Chelsea banter 2

25 Nov 2025 13:25:06
Barcelona will play with a high line tonight, which is something that, under Maresca, we’ve usually played quite well against. Wouldn’t be surprised to see James deployed in midfield, with Gusto getting high up the pitch from RB, much as he did against PSG in the CWC final. I’ll be interested to see which CB pairing he opts for, but I think it’ll be Fofana and Chalobah.

I think we can win the midfield battle, I think Cucurella has the know how to frustrate Lemal, as best as anyone can, but we need to take our chances if we hope to take anything from the game and Joao Pedro, who I expect to start as the 9, will need to get through a ton of work. Should be a good game, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

25 Nov 2025 15:39:04
J. I am also looking forward to the game albeit with some trepidation, I would start Estavou and let him go at their defence rather than bring him on later when things have gone wrong.

25 Nov 2025 16:57:47
Me too, I’d like to see him on the right and Neto on the left, working hard and helping out Cucurella, much like he did CWC final.

26 Nov 2025 09:33:06
These posts aged incredibly well, guys!

26 Nov 2025 10:47:22
2 guy’s who clearly know their football.

25 Nov 2025 07:39:47
{Ed's Note - SamiKewell has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool FC Team Issues and Misjudged Expectations

23 Nov 2025 19:12:46
I am obviously happy that we getting results but I will stick with my 2nd-4th place finish prediction.

We now have two interesting games coming up against Barcelona and the gooners. As always team selection for us will be interesting.

Obviously PSG ran out deserved winners of last seasons PSG but for me I rated Barcelona as the best team in Europe. I can’t see us inverting a full back against them but I could see a midfield three off Santos, Caicedo and Enzo with Pedro playing up front.

The Gooners are the in form premiership team at the moment and I’m sure they will be most peoples favourites to beat us at The Bridge. Unfortunately I will not be able to get to the game. So I will be putting my ticket up for sale on the exchange site tomorrow morning.

24 Nov 2025 07:55:09
We are second with 23 points which is one position and one point betternthan after 12 games last season. But only 4 points separate us from Liverpool in 11th place on 18 points. So if we lose to Arsenal on Saturday we may well drop several places. So I will stick with my pre season prediction of 3rd to 7th but think we should all be hooeful of top 4 finish given the quality of our squad.

Might well see those three players in midfield on Saturday Tom and would certainly hope we can get more control in game than Spurs yesterday and Arsenal have to play their champions league game v Bayern - who have done much better thus far in the league stage if the competition than Barcelona - on Wednesday while we play on Tuesday. But yes AFC bound to be favourites with bookies and pundits for Saturday. But surely we can hope at least to match last seaons draw and perhaps even surprise them though am not v confident myself.

24 Nov 2025 10:20:04
Tom, we are doing ok mate and Maresca is working well with the young squad we have, we are 6 points off top spot and 5 points ahead of Liverpool and the season is not even a third of the way through so anything can still happen but we should be fine for top 4. Did anyone on this page tip us to win the league? no, they didn't, and as has been highlighted before Arsenal have spent way more money than ourselves over the last 5 years (NETT) and Artita has worked with his squad for 7 years now so they should win the league but let's try and stay in contention and when we unleash the Palmer and Estevao show later in the season expect fireworks.

We are currently the second highest scorers in the premier league and has anyone noticed just how assured Sanchez is looking in goal? another clean sheet last saturday. Barcelona tomorrow night will be a great atmosphere and I can't stand them following that Champions League match in 2009 and that ref named Overebo or something like that. That game was corrupt to the core.

24 Nov 2025 10:59:54
All very well said Greenaway.

I may now be in a small minority but am still slightly worried when Sanchez has ball at feet and/or being rushed in terms of distribution. His shot stopping when required (not ofte in recent matches) has been good and his command of area from crosses and set pieces much better and he is generally looking more assured - body lan guage better - than last EPL as you suggest.

Just a couple of moments at Burnley when he rushed some distributions amd made what might have been a dangerous mistake - not least when hitting Enzo on back of head - plus there was a bit of a miscommunication with TC - could have been TC's fault - that might have led to a Burnley penalty. Confidence obviously so key for keepers so longer RS is not at fault for a goal so his assurance should grow further.

24 Nov 2025 13:08:58
JBS, I may well be wrong but I have noticed that Sanchez is distributing the ball more quickly when it’s in his hands, either a throw or a kick. I assumed this was a tactical instruction.

24 Nov 2025 16:43:10
I think you're right Tom. This may be if over hurrying RS still makes some mistakes - eg v Burnley when doing this too quickly without ensuring own player not in the way - but not as often as when he was dawdling on ball and take more time decidng who to short-pass it to as per previous instructions.

But he has obviously for some time now ie late last season and in CWC also been given license to use long clearance and ideally to find pass to wings or own forwards.

25 Nov 2025 08:06:23
Utd look like a shower of s---, Spurs are even more spursy than ever, Liverpool I suspect will bounce back if they sack Slot who looks really stubborn and is the reason for their demise I suspect, City are a bit like us at the moment, too inconsistent to challenge for the title so Arsenal should win it by default really.

I said 3rd or 4th and will stick to that.

23 Nov 2025 17:16:18
Watching the Arsenal v Spurs game, how totally out of his depth is Thomas Frank? Their fans want him out and it just shows it is not easy stepping up from being a low block manager relying on set pieces as he did at Brentford to coaching at higher (supposed) level. We dodged a bullet with him.

23 Nov 2025 20:14:28
We did RPD, the Spurs tariff were terrible.

22 Nov 2025 21:33:40
Hey boys how are you all? what a win that was, didn't play that good but took the points, we are on the shant boys and looking forward to the Barcelona game. Been reading the posts, stop worrying about bollox about stadiums n FOS sponsors and let the suits worry about all that bollox.

Get on a sherbert and enjoy our football, 9 wins out of last 11 games. Get in boyz.

22 Nov 2025 21:51:39
Greenaway, reasons to be cheerful. I’m on the JD and if Spurs pull off a massive surprise tomorrow I will be happy and a little big richer as it’s the last leg of my emotional accumulator.

22 Nov 2025 22:22:58
Tom, enjoy that JD mate and I hope you get rich. Was a brilliant result off an ok at best performance mate. My message is to all you lovely people, enjoy this run, we are doing okas a team, as a club, don't worry about shirt sponsorz or stadiums and let the suits worry about all that bollox.

Get behind Maresca (We could of got of got Slot who looks doomed) and enjoy the ride. Cheers Tommy boy.

23 Nov 2025 10:11:48
Yea Greenaway, Tom, we ate doing fine on the pitch that being said, we have not reached the Christmas period yet.

I still beleive that off field we have to be spit on as we are throwing away money through lack of FOS funds and a small stadium.

All that means is that the owners have to find PSR money from elsewhere ie academy gems and increasing ticket prices si yes we should worry about that side as well.

23 Nov 2025 10:42:53
Bill, any SB development or move will, in my opinion, take at least a decade and will come at such a significant cost, any increases in revenue brought about by increasing capacity will then have to go towards paying down debt. It’s very unlikely that fans will see a decrease in ticket prices.

I have almost given up on trying to work out the FOS sponsorship issue. If could well be mainly a legacy issue. I just don’t know.

Without doubt we will carry on buying and selling players and some of them will be academy players. That was also happening in the last few years of the RA era.

I keep saying, in my opinion the FFP/PSR rules are not fit for purpose but rules are rules and will have to trade within the rules or suffer the consequences. Continuing to qualify for the Champs League is so important and failure to do so would be more of a danger to any breach of FFP/PSR rules.

23 Nov 2025 13:20:52
Bill, you keep moaning about the stadium capacity and the owners but given all the very well documented issues that the club face in developing the current site, playing elsewhere, the CPO owning the rights to the club name if a move away happened, no alternative sites being available, spiralling building costs etc etc what solution would you put forward?

23 Nov 2025 16:42:23
RPD

I have recently posted that we should move away from the area completely and if yhe CPO want to be petty, I'm not too fussed about the name, how about Chelsea United.

The Bridge will always be a problem with development as will the residence.

23 Nov 2025 17:52:30
Tom, you are absolutely right. Any development of the stadium is years away and the discussions around it are a distraction. I am only interested in the football. In any event, gate receipts are at most are 15% of clubs income. We can overcome our limited capacity by success of the pitch which enhances our global footprint Also, a top sponsorship deal and smarter trading in the transfer market.

I’m only interested in trophies and good football and am not concerned about the stadium.
On a separate note, I knew we couldn’t rely on Spurs to get anything at Arsenal. A big week ahead let’s knock down Barcelona and Arsenal a peg or two.

23 Nov 2025 18:28:18
Bill, I would have no problems with the club moving a limited distance but if it went to far away from the bridge, I’m not sure I consider myself a supporter. For me, it would be like Wimbledon and the MK Dons. No thanks.

23 Nov 2025 19:27:44
English football culture is based on clubs being tied to their historical roots. In the USA sports teams move to different cities thousands of miles away: how does that work for fans?

23 Nov 2025 19:36:10
Jimbo, that has been a long held fear of mine particularly with the amount of American owners in the premiership.

I think it would be far more difficult in the UK but not for me thanks.

23 Nov 2025 20:17:55
I understand what you are saying To. m however, where could we move to that is really available.

23 Nov 2025 20:21:30
Totally agree with your post Jimbo, we must always remain tied to our historical roots, the idea of being called Chelsea United and playing miles away from Stamford Bridge would mean the end of the club which sadly happened to Wimbledon when they moved to Milton Keynes. You also make a very good point about matchday revenue. Bill, Chelsea United? really?

23 Nov 2025 20:44:42
Bill, I would prefer to see the club move a new site close to current SB ground.

I am not an accountant, so I can’t imagine the amounts involved or the potential debt. I assume the amounts involved are eye watering but that’s up to whoever the owners are to work out the maths.

I repeat, I think our present owners will increase our current capacity by building a new east stand and then developing the shed end. I also have no idea if just developing the current stand would require us moving out.

I don’t think I will be around to see it happen and I also don’t think the ownership as it is today will be around either.

24 Nov 2025 09:42:23
Tom

I probably won't be around either and I agree with you, the current owners won't be around either.

22 Nov 2025 21:15:48
I am surprised that more clubs aren’t showing a big interest in Murillo. He looks like a good player to me and he is only 23.

What do you think of him Ed?

22 Nov 2025 21:34:05
I really like him, I did say a while back, after his first season, he would be my first choice as long term VVD replacement. Truly top class talent.

22 Nov 2025 21:47:57
Thanks Ed.

Reminds me of Gallas.

{Ed001's Note - bit stronger though, but worse in the air. Better on the ball though, his shooting power is almost Roberto Carlos like.}

23 Nov 2025 10:13:11
Maybe it's his cost plus wages that rule out clubs going after him.

25 Nov 2025 08:09:12
I think Maresca identified him as the player he wants to take us forward. Be interesting if we mount a bid in January as I see we are being linked, his wage demands and age fit the clubs profile.

22 Nov 2025 20:57:26
Obviously very happy with our three points today but as some may know I do like to look at other sites and other supporters comments.

Looking at the Liverpool site tonight reminded me of two things. 1) How alike all fans are with there comments when the club they support is having a bad run. 2) How the calls for a manager to be sacked are always the loudest.

All football fans are very fickle!

23 Nov 2025 10:19:26
We all are Tom

I must admit I thought Slot would get more time and to be honest I thought it was a scatter gun approach by the SD by their lack of transfer policy. I also think More Salad has now fell off due to both age and new contract same with VVD. They Allison has also been injured and that will only get worse due to age. They also lost TAA and I beleive his leaving has hurt them big time.

23 Nov 2025 11:14:16
Bill, I can’t say I’m an expert on all things LFC but some of there posts do make me laugh, including the one that this is all a cunning plan to give Klopp a holiday before reappointing him as there manager.

Another silly one was “Slot” is an anagram of “Lost. ” Made me smile anyway!

23 Nov 2025 13:26:27
Totally agree Tom, we all do it but bearing in mind they won't the league last season, their fans are going way over the top.

I don't think Slit has been helped with the incoming transfers, it seems the SD was in the sweet shop buying all the striking goodies.

22 Nov 2025 20:14:45
How good was santos today, i spoke before about not seeing what he offers, he was outstanding today and could be a huge player in helping the squad this season that was big today and even bigger allowing moises a much needed rest, well done maresca, a good 3 points not pretty watch to be fair a poor dull game but 3 points and onto the next one?.

22 Nov 2025 09:58:37
Looks like the Oracle FOS deal is nowhere near as close as everyone is speculating. Oh well.

22 Nov 2025 10:50:25
I partly put the rumour of a deal down to a lack of news through the international break.

We haven’t got a clue about the negotiations or any issues around any potential sanctions.

22 Nov 2025 16:41:32
I would add Tom that the owners don't have axclue either, how in heavens name did they make their money.

22 Nov 2025 16:53:57
Bill, I’m not sure how you work that one out?

I might well blame them for a few things but not the SB development or new ground.

22 Nov 2025 16:56:06
Sorry sent to soon. Also, we don’t know what or why we haven’t got a FOS sponsor, so I wi reserve my judgement until it becomes clearer.

22 Nov 2025 18:10:44
Tom, you’ve been reserving your judgement for a long time.

22 Nov 2025 19:06:25
And we won't know as there is no transparency by the owners, a case of nothing to see here guv.

22 Nov 2025 19:37:53
Yes I have reserved judgment on this particular issue because I don’t know the facts. Plus I’m never in a rush to blame.

I have been very critical of the owners communication about the SB development project but then we find out they are waiting for an important decision on the 26/11.

The FOS has been like a roller coaster of rumours. The latest one has a ring of truth about it but who knows!

22 Nov 2025 21:32:46
Will be interesting to see if the main reason we haven’t managed a long term FOS sponsorship deal is partly or wholly down to a potential sanction, who will the fans blame?

21 Nov 2025 13:59:22
So Cole was about to play again for us but (according to Maresca? in press conference) fractured a toe in an accident at his home and now date of return uncertain! Blimey! Hard to believe this could happen and will mean we are certainly without him for Barcelona and Arsenal home games as well as tomorrow away v Burnley.

21 Nov 2025 18:45:21
Only silver lining another 10 days out means his groin will have another weeks inmprovement.

21 Nov 2025 22:03:32
Good to look at it that way seymns2.just hope he doesn't fall over something at his home and damage groin again too!

23 Nov 2025 09:37:20
I think Palmer will play a part in the Arsenal game and just maybe on the bench against Barcelona.

Strap up his little toe and give it a jab.

23 Nov 2025 18:51:33
Tom, I doubt it. I would want Cole 100% fit. We can beat Arsenal without him. Post Xmas is the period when the title is won or lost. I will be watching the Barcelona game from behind the sofa.

20 Nov 2025 10:03:49
The planning application decision on developing the Earls Court site will be announced on 26th November, this is a monumental moment in our history and one that the owners hope will go in our favour. If the decision goes against the current owners of Earls Court then Blue.

Co hope to step in with a bid for part of the land in order to build a new stadium. If planning is granted then Chelsea FC has no other option than to remain at Stamford Bridge. At least we will know what direction this is going in and what are everyone hoping for?

20 Nov 2025 13:09:05
RPD, thanks for information mate. I guess that also explains why any SB development proposal wasn’t mentioned in the mins of recent FAB meeting.

20 Nov 2025 13:18:51
Thank you for the update RPD.

20 Nov 2025 14:06:59
I agree Tom, there has been nothing to report really since the owners took over as this Earls Court site is probably the last chance for the club to relocate and this planning outcome will then determine the next steps. Old Oak Common has been muted but again, until Earls Court is put to bed either way nothing can really be said but I do understand the owners are 100% behind increasing our match day fan base and whilst a move away from the Bridge makes most sense it is looking increasingly likely that a stand by stand redevelopment may well be the only way forward.

20 Nov 2025 16:46:41
Thank you for your update RPD.

20 Nov 2025 16:55:54
Despite my affiliation with SB, a move to a new site is my preference. We would be able to stay at the Bridge during the construction of a new stadium. Also, redevelopment of SB is fraught with difficulties, not least with planning permission; local ( affluent) residents have already joined forces to oppose any application.

That process would delay the project by at least a couple of years .

20 Nov 2025 18:21:27
The affluent should realise that having a major football club in their area is a big draw.

20 Nov 2025 19:33:00
I would love us to stay at Stamford Bridge but I think Jimbo is right that it will be a nightmare getting through all the planning hoops and what for? another 15,000 seats at a cost of hundreds of millions, it will take quite a few years to get the money back. This should of been dealt with many years ago but I think Roman had a little problem over his visa and pulled the plug on that stadium re-build, I think he even bought a brick company to make sure we had enough bricks to build the thing? didn't it start underground? I 'm happy as we are but I think we have about 30,000 on the season ticket waiting list so I suppose another 15,000 or 20,000 seats will allow more fans to watch live football.

20 Nov 2025 22:20:07
Greenaway, you are right. We might eventually get planning permission for redevelopment at SB, but highly unlikely for a 60,000 seater stadium. As you say the owners would have to consider whether the cost of adding X amount to the capacity is worthwhile given that you would want it to be multi-purpose to host other types of events.

I don’t blame Roman or the new owners for this problem; the location and physical environment surrounding SB has always been problematic to expansion of the stadium on the existing site.

21 Nov 2025 09:33:16
I agree Jimbo

Stadia nowadays are far more than football venues and if we stay at the Bridge, we will have the same problem with residents as do the owners of Twickenham.

21 Nov 2025 10:57:50
Bill, that is why the owners would prefer the move to Earls Court and explains the wait. This planning decision is monumental for our club and if the current owners of Earls Court succeed in gaining permission to develop on the 26th November we will almost certainly have to stay at Stamford Bridge and I would imagine overhaul what we have on a stand by stand basis and a few thousand more seats at best.

Jimbo is correct in all he says on this matter.

21 Nov 2025 12:10:38
Circumstances that are mainly out the club’s control will dictate the outcome. I’m not sure there is much blame to be attached to any owner!

21 Nov 2025 13:32:41
Been looking at all the stuff about the Birmingham City stadium, due for completion in 2030 (looks amazing btw), and thinking - come on Blue Co, pull your fingers out.

21 Nov 2025 16:45:33
So what advice would you give to Blue. co then J?

21 Nov 2025 21:46:10
RPD, exactly. We are located in a very expensive part of the capital city. Man U or Birmingham have no problem finding the land and gaining planning permission. i was born and bred in London, if I could have thought of a suitable location I would have informed Todd.

21 Nov 2025 22:37:49
Exactly Jimbo, maybe J has never been to Stamford Bridge or London.

22 Nov 2025 07:26:03
Whilst my comment was (I thought obviously) sarcastic, my advice to Blue Co, in particular the two arguing factions (Team Egbahli vs Team Boehly), would be to put egos aside and try and come to a decision that’s best for the club - I suppose that’s the problem with being owned by a consortium, not one clear voice.

Yeah, never been to either, I know nothing of the stadium or city. Maybe I should pop along sometime, take a ride on that big wheel thing and get a better appreciation of the complicated planing permission process. Whilst up there, I could see if I can spot a suitable chunk of land to point out to Todd. Just from looking at Google maps, ‘Hyde Park’ looks like it’s got some promise, although that lake would have to go. Anyway, got to go, those Yals won’t herd themselves.

22 Nov 2025 09:49:16
This will not go down too well, but what about moving away from the area completely.

We will never get what we want where we are located, and building stand by stand will probably bankrupt us as a club with costs rising by the day.

The residents will never allow any other form of entertainment other than our home games like the residents of Richmond and we will never be big enough for England games.

It makes absolutely no sense to stay at our present location and don't get me started on Fulham Broadway underground station.

22 Nov 2025 10:53:10
Bill, my guess is, if the club moves to far from its present home the CPO will not allow the use of the Chelsea name.

22 Nov 2025 16:44:52
No problem Tom, that should not stop us moving.

Just out of curiosity Tom, I know the CPO own the pitch but who owns the rest of the ground including terrace and outside area?

22 Nov 2025 16:56:59
The club.

22 Nov 2025 19:14:07
Interesting, so if we did move away, no football could be played at the Bridge unless the owners allowed access.

22 Nov 2025 19:53:39
Bill, its never going to happen mate?

If you follow your logic the current owners couldn’t develop anything in the pitch area.

I have given my guess what will happen.

If we can’t build a new stadium close to the current SB site then I believe our existing site will be developed stand by stand. Starting with the East and then The Shed.