As we had for a crunch tie against Birmingham, I am hoping RDM will start with 4-4-2 formation. I would wish to have Essien and Romeu. (These two can actually play together same way Makelele and Essien Played together) I would push Essien a little further forward, and keep Romeu in the holding position. Since our central pairing of David Luiz and Cahill is yet to gel, its very important to have a holding midfielder in the caliber of Romeu, to protect the vulnerable back four.
Ramires is a player who until the last three matches has been a performer at Chelsea. We can make use of his pace, especially during counter attack. He is therefore an integral part of a Chelsea team, regardless of the formation. A complete box to box midfielder who only needs a little more improvement on his passing. In a compact sort of environment, its is such midfielders who make the difference in matches.
Chelsea have been so predictable in the predictable lately. Probably due to the fact that the only natural winger we have plays alot on the left side of the midfield. I would change this. I believe Juan Mata can play well either in the middle of behind a striker. If I want him behind a striker, then I will bring lampard in the middle, play 4-5-1,with my midfield comprising of Romeu, Essien, Rams, Lamps, Mata.
Fernando Torres is yet to rediscover his form, a year later. This is a serious tie and I wouldnt mind if he doesnt feature at all. I cant helping feeling sorry for the guy, but considering this is a match we must score, its only fair that he does not feature.
I would therefore keep Drogba upfront as my first choice and have Sturridge on the bench.
Depending on the score, I would bring him Sturridge in the second half, simply because as time goes by during a match, especially in the second half, he tends to fade off and in most cases he is unnoticed. Obviously, bringing Sturridge in the second half, with his pace should be a real nightmare to the opposition defense, just like during the Robben super sub days.
Sturridge could come in for one of the midfielders, preferably Lampard and force the formation to 4-4-2 with Drogba upfront.
There have been comments from several soccer pundits, who claim Drogba cannot play with Torres upfront, in 4-4-2 formation. I would like RDM to try Sturridge and Drogba upfront.
Of course at the back I would start Betrand in place of Cole at left back. Cole has been very awful lately. Cahill, David Luiz and Ivanovic. It is obviously a gamble, just like the appointment of RDM, but then again what Chelsea needs right now is a break from the recent past, onto something slightly different.
A change in formation could just be the something different!
Chelsea have conceded a few goals from corner kicks. The last two goals conceded were actually scored by the opposition left backs. I hope AVB didnt employ the zonal marking system. RDM should ensure theres proper marking during corners and deadball situations. Thats where we have been most vulnerable.
Either way, i expect a good match. Birmingham trying to punish Chelsea and Chelsea players trying to prove a point, that actually the recent dismal performance had been caused poor tactics.
A win and progression into the FA Cup quarters and we will be pointing fingers at the previous coach. A loss and we will point fingers at the players and a clear testimony that AVB may have left Chelsea, but the problems still exist!
Frank Oloo
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