Queen’s Park Rangers Vs Chelsea F.C FA Cup 4th Round – LINE UPS
This is set to be a highly contested derby. With matters of alleged racist abuse gaining all the attention, the focus will be fully on John Terry and Anton Ferdinand.
Chelsea lost on their last visit to Loftus Road, with the Blues having two men sent off in the first half; by a ref who has came under question all season.
Both chairmen have issued statements warning fans not to engage in behaviour that will be deemed as unacceptable. The fans will be hyped up all throughout the match and both clubs are hoping to avoid any confrontation outside the stadium.
Chelsea will be touted as favourites for this match, but this does not mean QPR will not threaten throughout. Joey Barton will look to dominate the midfield and possibly try to wind up our players. It is our players job not to react to his mind games.
Gary Cahill looks likely to make his début in this game and with Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba still on Africa Cup of Nations duty, it again leaves Romelu Lukaku and Fernando Torres in a battle for the centre forward position with Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge set to provide support on the wings.
Confirmed Chelsea XI-
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Meireles, Malouda, Sturridge, Torres, Mata.
Categories: Matches Tags: Anton Ferdinand, Cahill, Cech, Cole, Essien, Ivanovic, John Terry, lampard, Mata, Racism, Ramires, sturridge, Terry, Torres
Chelsea Defensive Review: November 2011
So far this season our defensive statistics do not make great reading, with our defence leaking goals and costing us points.
In 11 Premier League games we have conceded 15 goals and kept just two clean sheets, this has been caused by untimely and uncharacteristic personal errors.
As well as poor positioning and a lack of solidity that goes against the high standards our defenders are capable of.
So here are the player by player reviews for the season so far
John Terry
Despite the race row with Anton Ferdinand and his lack of pace, Terry is still an effective rock at the heart of our defence.
Whenever the team struggles you can still count on Terry to have put in a shift even though he has made some a couple of minor errors (who doesn’t).
He has let from the front and proved himself to be a captain, leader, legend on numerous occasions despite more controversy cracking off around him.
Rating – 7.5 out of 10
David Luiz
A cult hero at Stamford Bridge, David Luiz has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season however as a centre back he can still be rash and make poor decisions.
He has not been as effective as Branislav Ivanovic or Alex in central defence and I do not think he is part of our best central defensive line up.
There is a growing clamour for him to be played in a defensive midfield position so he can make use of his marauding style, range of passing and confidence going forward whilst protecting the backline.
Rating – 5 out of 10
Alex
Injured for part of the season, Alex does not seem to be in favour with Andre villas Boas however the Brazilian is powerful and dependable and a perfect partner for John Terry.
Rating – 6 out of 10
Branislav Ivanovic
Has not started as often as he would like but whether it is at centre back or right back he has performed solidly.
He came in for the misfiring Jose Boswinga at Blackburn and can claim an assist worthy of any winger for the winner; I expect we may see a lot more of him in a wide position in the next few weeks.
A rugged defender with a Rolls Royce engine
Rating – 7.5 out of 10
Jose Boswinga
The right back has started the majority of games this season, but has struggled with his positioning at critical points of the season.
This has cost the team points and him his place in the team.
Always good going forward he adds something to the team but needs to work on his defensive play pr it may be difficult to justify his place in the starting line up.
Rating – 5 out of 10
Ashley Cole
The most dependable player in our defence, he is strong going forward and in defence, a truly priceless part of our team.
I would like to see him rested occasionally to keep him in tip top shape for as long as possible.
Rating – 8 out of 10
Categories: CFC Opinion Tags: Alex, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Defence, Ivanovic, John Terry, Jose Boswinga, Review
