As I look ahead for the game tomorrow, I believe that Andre Villas-Boas will choose a strong attacking line-up that will look like this:
Cech
Bosingwa Ivanovic Terry Cole
Mikel
Ramires Lampard
Sturridge Mata
Anelka
Cech: There is no doubt that Cech will return between the posts, but I would have liked a situation where Hilario starts. He gives us strong cover whenever Cech is out, but like everyone I expect AVB to pick the ever dependent Cech now he is fit.
Bosingwa: This man is perhaps my best Chelsea player so far – His confidence on the ball and is ability to take out midfielders and defenders means that there is no more than we can ask for from a defender. Though he needs to work more on his recovery and crosses.
Ivanovic: Though he has not been too impressive this season, he still will most likely start ahead of Alex who had wanted to go to Italy, and my man, Luiz who is now fit again.
Terry: A sure thing – Captain fantastic was fantastic for England during the break and nothing but a bedridden injury can keep him out.
Cole: a Guaranteed starter.
Mikel: With the unavailability of Essien he is likely to continue to play, we might see the introduction of Romeu in the the second half if things are going to plan. Our fans would love to see another debutant on the pitch.
Ramires: His strength and aggressiveness should add strength to a Lampard-Mikel midfield. It can also help us stop the busting runs of the Sunderland midfielders.
Lampard: Although it would be nice to see a Josh or Mereles, I don’t think Lamps will get the Capello treatment here. He is still very good, but I would be pleased if he comes off for Mereles after the hour mark.
Sturridge: He is the most productive front man we currently have, he sure knows how to put the ball into back of the net. I would be expecting his arrogance to destabilize the opponents back line, I must admit I like his arrogance, it was what we used to get from Drogba.
Mata: He played very well in his 90 minutes for a star-studded Spanish team. He provided Villa his first goal and was deeply appreciated by the team. I think he enters our first team automatically, unless the coach wants to start with Malouda.
Anelka: With Drogba out, he is the man for the job. Although this has not been his role at Chelsea because he loves to play deep, it will take some extraordinary courage to start with out of form Torres. Anelka may not like this, but it will do Torres a lot of good to find out that we expect him to shine.
As for the score, my prediction is Sunderland 0 Chelsea 4 – It’s my dream!
By Stan Blue