Nic!

Lots of Belgian media now reporting that Chelsea has made a 30 million EUR bid, but also that Lille wants 40.

Very good saves from Courtois in that video. Nice!

I think you're right. The thing is, it's important for players like Lukaku and Bertrand who are young but also nearing the level Chelsea expects, to get some playtime. On one hand, it's important for their development. This goes without saying. On the other hand, it's important for the future of Chelsea. When a talented youth player has the option to choose between Arsenal and Chelsea, I can understand his decision to chose for Arsenal. Because he knows, well: "at Chelsea I won't get any taste of A-squad football soon or maybe not at all, while at Arsenal (or another side) my chances are way higher.". So it's important now for this generation, but I think Chelsea forgets it's important for future signings as well. AND future finances. When FIFA Fair Play's transfer rulings are being brought into action, you can't spend millions of pounds without earning them back somehow. So teams will be more dependant on their academy and signing talent at a young age. When this time comes, changing will be already too late. So it's time to change Chelsea youth policy NOW.

As good as Mignolet is on his line and one-on-one's, he's very insecure in the air. So if we can't get through the Sunderland defense by good football, get some tall (with good heading) players up front and pump those balls into the box.

It's really confusing for Lukaku also. He thought he'd get a chance against Portsmouth. Gets like 2 minutes? Then he has to play with the reserves a day later, now he's preparing for the game on Saturday against Sunderland according to his Twitter. And the lad stays positive, I don't get it. I already lost it twice: against Wolves and against Portsmouth. Two games where Lukaku could and should have gotten minutes. He said 'that January is his month to show the manager he deserves a spot on the bench and some subs now and then', but he can't really show it, can he? Scores on training, scores at reserves games. What more can he do?

@Sh0n3x - In the very little minutes Lukaku got, is there something worth sharing about his game? Positive, negative. On Chelsea TV radio, the commentators said his movement was good but then the action after his good running line when he got the ball was mediocre.

Now he might bring in Lukaku, which clearly shows a lack of fate in him. Maybe Lukaku just isn't good enough in AVB's eyes. But even then he should give him more minutes now, because what's he going to do when Torres gets injured? Play with Mata as striker?

Bring on Lukaku, FFS!

So AVB makes 3 subs every game, except for the last two games where he has a bench full of youth. If he brings on Ferreira now, I know I'm going to be pissed. (I know I'm whining, bear with me)

I feel sad wearing my Lukaku shirt while watching (now listening) every Chelsea game and not see him come on.

Some youngsters in now please?

Ah well, I was expecting this. If they don't give Lukaku or Josh any decent playtime, AVB is officialy ruining their careers.

I'm pretty sure now that Lukaku isn't a starter. All I can hope is that a gets good 30 minutes or so.

I got my shirt ready for tomorrow. Hopefully he will start!

With all these articles/interviews with RDM I really don't know what to expect. Is he bringing in youngsters or not? I'll guess we'll have to wait another day to find out. They didn't leave the bench though Roberto! Anyhow, ultimately, the most important thing is a win. A good win preferably.

Torres got 90 against Wolves. Yes, he did well but like others said - if you don't start any youngsters/reserves in a game against Portsmouth FC then there's no point at having them. You're just blocking Lukaku's career for instance. Take Lukaku of after 60 minutes and give Torres a good half hour, no problem then.

Looks like Lukaku is expecting to start Sunday: http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2568455,00.html But I can see RDM start with Torres though. I'd love Torres AND Lukaku though. Torres in Lukaku's back.

http://www.chelseafc...2568455,00.html Some highlights from the article:

ChelseaTV is speaking with Romelu Lukaku tonight. If someone catches it, please feel free to share.

Okay, that's very clear. He can't go until the end of the season.

He can't, so that would be a false rumour. His situation will be evaluated at the end of the season. Then he might go on loan, but more likely to an English team.

I'd opt for a mix with youth players who have a bit of experience, like Lukaku, Josh and Bertrand.

I think he's really hoping to start.

He did a good job today ... as a 10. Seriously, for the moment Torres is doing great giving smart passes and working hard. But he's not doing a superb job at creating chances or actually finishing them. So I'd opt for Drogba (Lukaku during ACN) with Torres in his back. He might get some confidence en playing time at that position, which might make him a superb CF again.

Was pretty angry actually that AVB didn't bring in any youngsters. Because from the 75th onwards, a lot of players were showing fatigue. I saw Lampard making a 'sub' sign to the bench around that time, for himself or for other players, I don't know. He let Lukaku warm up the whole second half and he called him to the bench in the 91th minute. He was just being used as a time stealer and even worse than that, because the ball didn't go out it didn't even came to his substitution. I could see the massive disappointment on Lukaku's face when he was standing there with the fourth referee. Same for Josh, but he actually got five minutes or so. If you know you ain't going to use the young lads, you can better leave them at home and save them the disappointment. Lampard saved AVB's ass. I'm glad for that, because I still like AVB as a manager. But he needs to change his attitude towards the youngsters, especially when you promised that you were going to be a youngster-oriented manager.