alexf

Scary to think we are potentially an injury to Isak away from going into the final with no striker then ?

Typical that in both games against this lot we have a depleted squad. Last game we were without Bruno again, Wilson, ASM and Botman and Schar were rested it seemed? Full strength I think we would have beaten these twice this year but highly possible we end up losing our only two games so far against them. This was the team last game and we nearly won/drew that but for a narrow Isak offside and then the ridiculous added time.

If he's fit and Willock is out then we have no choice, he has to start and I think I said few weeks ago, have a sneaky feeling he's the type that would pull out his best performance in a final. However he'd be up against Wan Bissaka, who may not be the best going forward but is possibly the best 1v1 defender in the league. So will be a tall ask whoever plays on the left, but if it's a choice between ASM and Murphy then ASM.

Really interested to see what Eddie does here. Players look knackered and there's a few that are carrying knocks. Even if they are somewhat fit will he want to risk the likes of Wilson and ASM and not have them as options for the final?

I mean it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Murphy or even Anderson could start this final if we pick up anymore knocks in the Liverpool game. Anything can happen but I'm feeling pessimistic. However I do think if we do lose we might see it have a galvanising impact on our league form and the boys might use it as extra motivation to finish in the top 4.

I hope so. But I think we would need a Rashford injury to make me feel confident. Even with adequate time between each game at the moment we are looking really leggy. I'm just hoping we flip a switch on the day and everyone is flying like they were early in the season. It's possible with the adrenaline of a final, but may wear off quickly. Also injuries are a worry, not sure what the latest on Willock, I think he's important for this game.

The problem is they are in better form but most of all, seem like they will have a fully fit squad bar Eriksen to choose from. Where as we look absolutely shagged and players are starting to drop like flies. Was really hoping we could go toe to toe with them and be at our absolute best but unfortunately it's looking like really bad timing for us at the moment.

We were.

Sorry to be negative but feels like this will be our 2nd loss of the season. Out of form, players looking leggy, players with one eye on the final, key players out injured. Liverpool also look like they are getting some players back to fitness and this is the exact sort of game where they might raise their level before losing to someone shit again the next week.

Burn has looked really poor for awhile. Offers nothing in attack and looks the weak link defensively aswell. Really fearing for the final the way we are playing currently. Adding injuries to this already paper thin and clearly fatigued squad is also going to cost us big.

I mean that's probably everything Eddie wants from ASM summed up in that goal. Work hard off the ball to keep the ball in possession, make a forward run, head up, make incisive pass. Sloppy as fuck first half from all and hopefully not a bad injury for Willock. Would hope they come out 2nd half with abit more quality and sharpness.

Worth noting that they didn't have Casemiro, Wan Bissaka and to a lesser extent Antony and Martial last night. Who might all play in the final. Also annoying that they potentially have an improved Sancho returned just in time for the final it seems. However still think anything can happen on the day and it depends if we turn up and take the game to them.

Oh fuck off ? Why are there so many creepy weirdos in the world?

I know his starting line up return felt like a balloon deflating. However I keep having this sneaky feeling like he's the sort of player that would have the game of his life if picked in the final.(or something like that man city performance) Plus with Trippier likely needing to sit deep due to Rashford it feels like we're going to need to attack down our left side.

Signed a bunch of players in the final days of the window didn't they? No idea if they're any good though.

Team gets to abuse financial rules and build a dominant trophy winning machine and then 10 years later likely just get a telling off. We've already seen, their expensive lawyers will beat whatever is thrown at them unfortunately.

Will require some injuries to Kane and maybe a few others to stop Spurs overtaking us I feel.

One thing that bugged me yesterday and seems to be happening alot in games where the other team are running down the clock and trying to get a point at our ground. There was only 3 mins added on? Considering there must have been atleast 7 subs or something in total, plus injury stoppages etc I just find that odd. Yet when we play in any games where we are "shit housing" as people accuse. It's like 8 or 9 mins that end up getting added on. Small details that may not change results but I noticed it today and against palace.

Spurs will possibly improve. They are only 4 points off after aying mostly shit this season. If they find some form they will overtake. Especially as they just got this new wing back which was one of their problem positions and also the option of danjuma to freshen up their attack. I think they are still most likely to get 4th. But ofcourse Brighton in the mix aswell. Don't think Liverpool or Chelsea will catch up to either of us now.

I think alot of teams that have been shit this year will be far tougher games now in the 2nd half. Wolves, Villa, Leicester, Everton etc. Not many of those remaining games look easy anymore. Coupled with the fact we aren't blowing teams away anymore with our energy. West ham pressed us really well at times yesterday and clearly were happy to come here for a point. That wasn't happening before, but now teams will set up to frustrate us. Could be a difficult remaining half of season but I hope we find a way to stay up there challenging.

Said in the other thread, but I find his overlaps abit irritating. He seems to get in the way some times and drags more defenders towards the winger. I'd rather he just stays out the way if its maxi or make a more intelligent movement to either receive the ball or pull a defender a way.

I feel like Burn is making some really frustrating overlapping runs. Noticed it with Joelinton and also ASM and Gordon today. He sort of runs into the space that the wingers want to use and ends up dragging another defender into the same space. Disappointing result, especially after the fast start to the game. Was expecting more from ASM on his first start but it wasn't his day. It's painful cus it looks like he was genuinely trying hard but nothing was working for him, he looked really put of sync with the rest of the boys, which I guess is possible after being out the team so long. Find the moans and groans from fans irritating though, especially when it's clear players are trying and just need our support. Gordon however was everything ASM wasn't to be fair, looked sharp and lively and picked his passes well. Think if Isak was an option from the bench we likely go on to win even without Bruno. Thought Joelinton was class in another new role for him to be fair to the lad. Although the dive was embarrassing.

He did quite a few times including a easy pass straight out of play and also one straight to Mitro before he shot from half way line Still was probably one of Chelsea's best players on the night, but agree with the sentiment, these sort of fees should be reserved for the real best level attacking talent.

Good result for us even though Chelsea are probably the least dangerous of the chasing pack. Just don't want them to gather any momentum with the new signings.

Hence the importance of who is first. I thought it was us but maybe it's done alphabetical but I'd rather they just had to wear white shorts and socks and we stick to our black.