Without Lampard and Essien in our side, we look like a team that's had it's solid flesh removed, and you can see the bones, a very poor Liverpool side took advantage of that... we were only just able to beat Fulham 1-0 at the Bridge with Essien almost playing the full game, so what is our midfield going to be like without both midfielders there, for the next three games at least (against Birmingham, and a very dangerously on form Newcastle team). I just hope the likes of Ramires and Zhirkov can use their speed to their advantage and create chances for us, and Mikel can do what he does relatively well, which is protect the back four, break up play and get the ball moving forward.