Stats

Not like they need AC for San Marino anyway. They can put out a reserve team and still score over 10 goals, literally. San Marino are that bad, it is more worth Hodgson trying out players who don't get chances there, whether that be Baines or Bertrand. At least we got a fully fit AC (if suspended) to deal with Lennon then:)

Well he is banging in the goals for them so far this season and keeping Adebayor out. I have always thought he is a good striker and AVB clearly does and in return Defoe is scoring and creating some as well

Hmm I understand you. I definitely think we have a chance of beating Tottenham but I disagree that they are only a one dimensional team of speedy players. We can't underestimate them like that but now with the players at our disposal we look much more threatening for any team home or away as shown with Arsenal and the amount of goals we have scored so far this season.

Tbh despite the hatred to Spurs there is a lot more than just their sprinter athletes. They have 2 fullbacks who provide an attacking threat, even with Vertonghen there yes. Also despite Dembele struggling with fatigue later on he controlled the game and has settled in brilliantly. They also have Defoe who on his day can strike fear into anyone's defence and also can play with Adebayor or put him on later on to change the game. Dempsey who will play in the attacking mid role has quite a good goalscoring record against us as well. I reckon they are improving, by no means average and I find this game a bit more daunting than the Arsenal one and tbh I think they deserved their victory against MU. We havent beaten them at the Lane for a few seasons now and barring any last minute goals from them or so, I would quite happily take a point down there.

In 2010 Drogba won player of the year voted by fans I recall, while Malouda won 'player's player of the year' award.

IIRC Malouda won player of the season award 2-3 seasons back? He was very influential what ever season that was

You actually have a point there to be fair

Yes, I am sure winning a converted penalty is counted as an assist. Rightly so IMO, they created a goalscoring chance so must be counted as an assist.

My bad I would rather see Ramires-Mikel in the double pivot but due to Spurs threat down the wings I would understand if he plays there. So I am thinking Bertrand-Mata-Hazard is what he may do but if not he prob will have Mikel-Lamps in the double-pivot with Ramires on the wing. Thanks for pointing that out

This is a game where I would not mind seeing Ramires on the wings. Although playing with Hazard-Oscar-Mata worked against Arsenal, Tottenham is a different set of players to deal with. There wingers in Bale and Lennon are much more direct and faster than Arsenal's wingers played against us. Cole and Ivanovic IMO will need help to deal with the likes of Lennon and Bale. Bale is the more standout player fo the two which is why maybe I would like to see Ramires track him back throughout the match. I wonder if he does decide to play Bertrand and Ramires both because as well as Bale and Lennon who I already mentioned you also have the bombarding running of Walker and maybe Bertrand is the only one suited to tracking his super fast touchline runs. I am thinking: Hazard-Mata-Ramires. Play it a bit more cautious, especially as we are away from home. Also Lampard has to be dropped for this one, definitely need to see Ramires and Mikel in the double-pivot, worked against Arsenal. If BAE is still out for Tottenham by the time we play them the LB is definitely an area to target them at so RDM will have that in consideration. Expecting a tight game for this one, hopefully we win but 2 of the biggest in for, clubs playing each other as I am sure they will demolish Villa later today.

Yeah, "reportedly"

He has his off games then comes back firing. Had a poor game Friday night against Fulham U21, was largely invisible for the whole match. Think he has an exciting future ahead of him, hopefully at us but I agree with you partly. Think he has a long way to go to establish himself as a permanent first team member. Maybe a loan would do him good, so he gets use to all the difference aspects of football eg bigger stadiums, better players, more physical league etc. Was excellent though in our U21 win over Wolves a few weeks ago but yeah, maybe a bit more consistency would help him

Our performance yesterday received so much praise from people, including MOTD. They captioned our performance as 'Chelsealona' , while we have our own ID it made me pleased that we are getting acknowledged for the attacking football we can/do produce as RDM received many critics about his defensive style of play. Quite enjoying watching our team play as well

Yeah, and I hope Cech scores as well

This is taking the p*** from a Chelsea fan's/Lukaku's point of view. West Brom get a talented player on loan from the "Champions of Europe"... yes. Odemwingie is banned for 3 games, in his absence Lukaku bags the winner at home against Reading then is subbed for the game against Aston Villa and also today, WTF? Annoys me to bits, I would prefer he comes back to us in January and add amongst to the firepower we have already, thinking that we can do with another striker.

Hazard finally has his goal from open play! Brilliant stuff, omg that break Mata has had has done the club brilliantly, what a player. Spain's miss for sure!

I am behind him, there was a sarcastic tone to it! Nothing against him, that is why I put the face at the end

He misses when he wants, he misses when he wants, plays shit when he wants and scores when he wants, Fernando Torres!!

Brana is improving every match now. Good cross, well played Torres. Influx of goals now please

See res, this what happens when you try and be fucking clever! All you had to do is shoot and you play smart and now we are down! FFS

Kevin Davies use to give Terry all sorts of trouble when they came up against each other. Apart from that I agree with you

No, he is our only player unavailable, back after international break.

Agree with you, I am not saying Hart is better than Cech but to say Hart is overrated is unfounded. I believe he is a fantastic keeper, has got everything and rarely makes mistakes

Very talented player but I think he will not want to leave Milan for a few years now. They may be inferior to last season but he is a vital member of their team now and has guaranteed starts. If he comes to a Chelsea or United, he would not get as much games as Milan so best for him to stay at his current club. Find it highly unrealistic that we will get him for quite a few years, if ever

No he is not. Have you not seen the saves he made this season and last season? He is very consistent and if it was not for him, Arsenal and Dortmund would be walking away with 3 points. IMO brilliant keeper