Strike

Is this the line up? Who's the RWB in this.

Remember debating who would be the better signing Sancho or Grealish? Good times. They are both struggling

Nobody except the executives want a two-legged semi

He's not average. He's technically gifted. May be playing for Burnley but he seems ready for a winger role in a bigger team. Wing back at Chelsea is a gamble though.

Don't get the idea. 40m is a lot of money for Dwight McNeil especially since he's more suited to a natural winger's role. We should be looking at a natural wing-back who is good defensively as well. We have wingers like CHO, Pulisic filling in at wing back -

Not really if its a League cup game. I'd keep Kante fresh for Club World Cup and CL knockouts and not overplay him in this stretch.

If its Digne, it should be a loan with an option to buy

They also have 5 of the best paid players in the league - DDG, CR7, Varane, Pogba, Sancho. But somehow have never managed to build a team in years

Much more insights here. Really like Tuchel's reaction and handling so far.

https://theathletic.com/3046668/2022/01/03/romelu-lukakus-interview-the-fallout-the-meetings-with-tuchel-the-future/ Excerpt - As one source explained to The Athletic: “I was speaking to one of the players and asked him if anyone was sticking up for Lukaku. He said no. None of them can believe he’s done it.” Noticeably Tuchel appears to have the backing of the squad for how he dealt with Lukaku. He decided to confer with five or six senior players before making a final decision to omit Lukaku from the Liverpool game. It is believed that Jorginho, Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger were among those consulted. Asked why he felt the need to discuss it with squad members, he replied: “I don’t take decisions in the office or around my thoughts. I take decisions for the team and I listen to them. I hear their opinion, what they think and then I make my decisions once I hear them out. It is their club, their team and it is not a personal thing from me to decide only on my thoughts. “We have a squad who we protect, which is strong in belief and behaviours. We want a clearer understanding of the situation and take a decision on a bigger foundation.”

Nothing really. Just as the headline suggested - fans are on Tuchel's side. Recaps his touchline antics from the Liverpool game.

No choice but to continue playing him but I really wish LWB is addressed ASAP

Mendy will be a big miss. Great performance again - only had that 1 shaky game vs West Ham. Otherwise he's been good.

Had to be dropped. It's all about what's next from Lukaku. He has to work hard to find a place here and not continue talking about the system and Inter

Yes, this is the first stretch under Tuchel and he's been good in this period. On Sunday, coming back from COVID he won a penalty, got an assist and was the one playing Lukaku through in the game vs Villa. His finishing like every other attacker on our team, is poor, and is not a natural goalscorer.

Has not played regularly, has had to fill in wingback positions. At 21, he is well worth investing in. His performances have been better than Werner, Ziyech, Pulisic, even Havertz this season.

Yes, I agree. Time to be bullish and not consider how Chilwell feels when he's back fit. When Chilwell comes back eventually, he has to earn his place.

Lamptey was good again vs Chelsea. That Marc Cucurella fella looks really composed on the ball. Brighton really have a team full of players comfortable on the ball except the CBs

Way too early.

There is a big difference. We are looking to bridge that gap to the top 2. We wont get there overnight.

Didnt even get 30 mins without Alonso

Lamptey could even play as a winger

I'd be good with a comfortable 2nd/3rd finish. We look competitive over knockout games so another European run looks possible. But we need to make more progress about addressing our issues in attack in the league.

I think experimenting with Maatsen was okay if he was backup to Chilwell. We need a serious upgrade on Alonso to become first choice now. No choice but to go into the market.