Madmax

I'd keep Kakuta around, I'd definitely consider him as an option for the CAM role, especially since Yossi looks to be on his way. Anelka is in his last year and he's said he won't leave. Kalouda should definitely be off but I wonder if we'd even find buyers for them lol. There are doubts over Drogba's contract situation as well. Lukaku will prove useful during ACoN. Don't think Essien will be registered in the squad, meaning Mata and Modric get a place.

Cookies and milk for El Dinosaur Ron

My dad (who never watches football) was sat beside me for the WBA game and they had Alex on the screen. He turned around and asked me if this was the same Alex from talkchelsea LMAO. Apparently he knows I spend practically a couple of hours on here on most days and that I write for the main site occasionally, so he checks out the main page from time to time and knows all about your reports and such haha.

TOCFCW :

Chelsea's No. 9

Wenger is such a massive twat. The biggest hypocrite in world football. He's been yapping on for years about respect and maturity and professionalism and been taking the moral high ground ever since I can remember. Yet if you observe the way he conducts himself before, during and after games you'd notice none of these qualities in him. Constant moaning about decisions, refs, opposition players, managers and basically everything other than the faults of his bunch of wannabe tiki-taka fairies. Then there's the touchline spats with several managers, the refusal to shake hands after matches. Pardew, Jol, Hughes, Mancini, Moyes, Dalglish. These are what I remember off the top of my head. Clearly has never heard of the term 'practice what you preach'. Can't imagine how embarrassing it must be for Arsenal fans to watch the manager's cringeworthy antics and tendency to behave like a spoilt 14 year old the moment he doesn't have things going his way.

I might give this a try one of these days if there's no-one else available. Trouble is I've got exams looming in a couple of months and my dad doesn't like it when I'm on the computer and in front of the telly simultaneously

Hopefully we'll be adding Kevin and Modric to that list soon. Sorted

I think that's Panama.

LOL, at 85 kgs I feel like a fat biscuit eating monster

Indeed. Gourlay and the Board cop a lot of flak, mostly deserved too. Not this time. Cookie for CFC Board.

Weight : 63 kg. Blimey. Our lightest 'senior' player?

It isn't just the saves though. He exuded confidence and calmness all throughout the game. He dealt with awkward crosses and loose balls with aplomb, which definitely gives a sense of security to the defence, especially when the centre-halves are having a torrid time like they did yesterday. The goalkeeper is only really spoken of when he makes mistakes and it is usual for his performances to be overshadowed by the adventure that attackers bring but I think Hilario was nigh on excellent yesterday. Maybe if it was Cech who'd made that diving one-armed save vs Tchoyi or the cool composed stop against Odemwingie late on, we'd all be lauding him.

Juan Mata Chelsea's no.10

We have closed this Mata!

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=EUNL6igxYsM

I don't expect Lampard to be benched. I expect Torres to be hauled off regardless of how good he plays. I expect Josh and Benayoun to sit on the bench watching Lamps and Anelkalouda scupper move after move. I expect Drogba the great to make an appearance and replace Torres because it's somehow crystal clear they can't play together.

Welcome!

Hilario - 7 Bosingwa - 6.5 Alex - 3.5 Terry - 5 Cole - 6 Mikel - 6.5 Lampard - 5 Ramires - 6 Kalou - not applicable Anelka - 6.5 Torres - 6 Malouda - 5.5 Ivanovic - 6 Drogba - 4

I just hope City don't come in for Mata now.

We were nothing short of awful with the 4-4-2 experiment in the middle of last season. AvB mentioned in his post match presser that we went to a diamond after Kalou was taken off. Atleast he's willing to change things that aren't working.

You don't want Yossi to get injured, it might scupper the Modric deal.

-AvB

The CB pairing today was completely exposed by their pace and our high line. Long and Tchoyi made such a nuisance of themselves. Luiz and Ivan aren't completely fit though, so I understand the selection.