BlueLion.

Someone else sees the obvious! Well played, my friend!

Sure, people only want to sell Malouda when he's out of form.

Considering we'll be wearing white patches on the sleeves, it'll look rather nice.

Considering what Coyle has done for Sturridge and Wilshere, I think the club should seriously think about sending either Kakuta or McEachran there next season. The man is a brilliant coach.

Which is exactly why I suggested playing Luiz at right-back. People forgot he played at right-back at Fulham during the second half, after switching with Bane.

I really wouldn't be surprised if Mourinho went to Germany next, in all honesty, after he has done his business in Spain. Then he'll have managed in all the major European leagues.

We didn't buy Ivanovic to play him there, either. Personally, I'd like the idea, if we're going to play 4-4-2, of having Bosingwa in the right midfield position.

Wouldn't be surprised to be honest. No need to rush either of them back yet though.

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2307943,00.html

I hate the idea of changing centre-backs every game, personally. I think that, if fit, the goalkeeper and the two centre-backs should start every game. They are the cornerstone of the team, and good communication between a goalkeeper who knows his centre-backs, and centre-backs who know their goalkeeper, is paramount.

The Argentina away shirt is a potential template for our kits this season...

The man is trying too hard. I think he's even more desperate to score than the supporters are, and that is counter-productive to the team. I love the guy and can't fault his commitment and effort; but he's seems to be playing in a selfish manner. Obviously I like my strikers to be selfish, but what is more important than him scoring is him striking an understanding with the players. Not playing him won't help that, granted, but it will instil some discipline in him and assert the fact this is a team sport. One of Torres' primary attributes is his pace. Blackpool - having watched them many a time this season - do not have particularly brilliant defenders, and none of their players boast wonderful stamina. In fact, their high work-rate is what costs them points; if they did less in games they'd win more. How many times this season have Blackpool conceded in the last 20 minutes? I can't tell you the exact figure, but I believe only Wolves and West Ham have conceded more at such a stage. They get tired - and when they're tired, you give Torres 30 minutes. Drogba's power will be ideal in this match, in my opinion! Carlo will no doubt start Torres, however. I'm just offering an inch of wishful thinking. I'd also like Kalou to start, I have a crazy feeling he and Torres could strike up an understanding :ph43r: However, as for the defence; Luiz - Ivanovic - Terry - Zhirkov Cole needs a rest, and Luiz is better going forward than Ivanovic. Much better. I'll also be moderately fucked off if Mikel doesn't start, he's gone from being everybody's player of the season into substitutes obscurity. Again; more wishful thinking: Petr Cech Luiz - Ivanovic - Terry - Zhirkov Ramires - Lampard - Mikel - Kalou Anelka - Drogba Alternatively: Petr Cech Luiz - Ivanovic - Terry - Zhirkov Ramires - Mikel - Lampard Kalou, Anelka Drogba

Absolutely agreed. Personally I'd prefer to see Luiz at right-back. We saw him there against Fulham, and I'd rather see him going forward as a RB than a CB. I wrote an article the other day on him actually:

Another one of these threads? Merged.

I'm taking up LSD then. I wonder who'll finish higher, Toure or Man City?

It'll be on ebay soon, keep checking there.

Drogba and Anelka to start please.

Why has this been posted in the Matthew Harding Stand forum? Moved.

First line of defence 3rd Mar 2011, In Articles, by Alex Hinsley David Luiz’ sensational goal on Tuesday evening did not only make him an instant fans’ favourite – but it also underlined his supreme attacking qualities. Described by Dunga, the Brazilian national team manager as a true “footballing defender,” Chelsea fans have already been given an exclusive insight into the powerful centre back’s desire to join in with the attackers. A scintillating volley in front of the Matthew Harding Stand began an instant love affair with the Stamford Bridge faithful. It was also a finish that Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba et al would all have been proud of – and a goal that has turned the tide of Chelsea’s fortunes this season. Make no mistake – Chelsea are not back in the title race, and in fact, our victory against Manchester United may only have improved Arsenal’s odds of ending a trophy run so hilariously extended by last-minute calamity on Sunday afternoon. But a victory in our game in hand would not only see Chelsea re-establish themselves as a top three outfit, displacing Manchester City in the process, it would also see the gap between themselves and Sir Alex Ferguson’s wounded outfit to nine points. That being taken into consideration – the damage has already been done. Costly defeats against Birmingham and Sunderland have put paid to our title chances. A win over Liverpool almost a month ago might have resulted in a different equation, but Chelsea supporters should be contented in the knowledge Champions League football looks much more likely after a brace of confidence-inducing wins over Copenhagen and now United. Even with trips to Anfield, the Emirates and what looks like a potential title decider at Old Trafford against Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions, the title seems very much so United’s to lose. Arsenal will try their best and come closer than they have done in many a season, but years of experience coupled with a wonderful ability to produce when necessary will see United over the finish line with a point or two to spare, one imagines. Luiz’ sumptuous effort will certainly go down as one of the more memorable goals of the 23 year old’s career so far, and whilst the debate in regards to whether he should have perhaps been sent off for admittedly cynical and idiotic fouls on Hernandez and Rooney whilst still on a yellow will predictably rage on judging by Ferguson’s history of bitterness and being a sore loser – as well as him just generally being a despicable, loathsome hypocrite. On Tuesday, Ramires ensured insult was added to grievous injury as Nemanja Vidic was dismissed in stoppage time for the most innocuous of fouls – though few can have any complaints considering the ‘totting-up process’ that saw Martin Atkison acknowledge several acts of thuggery; including a thunderous studs-up effort on Didier Drogba’s ankles. But with the dismissal – or lack of – surrounding Vidic and Luiz still a hot topic, a secondary debate has emerged in regards to Chelsea’s number four – his position. With all respect to the player, who possesses wonderful skill and confidence to match (as demonstrated by the guts he has to sport such an incredible hairstyle), he frankly scares the shit out of me. As a centre back, he likes to get up close and personal with his opponents – and, as best demonstrated by his concession of a penalty at Craven Cottage, that involves some haphazard, touchy-feely defending in the penalty area. He also enjoys forays into opposition territory, thus neglecting his defensive duties. Granted his athleticism and considerable stamina see that more often than not his adventures forward are quickly countered by a 50-metre sprint back into the defence, Luiz still leaves a sizeable gap that is sometimes left unplugged. However, it must be said that after only his third game in English football he will, with time, adapt to a different footballing culture and learn the discipline required when playing as part of a rearguard. In Portugal, such is the all-out attacking nature of their first division, defenders such as Luiz may well find themselves playing as midfielders at times – but in the Premier League, such risks should be addressed by the coach. Ancelotti will therefore have to instil some restraint in the afro-sporting defender – that, or he could play him elsewhere. The Fulham game showed his ability to operate as a full-back; his switch with Bane Ivanovic mid-way through the second period did not only see him demonstrate great attacking nous, but Chelsea fans became privy to a hidden talent; Luiz long throws. Such a weapon could be effectively utilised – cue the inevitable images of Rory Delap hurling a football into the penalty area at 30 miles-per-hour. Alternatively, such is the player’s diversity, he could even be played as a midfielder. As to where he could be played is debatable, however. Judging by Florent Malouda’s recent showings, a pop on the left wing might not be out of the question. Of course, realistically-speaking, a player who performed so well for Benfica in a variety of roles should be played in one of his primary positions- but when you have a player with such attacking instincts, a place within the midfield quartet should certainly be considered. Ultimately, Luiz’ versatility will be a key aspect of any potential trophy triumph for Chelsea in the future – though his immediate influence should not besmear the long-term overview. Chelsea have signed a wonderful, wonderful talent in this young Brazilian defender, and, like fellow countryman and former Benfica team-mate Ramires, has certainly already come to warrant a hefty price tag. Luiz has come to represent the first line of defence with his defensive enthusiasm matched with an unquenchable thirst to attack. He is also an insight into the foreseeable future – and what an exciting future it may well be.

Luiz scares the shit out of me.

Get in! I'm excited just to see how he plays in a midfield with Lampard and Ramires...

Make Lampard captain for European games then That seems to bring the best out of him; ie. 4-4 with Scum in 2009.

I'm going to stick my neck on the block and say Arsenal's chances of winning the title are about the same as Everton's - nil point. I just don't think they have the squad or the experience to stage a fight.