Blue Armour

I keep asking that...but after looking at Drogba's and Torres performances throughout this season, I'm pretty sure the problem with any formation is in Central Midfield. There is no-one from the center who can effectively link up with our strikers. Occasionally you will see Lampard and Malouda (when he plays there) try to link with Drogba (because they're so used to playing alongside) but that's about it.

Mine too..but I think he might spare us for just another season. Would be better if we could clinch top 4 though...without JT we're no better than Arsenal

To be frank, I was actually hoping he would bring either Kalou/Torres on. All their defenders were like 30+ somethings and were slow...If we can somehow race into a two goal lead at SB before half time..nope..don't wanna jinx it

So nothing to look forward to in the second leg then...

I know..but hasn't it always been like this in recent seasons when JT is out? There's no Carvalho or Alex who have the tactical knowledge to defend in situations like this.

Ivanovic was the one who practically allowed Cavani to take the lead

To me the worst news today was hearing that JT needed a surgery..anyone know how long he'll be out for?

I'm so surprised at how easily we have caved in. Their defense is shakier than jelly, and we could easily have been 2 or 3 up. If we had made it 3-2 then I would have said we have a chance...but now we have to keep a clean sheet and score 2? Very difficult, even if we get JT back.

Great Ashley Cole is out of it...this what you get for overworking a player

Can't expect much when you have Meiruselsess in midfield...

Get Meireles outta there...neither him nor Ramires can do the holding job...

I actually think it might be possible to get Torres firing again, but its going to cost the club a lot of time and a lot of money. Won't really be worth it.

I'm pretty sure the Samsung will be made white in the final...the sponsors will want it to be visible from all angles

I think that's contributing to our problems tbh..

I think he's a Naples fan first...in that sense he's a perfect fit for our forums (if you know what I mean)

lol

I didn't mean you were literally watching match highlights and making predictions...I just got the impression that you were overly upset with the recent run of form and lost all hope. If you rationally believe that we are going to lose our next match then I have no qualms about it

I've honestly found that argument pretty annoying myself. Whenever something goes wrong, the "get rid of the old guard" excuse comes up, and people start posting their FIFA 12 lineups for future Chelsea. Its clear the "old guard" is getting on, and need more support from their younger team-mates each season, but the fact is the quality of this support has declined each season. Also, we are missing two key players,: a speedy winger, and a creative central mid.

The Dutch Kit....

I think players find it more difficult to play at home these days...

This kit looks more royal blue than some of the recent ones...love it.

Maybe it was another thread/match...if that's the case my apologies.However, I can't figure out how you were close with that, seeing as how the score could have easily been in our favor. Granted we've been playing like shit, but that's bordering pessimism there..

Only the senior players would attempt something like that...but unfortunately, the way the squad is built, the playing team is still forced to look up to them for guidance and inspiration in matches. Its unfortunate, but if he wants results this season, AVB and Di Matteo have do a better job in getting more out of the senior members. Our young budding stars like Mata and Sturridge, are not quite ready to hold their own yet and are largely performing supporting roles in the current setup.

If that exactly happens, then it really is proof that AVB/di Matteo are poor at motivating the players...

I'm of two minds about this...This game could be make or break, and to be honest, Bertrand is still learning his trade, especially when it comes to games in Europe. Of course he should play in order to gain experience, but he hardly had a chance in the group stages, so it might not be the best to throw him into this kind of game...With Bosingwa,...I needn't say anything more