By dixon9
February 23 2007

I’ve got a slight uneasy feeling about this game – don’t get me wrong – I don’t think we’ll lose but I’d be happy with an energy conserving performance and a 1-1 draw against the “Dragons”. I suppose you could put down my “shuffling awkwardly in my seat” posture to 2 things:

 

(1)   The danger of Ricardo Quaresema:  The ex-Barcelona player can play down either flank and is quick, graceful and scores goals.  His reputation and form is such that we have been linked with him as a future signing.  I reckon young Diarra should do ok against him but I’d be a lot happier if we had the pacier Ashley Cole on the other side instead of Bridge, to cope with the Portuguese’s raids down that flank – don’t be surprised if he plays more down Bridge’s side more than the left.

(2)   John Terry has picked up a knock in training yesterday:  Nothing serious apparently but his ankle is heavily strapped.  Playing our captain might be a risk – the injury could worsen and he probably isn’t 100% anyway.  If anything happens top our home-grown lad, the ramifications are potentially disastrous for this crucial “business end” part of the season.

 

Porto seem to be underestimated by the media and fans alike even though they have never lost against English opposition.  They drew two of their home games 0-0 and against Arsenal could have easily come out the victors albeit for two posts.  In the league, they recently won 4-0 in comprehensive style with ALL goals coming from crosses and set pieces.

 

They normally play a 4-3-3 system but apparently have been experimenting with different systems recently.  They did play a 4-5-1 against Arsenal at the Emirates but this didn’t bear fruit as they lost 2-0.  I reckon the Dragons will go 4-3-3 or even 4-4-2 – they know, if they are to go through they must have a decent lead to take back to the Bridge.

 

Paulo Assunçao and Lucho Gonzalez have been particularly effective and forward, Lisandro Lopez is not to be taken lightly.  I didn’t realise that Postiga from Spurs features in their current line-up although the rapid striker, Gonzalez gives me more cause for concern.

 

The Porto players are in buoyant mood – perhaps too buoyant.  The extreme, almost aggressive confidence in recent interviews about this encounter surprised me, particularly from their coach who even went as far to suggest that if we don’t win the CL this season, Jose will be chucked out on all fours onto the Fulham Road!   Still, an overconfident Porto at home could play into our hands.

 

Right then, before any of you think that I’ve been a bit of a neurotic Hilda above, focusing too much on Porto, let me look at our team:

 

We are obviously without the two Coles and Boulahrouz but Ballack is back in the squad.  I’ve got a feeling Ballack and Essien will shine tonight.  Possibly we’ll go 4-3-3 rather than a more conservative 4-5-1, starting with Drogba – or even Shevchenko?  I’d prefer us to go 4-4-2 which is our more normal formation with both up front and Robben and SWP scampering down both wings, swapping over as they did against Norwich, but I think the accent will be more on caution than adventure.

 

Chelsea  : Cech, Hilario, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Morais, Obi, Lampard, Makalele, Ballack, Essien, Shevchenko, Drogba, Robben, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.

I reckon the line-up will be Cech, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Bridge, Makalele, Ballack, Lampard, Obi, Robben, Drogba.

I’m expecting a bit of controversy tonight – possibly even a red card for a Porto player after some frustration. 

Oh go on then! I’ll be brave and go for a 1-2 win.  Gonzalez to score for them on the break.  Our scorers will be Robben (also on the break) and then Shevchenko to come on and score form the edge of the box!