football: the beautiful game

[polishmike]

he will play (and he's fat)

[chchchip]

haha. thanks.

[chchchip]

supposedly aguero is going to chelsea in january for 100 million? don't know how much i believe soccernet but i definitely wouldn't put it beyond chelsea.

[cyberPUNK]

no way they'd pay 100 million. he may be going to chelsea but not for that much money.

[chchchip]

true. where would they play him though? i mean they have drogba and anelka up top already. would they just change into a 4-3-3 or drop anelka?

[polishmike]

african nations cup so they have no dropba early next year

[Becks23]

supposedly aguero is going to chelsea in january for 100 million? don't know how much i believe soccernet but i definitely wouldn't put it beyond chelsea.

It's a 100 million dollar deal, not transfer fee.

It's basically worth up to that amount but I think transfer has gone from like 60/65 million to 50 and now hopefully stop at 40 million... but throw in wages and endorsements to get to 100.

[chchchip]

ahh i gotcha. makes sense now.

i totally forgot about the africa nations cup. makes sense now.

[78]

hmmm... from what I saw of Kakuta on the weekend n' Sturridge now and then... we should be able to survive with them alongside Anelka n' Kalou... we need more young defenders to sure up the backline instead of the Ancelottery back there. Only sure starters seems to Cashley n' JT. And JT's not as dependable...

When are we going to see the enigma that is Zhirkov play?!?!

[beast]

is lampard fit to play against arsenal on sunday? i know he has a thigh injury but in all the stuff i've read about the game i haven't heard anything in regards to lamps. anyone know?

Apparently he is somewhat fit. The horse placenta apparently didnt do that much to aid his progress. Bet he wont play the full 90 min.

But they have enough firepower without him. Since it is away, Carlo would probably play with one sitting back and that will be Mikel. The other diamond will be Essien, Cole, Ballack and Deco or even Malouda.

[beast]

true. where would they play him though? i mean they have drogba and anelka up top already. would they just change into a 4-3-3 or drop anelka?

Probably drop Nico or ask him to continue to play wide, like all the way in Man City. Have already mentioned Chelsea is the graveyard of strikers, much like how Real is the graveyard of defenders. I dont know how the dimunitive Kun can thrive in the BPL.

Roman probably think he is the second coming of another Athletico star, Nando and dont think he is another Carlton or Kezman or Pizarro or Di Santo or Sahar or Sheva

[beast]

hmmm... from what I saw of Kakuta on the weekend n' Sturridge now and then... we should be able to survive with them alongside Anelka n' Kalou... we need more young defenders to sure up the backline instead of the Ancelottery back there. Only sure starters seems to Cashley n' JT. And JT's not as dependable...

When are we going to see the enigma that is Zhirkov play?!?!

Sure starters would be JT, Carvalho, Bosingwa, Cashley and Cech.

Throw in Essien, Lamps, Drogs and Nico and that is basically Carlo's first team if all are fit. The rest of the team will have to slot into the 2 remaining slots. 1 if Joe Cole convinces Carlo.

Kalou is African and he is going to ANC unless you know something we dont.

[78]

yeah brain fog on the Kalou inclusion.

sure starters does NOT include Carvalho as of late. And I didn't include the rest of the positions because I was talking about the back line...

I don't understand how you can say Chelsea's a graveyard for strikers... Andrei was weird to start with... but who else? Dont mention di Santo and other kids cuz the same can be said for ANY big clubs in europe apart from Aresenal n' Barca.

[beast]

yeah brain fog on the Kalou inclusion.

sure starters does NOT include Carvalho as of late. And I didn't include the rest of the positions because I was talking about the back line...

I don't understand how you can say Chelsea's a graveyard for strikers... Andrei was weird to start with... but who else? Dont mention di Santo and other kids cuz the same can be said for ANY big clubs in europe apart from Aresenal n' Barca.

1. Thats because Carv is this season either injured/recovered/unfit. When fit, Jose, Avram will use him as 1st choice.

Ivanovic is used as right back and in terms of bombing forth (which Carlo needs if his diamond does not have wingers like Cole and Malouda), he loses out to Bosingwa.

Alex, well, big and strong and have a mean kick for spot kicks but still not top choice.

That leaves Carv who is in fact better than JT. Whenever he plays, he reads the game well and blocks well. ONe season, I think in Avram's time, Chelsea didnt lose when he played or I think they lost 1 or 2. But still damn good odds and reflect well on him or his partnership with JT and understanding with Cech.

At least he doesnt do the fling his body and life to block the ball shtick JT does all the time and JT's new falling on the field routine or his old professional foul when a speedy striker/winger threatens to outrun him.

2. As for strikers, who besides Drogs and Nico became a top striker for Chelsea these few years? Of course the caveat is that the rest didnt really get much of an opportunity to make an impact but at least in Man U, I see Rossi, Marcheda and even Larsson brought in as subs and can make an impact, I mean score goals.

BTW I dont mean turn a subbed striker into a 20 goal wunderkid but a striker brought in who can score at least on a somewhat regular basis. Babel did that for Pool in the past and Ngog seems to have blossomed into a good apprentice for Nando. Even the nutter with a putter and Crouchy can still score some goals for Pool.

So who falls into that category for Chelsea? Who over the years who are subbed in, Chelsea can count in to score goals? Kalou? Kezman? Carlton? Sheva (Ya. I know you say to count him out but if you recall, he scored twice in his 1st 3 matches I think and he got that drought and can only score against low teams and I dont mean low teams in BPL but in the lower leagues. And Sheva was even played before Drogs by Jose at times) Pizarro? Even Crespo didnt look good compared to his time when loaned to AC.

And these are recognised strikers except for Carlton who was under 21 English striker. I did not go on about the kids who when given a chance cant score like Rossi and Marcheda or even Campbell. Like Di Santo, Sahar, that Italian kid, Borini, and I am sure many others which I cant recall.

[78]

regarding the starting of Ricardo, he has been fit for a decent amount of time now but is continually rested out of protection, that's what I mean about guaranteed starters. He's not guaranteed a start because he may be rested. He just can't handle the intense schedule anymore.

As for strikers, Chelsea's always been thin on strikers. Mainly because there hasn't been a need. We've always had a decent attacking midfield with FFL, JCole, Essien et co. something that's carried over from the glory days (in terms of playing for me) of Zola , Poyet, Ranieri, Wise et co.

Yes, we're thin but you said we're a graveyard. Meaning where people go after they're dead or go to die right?

Crespo did real well in the CL for Chelsea - he scored numerous winners. It's true he couldn't handle the physical nature of the EPL. But he was far from dead.

All you've gone to say is that Chelsea don't have depth and/or someone they can rely on for goals upfront. Which is some what true. How far do you want to go back? Kezman.. what about Flo and Jimmy?

So counter your argument.

Babel (3 this season, 4 goals last season, 10 in 08/07))

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=41418

vs

Kalou (4 this season, 10 last season), 9 in 08/07)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=39964

Who would you rather have coming off the bench??

And honestly who would have gambled on Anelka getting the golden boot last summer?? No one thought anelka had it left in him. So if anything we're on some Fountain of Youth tip!

[polishmike]

So counter your argument.

Babel (3 this season, 4 goals last season, 10 in 08/07))

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=41418

vs

Kalou (4 this season, 10 last season), 9 in 08/07)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=39964

Who would you rather have coming off the bench??

off the bench Babel, starting Kalou. both are shit tbh.

not to go off topic but i saw kalou play a charity game in ny and he was one of the fastest players i've ever seen. on a small, crowded pitch he was so fucking fast. (and i've seen some fast fuckers in my life)

[78]

Kalou needs to start taking coke... he's seriously becoming one of those couldabeens...

[polishmike]

he's a squad player for you and as a squad player he's very good. who would you rather see on the bench, kalou or voronin, owen, bendtner?

there is no doubt chelsea needs another striker. since the team plays with 2 up front there is always a need for 2 replacements. sturridge might step in for nico but he can't for dropba, nobody can. problem is that a world class player might not want to join them because he will be on the bench once both of them are fit. it's the same at liverpool, we can't get a good backup for torres cause he's always starting when he is fit.

[beast]

he's a squad player for you and as a squad player he's very good. who would you rather see on the bench, kalou or voronin, owen, bendtner?

there is no doubt chelsea needs another striker. since the team plays with 2 up front there is always a need for 2 replacements. sturridge might step in for nico but he can't for dropba, nobody can. problem is that a world class player might not want to join them because he will be on the bench once both of them are fit. it's the same at liverpool, we can't get a good backup for torres cause he's always starting when he is fit.

Actually Bendtner is becoming good as a super sub and Owen, though his legs are gone, still has the technique, positioning and tricks to score goals. In a way, Kalou is on par with the other 2. But all 3 generally wont strike fear in opposing teams when they are subbed. Voronin should pack his matching leopard print tracksuit with his wife and book a one way ticket back to Bundesliga.

I already said. Nando's apprentice is fast becoming Ngog. What is it now? ONe goal per game? Who would you rather see to be the sole out and out striker now when Nando is not fit? Ngog? El Zhar? Voronin? I rest my case.

Plus when they get Kun for 40 million, he will play no matter what. You dont pay that kind of money for Kun to warm the bench. Which means Carlo will fit all 3 strikers or Nico will warm the bench no matter what he does. Unless he suddenly overtakes Defoe in the goal scoring chart.

As for stepping in for Drogs, Nando can and thats why Roman was willing to pay 40 million for him.

Except Nando may lack a bit of Drogs physical statture and battering ram effect though Pool do punt long balls for him to do his thang when the chips are down, same as in Chelsea.

Able to play upfront alone? Check.

Create something out of nothing? Check.

Super fast and leave slow pokes defenders like JT in his wake? Check.

Able to use his tricks and flicks to bamboozle defenders? Check.

Able to combine well with other attacking players? Check.

Bitch and moan incessantly when things are not going his way? Check.

Amateur shakespeare-esque thespian prowess when touched by opposite players? Mmm. Maybe.

[beast]

Kalou needs to start taking coke... he's seriously becoming one of those couldabeens...

NO. he should have joined Arsenal. Wenger made enquiries for him this season and Chelsea obviously said no.

Anyway since you are a blues fan, who do you think will win the battle for London?

Arsenal have a whole host of injuries and Chelsea will likely have a full squad less Bosingwa. Chelsea trounced Arsenal twice in the latter part of last season when both have almost the same squad this season. drogs and Nico's forms have been better than last season. But Arsenal is so strong at home with their passing and possession. BTW for readytoignite, strong home form doesnt mean a team like Wolves can beat Barca you know. Willie will probably be less than 100% which means they cant use their set pieces to torment Cech, which I am still not convinced they have solved.

And the bookies have even chosen the Blues as the favourite to win and that is at the Emirates.

[beast]

regarding the starting of Ricardo, he has been fit for a decent amount of time now but is continually rested out of protection, that's what I mean about guaranteed starters. He's not guaranteed a start because he may be rested. He just can't handle the intense schedule anymore.

As for strikers, Chelsea's always been thin on strikers. Mainly because there hasn't been a need. We've always had a decent attacking midfield with FFL, JCole, Essien et co. something that's carried over from the glory days (in terms of playing for me) of Zola , Poyet, Ranieri, Wise et co.

Yes, we're thin but you said we're a graveyard. Meaning where people go after they're dead or go to die right?

Crespo did real well in the CL for Chelsea - he scored numerous winners. It's true he couldn't handle the physical nature of the EPL. But he was far from dead.

All you've gone to say is that Chelsea don't have depth and/or someone they can rely on for goals upfront. Which is some what true. How far do you want to go back? Kezman.. what about Flo and Jimmy?

So counter your argument.

Babel (3 this season, 4 goals last season, 10 in 08/07))

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=41418

vs

Kalou (4 this season, 10 last season), 9 in 08/07)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/stats?id=39964

Who would you rather have coming off the bench??

And honestly who would have gambled on Anelka getting the golden boot last summer?? No one thought anelka had it left in him. So if anything we're on some Fountain of Youth tip!

Please allow me to rebut.

1, At 31 or 32, Carv aint exactly washed up and central defenders can play into their 30s although Maldini is an exception. My point is he is the best of the central defenders of Chelsea and whenever he plays, he acquits himself well.

2. When I say graveyard, i dont mean a place where strikers go to live out their careers like in the lesser teams like Bolton or I think Stoke which wanted Scholes to end his career as a player/manager with them. I meant a place where good and promising players suck big time.

Crespo wasnt' dead but for a big big money signing, I think he was bought for big bucks like millions of quid by some Serie A team, he wasnt exactly a 20 goals hero for Chelsea.

As for Nico, he won Golden Boot with less than 20 goals, with main strikers like Drogs, Nando, Ronnie injured or sulking for Drogs. And if SAF really unleashed Ronnie and not saved him during the last match for the Champ League finals, I bet Ronnie would repeat his golden boot. And why not when he scored 40 goals the season before.

Plus Nico when he joined Chelsea in January under Average Grant, he couldnt score for nuts (sounds familiar?) and thats with Drogs injured. When Scolari came in, Nico started scoring when he is the only man infront with Drogs sulking or injured. Now with Drogs being in favour again, and Nico playing deep infield or up in row Z, he aint getting no golden boot.

3. Your stats may be right but I recall Babel coming in for Champ Leagues matches and scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea.

As for Kalou, he scored against Barca and Real enroute to Champ League victory. Uhh no. Think his crucial goal was a ridiculous off side goal against Blackburn and against lowly Watford. And wasnt Kalou some 20 goals hero in Feyenoord? Now, is he as good as he was in Feyenoord or I dont know, in the land of strikers' broken dreams aka the Bridge. And you cant say he sucks now cos I recall him scoring regularly when Ivory Coast plays. Argument countered!

BTW Carlo have so much faith in him, I seldom see him subbed even when he scored goals in midweek for Chelsea. Hmm, I wonder why.

[beast]

Kalou needs to start taking coke... he's seriously becoming one of those couldabeens...

Like Mutu who is facing imminent bankruptcy since he cant pay Chelsea the millions they won against him in Court for his heroin snorting passtime?

[zeen]

hopefully arsenal is able to scrape through with a draw. 2-2!

[beast]

hopefully arsenal is able to scrape through with a draw. 2-2!

Other than the night when Arsenal became the 2nd team to destroy Jose's proud 100% home record courtesy of I-aint-got-no-plan-B-Scolari, Chelsea seems to have bossed Arsenal everytime it matters like in last season's FA Cup semis and an earlier Carling Cup semis.

But in the past, when Wenger is cornered with his key men injured, he still could eke out a 1-0 victory over Man U with a 4-5-1 and we are at the Emirates, where the Gunners would dominate possession and pass quickly with their one touch passing.

And you still got Cesc who with his vision and one pass can crack the sturdiest of defence and slowpoke JT, you got the creative vision of Arshavin who Guus and Roman should have bought for Chelsea last January, speedy young Theo and even Eduardo who is a typical centre forward. And remember you can count on everybody including Eboue Murply to score goals.

But Arsenal's midfield still hasnt shown they can handle the physical stuff with the likes of Denilson, who is a bit soft still. Not to mention Senderos if Willie cant pop in his contact lens and Almunia is slowly showing why Lens still is better than him.

And if you got Ballack, Essien, Lamps and Mikel in midfield, they will likely boss the midfield and with that, the game is gone.

But I think Gunners should get a point in the Emirates or is it the Kroenke? with Dubai in financial turmoil or all 3 points.

Hence, Chelsea to drop points. Chelsea is long overdue for a draw or a third defeat. SAF will get the gap to 2 or 3 points and the race is on.

[78]

shit where to start?!?!

You can argue all you want about Ricardo being a sure starter, but the fact is he isn't. yes he's one of our best defenders and in the strongest starting 11, but he is NOT a guaratneed starter. If you were to put money on him starting week-in-week-out you'd be stupid.

Anelka was a revelation signing. You can't deny it. Once he found his rhythm he played some of his best football. Your resasoning of if only so-and-so wasn't injured, played more is a caveat for every single athlete in the world. So stfu with that argeument.

As for tonight. Aresnal has a real problem at the back this season. How many clean sheets have they been able to keep? Yeah they're scoring at will (sans last week!) but they are dismal at the back. And with Gallas (traitor) possibly out for tonight... alongside the attacking threat of RVP, Bendtner and even Diaby out it doesn't look good... Add to that Chelsea's goal scoring (12 in last 5) form AND their clean sheets (best defense in the EPL at the moment)... it's stacked in Chelsea's favour.

Here's hoping FFL is fit enough for tonight!

And Barca to win as well!

[beast]

shit where to start?!?!

You can argue all you want about Ricardo being a sure starter, but the fact is he isn't. yes he's one of our best defenders and in the strongest starting 11, but he is NOT a guaratneed starter. If you were to put money on him starting week-in-week-out you'd be stupid.

Anelka was a revelation signing. You can't deny it. Once he found his rhythm he played some of his best football. Your resasoning of if only so-and-so wasn't injured, played more is a caveat for every single athlete in the world. So stfu with that argeument.

As for tonight. Aresnal has a real problem at the back this season. How many clean sheets have they been able to keep? Yeah they're scoring at will (sans last week!) but they are dismal at the back. And with Gallas (traitor) possibly out for tonight... alongside the attacking threat of RVP, Bendtner and even Diaby out it doesn't look good... Add to that Chelsea's goal scoring (12 in last 5) form AND their clean sheets (best defense in the EPL at the moment)... it's stacked in Chelsea's favour.

Here's hoping FFL is fit enough for tonight!

And Barca to win as well!

1. Carv was starting regularly last season and the season before that. Dont hear news he is all broken down.

2. How can Nico be a revelation signing. After coming back from I think Fenerbache, he was scoring for fun for Bolton. In fact the surprise was his inability to deliver the goods for Chelsea despite banging in goals for fun for Big Sam. My point simply is Nico became golden bootie due to the dearth of competition and he wont repeat it this season.

3. Willie G I bet will be rushed to fitness no matter what. Like Chelsea, the gunners are weak at set pieces and they need all hands at deck since Chelsea will have tons of 6 footers aiming to score on a set piece.

Willie G aint no traitor. He wanted a big contract since he was a pivotal factor in Chelsea's title reign. He was turned down and to make things worse, he still have to play left back which he dislike and to make things even worse, they gave his beloved No. 13 to Ballack. Even after he left, he admitted he is closer to the Chelsea guys than to the young gunners. Not sure if that still remains since Makelele has left.

4. I dont know why people keep saying Lamps is fat. He looks OK to me. Bet he will play too.

5. I dont think Chelsea solved their set pieces problems. They are fantastic at the Bridge except for Stephen Hunt's goal but not away. Remember they were superior in Villa but lost to 2 set pieces. The saving grace is if Willie is out, there is no strong header in Arsenal. Well, maybe Vermillian. Will be a feisty affair but a draw or an Arsene win.

6. Think Real should dig in for a draw or win. Wont be a 6-2 drubbing last season if Messi is out.

[78]

Yeah we are weak from set pieces but in the last few weaks Cech has really stepped up. The goal by Fey in the Stoke game was shocking. He was neither on his line or going for the ball, just stuck in nomansland. smh. It's more the long high balls that Chelsea (and well all the top 4) have had troubles with... in fact most teams have a tough time with set pieces. The only way it seems to defend them is to play 6~8 6ft+ defenders crowding the box it seems... I think Stoke has done that a couple times this season.

Arsenal just do't have that aerial threat at the moment. And with their weakness in the back (letting goals in from open play) it still swings in Chelsea's favour.

Gallas is a traitor.

Just like Cashely's a traitor for the Gunners.

And Frank isn't fat right now, but has been known to pack it on during the off season.

[78]

so who won tonight?

[beast]

Willie is a traitor … .. to the Gunners!

Did you see him standing with a nonchalant attitude before Drogs scored his 3rd goal.

He was walking around like he was waiting for a cab to take him to his dinner and fiddling with his mouthguard. He was not even part of the wall and when the goal was scored, he didn’t have any reaction. Its like ‘what are you gonna do about it’.

That was one of the best scenes this weekend other than Bullard imitating Phil.

Willie was a divisive factor in the gunners camp and I bet still is.

Anyway you should be happy Cashley is a traitor. He is one of the best left back in BPL now. And really, he gave his youth to the gunners. The fans should acknowledge that, much like how West Ham acknowledge Tevez and not Lamps.

[78]

it wasn't just at the end where you could see Gallas being chummy with his former team mates. In the first half after Drogba was tracking back the two of 'em smile at each other.

Aresene's subs did not work out. Goes to show how important experience is for a team. RVP has grown over the years and that maturity upfront was sreiously lacking.

But yeah... Cashley creating two outta three was awesome.