Preseason Rant: Kitchee SC v. Chelsea

By: Jack | July 26th, 2011

Schlong in Hong Kong.

wet&wild
Anelka with a George Michael-esque pose

Yeah, the above phrase, from known lyrologist Christopher Bridges, is kind of lewd. Hey, at least I didn’t use Bang cock in Bangkok when we were in Thailand. Area Codes, dude.

By now you should know that we’re on the cusp of competing in our first organized tournament of the new season. The Barclays Asia Trophy is at hand, and our first opponent is the tournament host. The event jumps off bright and early for those of us stateside, the boys kicking off around 8:30 am EDT. This competition, unlike our previous preseason friendlies, is a bit of a stickler for details. We’re only allowed five substitutions rather than the unlimited number we’ve been afforded prior.

Andre has planned accordingly, not that you ever had any doubt.

“We will most likely use the team that played 30 minutes against the Thailand All Stars, they are going to get 60 minutes tomorrow to make 90. That’s our logic for tomorrow’s game based on the regulations of this tournament. I think in the end they will be able to perform. Because of the intensity of training, they will be able to respond. It is the job for us to judge it from the bench.”

So that means no Mikel and no Bane, since both went the full 90 minutes in Thailand. From there, we can at least formulate a partial first team. Wonderful.

Projected XI (4-3-3): Cech; Ashley, EBJT, ?, Paulo; ?, Yuri, Yossi; Flo, Drogs, Salou.

How he solves the holding midfield role will be interesting, what with Josh and Mikel seemingly unavailable and Ramires still on international leave. Alex was seen in training today – I seen it – so he may well partner EBJT in the center of defense.

That’s all I got. See you guys in the morning. KTBFFH

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Category: Chelsea Team News, Fixtures, Player News, Rant Box

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ph0bolus

Dont know if we were really pursuing Thiago, but maybe we shouldve because he's beasting in the Audi Cup right now.
Keaton_the_Eskimo

2nd goal in the final was beautiful
Jack

4-0 FT. Good run out. Saw plenty of the ball, several excellent performances. We'll face Villa in the final on Saturday.
Jack

Excellent disguised effort from Torres. Tags the near post with the keeper rooted.
ph0bolus

Benayoun is everywhere...Loving it.
Jack

My word, what an individual goal from Sturridge. Give this kid games.
Chels

Sturridge must stay. he has that spark that everyone else are lacking. Plus apparently he's the one taking care of set pieces when drogba isn't playing
Chels

Thats what Im talking about. What a goal. 4-0 Daniel Sturridge
Sharinganfx

bane and sturridge for a free kick. that's new
Jack

Changes in the mix. Torres replaces Drogba, while Josh is on for Yuri. Sturridge has replaced someone or other.
Chels

3-0. Nice play by Cole and Malouda. Drogba heads it in
Jack

3-0. Drogba on the line after a deflected cross from Flo. Good work between Flo and Ashley on the left.
Jack

Also, for those that miss the match, I feel I must mention that AVB has offered a 4-2-3-1 with Yuri - yes, Yuri - and Lampard playing the double pivot. It's worked well thus far. Tactical flexibility, something Carlo hadn't a clue about.
Wayne

I nice to see that AVB is getting ideas or already has a Plan B. This is something Carlo never had. AvB desperately needs a Plan B, do you agree Jack.
Chels

Hope to see if Torres likes it
Chels

owngoal 2-0
Jack

Thought that was a pretty decent half from us. Good movement, balance for the most part. Drogba bullying.
Jack

Free kick, around 30 yards out. Drogs clearly takes, and drops the hammer from distance. Well saved.
Tom

1-0 lamps pen
Jack

Yossi with some good work there to win a penalty. Lamps with the finish, down the middle.
Chels

Penalty. Nice dribble by Benayoun
Chels

1-0 #8
Chels

Rajkovic is playing good, Kalou looks more interested than usual and Ferreira actually managed to get past someone :)
Chels

AVB doesn't look happy
Sharinganfx

watched torres make his debut for the reds 4 years ago against pompey at the barclays cup back then and he flopped. maybe he can redeem himself in blue
Jack

I mentioned this last season, but it's still glaring: How sad is it that Drogba is our best crosser of the ball?
Chels

Best crosser, best shooter, best ....
Jack

Yep, pretty much best everything.
Chels

Cross by Drogba, Kalou hits the bar
Jack

Chelsea XI: Turnbull, Ferreira, Rajkovic, Terry, Cole, Benayoun, Lampard, Zhirkov, Kalou, Malouda, Drogba. Reckon Lamps will hold.
Jack

We're off.
Tom

Match starting
Buzzi

Match will practically be over by the time I get to work...Damn.
Buzzi

Match will practically be over by the time I get to work...Damn.