Strike

Expected team. Need a big performance from Matic tonight

But it is true. Hardly anyone talking about Chelsea's poor performances against both Arsenal and Swansea. And I'm sure there is no tension or drama in the dressing room. Chelsea players are used to this and on they never show it on the pitch with erratic displays.

If anything, the last week has taken all the attention away from our recent results.

The worrying part is how good United have been defensively so far

I have a problem with Ramires in these games. Man City will be all over our midfield and our attacks on the counter have to be precise. Ramires is too erratic or irregular with his passing and his runs imo. I would actually go with Oscar itself - who is also erratic but he's much better than Ramires in tight spaces

Should have sacrificed Fabregas for keeper

Wish we still had Bosingwa

Are you sure we don't need to strengthen, Jose?

Would be a terrible idea. Zouma is not a midfielder

This is harder to tell with defenders. Nobody knew Ivanovic, Vidic, Azpilicueta were as good as they ended up being.

with Shaw yes. but with Sterling it was the price.

Chelsea stayed clear of Shaw and Sterling due to the price. Why is this any different?

Laporta lost the Presidential election at Barcelona. So they are out of the picture now?

It is a significant overpayment

I understand why everyone likes the player. I like him too but I don't think the defenders market has inflated to the point where 30m for Stones is a good deal.

Even Chelsea can. And have done so. Look at the current back four. They don't cost 30m put together

I am digging this signing. Witsel- Matic- Fabregas in the big games Although I (and I imagine most others on the forum) are judging him based on his Belgium games and his Benfica days. I hope he hasn't dropped off from those levels Sadly no.

Implying you'll always get good defensive players on the cheap. No defender is worth splashing 30m on.

No defender is worth 30m. You always get good defenders on the cheap. Ivanovic Cahill Kompany Azpilicueta. Defenders in general are undervalued

Doesn't matter what Luis wants. If there isn't a good alternative, then keep him, even against his wishes.

The Sun, Telegraph etc are all speculating about Chelsea. I don't think any of the rumors on their sites are true. We are in mid-July and plenty of viable options are no longer available - Schneiderlin, Costa, Turan and now Vidal. I really hope the club has something up it's sleeve. Don't want to see the club panic in August and splash the cash on somebody not worth it.

The rumour is still in the Sun, Telegraph stage. Sky Sources are yet to understand

Deco , Belletti

Sky sources understand that Liverpool and Manchester City are in advanced talks over the transfer of Raheem Sterling. I'm guessing Jose is put off by the price again. Like Shaw last year

Underwhelming if true. I am hoping for a better attacking player. Sterling, Isco, Griezmann...