Blue Gino

I'd rather have Jordy Clasie. "Dutch Xavi"

Sure a squad has to have depth but when they all view themselves as first choice starters, egos, agents and who's the manager will drive someone out eventually. I guess Roman thinks Pep will magically make a bunch of number 10's work but not in this league it won't.

I agree and Oscar would be better suited away from a double pivot in this league but that's what has me freaking out a bit and not having patience because of the owner. Obviously Josh can't do the job in the pivot because he's even less physical so maybe I have to resign to Josh leaving eventually. I just don't understand the thinking behind the addition of Oscar when Mata is awesome as a CAM and Moses brings the needed width the attack needs.

Pirlo isn't exactly a physical specimen, neither is Oscar. I don't understand why he isn't played deeper. He doesn't have to tackle the hell out of his opponents, just harass them. Something will have to give among Oscar, De Bruyne and McEachran. One will have to be sold. They all view themselves as starters and rotating them won't satisfy their egos. I think Josh is the odd man out and will be sold. Don't get me wrong, I like Oscar but never wanted him at Chelsea. I wanted Josh in that spot. But looking at what Oscar was paid for, Josh will be deemed surplus as much as I hate that. Juan Mata isn't a right winger and the team does better with a Moses type there out wide. So to keep Oscar out there he should be played deeper. De Bruyne is versatile enough to play anywhere (RW) so I'm not worried about his potential but when it comes to Oscar and Josh, Oscar will ultimately win out. Mata has to be the CAM, not Oscar. So hopefully Rafa starts "tinkering" with Oscar deeper.

I wasn't under a rock but jeez why not get something out of that egotistical fucker before he went to Liverpool

Chelsea should make a move for Pierre before Newcastle does. I like this guy, especially the Spider Man celebration.

It wasn't pretty but it's not the time to pick apart stats of individuals, today they fought back against a good team playing with lesser talent but lots of heart and Chelsea have to grind results like this to keep up in what's a very good race with so many clubs playing well at the moment. For all the flair the midfield is famous for, it came down to Lampard to bail them out because Mata and Torres are on fumes at this point and Hazard is always going to attract a crowd of defenders.

Rafa needs to freshen up the attack with Piazon, Oscar, Marin and Sturridge getting the start.

David Luiz' move to midfield may actually have improved Chalobah's future with the club because it means the club won't have to go out and spend in January or the summer on an expensive transfer. Romeu will return in the summer, Essien maybe, so there's depth there if Roman can keep his finger off the panic button through 2013/14. Mikel will likely move on at some point and Essien's deal will be up after next season so 2014 would be the right time for Chalobah to get into the first team.

So why not play Hazard at striker if Chelsea want a winger posing as a striker? No aerial presence, won't hold up play and will get pushed off the ball by a better defense.

If Kevin returns in January he will create a selection headache because of Oscar, Moses, Ramires and Lampard. Kevin could play deep or up front with Mata and Hazard which is where I'd pick him, but it will be exciting just to have him back at the club in January.

Frank's got so much damn dough I don't feel sorry for the guy who won't accept a one year deal at lower wages. If he loved the club as much as he claims, he'll take the deal.

I believe Piazon can buck the trend of young players getting loaned out for experience. He's that good. There's no certainty any of the on loan midfielders will even return in the summer, perhaps maybe accepting another loan. He's not asked to potentially play as a deep lying playmaker where McEachran, Oscar and DeBruyne have been discussed. So he can slot in anywhere in the attacking third, even striker. Rafa will be utilizing him more in the new year so I'm excited to see what's in store for him and where he plays.

Lukaku to me doesn't fit in with what Roman has visioned at the club in the future. I think Lukaku accepts another season long loan then hands in a transfer request. He fits in better at a club like Stoke, WBA or Sunderland.

I don't want to see Mikel in this match with Luiz on a roll. Benitez should name an unchanged side for this one.

Benitez has done many great things like rotating the squad, experimenting Luiz at midfield, letting people know that Marin and Piazon are real players, not cardboard cut outs on the bench, etc. His main job was to get Torres reborn and so far it looks great. I'm sure he has no say in transfers which is the norm at Chelsea but he's been exceptional at tweaking things to get the best out of what he has. Getting the defense more compact, having midfielders track back. Maybe when January rolls around Roman actually listens to the manager and provides him with what he needs.

Always have been a fan of Wesley Sneijder and even though the club has Oscar and DeBruyne and McEachran on loan, I'd still love to see him arrive in January with his experience to help younger players. OK maybe it has a bit to do with his wife.

Impressed from what I saw of Piazon vs Villa. I guess Marko has no future and might be loaned back to Germany and perhaps Lucas gets handed more appearances from Benitez.

Liverpool fans reacting angrily like they got our dead wood to help the Falcao Fund. I love it.

Chelsea should win this convincingly 4-0. Hazard will destroy Eric Lichaj. Torres will be the benefactor with a hat trick. Falcao rumors put to bed after this match.

None of these players will be coming to Chelsea. Just like the over hyped Neymar, Sneijder, and Hulk transfer sagas of the past. Welcome to the new Chelsea. New players who are barely old enough to drink beer and like some guy's dating standards, if you're over 30 you're not my type so you get the boot.

Just put the U-21's out there along with Marin and Piazon. Everyone else should rest and rethink their priorities.

Great question. It's because no matter the type of player the manager has, it's the formation he is forced to play. Look at the reserves and academy. 4-2-3-1 is the formation Chelsea as a club want and no matter the short term manager the club hires that's what he has to put out there. Mereiles sold? Essien loaned out? The club don't give a sh*t, just do it! Look at Ramires, he is fast, oh wow what an engine on the lad. Can't pass to save his life and he plays in the pivot where he's supposed to link play and he has to practically run up to Hazard to give him the damn ball. Nice player, wrong formation position. Better suited to a 4-3-3. Mikel, well he's slow, doesn't make a lot of tackles or interceptions, just asked not to turn it over, but when you are this thin on defensive midfielders, he looks world class. Now to the midfield three, all three are number 10's pretty much. So they pass amongst each other "you pass it to Torres" "no YOU pass it to Torres" and so Torres is running around like a chicken with his head cut off "SOMEONE just pass it to me, oh no too late, there's three defenders on me but oh you're passing me the ball anyways and oh look it's too late to shoot or I've been dispossessed. Then Torres, c'mon Roman admit you wasted money but hey you spent that kind of dough on PAINTINGS and just move on and get another striker in January because Sturridge is not liked by you and you refuse to play him as the starter because you're afraid of the egg on your face after the Sheva fail if Torres is on the bench pouting. Does anyone honestly think this club can win any of the remaining competitions out there? I don't. No cohesion, no certainty on management. Wrong players for a formation that doesn't suit them.

I hope Chelsea swing a deal for Diego Reyes in January before Benfica does. Would look really good partnering with Ramires.

I wonder why Piazon was never loaned out considering he's close in age to Lukaku and McEachran who went out on loans. Lukaku, DeBruyne and McEachran have made it known they don't want to return to Chelsea just to rot away on the bench. Hopefully the club gets Piazon a loan deal next season.