Strike

There is a good chance that deep midfield role will limit him. In the 4-2-3-1 Chelsea play now, the midfield duo are very deep. More often they are CDM rather than CM. Even if he's played in midfield with the intention of attacking, he will need to fall back to cover for Mata's (lack of) tracking back.

Alternating being the key word there. He has played at CAM at various stages of the game and has a tendency to drift central but never had a good run at CAM

I like that. There is little chance of getting over-run in that midfield except for down the flank (Ashley Cole) but Mata in the wing shouldn't be considered as a permanent option imo. He has CAM locked up Mata stands between Oscar and a central role. If we do sign a solid midfielder in the summer, Oscar could adapt to a DLP role. Assuming Mourinho returns, it is unlikely Oscar will be shunted out wide. Mourinho will most likely want to have faster wingers - Duff/Robben, di Maria/Ronaldo - and put Oscar in the midfielder role

Disagree with Oscar on the wing. He should play more central. He's shown that he's no mug while challenging for the ball and his workrate is great for a player of his kind.

Mata's dribbling ability is nowhere near Hazard. Up-front, Mata will have even lesser space than at CAM. Hazard at CF is a better topic for discussion

I rate Fernandinho's ability to go into a 50-50 and come out with the ball. It's too bad that he's peaked late or been noticed late. 27 is not too late but I can see the club going in a different direction

He hasn't been used as a 10 at Chelsea. Played there for Belgium a lot I think

Excellent in the Champions League this season. Mobile and an able tackler. He would be a revelation in a 4-3-3 but City are destined to snag him

If Mata had electric pace, then in theory, this could have worked but it does hinder his qualities more than elevate it. At CAM, he looks in front of him and picks out a chipped ball or a through ball. As an ST, he would be looking to make those runs to get on the end of the through balls.

He won't get into trouble as well. All is good

Very remote chance of getting him but that would be a beast attack

For me, this hasn't been pursued enough - Oscar in the deeper midfield role. His favoured position is CAM but since Mata is a sure starter there, Oscar has to adapt and I think he'll do better centrally than on the flanks. Oscar-Mikel is asking for trouble though. Need a new DM

Standing between Chelsea and 4-3-3 is Juan Mata. It's ironic that it is our best player who gives us no tactical flexibility in midfield

Wow. Nice! You are one lucky man

He fancies Real Madrid though. Would love to see us go for a DM. I would be okay if Chelsea signed Fernandinho instead of City but someone young like Kondogbia would be better. Is there a possibility of Witsel leaving Russia?

@milan.cech, You must be happy!

that makes me feel old

why do you rate kondogbia over other DM's?

Honestly, does anyone give a fuck? He basically retired when he went to America

When people speak of Mikel, they are settling for 'good enough' when we could be so much better with a genuine destroyer in midfield. I cringe at reports of Fernandinho going to City. this horse has been beaten to death but even after 6-7 years at the club, Mikel has never been considered a part of the spine of the club. Always the afterthought and rightly so

You were right on this until you mentioned Tiote some day and got crucified. He went on to have a stinker of a season as well

Tbf, Rafa knows how to wind up Fergie. Got his shit right for all 3 games vs United. That was immensely satisfying

That would be my overall plan. But as for personnel.... Lewandowski: 30mil Schurrle: 20mil Fernandinho: 23mil - Seems destined for Man City though Joao Moutinho: 23mil

Never mind, the font problem's only on Ubuntu. Will just download a different browser I guess Btw, this is classy!

Lampard will hopefully play the 'Paul Scholes' role next season. Playing the Premier League games right before a crunch CL game to rest players, playing in the League Cup, FA Cup and games like home to Cardiff, home to Hull, Home to Norwich etc where he will get space in midfield