LDN Blue

You could say 'better late than never' to be fair. That's all well and good, but Mourinho needs to start showing that. Giving RLC less than 10 minutes in a dead rubber isn't exactly helping. At least Ivanovic speaks his mind, none of this "happy for him" b/s.

'the specials' isn't the.. politically correct term.

Twitter is going ape-shit over this!!

Incredible! Well that's the other thing, in the long term does that mean they would be able to play until 34/35? Who knows. I think Oscar could manage because his pace isn't what gives him his edge so he can probably adapt as he gets older. For Hazard, it's more his dribbling and skill and less so pace. I'm sure Mourinho and our medical department use plenty of effective warm down and injury prevention techniques so he can handle the busy workload. Unfortunately, this season we need players like Oscar, Hazard, Cesc & Azpilicueta to play probably 90% of our games so we can excel domestically and in Europe.

If he was showing signs of not improving or taking his position for granted I would agree. But he hasn't really been properly tested yet, both in PL or any other cup competitions.. He hasn't had a chance to show off his abilities. Goalkeepers are on position where rotation isn't as simple as other on-field players. Manchester City tried it with Given and Hart, but ultimately you have to make a decision for your #1 and it's usually going to be the younger guy keeping in line with a long-term vision.

He doesn't look like he needs the rest though. Read a stat today that Oscar has played 185 games in two years, but he looks okay.. We underestimate the fitness of these guys sometimes I think (unless you're talking about Raheem Sterling of course). That being said, I don't think he will play vs Derby.

I know you are, but what am I?

I have no doubt that if it wasn't for that 2009 injury, he'd still be here. Very much a vital part of our team!

Actually I do believe it was right-wing! Rumours say he was on the verge of outscoring Ronaldo..

I do love how you've put Bosingwa as a wide midfield player

The problem is.. Ferguson kept up his success throughout his United tenure. He had spells of defeat but more or less always recovered so that it was temporary. Wenger's success only came in the first half of his reign, from 1996-2003 you can say he is the second best manager, but for the last 11 years he's been actually quite bad. He wins on longevity, but he loses out in his failure to adapt. Mourinho simply loses on lack of longevity and I don't think that makes Wenger the best manager in the history of the PL after that.

Had to be that guy, didn't you?

Oh lord, we always knew this would come back to bite us on the ass.. If AC Milan have the option of sending him back, and do it, we should recall Van Ginkle and find him a suitable club too.

Ramires must start. His pace and stamina will be perfect for the entire game, particularly the second half, against Hull. Especially at home.

Juventus are woeful in Europe, almost as bad as City. I think people are overstating their difficulty.

Haha I know mate. For all the typical "english style defender" Terry is, his left foot can find a pass like the best of them!

I thought you like that sort of defending

Psst, it's 18 in England [emoji12]

This is one of 'those' fixtures that makes me nervous.. We should be taking 3 points considering we're at home, but it depends if Hull are up for it.

Yeah of course, but this is Mourinho MO tbh and we can only continue being optimistic that RLC is doing enough to keep Mourinho interested in him.

Come on guys, did you really expect anything more than what RLC ended up getting, in terms of minutes?.. At least he's on Mourinho's radar, it's not nice that we were led to expect more minutes but at least he did well in his, albeit brief, cameo. There's still time to blood him in, lets keep our heads.

Tore André Flo, GOAT off the bench!

Yea, but rather to Newcastle than to Tottenham or anyone else. Newcastle fans aren't really the 'rub it in your face' types.. I guess it's fitting that we'd lose it at the one place José is yet to win in the league lol.

I can't believe the one Chelsea game I miss this season will be where RLC and co will be playing! Hope someone puts full-game links up after

Dare to Demba?