Tuesday’s Scout Notes - Advantage Chelsea
Kuyt’s first half-goal is cancelled out, as Cech keeps Liverpool at bay for Riise’s stooping blooper to hand Grant’s men the advantage. Now it’s time to brace yourself for some nasty weekend rafatation. Here’s the notes…
There were no major surprises in the lineups. Gerrard returned from his pain in the neck to take his place in a Liverpool midfield. Babel and Kuyt also made returns out wide as expected. At the back, Carragher, Arbeloa and Aurellio made returns as did Torres up front.
Grant recalled had Ballack and Drogba back from injury, while Lampard was available after missing the last two for family reasons. The only real surprise was the inclusion of Malouda ahead of Kalou in a wide role. Essien was suspended for this first leg so Ferreira came in at right-back.
Both those elevens are likely to start the second leg, although Kalou will push for inclusion after providing the catalyst for Chelsea’s comeback and the cross for Riise own goal. Essien will also return at right-back.
Looking at the weekend, you can expect some heavy rotation once again from Rafa. Gerrard, Torres, Babel, Kuyt and Carragher will surely be under threat, with Arbeloa and Mascherano also at risk. Aurellio is certain to be out having picked up a groin injury tonight which could even end his season.
You can expect starts for Pennant, Crouch, Benayoun, Lucas, Hyypia and Voronin against Birmingham then. Will that matter? Not on Saturday’s evidence. Indeed, given Birmingham’s defensive frailty, Crouch for one, could certainly be worth a look as a short-term purchase.
The Chelsea situation is far from clear however. They won’t be resting players with United visiting Stamford Bridge in the title decider. As I’ve mentioned, Essien is likely to return at right-back and Kalou could also start. Apart from that, I’d expect the same lineup from Grant with Ashley Cole and Ballack keeping their starts.
I watched this game - only UEFA Champions League is on free-to-air in australia. Gotta say though, Liverpool were unlucky although as a gooner it was sweet to see them have a taste of bad luck.
As Mark’s mentioned there’ll be heavy rotation and I’ve done Gerard -> Fabregas to do avoid this. On this note, it certainly appears as if Arsenal have the best remaining games and I’m contemplating over a 4-point-hit of Brown/Carvalho -> Clichy. The left-back has been a bonus point favourite and several cleanies seem to be on their way.
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Reply by Henrik on April 23, 2008 5:46 am:
“Gotta say though, Liverpool were unlucky although as a gooner it was sweet to see them have a taste of bad luck.”
Hehe. My words exactly!
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Mark, it might be worth updating your “Which defence offers best return” poll. Just to see what people think over last three games. Or maybe change to the must have strikers etc?
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I don’t usually ask for advice because I am stubborn old git but today I am not.
Ballack and Rooney straight swap for Fabregas and Adebayorrrrr or Walcott taking a 4 point hit.
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Reply by puffinboy on April 23, 2008 10:13 am:
I’ll leave that to the experts. Did your trip away leave you feeling under par?
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Reply by Martin on April 23, 2008 10:20 am:
Walcott 100% certain to play against Derby, Adebayor 75% - but if both were to play Adebayor likely to get a better return - close call - I’ve got Fab and Adebayor already, but I’m going to go for it and get rid of Ashton and bring in Walcott as well.
I’m probably swayed by watching the game on TV on Monday night with a few beers and want to make sure I’ve got some Arsenal attacking options. It is possible that as Hleb is facing a 3 game ban that Van Persie may play out on the left with Walcott on the right and Adebayor and Bentdner up front - a 4 pronged strikeforce - so take yer pick yer dad!
In your position I would take the 4pt hit and bring in Fab and Walcott, making Fab captain; sit back and enjoy the 6-1 demolition.
Anyone tempted with Clichy - careful, Wenger could give Traore a game and as already hinted Fabianski will be in goal on Monday - out of the 3 final games that is the most likely game that Wenger will give him following his indicative remarks, plus Derby are bound to nick a goal if it becomes a goal fest (5-1, 6-1 - something like that).
Anyone looking for a long shot - Traore has been playing reserve games in left midfield recently and classified as a defender, he could get an interesting run out on the left wing in place of Hleb, if Wenger keeps in Clichy and be amongst the attacks, along with the clean sheet chance despite my comments.
Out of the three remaining games, this match will be used to try out one or two different options.
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Reply by Luke on April 23, 2008 10:24 am:
buy Santa Cruz, he’s awesome
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Reply by yer dad on April 23, 2008 10:39 am:
Cheers Martin the real Martin not puffinMartin. Good advice.
Is that you Luke?? Still going on about Santa bloody Cruz.
Golf was superb until I reached the 17th at Gainsborough and started thinking that I should of made Young my captain, then disaster strikes and it lands in the pond and I finish 3rd after 3 days of hard slog. I was using the visualization method but Young kept coming in my head.
Unlucky last night PuffinMartin, but what a great header.
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