Slam Dunk

When they asked about Luiz it was obvious he was told not to say anything, then he said that Luiz definitely wouldn't be available for monday's game

Ramires a waste of space? Have you seen his last few performances? The problem with having players such as Lukaku/Luiz/Sanchez is that they won't want to join us and sit on the bench. They are already established players who will want to play week in/week out. It is all about buying them at the right time. A team needs players such as Ferreira, who are willing to sit on the bench and act as reliable replacements when the team has injuries. I agree with the ageing squad comment, and it looks like the club are finally acting upon it. Players such as McEachran, Kakuta, Sturridge etc are being given a few minutes here and there, ready for when the current squad retires. The thing is, these young players need time (even Drogba has said this to the media), they need to be gradually integrated into the team.

Apparently Bordeaux and Lille are behind FULHAM in the race to sign Kakuta on loan. PL experience could be very important. Good move?

I can see what you mean LDN, the club seem to have prioritised CB as a position we need to add players to, which seems a little odd when you consider how the attackers have been performing as of late. Anyway, SkySports are reporting that we 'are locked in talks' with Benfica - http://www.skysports...6673041,00.html

Then maybe they know as much as we do . Another thing, how is Ivanovic going to react to this if we do indeed sign him? He wants to play CB and is being offered a new deal at the moment, could that be a talking point for him?

Didn't Ancelotti already confirm that if the club were looking for a player, it would be a CB (think it was whilst talking about Pienaar)? Also, Planet Benfica are saying that he is only going to leave in the Summer - http://twitter.com/planetbenfica

Delac is 18, most goalkeepers play until they're 40, no need to rush Delac's development and put unnecessary pressure on him.

Pienaar confirms he will move to Tottenham.

One glance towards the goal before he hit it. Amazing strike.

Don't see it happening right now: If he were to join, would he be happy to sit on the bench as soon as Alex returns? Therefore if all 4 CBs were fit, we then have 2 top-quality CBs sitting on the bench getting frustrated (assuming Ivanovic still wants to play centrally)... Obviously in the long term this would be an ideal signing, but after joining from a team top of the league and playing week after week, where would he immediately fit in at Chelsea?

BBC Radio Suffolk: "The current programme is unavailable due to either contractual reasons or a temporary technical fault..." Hopefully its the latter..

Just seen a report saying Keane's been sacked? Announcement expected tomorrow morning (apparently)

WELL SAID

I know what you mean and it's a difficult balancing act, the current team is ageing and not performing yet Carlo has to get results in order to save his job because he is under so much pressure, therefore he is forced to use his best team. I'm sure if Carlo knew his job was secure (using Arsenal again as an example - Wenger would never get the sack) he would start planning for the long term.

Do you really expect the youth to rescue our season? Remember the regeneration of the Arsenal team and how long it took? What we need are a couple of quality, experienced signings who can push for places.

I cannot think of anyone who is available currently. Stick with Carlo, Roman...Just please make some January signings.

Doesn't seem to be any understanding of movement/posititioning, Cech's kicks to the front 3 have been well off target.We're getting bullied in the midfield and in the aerial challenges when we shouldn't, only JT is being brave enough in the challenge.Malouda and Anelka are dropping so deep to receive the ball, there is no-one for Ash and Bos to link with, and with Bolton playing such a solid back line, we have no opportunity to play it behind them.I'd like to see either: Another man in midfield (4-4-2) to take the pressure off of Essien, or, the unmarked centre-backs taking advantage of the pressure and moving the ball forward themselves.

What makes you think that? Surely that's the strongest lineup we have at the minute?

Kakuta is playing in the front three, not midfield.

Why are the commentators relating everything back to Wilkins? Getting boring now...

Chelsea is also a business and the club is just being run professionally, which i'm sure is what Roman wants. I agree that sometimes they can go about doing things in the wrong way (a few sackings come to mind) but I'm sure if the club were to release a statement regarding what goes on behind closed doors then we would get even more shit written about us in the papers anyway.

BBC saying it will likely be an internal appointment...Clement looks likely.

My bad. You made that post after we found out Malouda was passed fit. Refer to the prev page.

I was referring to the post above mine.

Am I missing something? As far as i'm aware Malouda IS fit, Essien is doubtful.