Strike

Between Atleti on Wednesday and City on Saturday, who were pressing high and energetically, wouldn't you think Pedro or Willian who played little or no part in Spain, should start here? Also, when Morata was substituted for Willian, it was too tentative, almost negative for me. I know Batshuayi isn't everyone's good idea of a super sub but he is the best we have right now and bringing Willian on was a sign that Chelsea were there to contain City. At Atleti, the players on the pitch ran their socks off and that showed on Saturday.

Re: Conte and strange team selections. Now that he's had to manage 17-18 players rather than the 13 that consistently played last season, Conte is yet to figure out how to manage the squad. I feel the squad can be rotated better. Particularly utilise Pedro, Zappacosta and Willian better. Also, tactically, teams know what to expect from Chelsea. I just get the feeling he needs to pull another ace out of somewhere or top 4 is the best the club could do this season

Only Andreas comes away with any credit today.

Cesc was definitely playing a freer role than someone in a midfield three. Luiz is suspended, Drinkwater is unfit and Cesc looked tired last night. Only other alternative is Willian

3-5-2 with Eden dropping to Cesc's spot and Pedro playing up front with Alvaro

Fabregas looked knackered. He struggled against City away last season to, apart from one beautiful ball over the top to Costa which got Chelsea back in the game. I would drop him for Pedro

What a refreshing away performance. Apart from the error by Luiz, we were solid and completely shut them out of the game. Created a few good chances going forward too.

I'm interested to see how Conte approaches Champions League games this season. He didn't really have to rotate the squad last year. This time there is good competition for places - Zappacosta/Moses, Willian/Pedro, Bakayoko/Fabregas, Rudiger/Cahill, so I'm interested to see what kind of team he picks today. I think it will be better than the last time the team was away at Atletico when Jose did a shut-out job.

Courtois Azpi Luiz Rudiger Zappa Baka Kante Alonso Pedro Morata Hazard

I dont think so. Of course, there are weak teams but with Roma Atleti and Chelsea Real Dortmund and Spurs PSG Bayern Barca Juve City Napoli I'm looking forward to a few games on there

I disagree. More agile and better movement from Drinkwater but Matic rarely fancied a run He stood behind the line of play and covered the runs made by Kante, and the wing backs.

Doesn't want to be next to Luiz in the dressing room - "Always talking" and Azpilicueta is the teacher's pet. Good stuff

Nice squad depth

There was Chalobah and RLC last season. There was no cover for Moses.

I am lost for words. Only depth added is Zappacosta.

Easy there, friend

This is a long way to come back from but at this moment, I hope it happens. I don't know why the club is allergic to a good strike force. Arsenal have Lacazette Giroud Welbeck Liverpool have Firmino Sturridge Solanke Ings (injured) United have Lukaku Rashford Zlatan Martial City have two quality strikers in Aguero Jesus Spurs now have Kane Son Llorente Morata, Batshuayi in comparison is a sham.

I was urging patience for months. I hold my hand up. The board fucked up this window.

Rafinha is a cracking wingback but I doubt Bayern will sell

Llorente to Spurs Oxlade to Liverpool Renato to Swansea Aurier to Spurs Cedric - Rejected Rafinha - Rejected Drinkwater - Rejected Barkley - Rejected Candreva - Rejected Just wow.

I hope there is a surprise or two today. Llorente Barkley and Drinkwater doesn't inspire confidence

He can hold the ball in tight situations, something Chelsea will need in games against tougher opposition.

Even before Mourinho, Chelsea were a continental team. I am okay with a spine without English players. Times have changed and signing good English players is tough now. Look at our pursuits of Shaw, Stones who were young prospects, not even established players.

He's got a very good burst of speed as well. Gives Conte options - Kante- Sergi or Kante- Bakayoko or Kante- Bakayoko - Cesc or Kante- Bakayoko - Sergi Would be a really solid set of midfield options for the season

Yes, oddly I think this will work in Chelsea's favour Courtois Rudiger Luiz Christensen Moses Azpilicueta Kante Alonso Pedro Morata Willian and a bench of inexperienced newbs.