Slam Dunk

Alex out for 3 weeks - Confirmed.

Cech Iva Alex Terry Cole Mikel Essien Zhirkov Kakuta Anelka Malouda Turnbull/Ramires/Ferreira/Sturridge/PVA/Bruma/McEachran

I can see what you're saying and perhaps you are right, he is trying too hard, but can you blame him? He wants to impress. I was merely saying that the reason that he is taking on players and shooting from impossible angles is because he isn't playing where he should be. If he was making runs behind the defence, he would be doing what he does best. Finishing. He can't do that out wide so he HAS to cut inside and work a chance for himself. Maybe it will be good for his development, no-one can tell at this point, it will take time though.

I agree with you in that Sturridge has been disappointing, but I do not believe it is all down to him. I do not understand the logic in using him in the right-attacker role. For me, he seems to be a player that should be making runs behind the centre backs, as we have seen him do a few times before. CA said that he wanted to use Sturridge's pace down the right side vs City, surely Anelka provides that, as well as the ability to beat a player 1 on 1. I feel he deserves a full 90mins playing in the centre, then we will see how much he has to learn.

You have to admit City had a good game plan there, high pressure for the whole game, defended very well at times. Looked to me as if we were waiting for them to tire and then we'd get more chances, didn't happen.

I feel this is appropriate:

Ancelotti saying after the game Kakuta has a problem with his back, although he didn't mention whether he would be back before Saturday. 'We had three problems,' said Ancelotti. 'Kakuta had a problem on his back, Benayoun on his calf and Kalou had a tight muscle.' Source

I think Kakuta looked a little lost on the pitch tonight, he switched flanks a couple of times and put in one very dangerous cross, but ultimately I think he would do much better in a central role, influencing play. He clearly has excellent vision and gave glimpses of a good range of passing. It's a bit of a shame really that at Chelsea we don't really have a position for a traditional 'playmaker', right behind the strikers. Of course now with Kalou injured, I just wonder if either Sturridge or Kakuta will get a chance vs Marseille.

Don't quite think that was 6 minutes was it? Either way, a great game for the neutral. Very unlucky with the injuries as well. As much as a defeat hurts, the League Cup is the lowest on the list of our priorities.

Not our night, is it?

What a fucking terrible challenge.

BBC has live commentary no? I don't think the game is actually being shown.

Newcastle have quite a big game at the weekend vs Stoke, I would expect Carroll to be rested or on the bench tonight, hopefully the same goes for Ben Arfa, he looked quite a handful last weekend. Not live on any channels in the UK, it is being broadcast in some countries however, so expect an internet stream.

I've seen a few teams on here with Ramires in the holding role. Has he played DM much in the past then?

They said in the press conference that he is available to play. Ancelotti also mentioned resting some players, but with the CC game on Wednesday, i'm not too sure as to who he means.

Decent performance. Not a great fan of Zhirkov at LB, think he should definitely get a chance further up the field, had a couple of good runs in the closing stages. Malouda seemed to go missing for large parts, i'm putting it down to lack of a recent match though. Great to see 4 of our youngsters playing, Sturridge looked very composed to take his goal. Thought the refereeing was poor for the majority of the game, couple of offsides given wrongly etc.

Bloody media. He doesn't actually say he is the new Drogba, he says he models his game on his idol. Nothing wrong with aiming to emulate your idol.

I'd much rather see Sturridge or Kalou in Drogba's position, Anelka should stick to the right.

Mikel's injury is not serious. Source

^^ "I'm having a Robinho tattoo next."...

...Touch it.

Drogba should be.

Yep: http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~2140922,00.html

Having a medical at Wigan right now. Good luck to him.

Crazy decision to let him go, Pardew could easily be managing a team in the Prem imo.