CHELSEA VS NAPOLI: ITS PAYBACK TIME!!

I was very observant during the Chelsea Vs Stoke game and I must admit the line up was a little surprising to me. In the end, this was a good thing and it really worked in our favor. Now whether RDM came up with this line up for tactical reasons or had one eye on Wednesday’s crunch tie against Napoli is everyone’s guess. Lets talk about the line up for today’s match!
In defense, I would play Ivanovic at right back. This Serb is on form and his not so many runs forward are proving to be the turning point. He is areal threat during dead ball situations which unlike during the first leg Chelsea never took advantage of. Terry and Luiz to partner in central defense, while Cahill to start on the bench. Whereas both Cahill and Luiz are good, If am to go by the recent performances I would pick Luiz. His aerial ability is something I had underestimated but time and again he has proved me wrong. Any defender good enough to out jump Nicola Zigic of Birmingham is good enough to handle Cavani. Ashley Cole comes in at left back and in my opinion, not because he is on form but simply because this is a very competitive game, with high tension which Bertrand cannot handle at the moment. Cole ‘s experience comes in handy. Clearly this is not his first competitive, high tempo and tense match.
The physical threat and presence of Cavani is something Chelsea must counter by all means. In other words, if Chelsea allow Napoli to score, then it would be an uphill task, hence if I was RDM I would start with Essien in the holding midfield position. His physical presence, tenacity and speed would be vital in not only protecting the back four but also the focal point of Chelsea’s attack together with Ramires and Lampard. Lampard however should not be allowed to play 90 minutes. We have to face it, age is catching up with him hence depending on the score I would bring in Mikel to take the holding position and push Essien further forward in the 60+ minutes.
I will then have Mata in centrally, behind the front two of Kalou and Drogba. His creativity is class and in several matches he has played centrally, he tends to perform very well. I expect a goal from the little Spaniard or an assist or both.
On his day, Drogba can take on on any defenders and he knows our qualification to the quarter finals rely on his shoulders. I also expect the big Ivorian not to disappoint. Two goals in his last two matches for Chelsea should keep his spirits high. His ability to assist the defense during dead ball situations hasn’t been appreciated enough, but I cant tell you how many times Drogba’s ability to head corners away from the our danger area has saved Chelsea.
Bring on Sturridge in the second half to torment Napoli’s defense and probably kill the game off. Its been very long since we had a player like Robben, a player who could come in and change the whole complexion of a match. In my opinion, Sturridge fits this role at the moment.
Score the first goal and you will get a second. Score a third and you will get a fourth and Napoli are out. As you do these however, ensure you keep it tight at the back: Do not concede!
Finally, here is a thought: 5 teams who have knocked Chelsea out of the Europe’s elite competition have gone ahead to lift the trophy. Can Napoli knock out Chelsea and go all the way, I really doubt.
Ladies and gentlemen, the gods are on our side!!