Bir_CFC

Zlatan is too big of an attraction to sit on the bench. He'll easily get 4 times as much money as we'd offer him to just show up in a league. Unless he's desperate for a PL title, which he's not. He won't ever show up here imo.

I like he's only on a loan. He's not Chelsea level right now, but I feel he has potential in the future. His fundamental skill set is better suited to our current play than Schurrle imo. Better ball control, better dribbling, better close control. But alas, no end product right now, if he ever gets that, he'd be a great player. I still like Salah. I know I'm in the minority but he has great potential imo. I hope he achieves it, but he's far right now for sure.

There is no way he's a better dribbler than Hazard. He's faster than Eden, but his close control isn't even on the same planet as Hazard. I see him to be similar to Schurrle, except he's better on the ball, a much better dribbler and also way more comfortable on the right wing. Basically everything we hoped Schurrle would become. But Hazard? He's not even close imo. Also it's great to have two dribblers who can actually get by their man, but I'd like it better if they both would play closer to each other to really destroy opponents. Even if they double or triple up on Hazard, by the time the ball is switched, the defence has enough time to shift and double up on Cuadrado too. Either we switch very fast or play them closer to maintain the overload in all phases of the play. If we can find him in spaces, he's very devastating, easily close to Hazard in that sense, considering he's so direct. That said, ultimately our attack should be focused on getting the best out of Eden first and foremost. Get Eden 1 on 1 as much as possible.

This is what I want. Lampard to score. Terry to equalize, Drogba to get the winner. Put Frank in his place.

I am fine with the ban. Yeah you can't prove intent without a 100% shadow of doubt, but come on, he knew what he was doing when he stepped on Can. Now was it violent conduct? Does it deserve 3 games? That can be debated. I'd say 1 game ban for that is enough. What I don't like are these arbitrary rules the FA has. If tomorrow a player pulls out a gun a shoots someone in the face, and the referee gives him a yellow and not a red. As per the FA rules, they will absolutely NOT go back and review this incident. Now tell me how does that make sense? Basically, they are saying the referee is the one with the most power. Regardless of clear contradictory evidence, they will still stick with the initial decision made by the ref. People are bringing up the Aguero stamp, but remember he didn't get banned because the ref "saw" it and gave him a yellow. As per the rules, the FA simply washed their hands with that incident. This is what bothers me. The OBJECTIVE of their review (should be) to identify violent and unsportsmanlike acts and punish people accordingly. Not that the ref didn't see it so we'll make a decision. What are you saying about yourself when you don't even mean well with these rules that you set forth. They need to change the rules. Regardless if the ref saw it or not. If it's violent conduct, ban the player. The rules shouldn't be conditional, they should be absolute. You stamp on someone, you should get banned. If you escaped with a yellow during the match, this should have no bearing on it. You must be subject to the same punishment someone else got for committing the same action. If the referee made the correct decision, great, but if he didn't you need to admit that the ref made a mistake and change the yellow to a red (and vice versa). Can't rescind yellows for diving, another stupid rule. All stems from the same flawed perspective that the referee is all knowing, all powerful, if they made a decision it is absolute. The ref never makes a mistake, except when he claims he didn't see it. Rant over. I don't expect any changes though.

We play with like 60% possession in most games, we need people that are good in possession and holding onto the ball because even players with 80% pass completion and good ball retention look bad in our team compared to guys like Hazard and Willian who never seem to lose the ball ever. That's the reason Schurrle doesn't fit, De Bruyne didn't last and also why I think Cuadrado will struggle. Not sure about Douglas Costa, never seen him play.

The FA plays by it's own rules. They hand out decisions and throw the burden of proof on the defendants to exonerate themselves. Work in a completely opposite manner as the justice system. So, the FA doesn't have to prove it was intentional, rather we have to prove that it was unintentional.

Costa is missing this now. No way we overturn this in an appeal. When's the last time the FA ever overturned a ban during an appeal? Don't even bother. I'd get Drogba to replace instead of Remy, simply because we need that outlet as I suspect we'll be playing on the counter. If Cesc is injured then Ramires should start, and if he's available then drop Oscar and let Cesc play as a 10. Ramires should start regardless. Courtois Ivan - Zouma - Terry - Azpi Ramires - Matic Willian - Cesc/Oscar - Hazard Drogba

Drogba or Remy? I'd go with Drogba against City. We'll need the hold-up play.

I don't know why people keep saying he's losing his head and what not. He seems to be perfectly in control at all times, he's just a dirty little bastard and knows exactly what he's doing at all times. I love it.

He could have def avoided Can, think that was probably deliberate. Skrtel is for sure accidental, no way was that intentional.

People have posted the quotes already, now bask in the glory of the video that is Jose's press conference. Loving it!

I was asking for Ramires from the start, but glad to see him in the second half. Sounds like he's close to fully fit as well. Almost guaranteed he'll be in the squad for City. I was also begging for Hazard through the middle and looks like I got that too towards the end of the match. We really need to consider moving him permanently in the middle.

Well that is the only reason Ivan gets to play in that RB position, for his heading ability. So if you ain't going to defend you have to score and he did it tonight.

I'd put on Drogba now tbh. We've been much better in the 2nd half, need to score. Everyone looks very tired though, which is not good for the weekend! Oh well, one game at a time. WE GOT THIS!!!

Hazard is getting on the ball so much but he's so far away from the goal. Fucking useless shit. Let him play in the middle!!!!

Don't want extra time. Score one and wrap this shit up, Lets go!

Ivanovic has to be dropped, seems like he's lost on offence and defence. Should bring on Ramires for Oscar and push Cesc forward. ALL HAIL COURTOIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We need to try Eden through the middle, he'll help us carry the ball into their back 4 similar to how Coutinho and Sterling are doing for Liverpool. So dangerous.

lmao Zouma got raped there, Courtois saved him!

Great fucking save by Courtois from that Moreno shot!

This is Zouma's chance! Big game and he got a start ahead of Cahill. If he performs tonight, I reckon he'll eclipse Cahill in the pecking order. Very attacking lineup too with Cesc and Matic in the midfield, I thought Ramires might have got a start. Looks like we're going all out attack. And, why not Azpi for Ivan? Hopefully he scores 2 headers tonight

Must win match really. If we get knocked out of the league cup right after the FA cup exit, it'll be a major blow on everyone's confidence and that's the last thing we'll need before facing City this weekend.

Must win the league and league up now.

Middlesborough are missing sitters out there. Should have been 0-3 easily.