LDN Blue

I agree with your thinking from the tactical sense. However the Malouda we expect, based on that, and the Malouda we get is very different. The Malouda will get is one who won't be wise in the final third, who'll shoot from a ridiculous distance - knowing it won't go in - and one who can't play a simple pass. Yes, though, he does backtrack. He provides good support for Cole, and he'll give Mata license to roam free behind the strikers. It's a huge gamble because Malouda's lot his attacking instinct (though he can still put in a gem of a cross at times). Defensively he's a good choice, I suppose.

All comes down to if AVB will want him. If Guus comes with a good scout network behind him then it could work well, if he communicates with André well. They both share the same style of football, both speak English well. Could be a a thing of greatness or the undoing of foundations being built. Developments will be interesting in the next few weeks..

Then he should've followed Benitez to Inter But no, it's good to see he's trying to show some grace. It's a shame those "fans" won't ever see that in him again. Would rather have "no history" than classless history.

Tax-payers' money being used wisely there.

Too right. The Suaréz & Terry incidents are drawing out all the hypocrites at the moment. Defending Suarez's actions then criticising Terry's?!

I didn't mean the people themselves. I mean the culture. This is perhaps not the best thread to discuss it, but trust me.. From first hand experience, I know how badly outdated the methods are of the elder generation. Though the one thing I will always have a great deal of respect for about my culture is the family values we hold so dearly.

Sturridge has been talking about wanting to be the no.9 striker for England and Chelsea.

Let's hope AVB will be okay with any 'official' input from Hiddink. We don't want another José-Grant fiasco!

Stan Collymore is an asshole. He's annoying, a c*nt & a wife-beater. He's trying to make a name for himself from this imo. As for the last part, totally agree. Indian culture is quite backwards in that aspect. Though we're modern now, most families are well okay with different races, I've been dating this white girl for a while and my parents are totally fine with it

Lmao true. But what you get with Torres is hot and cold.. Cold is on level with Anelka sometimes. I mean at least Anelka will hold possession (a bit.)

Who is in good form though? Drogba's been out getting screws out, Torres is still too unpredictable (and let's be fair, we won't see the old 'Nando vs Liverpool anyway) Unfortunately, the alternative is no better..

Probably as long as it took for them to reach this verdict.

This could be a hindrance in Villas-Boas' ambitions for the club.

Hmm. Appeal process should take a while before punishments are handed out.

This whole "confidence" story. If he's really that affected by confidence, I don't see him pulling out a good shift vs his ex-employers. I also still see him in that "1 step forward, 2 steps backwards" light & we really do need a win in this game. Sturridge is in fine form currently & Anelka is always a hidden danger. The great thing about Anelka is, he'll work with anyone! Where we see Drogba and Torres failing to adapt with a co-striker Anelka's got form in creating good link-up play.

Lol come on, a loooooooooot's changed since then

Torres shouldn't start. Anelka - Mata Sturridge

Have a feeling England will get drawn with Spain or Netherlands. Either way, I hold no hope we'll even progress past the GS with Crapello leading us..

What was?

Oh dear Bosnia..

Lmao! Game on!

All it needs is an Edin Dzeko goal

Gah. He's not getting much ball time :\

Good reception for him.

Might watch Portugal v. Bosnia Her- Should be a cracking game!