Lineup for FA Cup 5th Round vs. Birmingham

by CFCBlueBlood on Feb 15, 2012 5:49 PM GMT

This match-up normally wouldn't bother me, but the horrible form we are in right now should make this game that much more interesting. Not only are we playing poor football (boring as hell really), but we play Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo only three days later - a game of massive importance. With Terry back in the line-up and Ashley Cole and Ramires out injured, I would like to see the starting XI look something like this:

Cech

Bosingwa - Terry - Cahill - Bertrand

Romeu - Essien

Kalou - Mata - Malouda

Sturridge

I know I will get crap for placing Malouda in the group, however, this is the consequence of only having two players capable of playing the left wing. Torres has not been Torres since the transfer, and it is time to give Danny a go up top. Like I said above, I doubt this is the XI that take the field Saturday morning, but would def be an interesting starting group.

KTBFFH

Tweet Comment 17 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I notice

that Luiz isn’t there. Is this because we’re resting him so that he can destroy Napoli single-handedly? (I’m pretty sure he could, if he wanted to.)

by alynne4307 on Feb 15, 2012 6:07 PM GMT reply actions 1 recs

Makes me wonder..

..if AVB will go with Hilario or Turnbull instead of Cech, like he has in the past. I’m thinking that he will go with Cech, just because of our current form.

I really like your back 4; Bertrand deserves a start in this one, even if he makes a couple (not too many, of course) mistakes, it would be forgiveable IMO. Unfortunately, I don’t see it happening.

I would love to see Piazon get some time, probably as a sub if things are going well enough in the 2nd half, which we know all too well isn’t likely of happening.

I’d go with Mikel instead of Essien, to give the latter a rest, and partner him with Romeu.

I’m fine with Kalou, didn’t watch the ACoN, but heard he is in good form right now. I don’t think AVB will have Sturridge up top, but I’d like to see that as well. If not, I’d have him on the right, Mata center, and Kalou left.

Finally, I’d put Drogba up top, with the hope of bringing Nando on with about 30 minutes to work with.

I apologize for the length, and also that I don’t really have any analysis, but good post!

by dodgerboy03 on Feb 15, 2012 8:29 PM GMT reply actions

Why would he even think about putting in Hilario or Turnbull? GKs don't really need rest.

by Valens on Feb 15, 2012 9:58 PM GMT up reply actions

It's very frustrating...

when we play like we have been playing, but we insist on not playing youthful players. Look at the impact that Oxlade-Chamberlain has had since his debut with the Arsholes. Having said this I would love to see Piazon get a chance to shine, as well as Bertrand who will no doubt get the nod. Piazon is playing the attacking LW in today’s Youth Cup match and would love to see him get some playing time with the first team in the position.

I know it won’t happen, but…

Sturridge/Kalou – Mata – Piazon
Drogba/Torres

by CFCBlueBlood on Feb 15, 2012 9:07 PM GMT reply actions

Tactical Stubborn

AVB will not play a 4-2-3-1. I’ll bet you he’s gonna play his 4-3-3 ;) Meireles definitely get the start, alongside Lampard and Romeu. Mata Drogba and Sturridge will make the frontline.

The back line is tricky… but I guess its gonna be Cahill Terry, Ivanovic on the right and Cole on the left, with usual Cech between the sticks.

This is my take. (:

by Marcus_Cfc on Feb 15, 2012 9:09 PM GMT via Android app reply actions