Sideshow Luiz

That's my guess too.

I don't think we're going to be big spenders. I think the Oscar money just filled the hole that no CL football left. I think we're focused on the new stadium, like Arsenal were. I may be wrong, but I think that's where we are. We'll see. Even if we do spend big, I think that it will still pale in comparison to the 2 Manchester clubs.

I've thought about that as well, more in terms of our relationship with Arsenal. Last season, our worst in ages. Still do the double over Arsenal. This season, Arsenal beat us and it spurs us on to change it all up and go on and win the league. I hope Arsenal finish fourth and Arsene stays. Would be as huge as any summer signing short of Messi

JT and Bats should start. I'd like to see Ake, Zouma, Chalobah and RLC get some pitch time. I don't know what the regulations are on # of appearances to get a winners medal, but if anyone is close, it would be nice to see them get the appearances needed.

First real test.

The Liquidator playing before kick-off. It's an omen.

I feel like Cesc is the only player we have that gives us real tactical flexibility. The other subs and rotation players are kind of like-for-like. I still maintain that he would be amazing in a "Pirlo role" as long as he's got 2 physical box to box midfielders next to him. Can't sell him, he's crucial for us, IMO.

I thought Benzema was off the France team because of the whole Valbuena sex-tape blackmail thing. No?

He's not the best, and his decision making drives me mad sometimes, not to mention his finishing. But, I like him:

Pedro is a shining example of players being in the right position, that suits their strengths. Was quality at Barcelona, working as a winger/inside forward. Was poor last season, playing mainly as a RM. Back to being quality as a SS type again. What I like most about him is his attitude on the pitch.

Didn't know where else to post this. Feel sorry for the guy, but honestly, FFS: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-39729568

The way Falcao has been playing, I'd take him too.

I thought I had red before that Alonso has played CB before (don't know how well he fared). I actually wouldn't mind seeing him there (of course we would need another LWB first). I think he's pretty good in the air. He seems to be the target downfield for the long clearance goal kicks.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/15/chelsea-fans-jose-mourinho-manchester-united

I can see us dropping points. It's difficult to beat Man U and/or Jose 3 times in a season. I think we CAN get all 3, but a draw wouldn't shock me.

The composure for that goal today, loved it. Gave the keeper the shoulder and made him look for the right footed curler, then around him, cool as you like.

I was convinced that Bats was going to get some real match time today. I haven't been as quick as some of the others with the Costa sucks, etc. But, I thought he was pretty bad today. I echo the previous comment: What does Bats have to do to get some minutes?

I was delighted to see him score from that FK. Not just for the 3 points in the bag, but he's hit a couple of crackers this season that were denied by the bar (GK completely beaten). I'm glad he finally got his.

I think he's quality. But, he likes to drift inside from the left in to the little half spaces, that's where he's most effective. We already have a player who likes to do that and he's going nowhere.

I still think that Lukaku is one of the best young promising strikers around. The level that everyone seems to rate him against is that of the finished article. He's still so young. If Diego goes in the summer, I'd be happy to bring Lukaku back. I really get the impression that he WANTS to play for us. That goes a long way with me.

I'm very sorry to hear that. I can only offer you my most sincere well wishes.

He got broken in Spain. The media, his Anti-Barca philosophies (heightened after not getting the Barca job), the siege mentality, I think it all got to him. A sabbatical after Madrid may have been good for him. He's no longer the media darling in England, is he?

FIFA 15 & 16 career mode must buy

I think this was just one of those matches. We've played worse and won. It happens. We picked up 3 points at other times in the season where we didn't really deserve more than 1. Palace were efficient with their chances. Snatch and grab. Congrats Palace, on to the next.

This story needs to go away now.