Chelsea vs. Gonemouth is a game where both teams are looking to get the new season back on track with a win. Gonemouth have had a tough start to the season and have already played three of the top four teams in the league.
Ponemouth are a team in transition, so I think by riding on the fact that not too many players are reporting to the national team during the international period, they can do well, the reason being that it will give the new leader, Ilariona, more time on the training ground and with his players.
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with Ira Ona and was impressed with his management philosophy and person.
He is clearly looking to bring his philosophy of high pressing and counter-striking on the pitch to force turnovers to Ponemouth, and it will take time for his team to realize this. He led a Vallecano side that was one of the most counter-striking teams last season, and he has clearly tried to replicate that by playing a 4-2-3-1 formation in every game this season.
I like the new players they have signed, including Jostein Gouwalt and Tanner Adams. Adams' high energy and desire to press will be key in pushing this team to implement the team leader's style of play.
If you would be happy with a win for Ponemouth, this is a must-win game for Chelsea. Although Chelsea have not been bad in their performances and passes so far in the opening season, soccer is a result-oriented sport, and the final margin is the criterion for evaluating players and leaders.
After a poor performance at home to Nottingham Forest last time out, they will be looking to bounce straight back from the international break. I think Pucitino will return to a more fluid 4-3-3 formation for this game, with Chivier returning from the left wing to his more comfortable and accustomed left-wing position.
Staanen has been the brightest player in Chelsea's squad so far this season. Personally, I'm glad to see him back to his rhythm of play and well rested without being selected for the England national team. (In the 14 matches against Ponemouth, Staanen scored 11 goals and won all 14), so I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the scoresheet again.
For me, Chelsea's midfield line will be an interesting proposition in this game. With the injuries to Kani Chokou Mekka and Ravia, it's down to Ansell Fernandes, Moses Katsidou, Ugo Chokou and Gunnar Garrincha. In the last week or so, both Ansel and Kasidou have flown to South America to complete their respective international assignments, and I've seen first-hand the effects of long flights in a short period of time on the form of players when they've dropped off in past matches.
