Chelsea Vs Napoli Preview: If I were Andre Villas Boas:

Napoli play the 3-5-2 formation with Marek Hamsik behind Lavezzi and Cavani. To me, Marek Hamsik is the most dangerous player with six goals this season, seven assists and has had thirty four shots. He is the sort of player, who will give a killer pass or go for goal himself if given room.
If I was Andre Villas Boas, I would play 4-5-1 with Didier Drogba upfront, with two in midfield, two wide men and one midfielder behind a striker. The 4-5-1 formation was successfully employed by Arsene Wenger the last time he won a league tittle since it remains 4-5-1 while defending and automatically turns to 4-3-3 when you have the ball. And with Sturridge’s pace and Drogba’s ability to hold the ball on his day, within no time Napoli’s 3 man defense will find itself short in numbers.
Andre Villas Boas in my opinion has two options, to attack and come out with something or defend and hope for a draw then finish off the game at Stamford Bridge. However, given the current home form Chelsea would rather attack and make most of the opportunities they get than wait for the home game which could be uncertain.
One thing Chelsea must avoid is the high defensive line. This could prove costly. I watched the last match Napoli played over the weekend, away to Fiorentina and could help but realize that Lavezzi is a very fast forward who doesn’t track back even during corner kicks, waiting for counter attacks. Napoli’s third goal was a master class, traditional counter attacking football that Chelsea fans are popular with during the Duff-Robben era. Chelsea can therefore not afford to let David Luiz (who in my opinion is somehow re-discovering his form) stroll forward at will, the repercussions could be disastrous.
So who is the most dangerous player Chelsea should take note of, in my opinion Marek Hamsik. Again, I would borrow from Jose Mourinho’s style. While playing AC Milan while at Inter Milan, Ronaldinho was the best player then in the runner up to that match. There were some people suggesting to Mourinho to employ a man marking tactic, but all he did was to ensure the ball didn’t reach Ronaldinho. I can imagine the instructions were, “Don’t man mark him, but just ensure the ball doesn’t get to him” and it worked. Chelsea could do the same against Napoli, ensure the ball doesn’t reach Hamsik and if it does, don’t give him room to dictate play. I think in my opinion, this match like any other will be won in midfield.
The 4-3-3 formation, with one holding midfielder is risky. Man City played the same style against Napoli and they paid a heavy price, with one holding midfielder. Its also important to note that in some matches, Napoli have played Hamsik and Lavezzi behind Cavani and am sure should the initial formation fail to impress, they could revert to the later. (Where Lavezzi and Hamsik play behind Cavani)
Cech,= Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole. = Essien, Romeu.=Ramires, Sturridge= Mata Didier
Ramires and Essien’s ability to burst forward could be the key, especially when Chelsea has the ball. This will also give Chelsea advantage since there will be potential match winners in Frank Lampard and Kalou on the bench.
That would be my approach to this tricky away match, but then again am not the coach.