Mission

This is not a matter of 'responding to what City are doing', this is a matter of fixing a team that has issues in certain areas of the pitch.

I can't hear you.

There's pros and cons to both systems. Pep's Barcelona is an exceptional example due to the competence and sheer proficiency of that XI's prime. However, fatigue is still a big issue that needs to be tackled. Ironically, a lack of rotation for a prolonged period of time can cause rotating to be liability rather than a benefit. Schurrle, who has been bashed to no end on here has only played in a third of all games. How do you expect a player this young to improve and develop when there's a lack of opportunity to do so? And if this player has no hope, why is he not being replaced? There's nothing wrong with adding substance to squad depth if rational. In this team's current situation, it seems almost necessary to some extent. On the other hand, nothing happens and Chelsea go on to win the league. Mourinho could roll the dice, but a manager who prefers to play it safe becomes contradictory.

The unfortunate crux of all of this is the battle of resources, of whom Chelsea are falling behind in. Manchester City have amassed an armada of high-calibre talent on the bench who are ready to pull the trigger at any given moment. This 'bench' of theirs sustains its quality via efficient squad rotation, something Chelsea are severely missing. This citation may surprise some of you: City have made 61 line-up changes this season, whereas Chelsea have made just 29. Mourinho is playing this game too safe, and ultimately it will be too late when the team start dropping points in the next few months. The fatigue generated from other competitions such as the FA Cup and Champions League will prove to be a hindrance. Fingers crossed something happens before February.

We just need to sell Salah to PSG for £120m and then we could afford him.

Juventus are reportedly making a move for Paulinho. Are they equipping themselves for when the inevitable materializes? Merely speculation, but something to take note of. http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/01/juventus-lead-ac-milan-in-chase-for-tottenham-hotspur-midfielder/

Not forgetting this mess as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUGqdLRAZg

Are you okay?

The problem with not looking at Pogba, or any other established central midfielder at the moment, is the fact that there are no pivots in the squad that mirror the quality that Cesc and Matic produce. The strain on those players is as conspicuous as ever; a strain that will only be intensified when the team start encountering double legged fixtures in multiple competitions for the latter half of the year. Splashing the dough in January isn't a necessity, but shows an apathetic attitude for the absence of squad stability, in comparison to say Manchester City's. Mourinho will only be putting all his eggs into one basket if nothing happens.

Two years ago, where the cesspit of Ba and Torres existed, the answer would of been yes. Diego Costa was purchased last year to resolve this prolonged dilemma. Rémy, who is a proven goalscorer and causes valuable things to happen when brought on, is a sufficient starter and back up should injury occur. Falcao would prove to be a superfluous addition to the team. Due to injury, he is not the same player as he was at Atlético, and does not enhance United's presence to an ample extent. In addition, he would cost an arm and a leg to bring in.

Completely agree. The flair of Cesc and Eden that simple minded people see through rose tinted glasses often blurs out Oscar; in some cases, they envisage him as some sort of scapegoat. As a whole, it's outrageous how the people who call themselves 'supporters' are doing quite the opposite.

This. Oscar has a significant amount of time on his side. At 23 at this level, he has mammoths of potential. The industrious nature of his play has been taken for granted by many, a lot do not seem to understand he's not a traditional #10. He excels in creating space, spreading play, receiving and passing the ball in tight spaces. There are moments where he makes some intelligent runs, and his vision in general is showing some auspicious progression. There's crystal clear evidence of creativity there, and anyone with half a brain would figure that there's a promising playmaker in development. This is all omitting the fact that he has a defensive capacity for the Premier League. His tenacious attitude that shows he is willing to work hard for Mourinho is admirable; he implements a creditable amount of unselfish shifts into his play. He has a firm understanding of how this team works and is capable of switching places with Fabregas to support or to create opportunity for the team. In fact, his movement off the ball and synergy with most of the outfield players that the team have, is praiseworthy as a whole. How some are suggesting, that buying a new attacking midfielder who would then miraculously slot into this role and significantly improve the team, is short sighted to say the least. Could Oscar have performed better yesterday? Obviously. The entire team could have, though. There were aspects of his play which seem to have been ignored. In the first half, he spent a lot of time around the left flanks in order to shut down players such as Sissoko and Cabella, who were indisputably Newcastle's biggest threats. Give this guy time; it's almost guaranteed that he will eventually start to ooze world class quality.

There's something about the Gazprom logo on this Schalke kit that's appetizing. No complaints if Yokohama are talking money though.

Exactly. If John Terry was an actual racist, it must of been unbearable for him to play with half of the first team over this decade, which quite frankly isn't the case.

1982 Home: Lacks the Adidas sponsership, though still lovely looking. http://www.camporetro.com/Shop-By-Team/Premier-League/Chelsea

Would you like anymore salt on your chips?

That's quite a deliberate 'error'.

When Carroll signed for the hammers a bit ago it was a six-year deal, have the rules changed slightly?

The squad lacks a severe amount of equitable rotation, let alone stability: Look at the disparity here. It shows the extent of how expelled certain players are, such as Remy. To say Drogba almost doubles his time on the field is deplorable. After the Tottenham game, numerous users were quick to post about Cahill's incompetencies. He almost quintuples the amount of minutes Zouma has had; possibly these incompetencies are derived from being the most worn player on the team? Mourinho needs to establish a system which slides towards sustainability, he needs to exhibit a higher level of critical awareness in the squad, and should reform his favouritism ideologies in order for this club to perform adequately in the latter half of the season.

These tabloid prints are meaningless.

Best post on this thread.

Perhaps, although the idea of having him positioned a little further up is tantislizing. Please bear in mind this is theory crafting for when starting both Costa and Remy together.

Remy as a winger makes me want to gouge my eyes out. Willian, although not worth 32m, is an integral part of that right side. His defensive engine, understanding for the style of play used by Chelsea and work rates are qualities that cannot be sacrificed (yet).

Fabregas' potential is relinquished in a defensive midfield position. Push him higher up the field and you will get the best out of his passing.