Juventus v Chelsea K/O 7:45pm UTV

GavRedKing

Well its a game both Chelsea and Juventus cant lose tonight. A win for Juventus will put them in the driving seat to qualify.

They'll be 2 points clear going into a tie against Shakthar who should qualify tonight be beating FC Nords.

Chelsea will be doing well to get a draw tonight IMO, our away form is erratic at best and Juventus will need to win to go into 2nd place for the last fixture of the group as they travel to Shakthar while Chelsea play host to FC Nords.

Prediction : 2 - 2

Pinturicchio

I can't see Juve winning without Vucinic. They haven't been playing that well recently. Then again, I guess Chelsea haven't either considering they lost to WBA.

I thought Chelsea were expected to start with Azpilicueta at RB and Ivanovic in the centre? There's also a lot of talk about Torres being dropped for Sturridge.

GavRedKing

Pinturicchio wrote: »

I can't see Juve winning without Vucinic. They haven't been playing that well recently. Then again, I guess Chelsea haven't either considering they lost to WBA.

I thought Chelsea were expected to start with Azpilicueta at RB and Ivanovic in the centre? There's also a lot of talk about Torres being dropped for Sturridge.

The Chelsea team is anyones guess at this stage, the one mentioned above would be our strongest starting XI but that doesnt really mean they'll all start.

I've been impressed with Azpilicueta in the last 2 games so wouldnt mind him starting TBH.

If RDM wanted to shake it up he could easily go :

Cech
Azp Ivan Cahill Cole
Mikel Ramires
Mata Oscar Hazard
Sturridge

Sturridge's apce would worry must defences so that could earn him a start, I'm not confident about this game though at all.

the_monkey

It's a tough game allright ... we could be out tonight ?

GavRedKing

the_monkey wrote: »

It's a tough game allright ... we could be out tonight ?

Even if we lose tonight we can still go through in the last game.

We would need Shakthar to beat Juventus and we'd have to beat Nords.

Best case scenario tonight is a draw and for us to beat Nords then we'll be guarnteed 2nd at least.

mitosis

I expect Chelsea to sit back and play for the draw. Juventus don't seem to have the quality to unlock a defensive setup. I think this one will be decided with a penalty kick

GavRedKing

mitosis wrote: »

I expect Chelsea to sit back and play for the draw. Juventus don't seem to have the quality to unlock a defensive setup. I think this one will be decided with a penalty kick

They done well enough to score twice from 2 goals down in London so I think they'll score tonight but hoping RDM doesnt go to negative with his selection and approach tonight.

Giggsy11

If Juventus win against Chelsea and draw the next game then Chelsea will be out (assuming Shakthar will get 3 points today)

When Chelsea won against Shakthar, I thought they are as good as through to the next round with one easy game.

I think Chelsea will get at least a draw today and won't be surprised if they get 3 points.

GavRedKing

Giggsy11 wrote: »

If Juventus win against Chelsea and draw the next game then Chelsea will be out (assuming Shakthar will get 3 points today)

When Chelsea won against Shakthar, I thought they are as good as through to the next round with one easy game.

I think Chelsea will get at least a draw today and won't be surprised if they get 3 points.

Juventus definetly have the harder last games, going to Shakhtar, even though they'll be more then likely qualified they will not want to drop points.

Hoping we can at elast get a draw its all down to how RDM sets up the team and how the players react to recent poor results.

MaroonAndGreen

This is it tonight..

Sturridge should get his chance ahead of Torres, but not tonight IMO.

Would stick with the team named in the OP.

Im more confident than most that have posted on this thread, I think we can do the business..

Im expecting a backlash from Chelsea, it has to happen at some stage, and it has to be tonight, or we could be out.

Crann na Beatha

This post has been deleted.

GavRedKing

Hopefully we can win but I'm not to confident that we will TBH, as mentioned, we need to step it up from the performance against WBA.

Cienciano

Those 2 points Juve dropped in Denmark could really bite them in the arse.

GavRedKing

Cienciano wrote: »

Those 2 points Juve dropped in Denmark could really bite them in the arse.

If Juve were ahead on points and we had to win in Italy I wouldnt give us much of a chance but once we avoid defeat tonight we should make it through, hopefully.

NIMAN

Juve disappointing of late, think Chelsea would be a good away bet tonight.

mitosis

NIMAN wrote: »

Juve disappointing of late, think Chelsea would be a good away bet tonight.

Last three games, 10 goals for, 1 against. I think Chelsea would like that sort of "disappointing"

GavRedKing

mitosis wrote: »

Last three games, 10 goals for, 1 against. I think Chelsea would like that sort of "disappointing"

Ya, 0-0 with Lazio, beat Pescara 6-1 away and 4-0 against FC Nords.

Chelsea last 3, lost 2-1 away to WBA, drew with Liverpool 1-1 beat Shakthar 3-2.

I know whos had the tougher last 3 fixtures.

NIMAN

10 goals against poor sides. Played Inter and were outclassed, drew with Lazio 0-0.

Stats prove nothing.

Pinturicchio

mitosis wrote: »

Last three games, 10 goals for, 1 against. I think Chelsea would like that sort of "disappointing"

NIMAN wrote: »

10 goals against poor sides. Played Inter and were outclassed, drew with Lazio 0-0.

Stats prove nothing.

Yeah, Juve's results have been much better than their performances all season.

Having said that, Juve battered Lazio really. Only a goalkeeping masterclass by Marchetti stopped them from comfortably beating Lazio.

GavRedKing

Supposed Chelsea team :

Confirmed Supposed Team from Neil Ashton

Cech
Ivan Cahill Luiz Cole
Ramires Mikel
Azp Oscar Mata
Hazard

Pudsy33

Rumblings on twitter seem to suggest Torres will be benched with Hazard leading the line. Worrying times for Sturridge if true.

Edit: Damn you Gav, beat me to it!

GavRedKing

Pudsy33 wrote: »

Rumblings on twitter seem to suggest Torres will be benched

Expected really.

with Hazard leading the line. Worrying times for Sturridge if true.

Wasnt expecting that, Moses/Sturridge/Torres can all feel short changed if the team I posted above is true.

cgpg5

Big week for Chelsea. A loss tonight and on Sunday and things are looking very bleak indeed

GavRedKing

cgpg5 wrote: »

Big week for Chelsea. A loss tonight and on Sunday and things are looking very bleak indeed

Yup, if we go out of the UCL in the group stage RDM will be sacked I reckon.

Dont want him to be sacked but knowing Romans tendency to chop and change RDM will be doing very well to be in a job in a few weeks.

Caveman1

If thats the Chelsea team for tonight well then I have no doubt that we'll be beaten, you can't be experimenting so much with your team in such an important fixture. If Chelsea are playing for the draw I'd leave Torres up front, he'll offer more to the team than Sturridge, if we are playing for the win then Danny would get the nod.

GavRedKing

Caveman1 wrote: »

If thats the Chelsea team for tonight well then I have no doubt that we'll be beaten, you can't be experimenting so much with your team in such an important fixture. If Chelsea are playing for the draw I'd leave Torres up front, he'll offer more to the team than Sturridge, if we are playing for the win then Danny would get the nod.

I know I'd be pi**ed off if I was Danny or Torres tonight and RDM was going to play Hazard upfront.

He isnt as quick as Sturridge and cant hold it up like Torres, hes better on the ball then those two combined but for it to work our 3 players behind him have to support him at all opportunities with one twos and support runs.

Caveman1

GavRedKing wrote: »

I know I'd be pi**ed off if I was Danny or Torres tonight and RDM was going to play Hazard upfront.

He isnt as quick as Sturridge and cant hold it up like Torres, hes better on the ball then those two combined but for it to work our 3 players behind him have to support him at all opportunities with one twos and support runs.

I honestly cant see that been our team, but it also woudn't surprise me. RDM likes to throw a curve ball every now & then.

Won't get to see the first half due to my own training, hopefully by the time I get in we'll be 2 up and cruising :pac:

GavRedKing

Caveman1 wrote: »

I honestly cant see that been our team, but it also woudn't surprise me. RDM likes to throw a curve ball every now & then.

If anything I'd expect Bertie to play infront of Cole.

Won't get to see the first half due to my own training, hopefully by the time I get in we'll be 2 up and cruising :pac:

Like the game at Stamford Bridge?

Hoping for an easy night but Juventus have to win tonight which could leave us open to counter them which for my money would suit Danny's pace on the break.

SirDelboy18

NIMAN wrote: »

10 goals against poor sides. Played Inter and were outclassed, drew with Lazio 0-0.

Stats prove nothing.

Juventus are top of the Serie A by four points and that Inter game was their only defeat of the season in all competitions.

Going into that game Inter had won their previous 8 games in all competitions so it's not as if it was the greatest upset in history. Inter are a very good side. The game itself - Inter couldn't deal with Juventus for the opening 20 minutes and Juventus sat back, but were still surviving despite a few Inter chances. Inter were then gifted a penalty out of nothing (shouldn't have been given at all) and it changed the game completely. The 3rd Inter goal was scored when Juve were heavily chasing the game.

The Lazio game they would have won on any other day. They dominated it and should have beaten them comfortably, but as was already said Marchetti intervened. They were also missing Pirlo.

They haven't been lighting the world alight performance wise but I couldn't have Juventus as anything other than clear favourites to be honest.

GavRedKing

I wouldnt say clear favourites but favourites yes.

A draw will do us for tonight but really hope RDM doesnt go out trying to play for a draw, its way to risky, especially when playing a team of Juventus calibre.

Cienciano

Should be a decent game for the neutral. Last few times they played they were always good, plenty of chances each end.

NIMAN

Looking at that Chelsea line-up you'd almost think RDM was trying to sabotage their CL chances tonight! Risky tinkering with the team and tactics in such a big game.

Maybe he's huffing that Pep is being headhunted, and is trying to get them dumped out of the CL?

GavRedKing

NIMAN wrote: »

Looking at that Chelsea line-up you'd almost think RDM was trying to sabotage their CL chances tonight! Risky tinkering with the team and tactics in such a big game.

Maybe he's huffing that Pep is being headhunted, and is trying to get them dumped out of the CL?

That opinion is better served over here I'd reckon.

I dont think RDM would be that stupid, if the team thats been on Twitter does line up its because he must feel its best to deal with Juventus and counter quickly.

Caveman1

Chelsea to win both halves 17-1 on Betfair, defo gonna have a bit of that, cant beat throwing hard earned money away :pac:

GavRedKing

Caveman1 wrote: »

Chelsea to win both halves 17-1 on Betfair, defo gonna have a bit of that, cant beat throwing hard earned money away :pac:

I threw away a bit myself, Hazard 1st scorer in PP was 12/1.

Hoping for a penalty after a minute and he scores it, couldnt care about the rest of the game then. :pac:

GavRedKing

Juventus team :

#Juventus starting 11: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Quagliarella, Vucinic

Gonzovision

Chelsea (Official, UEFA website): Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Azpilicueta, Mata, Oscar, Hazard

smuckers

Cech Ivan Cole Luiz Cahill Ram Mikel Mata Oscar Hazard Moses

GavRedKing

Chelsea (Official, UEFA website): Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Azpilicueta, Mata, Oscar, Hazard

Chelsea Subs (Official, UEFA website): Turnbull, Bertrand, Romeu, Marin, Torres, Piazon, Moses.

Jax Teller

2 different lineups

Gonzovision

Interesting, no Sturridge at all.

GavRedKing

Jax Teller wrote: »

2 different lineups

Mine seems to be corrected, seen a few different sources.

Either which way, I still fancy a draw.

GavRedKing

Sky have confirmed its :Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Azpilicueta, Mata, Oscar, Hazard

Anybody thiking it could be 3-5-2?

Cech
Ivan Luiz Cahill
Azp Ramires Mikel Oscar Cole
Hazard Mata

Basically line up like Juventus.

GavRedKing

gonzovision wrote: »

Interesting, no Sturridge at all.

Injured.....apparently.

Jax Teller

3421 for Chelsea ? Pretty bold to try stuff out in a game like this

GavRedKing

Jax Teller wrote: »

3421 for Chelsea ? Pretty bold to try stuff out in a game like this

Better then my 3-5-2 suggestion anyway.

Crann na Beatha

This post has been deleted.

mike65

1 G. Buffon
15 A. Barzagli
26 S. Lichtsteiner
19 L. Bonucci
3 G. Chiellini
21 A. Pirlo
23 A. Vidal
8 C. Marchisio
22 K. Asamoah
9 M. Vučinić
27 F. Quagliarella

hots

So is this game not on Sky at all then? I thought it'd be on their events center at least?

GavRedKing

UTV/ITV HD only.

GavRedKing

I'm just going to say it now.....Torres to get the winner. :P