Chelsea had suffered something of a wobble before their victory against Blackburn two weeks ago and Andre Villas-Boas’ side will want to stay within touching distance of the Manchester clubs by claiming all three points when they host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Much of the talk is surrounding Fernando Torres and whether or not he will score against his old side, as he bids to put his slow start in west London behind him and repay the faith shown in him.
Villas-Boas has no fresh injury concerns as Daniel Sturridge is fit after shaking off a knock and Didier Drogba has recovered from a minor operation on his arm.
But who do you think should be in our starting XI?
I’d go for the following…
Cech
Ivanovic – Alex – Terry – Cole
Ramires – Mikel – Lampard
Sturridge – Torres – Mata
The defence has been something of a problem for Chelsea this season and there’s a distinct lack of pace as the likes of Alex and JT aren’t exactly the quickest. David Luiz has pace and ability, as does Jose Bosingwa, but both are defensive liabilities and can warm the bench for this one.
Frank Lampard has been banging in the goals for the Blues this season, which makes him an automatic choice, but I’m still unconvinced that he suits the style that Villas-Boas wants to implement and the fact that our forwards aren’t firing is still a concern, which could be down to the service from midfield (at least partly). I believe that John Obi Mikel may provide better protection to the back four than Raul Meireles or Ramires could, but I don’t think Oriol Romeu is too far off making his own claim for the defensive midfielder role.
Daniel Sturridge seems to be the only forward that is finding the net this season and Juan Mata provides the creative spark, so they’re definitely in. As for Torres, a goal here would prove a point and help get a monkey off his back…but to be honest he’s the only choice to play there as Nicolas Anelka is even more goal-shy and Drogba has looked worse than useless of late.
Who’d be in your Chelsea XI to play against Liverpool on Sunday? – Have your say in the comments section below
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Chech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Torres, Mata
U guys are busy complainin about mikel wat have u guys bin sayin about torres? Pls u guys should let him b bcuz torres money is wot 3 times dat of mikel.
For me it has to be
Cech
Ivanovic Luiz Terry Cole
Mikel Ramires Lampard
Anelka Torres Mata
Here’s why. My mind says luiz may get rinsed. My heart says he’s got the ability in the tackle and the pace to nullify him similar to how he did to Rooney last season. If gerrard plays mikel has to as he won’t leave his sight. Otherwise allow meireles to start.
A lot of attention is about or defence but that’s not the problem. Up front is we were effective wed be top. Against utd two open goal misses proved the difference-not the defence. Anelka over sturridge is based on the arsenal game. At 1-0 up sturridge is through twice but his right foot is weak so we squander both chances (the scuffed volley and when he tried to pass to torres). Not an issue with Anelka.
Cech
Luiz-Iva-Alex-Cole
Ramires-Romeu-Mata
Miereles-Torres-Anelka…
It looks pretty stupid,buh I guess,dts ma bst shot
Very stupid because you put Meriles on the wing, and you benched Sturridge,Terry and Lampard our highest goal scorer..
Cos,lampard&terry r quite slow…we nid energy&industry…against sprint aces lyk suarez&downing…
cech
Bosingwa Alex Terry Cole
Luiz
Ramires Meirreles
Mata
Sturridge Torres
cech
ivanovic alex terry
ramires mikel luiz lampard meirreles
torres mata
Mine is IVANOVIC LUIS JAY TEE A.COLE RAMIRES ROMEO MIERELES ANELKA TORRES MATA
CECH
COLE TERRY LUIZ IVANOVICH
RAMIRES MERLEILES
MATA LAMPARD LUKAKU
TORRES
My line-up against liverpool: Cech,Ivanovic,Alex,JT,Cole,Luiz,Mikel,Ramires,lampard,Torres,Mata. I must appreciate the free attacking style itroduced by AVB. But he must do away with Bosingwa. Luiz should be tried ahead of d defence line he is a talent yet to be tapped. By Jan our back four should be: Ivanovic,cahil,JT, Cole.