Chelsea v Valencia Champions League Kick off 1945 Live SS2

Sgt Pepper 64 · 06-12-2011 2:05pm #1

Chelsea v Valencia - Champions League Kick off 19:45 Tuesday 6th Dec

Team news Chelsea

Bosingwa still a doubt.
Drogba expected to get the nod ahead of Torres

Provisional squad: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Luiz, Mikel, Romeu, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, Torres, Drogba, Kalou, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.

Team News Valencia

Valencia are waiting on the fitness of Argentine midfield ace Ever Banega, but he looks unlikely to make the game due to strained knee ligaments.
Central defender Victor Ruiz is another doubt and, if he fails to make it, Angel Dealbert will continue in his place.
Jonas, Sofiane Feghouli and in-form striker Roberto Soldado were all rested by Emery at the weekend, and they will all return to the starting line-up.

Chelsea need either to win or draw 0-0 to progress

Conme on the Blues!

IRISHSPORTSGUY · 06-12-2011 2:24pm

Oh, A V B
As useless as you and me
As simple as, do re mi
A V B, 1 2 3
Gone by Jan-u-ary

Mon Valencia

Giggsy11 · 06-12-2011 2:30pm

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

Chelsea need either to win or draw 0-0 to progress

Contrary to reports elsewhere, Chelsea are not guaranteed to qualify with a 0-0 draw. If Leverkusen lose in Belgium then Chelsea would be eliminated with any draw, including 0-0. This is because when three teams are level on points a mini-league is created without the games involving Genk. Leverkusen would finish top having secured one more point than their rivals. Valencia will finish above Chelsea by virtue of having scored one more goal than the London club, with both having five points and a goal difference of +1.

:pac:

Paul Tergat · 06-12-2011 2:57pm

Giggsy11 wrote: »

:pac:

**** i didnt know that at all. intersting

Giggsy11 · 06-12-2011 2:59pm

Paul Tergat wrote: »

**** i didnt know that at all. intersting

Even I didn't. Read that today.

Sgt Pepper 64 · 06-12-2011 3:10pm

Simple - Chelsea just need to get the win then, and they really should be able to do it. An early goal will settle the nerves

IRISHSPORTSGUY · 06-12-2011 3:12pm

Are Valencia any good this season? I see they're only 4 pts behind Barca in La Liga with a game in hand.

VW 1 · 06-12-2011 3:26pm

Paul Tergat wrote: »

**** i didnt know that at all. intersting

Yep, same reason United can't qualify as top seed even with a superior goal difference iirc.

Anyway best of luck Chelsea, would like to see you go through to the knockouts instead of being consigned to the EL.

Paul Tergat · 06-12-2011 3:34pm

VW 1 wrote: »

Yep, same reason United can't qualify as top seed even with a superior goal difference iirc.

Ha, I never tweaked that results against each other was effectively a mini league with just the 2 teams even though I knew we couldnt finish top. I know it sounds silly to say but it takes on more implications when it becomes a 3 team tie.

Dotrel · 06-12-2011 3:42pm

So essentially all Chelsea have to do is get 0-0 (unless Genk win .... which isn't beyond the realm of possibility as they've already managed two home draws and Leverkusen are already qualified).

It's set up nicely. Should make for an interesting evening

(game is on TV3 too btw)

carlop · 06-12-2011 3:46pm

IRISHSPORTSGUY wrote: »

Are Valencia any good this season? I see they're only 4 pts behind Barca in La Liga with a game in hand.

They've been impressive, and in Soldado, they have arguably Spain's most in-form striker.

They held Barca and had chances to win, and were desperately unlucky to lose to Madrid a couple of weeks back.

They would be some team if they hadn't been forced into selling Villa, Silva, Mata and Joaquin.

Having said all that, Chelsea were the better side in the first leg and Valencia tend to be better at the Mestalla, so I'd expect Chelsea to get what they need out of it.

VW 1 · 06-12-2011 3:52pm

carlop wrote: »

They've been impressive, and in Soldado, they have arguably Spain's most in-form striker.

They held Barca and had chances to win, and were desperately unlucky to lose to Madrid a couple of weeks back.

They would be some team if they hadn't been forced into selling Villa, Silva, Mata and Joaquin.

Having said all that, Chelsea were the better side in the first leg and Valencia tend to be better at the Mestalla, so I'd expect Chelsea to get what they need out of it.

a lot of the player sales are attributed to servicing the debt the club has amassed. They are a great club that produces fine players, it would be good to see them able to hang onto their main players such as Albelda, Soldado, Banega, Alba, Canales (on a 2 year loan from Madrid with option to buy) and Costa to see if they can make an impact on the 2 big guns in Spain.

GavRedKing · 06-12-2011 3:54pm

2-0 Chelsea tonight. Goal in the first 20 minutes to settle the players and the fans and push on from there.

VW 1 · 06-12-2011 3:56pm

Is Torres likely to feature tonight? I find it strange that AVB would list 6 players including Drogba that will be let leave in January if bids come in, yet keep playing Drogba ahead of Torres. Surely sustained time on the field is what will make or break Torres, leaving him sitting on the bench isnt doing much for anyone.

GavRedKing · 06-12-2011 4:02pm

VW 1 wrote: »

Is Torres likely to feature tonight? I find it strange that AVB would list 6 players including Drogba that will be let leave in January if bids come in, yet keep playing Drogba ahead of Torres. Surely sustained time on the field is what will make or break Torres, leaving him sitting on the bench isnt doing much for anyone.

With Drogab scoring the other day I dont think Torres will start, he may feature as hes played the last 15 minutes in the last 2 games.

Its hard to call, with Meireles, Romeu and Mata we have players that can play Torres in and link up with him but AVB fancies Drogba.

One things for sure, if Sturridge and Mata dont turn up and put in a performance tonight Chelsea could well be out of the CL.

Blatter · 06-12-2011 4:09pm

This is pretty much guaranteed to be a nervous night for Chelsea, unless they hammer Valencia, which I can't see happening.

If they go 1-0 up, they will be nervous as Valencia only need 1 goal to progress.

If they go 2-0 up, they will become extremely nervous if Valencia pull one back.

If it stays 0-0 for long, they will get nervous as Valencia will only need 1 goal.

If Valencia go 1-0 up, START PANICKING :pac:

Looking forward to this, should be an interesting game.

VW 1 · 06-12-2011 4:11pm

gavredking wrote: »

With Drogab scoring the other day I dont think Torres will start, he may feature as hes played the last 15 minutes in the last 2 games.

Its hard to call, with Meireles, Romeu and Mata we have players that can play Torres in and link up with him but AVB fancies Drogba.

One things for sure, if Sturridge and Mata dont turn up and put in a performance tonight Chelsea could well be out of the CL.

Based on his showings in those 15 mins, the game against Genk and my general love for him, he deserves a start

As you pointed out with the likes of Romeu and Mata, Sturridge on form, it is looking more like a team that Torres can flourish in. Why AVB is persisting with Drogba I dont know, when at this time next year it is more than likely he wont be an option.

You got it right though, Valencia are a dangerous outfit and will be well up for this one. Should be an interesting game indeed.

GavRedKing · 06-12-2011 4:22pm

Blatter wrote: »

This is pretty much guaranteed to be a nervous night for Chelsea, unless they hammer Valencia, which I can't see happening.

If they go 1-0 up, they will be nervous as Valencia only need 1 goal to progress.

If they go 2-0 up, they will become extremely nervous if Valencia pull one back.

If it stays 0-0 for long, they will get nervous as Valencia will only need 1 goal.

If Valencia go 1-0 up, START PANICKING :pac:

Looking forward to this, should be an interesting game.

It will be an edgy affair an as I said if we go 1 down then we need to get into the game ASAP. I can however see the players been really up for this.

JT, Lamps, Cole, Drogba, Cech, the senior players msut surely understand this is their last year with this current group of players for success and they must treat tonight as if it was a final.

Anything short of 100% effort and commitment from all involved will cost us.

I can still see us winning this though, we've been far to casual so far in the CL this year, especially in all 3 of our away games when we've gone from leading twice to finishing with a draw and from drawing a game to losing it.

VW 1 wrote: »

Based on his showings in those 15 mins, the game against Genk and my general love for him, he deserves a start

As you pointed out with the likes of Romeu and Mata, Sturridge on form, it is looking more like a team that Torres can flourish in. Why AVB is persisting with Drogba I dont know, when at this time next year it is more than likely he wont be an option.

You got it right though, Valencia are a dangerous outfit and will be well up for this one. Should be an interesting game indeed.

I agree with ya, this team suits a Torres type striker more but AVB fancies Drogba. I can see why though, if its going wrong, launch balls to Drogab and build from there if needed, its not pretty but it can be effective.

Sure we might see Drogba and Torres on at the same time if its really going pear shaped.

Sgt Pepper 64 · 06-12-2011 4:24pm

gavredking wrote: »

With Drogab scoring the other day I dont think Torres will start, he may feature as hes played the last 15 minutes in the last 2 games.

Its hard to call, with Meireles, Romeu and Mata we have players that can play Torres in and link up with him but AVB fancies Drogba.

One things for sure, if Sturridge and Mata dont turn up and put in a performance tonight Chelsea could well be out of the CL.

Exactly, we are more relying on Danny and Mata to score, more than either Drogba or Torres???!!!!!! :eek: So its kind of doesnt matter who out them does start!

Sgt Pepper 64 · 06-12-2011 4:25pm

Blatter wrote: »

This is pretty much guaranteed to be a nervous night for Chelsea, unless they hammer Valencia, which I can't see happening.

If they go 1-0 up, they will be nervous as Valencia only need 1 goal to progress.

If they go 2-0 up, they will become extremely nervous if Valencia pull one back.

If it stays 0-0 for long, they will get nervous as Valencia will only need 1 goal.

If Valencia go 1-0 up, START PANICKING :pac:

Looking forward to this, should be an interesting game.

I'll be watching from the behind the sofa - expect some drink fuelled comments later on regardless of result!

GavRedKing · 06-12-2011 4:31pm

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

Exactly, we are more relying on Danny and Mata to score, more than either Drogba or Torres???!!!!!! :eek: So its kind of doesnt matter who out them does start!

Well if you got to choose between them then Drogba seems to be the best option, he can offer more of an aerial and physical threat and isnt too bad on the floor, thats if hes in the mood.

We nned perforamcnes from every player though as we will need to be at our best to get through.

If I was offered a scrappy, edge of the seat 1-0 I'd bite your hand off right now.

Sgt Pepper 64 wrote: »

I'll be watching from the behind the sofa - expect some drink fuelled comments later on regardless of result!

Aaahhh reminds me of CHD and his drunken posts.

I miss them. :pac:

meriwether · 06-12-2011 4:57pm

There will be laughter from Chez Meriwether if Chelsea foul it up tonight.

Then City on Monday.

Heavens.

steelcityblues · 06-12-2011 4:59pm

Soldado is the danger man - Luiz going up against him could be comical.

GavRedKing · 06-12-2011 5:02pm

meriwether wrote: »

There will be laughter from Chez Meriwether if Chelsea foul it up tonight.

Then City on Monday.

Heavens.

.......fairply.

steelcityblues wrote: »

Soldado is the danger man - Luiz going up against him could be comical.

He is the danger man, but Luiz will have him in his pocket.

steelcityblues · 06-12-2011 5:04pm

gavredking wrote: »

.......fairply.

He is the danger man, but Luiz will have him in his pocket.

He is a step above Ba, who gave Luiz a lot of problems.

MUSEIST · 06-12-2011 5:11pm

I can see a few goals in this one, chelsea are dodgy at the back but they created a fair few chances at the mestalla. Would have won that game except for some amazing goalkeeping from valencia. I will go with a 3-1 to chelsea. Not that bothered if chelsea go out, we are not good enough to win the CL anyway. A solid win would increase confidence for the league though

pistolpetes11 · 06-12-2011 5:13pm

VW 1 wrote: »

Is Torres likely to feature tonight? I find it strange that AVB would list 6 players including Drogba that will be let leave in January if bids come in, yet keep playing Drogba ahead of Torres. Surely sustained time on the field is what will make or break Torres, leaving him sitting on the bench isnt doing much for anyone.

Who are the six players AVB has listed to be allowed to leave in January, and when did he say this ?

Im only aware of Anelka and Alex which he said had put in transfer requests at the weekend .

VW 1 · 06-12-2011 5:22pm

pistolpetes11 wrote: »

Who are the six players AVB has listed to be allowed to leave in January, and when did he say this ?

Im only aware of Anelka and Alex which he said had put in transfer requests at the weekend .

The players were Alex Anelka Drogba Kalou Malouda and Ferreira.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2069981/Chelsea-ready-sell-Didier-Drogba-jose-Bosingwa-Paulo-Ferreira-Salomon-Kalou.html

This is the link. Granted not the best source etc etc but seems quite likely that these 6 would get the chop if a mass clearout were to go ahead.

pistolpetes11 · 06-12-2011 5:29pm

VW 1 wrote: »

The players were Alex Anelka Drogba Kalou Malouda and Ferreira.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2069981/Chelsea-ready-sell-Didier-Drogba-jose-Bosingwa-Paulo-Ferreira-Salomon-Kalou.html

This is the link. Granted not the best source etc etc but seems quite likely that these 6 would get the chop if a mass clearout were to go ahead.

Ah no bother was just wondering was it an official statement or a paper statement,

Johner · 06-12-2011 5:29pm

Not a chance they will all go in January.

Nervous about tonight, if Valencia score first we are in big trouble.

NinjaK · 06-12-2011 5:41pm

Come on Valencia!!

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 06-12-2011 6:01pm

Who'd have thought that 3 out of the 4 English clubs would be in danger in exiting the competition at this stage, and the only guarantee for the next round are Arsenal! Strange year..

daithijjj · 06-12-2011 6:36pm

Lampard has been dropped.

Johner · 06-12-2011 6:40pm

Cech,Ivanovic,Luiz,Terry,Cole Romeu,Ramires,Meireles,Mata,Drogba,Sturridge.

Johner · 06-12-2011 6:43pm

daithijjj wrote: »

Lampard has been dropped.

Very happy Meireles has got the nod over Lampard.

MUSEIST · 06-12-2011 6:44pm

daithijjj wrote: »

Lampard has been dropped.

Correct decision IMO, romeu, mereiles and ramires is chelsea's best midfield.

Hank Scorpio · 06-12-2011 7:16pm

Think there's gonna be heartbreak for Chelsea tonight if Drogba doesn't perform well, been watching Soldado alot if recent weeks and hes on fire, hope I'm wrong