Strike

Messi out for 2 months. Ronaldo can finally win the Ballon d'or

I disagree with the main point. Lower fan expectation? This is a team which finished 3rd last year. Added more players and brought in a great manager. Expectations are to do better than last year and that's normal. Doesn't mean the fans are spoilt. Sure, the fans should have more patience but the expectations of challenging for the title are fine. Not over-ambitious at all Ofcourse the gameplay can be a lot better and with time, it will be, but transition isn't an excuse for not doing better in the league this year. Jose wants to build a dynasty but we shouldn't take a step backwards from last year. It's pretty much the same team, only better now. Oscar, Mata, Hazard have had a year of English football under their belt. Schurrle, Willian were added to challenge them/give depth. Pretty much no other changes and with the same base formation 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-31 whichever it is

Last season was transititon. We have a shot this year

this is the thing. Oscar can have a string of bad games and still start while Mata can't have a bad 45 mins or he'll get dropped

Can't break-down teams that defend deep.

Pass pass pass Ivanovic crosses..Blocked

Lampard out. Nothing against his ability but just doesn't cut it physically anymore

Good kick up the players' arse. Don't create enough chances

Send Juan Mata on

Really uncomfortable to watch Ivanovic attack

No I don't but Ivanovic should be dropped at some point. Not a good fullback

Mourinho is biased towards favorites

Azpi at LB again even though Cole's on the bench

lol Johnson and Micah Richards as captain too.

got 1 right

Good stuff. What's the word on Bertrand?

If we want to raise funds (not that we need to), I think we should flog Demba Ba when we can still make a profit on him.

after Mata, KDB its now Hazard's turn to face the media circus

Since you're going around and reminding everyone else - don't forget the match preview mate...

yeah. another slow start. you'd think by now, we'd be putting the opposition under the cosh

Group Stage wrapped up. Hopefully Newcastle away was just a one-off Ivanovic is rubbish in the final third. I think at some point, Azpilicueta should get a game at Right-back with Ivanovic in the centre

Bertrand in if fit

This team can improve many levels. Maybe a shake up will be good kick up the players' arse

A little free with the lineups but good preview nonetheless

Baines' attacking is insane but his defending is suspect. Even Aluko ran rings around him the other day for Hull.