The 15/16 Pre-Season Thread

[Kick]

So the players will be returning from their holidays soon, so let's get this thread rolling.

Fixtures:


I expect to see a lot of youth players, especially as Falcao, Cuadrado, Luis, and Willian will get an extended break after Copa America.

[Shed]

I've had a thread for this started for some time, just haven't finished it

[RealGunner]

You seem to be slacking lately shed.

[Kick]

I've had a thread for this started for some time, just haven't finished it

I've noticed which is why I made this thread

[Shed]

You seem to be slacking lately shed.

I know

[Kick]

Our first game against NYRB kicks off on Thursday.

Most of our squad will be available, minus Falcao, Cuadrado, Luis (leaving + Copa America), and Willian.

Players available:
Thibaut Courtois, Asmir Begovic, Jamal Blackman, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, Ola Aina, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Kurt Zouma, Jake Clarke-Salter, Nemanja Matic, John Mikel Obi, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ramires, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Bertrand Traore, Victor Moses, Loic Remy, Diego Costa and Dominic Solanke.

Kenedy has also travelled with us, so I expect to see him play, too.

[fatman123]

The game v Fiorentina is on GO (or maybe GEM) for people in Australia

[Kick]

The game v Fiorentina is on GO (or maybe GEM) for people in Australia

[Kick]

Starting XI vs NYRB:

Courtois
Ivanovic (c) Zouma Cahill Azpilicueta
Mikel Fabregas
Traore Oscar Moses
Remy

We're 1 0 up atm, goal from Remy

[Kick]

The goal, Oscar assist.

[Kick]

http://gfycat.com/CleanPeriodicArmyworm

A terrible miss from Remy.

[Kick]

We're down 2 1 now

[Kick]

Make that 3 1

[Kick]

3 2, what is going on??!

[Kick]

4 2

Begovic conceeded all 4 goals....

[Kick]

Lost 4 2

Moses, Traore and Azpilicueta were our best players

Glad it's only pre season, a lot of work to do.

[rwo power]

So much for signing a goalie because he is "PL proven"? ^^

[Guest]

Begovic might as well retire. He is only there for the money.

[Kick]

It's the first game, I am willing to cut him and the team some slack, but I know what you mean.

[huntsman]

Glad it's only pre season, a lot of work to do.

Didnt you know that already?

[Kick]

"You are speaking with the manager of the best team in England. We don't have fragilities. We are a top team, we have top players. We started training six days ago and we did 11 training sessions in six days. We don't need other players."

"We play ten times against Red Bulls, we win nine. The second half was a disaster, but I'm not worried."

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/23/mourinho-after-chelseas-loss-if-we-play-red-bulls-ten-times-we-win-nine/?

[huntsman]

It doesnt matter what he says, Kick. It's his ego talking.
Fact is Chelsea are in a dire state. Mourinho can try and explain his philosophy and strategy and the forte and faults of his young players all he wants. At the end of the day, with this Chelsea Team and with the advancements and major strides that the other teams have made, Mourinho will start feeling the heat soon.

[Myesyats]

http://gfycat.com/CleanPeriodicArmyworm

A terrible miss from Remy.

Haha his expression is hilarious on the close up

[Kick]

Tomorrow's game will be played on Gem in Australia

I imagine we'll see a slightly stronger starting XI, as everyone should be available.

Begovic
Ivanovic Cahill Terry Azpilicueta
Fabregas Matic
Moses Oscar Hazard
Costa

Then in the second half, Remy, Courtois, Traore, Zouma, Ramires, Mikel, Willian, Cuadrado and Falcao will get game time.

[Kick]

Match ended 1 1 with us winning on pens.

Falcao got his debut, Begovic looked solid. Moses scored and looked decent again Cuadrado has some good moments, too. If he continues like today, you'll all change your opinions on him.

Elsewhere, Terry looked Rusty, as did Cahill. Zouma looked good, though. Ramires and Mikel looked trash, once we get Baba and Stones, the only part of the pitch I'd be worried about would be our CM's

Fabregas

Our goal here:
http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2015/7/26/9040257/watch-moses-scores-against-psg

As for their goal, Mikel was at fault, probably no one else.

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