Sunderland vs Chelsea – Stan Blue’s predictions …

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As I look ahead for the game tomorrow, I believe that Andre Villas-Boas will choose a strong attacking line-up that will look like this:
 
              Cech 
                                                                                                                                                              
Bosingwa Ivanovic Terry Cole
             
Mikel
     
         Ramires       Lampard
   
 Sturridge             Mata
             
                   Anelka
                                                                                                                                                                 
Cech: There is no doubt that Cech will return between the posts, but I would have liked a situation where Hilario starts. He gives us strong cover whenever Cech is out, but like everyone I expect AVB to pick the ever dependent Cech now he is fit.
                                                                                                                                                                  
Bosingwa: This man is perhaps my best Chelsea player so far – His confidence on the ball and is ability to take out midfielders and defenders means that there is no more than we can ask for from a defender. Though he needs to work more on his recovery and crosses.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Ivanovic: Though he has not been too impressive this season, he still will most likely start ahead of Alex who had wanted to go to Italy, and my man, Luiz who is now fit again.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Terry: A sure thing – Captain fantastic was fantastic for England during the break and nothing but a bedridden injury can keep him out.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Cole: a Guaranteed starter.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Mikel: With the unavailability of Essien he is likely to continue to play, we might see the introduction of Romeu in the the second half if things are going to plan. Our fans would love to see another debutant on the pitch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Ramires: His strength and aggressiveness should add strength to a Lampard-Mikel midfield. It can also help us stop the busting runs of the Sunderland midfielders.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Lampard: Although it would be nice to see a Josh or Mereles, I don’t think Lamps will get the Capello treatment here. He is still very good, but I would be pleased if he comes off for Mereles after the hour mark.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Sturridge: He is the most productive front man we currently have, he sure knows how to put the ball into back of the net. I would be expecting his arrogance to destabilize the opponents back line, I must admit I like his arrogance, it was what we used to get from Drogba.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Mata: He played very well in his 90 minutes for a star-studded Spanish team. He provided Villa his first goal and was deeply appreciated by the team. I think he enters our first team automatically, unless the coach wants to start with Malouda.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
Anelka: With Drogba out, he is the man for the job. Although this has not been his role at Chelsea because he loves to play deep, it will take some extraordinary courage to start with out of form Torres. Anelka may not like this, but it will do Torres a lot of good to find out that we expect him to shine.                                                                                                                                                                        
As for the score, my prediction is Sunderland 0 Chelsea 4 – It’s my dream!                                                                                                                                                                                                             
By Stan Blue
                                                                                                                                                             

2 thoughts on “Sunderland vs Chelsea – Stan Blue’s predictions …”

  1. I cannot see this being the starting 11 for tomorrow. AVB has already stated that he is prepared to drop Torres 'if' he doesn't start scoring. He certainly wont score if he is not playing! It would add insult to injury for the guy and do untold damage to his fragile confidence if he were also dropped by his club. I believe to leave him out of the starting 11 would work against Chelsea in the medium term in trying to do everything possible to get this undoubted talent scoring regularly again. Personally, I can see a Mata, Torres, Sturridge front three and a midfield of Lampard, Meireles and Ramires with Lampard asked to play a more defensive role as he did on tour of Asia. I am also not so sure that Ivanovich will get the nod ahead of David Luiz to partner JT at the back? For me Torres is a nailed on starter versus Sunderland but whether or not he finishes the game will depend on his overall performance and the teams overall performance. As Sunderland will come out and at us in their own backyard and with a forward three of Mata, Torres and Sturridge I am looking forward to a few goals from Chelsea this Saturday. KTBFFH

  2. I think he will stick with Torres, especially as what was said in the press conference and the fact that the player has been told he has to be playing and scoring to stay in the national team. I have a feeling that Sturridge will start on the bench, with Malouda starting on the left, then Juan Mata on the right and Torres in the middle.

    As for the back, I think it will be Luiz with JT and then Ivanovic moving to right back.

    But we shall see …

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