Last time when I heard Chelsea will be without Lampard in the upcoming match, I felt that we can cope without him considering the current form (that was back in August). But my hope did remain short-lived as Chelsea started to slump gradually and lost its place from top of the table to fifth in the standings and the worst ever form in last 15 years. Even after Lampard made a comeback against Spurs, still our performance hadn’t been up to the standard and things started to look more troublesome than anticipated.
But after the match against Ipswich in FA cup and then the win over Blackburn made me feel that we might just have turned the corner, even Carlo said it. But this week came the news that we might miss the duo of JT and Lampard for the tough away clash at Bolton. And if they miss the match, I am not sure whether we will get the three points or even draw. We don’t look the same team without those two and these days none of our regular strikers are on fire. Neither Drogba, Anelka or Kalou can pose the potential threat in opposition box these days. Also Malouda’s form is pretty poor in recent weeks and Essien is misfiring too.
So now the question is how we will go against Bolton? Though reports are suggesting that Terry will be fit for Bolton match, I haven’t considered him in my line-up. No JT means we don’t have any option but to start with Bruma at CB. Bruma is good talent but will he be able to survive against hard tackler Davies? Also Bosingwa has been poor since his return so already there will be bit problem in defense. Still the defense tactic will be the same, Ashley and Bosingwa attacking from the back and providing the crosses to the strikers.
Talking about midfield, Zhirkov won’t be available because of injury and Mikel is on the verge of return so will he be able to play a full match? If not, who will start? McEachran? Kakuta? Or will Malouda be shifted back to midfield? Personally I would like to see McEachran starting the game instead of other two options. Not only because he has performed well in last few games but he can sit a little deeper and control the game. Kakuta is more attack minded so he will be found more in the opposition region than in midfield and that might prove risky and also starting both Malouda and Kakuta doesn’t fit in my opinion.
In the midfield, If McEachran starts then for me I would prefer Essien as holding midfielder than Ramires. as Ramires has shown his capacity when played in front of holding midfielder. McEachran will stay at left hand side of midfield and will probably control the game from there instead of going forward. Both Ramires and McEachran, if needed then will have to play bit wide to control the wing play of Bolton.
Now talking about attacking options, I would prefer to go with Anelka, Drogba and Malouda. Anelka and Malouda can also act as wingers to keep the midfield tight when needed. In the absence of Lampard these two will have to drop a little deeper to collect the ball but this may also create the problem while counter-attacking as there will be shortage of players going forward. This has been critical in our poor form over last couple of months. So as per my thinking we will go 4-1-2-3, basically the modified version of regularly used 4-3-3.
Let us know what you think about the formation and share your opinions about it.
Submitted by Chelsea Fanatic
