Nic!

Everyone expected Lukaku against Birmingham. Didn't happen, so if he doesn't get minutes against a Championship side, I really doubt he will get some against Stoke. If he is selected btw. That's also uncertain.

Not pissing on AVB, but I feel more passion from the players. How little more it might be, I notice the difference.

I just can't imagine Lukaku getting a sub before Drogba and/or Sturridge. Shame..

Just really hoping for some Lukaku time. It's been due. He looked so sharp when he played for Belgium. Night & day compared to his debut against Norwich. Evidence that not playing games but training at the top still can make a player better. Not forever though, I think he gained a lot til now. So he shouldn't be too dissapointed about his transfer. Ofcourse he could've gained more if he actually played some games, but that's life I guess.

That's a good sign for those two indeed.

Lukaku also?

Really hoping Lukaku gets some chances under RDM. If Lukaku starts the reserves game this afternoon against Arsenal, I really doubt he will be involved for this game.

'Knowing' might be a bit strong, 'sensing' is probably better.

Lot of talk in the Belgian press about how AVB's sacking might give Romelu more chances. Lukaku's manager says there's nobody in the staff who knows Romelu better than Di Mateo. "He's the one who gives Romelu individual training.". Will his situation get better? "Well, it can not be any worse than under AVB", his manager says. "You can assume that a new manager will try some new things to get the team winning. Romelu might be a solution as a substitute." Or not? "It could also be that RDM chooses for 'safety' and will only try to re-motivate the older players." Time will tell.. I think Romelu knew AVB would get sacked if the team didn't win against WBA. Just a couple of days ago he was certain he would leave on loan next season if AVB was still manager. He didn't have problems with AVB, he added, though.

This is one of those situations where replacing the manager might have a positive effect. I like AVB, and I don't think managers should be fired after one second. But you feel that players are not supporting him anymore and when that happen, you're done.

I still think he deserves some chances before leaving for loan. Going on loan is still about a half year away. Please don't throw that away Chelsea. For Lukaku's sake.

I think he knows his situation won't change next year when AVB is still in charge. When a new manager would come, he might get more playtime and think about staying.

Just saw an interview with Belgian national coach. He said that 'decisions are due' in June, because everybody needs to be top in September for the World Cup qualification games. He gave Lukaku the advice: get some playing time at your own club or find another solution. I really hope he gets some minutes, because how talented Belgium is in goal, defence and midfield - in attack we don't have that much options.

Genk just won 3-0 at home against Club Brugge. Two assists and one pass to assist from Kevin De Bruyne. First assist was a sublime cross, second was a very hard shot from KDB that goalkeeper couldn't hold onto and Genk striker nets the rebound.

But Lukaku is basicly two-footed. Slight preference towards his left, but he'll shoot with his right a lot.

http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/lukaku-deserves-chelsea-chance

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2617676,00.html

Does anyone know if Lukaku has been added to the CL squad?

Class cross btw. Bosingwa could learn from that.

Highlights: goal + assist. http://stadion.vtm.be/artikel/bergen-krc-genk

If Chelsea loses this, surely AVB will be sacked?

I'm 100% sure Torres is starting. AVB will try to motivate him by saying it's his last game before Drogba returns.

Both. Except for Hilario.

Pretty sure that is the team for tomorrow, the little match at training selection.