How should Rafa Benitez and Chelsea approach Rubin on Thursday?
With the massive FA Cup semi final on Sunday on the horizon, Chelsea have a tough Europa League quarter final second leg in Russia against R...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2013/04/how-should-rafa-benitez-and-chelsea.html
With the massive FA Cup semi final on Sunday on the horizon, Chelsea have a tough Europa League quarter final second leg in Russia against Rubin Kazan on Thursday and I just wonder how YOU the Chelsea fan reading this, thinks that Rafa should approach the game against Rubin.
Obviously, at this stage, I would prioritise (personally) the FA Cup Semi Final ahead of the Europa League game as it's the most realistic opportunity to win a trophy.
Rafa Benitez has had no problem with rotating the Chelsea squad for the run of games we have had and I just wonder if he will want to do the same again and keep his best eleven fresh for Sunday?
If that's the case, how would you approach Rubin Kazan? Would you set up defensively to protect the two goal lead we have or would you set up the opposite way?
If so, who would start this one in Russia?
I believe that we need to pick a balanced side for Rubin but to to protect our lead. It could be dangerous but we have no option with all the travelling the players will have to do. We must give ourselves the better options for Sunday.
So, in saying that, my selected eleven to take on Rubin on Thursday is as follows:
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry(c), Bertrand, Mikel, Lampard, Moses, Benayoun, Marin, Torres.
Now I know before people say it that the Mikel and Lampard combination in the middle isn't as effective as with Ramires there but we have to save his legs. Also, Lampard works hard in defensive areas in addition to Mikel and would provide protection.
We have no choice but to play Torres because of the injury to Ba, Bertrand because of the injury to Cole, I have chosen Ivanovic to play over Azpilicueta to give "Dave" a rest for Sunday and Oscar to also be given a rest with Yossi Benayoun to come in and see what he can provide us in that role just in behind Torres.
What do you people think? Would you play a different side and have a different approach?
Carefree & KTBFFH!
Find your Chelsea tickets at Viagogo!
Obviously, at this stage, I would prioritise (personally) the FA Cup Semi Final ahead of the Europa League game as it's the most realistic opportunity to win a trophy.
Rafa Benitez has had no problem with rotating the Chelsea squad for the run of games we have had and I just wonder if he will want to do the same again and keep his best eleven fresh for Sunday?
If that's the case, how would you approach Rubin Kazan? Would you set up defensively to protect the two goal lead we have or would you set up the opposite way?
If so, who would start this one in Russia?
I believe that we need to pick a balanced side for Rubin but to to protect our lead. It could be dangerous but we have no option with all the travelling the players will have to do. We must give ourselves the better options for Sunday.
So, in saying that, my selected eleven to take on Rubin on Thursday is as follows:
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry(c), Bertrand, Mikel, Lampard, Moses, Benayoun, Marin, Torres.
Now I know before people say it that the Mikel and Lampard combination in the middle isn't as effective as with Ramires there but we have to save his legs. Also, Lampard works hard in defensive areas in addition to Mikel and would provide protection.
We have no choice but to play Torres because of the injury to Ba, Bertrand because of the injury to Cole, I have chosen Ivanovic to play over Azpilicueta to give "Dave" a rest for Sunday and Oscar to also be given a rest with Yossi Benayoun to come in and see what he can provide us in that role just in behind Torres.
What do you people think? Would you play a different side and have a different approach?
Carefree & KTBFFH!
Find your Chelsea tickets at Viagogo!
I agree with the selection 100 percent
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean "you people"?
ReplyDeleteI agree 100 percent except I might start hazard instead of Marin as he has looked slow and lethargic whenever he plays and hopefully we can get a lead at half time at which point I would bring on Marin to that hazard only plays 45 mins
ReplyDeleteStill can't understand why you say that the FA cup is a much realistic chance to win a trophy... I bet you give any Chelsea player to choose between wining the Europa league this season or the FA cup and they will go for Europe all the way...
ReplyDeleteAgree 100%.
ReplyDeleteRest Hazard, Mata, Oscar, etc. We are in a good position in this game and if they are needed as substitutes then bring them on with 20-30 minutes to go.
I'd rather focus on a top 4 finish than winning the Europa League. We can go all out to try and win it next year if we dont make top 4.
I,d be happy with a win with whatever team RB put,s out in either game,,,but to be honest I am not to bothered with these game,s,,,I.m far more interested in where we finish in the league,,that more than anything has to be our top priority for this season,where we finish determines what happens next year,,,anything else should be looked on as a bonus...
ReplyDeletei would go for p.ferreira in that no 2 position so that at least one of our first choic CB wud be restd in d case of luiz- ivanovic,othere than that,its okay
ReplyDeletetrouble with marin is he doesn't tackle back to support the fullback -- we don't need attackers so much as fully committed defenders all over the pitch - i'd play benyoun further up the pitch and play Aka with mikel -- two genuine holding players + lamps should see us through
ReplyDeleteDenba ba won't play bcos he is not eligible to play.again I think oscar should play them game against rubin kazan bcos we all knw he don't have the strenght to face yaya toure on sunday
ReplyDeleteEven if Ba wasn't injured, he wouldn't play as he's ineligible for the EL. The hope is that he is fit by the weekend as it'll be tough for Torres to start Thursday/Sunday.
ReplyDeleteagree. Should put out a week 11. Defend but with high pressure, not deep than just keep the ball. I'm f***** tired of losing to city. I really want to win that game
ReplyDelete