By dixon9
March 9 2009

With the league almost certainly out of reach bringing home “Big Ears” represents a real solid chance of delivering success to what has been a season embroiled in turmoil. Both sides are troubled by injuries and with an important one goal advantage and no away goal conceded the deck is slightly loaded in our favour.

Ranieri´s game plan

Ranieri seemed adamant that his side would attack from the beginning: 

"We need a goal right away," 

"We need to play like we know how and score goals.  

"Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has had some great results but sooner or later he'll have to lose." 

"English clubs can struggle on the road - Our fans really need to give us a hand." 

Despite Ranieri´s fighting talk I think Juventus will almost certainly look to hold tight during the opening period of the game and not concede the goal which would leave them with nothing short of a mountain to climb.

With free-kick specialists Nedved and Del Piero Mikel will have to be at the top of his game in terms of discipline – any free-kick conceded on the edge of our box would spell imminent danger. 

Damaged Old Lady

The Old Lady is carrying a few injuries and knocks under her skirt though – not least that of Sissoko who broke a bone in his left foot during the derby game against Torino at the weekend.  Sissoko has pretty much been their engine room this season and his absence is a tremendous blow for Ranieri.  Poulson will probably step in to cover the void. 

Left-back Legrottaglie is also very doubtful and the inconsistent but talented Camoranesi is definitely out. 

Where Juventus don’t have any problems is up front.  All their forwards are fit and Del Piero and Trezeguet were both rested and Nedved only played a small part in the weekend’s action. 

This would suggest that Ranieri will start with both Del Piero and Trezeguet and leave the Italian Drogba Amuari on the bench as a weapon to draw out of the Arsenal at a later stage. 

They could of course go 4-3-3 but If Hiddink was to instruct his wide man to hang back and bolster the midfield this would leave Juventus very light in the middle.

Be interesting to see tactically what happens initially although I’m convinced both managers will change their sides shape as the match progresses. 

Chelsea knocks

Chelsea’s injury situation is more uncertain.  Despite Anelka virtually being ruled out Deco is said to be the furthest away from playing but there is talk of an injection being administered. 

Essien is “fit” but whether this is the game that he should start is another matter.  I would think he will be on the bench but could well feature in the 2^nd half. 

"Essien has played and trained with the second team. Now he is fit but it is different to be game fit if you are playing very tough games,” said Hiddink. 

"I have hours to think whether we start with him (against Juventus), yes or no, and see what his reaction is from Saturday - but it is good to have people on the bench who can slot in easily."  

Carvalho is not ready yet - i doubt that he will even be on the bench with a fit Ivanovic around.

 

Drogba is as excited as a kid locked in a sweet shop at the moment.  As long as he is not left too isolated which can lead him to become disheartened, we will be looking for him to continue in his current rich vein of form.

Intrigue or entertainment?

Juventus have not lost any of their last 13 home matches in the Champions League - 10 wins and three draws but they have not scored against an English side at home since 1^st October 2002 against Newcastle. 

It could be a cat and mouse chess game tomorrow night – or a very entertaining match should Chelsea score early, thereby forcing Juventus to open up and attack for all their worth.   

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Taylor, Bosingwa, A Cole, Alex, Ivanovic, Terry, Mancienne, Lampard, Ballack, Obi, Deco, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda, Di Santo, Belletti, Essien.  

Possible line-up:

Old Lady in Turin: Juventus Preview

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 09/03/2009 21:30

50 Years Over 100 Years
09/03/2009 21:30

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PKGooner
09/03/2009 21:50

You think you'll do them?

Decent preview btw



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:03:09:22:04:00 by pk_gunner.

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dixon9
09/03/2009 22:08

Depends on how much they open up during the first half - if they do we could well get one on the break and that´ll be it. Othrwise it will be a nervous chess game.

They have to try and score at some point though - set pieces worry me most.



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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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dixon9
10/03/2009 07:30

Hiddink’s poker face gave away little in the pre-match press conference — “Be careful what you say,” he even instructed Michael Ballack, who was sitting next to him, at one point — but the training session he conducted at a stadium originally named after Mussolini was more revealing. Chelsea spent much of their 90-minute workout lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, with Essien playing alongside Ballack and Frank Lampard in a three-man midfield ahead of John Obi Mikel, and Nicolas Anelka partnering Didier Drogba up front.

LINK




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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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carefree
11/03/2009 07:07

We did it but had to work for it though.How good was Essien and what a goal.Drogba didn't really get the service he was craving for and tried his best to get in the game,didn't have any chances at all but like all world class strikers he took his one and only chance with deadly affect.Cech was my man of the match simply world class.

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ChelseaNJ
11/03/2009 13:43

Agree 100% Carefree. I am so excited for the rest of this year with a healthy essien and a reJUVEnated Drogba. Great win, can't wait till the quarterfinals. I think Arsenal could be our best draw if they make it through.

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carefree
11/03/2009 14:41

Good shout NJ Arsenal will do for me but their tie is still well and truly on for Roma to get something out of this tie.Hope the Mancs go out will be one goal in it for me.I still think we will meet Mourinho somewhere along the road,maybe in the final.

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