Chelsea Banter Archive September 01 2016

01 Sep 2016 11:48:23
really intrigued to see what starting 11 we will now play, Azpilicueta the only 100% starter for me in the defence. I am pretty certain that terry will start too. can't imagine that luiz was signed without a playing time guarantee so I guess that leaves the LB or RB position open for Alonso or Ivanovic. unless luiz is seen in midfield - I don't think he is. (this is all assuming a back 4) your thoughts?

01 Sep 2016 23:57:19
I agree Azpi is the only defender I would probably expect to start, but if we go back three even that might not be a sure thing. Conte was pretty well forced into that back 4 with what he had before deadline day with only Aina to sub in. Now that he has a few extra parts to play around with, I can't wait to see what happens (though I still anticipate a back 4 too) . Maybe we'll finally see a back line that can execute an effective high bloc!?

I wonder if Alonso has much pace.

02 Sep 2016 00:44:59
I saw a good thought about how Conte could get his 3 at the back without leaving us completely exposed. essentially a 5-2-2-1. That looks like this;
---Courtois---
Cahill/ Zouma---Terry---Luiz/ Iva
(WB) Dave/ Aina--------------------------------------Alonso/ (WB)
Matic/ Oscar/ Fab-------Kante/ Chalobah/ Mikel
Willian/ Pedro------------------------Hazard/ Moses/ RLC
Costa/ Batman/ Solanke.

02 Sep 2016 09:58:24
That's essentially a slightly more formatted 343 but I think it may be a route we would go down although I think the current formation we are playing is servicing us well at the moment.

01 Sep 2016 04:40:37
So, last night we a friend asked me if I was happy or not with the Luiz deal, I said I was over the Moon. And it's true. I was. But, doing some thinking about it now, I Think it's plain stupidity. Why pay so much for a player who's never proven anyrhing in The CB position with that age? I get that er needed a new CB, but why didn't we just loan one? .

01 Sep 2016 21:21:06
As long as they don't play him in a back four, but with three in the middle and two wing backs then I will be happy.

01 Sep 2016 11:35:59
I'm not sure what you're getting at. We all know what we're getting with Luiz and I for one am delighted with the acquisition. He may have a mistake in him but he's an incredible footballer, a leader, winner and is very experienced. Plus it seems he was extremely happy to hear of our interest and almost forced through the return himself, proper Chels.