13 Comments
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Jon's avatar

Wonder if we'll see Sarr get his first minutes at some point tonight. Could only see it happening if we're comfortably ahead, but a good opportunity to give him a run out at some point with Bads and Colwill both unavailable.

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Luke Rushbrook's avatar

He came on in one of the previous games for 10 mins

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Jon's avatar

Did he? 😂 Must have been one of those 3 am games, even if I watched it live I would have been half asleep.

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Jeff Whelpley's avatar

I'm not so sure about Jackson being cut out like you think. Unless the SDs already have a deal lined up for selling him and Maresca truly has written him off completely, I think Jackson literally has to start this game for the simple reason that it's easier to sub him off early if he isn't in sync rather than depend on him as a sub in a close match.

Think about downsides of each. Downside of starting him is simply subbing him off early. Very little harm can come of that other than Chelsea not scoring for a half. Downside of subbing him on in the 2nd half is that he has a stinker when you need something and he is useless in PKs.

Conversely, if Jackson is not on his way out the door, starting him gives him confidence back that he is still part of the plans and he may rise to the occasion. You can sub on Joao Pedro in the second half for an injection of energy and ability to take the PKs if it comes to that.

I would be shocked if Jackson doesn't start this game.

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Luke Rushbrook's avatar

Joao Pedro starts as predicted

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Jeff Whelpley's avatar

OMG, I could not have been more wrong. Crazy performance from Pedro and hats off to Maresca.

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Asif's avatar

Praying Josh starts over Gusto..

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Adrian's avatar

Maybe getting ahead of things a bit but wondering about the yellow card situation in the semi. If a player picks up a second yellow would he be suspended for the final or do players have the slate wiped clean in the semi?

Come on Chels! We can do it but wouldn’t be surprised by extra time.

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Luke Rushbrook's avatar

It's wiped clean from here, only a red card tonight would suspend a player for the final.

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Andre Palma's avatar

Your Team is also My team! And I agree 100% players with a foot out leave for subs. Let's go Chelsea!!

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Nick Gage's avatar

I must agree regarding Madueke and Nkunku. I don't and never will understand using players that want out. Attitude is such a massive part of the game.

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Andy Setterfield's avatar

Luke

You may well have a point re the starter upfront.

However I believe Jackson will start upfront so that he can settle into the game joao pedro bought on as an impact sub if Jackson picks up a yellow, at 60 minutes or we go behind.

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Ozboy's avatar

Agreed.like the classic 4 3 3

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