BlueLion.

Would love to have see a former player, Petrescu or Wise would be a brilliant choice.

Happy B'day for tomorrow, mate

This is the sort of game we should play Alex in. Nothing to do with those 'mistimed' tackles of his...

I don't think Real were ever going to sell to one of their main rivals for European glory, whether we bid higher than City or not.

He hasn't officially left, if the club have not accepted his resignation.

I'm sure Robinho will shit himself if he sees Darth Cole chasing him down.

Let's see how he plays against a team of Champions, a team he could have been part of.

A very much belated welcome from myself, the local muppet, posting guru and match previewer/reporter

I'm sure Gary Lewin would have checked for concussion, if there was any chance of it being serious he would have gone to hospital, not sat on the bench at the end.

About 30 to 35 GB, not too sure, but a lot Most of it is U2 and Oh Hey Sis.

Don't forget to submit your predictions for the game! http://www.talkchelsea.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=2346

Yeah, would be perfect.

He does spray a wayward pass here and there.

Yeah I do agree, it is a sign of inexperience from Scolari, but I'm sure he knows what he is doing. I'm sure there will be heavy recruitment in January.

Best of luck to Franco, just a bit of EPL experience for him before he becomes Chelsea manager I guess

I love the way these injuries occur days after the window closes We're going to miss him badly

I'd go as far as saying Jules was our best player against the Spuds. Had a very solid game, actually.

I agree, but I think Barton got off INCREDIBLY lightly. Should have been given a lifetime ban from playing in the Premier League and Football League competitions for life, IMO. Spitting at the ref is worth 6 games on the sidelines if you ask me.

Essien said to SkySports.com he expects to be back 'soon,' I reckon all he has done is aggravate the injury that made him a doubt for the last few games.

Agreed. Although he is quite hot-headed, and picks up silly yellow cards - you can tell Maka has given him advice on that front I think without Mikel there is less balance to the midfield, Mikel is the anchor that allowed Balley, Super Frank and Deco to go forward against Portsmouth, and we missed that against Wigan and Tottenham. If we can get him and Drogba back for the Citeh game, its three points IMO.

I don't see how by Robinho going to another team means that we're not going to be the biggest team in the world by 2014. I think we're almost there already anyway.

I just think Lampard should quit to show England how much they'll miss him. He was the only midfielder adding anything in an attacking sense last night and played very well, very solid performance from Frank. He should take a leaf out of Scholes' book and concentrate on club only.

You guys make me feel really young, its great

I slag off Joe Cole, then he scores two goals after being on the pitch for nine minutes for England.

I'm sure he would have been taken off as a precaution more than anything, but with Balley out as well we are looking short on CMs.