***Official 2006-07 Champions League Thread***

[gusmahler]

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maybe Shevchenko is drawing the better or more defender(s)?

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The last few games, Drogba has been playing closer to the goal than Shev.

I don't understand why they don't use Shev for free kicks instead of Lampard.

[New001]

I'd rather have Shevchenko in the box than Lampard, and Lampard is very good with them anyway.

[beset]

What a sloppy game.

Is barca always this opiated? You can't blame it all on the calls. I haven't watched much la liga this year but Ronaldinho looked just like he did at this years world cup, disassociated with very little hustle or precision.

[ThaSaltCracka]

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, and Lampard is very good with them anyway.

[/ QUOTE ]Interesting, Fox Fone In last clownin the hell out of Lampard last night. Saying he wasn't playing well for Chelsea or England, and is most likely not to play once Ballack is back.

[gusmahler]

They may have just been talking about penalty kicking duties. I seriously doubt he'll bench Lampard.

Ballack took a penalty shot after Lampard missed a couple. But once Ballack was suspended, Lampard resumed penalty duties.

It'll be interesting to see what they do once Joe Cole and Makelele are back at full strength. They have too many midfielders to give them all playing time.

[Fallen Hero]

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and is most likely not to play once Ballack is back.

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no way in hell this will ever happen.

[ThaSaltCracka]

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and is most likely not to play once Ballack is back.

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no way in hell this will ever happen.

[/ QUOTE ]well permanent benching, yeah won't happen. I bet he sits for a game or two, or maybe subs. I really don't know, as I rarely make time for Chelsea games, as I am not a fan. I was rather surprised to hear them say it, especially from the guy who is a Chelsea homer.

[New001]

I'd be surprised if Lampard sits for reasons other than resting. He's been fine this season, and he and Essien are the only two Chelsea midfielders to play every minute of league play. Even with Joe Cole back and everyone healthy, he's still going to get tons of minutes.

For reference:
Ballack: 231 minutes
Cole: 27
Diarra: 11
Essien: 720
Lampard: 720
Makelele: 442
Mikel: 85
Njitap: 112
Robben (maybe more of a forward but whatever): 311
Wright-Phillips: 161

[ThaSaltCracka]

just curious, why do you say Lampard has been fine this season?

Again, this isn't my opinion I am arguing, it the Fox Fone In guys. They are much more in-tune with the EPL and England soccer than I am, so their opinion means more to me than my own.

[New001]

He's scoring goals, assisting, and he certainly doesn't look as bad on the pitch as people have been saying. Take away his two goals from PKs and he's got 3 (I'm giving him credit for the free kick against Reading that deflected) goals and 2 assists.

I didn't watch/listen to them last time they aired (last night?) and though they usually sound knowledgeable, I think it's pretty off to say he's been bad.