THE FA CUP

By dixon9
February 15 2008

The cup is back again! I always look forward to FA Cup weekends probably because I can still remember and feel what this competition means (one advantage in being one of the more “mature” football fans shall we say!). Tomorrow’s opponents in the 5th round are Huddersfield Town – a one time power in the English League.

Huddersfield were the first English club to win 3 consecutive titles on the bounce believe it or not and have had legendary managers such as Chapman and Shankly at the helm and once packed the crowds in. 

Those that constantly harp on about “history” would do well to remember how history does go in cycles – the current version of “history” portrayed by Sky and fans who think football began when the PL was formed should read up on this stuff if they are going to use it as a stick to beat others with.  

Nowadays of course, Huddersfield are a League 1 club after slipping on a downward spiral in the 70´s which began just before the decade after having to sell Dennis Law to pay for some floodlights.

Anyway, on to the match:

We now find ourselves suddenly and at long last with almost our full squad back.  What a fantastic feeling!  It’s almost as if the season is starting for us NOW.

The first half and a bit more of the season has been a tortuous time for us although how many predicted that we would handle those difficult times with such tenacity?  With the exception of Shevchenko, we have everyone available although I reckon there’s still a few not at 100% - and least they can run and kick a ball I suppose!

The big news is that our captain John Terry is back from the foot injury he suffered after getting clumsily fouled by Eboue back in the Premier League defeat to Arsenal on 16 December.  Eboue only got a yellow for the offence – you can bet your life if he’d of been wearing a Chelsea shirt it would have been a red no problem (just look at Mikel´s challenge at Old Trafford for reference).

Terry will only be about 70% at most I reckon although Lampard should be nearer full fitness this time around.  We also have the small matter of Ivanovic who must be near full fitness by now.

I doubt Drogba is 100% – he seemed sluggish during the ACN and not quite there (despite shining in the competition) after his operation although I’m hoping that this will be the first match with the front pairing of our main striker with Anelka.

Essien and Kalou are also back which strengthens Grant’s selection options in midfield and attack.

Huddersfield captain Jon Worthington is touch and go and will have a late fitness test whilst striker, Beckett is doubtful and could be replaced with Booth.

In recent history Huddersfield beat us in the League Cup at the Bridge in 1999 (!) although we got our revenge in the in the FA Cup in 2006.  Not so long ago all that really is it?!  And let´s not forget that they have already knocked out a PL club in the cup this season - Birmingham.

Obviously, I’m not expecting us to have too many problems tomorrow although we have to bear in mind that for most of the Huddersfield players it is the game of their lives.

We have so many options available now it is almost impossible to predict with any great security what our team will be although I’m sure Grant will bear in mind the forthcoming CL match against Olympiakos. 

Drogba for example, may well start on the bench and come on at 65mins alongside Anelka.

Anyway, maybe something like:

Cech, Ferreira (rest Belletti), Carvalho, Alex (later replaced by Terry), Bridge (rest Ashley Cole), Lampard, (rest Ballack) Essien, Mikel then SWP (replaced by Drogba), Anelka and Kalou. 

…or maybe Grant will surprise and start off with a full strength team and do things the other way round – removing the likes of Drogba and co once we’re comfortably ahead?  Or maybe Ivanovic may get his first appearance?  Who knows! And I obviously don´t!

A 3-1 win.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Cech, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Terry, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, Alex, A Cole, Bridge, Essien, Lampard, Sidwell, Mikel, Malouda, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro, Anelka, Drogba, Kalou, J Cole, Sinclair.

Referee: M Clattenburg (County Durham)

Grant:

"We make our own preparations for every game. We've seen many videos and I think we know about Huddersfield. We will play with a strong team."

Ritchie:

"It will be a great day and the players will enjoy it.

"It is something that doesn't happen week in, week out. We are all aware of the magic of the Cup and have already beaten Premier League opponents.

"We know what we are capable of and anything can happen in the FA Cup."  

FA Cup 5th Round: Huddersfield Preview

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 15/02/2008 20:44

50 Years Over 100 Years
15/02/2008 20:44

FA Cup 5th Round: Huddersfield Preview

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dixon9
16/02/2008 10:20

...and now Sheva makes the squad as well today!

Bit a selction connundrum now for Grant and co!


SHEVA AIMING FOR WEMBLEY




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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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Since 66
16/02/2008 19:49

Credit to the Terriers. Their fans were brilliant and the team played their part.

We should have been 3, 4 up at half-time but we tried TOOOOOOO much football.

Scottie got 90 mins and he showed himself that he didnt look out of place.

Sidwell did well as did Pizarro. No drogba, Joey, cole, SWP in the squad and it was good to see Sheva get a few mins and Anleka got a few too.

When Town equalised rite on half-time I did think here we go again (but being a 40 year plus supporter as I am) its and easy thought.

But Chelsea came out and two goals in 10 mins, plus two disallowed goals as put us in the Q/F's - unlike Arsenal and LAUGHAPOOL!!!!

Watch out for record crime figures along the Mersey tonite lol lol lol lol.

Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
17/02/2008 04:30

Laughapool! That´s very good! First time I´ve heard that so it must be your invention? Anyway, permission to use that myself in the future?! Should impress down the pub!

Anyway...

Agreed, congrats to Frank for his 100th goal (101 in total now). What a record for a midfielder! WHO compares?

Grant surprised me with the selection - never saw that coming at all. This now means we will have a virtually fully fit, bright eyed and bushy tailed team for the CL.



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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

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