BlueLion.

I wish I shared your confidence/underestimations of Stoke. Draw. There's little chance of the game being called off, but I can see us losing with the players we have injured.

Its obvious that AVB is either happy with our current wing options or he doesn't intend on playing a wide 4-3-3, instead a narrow 4-3-1-2 like Hiddink played - where Malouda or Kalou played deeper than Anelka and Drogba. That would be the formation to get the best out of both Torres and Lampard, I believe. It relies on an awful lot of width supplied from the full-backs, so we definitely need to employ a dedicated CDM, and an attacking midfielder wouldn't go amiss...

Possibly no Luiz, Alex, Ivanovic, Essien and Mikel for Stoke away, shall we throw the towel in now and hope there are riots there overnight? Seeing Ferreira at centre-back again will send me into a meltdown.

I wouldn't say I disagree with you - I believe that us, City and United are so well-matched (City have the best squad but Chelsea and United have superior starting elevens when fully fit) that the games home and away against them will decide the destination of the title. The EPL was won at home last season thanks to United's record at Old Trafford - the league is now so competitive it must be won away from home. We need to win at least 50% of our away fixtures, on top of 90% of our home fixtures, I predict. Judging by previous seasons, 80-84 points will win the title.

You know something is wrong in the world when Roy Keane is talking about temperamental players?

And some people wanted us to sell another centre-back! Ivanovic seemed fine against Rangers, what is allegedly up with him? He got a 'throat infection' like Frank?

It looks great on Frank, as ever - every kit looks good on him

Can't see City playing Nasri as they already have better alternatives in Silva and Toure.

I'd rather this game was suspended so we play West Brom, Norwich and Swansea instead, then Sturridge can play in this match

We're obviously not after wingers then. Locked.

Interesting to see Blackburn's record isn't that great at all in the long term, and that our own is so impressive considering the mediocrity of the first few seasons we had.

Agadoo

All it proves is that the 11 members who voted for you (I wouldn't be surprised if you were one of them, I'll make the poll public next time) aren't bored of you yet, but don't worry, time heals all ills. For the record, I don't think the whole forum thinks bad of you, but I think you're a moron and I always stand by my own opinion. It's an awful shame really, you could be valued by everyone on this forum and have a shiny 'Legends' badge, too bad for you. Edit - but then again, let's not make this about you, after all, you're not member of the month.

Thanks for the kind words mate, fully deserved award!

Bargain if true, when you consider Carroll went for £20m more.

Flipping heck they are tight... my fat rugby player's physique won't at all be flattered by one of those

Latest news on the Twittersphere (bullshit) says Sneijder may be tempted to come to Chelsea by Inter accepting a bid of £30 million plus Nicolas Anelka.

I think we'll agree to disagree... others can agree with my relative sanity in the belief that Drogba is technically a very good player, and certainly at least our most skilful player...

Well after an impressive 32 votes we have a clear winner at last, taking 13 of the votes... - zolayes!!! Congratulations to him and commiserations to the runners-up, especially Terminator X who was in second place with 10 votes.

^The Premier League's greatest ever squad and manager.

We have enough full-backs. Left-back Cole, van Aanholt, Bertrand, Ferreira Right-back Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira

You're normally full of fighting talk Marty, surely you haven't thrown the towel in already?!

Last year - for the very first time - I managed to win the Prediction League, adding my name to an illustrious list of prophets and visionaries including Nostradamus, the Kaiser Chiefs, Kez and T.T. With another season upon us, there is the opportunity for you to write your name in TalkChelsea legend by proving yourself to be the best of the best and being named Prediction League Champion 2012!! There is no need to sign up or register - you can simply begin predicting for the fixtures posted in the Prediction League forum. Think Sturridge shall star against Sunderland? Do you anticipate that Anelka will annihilate Aston Villa? Or will Lampard leave Liverpool fans feeling low once again? Have your say by joining the Prediction League, by clicking this link! Meanwhile, check out the rules thread to see how the game works and join in with the banter in the discussion topic! GOOD LUCK!!

Might as well keep this open a little bit longer because of how tight it is, just until we get a clearer majority for the winner anyway. I'll re-assess at noon