As we face the black and white stripes of Newcastle United today, we again spoke to our resident opposition fan, to get his views on the season ahead, as well as todays game.
One of both of these teams will have to surrenders their 100% record today, and with us finishing in 5th and 6th place last season, it is sure to be a close game.
The Toon will want to build on their 2-0 victory at the Bridge in May, whilst Chelsea look to win this fixture after failing to do so in the last four.
Hi Daniel, first off, Chelsea fans will have had a slight smirk at your opening day win over former blue AVB and his Tottenham side on day one, was that a surprise for you, and do you think you can follow up your 5th place finish again this season?
Haha I bet they did! But no I wasn’t that surprised because we have a settled squad whilst they are in the midst of a rebuild. So I think we caught them at a good time. Following up on 5th will be difficult; we’re no longer the ‘surprise package’ so teams may be more come extra prepared for us this time around. I think the early target should be 7th, with hope that we’ll be involved in that late race for the Champions League spots again.
With a summer of speculation, you have kept on to the likes of Cisse, Ba, Krul, Cabaye and Tiote, who do you think is going to be your key player if you are going to have a successful season?
A combination of all of them of course. However if I’m going to pick one, then I’d have to say Hatem Ben Arfa. He can be a real game changer and if he can find some consistency then he’ll give us that extra creativity we need to be really successful. We’ve got a good hard working team but you always need that extra piece of magic to win points each week, especially when you face teams like Chelsea.
A decent shout, I think Chelsea will have to cut out mistakes like against Reading if they are to keep him quiet. Onto todays game, and if you could take just one of Chelsea’s players, who would it be, and why?
We’re weak at centre-back so I’d like to be sensible and pick Gary Cahill. However, even though it’s early days, Eden Hazard’s quality cannot be overlooked. Just the thought of a front 4 consisting of Cisse, Ba, Ben Arfa and Hazard puts all sensible thoughts to rest.
There has been some exciting clashes between us in the past, our editor has predicted an exciting clash ending 3-2 to Chelsea, how do you think the game will pan out, and who will get the goals?
There certainly have been some exciting games. I’m sorry to mention it but I will never forget that ridiculous goal from Cisse at the end of last year! 3-2 doesn’t seem a bad shout when you look at the wealth of attacking talent but I’m gonna go for 2-1, to the Toon of course. I think we’ll see goals from both Cisse and Ba, plus a consolation from Frank Lampard.
We will forgive you for mentioning that, as long as he doesn’t do it again. Thanks again for your time, and you can catch Daniel on Twitter @vaccaro7.
By Brad Smith
@BrummieBrad