FA Cup Quarter-final

Chelsea 1:0 Manchester United

Stamford Bridge

Kick-off
Mon, 13 March 2017 @ 7:45pm GMT
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    Treble_Winning said:
    If the team can't even cope with 4 hour flights and two games a week, they should all consider a change in career. They have no business being professional athletes.

    If they are traumatized by a single freak result, likewise they should just retire and become milkmen or postmen or something.

    Let's stop making excuses for the players and demand that they EARN their million dollar salaries! Nothing less will do. First XI, high intensity, blood and guts, first to every 50/50 ball, aggressive pressing, foul them if we have to! We have to take the game to them!
    Click to expand...

    Meh. Can't be bothered. I'll just casually tune in expecting to get thrashed and be pleasantly surprised if we get a decent result. I'm too old, too over-worked, and too under-sexed to bring that level of enthusiasm to football any more.
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    It's true though!

    If we sit back and play not to lose, we will lose!

    We can only win if we take the game to them and overwhelm them with high intensity. We need to make sure Hazard doesn't even get to smell the ball. Foul them if we have to! Herrera should press the hell out of Kante. Rapid counter attacks down the flanks where they are weak. Mhkitaryan and Martial should look to torment Alonso and Moses with their pace!
    Click to expand...
    I do agree actually, the intensity has to be at the highest level. I just think we have to keep a more defensive shape with a 4-4-2 and Young and Lingard would serve us better out wide than Mata/Martial.
     
    Use the squad, play smart. Counter attack.

    4-5-1

    De Gea

    Darmian ______ Smalling ______ Bailly ________ Blind

    Young/Rashford _____Carrick ______ Fellaini ______ Lingard/Rooney

    Mata

    Martial

    ​
    *Waits for uproar.
     
    Giggs86 said:
    CL spot aside, I still value the FA Cup as the third most lucrative trophy after the CL and the PL. The idea of winning a trophy as a mean to qualify for another competition is something I find a bit small time. I'd much rather win the FA Cup than Europe's second tier competition. And I still believe we will qualify for the CL naturally by securing top four finish.
    Click to expand...
    Good optimistic post to end the day with, Cheers.
     
    I hope to be proven wrong, but don't see we have much of a chance here. They are going to be fresh and most of our players will be knackered after the Russia trip. We can't score without ibra and they have about the best defence in the country. Not only that but our defense still have clown syndrome and they have attackers which are scoring any opportunity given to them.

    On paper we're completely screwed and I don't think we should even be bothering, uefa is much more important.

    But you never know, they've got to slip up at some point, hopefully its Monday.

    Sorry for the negativity.
     
    simonhch said:
    Use the squad, play smart. Counter attack.

    4-5-1

    De Gea

    Darmian ______ Smalling ______ Bailly ________ Blind

    Young/Rashford _____Carrick ______ Fellaini ______ Lingard/Rooney

    Mata

    Martial

    ​
    *Waits for uproar.
    Click to expand...
    Darmian behind Valencia in a 4-4-2...now you might be onto something
     
    @simonhch just gave me this idea so partial credit to him.

    Darmian - Bailly - Smalling - Shaw
    Valencia - Herrera - Pogba - Young
    Mhki - Rashford/Martial

    That honestly would throw them off their game I think. Darmian would be able to stay back, almost to the point of tracking Hazard. And Valencia would be able to break on the counter for us and keep Alonso pushed deeper than he would otherwise. Valencia could find space in behind Alonso regularly which pulls Cahill out of position and leaves more space for Mhki/Rash/Martial in the box.
     
    3 at the back can be very effective to counter Chelsea's 3-4-3 where wing backs can be used to completely nullify the threat of opposition wing backs. Spurs used 3 at the back when they defeated them where Rose and Walker completely dominated the flanks and rendered Chelsea's wing backs useless. In the Euros last summer, when Conte was managing Italy, Joachim Low used a 3-5-2 to mirror Italy's formation and he succeeded to stop their attacking threats from the wings.The big problem United have is that we don't have a left wing back in the squad who can perform such a demanding role which is why I find it unlikely that Mourinho would opt for a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2.


    I think we would line up like this:
    ​

    ------------------De Gea
    ----Valencia--Bailly--Smalling--Shaw
    --------------------Carrick
    --------------Herrera---Pogba
    ----Lingard-------Rashford----Mkhitaryan

    Mourinho has preferred Bailly and Smalling whenever they have been fit in the bigger games and I don't see him changing it. Blind's lack of pace was exploited by Pedro in our last match vs Chelsea and Rojo had a horror performance in the cup final. Darmian has not played for a long time. Hence, I think Shaw might get his chance.

    Our back 4 was exposed time and again last time we played them which is why I feel Carrick would be preferred for the extra protection ahead of Fellaini this time around. Mata and Valencia were poor for the 3rd goal which Hazard scored which makes me think Lingard would be selected instead of Mata on the right wing to deal with Hazard.

    Martial has rarely started away matches under Mourinho and I doubt he will start on Monday. Rashford started as the no. 9 ahead of Rooney when Ibra was suspended earlier in the season against Arsenal and I think he would do so on Monday too.


    ​
     
    We should rest the key players for the more important game on Thursday. Really difficult to see us getting anything from the game the way the two sides are playing, and we so rarely come away from Stamford Bridge with anything.
     
    Philadelphian said:
    This very likely won't be about Pogba as Kante will very likely get the best of him. It's going to be about getting at them in wide areas instead of right into the teeth of their defense.
    Click to expand...

    Because they are so lethal on the counter the only chance is to surrender possession and hit them on the counter ourselves. Id go with Rashord Martial and Mickey up front.
     
    I'd drop Pogba for this to be honest, think he'd be completely nullified and in fact could harm our chances of doing well. Don't think we should try and match Chelsea with the back three either, we should try and do something that upsets their formation and tactics rather than cater to it. Jose is a master at these one off Cup games but really it doesn't fecking matter what we do, we're destined to always lose here. 2-0 Chelsea.
     
    Leroy The Red said:
    I'd drop Pogba for this to be honest, think he'd be completely nullified and in fact could harm our chances of doing well. Don't think we should try and match Chelsea with the back three either, we should try and do something that upsets their formation and tactics rather than cater to it. Jose is a master at these one off Cup games but really it doesn't fecking matter what we do, we're destined to always lose here. 2-0 Chelsea.
    Click to expand...

    Dropping Pogba would be madness. He is one of our most creative players and also a goal threat. Pogba has more goals and assists than Mhkitaryan and Martial this season. There is no way Mourinho will drop him.
     
    Would like to see this and then just hope that all of our players have a game of their life

    De Gea
    Valencia - Baily - Rojo - Shaw
    Carrick - Herrera
    Mkhitariyan - Pogba - Martial
    Rooney
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    Dropping Pogba would be madness. He is one of our most creative players and also a goal threat. Pogba has more goals and assists than Mhkitaryan and Martial this season. There is no way Mourinho will drop him.
    Click to expand...
    To be fair he's played significantly more minutes than those two so you'd expect to see those statistics. I just feel Pogba can't impose himself on the big games, it's almost as if he tries too hard and crumbles under the pressure. His worse performances this season have come in games against the bigger clubs.
     
    I'm thinking we'll see a tactical change to deal with Chelsea's formation. Jose won't allow a repeat of the 4-0. I expect we'll see a similar formation to the one we played against Rostov.

    Predicted Line-up:
    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

    1. de Gea

    3. Bailly 12. Smalling 5. Rojo

    25. Valencia_________16. Carrick__________17. Blind
    21. Herrera 6. Pogba

    22. Mkhitaryan 19. Rashford
    _________________________________________________________________________________________________

    Bench: 20. Romero, 4. Jones. 18. Young, 27. Fellaini, 14. Lingard, 8. Mata, 10. Rooney

    Predicted Score:     Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd (Rashford)​
     
    Last edited:
    I'd take any kind of result as long as there's no injuries to any of our players. Our second leg against Rostov in the coming week is far more important and will define our season.
     
    Hard to call this in all honesty.

    If it was a league game I'd say that Chelsea were certs to come away with a 2-0 win but cup football always produces entirely different sorts of matches. Take City's two home games to Chelsea in the 13/14 season: we lost 1-0 to an Ivanovic goal on February 3rd, but beat them 2-0 on February 15th.

    It'd also be easier to predict if you were able to put our your usual side with Ibrahimovic up front, but having to pick between Martial and Rashford will change your shape hugely and could make you unpredictable enough to give you the upper hand. Plus, you have the added bonus that you could take them to extra time and penalties if need be.
     
    robinamicrowave said:
    Hard to call this in all honesty.

    If it was a league game I'd say that Chelsea were certs to come away with a 2-0 win but cup football always produces entirely different sorts of matches. Take City's two home games to Chelsea in the 13/14 season: we lost 1-0 to an Ivanovic goal on February 3rd, but beat them 2-0 on February 15th.

    It'd also be easier to predict if you were able to put our your usual side with Ibrahimovic up front, but having to pick between Martial and Rashford will change your shape hugely and could make you unpredictable enough to give you the upper hand. Plus, you have the added bonus that you could take them to extra time and penalties if need be.
    Click to expand...

    No thanks :annoyed:
     
    I just had a dream that we won 2-1. Unfortunately it was RVP who scored our winner, so I can't take that dream seriously.
     
    It will be a tough game no doubt. We need the first goal to have a chance of winning imo. I just hope we don't fall apart if we concede 1 or 2.
     
    Leroy The Red said:
    To be fair he's played significantly more minutes than those two so you'd expect to see those statistics. I just feel Pogba can't impose himself on the big games, it's almost as if he tries too hard and crumbles under the pressure. His worse performances this season have come in games against the bigger clubs.
    Click to expand...

    It's a complete myth that Pogba disappears against big clubs. Hopefully he will put in a great performance tomorrow and silence those doubters once and for all.
     
    simonhch said:
    Use the squad, play smart. Counter attack.

    4-5-1

    De Gea

    Darmian ______ Smalling ______ Bailly ________ Blind

    Young/Rashford _____Carrick ______ Fellaini ______ Lingard/Rooney

    Mata

    Martial

    ​
    *Waits for uproar.
    Click to expand...

    Absolutely not a 4-5-1. We need to play a 4-2-3-1 or classic 4-4-2. Take the game to them and attack. Cause them problems. Make them react to us. Test them in every area, give them difficult questions to answer. The pressure is on them as they are favourites and playing at home. They will be hard pressed to prove that they can replicate their league performances in the cups. We need to be asking tough questions instead of sitting back and playing not to lose. Attack them and put their hastily cobbled defence to the test (Azpilicueta is a full back playing CB, Moses is an attacker playing RB, and Luiz is just shit). Set the bar high and force them to panic.
     
    As sick as i feel to lose against these clowns again, i think it would be a blessing to come out of the FA cup.Too many top teams in there atm. We need to focus on the Europa and somewhat to the league.
     
    ash_86 said:
    As sick as i feel to lose against these clowns again, i think it would be a blessing to come out of the FA cup.Too many top teams in there atm. We need to focus on the Europa and somewhat to the league.
    Click to expand...
    totally disagree, I dont see any reason not to try 100% in all competitions.
    So you are saying this because there is too many top teams in we just give up !!
     
    ash_86 said:
    As sick as i feel to lose against these clowns again, i think it would be a blessing to come out of the FA cup.Too many top teams in there atm. We need to focus on the Europa and somewhat to the league.
    Click to expand...

    Too many teams? Only 5 teams are left and if win there will be 4. How is that too many? We are 90 mins away from a return to Wembley. From that point anything can happen.
     
    One of my fears is that we'll have one of those games where we play very well in the first half and go one up, only to cock it up by presenting no attacking danger afterwards and conceding under pressure in the second half.
     
    pauldyson1uk said:
    totally disagree, I dont see any reason not to try 100% in all competitions.
    So you are saying this because there is too many top teams in we just give up !!
    Click to expand...

    Treble_Winning said:
    Too many teams? Only 5 teams are left and if win there will be 4. How is that too many? We are 90 mins away from a return to Wembley. From that point anything can happen.
    Click to expand...

    If we win tomorrow , two extra games gets added on from likes of Arsenal, Man City , Spurs. Remember, we need to play against them in the league too shortly. I would love to get a run at Wembley, but need to sort out the priorities at this point. League and Europa which gives us entry into top 4 needs to be the top priority. No, we are not in a position to hit them all.
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    Absolutely not a 4-5-1. We need to play a 4-2-3-1 or classic 4-4-2. Take the game to them and attack. Cause them problems. Make them react to us. Test them in every area, give them difficult questions to answer. The pressure is on them as they are favourites and playing at home. They will be hard pressed to prove that they can replicate their league performances in the cups. We need to be asking tough questions instead of sitting back and playing not to lose. Attack them and put their hastily cobbled defence to the test (Azpilicueta is a full back playing CB, Moses is an attacker playing RB, and Luiz is just shit). Set the bar high and force them to panic.
    Click to expand...
    Yeah to all that, but we just arrived from Russia and are probably in no comparable physical shape to theirs, so… no.
     
    Damien said:
    Results of last 20 meetings between United and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:
    Chelsea wins: 12
    United wins: 2

    Right now we need about 20 chances to score 1 goal and that is against teams that aren't top of the league. It'll be a struggle.
    Click to expand...

    And this is why I think that this is a near impossible game to win for us.
    I know that some of you want to be positive, but virtually every statistic is against us winning this game.
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    The level of pessimism on here is disappointing. We should remember that we have beaten Chelsea 8 times in the FA Cup and they've only beaten us 3 times. This isn't going to be like October, we are a completely different team at the moment. Jose is going to have the players fired up. This one is going to be PERSONAL for him, no matter how he tries to downplay it.

    We need to approach this game with a positive, attacking mindset from minute one. Take the game to them, use the pace of Mhkitaryan, Martial and Rashford to exploit their weakness on the flanks. Use the inventiveness and creativity of Mata and Pogba to exploit Cahill's sloppiness and lack of technique and pace. We need to be mentally up for this. Double man-mark Hazard and Costa. Neither of them should be allowed even a sniff of the ball. As soon as Hazard touches the ball he needs to be surrounded by a sea of red shirts. We will show them that we are capable of playing at high intensity. We need AGGRESSION and GUTS. That's where the game will be won.
    Click to expand...
    that is true. But the record at Stamford bridge in general, in last say 15 yrs, is utterly abysmal. Tomorrow is more important to Utd than it is chelsea, theyve got the league won practically... they have (almost)won the "big" one... that is all they care about.

    If you said to Conte, go out tomorrow, and league is 100% guaranteed, hed snap your hand off. So would i. I would take the league over the fa cup every single day of the week
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    Absolutely not a 4-5-1. We need to play a 4-2-3-1 or classic 4-4-2. Take the game to them and attack. Cause them problems. Make them react to us. Test them in every area, give them difficult questions to answer. The pressure is on them as they are favourites and playing at home. They will be hard pressed to prove that they can replicate their league performances in the cups. We need to be asking tough questions instead of sitting back and playing not to lose. Attack them and put their hastily cobbled defence to the test (Azpilicueta is a full back playing CB, Moses is an attacker playing RB, and Luiz is just shit). Set the bar high a force them to panic.
    Click to expand...
    You are looking at that too linear. What you say is right about Moses, but he has been a good RWB. Azpilicueta arguably one of the best one on one defenders in the prem. Fullback or Cb, he is excellent. And i dont agree with the Luiz comment, he has been actually brilliant since coming back. Id have him in the top 3-5 CB this season. Genuinely
     
    Treble_Winning said:
    It's a complete myth that Pogba disappears against big clubs. Hopefully he will put in a great performance tomorrow and silence those doubters once and for all.
    Click to expand...
    It's not a 'complete' myth though is it? He certainly disappeared against Liverpool.
     
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Man of the Match

Marcos Rojo image Marcos Rojo 49% of 598 votes

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Score Predictions

206,318,60
  • Man Utd win
  • Chelsea win
  • Draw

Detailed Results

  • 17% Chelsea 2:0 Man Utd
  • 16% Chelsea 1:2 Man Utd
  • 15% Chelsea 2:1 Man Utd
  • 9% Chelsea 0:1 Man Utd
  • 7% Chelsea 3:0 Man Utd
  • 7% Chelsea 3:1 Man Utd
  • 7% Chelsea 1:1 Man Utd
  • 3% Chelsea 1:0 Man Utd
  • 3% Chelsea 0:2 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 2:3 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 0:0 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 5:0 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 0:5 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 2:2 Man Utd
  • 2% Chelsea 4:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Chelsea 1:3 Man Utd
  • 1% Chelsea 0:4 Man Utd
  • 1% Chelsea 3:2 Man Utd
  • 1% Chelsea 4:1 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 0:3 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 5:5 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 3:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 2:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 1:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 4:5 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 1:5 Man Utd
  • 0% Chelsea 5:1 Man Utd
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Match Stats

  1. Chelsea
  2. Man Utd
Possession
73% 27%
Shots
20 4
Shots on Target
5 1
Corners
10 2
Fouls
7 14

Referee

Michael Oliver

Man Utd Lineup

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