[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36206.msg955241#msg955241 date=1254391379]
I'm the only one so far who's voted for Carra and Zorba. It would be a risk, but the Fiorentina game just convinced me that Carra and Skrtel is not working at all. Chelsea will have watched that game (and our other matches) and will have figured out ways to exploit our weaknesses. So a change of personnel would be one way of forestalling their tactical preparations.
The other reason I'd favour Zorba over Skrtel is that he's better in the air - and I think Chelsea are going to bombard us. They're always very dangerous at corners and free-kicks, and our vulnerability there is scarily obvious.
Clearly, Rafa will know more than us if this is a viable option because he'll have watched Zorba in training every day. And maybe, when it comes down to it, he's just not good enough. The other downside to this decision would be the psychological effects on Skrtel of being dropped. Then again, if he gets mauled by Drogba and Anelka, he'll be mentally scarred anyway.
Hopefully Mascher will be fit, and can offer some protection to whoever gets picked, but at the moment the 'devil we know' does not inspire me with any confidence at all.
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Carra's experienced, proven as one of the best centre backs in Europe, etc.. but you're only as good as your current form. Both he and Skrtel have been iffy this season so I don't get why it's an automatic decision that Skrtel should make way.
Look at the trip to Old Trafford last season. Arbeloa gets injured in the warm up and Hyypia steps in, Carra goes to right back and Skrtel and Hyypia partner each other in the centre and we play a blinder.
I'm not saying it always works out that favourably, but making Skrtel the target of our defensive woes seems well wide of the mark. Carra has looked even more indecisive during setpieces and has been caught under the ball several times, and lets not forget, he's also been given the run around in the past by Drogba too. And as I've said earlier, our fullbacks aren't helping, one of them needs to tuck inside and hold their position when we're under attack.