Blue Armour

Schurrle is the only one I can think of...playing as CF. That could free up his place on the wing.

Remember, half this shit is being stirred up by the media...they're the ones causing unrest if anyone is.

Maybe plan C was to play Schurlle as a striker, and use Willian as a wide player? Not all sure how he can fit in the current squad without pushing someone else out...

Absolutely livid if the club go for this guy instead of bolstering CM

I expect him to start as well, and I don't mind as long as he can link up with the 3 behind him like he did on Sunday. Lukaku can be the impact sub like he was against them on SAF's last game in charge.

They can keep their headline for all I care. I prefer spluttering starts to the season, rather than spluttering ends.

Similar kind of January signing yes, but Anelka had more quality. Ba is just used as an experienced target-man. It would be better for him to seek another club next season.

Used his body well to hold onto the ball today. Really unlucky not to score.

The next time Lampard plays in midfield, it better be further forward of a midfield pairing like Ramires--MVG or Essien-Ramires. When he plays in the pivot himself, he just ends up pegging his pivot partner back, like he did with Ramires today. Ramires got more freedom only when Oscar, and later MVG, moved into central midfield.

The next time Lampard plays in midfield, it better be further forward of a midfield pairing like Ramires--MVG or Essien-Ramires. When he plays in the pivot himself, he just ends up pegging his pivot partner back, like he did with Ramires today. Ramires got more freedom only when Oscar, and later MVG, moved into central midfield.

Mourinho is definitely not going to go easy on Hazard this season.

FYI, I didn't want to turn this into Torres discussion. I just wanted to bring up the argument regarding the shots distribution to highlight how neither of our current strikers (especially Torres) can thrive in the current setup. Great article, btw.

This is why I found it hilarious when people were criticizing Torres' latest performance for the lack of shot taking. If ever there was a high-profile striker unsuited to Chelsea's current set-up it would be him, but he tried his best to link up play with the three behind him. At least he did in that in the first half, before they became worn out from fatigue.

Sane. Post.

The guy played well today. Give him his due. Tomorrow it could be Lukaku or Ba doing the good job, and that's something we shouldn't complain about after Drogba's departure.

Well mate, now we no longer have to worry about his left foot or right foot unless we're playing Liverpool again. Anyway, I've said it before. I'm looking forward to see how Torres will play under Mourinho,..I won't hold my breath, though.

Let's be fair now, his left foot more than compensates.

I don't think anyone has issues with Cahill being in the squad..Its just that with Terry being at his age, Ivanovic almost guaranteed to start at RB, Cahill will be starting a lot of matches for us in the coming weeks... Cahill is a good covering defender, but he has been exposed on 1-v-1's before, and similar mistakes in the recent matches, against Madrid and Scotland, have done little to provide any sort of assurance in him. Now I hope this doesn't turn into another Mikel debate, but Obi's case is different, or rather more advanced. Mikel is already (or at least was) a guaranteed starter. Its pretty simple, when players like Mikel/Cahill start more matches, their flaws (undeniable of course) become magnified and then you have a new scapegoat.

Let's be fair now, Sturridge had a head-start (Pls don't bring up the "number of games Sturridge got last season compared to Torres")

Moses just got back from Durban. He's more likely to start midweek.

I don't know if I'll be able to watch this one live, so Just a small request to anyone going to the game with a video cam: Get a video of any Jose Mourinho moments from the crowd.. I understand it would be difficult to just stay still and record on this kind of match-day...but would love to experience the atmosphere myself.

That's what I thought too at first, but I'm sure he's starting to see evidence of Mata's importance to this team...especially after that Madrid game. He said it himself, I believe.

I honestly hope he sticks around, although I suspect the club will send him out on loan somewhere soon.

More like 'Kalou' of the season..

I would respect Luiz's wishes ( IF any of the transfer rumors were true)...but to think of joining the current Barca team? Its not Pep's or even Vilanova's Barca. They still have one of the strongest squads in the world no doubt, but I think it would be a massive gamble on his part to join the current and relatively untested Barca this transfer window.