Champions League QF: Valencia v Chelsea Preview

OLD BIG EARS
By
April 12 2007

The second match of a defining season week – we could STILL be on course for all 3 remaining trophies (admittedly, winning all 4 in total is perhaps an impossible feat) or we could be out on all fours of Europe’s premier competition.

An exit from the CL does have a silver lining in that it means 2 less very intense games to play in what is an extremely congested run-in BUT who wants to be out?

An away leg to Valencia who are specialists in dispatching English teams in Europe (Leeds, Arsenal and Liverpool in recent history) is difficult enough and to make the task that little more daunting the referee is Kyros Vassaras (Greek). The Greek referee was officiating during our first CL game this season against Werder Bremen and he booked Lampard, Essien, Cole and Drogba for trivial reasons. This bloke likes to strut around and flash the cards, combine that with a Valencia team that will probably start the game diving and falling about at every opportunity and a baying crowd at the Mestalla, we may be fortunate to keep 11 on the field.

Of course, we’ve faced this tactic before and countered it superbly with our own players behaving in the “continental style” at Barcelona during our 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp. Mourinho is well aware that there are times when the English mindset needs to be temporarily changed – “fight fire with fire” - and it efficiently nullifies and confuses the opposing Latin team.

Valencia do have another side to their play though as they are quite capable of leaving the theatrics and “dishing it out”. If we can go ahead and they start to get frustrated, this more aggressive side to their play could be to our advantage with the newly shined yellow and reds in the Greek referee’s pocket.

Moving on to team news there may only be one major change to last week’s line-up at the Bridge who faced Valencia with Essien almost certainly returning to the group. The Ghanaian has undergone two strenuous and intense training sessions and seems optimistic about playing a full 90 mins. If he does play then he may pick up a yellow resulting in a suspension for the next game against Liverpool should we progress.

Joe Cole has now made two brief appearances since his return from injury and looked very lively against Spurs on Saturday – I’d like to see him start as his invention and creativity would unbalance the Valencian side. It won’t happen though although he could well get a 2^nd half or remaining 25 mins. Joe is also one yellow away from suspension.

Mr Glass Ankles, Arjen Robben is still recuperating and will almost certainly be out for at least a fortnight more.

Valencia for their part will miss Vicente who picked up an injury at Stamford Bridge and still have a couple suspended from the “Rumble in the Mestalla” against Internazionale. Quique Flores rested 4 players for their last match in the 1-0 loss to Atletico Bilbao.

Lastly, I’ll admit to being a bit worried about security at the Mestalla. Will the Guardia Civil Riot Police Division look to emulate their colleagues in Sevilla or will they have received instructions to stay calmer than their Andalucian colleagues? We’ll have to see…..

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Carvalho, Terry, Boulahrouz, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Makelele, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Diarra, Mikel, Shevchenko, Drogba, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.

I’m expecting an initial 4-4-2 with Cech, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Mikel, Essien, Drogba and Shevchenko. We lack width and if we have to chase the match, I’d expect Joe Cole and possibly SWP to enter the fray.

Prediction? Extra time after 1-1 in 90 mins but we win 2-1 at the death. Scorers? Shevchenko 2 with Joe providing the winning assist. I will need an oxygen tent if it does go to extra-time.