CHOULO19

again too close to conceding...our defense needs to improve.

Ballack had mercy for us there!

luiz looks injured!

Free kick...

Torres a fraction too slow...unlucky again

The tempo is so fast. I hope this will give us an advantage in the second half.

Lol @ malouda!

Oh very dangerous freekick. Lets hope ballack forgot how to score those!

torres is looking good. Needs a bit of luck though.

damn the offside...so close.

Torres!!! He looks determined today.

I believe the question is: Why the hell isn't Josh playing in the middle.

Micheal Ballack looks overwhelmed with joy. He loves this club.

It's great to see Ballack starting. He was one of those few players that always give everything they can on the pitch. Always happy to see him. It's very smart from AVB to practically play 5 in the middle with Bayer's strong midfield. We have a good chance of dominating possession.

I have to ask....why is Alex's name not in blue??

I'm not sure it'll be an attacking game but one that is won or lost in the middle. Bayer have a very strong midfield despite Barnetta being out. I expect to see few chances.

It's really good to see AVB resting player some key experience players for the manure game. Hopefully SAF won't have this luxury tomorrow. I also hope Josh will come on early in the second-half. CL experience at his age will do wonders.

I presume they will line up like this: Cech Bossingwa-Ivan-Luiz-Cole Mielreles-Mikel Mata Sturridge-Torres-Malouda

malouda in the middle? I don't think it's a 4-3-3.

Great news. The FA did their job very well despite the fact that almost all the media decided to ignore the incident and act as if it never happened. The cunt got what he deserved, Mata wasn't injured, and we didn't have to complain and seem like whiners..I'm happy

Guus returning to the club as a Technical Director would be more than great; his experience alone is an important asset to any club. Jose on the other hand shouldn't return imo. I'd prefer he remained as hero in the memories of Chelsea fans rather than return and fail.

Mata in the first half, Meireles in the second.

I think Lampard is getting better by the game since the start of the season; He was relatively good vs Sunderland. He might not get to the form he was in 2-3 years ago but he can easily still get into double figures in both assists and goals which is really saying much in the EPL. His time has not passed just yet.

Manchester are in great form but to be real they haven't played any team playing descent football so far. Still we'll need to do everything thing right to win at Old Traford, like always. Starting with line up: Iva at RB, Luiz to partner JT, Miereles and Mikel to hold the midfield. We also need to stick with experience in this match in my opinion, that means Lamps and Drogs to start.

I'd take that loan to milan in a heart beat. Maybe what Torres needs is some time in another club to regain his form.