massive disaster if we lose this one. Beat Southampton at home and that would give us 12 from 15, and a spot in the top 2 or 3 with 2 of our hardest games (on paper) out of the way. Anything we get from Chelsea is a bonus |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:33 - Sep 4 with 2170 views | MattG |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 07:37 - Sep 4 by Zut_Alors |
Stick to our best team, I reckon. At least that way we know where we are against the best teams. Losing playing a new formation doesn't tell us much about our team, as everyone is likely to point to the change as a contributing factor to our — likely — loss. |
This - see the Villareal game for evidence.
Solid defence and pace on the break will be key so I wouldn't be surprised to see Montero get a start, probably in place (harshly) of Routledge.
Also, maybe Gomis in place of Bony but it would be a trade-off - the slightly better pace of Gomis vs the better hold-up play of Bony - 50/50 for me.
Can't see much changing in midfield unless Monk thinks Amat offers more defensive solidity and discipline than Shelvey in front of the back four. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:38 - Sep 4 with 2154 views | WarwickHunt |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 07:40 - Sep 4 by Whiterockin |
I would go 4-3-2-1.
Bring Fernadez into defence and push Amat into holding midfield alongside JJS and Ki. Two in front of that possibly Gomis and Siggy and Bony up front. Chelsea play through the middle so our midfielders would counter that. Dyer is in the form of his like but I would have him on the bench for this one as we will need a lot of hight in the team. |
I think our decision not to bring in a specialist DM will be tested against Chelsea.
Worth thinking about Amat there for this one, would keep Nathan in for his defensive work and as an outlet for a breakaway. Shelvey on the bench.
A point would be epic. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:45 - Sep 4 with 2128 views | JackFish |
Amat in midfield means we lose any of our ability to keep the ball moving in midfield, so that's a definite no from me. It was a disaster last season.
5-4-1 is interesting but I don't see the point, especially since we haven't played it before. We'll stick with our normal formation and just sit deeper than in the two home games. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:49 - Sep 4 with 2116 views | DJack |
I suspect Garry is going with his ethos of concentrating on what we can do rather what our opposition could do. As Warwick said a point would be epic -a cause for celebration. |  |
| It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. - Carl Sagan |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:52 - Sep 4 with 2108 views | jack247 |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:45 - Sep 4 by JackFish |
Amat in midfield means we lose any of our ability to keep the ball moving in midfield, so that's a definite no from me. It was a disaster last season.
5-4-1 is interesting but I don't see the point, especially since we haven't played it before. We'll stick with our normal formation and just sit deeper than in the two home games. |
Exactly.
Same as the United game and if we don't get the rub of the green, we are still in a strong position. Sit deep and hit them fast on the break when the chance comes.
Not going to be easy to subdue Fabregas though and Costa looks a real handful. | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:57 - Sep 4 with 2094 views | monmouth |
A shot to nothing. Go there. play our game, keep our defensive discipline and hit hard when the chances come. We'll need a serious bit of luck, as in the Cap 1 cup win there, but a repeat performance of three weeks ago at OT will give us a shout, against a much better team. I think they'll have too much for us, but really looking forward to seeing how we react to this......good test of our courage, togetherness, and our new shrink. |  |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 09:02 - Sep 4 with 2080 views | Pegojack |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:57 - Sep 4 by monmouth |
A shot to nothing. Go there. play our game, keep our defensive discipline and hit hard when the chances come. We'll need a serious bit of luck, as in the Cap 1 cup win there, but a repeat performance of three weeks ago at OT will give us a shout, against a much better team. I think they'll have too much for us, but really looking forward to seeing how we react to this......good test of our courage, togetherness, and our new shrink. |
Spot on. Midfielders are going to have to work overtime to keep the lid on Chelsea's runners through the middle in the last third. I'm concerned that Shelvey, who hasn't been firing on all cylinders so far this season, won't be up to the task. I'd be delighted if he proves me wrong. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 09:15 - Sep 4 with 2044 views | jacksinceever |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:57 - Sep 4 by monmouth |
A shot to nothing. Go there. play our game, keep our defensive discipline and hit hard when the chances come. We'll need a serious bit of luck, as in the Cap 1 cup win there, but a repeat performance of three weeks ago at OT will give us a shout, against a much better team. I think they'll have too much for us, but really looking forward to seeing how we react to this......good test of our courage, togetherness, and our new shrink. |
Ultimately, as you say, as long as we come out with our heads held high going into the Southampton game, anything else is a bonus.
However, when we think back to when Brendan was in charge (and to a certain extent towards the end Laudrup) both got criticized for not having a plan B. Relying more heavily on our defence for that game may actually allow our attackers the freedom to break upfield on the counter? | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 09:22 - Sep 4 with 2026 views | monmouth |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 09:15 - Sep 4 by jacksinceever |
Ultimately, as you say, as long as we come out with our heads held high going into the Southampton game, anything else is a bonus.
However, when we think back to when Brendan was in charge (and to a certain extent towards the end Laudrup) both got criticized for not having a plan B. Relying more heavily on our defence for that game may actually allow our attackers the freedom to break upfield on the counter? |
That's essentially what we did at OT, but it doesn't need a change in structure or personnel in my view. Just discipline and concentration. | |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 10:41 - Sep 4 with 1943 views | C_jack |
Chelsea play 4-2-3-1 as well if I recall, so matching them man for man may be our best plan. |  |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:30 - Sep 4 with 1885 views | Catullus |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 10:41 - Sep 4 by C_jack |
Chelsea play 4-2-3-1 as well if I recall, so matching them man for man may be our best plan. |
So 1324 then?  
Seriously though, I think changing formation would be a disaster. especially to one we haven't worked on.
Just do what we do best, and hope for the best. Though I would consider playing Amat or Fernandez instead on JJS to start with.
If we were to change I think a 4312 would be best. Fernandez in between Ki and Shelvey with Siggy linking Bony and Gomis.
Chelsea play from the back but having to strikers to mark might cause them problems. And Gomis is very mobile too so we could close them down quickly and maybe cause trouble. Ivanovic is a great player for them, but prone to mistakes under pressure, as we saw in the COC last season.
And we'd have Routs, Dyer and Montero on the bench to come on and cause havoc and mayhem the last twenty too!!!!
But sticking with 4231 seems most sensible. | |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:43 - Sep 4 with 1869 views | C_jack |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:30 - Sep 4 by Catullus |
So 1324 then?
Seriously though, I think changing formation would be a disaster. especially to one we haven't worked on.
Just do what we do best, and hope for the best. Though I would consider playing Amat or Fernandez instead on JJS to start with.
If we were to change I think a 4312 would be best. Fernandez in between Ki and Shelvey with Siggy linking Bony and Gomis.
Chelsea play from the back but having to strikers to mark might cause them problems. And Gomis is very mobile too so we could close them down quickly and maybe cause trouble. Ivanovic is a great player for them, but prone to mistakes under pressure, as we saw in the COC last season.
And we'd have Routs, Dyer and Montero on the bench to come on and cause havoc and mayhem the last twenty too!!!!
But sticking with 4231 seems most sensible. |
As ever with formations, we can slice it up however we want, whatever positions the players stand in when the kick off happens, the likelihood is we could be playing 9-1-0 for long periods of the game.
4-3-2-1 shields us against their middle three, but then I feel we're giving up the flanks, and inviting their fullbacks to the party. | |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:49 - Sep 4 with 1858 views | Jokeren1943 |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 08:38 - Sep 4 by WarwickHunt |
I think our decision not to bring in a specialist DM will be tested against Chelsea.
Worth thinking about Amat there for this one, would keep Nathan in for his defensive work and as an outlet for a breakaway. Shelvey on the bench.
A point would be epic. |
Agree - This match will show if it was a mistake not to sign another DM (with only Britton left).
For the first time we will see if Ki shines or crash and burn as DM. |  | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:55 - Sep 4 with 1847 views | londonlisa2001 |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:49 - Sep 4 by Jokeren1943 |
Agree - This match will show if it was a mistake not to sign another DM (with only Britton left).
For the first time we will see if Ki shines or crash and burn as DM. |
why?
The chances of us getting anything from this match must be regarded as slim and signing another DM wouldn't change that.
If you're going to say that if we get roundly thumped that's the fault of Ki that is ridiculous. Everton got roundly thumped playing them just last week (they let in 6 don't forget) and they had signed the player that many on here wanted for that position (in fact, it was his mistake that led directly to a goal).
Not many teams are going to get anything at all at Chelsea this year in my view - they are looking incredibly good and I suspect will win the league, or worst come second to Man City.
the only thing this match will prove if we get beaten is that we are not at the level to compete with the top 2 teams in the premier league. | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:58 - Sep 4 with 1837 views | Catullus |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:43 - Sep 4 by C_jack |
As ever with formations, we can slice it up however we want, whatever positions the players stand in when the kick off happens, the likelihood is we could be playing 9-1-0 for long periods of the game.
4-3-2-1 shields us against their middle three, but then I feel we're giving up the flanks, and inviting their fullbacks to the party. |
Which is why I suggested a 4312, with two strikers up there, their full backs would not have so much freedom. and with 3 dm's we could cover the flanks anyway, support our full backs but give JJs and Ki the opportunity to break in support of Siggy and the strikers.
We could change back to 4231 very easily too.
But I'd still start as we finished last time, even if only for continuity's sake. | |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:59 - Sep 4 with 1834 views | monmouth |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:55 - Sep 4 by londonlisa2001 |
why?
The chances of us getting anything from this match must be regarded as slim and signing another DM wouldn't change that.
If you're going to say that if we get roundly thumped that's the fault of Ki that is ridiculous. Everton got roundly thumped playing them just last week (they let in 6 don't forget) and they had signed the player that many on here wanted for that position (in fact, it was his mistake that led directly to a goal).
Not many teams are going to get anything at all at Chelsea this year in my view - they are looking incredibly good and I suspect will win the league, or worst come second to Man City.
the only thing this match will prove if we get beaten is that we are not at the level to compete with the top 2 teams in the premier league. |
Besic? | |
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| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 12:00 - Sep 4 with 1829 views | londonlisa2001 |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:59 - Sep 4 by monmouth |
Besic? |
I deliberately avoided naming him for just that reason !!  | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 12:02 - Sep 4 with 1823 views | Zut_Alors |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 11:55 - Sep 4 by londonlisa2001 |
why?
The chances of us getting anything from this match must be regarded as slim and signing another DM wouldn't change that.
If you're going to say that if we get roundly thumped that's the fault of Ki that is ridiculous. Everton got roundly thumped playing them just last week (they let in 6 don't forget) and they had signed the player that many on here wanted for that position (in fact, it was his mistake that led directly to a goal).
Not many teams are going to get anything at all at Chelsea this year in my view - they are looking incredibly good and I suspect will win the league, or worst come second to Man City.
the only thing this match will prove if we get beaten is that we are not at the level to compete with the top 2 teams in the premier league. |
Good post. However, I do think we'll learn a lot about the discipline of our midfield players in this game. We need to be tight and organised and if we go down a goal in the first half, I would make sure we stick to exactly the same plan for the duration. Don't stretch the game early as Chelsea will seize the chance to hammer us. | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 12:23 - Sep 4 with 1779 views | MattG |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 12:02 - Sep 4 by Zut_Alors |
Good post. However, I do think we'll learn a lot about the discipline of our midfield players in this game. We need to be tight and organised and if we go down a goal in the first half, I would make sure we stick to exactly the same plan for the duration. Don't stretch the game early as Chelsea will seize the chance to hammer us. |
Agree with this and it echoes my earlier comment that Amat would only be pushed into midfield if GM thought he had better defensive positioning and discipline than Ki or Shelvey.
Can't see it happening myself. | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 14:04 - Sep 4 with 1666 views | MiniSwan |
I agree there's no point in us changing formation because it wouldn't give us any information going forward of our strengths and weaknesses. I think sitting back and playing on the counter is our best option. | | | |
| 5-4-1 Against Chelsea? on 14:08 - Sep 4 with 1659 views | _ |
It's great to be positive and think we can win every game but we need to keep reality somewhere near in check here.
If we do win it will be a minor miracle.
A draw would be absolutely fantastic.
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