Chelsea: Di Matteo's permutations and combinations for 2012/13
All around the internet, there is speculation about who will be in Chelsea's starting XI for the new campaign. Well here is what I would do if I was in Di Matteo's shoes.
Some of my choices will be personal and some will be based on the circulating media reports. Only the players in the current team as of July 10 are included (Sorry, no Hulk and vdW).
Case I: Against teams like United, Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Champions League games.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Substitutes:
GK: Turnbull
DF: Bertrand, Cahill
MID: Marin
ST: Sturridge
This starting XI and substitutes would wreak havoc against any team in the world. The rock solid defence and excellent Cech will be the impenetrable wall of the unit. Luiz, Ivanovic and Terry will be hard in the tackle and have a look up for a quick ball over the top to Torres. Cole meanwhile will be the wing back, running up and down the pitch and supporting Mata.
The midfield duo of Lampard and Meireles will be the anchor of our team with Lampard playing the role of deep playmaker and Meireles as the traditional central midfielder. They will spot one of our four magicians upfront or build the play among themselves and if the opportunity arises, have a go at goal.
The front four are the ones who will be under the spotlight. They will be given the ball after which using their pace and skills, they will either tear up opponents' defence or have blistering shots at goal from the edge of the box.
The set of substitutes is only present to make our opponents' defeat more evident. These are the players who would be proudly present on any team's first XI. Marin will act as a substitute for any upfront player except Torres due to his versatality while Sturridge is present to replace Torres. Cahill and Bertrand represent the best substitutes for the defence from our team and we have Turnbull to take place of Cech in case something happens.
Of the team (16 players), I guess only Turnbull would be the player with a FIFA rating below 80.
Case II: Against lower teams like Southampton, QPR, Norwich, etc and cup games.
First XI
Substitutes:
GK: Cech
DF: Kane, Bruma
MID: Kakuta/Davila
ST: Piazon
This combination keeps some experience and first team presence in the group along with allowing our own youngsters ample place to grow.
Well that is what I would do if I was in Roberto Di Matteo's position, but what do you think?
Whatever your views I'd love to hear from you.
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