tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78160641816806391522024-03-05T21:14:48.920+05:30An Indian ChelseaFC Fanindian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-46216671015330111262012-08-18T15:25:00.001+05:302012-08-18T15:25:13.721+05:30Barclays Premier League: The Title Showdown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Barclays Premier League season brings huge expectations and hope with it. From mouthwatering top of the table clashes too some equally interesting relegation battles, the BPL is like a soap opera in itself. Like a much awaited seasonal TV series the league has its fair shares of ups and downs. A fair bit of drama follows with teams either over performing or underperforming at critical junctures putting entire predictions into disarray. Despite all this only a couple of clubs begin as favorites to clinch the league championship. As usual we have the two teams from Manchester and European Champions Chelsea followed by dark horses Arsenal as favorites to lift the title, forming the new BIG 4.</div>
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<strong><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Manchester United:</span></strong></div>
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Perennial favorites Manchester United will once again begin this season the more or less the same way, the only difference being that they will be the Challengers to Manchester City’s Champions. After what has been an extremely fruitful transfer window, Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to pick up a couple of quality signings to strengthen a team that missed out on last year’s title by mere seconds. With Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa now added to the United midfield and a deal for meteoric Dutch striker and last year’s BPL Golden Boot Robin Van Persie almost completed, SAF will be hoping that he has done enough to wrest back the title from Mancini’s boys. One of the major points of concern though for Manchester United has to be that of underperforming French full-back Patrice Evra. Once considered as among the best of his generation, Evra has struggled for form and consistency in the past season. A bid to replace him with Everton’s left English left back Leighton Baines has reportedly failed. Also on the roster will be the young blood of Englishman Nick Powell and Chilean Angelo Henriquez. Manchester United though will have to deal with some serious issues in the starting line-up with a mouthwatering group of strikers in Rooney, Persie, Hernandez and Welbeck to choose from. What happens to Berbatov is yet to be seen. In the evergreen Giggs and fantastic trio of Young, Valencia and Nani, United truly have a world class squad. Their main cause of concern is repeated injuries. Players like Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling being injured for long periods of time was the main reason they missed out on the title last year. SAF will have to make sure they last the season if they want to even come close to winning the title.</div>
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<strong><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Manchester City:</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7EyTEbsRPPQVEohwBYuXboOjuNe8C-bN2v37ed25UCb_Gnhn5mtIV5paQ0As8Ucsne5pahMcTUXwj0nIqncdZFri5ntGZsitWqrZBYKstNJtWHH0UMgc6RN_sjXEm93yuU__J_UJOxI/s1600/ManCity-Crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7EyTEbsRPPQVEohwBYuXboOjuNe8C-bN2v37ed25UCb_Gnhn5mtIV5paQ0As8Ucsne5pahMcTUXwj0nIqncdZFri5ntGZsitWqrZBYKstNJtWHH0UMgc6RN_sjXEm93yuU__J_UJOxI/s320/ManCity-Crest.jpg" width="268" /></a>An uncharacteristically quiet transfer window has seen Manchester City’s big spending cut down to only one £12 million signing in the form of Everton wonderkid Jack Rodwell. With an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, having quality players for every position, Manchester City will begin their title defense as favorites. Roberto Mancini’s men go into the season with a disadvantage having shot stopper Joe Hart and captain Vincent Kompany both suffering from injury niggles. With an in-form Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez alongside temperamental Mario Balotelli at their disposal, City should have no problem in racking up the goals. An unchanged side will also work to their benefit as the squad has already played together and linking up of players during passes and crosses will come far more naturally and easily. Mancini though will be looking to add to his player rosters. With talismanic midfielder Yaya Toure, known for his accurate long range goals, fit and raring to go, and Frenchman Samir Nasri also coming into form, the midfield looks solid and ready. Wingers David Silva and James Milner have been in fine form and Micah Richards had a good outing at the Olympics. Mancini’s new target this year seems to be to get multiple trophies. Their biggest obstacle though, will be handling large player egos. Dressing room showdowns and infighting will have to be managed by Mancini if he wants to deliver trophies he has promised to his Arab bosses.</div>
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<strong><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Chelsea:</span></strong></div>
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Champions of Europe Chelsea will look to lay their hands once again on the title that they have secured thrice under Roman Abramovich. Although a widely criticized defensive display was responsible for that fabled Champions League triumph, Chelsea have decided to break the bank this season to fulfill what has been Roman’s aim of playing “beautiful football”. Almost £65 million have been spent on signing young superstars in Belgium’s Eden Hazard, Germany’s Marko Marin and Brazil’s Oscar to team up with Juan Mata, Ramires and Frank Lampard to provide the attack with some teeth. As Chelsea embark on their first post-Drogba season, all eyes will be centered on £50million signing Fernando Torres. After what had been an extremely torrid first 6 months, Torres has started showing flashes of the brilliance that prompted Abramovich to sign him. Unlike KOP flop Andy Carroll, Torres has actually started to get into his own groove having scored a hat-trick (albeit against relegation threatened QPR) and taking home the golden boot at EURO 2012.The opening goal in the community shield match against League champions City and an assured striking slot will surely add to his confidence. The emergence of young players in Daniel Sturridge and Ryan Bertrand will also add confidence to interim-turned-full time manager Roberto Di Matteo who will look to emulate his successful end to the season. Don’t be surprised if Chelsea manages to battle it out for multiple honors this year as the club will also compete for the FIFA Club World Cup and the European Super Cup.</div>
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<strong><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Arsenal:</span></strong></div>
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Arsenal, dark horses of the premier league. Arguably the club which flatters to deceive year after year. Once, an invincible club in the premier league, the Arsenal of today somehow manages to scrape into the top 4 year after year. Although they have a quality group of players and a fine manager, they, for some inexplicable reason manage to remain without a major trophy every year. Having lost Cesc Fabregas and now strike spearhead Robin Van Persie, Arsenal would have seemed to struggle to even compete for Europa League spots if not for some very shrewd signings by Arsene Wenger. For a manager whose name sounds like he was made for Arsenal, Wenger has been forced to take into some serious budgetary constraints while building his squad over the years. Usually a fan of French players and the French league, Wenger has gone against his natural nature to pick up Malaga’s Spanish winger Santi Cazorla and Cologne’s German veteran forward Lukas Podolski. In former Montpellier Ligue 1 top scorer Olivier Giroud they have a well-developed replacement for outgoing captain van Persie. Arsenal too boasts of an enviable frontline of Cazorla and Walcott in the wings and Podolski and Giroud up front. Their main cause of concern should be the defense and if they can make a quality signing before the window ends they could truly threaten to tilt the leagues balance in their favor. Arsene will though have to look out for long term injuries like those suffered by Wilshere to not put a dent into his plans. They should start small by aiming for the Capital One Cup and FA Cup as priority targets.</div>
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indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-41333485335017320702012-08-12T12:32:00.000+05:302012-08-12T12:41:32.298+05:30Chelsea Vs Manchester City Community Shield 2012 Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsdZjgHXq9wUwaQJ47qgcMXfIRh-do3OUFcRl2njdVSHeufA2xURDvZRDNaJKqDPuvEifBPR0f5r09g7TaqyNtQUiApQ_RvUstzd7Pbj3o1I_NtX41i0F1w4PPL2w9mhyhsS1JQhRaLA/s1600/c0388_Chelsea+FC+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsdZjgHXq9wUwaQJ47qgcMXfIRh-do3OUFcRl2njdVSHeufA2xURDvZRDNaJKqDPuvEifBPR0f5r09g7TaqyNtQUiApQ_RvUstzd7Pbj3o1I_NtX41i0F1w4PPL2w9mhyhsS1JQhRaLA/s200/c0388_Chelsea+FC+logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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After what has been a rather agonizing wait for the first professional game of the season, Chelsea look to kick off their campaign with a win against Defending Premier League Champions Manchester City in the 2012 Community Shield.<br />
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What is usually a rather inconsequential game in the English football season, has created much hype and interest this time around given that the two richest clubs of English football will square of at Villa Park today. In what will be less of a match and more of a financial muscle-flexing and parading of their respective squads, a new-look Chelsea FC will look to stamp their authority as European Champions on an unusually unchanged Manchester City.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyxMKB1EG5cF2TmkPecJsAf2oeRneJzrGc8wqe9Ivkp7-PWEdyh-ao7o6HdpDbLiWiFrt1WgRWDbjZhOuDXuNuDFunG0zbgvUXcxURmElaVWOWE6IHD57uBGM5qs6rEzjJDhTXge_WR8/s1600/VillaPark_PanoramaFromTrinityRoadStand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyxMKB1EG5cF2TmkPecJsAf2oeRneJzrGc8wqe9Ivkp7-PWEdyh-ao7o6HdpDbLiWiFrt1WgRWDbjZhOuDXuNuDFunG0zbgvUXcxURmElaVWOWE6IHD57uBGM5qs6rEzjJDhTXge_WR8/s640/VillaPark_PanoramaFromTrinityRoadStand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a bunch of new signings in Belgian superstar Eden Hazard, Brazilian wonder-kid Oscar and slick German winger Marko Marin, Chelsea will look to play some beautiful football. With an unchanged solid defense at the back and the new influx of youthful creativity into the squad Chelsea's Russian owner will look to duel it out with City's Arab owner as to who is the original money spending Kingpin of the premier league.<br />
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Chelsea now under former Assistant and Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo have confirmed that they will be fielding an extremely strong squad as they expect to challenge with enough enthusiasm for each of the Seven Trophies they are eligible for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qE3CTOejwCvrjfdSacLVVlSGrFxWL-4gkCy_zfQnuHH4x9My0EZTlrXpnABCyWGTLXboKLLUNpp-yGiay-FVT-GDwajHeJKKEZQK1cfsQufkuo6WVgZaUxDO0u96Io1rVUwpVolmydQ/s1600/Community+shield+lgo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qE3CTOejwCvrjfdSacLVVlSGrFxWL-4gkCy_zfQnuHH4x9My0EZTlrXpnABCyWGTLXboKLLUNpp-yGiay-FVT-GDwajHeJKKEZQK1cfsQufkuo6WVgZaUxDO0u96Io1rVUwpVolmydQ/s1600/Community+shield+lgo.jpg" /></a>Chelsea will unfortunately be without new signing Marin who is holding of a minor hamstring injury. he will not be risked. Chelsea are expected to lineup with experienced and in-form shot-stopper Petr Cech in goal. With a usual Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole back four. With Romelu Lukaku having joined former Chelsea player and assistant coach Steve Clarke at West Brom on loan Chelsea are left with only two out and out strikers in Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge. Torres is expected to lead the attack today. The main question that lies is who makes the cut for the 5 midfield slots as Di Matteo is sure to go with his Champions League winning 4-2-3-1 formation. Hazard is expected to start while Oscar will probably start from the bench.<br />
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Manchester City are reportedly without their central midfielder Gareth Barry and burly right back Micah Richards. Pablo Zabaleta will probably take his place then. The real toss up is between Lescott and Kolo Toure for the second centre back's slot, with Toure the most likely starter. Samir Nasri will probably get a chance to shine after some neat performances at Euro 2012. As usual Sergio Aguero will lead the attack with Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez will most likely playing a support role in the wings or off the bench.<br />
Big man Yaya Toure will as usual play in the central midfield. David Silva is a lock-in for his left wing role.<br />
Joe Hart is out of the squad with a back injury, which will see Romanian keeper Costel Pantilimon make rare appearance.<br />
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<b>Bench: </b>Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, John Obi Mikel, Oscar, Daniel Sturridge</div>
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<b>Bench: </b>Gunnar Nielsen, Gael Clichy, Joleon Lescott, Nigel De Jong, Adam Johnson, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko</div>
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<b>Expected Result: 2-1 (Chelsea Victory)</b></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-6775179967761285452012-07-14T15:23:00.000+05:302012-07-14T15:23:15.891+05:30The 'Heptuple'?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white;">After what was probably the most dramatic turnaround in Chelsea history, a team that finished sixth in the Barclay's Premier League, a team that was trailing by a goal with two minutes to go in the Champions League final managed to pull off an extraordinary FA Cup and UEFA Champions League double, to cap what was an extraordinarily roller coaster ride.</span><br />
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After having sacked flamboyant, young and charismatic manager Andre Villas Boas after tasting a 1-0 defeat at the hands of over-achieving West Bromwich Albion, the reins of the club were handed to Assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo, a former Chelsea legend, and ironically sacked by West Brom themselves the previous year(and not mention an uncanny similarity to Dragon Ball Z character Krillin).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZMBXblcuK9erL1c65CJxRwkoxo6SAnfVrKv0yQ8KgxZOLSYgRhyYU1TBeEqyOyFs4TIwDRJQfTOXkudQVkwCGi8Z4DiMmWi5JgVZmZa6NsjqLmiGvkwZvtRWk__3iCn6ciKqP9XJP6Q/s1600/Di+matteo+Krillin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZMBXblcuK9erL1c65CJxRwkoxo6SAnfVrKv0yQ8KgxZOLSYgRhyYU1TBeEqyOyFs4TIwDRJQfTOXkudQVkwCGi8Z4DiMmWi5JgVZmZa6NsjqLmiGvkwZvtRWk__3iCn6ciKqP9XJP6Q/s400/Di+matteo+Krillin.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roberto Di Matteo (top); Krillin (bottom)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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He stuck to the tried and tested big guns, and based on an uncharacteristically dogged and rigid defending managed to pull of one of European Football's greatest coups by beating the mighty Barcelona and an in form Bayern Munich (who themselves had vanquished La Liga Champions Real Madrid) on the way to the final.<br />
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The lasting memory of that wonderful night on May 19 is the entire Chelsea team along-with Roman Abramovich celebrating with the trophy. Fans and spectators of the beautiful game thought that this was it. The capping of Chelsea's glorious reign under Abramovich's ownership with a trophy he has desired from the very start.<br />
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Yet this is just the beginning. That singular victory has opened up a frontier which could see Chelsea go down as the greatest ever football club in just one season. It could vanquish the amazing six-trophies-in-a-season record set by Barcelona by going one better. This is because the FA Cup double and Champions League title means Chelsea will battle it out for seven trophies this season. A Heptuple.<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>UEFA Super Cup (vs. Atletico Madrid) (Champions League Winner vs. Europa League Winner)</li>
<li>FA Community Shield (vs. Manchester City) (FA Cup Winner vs. Premier League Winner)</li>
<li>Club World Cup (Champions League Winner against Champions from other continents)</li>
<li>Barclays Premier League</li>
<li>UEFA Champions League (Qualified via Defending Champion Rule)</li>
<li>FA Cup</li>
<li>League Cup</li>
</ol>
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2012-2013 Possible Trophy Cabinet?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkL1NMEHVBk4EXiDUkkzL3L26mFjDsk_6h_64BNmemtz9dlVbaXozbQMrXQDfB55ndDmZI1zhEU52e8bxBmeKFJ5nyb5tZA4PPfAwIg1StOXyTKvWFSwDglL-KHOpgeI8Nk2fjvpHOpU/s1600/FA_Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkL1NMEHVBk4EXiDUkkzL3L26mFjDsk_6h_64BNmemtz9dlVbaXozbQMrXQDfB55ndDmZI1zhEU52e8bxBmeKFJ5nyb5tZA4PPfAwIg1StOXyTKvWFSwDglL-KHOpgeI8Nk2fjvpHOpU/s200/FA_Cup.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmjJOxohh4VtClJEFIzRt05EKazx0Sz4nH7Bvw_GnVICX3Jb0WTf754H_SQEMJanpSJo_C3W-BUfrfR84DHm8-zroVncOHIhDOIeZ28XphPw86LlXrKANEk4u_2NdUpRhRV0O6mypMJQ/s1600/premier-league-trophy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmjJOxohh4VtClJEFIzRt05EKazx0Sz4nH7Bvw_GnVICX3Jb0WTf754H_SQEMJanpSJo_C3W-BUfrfR84DHm8-zroVncOHIhDOIeZ28XphPw86LlXrKANEk4u_2NdUpRhRV0O6mypMJQ/s200/premier-league-trophy1.jpg" width="116" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni5vK-3Ysck72a3e-wdIv7IjmWm57LXINLVoWODGuQWT-V9yDWWgUPhTxmCn1e0k3oXZ4tqqLzk61L1tLg1qB01rf9T-6qbmu13_eTw0gsnP3Z3gVd6Pz5E4rU-s5IIQAFNN8BF2BFEo/s1600/Capital+One+Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni5vK-3Ysck72a3e-wdIv7IjmWm57LXINLVoWODGuQWT-V9yDWWgUPhTxmCn1e0k3oXZ4tqqLzk61L1tLg1qB01rf9T-6qbmu13_eTw0gsnP3Z3gVd6Pz5E4rU-s5IIQAFNN8BF2BFEo/s200/Capital+One+Cup.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4GcN21DBEhxsXmNqHOyMX4vvu5x994uHjQ48Rz7Zs8MiCai6QjBEfmdML2L-cXfBpIZZhjIre2QS5-1o85w21FnM103V4uq2jvwyUF1tzAhGdwbdJ1Ow8jpsiovJAnMY7gpk6Aq03W8/s1600/Champions-League.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4GcN21DBEhxsXmNqHOyMX4vvu5x994uHjQ48Rz7Zs8MiCai6QjBEfmdML2L-cXfBpIZZhjIre2QS5-1o85w21FnM103V4uq2jvwyUF1tzAhGdwbdJ1Ow8jpsiovJAnMY7gpk6Aq03W8/s200/Champions-League.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-3122692824632262082012-07-14T12:55:00.000+05:302012-07-14T12:55:04.425+05:30Chelsea's Pre Season Review- Goalkeepers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Goalkeepers</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
After what has already been an extremely exciting transfer window so far with multiple teams making multiple changes. Chelsea itself have been involved in a couple of big deals already and a few more in the pipeline. Yet, despite all this activity what will be carried on from last season will be the Goalkeepers.
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<b><u>1. Petr Cech</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01PeTDF-tpynUOXWBCqv2SQf9lV-gaXqu2-3hrRl_em03veEMLd6znfBfpZU1w8aZTrFgKrfWKPSt1pKApH64bu_qgCgW-xrlyZx0iRwGYnFmcIjVXpcI2mePGHM-mEdzpmdnWcnUxk/s1600/PetrCech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT01PeTDF-tpynUOXWBCqv2SQf9lV-gaXqu2-3hrRl_em03veEMLd6znfBfpZU1w8aZTrFgKrfWKPSt1pKApH64bu_qgCgW-xrlyZx0iRwGYnFmcIjVXpcI2mePGHM-mEdzpmdnWcnUxk/s320/PetrCech.jpg" width="261" /></a>After having a not-so-very impressive first half of the season, the new Year really brought some good old fashioned no-nonsense Petr Cech magic. Strong reflexes, acrobatic saves and a number of shutouts really emphasized the point as to why he is Chelsea's current no.1 goalkeeper.<br />
Cech appeared to have been faltering under Villas Boas' reign and a dubious statement by Chelsea owned Atletico Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois made it sound like Cech would hang up his boots. Yet Cech has persevered and was a critical factor which helped in deliver an unprecedented FA Cup, Champions League Double.<br />
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With Courtois returning to Atletico Madrid for another year on loan and young exciting youth keeper Rhys Taylor released there seems to be non-existent competition for Cech.<br />
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Expected Forecast:<br />
<b>Premier league appearances: ~35</b><br />
<b>Champions League (considering only Group Stage): ~4</b><br />
<b>FA Cup and League Cup: Later stages only.</b><br />
<b>Club World Cup: ~1</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNZlsHZslqspKvnbgVFKx-cVnJUNwzSdBwS0qUCsQMvU9IKyzDYxJpqqrkIz0Ih0a_GJpXR1HjRHBcZ7o2ZHl8JrwfEoDgdWeHO2XYyc4uKrX0iz5kiQ4lcWr51faJIuRrOfwTY0KYkA/s1600/Ross+Turnbull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNZlsHZslqspKvnbgVFKx-cVnJUNwzSdBwS0qUCsQMvU9IKyzDYxJpqqrkIz0Ih0a_GJpXR1HjRHBcZ7o2ZHl8JrwfEoDgdWeHO2XYyc4uKrX0iz5kiQ4lcWr51faJIuRrOfwTY0KYkA/s320/Ross+Turnbull.jpg" width="212" /></a><b><u>2.Ross Turnbull</u></b><br />
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An ever present feature on the Chelsea bench, the only competition he has is with Hilario for that spot on the bench. Last year his only achievement was being promoted to the No.2 spot for a majority of the season. A player who has made only 4 premier league appearances since joining the club in 2009 and a handfull of Cup appearances, there seems to be no future at Chelsea for Turnbull. Yet he has been persisted with. The logical option would be to sell him or send him out on loan, given that he is not exactly Premier league material. Or just to liven things up a bit he could be given a chance against weaker teams like Reading,Southampton, Wigan etc.<br />
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Expected Forecast:<br />
<b>Premier League Appearances: 1 or 2</b><br />
<b>Other Competitions : ~3</b><br />
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<b><u>3.Henrique Hilario</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM56oprv-ocJRcuv1JqdFYj-Fs_wnflFAS8THPimuUPYF2WKXLbl4nlKKmTS8BHqKZACLMKRHDiZeMGk3ecmtAI13hIHm-Jo4zBVaRupdxL_DYcUsAN6F4KLFxJ8yG4ryDrZUA4tw602o/s1600/Henrique+Hilario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM56oprv-ocJRcuv1JqdFYj-Fs_wnflFAS8THPimuUPYF2WKXLbl4nlKKmTS8BHqKZACLMKRHDiZeMGk3ecmtAI13hIHm-Jo4zBVaRupdxL_DYcUsAN6F4KLFxJ8yG4ryDrZUA4tw602o/s1600/Henrique+Hilario.jpg" /></a></div>
Not that I'm being rude or anything, but the fact that Hilario seems to keep getting one year extensions continues to bewilder and puzzle me. A decent understudy to Cudicini and Cech when he arrived in 2006. He has made 20 premier league appearances since then and about 20 other Cup appearances. Like his fellow keeper Turnbull Hilario too has not played a single game this year(2012) in any competition for Chelsea and Cech spectacular form doesn't seem to inspire hope for any more games either. Apart from a few pre-season friendlies or a couple of league cup games, I don't see Hilario getting any more games this season too. I'd reckon this is probably his last year in a Chelsea shirt.<br />
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Expected Forecast:<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">Total Games : 0</b><br />
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<b><u>Upcoming Youngsters</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Sam Walker </u> and <u>Matej Delac</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi5dNaBlru7lblE9BnBnJ_j6xjbaN70IKbz4mt8giDddJbC9McGJtoJJV2AfnCqFz3bmFIpPv_107jkOGUxUNQPieELB4Veoju9-TV-Z24vg_KfuHlX6f9PgYZYA9s8zb75mV8EgwTcc/s1600/sam+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi5dNaBlru7lblE9BnBnJ_j6xjbaN70IKbz4mt8giDddJbC9McGJtoJJV2AfnCqFz3bmFIpPv_107jkOGUxUNQPieELB4Veoju9-TV-Z24vg_KfuHlX6f9PgYZYA9s8zb75mV8EgwTcc/s200/sam+walker.jpg" width="200" /></a>Sam walker the 6ft6in giant shot-stopper is probably the brightest academy prospect at the Bridge. An integral member of the 2009 FA youth Cup winning team, Walker has considerable lower league experience a Barnet, Northampton and Yeovil Town.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA6P_isy44uvlFBls6bBvO9-qGj4PpijO2kriQt7un9wLLls0ELBt1S_7GTO5Sh_CxXH99BTMIm4Qz2QGrkmmrQjVw_4RKUchoonHZi9EbJjbdFS21pvg7taFp_2RpaYihMX4YVbby5s/s1600/matej+delac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoA6P_isy44uvlFBls6bBvO9-qGj4PpijO2kriQt7un9wLLls0ELBt1S_7GTO5Sh_CxXH99BTMIm4Qz2QGrkmmrQjVw_4RKUchoonHZi9EbJjbdFS21pvg7taFp_2RpaYihMX4YVbby5s/s200/matej+delac.jpg" width="200" /></a>Matej Delac, the Croatian Goalie is another exciting youth prospect. Having been signed from Inter Zapresic in 2010 he has made few appearances but his skill level saw him made third choice keeper for the C<span style="background-color: white;">roatian national side at the 2010 world cup qualifiers against Belarus and England.(He is yet to appear for the national side.)</span><br />
A couple of senior team appearances would definitely do their confidence and skills a world of good.</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-84661293867098560732012-06-04T15:49:00.000+05:302012-06-04T15:49:51.534+05:30EPL Clubs As DC Comic Superheroes-Part1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Batman </b>and <b>Chelsea F.C.</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Among few of the extremely obvious compatible choices for Superheroes and Football clubs has to be Batman and Chelsea. Various congruences are as observed:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Billionaires: </b>We have Bruce Wayne, owner of multi-billion dollar company Wayne Enterprises and then we have Mr. Roman Abramovich, multi-billion dollar Russian oil Magnate.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JsgwCMlEe_xYHYpTNC8BBUBCngL9ImG_7z3EKdm-Ppke7VBQNuxsgoJ7eVZ8Ns9zhkG5K2EUcehpCd3E0rApPA_cmvbvhP13i66SGQYeph6xobSfpLeBk_QOaS3jRUMZhfP0NsjODuk/s1600/c0388_Chelsea+FC+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JsgwCMlEe_xYHYpTNC8BBUBCngL9ImG_7z3EKdm-Ppke7VBQNuxsgoJ7eVZ8Ns9zhkG5K2EUcehpCd3E0rApPA_cmvbvhP13i66SGQYeph6xobSfpLeBk_QOaS3jRUMZhfP0NsjODuk/s200/c0388_Chelsea+FC+logo.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b>Trust: </b>One of Batman's most important characteristics is his trust, or rather his lack of it. He never trusts anyone (which always seems to work in his favor). The only person he has faith in to finish the job is himself. Mr. Abramovich here seems to be of the same mold. One trophy-less season and out goes the manager, be it double winning Carlo Ancelotti or youth sensation Andre Villas Boas or even the 'Special One' Jose Mourinho. If you cant deliver you're out.<br />
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<b>Superpowers: </b>Another special feature of extraordinary hero is his lack of Superhuman powers. No eye-lasers, super strength, power of flight etc., just your future James Bondesque gadgets and superior fighting skills. Chelsea FC here seem to always have the power to beat anyone on their day but sometimes lack the bite, yet season after season based on pure hard work and true grit and determination they continue to win trophies.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Superman</b></span> <span style="font-size: large;">and <b>Manchester United F.C.</b></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F0ngC7R-jZHDCrMRDnYP8gkKDAFc7FScUruSxg1nQHq7S7iF7jVeGb-mhLAfEMGHOlZ4XKqvHyrm2oTttZPFXTz9kReGNzNYIgzdjxi1C1np0lAKcd5j0G_LZGsM6WxV9XyRF47SxxA/s1600/Superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F0ngC7R-jZHDCrMRDnYP8gkKDAFc7FScUruSxg1nQHq7S7iF7jVeGb-mhLAfEMGHOlZ4XKqvHyrm2oTttZPFXTz9kReGNzNYIgzdjxi1C1np0lAKcd5j0G_LZGsM6WxV9XyRF47SxxA/s320/Superman.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Often regarded as the first superhero Superman, the Man of Steel is to the comic universe what Manchester United is to the Barclays Premier League.Guided by his adopted parents Johnathan and Martha Kent of Smallvile to grow up with a purpose, Sir Alex Ferguson of Scotland played that role in bringing out the Superman in Manchester United.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJN8ODfI28khjo4bxEnNNALy7JJ4RKW9ueMoDMg7HXGjIOdVEgRndAJtOaOVt5LaysORP25ey7smJSclInyNK3mqsiNUKczVktUEktheGEQBQo_paBG76_mQY2pQJB_Ezi4DkYcTGQKw/s1600/manchester-united-crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJN8ODfI28khjo4bxEnNNALy7JJ4RKW9ueMoDMg7HXGjIOdVEgRndAJtOaOVt5LaysORP25ey7smJSclInyNK3mqsiNUKczVktUEktheGEQBQo_paBG76_mQY2pQJB_Ezi4DkYcTGQKw/s200/manchester-united-crest.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Known for their ability to score late-late goals and turn losing matches into victories most notably the Champions League victory against Bayern Munich in 1999, Man United see this remarkable ability in Superman who never gives up. Coming back from the brink of death against deadly super villains like Doomsday and Darkseid. </span></div>
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After having dominated the Barclay Premier League for a majority of its 20 years the rise of some new heroes ( read. Manchester City- Green Lantern) and the return to strength of old ones like Chelsea(Batman) has taken some "weight"of this hero's shoulder.</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Green Lantern </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">and <b>Manchester City F.C.</b></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63IhzO7au9eEn88js6KYj0_x0P9e9bW8u6L-cZFRjZAPNC2bwr91QuwPdhIgLuxdGPmx9dpdJpFFqWkb_D6HoOJeSlY_QrzQPAkfsKfgsvuHZ4gTgS3KOouDDFyjE8454QS9Y4Ot3NQI/s1600/green+lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63IhzO7au9eEn88js6KYj0_x0P9e9bW8u6L-cZFRjZAPNC2bwr91QuwPdhIgLuxdGPmx9dpdJpFFqWkb_D6HoOJeSlY_QrzQPAkfsKfgsvuHZ4gTgS3KOouDDFyjE8454QS9Y4Ot3NQI/s320/green+lantern.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Though the colors don't match Green Lantern is Manchester City in spirit and mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfDZEreEBUZqUeHBBc0msUK4FfrEnE5udHWsiBgt9kn62Wn58q3MNQGUaNe3pUy5vBnYNAz1ognrUXkvMiF2ihSL0i3dbkq_O5TCVkp8onBVl7IP1Xdae45mir2GXAl_4MtiDK9LzjsQ/s1600/ManCity-Crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfDZEreEBUZqUeHBBc0msUK4FfrEnE5udHWsiBgt9kn62Wn58q3MNQGUaNe3pUy5vBnYNAz1ognrUXkvMiF2ihSL0i3dbkq_O5TCVkp8onBVl7IP1Xdae45mir2GXAl_4MtiDK9LzjsQ/s200/ManCity-Crest.jpg" width="167" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">A non-superpowerd human for most of his life Green Lantern (be it Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart or Kyle Rayner) is similiar to Manchester City in the fact that they didn't seem to have any "superpowers" themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Having been selected by the Guardians of Oa ,( apparently the Centre of the DC Universe), Green Lantern was provided with a power ring which needs to be charged from a Green Lantern power Source. Back here in our Epl world we had the Shiekh Mansour of UAE ( "Guardians of Oa") providing superpowers in the form of a power ring ( read lots of Money ) which needs to be charged from a "green lantern power source" (100 million worth of new players almost every season).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And like their comic book counterpart Manchester City have in themselves a good positive attitude. They dont give up very easily and are always pushing and pushing with every effort as was evident in the heart-stopping game 38 against QPR. A true up and coming Superhero who has plans to stay on top for quite some time.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Flash </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">and <b>Arsenal F.C.</b></span></span></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4F0cgb8VSnQ-Ysq8w1NrSnEby6wUqnI8u5QuMCfhvYLvJIVe4_FMDhqmuGL48s-zDpgnvPhLkrgzYRri4qslzYIPS1bx5Fow_mPMUARHObt8v7aXHjU0m77YkTpuSns8bAJM8iXj-5k/s1600/Flash207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4F0cgb8VSnQ-Ysq8w1NrSnEby6wUqnI8u5QuMCfhvYLvJIVe4_FMDhqmuGL48s-zDpgnvPhLkrgzYRri4qslzYIPS1bx5Fow_mPMUARHObt8v7aXHjU0m77YkTpuSns8bAJM8iXj-5k/s320/Flash207.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along the same lines as discussed above it becomes quite apparent why Arsenal F.C. is similar to the Flash. </span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now I'm not saying the Arsenal players have superhuman speed, what I'm trying to say is that just like the Flash, Arsenal is essentially a young team. Just like the Flash was guided by a former Flash we have the extremely young Arsenal team being mentored by the second longest football manager Arsene Wenger.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcvgKVKhbKj5oCV99TBAnCy50HIGXupqdhXUPH4oU6L_Xc2PH8MIPy60TEqaTnkeQfJ4Oy0ekaYSAxWYmcdzTzLBI1FySIze1rmFjUIpDfPeuyTeVTwx7oNK3TcozGBHFlk0GQIrZ3S4/s1600/arsenal_logo-15105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcvgKVKhbKj5oCV99TBAnCy50HIGXupqdhXUPH4oU6L_Xc2PH8MIPy60TEqaTnkeQfJ4Oy0ekaYSAxWYmcdzTzLBI1FySIze1rmFjUIpDfPeuyTeVTwx7oNK3TcozGBHFlk0GQIrZ3S4/s200/arsenal_logo-15105.jpg" width="171" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Always one of the important characters in the storyline the Flash usually causes an important turn </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">of events but has nothing to show for it. Arsenal here have constantly affected the progress of the Premier League and the process of who'd become the Champion but sadly in seven years they too have nothing to show for it.</span><br />
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</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-70926451514222933672012-05-25T17:06:00.000+05:302012-05-25T17:06:32.404+05:30Top EPL Clubs of the Millennium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every weekend follows a raging Monday morning battle of how our respective favorite teams performed in the previous weeks fixtures leading to some serious arguments. Given that football undergoes dramatic changes every season I have decided to take a look at the performances of the top 6 EPL clubs in various competitions to settle it once and for all as to where the teams stand head to head against each other from the 2000-2001 season to the recently concluded 2011-2012 season.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now this should be enough. Based on pure numbers it is safe to assume the teams to be in the following ranks<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Manchester United</b></li>
<li><b>Chelsea</b></li>
<li><b>Arsenal</b></li>
<li><b>Liverpool</b></li>
<li><b>Manchester City</b></li>
</ol>
<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-20672400870900128702012-05-14T21:18:00.003+05:302012-05-15T11:13:46.342+05:30Operation Munich<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbwkuO67Aoofpw-VoHU3D6-0907wyT8pIclnt6xuRdpCjf8fValn1Wk92Jd-MKO-alRGJELoRbgSSkV9RV8zLCO5p7rwQXXFfM_MFOZjPbfkai9YvTs-Yvh9NxjhUHZRseCSbDOYXRYg/s1600/CLfMcvbm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbwkuO67Aoofpw-VoHU3D6-0907wyT8pIclnt6xuRdpCjf8fValn1Wk92Jd-MKO-alRGJELoRbgSSkV9RV8zLCO5p7rwQXXFfM_MFOZjPbfkai9YvTs-Yvh9NxjhUHZRseCSbDOYXRYg/s400/CLfMcvbm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Final Battle!!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is now a well known fact that after beating all odds, our dear Chelsea FC has made it to the Champions League final in Munich.<br />
<br />
It is also a well known fact that having to face an in form Bayern Munich at their home is no easy task. A task which will require nothing less then military precision and strategy.<br />
With this in mind lets take a look plan to achieve the unachievable. To hold aloft the trophy which has eluded us for so long. A trophy which was one kick away on a cold Moscow evening.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuwoM0VD38Pu2GhJL4Bci2zvOYeHLlQfFwLVov1BFRSGVAjUWVtUwvG1q4vYKMl-quAR4sqPxRNi5dtLjoKmb4OnSidFI5-uV1q0vPIgtkM25ruXAqXM0JyZXYeTFnn4yzNXiRcKdCXE/s1600/2012_13%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuwoM0VD38Pu2GhJL4Bci2zvOYeHLlQfFwLVov1BFRSGVAjUWVtUwvG1q4vYKMl-quAR4sqPxRNi5dtLjoKmb4OnSidFI5-uV1q0vPIgtkM25ruXAqXM0JyZXYeTFnn4yzNXiRcKdCXE/s320/2012_13%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Can the golden boys of Chelsea clinch the cup?!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> </b>Chelsea come into this game with their worst Premier League position since 2002-2003. At the back of some serious management and player turmoil, Chelsea FC are balanced on a razor's edge. An edge so fine that a defeat will seem them play in next year's Europa League instead of the Champions league for which they have qualified for nine years consecutively.<br />
<br />
<br />
Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has turned what could have been Chelsea's worst season ever into an opportunity of making history by winning Chelsea's first ever Champions League and complete a rare Cup Double.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkkovkXp1bePZ1gn8R8PK7qv-9HU2UxBLbfZOOGeFYHFcGwGEtRxaw49KsXecbeyoZwk2ScggJ-byRR5NfD0PYKm95tPULKKUdsp7YxZpLvd0Dp0v-Kfwd90OBx89oE66mWpmrw-7n4Q/s1600/di+matteo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkkovkXp1bePZ1gn8R8PK7qv-9HU2UxBLbfZOOGeFYHFcGwGEtRxaw49KsXecbeyoZwk2ScggJ-byRR5NfD0PYKm95tPULKKUdsp7YxZpLvd0Dp0v-Kfwd90OBx89oE66mWpmrw-7n4Q/s320/di+matteo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Only a win might see Di Matteo get the job!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Operation Munich</b></span><br />
<b>May 19</b> <b>2012</b><br />
<br />
Chelsea will come into this game with 4 of their key players who were involved in the recent revival, missing out on the most important game of the season.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYdZltAiPlns3MRryt3JT8K8S3pZzj5OjdPJXq-XIbLjLd9GQWplcDKUAY49LkcAcKdfnD2dK-86byaNMyEC_aeUWgmBksFGKTazLx-kJ6zPRe1csIWB5qdiHrxsxpAcM2vGlj4y4U28/s1600/barca+vs+chelsea+24_4_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYdZltAiPlns3MRryt3JT8K8S3pZzj5OjdPJXq-XIbLjLd9GQWplcDKUAY49LkcAcKdfnD2dK-86byaNMyEC_aeUWgmBksFGKTazLx-kJ6zPRe1csIWB5qdiHrxsxpAcM2vGlj4y4U28/s320/barca+vs+chelsea+24_4_2012.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Can the magic against Barca be recreated?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chelsea will miss the services of inspirational captain John Terry and fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic, now a transfer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid C.F. Chelsea will also be without the solid Raul Meireles and most importantly Chelsea will miss Brazilian sensation Ramires whose elegant chip over Victor Valdes was voted as Chelsea's goal of the season.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQP9iUScQ1xKQ9tQ_OtexPf_32ZftpHzv-mMrPcAPjy7dLp_cQ3P1aCppIsnNnzCQXO2OgHipWFAlyoidoGw0ykr7a5ZEoYNNmaH3IV6O1mMVpogmmMjZwXix3qFvl3fIbS2eo3jrpZgM/s1600/david+luiz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQP9iUScQ1xKQ9tQ_OtexPf_32ZftpHzv-mMrPcAPjy7dLp_cQ3P1aCppIsnNnzCQXO2OgHipWFAlyoidoGw0ykr7a5ZEoYNNmaH3IV6O1mMVpogmmMjZwXix3qFvl3fIbS2eo3jrpZgM/s320/david+luiz.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Will he get fit in time?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Other than the players missing out,Chelsea also face serious defensive concerns with no first team central defender fit as of now. David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both involved in a race against time to be fit for the showpiece event.<br />
<br />
Another serious and major disadvantage will be facing Bayern Munich at home. Although Bayern themselves have had a patchy season, they were wonderful against La Liga Champions Bundesliga and finished 2nd in the recently concluded Bundesliga.<br />
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Chelsea will be looking to employ tactics not much unlike the Barcelona game with rigid defending and long ball counterattacks the essential feature.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XpME8lcLEEoI0Ij5HueQyMz8gkQzRYJrvwQ_upgb-jwaa5A8E32IP4Gtd5LWZaFrLaaVN-ZusgCu7Ahk8Zs-wXLeAMoryo6BUhTnNm_greRrbdx45JkWURP__L4TDQllqmDXRo4e9Yo/s1600/GaryCahill_2705976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XpME8lcLEEoI0Ij5HueQyMz8gkQzRYJrvwQ_upgb-jwaa5A8E32IP4Gtd5LWZaFrLaaVN-ZusgCu7Ahk8Zs-wXLeAMoryo6BUhTnNm_greRrbdx45JkWURP__L4TDQllqmDXRo4e9Yo/s320/GaryCahill_2705976.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Will he get fit in time?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Di Matteo's decision to not field many of the regular players in the games against Liverpool and Blackburn will provide much needed freshness and fitness to the squad which has had arguably the toughest sequence of 20 games ever.<br />
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Chelsea will take heart from Borussia Dortmund's 5-2 thrashing in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). The recent victory in the FA cup and the last window of opportunity to qualify for the Champions League should be enough to galvanize the team to win the Champions League (and also deny arrogant neighbors Tottenham Hotspur a Champions League spot).<br />
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Expected lineups:<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea:</b><br />
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<b>Subs: </b>Ross Turnbull, Paulo Ferriera, Sam Hutchinson, Oriol Romeu, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Fernando Torres<br />
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<br />
<b>Bayern Munich: </b><br />
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<b>Subs: </b>Hans-Jorg Butt, Breno, Diego Centento, Anatoily Tymoschuk, Daniel Pranjic, Ivica Olic, Nils Petersen</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-84435550356654358392012-05-04T13:19:00.001+05:302012-05-04T13:20:09.595+05:30A Peek Inside Roberto Di Matteo's Head- Chelsea's Endgame<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After the heart breaking defeat against Newcastle United at home Chelsea's Premier League campaign to secure the 4th and final Champions League spot is all but over. With two games to go and 4 points separating Tottenham and Newcastle from Chelsea only a miracle will see Chelsea finish 4th.<br />
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Yet all is not lost for Chelsea. Despite having a rather up and down, rocky season which saw Andre Villas Boas being sacked and interim manager Roberto Di Matteo being a fantastic job in keeping Chelsea in the hunt for more silverware. With Chelsea having secured places in the Champions League final beating the likes of Barcelona, Benfica and Napoli and the FA Cup final. <br />
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Yet now we come to the most crucial section of Chelsea's see-saw season. With 4 games remaining to go: Liverpool twice, Blackburn and Bayern Munich, Lets take a look at Roberto Di Matteo's game plan. Lets take a look at what he is planning so Chelsea can end the season on a high.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht98guhOliL4RrPyn3MyzBv3tJM2H1zT-7UU0NcfO426-jPhqTPElXfhJIcv9SjEtznaS9tfwkPtOJshRLdfPR60xjozLL3Hyth9BvOjhQYj2Q2oyPqKZi5Frbo9Fc72x-7Yw8DHE0q8Q/s1600/di-matteo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht98guhOliL4RrPyn3MyzBv3tJM2H1zT-7UU0NcfO426-jPhqTPElXfhJIcv9SjEtznaS9tfwkPtOJshRLdfPR60xjozLL3Hyth9BvOjhQYj2Q2oyPqKZi5Frbo9Fc72x-7Yw8DHE0q8Q/s320/di-matteo.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Di Matteo: As a Chelsea Player!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Lets take a look inside Di Matteo's head<br />
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<b>The Central Defense Crisis:</b><br />
With John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic banned for the Champions League final and David Luiz and Gary Cahill suffering from injuries it is a serious problem for Chelsea as to who will play in the central defense. With David Luiz expected to make a return to the lineup against Liverpool in the Fa Cup tomorrow it is certain that he will partner Terry. Ivanovic will be restored to his right back spot. The Chelsea physios are on a fast track to have Gary Cahill ready for the match against Bayern Munich but if that does not happen a few other options can be used( read Michael Essien).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn0wCrQymDu2l11spHO__lJpkimdvjF0kaanSyLg2k4XGYjcdoxpQSjlsZnam-fKPULhtySEnqHbw6R3lV6IdjVGAOZ4W8tVUpk0V3hDlPcHbyCUamuGWcbgWT2WSCwwAGAD-vSV0IVI/s1600/david+luiz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifn0wCrQymDu2l11spHO__lJpkimdvjF0kaanSyLg2k4XGYjcdoxpQSjlsZnam-fKPULhtySEnqHbw6R3lV6IdjVGAOZ4W8tVUpk0V3hDlPcHbyCUamuGWcbgWT2WSCwwAGAD-vSV0IVI/s320/david+luiz.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Return of Luiz!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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During the time when Claude Makelele dominated the Chelsea midfield, Michael Essien often played at right back. Given the current crisis I don't think that there would be any trouble in having either Bosingwa or Essien play Central Defense with the other taking right back for the Bayern game.<br />
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Sam Hutchinson the comeback-man of Chelsea could also be employed as a shock stopgap given his rating as the next John Terry of the Bridge. <br />
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<b>The Torres-Drogba Conundrum</b>:<br />
One of the biggest points of concern for Di Matteo is who to start with in the next few games. Should he back on the resurgent Fernando Torres or must he start with the powerhouse Didier Drogba? Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has asked for unleashing both Torres and Drogba on opponents, which albeit mouth-watering is not a very smart move at this stage of the season where the Chelsea squad has adapted to Di Mateo's4-2-3-1.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bQjXRubbmcgjvkPhxUHNqUgXHxsDM4NPJg8x44eg9soEidfke7_d1jfgPYu4XOGEo_kW7APWPu4I2DL8FIlM10OUJ1ur8TRSZZXaBeQS8h63LWboaQZb2xjnDrSa4K8_WsPM-CUWrb8/s1600/torres_or_drogba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bQjXRubbmcgjvkPhxUHNqUgXHxsDM4NPJg8x44eg9soEidfke7_d1jfgPYu4XOGEo_kW7APWPu4I2DL8FIlM10OUJ1ur8TRSZZXaBeQS8h63LWboaQZb2xjnDrSa4K8_WsPM-CUWrb8/s320/torres_or_drogba.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Torres or Drogba or Both?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On a personal note I would start with Didier Drogba, let him play the game and harass the defenders for about an hour with his devastating, Bulldozeresque runs. After about an hour when opposition defenders are tired, the slick trickery and speed of Fernando Torres could come in handy against tired opposition defenders he'd be easily able to outrun/<br />
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<b>The Midfield Muddle:</b><br />
Although not an embarrassment of riches to choose from Chelsea definitely has enough stocks in this department. The question that remains is who starts. Should Mata be played as Left Winger or Central Attacking Play-maker? Should Lampard start as the Play-maker or should he start alongside a defensive midfielder?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW9kbzC1jNcClHwdzneN8lyZTBrddkkg6XQ0zx7PhZ9tRBhQSMz2K8mHh-otEW7yYTPdOJ8wqZmL0SL78j76G1XCJJFJ0IqyF9wDblZ5gdH55VsNMjJ5qgFtDcOcuIFj555b7P6UWgas/s1600/barca+vs+chelsea+24_4_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifW9kbzC1jNcClHwdzneN8lyZTBrddkkg6XQ0zx7PhZ9tRBhQSMz2K8mHh-otEW7yYTPdOJ8wqZmL0SL78j76G1XCJJFJ0IqyF9wDblZ5gdH55VsNMjJ5qgFtDcOcuIFj555b7P6UWgas/s320/barca+vs+chelsea+24_4_2012.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Can Lampard and Co. recreate their Magic? </b></td></tr>
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Which two players plays in the defensive midfield spot? For the FA Cup game it seems certain that Raul Meireles could partner either Michael Essien or John Obi Mikel for those two spots. Also of concern is who starts on the Right wing. Should pocket rocket Ramires be preferred to Chelsea's leading-yet-a-tad-bit-selfish top scorer Daniel Sturridge or could a new and improved Kalou be used?<br />
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Given that Meireles and Ramires are banned from the Champions League final we could see Mikel/Essien partner Lampard in central midfield with Sturridge, Mata and Kalou starting as Left Wing, Attacking Midfield and Right Wing respectively.<br />
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<b>The Job:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNBdoT-J2N9oURnx_ULormyTULxSDoJkswZjf-xPdeyshlvRSP5Hjw-lV590ZXswIKQJGLRq68HC72z0UunRPv3beURfhw01xUZrK-W0dUCO3MxrStd8JOMtokjxgMFmviD5dWglKNzQ/s1600/Allianz+Arena+Munich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNBdoT-J2N9oURnx_ULormyTULxSDoJkswZjf-xPdeyshlvRSP5Hjw-lV590ZXswIKQJGLRq68HC72z0UunRPv3beURfhw01xUZrK-W0dUCO3MxrStd8JOMtokjxgMFmviD5dWglKNzQ/s1600/Allianz+Arena+Munich.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Allianz Arena: The Scene for the final battle!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With Roberto Di Matteo making it clear that he will not step down to the Assistant Manager's post if a new Manager is appointed, it becomes obvious that he is trying to make a point to Roman Abramovich by guiding Chelsea to a pretty decent record of P17-W11-D4-L2. Which is great for an Interim Manager. Yet Di Matteo wants, and really deserves more. From picking up a broken team who had lost the first leg to Napoli 3-1 and were down and out, to guiding them to their second ever Champions league final is a wonderful achievement.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCCbtnIRr9L3UXUpzJgFdoyxkP9_49aomlcT8NJbppUVhUjvGphQmiHeeglb_GA1txPz169MCpIgaSlbmfs5b5-QsJSbINJa6yZSHv_1dVLoECWq_hNFhyphenhyphen3YqFNJ0IgevLTrwvwUojyQ/s1600/di+matteo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCCbtnIRr9L3UXUpzJgFdoyxkP9_49aomlcT8NJbppUVhUjvGphQmiHeeglb_GA1txPz169MCpIgaSlbmfs5b5-QsJSbINJa6yZSHv_1dVLoECWq_hNFhyphenhyphen3YqFNJ0IgevLTrwvwUojyQ/s320/di+matteo.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Di Matteo: The Players Manager!</b></td></tr>
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For a manager who was sacked by lowly West Bromwich Albion, a manager whose job application to Championship team Birmingham City was rejected Di Matteo has surely come a long way. Beating the best team in the world (read Barcelona) and yet not being sure of a place in next year's Champions league is not something you would expect from a team in the same season. Yet here we are. Rumor has it that Di Matteo has the players support in being appointed manager which counts for a lot at Chelsea.<br />
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If Di Matteo's boys can engineer a shock victory over favorites Bayern Munich who play at home at the Allianz Arena and also secure a FA Cup victory on the way, there is no doubt in my mind that Roberto will seal the job. Apart from being an unusual inexpensive appointment he will be managing his own former club. The desire to win and succeed for the club will be something which cannot be replicated by any high profile manager be it, Laurent Blanc, Didier Deschamps, Luciano Spaletti or even Midas like Josep Guardiola.<br />
</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-64974802849738048692012-05-02T09:43:00.001+05:302012-05-02T09:43:15.590+05:30Chelsea vs Newcastle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With the Premier League Season drawing to a close the only things we seem to know for sure are that a Manchester team will win the title and at least one Lancashire club will follow Wolves down.<br />
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The sticking point that remains is which of the four teams Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham can secure two of the final Champions League qualification places.<br />
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An extremely important point in this race will be viewed today at Stamford Bridge when our own Chelsea takes on surprise Champions League hopefuls Newcastle United.<br />
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Lets face it , just like Chelsea have had a 'Cinderella' run in this year Champions League, Newcastle can boast of their very own Premier League fairytale. Having been promoted back last season, Newcastle have shocked everyone with their consistency and defiant spirit.<br />
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Chelsea are coming of the back of a serious drubbing of relegation candidates Queens Park Rangers. A rare Fernando Torres hat-trick seeing Chelsea winning 6-1,their first London Derby victory of the season.<br />
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Newcastle come of a shock 4-0 defeat at the hands of giant-killing Wigan at the DW stadium. What remains to see is that will Chelsea carry on their form and demolish Newcastle or will Newcastle trump Chelsea at its home ground.<br />
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Following a spell of extremely encouraging results which see Chelsea reaching the Champions League and FA Cup finals it is no doubt that Chelsea will start the game as favorites. A win here will see them temporarily leapfrog Tottenham before their trip to relegation threatened Bolton.<br />
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A much needed boost in the form of a rejuvenated Fernando Torres and the return from suspension of Branislav Ivanovic will provide relief to Chelsea. Despite all this Roberto Di Matteo faces selection headaches as Goalkeeper Cech has called for unleashing both Torres and Drogba on an under-pressure Newcastle squad.<br />
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The Chelsea defense will have to work extremely hard in order to prevent a red hot Papiss Cisse from scoring who has been phenomenal since his summer move. Chelsea will also look to close down midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye and tricky winger Hatem Ben Arfa.<br />
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Chelsea are expected to lineup as follows<br />
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Subs: Ross Turnbull, Sam Hutchinson, Paulo Ferriera, Oriol Romeu, Ramires, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba</div>
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Newcastle United are expected to lineup the following:<br />
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Prediction: 3-1 (Home Win)</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-84055038130726676462012-04-22T08:30:00.002+05:302012-04-22T09:14:19.961+05:30ENGLAND vs. ENGLAND<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">England vs. England</span></u></b></div>
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Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you. In a few moments you
will witness a spectacle, the likes of which has never been seen before in the
history of the sport. Today we witness an epic battle, a contest to defy all
odds where we will pit England’s finest legends (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seniors</b>) against England’s legends-in-making (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Juniors</b>). The stage is set and we have a jam-packed crowd at the
New Wembley today to witness this tremendous contest.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">TEAMS:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">ENGLAND SENIORS (MANAGER: ALAN SHEARER)</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnbKuALjZWcD9w3DRh4FotqWF6_6a1Yr10CnHcKo7vyu4dBeTlVrxL4qD2QQ_2gps3En-qopg_SJddQtP0keu2BJ6BkhOpGsIbU6Bea89J1hMxz0fRGCxdLJTWNo2qzU1PDpEu6RjwQs/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnbKuALjZWcD9w3DRh4FotqWF6_6a1Yr10CnHcKo7vyu4dBeTlVrxL4qD2QQ_2gps3En-qopg_SJddQtP0keu2BJ6BkhOpGsIbU6Bea89J1hMxz0fRGCxdLJTWNo2qzU1PDpEu6RjwQs/s400/Untitled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">ENGLAND JUNIORS (MANAGER: DAVID BECKHAM)</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhWHUrxkADwO5FuDFHwAhmXkqk2uFjU1cHkkYNsZYCesKFLnEZ6BGK0fDrfKQnTZtEtZs613-NBQZiqqmPfCGrK9JxZ5XxCGoijuCooMhntqwtrsT6c-rrYey95LZWRZUlLXxS-TaR48/s1600/Untitled2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhWHUrxkADwO5FuDFHwAhmXkqk2uFjU1cHkkYNsZYCesKFLnEZ6BGK0fDrfKQnTZtEtZs613-NBQZiqqmPfCGrK9JxZ5XxCGoijuCooMhntqwtrsT6c-rrYey95LZWRZUlLXxS-TaR48/s400/Untitled2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Toss: </b>Gary Cahill
has won the toss for his juniors side. They have decided that they will begin
proceedings. </div>
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<b><u>First Half:</u></b></div>
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<b>Kick Off: </b>Daniel
Sturridge and Danny Welbeck will initiate the kick-off., and the game is now
underway. </div>
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<b>2min: </b>A very
unique situation is being observed here. JUNIORS are attempting to up the tempo
of their game by some quick passing and speedy maneuvers but the SENIORS side
are content with breaking up the play and resorting to straightforward, simple
passing. SENIORS attempting to get a feel of their young compatriots.</div>
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<b>4min: </b>There seems
to be no improvement in the current situation. The game is looking like a Rafael
Nadal vs. Roger Federer contest. JUNIORS, like Nadal’s fiery serves are trying
to bomb the flanks with Chamberlain and Albrighton along with Cleverly and
Wilshere pushing up from the center but like Federer’s backhand slice the SENIORS
defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are breaking up the play and passing it
on up front.</div>
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<b>9min: </b>JUNIORS’s
pressure really paying off now. Alex Chamberlain speeds down the left flank and
makes a deadly pass bisecting Ferdinand and Johnson to provide the ball to
Cleverly who lays it on for Sturridge. Sturridge who was marked by Chelsea
teammate Terry attempts to break free and tries to turn and shoot but the ball
takes a deflection and goes out. Corner to JUNIORS. Whew!</div>
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<b>15min: </b>SENIORS
finally deciding to play the game and are getting into their own groove. Ashley
Young is making some darting runs and combining really well with Ashley Cole on
the left to get into the box and lay it off for Wayne Rooney.</div>
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<b>19min: </b>An amazing
attempt by Wayne Rooney just goes wide of the goalpost. Hart having taken the
goal kick had passed the ball up where it was controlled by Lampard, who
dribbled it forward and passed it to Steven Gerrard who crosses it to James
Milner from over a static Wilshere’s head. James Milner speeds down breaking
free of young defender Ryan Bertrand and crosses the ball to Wayne Rooney.
Rooney out-jumps his marker Phil Jones to head the ball but it goes just wide. </div>
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<b>21min: </b>SENIORS
after a slow start are really building up the pressure now. Lampard drifts the
ball in from the corner and finds Terry’s head whose header is on target but
sees the ball being parried by an amazing save from former Manchester United
goalie Ben Foster. The ball falls to Gareth Barry at the edge of the box who
shoots but a block from Gary Cahill saves the day.</div>
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<b>26min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 1-0: </b>SENIORS’s buildup play has really paid off now. Ashley Young
darts down the left side drawing Micah Richards towards him. Unbeknownst to
Richards, Ashley Cole moves ahead from the outside. Young passes the ball to an
unmarked Cole who loops the ball to Wayne Rooney. Cahill has not timed his jump
well which sees Rooney head the ball into the top corner past a hapless Foster.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1-0</b> to SENIORS. Goal: Wayne Rooney.
Assist: Ashley Cole.</div>
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JUNIORS manager David Beckham is really furious and is
shouting orders from the touchline, using some hand gestures which only he and
his team seem to understand.</div>
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<b>32min: </b>JUNIORS
players are now backing their original ploy of fast paced football. Passes and
crosses are flying left and right. Chamberlain and Albrighton are showing their
mettle by passing to each other across the flanks and providing some defense
splitting passes to Welbeck and Sturridge but the experienced pair of Ferdinand
and Terry seems to have things under control. </div>
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<b>36min: </b>Another
frantic move by JUNIORS sees a goal line clearance from Barry. Wilshere took
the free kick from 10 yards outside the box after Gerrard felled the advancing
Bertrand. Wilshere’s free kick hits the crossbar and falls to Danny Welbeck
whose thunderous strike is caught cleared of the goal line by Gareth Barry.
This is a great spell of dominance for the JUNIORS side.</div>
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<b>40min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 1-1: </b>The JUNIORS side
hitting back with a goal from the corner. Marc Albrighton takes the corner. An
out swinging ball finds the head of Gary Cahill who powers it into the net.
Hart couldn’t move an inch. Cahill making amends for his earlier inefficiency
that allowed Rooney to score.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> 1-1 </b>the score. Goal:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Gary Cahill. Assist: Marc Albrighton.</div>
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<b>43min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 1-2:</b> Two goals in three minutes. This has been a sensational
turnaround by the JUNIORS players. After a great start in the early few minutes
SENIORS had begun to dominate but the last 10 minutes have simply belonged to the
JUNIORS side. A counter attacking move after SENIORS’s hashed corner which left
only Ferdinand alone at the back to protect the goal saw the ball fall to
Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge breaks free of the main pack of followers and
skillfully sidesteps the lone defender Ferdinand to come one-on-one with Joe
Hart. Hart advances but Sturridge slots the ball in with a thunderous drive
from the edge of the box towards bottom corner at the near post. You could see
the arrogance in the strike. Shearer’s
furious now but Beckham is all smiles. Guess your opponent’s miseries are
always funny.</div>
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<b>Half Time: </b>Half
time approaches with the score reads a surprising 1-2. No one had expected the
youngsters to make such a mark. Overall a rather clean game with no cards shown
so far, but the tension will only build up. The seniors have their reputations
at stake while the youngsters seem ready to display their talents. The seniors have not really been outplayed
but yet the score line isn’t in their favor. A visibly happy Beckham led his boys into the
dressing room while Shearer seems to be displeased with his side’s performance
so far.</div>
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<b><u>Second Half:</u></b></div>
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<b>45min: </b>The second
half is underway with Rooney and Lampard taking the kick off.</div>
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<b>48min: </b>Gerrard
goes close. Glenn Johnson cleared the ball which was then collected by James
Milner who passed it on to Gerrard. Gerrard attempts a long range curling
strike to beat Ben Foster but misses the goal by a yard. Goal Kick to JUNIORS</div>
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<b>49min: </b>Yellow to
Barry! The first card of the game. Clumsy tackle by Barry who catches Cleverly.
Cleverly, cleverly stays down till the card is issued. </div>
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<b>51min: </b>Substitution:
Rodwell on, Cleverly off. Substitution for the JUNIORS side. Cleverly clearly
uncomfortable after Barry’s tackle. Beckham makes a smart move by subbing on a
defensive midfielder in an attempt to hold the lead. Wilshere goes into a
central midfield role while Rodwell drops back a bit further between the
defense and midfield.</div>
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<b>53min: </b>Yellow to
Rodwell! Another yellow card issued by the referee. This time to JUNIORS right
back Micah Richards. A real scuffle emerging at the edge of the box. Rodwell
reportedly deemed to have unfairly tackled Gareth Barry.</div>
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<b>56min: </b>Substitution:
Parker on, Barry off; Walcott on, Milner off. Double substitution for the
senior side with Parker and Walcott coming on. Walcott will add a much needed
pace injection to the senior side with his bursting runs down the right flank.
We will also get to see if the Young-Walcott partnership is going to work.</div>
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<b>61min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 2-2: </b> Lampard equalizes from
the spot kick. Richards the man at the center of the controversy. Richards
brings down Young inside the box. JUNIORS supporters with chants of, “Diver!
Diver! Diver!” .A tussle breaks out
between the two. A bit of pushing and shoving
observed with Gerrard and Lampard trying to pacify both Young and
Richards who have had a rather tumultuous relationship this season because of
the ’great Manchester rivalry’. Tempers flaring and the pressure clearly
visible on the players’ face but Lampard steps up and easily foxes Foster into
diving in the wrong direction. Clean penalty from the set piece master. Goal:
Frank Lampard. Alan Shearer delighted at his squad having finally equalized.
Goal: Frank Lampard.</div>
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<b>64min: </b>Substitution:
Walker on, Richards off. Beckham makes another substitution taking off
temperamental defender Richards off in favor of exciting young prospect Kyle
Walker who has greatly impressed this season at Tottenham Hotspur.</div>
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<b>67min: </b>Walker
makes an instant impact. His cross finds Welbeck rather easily who volleys the
ball towards the goal. It requires an acrobatic tip from Joe Hart to tip the
ball over. So close!!</div>
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<b>71min: </b>Both teams
settling down a bit. Chances created are far and few between. Both teams are
currently happy with just kicking the ball around.</div>
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<b>75min: </b> Good attempt by Walcott. Trying to burst down
the right flank and outthink Bertrand. But Bertrand has learnt from his mistake
when he let Milner through and slide tackles Walcott to gain possession.</div>
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<b>78min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!!2-3. </b>Jack Wilshere restores the lead for the Juniors with a good
shot. A corner taken by Chamberlain finds Sturridge who heads it past Terry
towards Hart. Hart parry the ball which falls to Welbeck. Welbeck shoots but
the ball is cleared off the line by Scott Parker. Unfortunately the ball
rebounds to Wilshere who buries it into the bottom left corner and seals the
goal. The juniors have really shown that they mean business here. Beckham has gone
wild. A lot of fist pumping and happy gestures observable.</div>
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<b>82min:</b> Substitution:
Crouch on, Rooney off. The seniors make their final substitution. The game
beginning to take a toll on the players. The fast paced runs are far and few
between. The ball goes out for a goal kick but nobody is running to go get the
ball. People taking their own sweet time. Rooney seems to have cramped up and
is hobbling about. He has asked the manager for a sub off. Shearer telling
Crouch what he must do. The lean-freaky-goal-machine comes on. The entire
Wembley applauding as Rooney goes off.</div>
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<b>84min: </b>Substitution:
McEchran on, Wilshere off. The juniors make their final substitution too.
McEchran coming on in place of Wilshere.</div>
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<b>85min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 3-3. </b>Gerrard scores a sensational equalizer for the senior side.
Lampard receives a pass from Scott Parker and lays it off for Gerrard who once
again attempts the long distance shot he has been trying all game. This time it
comes off. The ball dipping just under Ben Foster and brushing him on its way
to the back of the net. Sensational! A late and dramatic goal with only five
minutes remaining on the clock, has Gerrard rescued the seniors? Goal: Steven
Gerrard. Assist: Frank Lampard.</div>
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<b>89min: </b>Crouch
nearly finds a winner for the seniors. Lampard easily picks off Crouch from his
corner kick who nonchalantly out jumps both Phil Jones and Gary Cahill and
connects. The contact is not clean and the ball fizzes past the top corner.</div>
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<b>90min: </b>5 extra
minutes declared to this tense encounter. Both sides are in search of a winner.
Both teams have stepped up their pace. The 4 wingers: Chamberlain, Albrighton,
Young and Walcott will have to really step up their game in these dying minutes
if they want to see their respective sides win.</div>
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<b>90+4min: Goal! Goal!!
Goal!!! 4-3. </b>The crowd goes wild and so do the teams. Crouch scores and
absolute peach of a goal. A carbon copy impression of the goal he scored for
Stoke City against Manchester City. Catches the ball midair and shoots
awkwardly in a way only he can and he ball flies past a shell-shocked Foster.
Disbelief and despair on the face of David Beckham and his boys, Joy on the
face of Alan Shearer and his squad. Crouch has proved that the Stoke goal wasn’t
a fluke. Goal: Peter Crouch.</div>
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<b>90+5min: </b>The full
time whistle blows. Victory goes to the England seniors.</div>
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<b>Full Time: </b> A rather tense and engaging encounter with
seven goals scored in all. The crowds got their money’s worth. Beckhams’s boys
were never expected to match up this evenly against Shearer’s seniors but they
did. They proved that they are no pushovers. Both sides had an almost equal
sharing of possession. All in all a rather clean game with a few fouls and a
yellow card each for both the juniors and seniors. A great display of what
English fans have to look up to during this decade and the next.</div>
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That’s all from us folks. Will see you next time. Till then
enjoy and have a great time.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">RESULT:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">ENGLAND
SENIORS 4 ENGLAND
JUNIORS 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Wayne
Rooney………………….26’ Gary Cahill ………………………40’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Frank
Lampard (pk)………….61’ Daniel Sturridge……………...43’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Steven
Gerrard…………………85’ Jack Wilshere…………………..78’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Peter
Crouch…………………90</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">+</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">4’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Seniors
(4-1-4-1):</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Squad:</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> J.Hart
{gk}; G.Johnson, R.Ferdinand, J.Terry {c}, A.Cole; G.Barry (sub off 56min), J.Milner
(sub off 56 min), S.Gerrard, F.Lampard, A.Young; W.Rooney (sub off 82 min)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Bench:</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> R.Green, L.King,
L.Baines, S.Parker (sub on 56min), T.Walcott (sub on 56 min), A.Johnson, P.Crouch
(sub on 82 min).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Manager: </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> Alan Shearer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Juniors
(4-4-2):</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Squad: </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">B.Foster
{gk}; M.Richards (sub off 64 min), P.Jones, G.Cahill {c}, R.Bertrand; M.Albrighton,
J.Wilshere (sub off 84 min), T.Cleverly (sub off 51 min), A.Chamberlain; D.Welbeck,
D.Sturridge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Bench: </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">F.Forster,
K.Walker (sub on 64 min), C.Smalling, J.Rodwell (sub on 51 min), J.McEchran
(sub on 84 min), J.Rodriguez, C.Wickham.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Manager: </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">David
Beckham.</span></div>
</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-62699012204687641152012-04-12T19:24:00.000+05:302012-04-12T19:24:18.389+05:30England's Euro Squad- Midfielders Part II - Wingers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After much effort I come to the final assessment of the
English squad. The wide midfielders or wingers as they are called.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Certain</span></u></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgxFxm5_bPKM7OjScb7vRFZZ0wcFwg-7Oavwj-vKqc4iFU3KAmBdIMbzTcjd03ijPq_5zOk5QMqbmhwWi06XqdcJjstRsgGwWf0QsmJKQvPqwChYmg9ck-FWu6aBIQXi1fLDZFcdbpAc/s1600/ashley+young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgxFxm5_bPKM7OjScb7vRFZZ0wcFwg-7Oavwj-vKqc4iFU3KAmBdIMbzTcjd03ijPq_5zOk5QMqbmhwWi06XqdcJjstRsgGwWf0QsmJKQvPqwChYmg9ck-FWu6aBIQXi1fLDZFcdbpAc/s320/ashley+young.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ashley Young</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ashley Young-</b>The
former Aston Villa man has been simply superb at Manchester United this season.
Ever since his debut his brilliance on the left wing has simply put people in
awe. There is no doubt in my mind that he will make the First XI left wing spot
hands down. Despite having a few injury concerns which has had him come and go
in the United Squad he has always been first pick when fit. Having fully
justified his approximately 20 million price tag since his transfer he will
provide much needed flair and pace to the English game. Only thing in his way
is that he needs to keep himself fit as he has appeared a bit fragile at times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 10/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FtW6Lzeo80tQ_cA-JOBEwcT5jL9XNNTjOoLglPVpIEPifxpCFtZl21x6OJfdfMJUwD78hnkHR9iLTEU5U1rdQ3tpCYcyUgC1O6v6jy6obGZ1g2iisvoJMUJE53cARNR9OMwb16HXLqI/s1600/James-Milner-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FtW6Lzeo80tQ_cA-JOBEwcT5jL9XNNTjOoLglPVpIEPifxpCFtZl21x6OJfdfMJUwD78hnkHR9iLTEU5U1rdQ3tpCYcyUgC1O6v6jy6obGZ1g2iisvoJMUJE53cARNR9OMwb16HXLqI/s320/James-Milner-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>James Milner</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James Milner- </b>Another
former Villa man (makes you wonder about the quality of Villa’s squad under
Martin O’ Neill) and now Manchester City player, James Milner is as good as
they come. After proving his Premier League exploits at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
he made a big money transfer to Manchester City. Widely preferred in the first
season he now has lost his place on the right wing to Sergio Aguero, but this
seems to have worked out in his favor in having developed the ability to play as
a central midfielder too. This ability coupled with his experience sees him on
the plane to Poland-Ukraine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 10/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Probables</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3hzFYeQDLzZvB2nDiPiDgavZKykxt-bMTxQgTDcoz2Sy89uEwVCD0w3Te78lg0mfEwgMXkiGWGMC1XFH7GYxA0-dGA_tgtoCEtiroj64RYE6GVyuWeqvuMx2U6UkTno7Ssd4039hcoE/s1600/Theo-Walcott_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3hzFYeQDLzZvB2nDiPiDgavZKykxt-bMTxQgTDcoz2Sy89uEwVCD0w3Te78lg0mfEwgMXkiGWGMC1XFH7GYxA0-dGA_tgtoCEtiroj64RYE6GVyuWeqvuMx2U6UkTno7Ssd4039hcoE/s1600/Theo-Walcott_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Theo Walcott</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Theo Walcott- </b>Although
I dislike Arsenal (to the point of almost hating it) Theo Walcott is among the
few Arsenal players I enjoy watching. Extremely agile and creative he is one of
the few players who on their day can run riots around opposing defenders. Yet
unfortunately for Walcott those days don’t come often enough. His inconsistency
has been among one of the prime reasons for his repeated selections and quick
departures from the English National Squad.
If he is in form his flamboyant partnership with Ashley Young in the
wings would complement the stability and accuracy provided by Lampard/Gerard to
decimal spots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 8/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHGvRjfQcncDb1Rzb6-HuzDiZFGK9wG5oF1QmUHyAccNtrwKkiIWFAyUzIN6YPDMKrWLIdaZ9c_eQF5V3WhxeOePg2LM_o9co-neTT5RH21kAw6sCMCwCsJmQcgBrKWCJBqsXjB2Gc_8/s1600/joecole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHGvRjfQcncDb1Rzb6-HuzDiZFGK9wG5oF1QmUHyAccNtrwKkiIWFAyUzIN6YPDMKrWLIdaZ9c_eQF5V3WhxeOePg2LM_o9co-neTT5RH21kAw6sCMCwCsJmQcgBrKWCJBqsXjB2Gc_8/s320/joecole.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Joe Cole</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Joe Cole- </b>The
former Chelsea veteran had a terrible season at Liverpool before he decided to
move to French champions Lille for this season on loan. Truth be said he has
shown what he is capable of doing. Having already notched a hat trick once and
having provided numerous assists and crucial goals, he has surely resurrected
his flagging career and is once again in the race for the EURO squad spot. His
partnership with Eden Hazard across flanks has stunned his critics and a
permanent switch seems imminent. Coming back to national statistics he will
prove efficient on either wing and can also spearhead the attack if needed. His
speed at the death when opposition defenders are tired is a known threat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 7/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitotUHVPX9tMBUWTsvCzgUa5BAi1n8xPDN431GoDNRTp3hS_WVnYPIANtmPI5alz620KRGMRF1oV33EFJicr2SMw2oWxemrE02hVTcuzQ4Gl1MNvpXEDGg1H0HIspqL2k_60YVonLvFOQ/s1600/Adam-Johnson-Englands-fut-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitotUHVPX9tMBUWTsvCzgUa5BAi1n8xPDN431GoDNRTp3hS_WVnYPIANtmPI5alz620KRGMRF1oV33EFJicr2SMw2oWxemrE02hVTcuzQ4Gl1MNvpXEDGg1H0HIspqL2k_60YVonLvFOQ/s320/Adam-Johnson-Englands-fut-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Adam Johnson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adam Johnson-</b> This Manchester City player is truly among the few
players whose career at big clubs have been limited to bit roles and impact
performances. Something players like Salomon Kalou and Dirk Kuyt have mastered.
Coming in late his accurate crosses and defense splitting passes have been well
documented. The former Middlesborough man is a unique supersub like Joe Cole
who has provided consistent performances from the bench. Although yet lacking a
bit experience to be first team material he just might make it to the EURO
squad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 6/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bolt From the Blue</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG6bERdFT11UhvFbqhDQMmcf4mb1fcSOxae0b4RbVnjI9yAtsDec6LBKBOR3_3NJZQEtHhPgg8ZdMoIfuNkl_QhE75XpUO2G3lE8lWdBb5p5pI12te28Gqj_HqgiwOv4gzDYzeeZCt4M/s1600/lennon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG6bERdFT11UhvFbqhDQMmcf4mb1fcSOxae0b4RbVnjI9yAtsDec6LBKBOR3_3NJZQEtHhPgg8ZdMoIfuNkl_QhE75XpUO2G3lE8lWdBb5p5pI12te28Gqj_HqgiwOv4gzDYzeeZCt4M/s200/lennon.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Aaron Lennon</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Aaron Lennon- </b>This
man has probably the toughest possible path into the squad. Having sat out for
majority of the season he is now fit and raring to go. On the bench in the
Chelsea game, he has only two months to prove his worth and make an entry into
the team. (Though I personally believe that he does not deserve to be in the
squad even if he is fit and in form as two months should not overshadow some
other winger who has been at it for the entire season.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 3/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David Beckham- </b>The
grand old man of English Football after some legendary spells at Manchester
United and Real Madrid moved to the relative ease of United States football
which couldn’t hold much of his interest seeing him return to Europe for decent
spells at Italian giants AC Milan. An Achilles injury prevented him from
joining the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad but a fantastic season at Los Angeles
galaxy in which he made probably more appearances that all the previous seasons
put together has put him on the path for a shock return to the English side he
once proudly and successfully captained.
Known for his thunderous free kicks and ability to play in the right, left and
central midfield position, he is an asset to have in the team and a true
motivational genius. Having led Los Angeles Galaxy to an MLS League triumph
this year, he is in fine form. The EUROS would be a fine farewell to the
International scene for one of England’s and the World’s true superstars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 4/10</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9_FRrf4TAAO7A8U3e2VxfJN8bbyxG2eZndZMNpj_nLHsVr220oFNL0mli3qRFC5lX2HytRWi0xzpWI-jXkcGHiNsAGX-RXl_CIgAjPTQZSUGHwVxV5N9VUSGouapjRB5zdJcCUxGaeM/s1600/david-beckham_1421482c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9_FRrf4TAAO7A8U3e2VxfJN8bbyxG2eZndZMNpj_nLHsVr220oFNL0mli3qRFC5lX2HytRWi0xzpWI-jXkcGHiNsAGX-RXl_CIgAjPTQZSUGHwVxV5N9VUSGouapjRB5zdJcCUxGaeM/s400/david-beckham_1421482c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>David Beckham</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Picks: Ashley Young, James Milner, Theo Walcott/Joe Cole/David Beckham</b><b> (2 out of 3)</b></div>
</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-12902918996354170022012-04-09T19:01:00.000+05:302012-04-09T19:17:13.259+05:30England's EURO Squad-Midfielder Part I-Central Midfield<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having finished discussing defenders it is now time to move
on to one of the most important parts of the team. The midfield. Today our
focus is going to be the central midfielders</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Certain</span></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsFHdY8d9_X3Rx5aUbBUFQcqC6azsV2s0hKK5qA54YVvOc-vlfCYk8Cj9aJTjInX08Emz5iN03nWHZwGVUdZ1tGYzFHg2iCIk9Z6xJ-ukDjTI6vjQZraCRKYlrnvqox4-oA8j7vpySE0/s1600/lampard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsFHdY8d9_X3Rx5aUbBUFQcqC6azsV2s0hKK5qA54YVvOc-vlfCYk8Cj9aJTjInX08Emz5iN03nWHZwGVUdZ1tGYzFHg2iCIk9Z6xJ-ukDjTI6vjQZraCRKYlrnvqox4-oA8j7vpySE0/s320/lampard.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Frank Lampard</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgt5yNnSD0Y7JAjy7mDf0hRI-4FYa7T3DeH9OK3iELzzyvF2xhzF3qfj5wzVnGkTKgI2W_a28gMHQ6H2hKte07kNkss9xRowbYRGiKwsl-f6jlxBhhyljZ6VgjUiICCcWMjDgYkhAuJ3k/s1600/Scott-Parker-England_2561786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgt5yNnSD0Y7JAjy7mDf0hRI-4FYa7T3DeH9OK3iELzzyvF2xhzF3qfj5wzVnGkTKgI2W_a28gMHQ6H2hKte07kNkss9xRowbYRGiKwsl-f6jlxBhhyljZ6VgjUiICCcWMjDgYkhAuJ3k/s200/Scott-Parker-England_2561786.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Scott Parker</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Frank Lampard, Gareth
Barry, Scott Parker- </b>Amazingly this is probably the trio of players who
will find themselves selected no questions asked. Scott Parker currently holds
the Captain’s armband so he will go straight into the playing XI. Frank Lampard
and Gareth Barry on the other hands will have to compete amongst themselves and
the other English midfield veteran Steven Gerrard for a spot. Frank Lampard has
had a good season for Chelsea. Joint top of the goals tally at Chelsea FC with
Daniel Sturridge will seem him book his flight to Poland- Ukraine. What remains
to see is if he gets the second central midfielder spot. With England most
likely to employ wingers, only two central midfield spots remain. With Chelsea
old boy Parker certain to retain one spot Lampard’s versatility in playing in
attacking and holding roles and his sheer experience make him no.1 to lineup
alongside Parker. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W1lKbPPGUFthsT2nuHxROtUc3tVqwcwOUwMpNDlikm6ooPBPNMIMSn4NWVMdUYe8_z6XdMbvAKNCM7Bey-4GR4Yy52PgZweSpzOwVvqk_iRmYpnIVLMCLELlRCj4ttF5hguJS-nTypY/s1600/Gareth-Barry-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W1lKbPPGUFthsT2nuHxROtUc3tVqwcwOUwMpNDlikm6ooPBPNMIMSn4NWVMdUYe8_z6XdMbvAKNCM7Bey-4GR4Yy52PgZweSpzOwVvqk_iRmYpnIVLMCLELlRCj4ttF5hguJS-nTypY/s320/Gareth-Barry-004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gareth Barry</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Gareth Barry, the former Aston Villa and now Manchester City
player has had a decent season so far and has put in quite a few good
performances when fit. During Fabio Capello’s reign the entire XI seemed to be
molded around him but a couple of recurring injuries and some non-descript
performances may well see him warming the benches. All this being said he is a
good solid Central Midfielder who is also sure to be on his way to the Euros.</div>
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<b>Chances: 10/10 </b>(each)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Probables</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span></div>
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<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC5-A01K4eGAkxXXJ_Z9Q7v2sMlqTjTs3DYz2mjh7GwSe5cGRqPpvljY18bpu1YUBLCPl0CmWGkPrXEHTAjgAakqLabaQjAPeTzMoKHuvLqlwbPwtwlbDpBU1GApSv5pdkm1_pZNudVw/s1600/gerrard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhC5-A01K4eGAkxXXJ_Z9Q7v2sMlqTjTs3DYz2mjh7GwSe5cGRqPpvljY18bpu1YUBLCPl0CmWGkPrXEHTAjgAakqLabaQjAPeTzMoKHuvLqlwbPwtwlbDpBU1GApSv5pdkm1_pZNudVw/s320/gerrard.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Steven Gerrard</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Steven Gerrard- </b>Liverpool
faithful are going to curse me for putting Steven Gerrard in the Probables
list, but let’s face it he is not certain of his place in the England lineup as
of now for two important reasons. First:
fitness. He has been extremely inspirational whenever he has played and scored
a goal on return against Manchester United but largely has been plagued by some
injury or another. Also the fact that the Captain’s armband currently belongs to
Scott Parker is going to do him no good. Second: form. Gerrard’s form like
Liverpool’s has been anything but good. There have been glimpses of his
glorious self lately but Liverpool’s team form is bringing him down a bit. </div>
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Experts are of the opinion that Gerrard’s absence led Stuart
Pearce to provide Parker with the captaincy. If that is the case and Gerrard is
made captain upon his return(If he returns), English fans are in for a treat
and will be hoping that the Mythical Lampard-Gerrard partnership kicks in once
and for all to deliver the Euros</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 8/10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk4pTDSx9jBg04lLazGTns9YBrQwgiRUlFUjvArSwr6weDxkhIw0-nFNUUYzz9vOCvZxuPUQiJhtlWuYuh8ajXaXeQIuRo-Nb4AIWz-lY8E1ude_U7jJHtNyq8bDVTGK_fkFtUeNETgw/s1600/carrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk4pTDSx9jBg04lLazGTns9YBrQwgiRUlFUjvArSwr6weDxkhIw0-nFNUUYzz9vOCvZxuPUQiJhtlWuYuh8ajXaXeQIuRo-Nb4AIWz-lY8E1ude_U7jJHtNyq8bDVTGK_fkFtUeNETgw/s1600/carrick.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Michael Carrick</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michael Carrick- </b>Manchester
United’s go-to man Carrick is probably one of the few big guns who are not
assured of their spot. Having played a part of the season at Centre Back
alongside Johnny Evans, Carrick is an extremely talented and utility player who
will most certainly be missing out due to large no of players being available.
Known for his technical approach to the game, he is a typical central
midfielder content with orchestrating the game from the center of the pitch,
unlike his flamboyant contemporaries (read Lampard and Gerrard). The only way
he will make it to the squad will be in case of an injury problem to the other
contenders namely Steven Gerrard.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances: 6/10</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bolt from the Blue</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85XXaQlbDeJlrNb8usRRCSeZVX5E57lpesX7e24P0LF0yTpdfNkZbvdPbmTAqCaIfbGx4Q_x15gcEsCAwOluJa4o-ISddiorqFUfPJHw5XKLucEDq_Kyq-YHLSf5LnB_is8pijrVNZs4/s1600/jack_rodwell_1406433c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85XXaQlbDeJlrNb8usRRCSeZVX5E57lpesX7e24P0LF0yTpdfNkZbvdPbmTAqCaIfbGx4Q_x15gcEsCAwOluJa4o-ISddiorqFUfPJHw5XKLucEDq_Kyq-YHLSf5LnB_is8pijrVNZs4/s320/jack_rodwell_1406433c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jack Rodwell</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jack Rodwell -</b>The
Everton wonderkid has proved to his critics this season why he is one of the
Premier League’s hottest properties. Equally adept at playing center back,
defensive midfield and central midfield, he is sure to make a mark in the
future. A guaranteed Olympics selection notwithstanding, he won’t make the
grade for the senior squad just yet. Only Mr. Pearce’s shock selection or at
least two major injuries in the midfield department will be needed to see him
through. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chances:4/10</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My Picks: Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, Steven Gerrard.</b></span></span></span></div>
</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-47474246027499207882012-03-30T19:07:00.001+05:302012-03-30T19:07:31.875+05:30England's Euro Squad- Defenders- Part-II- Full Backs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Having already discussed Central defenders last time we now take a look at those who are in contention for the full back spots<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Left Back: </span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Certain</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyPXDyGHzA0TMqPRv6yqmrkx22gMDFBxisjQCmRqgNLeTfcBPiYi8DnZLIeGBZUKVVUPXytoiyuMbweFGYxjLdLQ-_H8-dgV5MLZ-BGul1EA1Hex4U2GK7_2Pvt-xCVtm12scjY8QJ3g/s1600/ashley-cole.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyPXDyGHzA0TMqPRv6yqmrkx22gMDFBxisjQCmRqgNLeTfcBPiYi8DnZLIeGBZUKVVUPXytoiyuMbweFGYxjLdLQ-_H8-dgV5MLZ-BGul1EA1Hex4U2GK7_2Pvt-xCVtm12scjY8QJ3g/s320/ashley-cole.jpeg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ashley Cole</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Ashley Cole</b>- Having locked his place in the English setup since 2001 the Chelsea and former Arsenal full back is considered by many to be the best left back in the world at the moment, miles ahead of his compatriots. A long standing Real Madrid target Ashley Cole has made the left back position his own, leaving Leighton Baines as his long standing understudy. A quick and speedy player he also has the ability to play higher up in the wings if the situation so demands. A no.1 pick no doubt.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 10/10</b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Probables</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNR9uSKTd4Sbn20qnztw0zOFmDKJucDz072bai1gsmBBrJx_VKeKZBZDtT51E0b3-GOY7uRf4EKr-y15As6b_Dw7olCJjobaFx3drVreD5O9TlsOXdIgwvYWlFaJwM7QbGXwolBOYz9U/s1600/LeightonBaines_2684059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNR9uSKTd4Sbn20qnztw0zOFmDKJucDz072bai1gsmBBrJx_VKeKZBZDtT51E0b3-GOY7uRf4EKr-y15As6b_Dw7olCJjobaFx3drVreD5O9TlsOXdIgwvYWlFaJwM7QbGXwolBOYz9U/s320/LeightonBaines_2684059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Leighton Baines</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Leighton Baines- </b>Everton's man Friday and a former Wigan player. Leighton Baines is a sure shot to make the second left back's spot given that he has almost no competition. Ever since Wayne Bridge retired from international football and Ashley Cole asserted his first team spot. Good at set pieces and penalties he is a solid back-up to the Euros and will be useful in case Ashley Cole needs to be rested.<br />
<br />
<b> Chances: 8/10</b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRwrqERBirLy736WJFYvFWo7WiduAczc_7yH_kJp0BNFCYbl2BQCMFJB3rcVw8bJ7ixUY1j6JFKqfxcTU6HETSstopfV6WDmqCayN1gNGsKyFbUCLdF3vhnDYKDEsf4kp79qUNcHt1JY/s1600/Stephen-Warnock-England_2522880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRwrqERBirLy736WJFYvFWo7WiduAczc_7yH_kJp0BNFCYbl2BQCMFJB3rcVw8bJ7ixUY1j6JFKqfxcTU6HETSstopfV6WDmqCayN1gNGsKyFbUCLdF3vhnDYKDEsf4kp79qUNcHt1JY/s320/Stephen-Warnock-England_2522880.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stephen Warnock</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Stephen Warnock- </b>The Villan has been in good form this season performing consistently while his team performs averagely. He has been a part of England's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad too. Despite representing England for only 26 minutes so far, his good performances see him within a shot of making it to the Euro squad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chances:7/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Right Back:</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Certain</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZf2DcdjKwBSCMAN6fynQL05g-O4Q4vuhFgYw3_CEnUtJtV1R3S3PaZPdPP5I7buLuhiRSkhElJNHZty20KAgxxJ5R-SCrvhw5vdijRjcAQDRXdcOMAa6MNIKtbOiQBbjxhjYFyBLiE8/s1600/Micah+Richards+15.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZf2DcdjKwBSCMAN6fynQL05g-O4Q4vuhFgYw3_CEnUtJtV1R3S3PaZPdPP5I7buLuhiRSkhElJNHZty20KAgxxJ5R-SCrvhw5vdijRjcAQDRXdcOMAa6MNIKtbOiQBbjxhjYFyBLiE8/s320/Micah+Richards+15.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Micah Richards<br />
</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Micah Richards-</b> One of the hot
properties of the Premier League, Richards is one of the few Manchester
City players who retained their spots despite City's well documented
financial overhaul. A powerful and fast defender his ability to play at
Centre Back will be an added boost to the English lineup given that its
key defenders are on the wrong side of 30( read Terry, Ferdinand and
King). His mere presence on the field dwarves the oncoming strikers. His goal scoring abilities will also come in handy. What remains
to see is whether interim manager Stuart Pearce hands him a first team
spot ahead of tried and tested Glen Johnson. Even though he might not be
first choice right back he is definitely going to make the team. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chances:10/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0zdL6tEdNayLrFfRah-_3evYYtt3UTo2h2mSqDb-BOfVoUqQDXxa-98NPo273jYFQag8ojES1H637Q1VQBY2Fte8-bASsbUkC0pVj7k2CZu1IbLJj06F_AyvxPOe7IxrmpymKNoxxqI/s1600/Johndon_1520505c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0zdL6tEdNayLrFfRah-_3evYYtt3UTo2h2mSqDb-BOfVoUqQDXxa-98NPo273jYFQag8ojES1H637Q1VQBY2Fte8-bASsbUkC0pVj7k2CZu1IbLJj06F_AyvxPOe7IxrmpymKNoxxqI/s320/Johndon_1520505c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Glen Johnson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Glen Johnson-</b>The West Ham United youth product and former Chelsea and Portsmouth player now plays at Liverpool. Ever since Gary Neville's retirement he has cemented the right back position as his. With 35 caps he is among the senior members of the team but looks like an automatic pick too. His mildly attacking play seems to complement Ashley Cole's explosive runs and has the knack of scoring important goals. Despite this it is a known fact that former England manager showed a 30 minute compiled video of Johnson's rubbish throw ins to the English team. His position at right back is under threat given the rise to fame of Manchester City's young, burly but able right back Micah Richards and Tottenham's pacy right back Kyle Walker. The experience factor though will tilt the scales in his balance.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances:8/10</b><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Probables </b></u></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk3SZdjT6ZxcTDXgF8L5wg3boHWmoeQBqR8hWjlz0IP_plg36oeBzszYZwNHFruMlC6jKlzxUU-qp_TYk7NdiXnO738W2jGnn7R7pGRnrv1Wed9cPRu1pzCSsVlQhLt5rfONU3aygm8Q/s1600/walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk3SZdjT6ZxcTDXgF8L5wg3boHWmoeQBqR8hWjlz0IP_plg36oeBzszYZwNHFruMlC6jKlzxUU-qp_TYk7NdiXnO738W2jGnn7R7pGRnrv1Wed9cPRu1pzCSsVlQhLt5rfONU3aygm8Q/s320/walker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kyle Walker</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Kyle Walker- </b>Kyle Walker is another English player who is young but has had a scintillating season so for Tottenham. A fast and pacy player his speed has left opponents guessing many a times. He forms a wonderful across the flanks partnership with Gareth Bale. His performances have led him to become the first-choice right back so much so that Vederan Corluka moved to Bayer Leverkusen to gain regular first team football. Despite his success fellow players Glen Johnson and Micah Richards seem destined to get a spot ahead of him unless either is injured or Stuart Pearce takes a bold decision by dropping Johnson.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 6/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My Picks: Lb: Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines</b><br />
<b> Rb: Micah Richards, Glen Johnson </b></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-63741004648499566362012-03-25T13:05:00.002+05:302012-03-25T13:22:49.424+05:30England's Euro Squad- Defenders Part 1-Central Defender<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Due to the large amount of defenders in the fray for selection, this article will deal only with the CB or centre back position.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Certain</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXx9n2WSDQsUY2fanFiqEIsW1lajje7jnbkfyD8CGR5ekJIMae-jL6cwu-eeHvSZ2uk6zghMKkHBTsy_Qh1HjhTOw43QMegEPJWxdArfHc9yYGEFC1XMDRfKk3-MaT4obwz9T4AYJeSY/s1600/Cahill_Terry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXx9n2WSDQsUY2fanFiqEIsW1lajje7jnbkfyD8CGR5ekJIMae-jL6cwu-eeHvSZ2uk6zghMKkHBTsy_Qh1HjhTOw43QMegEPJWxdArfHc9yYGEFC1XMDRfKk3-MaT4obwz9T4AYJeSY/s320/Cahill_Terry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Strong Foundations: Cahill and Terry</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>John Terry and Gary Cahill</b>-Is hard to write about these two players individually.Purchased for a reported 7 million, Gary Cahill has come into his own at Chelsea and fully justified his move into a top club like Chelsea. Considered as Terry's heir apparent at Chelsea the English defender is as good as they come. For Chelsea this was a dream pairing and it looks so for England too. In Cahill and Terry you have two great no-nonsense defenders with extraordinary goal-scoring abilities. Terry has been known too pump in those deflections and headers at close quarters and Cahill has been seen doing the same in the last few games. This looks a set partnership which might be interrupted in favor of a Terry-Ferdinand partnership in a crunch game given Cahill's relative lack of international exposure.<br />
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<b>Chances: 10/10</b><br />
<b>Terry-Cahill Chances: 9/10</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7TLSnUVcbI4gQe4gtejn9h6mQbB2iDlyAvh1FKMJAf72TazpFsM0DwUYl_5WIFw5w1i5S5fxufKDLYXxiP4bQH5zAFgx02E3zM9_rBCvBgT7WAEZSNWQqo2mqzF9TlyOXVKEPsc9Y98/s1600/rioferdengland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7TLSnUVcbI4gQe4gtejn9h6mQbB2iDlyAvh1FKMJAf72TazpFsM0DwUYl_5WIFw5w1i5S5fxufKDLYXxiP4bQH5zAFgx02E3zM9_rBCvBgT7WAEZSNWQqo2mqzF9TlyOXVKEPsc9Y98/s320/rioferdengland.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rio Ferdinand</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Rio Ferdinand</b>- Despite being an interim captain and an able and strong defender for both Manchester United and England, Rio has been a bit faltering this season. With the rise of exciting young defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling,Rio has often ad to warm the benches this year. He shot himself in the foot too when he refused the captaincy after John Terry's racist remark row. That would have granted him a definite First XI spot. Still a very good defensive partner for Terry having played together for years, now he could see his spot go to Gary Cahill<br />
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<b>Chances:9/10</b><br />
<b>Terry-Ferdinand: 7.5/10</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Probables</b></u></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZdQS3y-g6w4hpuTeMNFLDqvA4cIcpDvK_IXI-hdlSqA0B98IvZKXN8DyXNtwrCxUMEt5-4b2kbbm_z1b0IjBRxY4-wnX6BNjCIXT8rW-JvZaBeYyUTjhkMKtJrO21SCSztkPsWeM64s/s1600/Ledley-King-England-12177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZdQS3y-g6w4hpuTeMNFLDqvA4cIcpDvK_IXI-hdlSqA0B98IvZKXN8DyXNtwrCxUMEt5-4b2kbbm_z1b0IjBRxY4-wnX6BNjCIXT8rW-JvZaBeYyUTjhkMKtJrO21SCSztkPsWeM64s/s320/Ledley-King-England-12177.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ledly King</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Ledly King- </b>The long standing defensive stalwart has always impressed in England colors despite all his injury problems. It was reported that King used to use an oxygen tent to recuperate before every match.King is one of those players who despite all his performances was always overshadowed by someone. At Tottenham this season Younes Kaboul and William Gallas' partnership has been rather impressive and his injury concerns haven't really helped his cause either. Should make it to the team based on experience.<br />
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<b>Chances:7/10</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_RlYqG98yUyropQgOGHlNajHGeKmODdS41iW11ASVt3lG8Ag3hc8EPHV-UA8OGaSPXTzOSbzYuxlY0h30uZEzrref8eE7MBGRCR_rFJvnYoB2ufFTuxC6YwFeMOea6YxTr3DJaLp9vg/s1600/Joleon-Lescott-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_RlYqG98yUyropQgOGHlNajHGeKmODdS41iW11ASVt3lG8Ag3hc8EPHV-UA8OGaSPXTzOSbzYuxlY0h30uZEzrref8eE7MBGRCR_rFJvnYoB2ufFTuxC6YwFeMOea6YxTr3DJaLp9vg/s320/Joleon-Lescott-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Joleon Lescott</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Joleon Lescott- </b>The former Everton centre back who now plys his trade for Manchester City has successfully formed a partnership with Kompany. One of the first pick defenders for the City back-line he has been consistent and ever present. With Cahill, Terry and Ferdinand most likely sealing their spots he faces competition with Ledly King for the 4th CB role in the team. In all probabilities it will boil down to form and fitness before the selection date.<br />
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<b>Chances: 6/10</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Bolt from the Blue</u></span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_yNPoMXPXkQGB9qBhus2ej6gCW962xGC_Wu5lLgFH7XNRb9gMhhB4MwXZ4x8I7Qqw0ySMda9qxdsEAugeg2PodPLmDEatsxU0S4GTncCFAZrtavR32pSjlEZjWS6cSVOmuKfFd7WEfo/s1600/Phil-Jones-England-Sweden-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_yNPoMXPXkQGB9qBhus2ej6gCW962xGC_Wu5lLgFH7XNRb9gMhhB4MwXZ4x8I7Qqw0ySMda9qxdsEAugeg2PodPLmDEatsxU0S4GTncCFAZrtavR32pSjlEZjWS6cSVOmuKfFd7WEfo/s200/Phil-Jones-England-Sweden-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Phil Jones</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvlyFgERz36XFKBcEhxYj5JCkOJSzKxlroc1Grmnd82RbhTUAA_AZMpCfMwtRciaGt9M7BO0fhLklfg-alIb4kw6_eLH08tuJheo3MyJ_sS61EHg0Z9V6kV5q07t1hsjH-zP7EYeGfxI/s1600/smalling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvlyFgERz36XFKBcEhxYj5JCkOJSzKxlroc1Grmnd82RbhTUAA_AZMpCfMwtRciaGt9M7BO0fhLklfg-alIb4kw6_eLH08tuJheo3MyJ_sS61EHg0Z9V6kV5q07t1hsjH-zP7EYeGfxI/s200/smalling.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris Smalling</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Phil Jones and Chris Smalling- </b> The young Manchester United defenders have it in them to be one of England's finest in a couple of years. Their ability to play in various positions along the back-line may also come in handy but their recurring injury problems will pose concern. With other veteran defenders Phil Jagielka and Michael Dawson out with injuries this could be a time to make an impact.<br />
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<b>Chances: 3/10</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Missing Out</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<b>Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka- </b>Often picked in the first team squad, Dawson and Jagielka look all set to miss the Euros with long term injuries for Tottenham and Everton respectively.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj67xDa_fss2WFrWl9lWMki-1O5sfmDl3HJZP-zElGVjWYa4wN_ASg18MCkDFf-Qi93p6uNjhgJAnq-AotnGYALXCC4LCykj6AZguG3b9RxXaj3wNmwAlIdLsPYfan2Axl8ewl_M35vb0/s1600/Phil-Jagielka-of-England--006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj67xDa_fss2WFrWl9lWMki-1O5sfmDl3HJZP-zElGVjWYa4wN_ASg18MCkDFf-Qi93p6uNjhgJAnq-AotnGYALXCC4LCykj6AZguG3b9RxXaj3wNmwAlIdLsPYfan2Axl8ewl_M35vb0/s200/Phil-Jagielka-of-England--006.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Phil Jagielka</b></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPS9V98vFRqjfYVXsQA9jwdylAQIApuKS6XLRDxu7BIWw-Ux7zXsxtdmSEdJUypT2QKIKwPCLRS-n6JUzQSlqumgriE2WXFXlsf1Z5ITFWQ6UbMJKYn-yWhaYPSEABxB6A49zkqUKwhM/s1600/dawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPS9V98vFRqjfYVXsQA9jwdylAQIApuKS6XLRDxu7BIWw-Ux7zXsxtdmSEdJUypT2QKIKwPCLRS-n6JUzQSlqumgriE2WXFXlsf1Z5ITFWQ6UbMJKYn-yWhaYPSEABxB6A49zkqUKwhM/s200/dawson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Michael Dawson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>My Picks: John Terry, Gary Cahill, Rio Ferdinand, Ledly King</b></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-15572397336577470742012-03-20T19:29:00.000+05:302012-03-20T19:29:02.624+05:30Dear Fernando Torres<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Dear Fernando Torres,</b><br />
<b> </b> First of all a hearty congratulations at finally ending your 25 hour goal drought at Leicester City last Sunday. We as Chelsea fans have always had the confidence that you would end this drought and despite all the Doubting Thomases (read Liverpool fans and other EPL teams) we always believed that you would come good.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3XYt9_B4kzwEFJCJODdRn6nAMVtNdqs2rE-CiRn0ZkRQVKIt4my5Oe0b31JdRa7OE1SDPP4IqPYmB6lBZVX_dBcvdoxAJZquFUdsKBGMQ7EjKRYS6ZpkoWjj0DA8LykG7d-2UgyEiLY/s1600/torres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3XYt9_B4kzwEFJCJODdRn6nAMVtNdqs2rE-CiRn0ZkRQVKIt4my5Oe0b31JdRa7OE1SDPP4IqPYmB6lBZVX_dBcvdoxAJZquFUdsKBGMQ7EjKRYS6ZpkoWjj0DA8LykG7d-2UgyEiLY/s320/torres.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm Back!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This being said it comes as no surprise that although you were involved in all five goals scored against Leicester there have been people disregarding the fact because it came against, well, Leicester. Yet I believe that Roberto Di Matteo has finally found out how to make you score goals.Your run down the right wing to deliver the pass to Kalou was a sight to behold. It showed us why we payed the 50 million.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ4kG4FmU15MvDbU1MsgErHzuWPVREf1Dyq0umK_ZpNaDIJwN-HCcflM7vgqAUbs1BENdlGAyKa0YaCyT-uxRKAMsq-SmdpyYIIPQG3I7wt_VbmZpcb_DwIGFD-jwsAj6M48vCAcgFmQ/s1600/torres2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ4kG4FmU15MvDbU1MsgErHzuWPVREf1Dyq0umK_ZpNaDIJwN-HCcflM7vgqAUbs1BENdlGAyKa0YaCyT-uxRKAMsq-SmdpyYIIPQG3I7wt_VbmZpcb_DwIGFD-jwsAj6M48vCAcgFmQ/s320/torres2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Leicester game: Great Birthday Gift!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the last couple of months when you hadn't been scoring goals you were ever present in the assists column. One of my favorite assists is the looping cross to Juan Mata who scored Chelsea's second goal in the 3-3 draw with Manchester United. That cross proved that you still had the quality and the skills, only confidence was lacking. Another widely sensationalized hot potato of your fledgling career at Chelsea was the glaring miss in the 3-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford not the goal you scored so skillfully. After having deftly rounded David de Gea you missed an open net and opened the gates to a barrage of insults and jokes. We Chelsea fans took the humiliation upon ourselves too and defended you once more. Signs of improvement were seen when you scored in the next game against Swansea but then went and got yourself red-carded for a silly two footed tackle which got you suspended for three games.<br />
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But now times have changed. Andre Villas-Boas has left. Roberto Di Matteo has taken over. A new life has been breathed into the squad. With 4 wins out of 4 games, the squad looks revitalized and especially you. We all saw that the pace had returned, the trickery had resumed and defense splitting passes had been added to your arsenal, but now with a brace of goals and assists in a single match confidence must have returned and we will be hoping that you will score and play crucial roles in the three crunch games against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Benfica.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKl72uni3tBDdLsKNfmpqa_FWtmB0Kvs_S9Djg85xz643H2HizchkHVh_KrfjCbyJxJoz8BGdJzbwcQ10-D0XnL2QIY6WZ21vTsCG-vNb83lW31NJ60mJH4qN-Fh7XyJZaEVUg8uCI7k/s1600/Man-City-vs-Chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKl72uni3tBDdLsKNfmpqa_FWtmB0Kvs_S9Djg85xz643H2HizchkHVh_KrfjCbyJxJoz8BGdJzbwcQ10-D0XnL2QIY6WZ21vTsCG-vNb83lW31NJ60mJH4qN-Fh7XyJZaEVUg8uCI7k/s400/Man-City-vs-Chelsea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Manchester City vs Chelsea: Torres Encore needed!</b></td></tr>
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Thank you for believing in yourself and persevering game in game out. We as Chelsea fans are sure you'll break back into the Spanish squad. Before I forget, a very Happy 28th Birthday to you. It makes me very proud to share my birthday with you. Fernando Torres. Respect.<br />
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Supporting You As Always,<br />
Indian Chelsea Fan<br />
(Fellow Birthday Boy)<br />
</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-68881256076207463652012-03-16T20:37:00.003+05:302012-03-16T20:37:47.808+05:30England's Euro Squad- Strikers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the previous post we checked out the Goalkeepers for the England squad. This time around we will take a look at the Strikers<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Certain</u></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EkfaPrMp8C6Mz-Tqku8gbCcFURkPH9SE0tjWyyH22nzUBSQmrKlN0Uvcdg5EXEqBYzrZNNtMaMToqTBfMiVMXZm1qwFLbPVmoa8pFj9oYyzG-iOPnLZjZFeGOlCiSdW5s8kQBHPzVWY/s1600/rooney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EkfaPrMp8C6Mz-Tqku8gbCcFURkPH9SE0tjWyyH22nzUBSQmrKlN0Uvcdg5EXEqBYzrZNNtMaMToqTBfMiVMXZm1qwFLbPVmoa8pFj9oYyzG-iOPnLZjZFeGOlCiSdW5s8kQBHPzVWY/s320/rooney.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wayne Rooney</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u><b>Wayne Rooney</b></u> <br />
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This one is a real no brainer. Despite having a two match ban for the opening Euro Fixtures I still feel that Wayne Rooney will make the squad hands down. Probably the only player currently in the race to catch Robin Van Persie for the Premier League Golden boot, he should be able to lock in his place without doubt.<br />
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<b>Chances: 10/10.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Probables</b></u></span><br />
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<u><b>Daniel Sturridge</b></u><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoruMJAuY2hWrUV2K4F2PMHckgjGta9vvhxlvCmyS25YrFgxlK5IOwaweVfUt7zYrqKfwu6hHRXGPwzAgAgtJEsYfcO2fuHcSERzo7cgQ2uSmSNgaAO6BsgDs4I0iyxVZrOe-FDtnKXk/s1600/sturridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoruMJAuY2hWrUV2K4F2PMHckgjGta9vvhxlvCmyS25YrFgxlK5IOwaweVfUt7zYrqKfwu6hHRXGPwzAgAgtJEsYfcO2fuHcSERzo7cgQ2uSmSNgaAO6BsgDs4I0iyxVZrOe-FDtnKXk/s320/sturridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Daniel Sturridge</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With a scintillating season for our very own Chelsea, Sturridge is among the hot picks to make it to the National Squad. If selected he will definitely profit incredibly if the England interim manager Stuart Pearce decides to employ Manchester-Unitedesque tactics with Sturridge playing up front and Rooney behind him linking Daniel to the midfield. With just one goal less than Frank Lampard at the moment and Danny Welbeck going through a bit of a lean patch, we might see Sturridge break into the first team at the Euros. Also on display we might see his skills as an out-and-out striker. Will provide cover for the right wing too.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 8/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Danny Welbeck</b></u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Cz2ssVimPEbNakSlmVDz7AxA8LwOUz4sBygWBN2vJpQkxmoDRmla_7X-10-kWBYYZqkpBm5yhAlS4OSOKFviFQ8WgxhXn0M9ngOWiCXExRf_LfJXkdJNPWUKb-D-JuhOVAtBfB-kGiw/s1600/Danny-Welbeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Cz2ssVimPEbNakSlmVDz7AxA8LwOUz4sBygWBN2vJpQkxmoDRmla_7X-10-kWBYYZqkpBm5yhAlS4OSOKFviFQ8WgxhXn0M9ngOWiCXExRf_LfJXkdJNPWUKb-D-JuhOVAtBfB-kGiw/s320/Danny-Welbeck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Danny Welbeck</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another one of England's young starlets he broke into the limelight at Sunderland just like<u><b> </b></u>Sturridge did at Bolton he will be another one of the probables who will get a serious look in. After having demoted Dimitar Berbatov to the bench with a fabulous start to the season he seems to have slowed down a bit and hasn't scored in a while.All this being said he still is among the hot favorites to make the grade.<br />
His partnership with Sturridge during the games Rooney has to sit out of might be one to watch out for. <br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 7/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Peter Crouch</b></u><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWwWT_luyN2UkvZIcq7nXDmPAP8iI6WwOePX0oD0SZoJ345ygxZPXmzKA4oesKrUZOOHEnh43fzTbkMVM8dHuF1ZC1gRGtbJGUB1RWFjlFyHjE_sAQLEFYuyyNVLxxDZ5n0sLXNamplk/s1600/Peter-Crouch-006.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWwWT_luyN2UkvZIcq7nXDmPAP8iI6WwOePX0oD0SZoJ345ygxZPXmzKA4oesKrUZOOHEnh43fzTbkMVM8dHuF1ZC1gRGtbJGUB1RWFjlFyHjE_sAQLEFYuyyNVLxxDZ5n0sLXNamplk/s320/Peter-Crouch-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Peter Crouch<br />
</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lean-freaky-goal-machine rates
among some of the top players who played for their country. Despite
having scored only seven premier league goals for his new club Stoke,
when it comes to the Country he has been ever present. <u><b> </b></u>With
a Miroslav Klose like club-country record this 6'7" English giant is among the
best when it comes down to national performance with a scoring record of
a goal every second game.The nomadic striker might face competition for spots with young Sturridge and
Welbeck, but with Bent out of the way, we might just see him make the
cut.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 6/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jermain Defoe</b></span></u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja5X0KhEkdrNUaiLcWg7PHn6vH9teb76WYrGDTC_yCRugEMVPnoVZTh5P61slWSHJQxOy62aMeKmPxgRvNi-3vT9FCKe2HDwa3wtlU-mgalQpT7EZ2r-oLU6pFGXuSOC9CJSC7HGkaPk/s1600/defoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja5X0KhEkdrNUaiLcWg7PHn6vH9teb76WYrGDTC_yCRugEMVPnoVZTh5P61slWSHJQxOy62aMeKmPxgRvNi-3vT9FCKe2HDwa3wtlU-mgalQpT7EZ2r-oLU6pFGXuSOC9CJSC7HGkaPk/s320/defoe.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jermain Defoe</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like the two young strikers Sturridge and Welbeck, Crouch and Defoe</span> are the two national team veterans who are now facing the heat. With a pretty average season for Tottenham this time around with the focus being on Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart, Emmanuel Adebayor; Defoe has been used recently as an impact substitute for scoring goals of the bench. His speed in the dying stages of the game could come in handy as a super sub but he doesn't look solid enough when given the starts. Only expect him to be chosen for experience or as a super sub. Most probably will be competing with Crouch for a place.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 5/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bolt from the Blue</b></span></u><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Darren Bent</b></u><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7JQYywdUXR9jzkdlkFX6VkXgqDURpRWTJiKHDEkJw5oZATPtWu1363RvEZhEiQaUkesfwVoxIQh6fNqp6UKnTzsAImH3RFCow53t6gsZt0JLGaiyj9QV6NUEwRrTL4INYaoZZS6Re7Y/s1600/bent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7JQYywdUXR9jzkdlkFX6VkXgqDURpRWTJiKHDEkJw5oZATPtWu1363RvEZhEiQaUkesfwVoxIQh6fNqp6UKnTzsAImH3RFCow53t6gsZt0JLGaiyj9QV6NUEwRrTL4INYaoZZS6Re7Y/s320/bent.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Darren Bent</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Aston Villa player might not be in an all-guns-blazing form right now but he has been a quiet and consistent performer for the Villans. With Rooney suspended Bent seemed the right striker to lead the strike-force but his recent ankle injury might see his Euro dreams go up in flames. With big-game-hunter Jermain Defoe ready to pounce on this opportunity Bent must hope patiently to get fit and play a couple of games in order to have any chance of making the squad.<br />
<br />
<b>Chances: 4/10</b> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My Picks: Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Peter Crouch, Danny Welbeck.</b><br />
<br />
-indianchelseafan</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-10916532214182564912012-03-05T21:19:00.002+05:302012-03-05T21:19:40.016+05:30Football Fanaticism in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the wild west of Indian Sports, the two major players, cricket
and hockey seem to be trapped in an endless fight to the death. As these
players ready themselves for one of their countless duels to come, a
new player seems to have casually sauntered in. Armed to the feet with
nothing more than a round air-filled sphere with weird patterns, he has
come to battle it out with those armed with curved sticks, bats and hard
leather balls.hockey, having been taunted for being the
not-so-national-sport and cricket the unofficial-national-sport has now
another sport to compete with.<br />
<br />
In India, it is a common site to see an even number of players
getting together in groups in parks and playgrounds to play cricket. Now
this same even number of players are getting together to play the game
imported from the west. Consisting of simple rules and only one round
ball, football has a worldwide appeal. Easy on the pocket, for it
requires just one kid to get a football, this ‘man’s game’ is slowly but
surely outclassing the ‘Gentleman’s Game’ and quickly revolutionizing
India and the World.<br />
<br />
In the last decade we have seen football’s popularity in India reach
dizzying heights. Children as young as 12 are being divided into ‘camps’
for supporting football clubs of their choice. From Glory Hunters who
support clubs winning titles and change allegiances every season to
people who are downright silly enough to support onlyclubs that are
losing, football has seen it all. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona,
Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich etc. which probably stood
for zilch a few years ago and wouldn’t have rung a bell in any one’s
head is now a bone of contention among us.<br />
<br />
Every new week brings with it the same old rigmarole of people
supporting victorious teams of the last set of fixture trying to shove
the taste of defeat into their opponents faces. Hand gestures pointing
out score lines and making a mockery of people wearing jerseys of the
defeated teams (who often kiss the club crest to show their never
ending support) are common sights on an otherwise boring Monday morning
punctuated by trips to Lectures and Practicals. Later followed by
pretend sympathy it’s like a soap opera you cannot miss.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sportskeeda.com/?p=129033&preview=true#" name="id.6f30b87d4307"></a>Then
again there are mainly three kinds of football fanatics in India. One
those who play the game, others who are fanatics simply for the reason
of not wanting to be left out of this great Shakespearean drama and the
third are people like me who call ourselves football analysts. With
fancy foreign names of players on our lips we go about are businesses
trying to ‘analyze’ as to why a particular team did not win or why a
particular team did win. We often pretend to know much better than the
manager of the club and pride ourselves in having a world beating squad
in a football management game on our PlayStations and Xboxes.<br />
<br />
All this being said it is very rare that you will find a supporter of
Indian Football midst all this. There are by far very few who probably
even know half of the Eleven Players who make up the Indian National
Football Squad. (That’s also partly because we’re ranked from the bottom
up). Indian Football was again in the news recently with the famed
Bayern Munich side coming to India for Baichung Bhutia’s testimonial
match during their winter break. A player who happens to be the very
first Indian to have played for a football cub outside of India. Lucky
fellow.<br />
<br />
After all the criticizing and name calling we must accept one fact
that as long as India does not raise its football profile quickly our
generation will always sing praises for those of Stamford Bridge, Old
Trafford and other fancy sounding Stadium names (‘Estadio da Dragao’,
anyone?) before we are even able to point out directions to the
Cooperage Stadium. It will always remain’ Football Fanaticism in India’
and not ‘Indian Football Fanaticism’.<br />
<br />
-IndianChelseaFan</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-57912466912382298082012-02-27T12:07:00.006+05:302012-03-16T20:38:56.670+05:30England's Euro Squad-Goalkeepers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm a Chelsea fan.Having said that when it comes to supporting nations one of my favorite is the England National Football team. Euro 2012 is coming closer so today we are going to take a look at England's possible euro squad. Today its the goalkeepers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Certain</u></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHLTGlWtJm9tJRU7SOTrhzIPRRlzNwzq9WUOxA-DBLTfPMmMyPfd_KAPgF5LFcC4V88qLcyIrVqAxNt6PbAEz7hqda8eYxrssst3bcMGadAGBrSjaZdJFCVD1Rtge1MeTW_MgVr1CT1k/s1600/hart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHLTGlWtJm9tJRU7SOTrhzIPRRlzNwzq9WUOxA-DBLTfPMmMyPfd_KAPgF5LFcC4V88qLcyIrVqAxNt6PbAEz7hqda8eYxrssst3bcMGadAGBrSjaZdJFCVD1Rtge1MeTW_MgVr1CT1k/s320/hart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Joe Hart</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Joe Hart</b>- Possibly one of the few players who pick themselves. This Manchester City goalie has been fantastic under the posts this season.Understudy to David James and Rob Green at the 2010 World Cup. An automatic no.1 for England he has performed consistently for both the National Squad and the Club. Only a freak injury could rob him of his spot which looks unlikely.<b>Chance:10/10</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Probables</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5NvQrLJ4akuAvJ6lG1VtEpJd1ZNG2IAzVuo7TdchkyAOLssiRSxLTq4rYO0bsjgErzKUGeAfbBnyYpjcaWuv-CXWNPzv4vrJG-54B9irVV9j6Eo8mMDWC4DOi9pAo6hzw7NFFpDjNpc/s1600/carson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5NvQrLJ4akuAvJ6lG1VtEpJd1ZNG2IAzVuo7TdchkyAOLssiRSxLTq4rYO0bsjgErzKUGeAfbBnyYpjcaWuv-CXWNPzv4vrJG-54B9irVV9j6Eo8mMDWC4DOi9pAo6hzw7NFFpDjNpc/s1600/carson.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Scott Carson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Scott Carson</b>-The former Liverpool and West Brom Goalkeeper currently plies his trade for Turkish Outfit Bursaspor. Having already received 4 caps he is already in the reckoning to fill one of the remaining two spots in the England Lineup.An able goalkeeper he has plyed most of his trade for premiel league team West Brom. Having once competed with Pepe Reina for the Gk spot at Liverppol this young(by GK standards) goalie has a pretty good chance of making it.</span><br />
<b>Chance:6/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRwky1W78Mcf0tMoi0yCwdILBmVRKwQLHxMhq7sugEEUJ-mMwbCTRo90B2F9X0HJjCaYbsnl7sPs0Eg9-OxYHcBXxMN376dmMKahQxfCjBBj_KNkO_OlRQnhkVoZRlitX_sbjjoAOQZM/s1600/robert_green_england_381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRwky1W78Mcf0tMoi0yCwdILBmVRKwQLHxMhq7sugEEUJ-mMwbCTRo90B2F9X0HJjCaYbsnl7sPs0Eg9-OxYHcBXxMN376dmMKahQxfCjBBj_KNkO_OlRQnhkVoZRlitX_sbjjoAOQZM/s320/robert_green_england_381.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Robert Green</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Robert Green</b>-A much hated figure in the aftermath of the howler against USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup he has still been performing very consistently week in week out for West Ham United. A stable and solid figure he has already won eleven caps for the national team. The former Norwich goalie is among the top contenders for the goalie spot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Chance:6/10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxyzanrEx6H-1BAp3J3EVostmKjfSjJ6iPKN2VdhNr82B1AK2ECFMjSlPcz4y5rxQRO_TPwop8RI8EqvmXkCO1md48GsC13zc8Jjh9xiKQZYR9qFgiFtiiEgBWH2uit9SRbxd2-b3_Vc/s1600/ben-foster_1527631c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxyzanrEx6H-1BAp3J3EVostmKjfSjJ6iPKN2VdhNr82B1AK2ECFMjSlPcz4y5rxQRO_TPwop8RI8EqvmXkCO1md48GsC13zc8Jjh9xiKQZYR9qFgiFtiiEgBWH2uit9SRbxd2-b3_Vc/s320/ben-foster_1527631c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Ben Foster</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ben Foster</b>- With some solid performances for West Bromwich Albion this season the former Manchester United goalkeeper who contracted to Birmingham was involved in a swap loan deal with Boaz Myhill of West Brom once Birmingham made the drop. A good goalkeeper he has received much praise from all quarters. With only 5 England Caps he looks like a suitable choice in case the England Manager feels that Foster's Premier League performances trump Green's Championship performances or Carson's Turkish League performances.</span><b>Chance:5/10</b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Bolt from the Blue</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tox8VN-5zxA3dmdpfHS2MDmmY-fCn_95DXB6JAhAb1VSU9Xcd8ivPRTCcQYaOFxBgyNrmCaHj0URrkq5jlEJue7eXiFTBr0fRROWxxV-1-1f6EAxn8iWg3pJ6Uvpr68gF3pSLiTtEzU/s1600/david%252Bjames%252Bengland%252Bgoalkeeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tox8VN-5zxA3dmdpfHS2MDmmY-fCn_95DXB6JAhAb1VSU9Xcd8ivPRTCcQYaOFxBgyNrmCaHj0URrkq5jlEJue7eXiFTBr0fRROWxxV-1-1f6EAxn8iWg3pJ6Uvpr68gF3pSLiTtEzU/s200/david%252Bjames%252Bengland%252Bgoalkeeper.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>David James</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>David James</b>- At the age of 41 David James is not getting any younger., but with 53 caps t his name he remains the most experienced English Goalkeeper around. A regular backup keeper this former Liverpool and Portsmouth man who made his World Cup debut at the age of 39 is second to none on the experience front. Could provide as an able backup but the fact that he plays for Championship side Bristol City will not do him any good. With 173 he holds the record for most Premier League Clean Sheets.<br />
<b>Chance:3/10</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My Picks : Joe Hart, Scott Carson, Robert Green.</b><b> </b></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-71911596299788066272012-02-16T22:38:00.000+05:302012-02-16T22:38:53.277+05:304rm-4th-2- third<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>How the 4-4-2 can help reinvigorate Chelsea's season:</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Since the time of Jose Mourinho who made the 4-3-3 extremely popular there has been a certain stubbornness to deviate from that formation which won us back to back premier league titles. A reluctance which was justified in the earlier seasons but now seems to border on mere stupidity and egoism.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAtruyHsogttvWpjXxUsU6cW3QUwuPyNXNgZOpoBXvyqNQSwKoUzjEM5zZjRAwKAE-azOUapKwSFXMD1wxrpVVZSlNzAce89gGu-drehk6ThQ0R20diPVwKuA3tJWsqafWWCRzbj4CFA/s1600/Chelsea2004-2005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAtruyHsogttvWpjXxUsU6cW3QUwuPyNXNgZOpoBXvyqNQSwKoUzjEM5zZjRAwKAE-azOUapKwSFXMD1wxrpVVZSlNzAce89gGu-drehk6ThQ0R20diPVwKuA3tJWsqafWWCRzbj4CFA/s320/Chelsea2004-2005.PNG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2004-2005</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9OCrRdt_Z-nHeyeAQLDR8b4Sx4dB-RwZxvS4YHSV1Jo0Y7GsCpVZH2GBafYFBhyj8m9nMtNadZfea7m-MAr3hrEp0m3NNzL0L9NMErtoIIJwLPbPBTrw7EWKHoxQ3sa2GXUale3OuIg/s1600/Chelsea2005-2006.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9OCrRdt_Z-nHeyeAQLDR8b4Sx4dB-RwZxvS4YHSV1Jo0Y7GsCpVZH2GBafYFBhyj8m9nMtNadZfea7m-MAr3hrEp0m3NNzL0L9NMErtoIIJwLPbPBTrw7EWKHoxQ3sa2GXUale3OuIg/s320/Chelsea2005-2006.PNG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2005-2006</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GXDxgKbPuHsul4s2GFCHxbvVTWLijND6zxl4LhGz1Lx4rn0-VHJu5sIzuN6IkBLxJJhxUZGWEN3IMAGtqo0GhdbXl-vQhyphenhyphen6tO2rWKRynDV7wYRynivyl9EiODZlQLaWS_MEXgmzeHi0/s1600/Chelsea2006-2007.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GXDxgKbPuHsul4s2GFCHxbvVTWLijND6zxl4LhGz1Lx4rn0-VHJu5sIzuN6IkBLxJJhxUZGWEN3IMAGtqo0GhdbXl-vQhyphenhyphen6tO2rWKRynDV7wYRynivyl9EiODZlQLaWS_MEXgmzeHi0/s320/Chelsea2006-2007.PNG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2006-2007(a modified 4-3-3)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkGnogl2itmoGiqmH6hTJ_X2ODj9WgYrCipcLxNBLDIRDNssS1rK_jeQKLGAjIzHYY83QnCO_XX8fBDGIbPWqqK-mu540IQfSnKhmarJGJgtnlLHWxoDG_iMIIN9hzffWX7A3kJJSEAQ/s1600/Chelsea2008-2009.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkGnogl2itmoGiqmH6hTJ_X2ODj9WgYrCipcLxNBLDIRDNssS1rK_jeQKLGAjIzHYY83QnCO_XX8fBDGIbPWqqK-mu540IQfSnKhmarJGJgtnlLHWxoDG_iMIIN9hzffWX7A3kJJSEAQ/s320/Chelsea2008-2009.PNG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2008-2009</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEey2gKkgo8dq7Je7mnItgxQr2kykNrFuwiUqUknlTgQ0b0zDNbTRG796DfFlrNlHFRCJvI18oCJSrwzi7rmVjndLJngu0Xj9DtMo6iSvO1V4AZ2qxV-ZHNkHg3pL_qdHjEUMft6H8brA/s1600/Chelsea2009-2010.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEey2gKkgo8dq7Je7mnItgxQr2kykNrFuwiUqUknlTgQ0b0zDNbTRG796DfFlrNlHFRCJvI18oCJSrwzi7rmVjndLJngu0Xj9DtMo6iSvO1V4AZ2qxV-ZHNkHg3pL_qdHjEUMft6H8brA/s320/Chelsea2009-2010.PNG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2009-2010</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhyvPLrIoGHWG2yIfyFBLQSaPY4hTitJ1JN-T8lDTyehR7kd_9Ros4MxzG7LC8Apir5C5Jop7nJgpDgyBJtpZgRUdd_GCF7QIxeTtO-DUcUpqNjGT1aJ1L9Rmz3oObyodm4NTCYaTTTw/s1600/Chelsea2010-2011.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhyvPLrIoGHWG2yIfyFBLQSaPY4hTitJ1JN-T8lDTyehR7kd_9Ros4MxzG7LC8Apir5C5Jop7nJgpDgyBJtpZgRUdd_GCF7QIxeTtO-DUcUpqNjGT1aJ1L9Rmz3oObyodm4NTCYaTTTw/s320/Chelsea2010-2011.PNG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 2010-2011</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(All images taken from wikipedia showing season squad with max appearances)<br />
<br />
And this happens to be the current squad this year<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QtVhHO4BUULgHFQNfVUlyqBR9TYfjMk7u_nQtctLDpl0CCdkayNjhsnGHlzSDo6R9vXX6t2hGCRvu8ipDptDWZ7QZ4yJ9UzyY5qJH9XANLkwBUH_rnvq1iYj9HzDrvs3yS4ZLatmEE/s1600/Chelse+Current%282011-2012%29.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QtVhHO4BUULgHFQNfVUlyqBR9TYfjMk7u_nQtctLDpl0CCdkayNjhsnGHlzSDo6R9vXX6t2hGCRvu8ipDptDWZ7QZ4yJ9UzyY5qJH9XANLkwBUH_rnvq1iYj9HzDrvs3yS4ZLatmEE/s320/Chelse+Current%282011-2012%29.PNG" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>No lessons learned</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We seem to have not learnt any lessons.<br />
<br />
Our formation is either entirely central or entirely defensive. Romeu, Mikel, Miereles and Essien are all defensively inclined players. Ramires is more of a central midfielder who makes runs and Lampard though ever present is a shadow of his former glorious play-making abilities.<br />
Creativity in the team is currently cramped. Torres is suffering from almost zero confidence while Sturridge who wants to become the one striker is becoming increasingly selfish and further compounding Torres' situation. Bosingwa is pretty much useless at the back.<br />
<br />
What Chelsea need to realize is that a switch to 4-4-2 might actually unlock everyone.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAInx3KCADRAFNddY7YOa3HAiJ9DeMUma45B8iGgQzHi69_H3g75Y_6NuTGeQlc-0kcuURhqt07sDwVPSoOk8uIa8astEhsEf3Cc8sU4fnSAqdPZrfZ98CImULDCe4T8sBiyw_l2KCE_s/s1600/Chelsea4-4-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAInx3KCADRAFNddY7YOa3HAiJ9DeMUma45B8iGgQzHi69_H3g75Y_6NuTGeQlc-0kcuURhqt07sDwVPSoOk8uIa8astEhsEf3Cc8sU4fnSAqdPZrfZ98CImULDCe4T8sBiyw_l2KCE_s/s320/Chelsea4-4-2.png" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea 4-4-2</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The formation as a whole will remain wider. Winger can easily track back to help with defensive duties.Instead of Torres only feeding of only of Sturridge and Mata and the occasional pass from midfield he can now feed of Sturridge next to him and Mata and another Right Winger( probably Malouda or Ramires) and the midfield too. If Malouda is chosen we can even switch flanks too like Nani and Valencia so efficiently do for Manchester United.In short the formation allows fluid football with an ability to switch too a 4-5-1 or a 4-2-3-1 or Ancelotti's 4-1-2-1-2 Diamond very easily. Sturridge will also be pacified with an out and out Striker role and rumors of his move away from Chelsea can be buried.<br />
If Chelsea manage to get a world class right winger like Juventus' Milos Krasic or Manchester City's Adam Johnson and a playmaker like Joao Moutinho Chelsea will be a very tough squad to beat.<br />
<br />
(In the given squad Lampard, Essien, Miereles, Mikel and Romeu can be rotated depending on opposition and injuries. Also Ramires can play centrally as well as on right wing when needed. If we do decide to keep Drogba there is space alongside Torres/Sturridge)<br />
<br />
<br />
-indian chelsea fan<br />
<br />
P.S. Last photo is self edited therefore a bit weird.</div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-50317161363438503912012-02-16T20:36:00.000+05:302012-02-16T20:36:53.324+05:305 Chelsea FC players ready to burst forth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u><b>5 Fantastic young Chelsea players</b></u><br />
<br />
In today's post we are going to discuss 5 fabulous Chelsea players on the fringes of the first team, almost ready to go through.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b> <u>1)Lucas Piazon</u></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHeNoTnpHENdo976Bt3Te-fgySpiXbF7QFnet14n1KgACzsOvTXNsib61Q941qaK27HnLHRh2h2H2QSC7rUv58JSIuBOXnOtqQIt_GPXBA-_lpe9_HkJF2ApwZ_M7gVha1GYtk5W683U/s1600/piazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHeNoTnpHENdo976Bt3Te-fgySpiXbF7QFnet14n1KgACzsOvTXNsib61Q941qaK27HnLHRh2h2H2QSC7rUv58JSIuBOXnOtqQIt_GPXBA-_lpe9_HkJF2ApwZ_M7gVha1GYtk5W683U/s320/piazon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lucas Piazon</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A £5 million fee for a player yet to play in the first team squad definitely turned heads. Lucas<br />
Piazon was bought by Chelsea from Sao Paulo beating Juventus in their pursuit.<br />
<br />
Labeled as the next Kaka this skillful maestro plays with the famous Brazilian 'flair'.<br />
<br />
Adept at playing in both wings and behind the striker or as a secondary striker he has had a fantastic Brazilian National Youth team record.<br />
<br />
A speedy player, precision passer and clinical finisher, he is currently the brightest young players in the Chelsea reserves having already broken into the first team bench against Swansea City and Manchester United.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>2)Ryan Bertrand</u></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhEYbnkq72x8nF5HZQpmvrHteyfhBZ9dVRmeEk9efKFHpHa8rklZSlZ-R9t5fsayqeppzupvBBS5P5WGtA4ZCGwsKvtaAVcUup8z3MJiz1US-ZQ6n9E4M7BqvyZzQv5pUkgMrKHdT09I/s1600/bertrand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhEYbnkq72x8nF5HZQpmvrHteyfhBZ9dVRmeEk9efKFHpHa8rklZSlZ-R9t5fsayqeppzupvBBS5P5WGtA4ZCGwsKvtaAVcUup8z3MJiz1US-ZQ6n9E4M7BqvyZzQv5pUkgMrKHdT09I/s1600/bertrand.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ryan Bertrand</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ryan Bertrand has been on the edges of the first team squad for about a year or so now. Dubbed as the next Ashley Cole he has already made a couple of first team appearances already.<br />
<br />
Once a regular loanee he now seems to have established a squad spot behind Ashley Cole.<br />
<br />
A regular England Youth player, he has a bright Chelsea and England National career ahead of him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>3)Romelu Lukaku</b></u> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv230jU5MvOeAPRyKFl9iYo9e-a9RDQnWKFB_G723e2i3UvN0JRKQdqOPpsK6YkOwgkMYM-4p6BY4O0MyszLHZ0A2wgjgJ-zQY4biPdBPbP4CFsQBZGHflPc1SAULYTf3QDG3EvqUuh9A/s1600/Lukaku-Chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv230jU5MvOeAPRyKFl9iYo9e-a9RDQnWKFB_G723e2i3UvN0JRKQdqOPpsK6YkOwgkMYM-4p6BY4O0MyszLHZ0A2wgjgJ-zQY4biPdBPbP4CFsQBZGHflPc1SAULYTf3QDG3EvqUuh9A/s320/Lukaku-Chelsea.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Romelu Lukaku</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Romelu Lukaku the Belgian wonder-kid was a big money transfer to Chelsea last summer.<br />
<br />
Having made his debut against Norwich h has found his appearances to be limited to Reserves and the Cups.<br />
<br />
Now slowly trying to cement his place after the departure of Nicolas Anelka, this next-big-thing-in-world-football is awaiting his chance against Birmingham in the FA Cup.<br />
<br />
A self confessed Chelsea fan Lukaku must bide his time and make most of any opportunities to come his way. Average performances in the reserves are also not doing any good to his reputation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>4)Sam Hutchinson</b></u><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkznpAAu8FQpaoBX7rpkdpIJH3jJjX-ggwXk40nw3BvsjYbxsv7ZwN4ULWtAEYa5wuhkTTV_NSKSGh_-zZTChetpLocMoYvT1a9W-DVyg3O5IFpIO9OG4bP-UJx-6zmmK_n8P7WYmTJgU/s1600/Sam-Hutchinson-415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkznpAAu8FQpaoBX7rpkdpIJH3jJjX-ggwXk40nw3BvsjYbxsv7ZwN4ULWtAEYa5wuhkTTV_NSKSGh_-zZTChetpLocMoYvT1a9W-DVyg3O5IFpIO9OG4bP-UJx-6zmmK_n8P7WYmTJgU/s320/Sam-Hutchinson-415.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sam Hutchinson</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The comeback man of Chelsea made a miraculous return to first team football after retiring prematurely due to relapsing injuries to his knee.<br />
<br />
Considered as the next John Terry he is a product of the Chelsea Youth academy and had already made first team appearances back in 2007.<br />
<br />
Equally adept at right back or centre back he had begun getting his coaching badges but is now back in the game.<br />
<br />
A great player all round he is back in the fray but will have to watch his problematic knee to avoid further injuries to cut short his fairytale career.<br />
<br />
<u><b>5)Connor Clifford</b></u><br />
A great video game development career hardly pays dividends in the real life but for young Connor Clifford he has proven that he has the goods to take it to the next level with Chelsea.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUN94byiUf9uJpKQV5IgVd2ni-4Rgw3e-6nM3A8Uwtd2icCbnIkf6AOACxmWWHCXvrciDOisBz108ZuUEDVbzUoQvOjpv8NwsivZ-WM8foK8sxnP40zsTraXgt03HQN4HiU74PT3x_Rg/s1600/clifford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUN94byiUf9uJpKQV5IgVd2ni-4Rgw3e-6nM3A8Uwtd2icCbnIkf6AOACxmWWHCXvrciDOisBz108ZuUEDVbzUoQvOjpv8NwsivZ-WM8foK8sxnP40zsTraXgt03HQN4HiU74PT3x_Rg/s320/clifford.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Connor Clifford</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Having recently signed a one year extension with Chelsea this hardy young midfielder is considered by many as the next big Irish star having already being called up to the National Senior squad( albeit as an unused substitute).<br />
<br />
With a good eye for the ball and good reading of the game both defensively and offensively he is on the verge of making it to the First team. Only good form and fitness of senior players like Essien, Ramires, Miereles etc stand in his way.<br />
<br />
He too like Lukaku must wait and grab the first opportunity that presents itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
-indian chelsea fan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Other great youth players not included include Jacob Mellis, Nathaniel Chalobah<br />
<br />
P.P.S On loan players like Josh McEachran, Patrick Van Aanhlot, Tomas Kalas, Kevin DeBruyne etc have not been included because....well they are on 'loan'.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-57761628582053998052012-02-15T19:27:00.000+05:302012-02-15T19:27:08.589+05:30Dear Mr. Abramovich......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuPGkGygbIR70eUmSpK_tjfRvxIgUTavatfSPTjTobxoqQlHhy3pRRYuVIrVMKQPBaCBm6Y7Vdqgl6icHNRsmtm2Udc_SO_Ec78sKdIdy0HiemeNqQaddf-SugkLKtG0noYm92PzUjdY/s1600/go.asp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuPGkGygbIR70eUmSpK_tjfRvxIgUTavatfSPTjTobxoqQlHhy3pRRYuVIrVMKQPBaCBm6Y7Vdqgl6icHNRsmtm2Udc_SO_Ec78sKdIdy0HiemeNqQaddf-SugkLKtG0noYm92PzUjdY/s400/go.asp3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear Mr. Roman Abramovich.....</b></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Firstly as a Chelsea fan I would like to say a big thank you for holding onto this club despite reportedly splurging </span></span>£1 billion to bring the club to what it is today.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since the arrival of you and your wealth Chelsea F.C. have won 3 Premier League titles, 3 F.A. Cups, 2 League cups and a couple of Community Shield titles. Not that you need any reminding but its hard to not boast of such facts when they have been achieved only in nine years. Being able to celebrate a league title in the centenary year was a dream which you helped achieve.What you seem to be doing at the helm of the club is fantastic and I know that I speak for all the Chelsea supporters when I say that we wish you to continue indefinitely. Having said that there are a few pointers or "suggestions" as I like to call them that I wish to put before you.</span></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1) The Manager Rotation Policy</b></span></span></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GYQqNv_935FylndteiH-XFFSYVVOwTGZ-4bUzZZM_A3z_aaTKEzWc-d-5gl_q8BT6ozqULNPPrdPBOa52Oo9SuK3OLQUTxVlhlpAf4-BOkEjuK7ynYwoj_InXrAtpZ5676NZRNkxXxQ/s1600/managers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GYQqNv_935FylndteiH-XFFSYVVOwTGZ-4bUzZZM_A3z_aaTKEzWc-d-5gl_q8BT6ozqULNPPrdPBOa52Oo9SuK3OLQUTxVlhlpAf4-BOkEjuK7ynYwoj_InXrAtpZ5676NZRNkxXxQ/s200/managers.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ranieri, Mourinho, Grant, Scolari</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6rtaNUTkJHjZKqibb6IHlvF6uVjwhH2YpHxjo18cnd-M5bhkR09o3qvWLw4SVWNrcNlmyLI7qOYvEVcnKVp0EPtBJ57IkteDSkGdWMS-fltdEQtTVY9tjkYtCzwxYdWFxm59BAm-Q5s/s1600/carlo+eyebrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6rtaNUTkJHjZKqibb6IHlvF6uVjwhH2YpHxjo18cnd-M5bhkR09o3qvWLw4SVWNrcNlmyLI7qOYvEVcnKVp0EPtBJ57IkteDSkGdWMS-fltdEQtTVY9tjkYtCzwxYdWFxm59BAm-Q5s/s200/carlo+eyebrow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Carlo Ancelotti</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One Of Abramovich-era-Chelsea's famous feature is what journalists call the managerial merry-go-round. Having appointed six different managers during his tenure</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> this pointer needs no introduction. The policy seems to have worked as non performing managers were quickly replaced yet it has led to an instability and rigidity in the club. New managers are afraid to experiment as they know that under-performance will bring their head onto the chopping block. This is one of the reasons why we still see Chelsea playing Jose Mourinho's fabled 4-3-3, the one with which h turned Chelsea from a good club to a great one. Ancelotti tried the 4-4-2 diamond but quickly reverted back to the 4-3-3 in the second unsuccessful year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>2) Show Villas-Boas some support</b> </u></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpMdlAoF2mdnAa48LV-L4_QCguHXwsZs2sCqVx1lRNPlugsXD-ik-dxe-9H4L3lzbBnWVL0OQmUidA4na3AV_gBgi32CRWkql2L8XIGbiKKd80C-KDMDbQVzsDQSXzSZ314aAS1ByW5Y/s1600/avb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpMdlAoF2mdnAa48LV-L4_QCguHXwsZs2sCqVx1lRNPlugsXD-ik-dxe-9H4L3lzbBnWVL0OQmUidA4na3AV_gBgi32CRWkql2L8XIGbiKKd80C-KDMDbQVzsDQSXzSZ314aAS1ByW5Y/s200/avb.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Andre Villas-Boas</b></td></tr>
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Well how would you like if some guy your age came up-to you and literally taught you something in which you considered yourself an expert? Well that's the exact scenario when Andre Villas Boas is coaching a bunch of players who are his age( read.. Drogba, Lampard, Malouda and company). What do Guus Hiddink, Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have in common? Well they are old guys who are respected by footballers. When they say something more often than not it is taken seriously. The simple reason AVB has lost control of the dressing room is because probably half of what he says goes in through one ear and out another. The players simply don't take him seriously. Now there seem to be rumors a plenty that AVB is about to be fire; that he's gonna replace Ranieri at Inter and either Jose Mourinho or Guus Hiddink is set to make a comeback at Chelsea, I would like you to really reconsider the decision.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MMf8yCdZdmdnn-nsdNsxmZ7sVIhiw2qUvQVsfNxjDHg9W9i7GgsTD6Qh97wuWcmgjMGGKSMACi1GT-EyusOr9Vsp_uNf_lgki708-1DXULEQCH7BTl7B6cA5bB70ELgMG1Oo2coAkQU/s1600/Andre-Villas-Boas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MMf8yCdZdmdnn-nsdNsxmZ7sVIhiw2qUvQVsfNxjDHg9W9i7GgsTD6Qh97wuWcmgjMGGKSMACi1GT-EyusOr9Vsp_uNf_lgki708-1DXULEQCH7BTl7B6cA5bB70ELgMG1Oo2coAkQU/s320/Andre-Villas-Boas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b>Grim Beginnings</b></td></tr>
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The guy just guided FC Porto to a treble of the Europa League, Portuguese League and the Cup that too undefeated. Hell, he's not an idiot. He must have don something right. After all that's why you paid approximately £13 million to get him from Porto, might as well give him a season more. Give him enough space to make bold decisions. For a person who was the Head opposition scout at Chelsea he knows the innards of the team. just give him some time to get things in order. And no, Mr. Abramovich one season is not enough.<br />
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<u><b>3) The Stamford Bridge Stadium</b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVrN3hyphenhyphenLeZiia4pv-bl_2jHsvfI3vYartS_D_j86u-NLXq8crObiUZRzdH9_Pf5gTcr9jy9DfqsH-Tt_qvzmzhBtDVvTwM3ntz7lOSgnGVNanQhQ1fi-DPQheNIE4Gkr9bTsV_0OILf4/s1600/0605fc3949eb204f35ef4e9ca16aefe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVrN3hyphenhyphenLeZiia4pv-bl_2jHsvfI3vYartS_D_j86u-NLXq8crObiUZRzdH9_Pf5gTcr9jy9DfqsH-Tt_qvzmzhBtDVvTwM3ntz7lOSgnGVNanQhQ1fi-DPQheNIE4Gkr9bTsV_0OILf4/s320/0605fc3949eb204f35ef4e9ca16aefe3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Signal Iduna Park: Borussia Dortmund</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRx5yTPv6pdG_WMbnOsfyiIiLhkNok9ToJI6Cy_X5_ZQBDbqvbt4wQtc1g2O3BbfmlvlJdoLQak-mWbVPGRWnDuUsQFDPlQhDA2YQRt57uHO8rSO2u60cnMi1pom2aeaigEnG5ZyHuNs/s1600/Santiago-Bernabeu-Stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRx5yTPv6pdG_WMbnOsfyiIiLhkNok9ToJI6Cy_X5_ZQBDbqvbt4wQtc1g2O3BbfmlvlJdoLQak-mWbVPGRWnDuUsQFDPlQhDA2YQRt57uHO8rSO2u60cnMi1pom2aeaigEnG5ZyHuNs/s320/Santiago-Bernabeu-Stadium.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Santiago Bernabeu : Real Madrid CF</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo80JxY4okaWBguUXujxdobd-A01Db1jLnYxhoZUju2Cnkp3gLMkw7QAX3YGyuFYz6YYxuLY2e2B56Xi3t84MkAyG3BGRpe35J4eINGgLSGynuFkk8CTdh68uh3guhRwGxqBFNoYLYD6g/s1600/allianz-arena-munich-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo80JxY4okaWBguUXujxdobd-A01Db1jLnYxhoZUju2Cnkp3gLMkw7QAX3YGyuFYz6YYxuLY2e2B56Xi3t84MkAyG3BGRpe35J4eINGgLSGynuFkk8CTdh68uh3guhRwGxqBFNoYLYD6g/s320/allianz-arena-munich-134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Allianz Arena: Bayern Munich FC</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndix30ED0pFdGjMGZHGowMIn0OkyPYL2T2mgyItWVKs_5aZOO-NS9cTwW3fKkoZTn3GQyVkr0IxfogAm8DlKQRN-jFUBJN4hyphenhyphenz1WWHc9o223YiLMM1Kb3VejNtr71IMmDZ8yeviJuzdg/s1600/wallpaper.big-ijB.cs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndix30ED0pFdGjMGZHGowMIn0OkyPYL2T2mgyItWVKs_5aZOO-NS9cTwW3fKkoZTn3GQyVkr0IxfogAm8DlKQRN-jFUBJN4hyphenhyphenz1WWHc9o223YiLMM1Kb3VejNtr71IMmDZ8yeviJuzdg/s320/wallpaper.big-ijB.cs.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Camp Nou: FC Barcelona</b></td></tr>
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Another reason we see Chelsea under-performing at home is the Home ground itself. Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge, its one and only home. The home its own fans helped save is unfortunately in adequate to the needs of the present club. During the era when Chelsea were among the top 6-7 teams, the 42,000 stadium was probably enough, but since Chelsea have broken into the 'elite' top 4 and are consistently battling for honors now; the stadium is extremely inadequate.<br />
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The simple fact of playing at Nou Camp is threatening to many because of the 98,000 screaming fans and to top it off with a world class squad is an icing on the cake. The mere fact of playing the team at their home ground should be ominous for the opponents. The Homes Of Bayern, Borussia and Real Madrid are all about 70,000+ seaters. Screaming fans and great teams are an unbeatable combo in the world of football.<br />
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You could argue that we had the best home record of 87 unbeaten league games, but well where are we now. When we enter the Emirates Stadium, the Etihad Stadium or Old Trafford , the shouting fans are ringing a death bell for the visiting team. <br />
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I dont see that happening anywhere at Stanfiord Bridge. Its no longer the fortress it used to be.When we fall back, suddenly the cries of the visiting fans seem much louder than ours.<br />
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We can argue saying that Stamford Bridge has been Chelsea's home since its inception and that the club is emotionally attached to the ground. Arsenal faced the same dilemma when they planned to move from Highbury what they so affectionately called the 'Home of Football' to its present Emirates ground.<br />
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The transition is not going to be an easy one but one that is necessary for the club to make. Another important reason it has to be implemented is The Financial Fair Play Rules. Only by increasing the revenue coming into the club can Chelsea hope to achieve a bigger output during the Transfer window.<br />
(P.S. Also some semblance of bragging will be achievable with a bigger stadium.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeaqctg3U7cxnBQxGb75bxzwp36PAWcaurzY8PwE6R0NyyVn8OwL_aZ-aMkniOZx3Ad82ekThbTqeIbJy4CL024jkdwyGbPVF4B-0w4-t7zYUCcYcUZMVz5Rfon5eDgDcYBNVjNiNEFM/s1600/Stamford_Bridge5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeaqctg3U7cxnBQxGb75bxzwp36PAWcaurzY8PwE6R0NyyVn8OwL_aZ-aMkniOZx3Ad82ekThbTqeIbJy4CL024jkdwyGbPVF4B-0w4-t7zYUCcYcUZMVz5Rfon5eDgDcYBNVjNiNEFM/s320/Stamford_Bridge5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chelsea needs a bigger Bridge</b></td></tr>
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<u> <b>4) Get Fernando Torres a Supporting Playmaker</b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsVhuEUySTI0PNTYQvafKOE8lHH9SrY8EBR7d60BP6hTXlGm0Qiw9s5S-mk_mIgxsVvxrhM47YJaktSiIo4RYCi5n8pZv5vm6x7S30G8Rf7B8NISCZBMTZis1Z2huuI9rBJ2TgA78qg/s1600/torres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKsVhuEUySTI0PNTYQvafKOE8lHH9SrY8EBR7d60BP6hTXlGm0Qiw9s5S-mk_mIgxsVvxrhM47YJaktSiIo4RYCi5n8pZv5vm6x7S30G8Rf7B8NISCZBMTZis1Z2huuI9rBJ2TgA78qg/s320/torres.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fernando Torres: I'll be back!</b></td></tr>
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Chelsea has been eternally criticized ever since Fernando Torres became a record signing last January. People have long criticized for his lack of producing goals to lack of confidence. Right now he has probably zero confidence from not scoring many goals for over 1000 minutes of football. We see him taking too many touches to get into position before scoring because he does not want to miss and become the butt of a new set of jokes. But get this, when he just transferred he had the confidence, so why didn't he score? Pressure of being a £50m transfer?Could be. I think the real reason is that he lacks some one who can pick out precision, defense splitting passes for him to poach on. Something he was able to do in front of the combine of Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard. Lampard, Chelsea's chief playmaker albeit great still, is a mere shadow of his 20-goals-a-season form. Torres himself has admitted that Chelsea played at a much slower pace than what he was accustomed too. He is a great player.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMabs-rhbpvc6RnEDY051yajBnSRdf2QQ7OlGdG6i_TM8tTgp3h6J30U7yGTAUJF-yHoHvAJDaWOjgNAy3cMDGW-yEOqqFVhnYEMceQqd01W2qD15lpnkF4LUBiQIqiN4fOeYifDURQak/s1600/d862ad25-9e0a-4662-8d47-b2c96d998137.634449707456894240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMabs-rhbpvc6RnEDY051yajBnSRdf2QQ7OlGdG6i_TM8tTgp3h6J30U7yGTAUJF-yHoHvAJDaWOjgNAy3cMDGW-yEOqqFVhnYEMceQqd01W2qD15lpnkF4LUBiQIqiN4fOeYifDURQak/s200/d862ad25-9e0a-4662-8d47-b2c96d998137.634449707456894240.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Joao Moutinho</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yOJY5-_XqpPKmAZnCgqgPJHLzo5OK65eTSDsgugwzBszIg5cuOLO01CbYYQrV9xolWn-YF8fh_Xtm5elhvD5jpOH-fUAAPBV4kHpt2IHXPmfjcsq5715MA5q2qTeIsw_5hGzoLi0b9o/s1600/kaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yOJY5-_XqpPKmAZnCgqgPJHLzo5OK65eTSDsgugwzBszIg5cuOLO01CbYYQrV9xolWn-YF8fh_Xtm5elhvD5jpOH-fUAAPBV4kHpt2IHXPmfjcsq5715MA5q2qTeIsw_5hGzoLi0b9o/s200/kaka.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kaka</b></td></tr>
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You paid the hefty price for a reason. So why not build the squad around him? He's livened up since Mata's arrival but still the lack of pace of the whole team as a whole is dragging him back. We have an essentially defensive or centrally oriented midfield( read Essien, Miereles, Ramires, Mikel and Romeu) none capable of regularly providing precision passes for Torres. What we need is someone like a David Silva, Cesc Fabregas. Don't tell me that he plays with them in the national team and yet he doesn't score.<br />
Chelsea have already destroyed his confidence and Del Bosque, the Spanish National Coach has him ostracized from the team. We need to look at players like Porto's Joao Moutinho, Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain, CSKA's Alan Dzagoev(a self proclaimed Chelsea Fan), Santos' Ganso to name a few. Real Madrid's Kaka was rumored to be interested in a switch too Chelsea. A playmaker like that could surely fire up Fernando Torres to goal-scoring ways.<br />
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<u><b>5) Ray Wilkins</b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FJ17WPYiHamQm_ogYUZC0st4YZbsK50IXfdVrY7wT6zgpjv4YQT722lsXpOrUgf538dPg3WYUXQCljwVN1hwVnvur_kvTOJOw36j8gAow8DUeVxs0UcN4bsbvPr9ZXxvDCqqM3Lcnlw/s1600/wilkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FJ17WPYiHamQm_ogYUZC0st4YZbsK50IXfdVrY7wT6zgpjv4YQT722lsXpOrUgf538dPg3WYUXQCljwVN1hwVnvur_kvTOJOw36j8gAow8DUeVxs0UcN4bsbvPr9ZXxvDCqqM3Lcnlw/s1600/wilkins.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ray Wilkins</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Neither do I know the real reason Ray Wilkins was sacked nor do I want to know. All I know is that when he was at the club , the season before we won the Double. After he was relieved of his duties we went into the dramatic winter form dip. Though we recovered and almost got back the title we saw the effect his sacking had on the team. Although you have done great by bringing a former Chelsea player Roberto Di Matteo into the setup we are still suffering from the aftermath of that decision. We have slipped during the winter once again. All I'm saying is it's worth taking a look at.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKziOMews3ngviIX7QejRRpoKzJVAMHM0AV88sv9Tl6u5HE8S6mjWT-Ez1W0Qe23i2Kx5QAhCkUm_fF4EBJuvO4lGqZdiitOkrflQD25SU39EwzBZ2HqFHngZz9LxCgHgHFrqViXeQIQ/s1600/roman-abramovich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKziOMews3ngviIX7QejRRpoKzJVAMHM0AV88sv9Tl6u5HE8S6mjWT-Ez1W0Qe23i2Kx5QAhCkUm_fF4EBJuvO4lGqZdiitOkrflQD25SU39EwzBZ2HqFHngZz9LxCgHgHFrqViXeQIQ/s320/roman-abramovich.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Roman Abramovich</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So that's all I've got. I know its very unlikely that you will take this letter seriously. You might not even read it. In all probabilities you have a big advisory panel to guide you properly. All I'm saying is that if you do come across this ever, please give it an unbiased read. Well...it was a pleasure talking to you sir.<br />
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Hope you carry on all the great things you have done with this club.<br />
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Thanking You ,<br />
- IndianChelseaFan<br />
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-copyrights of all the photographs used belong to their respective owners, none are owned by me.<br />
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<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-4045788158996165882012-01-27T20:05:00.000+05:302012-01-27T20:05:14.291+05:30The Mega Chelsea Clearance Sale!!! part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><u><b>Discount!Discount!!Discount!!!</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>In part
one we discussed Chelsea centre back Alex and full back Paulo Ferreira and in part two we discussed Goal-keeper Henrique Hilario and full back Jose Bosingwa.
In this post we will take a look at the final three Chelsea players on my list.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Salomon Kalou:</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR4pEFpYGcIMZfNtqfVBTnB_3pEBNynuZd_YFe18gxQwRQbryEMx9cMSGkpqPn-MPmlDAjvHJbuf3zstOKXdTGOI3PjSl4b2tG8K9PFFK7_fuZmpqKxlb27L4Kx7TXPVw70aOiWQ-8Fk/s1600/salomon_kalou_1772927i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR4pEFpYGcIMZfNtqfVBTnB_3pEBNynuZd_YFe18gxQwRQbryEMx9cMSGkpqPn-MPmlDAjvHJbuf3zstOKXdTGOI3PjSl4b2tG8K9PFFK7_fuZmpqKxlb27L4Kx7TXPVw70aOiWQ-8Fk/s320/salomon_kalou_1772927i.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Salomon Kalou: Take some time away from Chelsea</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chelsea's very own "super sub" was purchased from Feynoord back in 2006 for </span></span></span></span></span>£9 m<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">illion where he was a part of the famous K2 attack with Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt being the other striker.Kalou could never cement his position in the team despite being comfortable on either wings or as a striker. Kalou came in with a great deal of promise and delivered too. He was even involved in a failed Dutch citizenship bid with greats like Johan Cruyff and </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Marco van Basten pleading with the government to provide Kalou with Dutch citizenship. For a player with such backing it is hard to believe that Kalou is now fighting to hold his place not in the Chelsea squad. Recently West Ham have been linked with a loan move for the player. I'd say take it, or at least make Kalou available on loan for other clubs. He has the talent but needs first team practice and has not yet fallen to standards to merit a sale.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Florent Malouda:</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRjuIN51EBYfssDpxIPjp8YkiZvFvTVoq72y-ZChkIt24K6KKDqSKIwwa5-P2SRI1MJRuFYEWN94RoNKcwLimbom8IQPQqFUnwuFvFgoNnVB-OX3AsaGvD0rwRJFydaTUj_3gTYp6htE/s1600/malouda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRjuIN51EBYfssDpxIPjp8YkiZvFvTVoq72y-ZChkIt24K6KKDqSKIwwa5-P2SRI1MJRuFYEWN94RoNKcwLimbom8IQPQqFUnwuFvFgoNnVB-OX3AsaGvD0rwRJFydaTUj_3gTYp6htE/s400/malouda.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Florent Malouda:</b> <b>No perspective in the squad</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">The current French national captain joined Chelsea from Lyon for </span></span></span></span></span>£13 million in the summer of 2007. A passionate left winger he was the highest scorer for Chelsea last season with 13 goals. He is known for his pin point passes and darting runs. A flamboyant and stylish player he is known for providing much needed with for a flailing Chelsea when Arjen Robben and Joe Cole were out injured. He slowly cemented his spot in the team and was an integral member of the title winning 2009-2010 campaign. Known for his fancy hairstyles from a clean shaven head to designer flowing locks he has been ever present on the left hand side of Chelsea partnering with left back Ashley Cole to devastating effect. However a the signing of fellow left winger Juan Mata has led to Malouda playing a supporting role with a few appearances scattered around. Time has come for this Chelsea veteran to leave the club in search for more playing time to keep alive his hopes of representing th<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">e Les Bleus in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>John Obi Mikel:</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YTEi9lOeYVBG8SS0aTLLU6MZO3UJttAIYec4e9_rqq7GdE0431A2R2mmKt0RJ2iwAPe6LUMggKJy-25gpw1RBm0dIcG9E74ERGfOPEM4Mfr2hH1Ibz_zSKT5jGSQ-L5z7UlCbF21HyI/s1600/John-Obi-Mikel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YTEi9lOeYVBG8SS0aTLLU6MZO3UJttAIYec4e9_rqq7GdE0431A2R2mmKt0RJ2iwAPe6LUMggKJy-25gpw1RBm0dIcG9E74ERGfOPEM4Mfr2hH1Ibz_zSKT5jGSQ-L5z7UlCbF21HyI/s320/John-Obi-Mikel.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>John Obi Mikel: The Young Stalwart</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The player to probably have been involved in a controversial transfer involving Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, Manchester United and Chelsea finally joined Chelsea for </span></span></span></span></span>£16 million in June 2006. Following an impressive start John Obi Mikel was considered by many to be the perfect successor to Claude Makelele for what is famously known as the Makelele role. Often seen playing as a defensive or holding midfielder after more than 150 league appearances Mikel is yet to score<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikel_John_Obi#cite_note-17"><span></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span> a Premier League goal for Chelsea. Since the departure of Makelele in 2008 and frequent injuries to Michael Essien, Mikel had made the defensive midfield spot his own. With the signing of young Barcelona starlet Oriol Romeu in 2011 who impressed hugely and with his own average performances and injury struggles Mikel seems to have lost his place in the team. Since Michael Essien has regained fitness and Romeu is in fine touch this young player (yes he's still only 24) needs more time to regain his good form and the right option would be a loan.( Although since no rumors seem to be flying he'll probably stay and his move is not an urgency.)<br />
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-indian chelsea fan<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span> </span></span></span></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-54816593388618399372012-01-26T20:31:00.000+05:302012-01-26T20:31:35.654+05:30The Mega Chelsea Clearance Sale!!! part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Discount!Discount!!Discount!!!</b></u></span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">In part one we discussed Chelsea centre back Alex and full back Paulo Ferreira. In this post we will discuss two more Chelsea players who have overstayed their welcome.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Henrique Hilario:</b></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUO3og3Fn7t87VsAMJaXTcCy5EvvPHSyE2ZfIeGM7q2_Q8mj92f1szT-A9ezfz3JdAPaIgvulI3hk3wX2wlY34eEqz2fr4cbWQVa5EIzdhJxOOH_3hk5dFvG_kCCu6Xn3tIVTi71SV8A/s1600/Henrique+Hilario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUO3og3Fn7t87VsAMJaXTcCy5EvvPHSyE2ZfIeGM7q2_Q8mj92f1szT-A9ezfz3JdAPaIgvulI3hk3wX2wlY34eEqz2fr4cbWQVa5EIzdhJxOOH_3hk5dFvG_kCCu6Xn3tIVTi71SV8A/s1600/Henrique+Hilario.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Henrique Hilario: Time's Up!</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A product of the FC Porto youth system Henrique Hilario is known in football circles as the perennial third choice goalkeeper. Signed in the year 2006 he has only made about 20 league appearances for the club. Some good performances notwithstanding his career as a goalkeeper never really took off. His only real chance arrived when both Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini were injured in horrific incidents in the same match against Reading. He received a run of games after that but was never good enough and was immediately relegated to the bench following Cech's return to fitness. He had his only promotion when Cudicini left Chelsea for London rivals Tottenham but has now been replaced as second choice with ( a not so young) Ross Turnbull. With Chelsea loanee Thibaut Courtois and Matej Delac both bound to overtake him into second and fourth choice respectively it is time for Hilario to hang up his boots or look for another club. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Jose Bosingwa:</b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqqVjyfIXkTY4WHpaWe-AT5APh_1NGBh3HjlAh5BMdOgQWJ9yP4kcMrWH2jNZech-LVvOYwDmzB6gdbk8sNodYnAr2ksU6Vkqk8A6pS3M9n8FJWZ5SJWsvj9CcgrBkk-66U8CvfaoQ0M/s1600/Jose-Bosingwa-Chelsea.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqqVjyfIXkTY4WHpaWe-AT5APh_1NGBh3HjlAh5BMdOgQWJ9yP4kcMrWH2jNZech-LVvOYwDmzB6gdbk8sNodYnAr2ksU6Vkqk8A6pS3M9n8FJWZ5SJWsvj9CcgrBkk-66U8CvfaoQ0M/s400/Jose-Bosingwa-Chelsea.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jose Bosingwa: The unibrowed wonder looks set to exit Chelsea</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chelsea right back Jose Bosingwa was one of the two early signings made by new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2008. Signed for </span></span></span></span></span></span>€20.6 million from FC Porto he soon became famous for his darting runs down the right flank as similar runs were made by full back<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> team mate Ashley Cole down the left flank. Known for his accurate long range goals misfortune soon struck his so far wonderful Chelsea career(already having spurned Bayern Munich's attempt to sign him) when he sustained a knee injury against Aston Villa in October 2009 suspended him from the football scene for a year. Following the rise of Branislav Ivanovic, Bosingwa was expected to not be seen in a major role but injuries to Alex and Terry pushed Ivanovic into the center back role vacating the right back seat for Bosingwa. After a few average performances he was once again expected to leave the club at the end of his contract. After the appointment of fellow Portuguese Andre Villas Boas he was reinstated into the lineup and</span></span> soon received a contract extension. But with his contract coming to an end this season and some not so very inspiring performances later Bosingwa looks set to head for the exit doors.Only the lack of finding a replacement can see him retain a spot. It would only be wise on Chelsea's part to cash in when they have the chance. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> -indian chelsea fan </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span><br />
<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-19478573141076664542012-01-26T13:12:00.000+05:302012-01-26T13:14:04.672+05:30The Mega Chelsea Clearance Sale!!! part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Discount!Discount!!Discount!!!</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the January Transfer Window coming to </span><b></b></span>a close soon, the Chelsea Management is sure to make room in the squad by letting go of certain players. The Chelsea squad has often been called aging, aged prehistoric and its whereabouts. Nothing new there.<br />
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For a squad which boasts of a large percentage of players on the wrong side of 30 it comes as no wonder when goal drought ridden Fernando Torres blamed Chelsea's slow playing pace for his lackluster performance in front of goal. When watching Chelsea play a lack of pace and creativity is evident. A boost has been given by the inspired signing of Spaniard Juan Mata but still Chelsea have more or less struggled for goals.<br />
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Below is a list of players who are no longer crucial to the side's progress and must be offloaded to create some breathing space and also help blood some great youngsters waiting in the wings.(Bringing in youngsters is necessary to avoid a Fabio Borini repeat from occurring).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LDpHFl493q07Ss-fkcRLjO4hBmbVSTbQdIeJ4zv1CVwSZICnNFx2G1wiooAmDfX5_srNJrmZYfbDdcZ9Gr6Mw3Z9NdXdZV6IeRQSOiAhiakqRDVrharONbWVDJJIG43iA5_zh8jIz80/s1600/Alex_2523502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LDpHFl493q07Ss-fkcRLjO4hBmbVSTbQdIeJ4zv1CVwSZICnNFx2G1wiooAmDfX5_srNJrmZYfbDdcZ9Gr6Mw3Z9NdXdZV6IeRQSOiAhiakqRDVrharONbWVDJJIG43iA5_zh8jIz80/s320/Alex_2523502.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Alex da Costa: A Brighter Future Awaits </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alex:</b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alex "The Tank" da Costa was signed by Chelsea in 2004. A player for whom Chelsea waited three years to receive his work permit has now moved out beyond even the fringes of the Chelsea squad. Famous for his fiery freekicks and physical strength, the </span></span>former Santos man and PSV Eindhoven loanee no longer is a part of Chelsea manager Villas-Boas' plans. A £4 million offer has been reportedly accepted from Paris St.Germain where Alex will be reunited with former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti after turning down an offer to move to local rival Queens Park Rangers now managed by former Chelsea player Mark Hughes. Alex, a former Juventus target will now look to resurrect his flagging club and national career after having accepted that his Chelsea career is now over. We bid a goodbye to Alex who will be remebered for his cannonball free-kick against Liverpool in the 4-4 Champions League encounter in 2009.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqYtRmge6FO9sZ4LR-Ky2K0Zrly5FmvCzvCZby6nrCGVSpCEBtTpRzAi7x1zwAnwHtsaDG46TrVzrlUn8gVPVvoIXB2AuvkGD9vqhz1FcsVs7ad0RI3sGDZrKefUUMOtUkuc4tk08Buc/s1600/paulo+ferreira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqYtRmge6FO9sZ4LR-Ky2K0Zrly5FmvCzvCZby6nrCGVSpCEBtTpRzAi7x1zwAnwHtsaDG46TrVzrlUn8gVPVvoIXB2AuvkGD9vqhz1FcsVs7ad0RI3sGDZrKefUUMOtUkuc4tk08Buc/s1600/paulo+ferreira.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Paulo Ferreira: Greener Pastures Ahead</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paulo Ferreira:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: small;">The Portuguese fullback was purchased as a part of Jose Mourinho's Portuguese contingent from FC Porto for</span></span> €<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">20 million. A consistent and strong performer he has been called a workhorse by many. He is capable of playing on both flanks. The biggest problem with Paulo Ferreira is his injury proneness. Often he is injured for long periods of time. Receiving his first start of the season in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Ferreira has been reduced to a bit role in the Chelsea squad and retains his place only on experience and reputation. Once purchased for an astronomical fee he is now rated in the region of </span></span> €2 million and would add great strength too a mid table squad. With young defenders Tomas Kalas, Patrick <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">van Aanhlot and Ryan Bertrand all nipping at his heels Ferreira's time in the Chelsea team is now up. The players departure seems imminent if not this transfer window but the next.</span></span><br />
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-indian chelsea fan<br />
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<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816064181680639152.post-71245214441465709282012-01-14T20:05:00.000+05:302012-03-25T13:45:06.605+05:30Chelsea v Sunderland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V1hJm762PwvNsUgJIfSZ38o0NJnD0aguKqVnRXN40qD-jp3U7KFDu1YBuuAWpihLCHAq0PWwhr-znMTXjMh3FCXf7I-fjJ9tIB496rFFQCup1ws7Ex6YyHIC6e1FF7sLM9DfzsOcAtw/s1600/Chelsea_crest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6V1hJm762PwvNsUgJIfSZ38o0NJnD0aguKqVnRXN40qD-jp3U7KFDu1YBuuAWpihLCHAq0PWwhr-znMTXjMh3FCXf7I-fjJ9tIB496rFFQCup1ws7Ex6YyHIC6e1FF7sLM9DfzsOcAtw/s200/Chelsea_crest.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8FZVYcwGI5Y1Lq0b1Mpx-V-2TI4S0EON6_TpBaQmpG7ekOy2gRWELmwZ9iEIxOvl5OP_4NTTIvxAX-zyjv78hNZ7fqQhyHC67J3C8ciLgt96_szJ2Fct9oYVVSdd2Qj0xhskrE1-tak/s1600/500px-Logo_Sunderland.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8FZVYcwGI5Y1Lq0b1Mpx-V-2TI4S0EON6_TpBaQmpG7ekOy2gRWELmwZ9iEIxOvl5OP_4NTTIvxAX-zyjv78hNZ7fqQhyHC67J3C8ciLgt96_szJ2Fct9oYVVSdd2Qj0xhskrE1-tak/s200/500px-Logo_Sunderland.svg.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Vs.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Chelsea vs Sunderland</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In a rematch of the match that derailed Chelsea's defence. Chelsea will take on Sunderland at home today.But today will be a different battle as a new look Chelsea take on a Sunderland derived of all the goalscorers from that match.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A win here might kick-start Chelsea's season and push them up the table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A lot of time has passed since the glory days of the former great Sunderland team. After repeated forays up and down the Divisions they find themselves fighting once again to maintain themselves in the Premier League. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After what was a very bright start to their campaign</span>, we saw the black cats stumble followed by the dismissal of the much loved Steve Bruce. Former Aston Villa manager Martin O Neill has taken his place and they now find themselves 10th in the premier league.<br />
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Sunderland are currently on a 5 match unbeaten which includes wins against QPR, Man City and Wigan, while they drew against Everton.<br />
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Meanwhile Chelsea have not done too badly themselves with a strong performance against Portsmouth this week. The 4-0 scoreline didn't sum up what actually transpired on the pitch but yet it will provide a lot of confidence to the squad as well as Boas' Blues.<br />
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Again this article comes at the time of the team being announced.<br />
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Fernando Torres who showed a lot of flashes of his former glorious self starts and will look to net a goal. Daniel Sturridge starts of the bench. Essien makes his return to the bench. Comeback kid Hutchinson retains his spot in the squad.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chelsea(4-3-3):</b></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cech</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bosingwa Luiz Terry(C) Cole</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Romeu</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Meireles Lampard </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Ramires Torres Mata </b></span><br />
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<b>Bench: Turnbull, Hutchinson, Bertrand, Essien, Malouda, Lukaku, Sturridge</b><br />
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Sunderland (4-1-4-1):<br />
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Mignolet; Bardsley, O'Shea, Kilgallon, Richardson; Larsson, Cattermole (c),Vaughan, McLean,; Bendtner.<br />
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<b>Bench</b>: Gardner, Turner, Meyler, Elmohamady, Dong-Won, Westwood, Wickham<br />
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Chelsea must be wary of South Korean sensation Ji Dong-Won, Sunderland's super-sub who has a knack of scoring goals of the bench like the one against Chelsea last year and the one in the shock victory over Man City.<br />
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Prediction: 3-0(Home Victory)<br />
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-indian chelsea fan<br />
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<b>Result: 1-0</b> <br />
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<br /></div>indian chelsea fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337362366382832615noreply@blogger.com0