Opposition view: Chelsea

By Ric Turner, Fri 19 September 2014 10:05


Opposition view: ChelseaAn insight into Sunday's opponents

Ahead of Sunday's key clash at The Etihad, Bluemoon caught up with Chelsea Daft to get the lowdown on the opposition...

What are your expectations for this season?

My expectation is for Chelsea to challenge for the Premier League title and if possible the Champions League. Anything else in addition would be a bonus. We have the players and the squad now to challenge for both, as long as we keep people fit.

Are you happy with the manager?

More than happy! You have to give the manager credit as he has done exactly what he said would happen last season. He has got rid of those he never took to and replaced them all with real quality. Jose will be on form as he is always and you will note that the suit is back on now - he means business.

Who are your key players?

Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard. You need to stop all three.

Were you happy with the business conducted during the transfer window?

More than happy. As I said earlier Ashley Cole has been replaced by Filipe Luis, David Luiz by Kurt Zouma, Ba/Eto'o/Torres by Costa/Drogba/Remy and Frank Lampard by Cesc Fabregas.

Are there any rising stars in the squad that we might not have heard of?

Look out for Lewis Baker. I doubt he will feature much this season but give it another year or so, he could be knocking on the door.

Your Achilles heel?

At the moment it's not keeping a clean sheet. We are scoring a lot of goals but at the moment, are also conceding a fair few. I expect Jose to do something about it before Sunday.

If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?

David Silva all day long. He is absolute class and would fit in as our number ten perfectly.

What is your perception of City as a club?

Massive in the past, a lull in their fortunes for years having to live in the shadow of the red half of the City, to have jumped at the chance to "do a Chelsea" and look at you now! You still need to establish yourselves in the Champions League to take that next step forward, but are well on the way.

Likely starting XI for the game, and score prediction?

Courtois, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Matic, Ramires, Fabregas, Schurrle, Hazard and Costa.

Chelsea to win 2-1 or 2-0.