Stoke 0-0 Chelsea

[LDN Blue 7,903]

basically they are signing late so they dont have to play at the Brittania, would not suprise me, especially with Neymar.

LOOL ahh

[Madmax 9,219]

It's Stoke - the heavy machinery needs to be out as far as I'm concerned.

Cech

Ivan, Alex, JT, Cole

Mikel/Ramires

Benayoun, Lampard

Anelka, Drogba, Malouda

[lionsden 4,689]

Based on merit, lampard and Anelka shouldn't be starting against stoke. Ramires and Kalou ahead of Lampard and Anelka for me but then again team selection according to most fans and managers is based on reputation and experience rather than actual merit.

[Madmax 9,219]

^ Based on actual merit, Kalou doesn't even deserve a place on the bench

If Mikel has to sit this one out, Ramires would most likely be the one to be played there, meaning Lampard gets a game. Unless AvB has the balls to play Josh instead.

[lionsden 4,689]

^ Based on actual merit, Kalou doesn't even deserve a place on the bench

If Mikel has to sit this one out, Ramires would most likely be the one to be played there, meaning Lampard gets a game. Unless AvB has the balls to play Josh instead.

Sturridge, our number one selection based on merit is suspended for the game which leaves Kalou and Anelka as the only two options and Kalou marginally edges Anelka imho. Yes AVB should play Josh ahead of Lampard and that's been my point all along.

I cherish the day when sentiments would no longer be the most crucial criteria for team selections.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

For those of you who fancy a laugh, P$G lost 1-0 at home to lowly Lorient yesterday, Pastore was unveiled before the start of the match.

[Madmax 9,219]

Sturridge, our number one selection based on merit is suspended for the game which leaves Kalou and Anelka as the only two options and Kalou marginally edges Anelka imho. Yes AVB should play Josh ahead of Lampard and that's been my point all along.

I cherish the day when sentiments would no longer be the most crucial criteria for team selections.

Agreed, if Sturridge is available, there's no debate about the right wing at all, since it's clear AvB will use him there and not as a CF. But as much as I appreciate Kalou's efforts despite his limited skill level, he's been woeful in pre-season.

Completely in agreement with regards to Lampard.

[lionsden 4,689]

Agreed, if Sturridge is available, there's no debate about the right wing at all, since it's clear AvB will use him there and not as a CF. But as much as I appreciate Kalou's efforts despite his limited skill level, he's been woeful in pre-season.

Completely in agreement with regards to Lampard.

Well let's just say Kalou is shit and Anelka is shitter . Unless we reinforce the left wing as I don't feel Malouda is good enough neither then we will have to make do with the players at our disposal.

[Kieran. 6,317]

Anelka is better than Kalou.

[koukous89 6]

Probable lineup:

Subtitutions:

Lampard -> McEachran

Drogba -> Torres

Kalou -> Lukaku

totatly agree with this formation

[koukous89 6]

It's Stoke - the heavy machinery needs to be out as far as I'm concerned.

Cech

Ivan, Alex, JT, Cole

Mikel/Ramires

Benayoun, Lampard

Anelka, Drogba, Malouda

i prefer kalou

[TomCFC 356]

Anelka is better than Kalou.

Even I'm better than Kalou!

[koukous89 6]

Even I'm better than Kalou!

[Kieran. 6,317]

Even I'm better than Kalou!

. Anelka is more important than Kalou. Anelka will be used as an extra CF option when Drogba is off at ACON. Torres/Lukaku/Anelka in February.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Based on merit, lampard and Anelka shouldn't be starting against stoke. Ramires and Kalou ahead of Lampard and Anelka for me but then again team selection according to most fans and managers is based on reputation and experience rather than actual merit.

If Mikel is out, Lampard should be brought in to sit deep.

Ramires is not a DMF in my eye, he's a box-to-box player. Lampard's shown in pre-season he can sit deep, not saying it's ideal for him to play there, but I'd rather Ramires was in his position than Lampard was.

Agree about Anelka & Kalou too, but since there's no-one else to play there..

[I Am Legend 0]

I agree that Torres should start for confidence reasons, but this game is made for Drogba. For that reason, I would also like to see the Drog start on the right of the three. His speed, power and ability to deliver a killer cross, should make him ideal for the role. I think McEachran has shown enough in pre season to be picked ahead of Mikel. I'd go with:

-------------------------------Cech------------------------------

Ivanovich---------Alex--------------Terry---------------Cole

------------Ramires-----McEachran-----Lampard---------

-------Drogba--------------Torres------------Malouda------

[Peace. 4,352]

Kalou is shit, but Anelka is shitter than shit.

And even if Kalou is poor, you actually can see him on the pitch, and he does try. Anelka is just a ghost, and he plays everywhere but where he is supposed to play.

I think McEachran has shown enough in pre season to be picked ahead of Mikel.

Just no mate. If he has to be picked ahead of someone, that's Lampard.

[magic weeds 446]

Could work. But I think this game would be too soon. Perhaps vs WBA

Yes, I said his debut should be at the Bridge. our next game at the bridge is vs WBA.