A midweek away trip to Stamford Bridge, so with thanks to Merlin from Vital Chelsea.
1) When did you start following your club and what would you say are your best and worst memories in that time?
I`ve been following Chelsea since 1985, a young striker I knew (Kerry Dixon), from my home town signed for Chelsea. I went down to watch him and was hooked. It was like discovering religion!
As for my best memory, I reckon 19th May 2012, the Allianz Arena, Munich, takes some beating. I`ve followed Chelsea through thick and thin and there were times I never believed we`d win the Premier League let alone the Champions League.
And as for a worst memory, it has to be losing to Middlesbrough in the play-offs in 1988. We were dumped back into the old Second Division; it was a heart-breaking experience.
2) What are you expecting from the season, now we’ve reached the halfway point?
After the highs of last season, we`ve been through the mill a bit this season. We`ve seen another change of manager, an early exit from the Champions League and a spell whereby we couldn`t get a win for love of money. But Rafa has steadied the ship, however much we all dislike him and we`re looking set for a top four finish, which as to be a minimum for a club of our stature, we need Champions League football. Plus, we could retain the FA Cup, we appear to have started well in round three!
3) Any highlights from the season so far?
There have been a few but apart from big away victories against Leeds, Stoke and Southampton, I`ll go for the win at White Hart Lane, that was a sweet moment to turn them over on their own patch and with Andre Villas-Boas in charge.
4) What are you expecting your club to do in the transfer window?
We`ve already bought Demba Ba, a good signing in my opinion, but we may well go back into the market for another striker and a defensive midfielder.
5) Who is going to be your main danger-man when we play?
Juan Mata – He is having a superb season, his skills are under-rated by many but when he`s on song he can turn a match in our favour.
6) What are your weaknesses, any clues for the game will be appreciated 🙂
We seem to be struggling at Stamford Bridge. Teams are coming and parking the bus. We`re not getting the breaks and the pressure is mounting. I guess the anti-Benitez feelings don`t hep either!
7) Have you been surprised with how Saints have performed so far?
Not really. I caught a few of your games on the television last season and I was impressed with how you moved the ball around. But, I have to say your defence doesn`t look as solid as it should be for the Premier League!
8) Do you have any thoughts on Nigel Adkins?
He`s worked wonders getting you back into the top-flight but it`s a division that is a graveyard for managers that preside over teams that struggle. All I`ll say is I hope your board don`t panic and sack him if things don`t turn out as they`d want.
9) Has anyone stood out from our recent buys?
Not so much your recent buys but Luke Shaw looks to be a star of the future. Can we have first refusal on him please?
10) If you could take one of our players, who would it be and why?
See above!
11) Who do you see as our main threat in the game?
Ricky Lambert – He`s surprised me with his ability to score in ever division and his record from the penalty spot is awesome. But let`s hope most of the ninety minutes is played in your half shall we.
12) Finally, a prediction for the game please?
I`m taking Chelsea to end their recent poor home run with an emphatic victory, possibly by three clear goals.
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