Smallest squad we've had?

[Blue Armour 4,280]

IMO the squad is pretty big overall, but way too deficient when it comes to Strikers and Central Defensive mids.

CDM's have been an integral part of our formations over the past few seasons, and now we have only two players for that role (and that doesn't include Ramires).

We've strengthened the squad greatly this season, but that loan deal for Essien really soured this transfer window. I can't believe we gave away for free, a player that Mourinho and Real Madrid consider important for their squad.

We should have either retained him or sold him for a profit.

[capriccioso 2,545]

I think we have just about enough cover all over the pitch. The problem is that the cover provided is unreliable.

GK:

Cech

Hilario

Turnbull (lol)

Blackman

RB:

Ivanovic

Azpilicueta

Paulo Ferreira

Ramires (lol)

CB:

Terry

Cahill

David Luiz

Ivanovic

LB:

Cole

Bertrand

Paulo Ferreira?

DM/CM:

Mikel

Lampard

Ramires

Meireles

Romeu

Malouda

Oscar

AM:

Oscar

Hazard

Mata

LW:

Mata

Hazard

Marin

Sturridge

Moses

Bertrand (lol)

Malouda

RW:

Hazard

Marin

Mata

Sturridge

Moses

Ramires

Malouda

ST:

Torres

Sturridge

Moses

The main problem here is we go to very inconsistent and unreliable players in most of our positions once the first choice is unavailable. But if we get lucky our squad players can fill in playing out of their skins, as the likes of Bosingwa, Bertrand, Kalou et al did in the CL run last season.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

We have quantity in midfield, but not quality. Lamps is getting old, Romeu needs experience, Oscar needs experience, Meireles is only squad player, Mikel should be starter, but is inconsistent. So...we definately need new player at CM in january or next summer.

Defence is great, but too slow to fit how we play now. With Azpi eventualy we will be good on fullbacks, but I guess we will have to buy another fast and calm cb or change defensive tactics.

No problems at wingers

Striking department is decent, but a team that plays offensive football like we want to, needs world class forward in form.

[DDA 9,690]

We have quantity in midfield, but not quality. Lamps is getting old, Romeu needs experience, Oscar needs experience, Meireles is only squad player, Mikel should be starter, but is inconsistent. So...we definately need new player at CM in january or next summer.

You are contradicting yourself by saying that Romeu and Oscar need experience but If we buy a new CM in January or next summer then how are those two going to get a look in? It's all well and good to keep buying experienced, proven players but I think it's time to bite the bullet and start giving games to our younger lads and I pray to the two headed elephant that McEachran get's his chance next season. If we are to buy a player in Jan or next year then it should be a proven striker.. not midfielder.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

You are contradicting yourself by saying that Romeu and Oscar need experience but If we buy a new CM in January or next summer then how are those two going to get a look in? It's all well and good to keep buying experienced, proven players but I think it's time to bite the bullet and start giving games to our younger lads and I pray to the two headed elephant that McEachran get's his chance next season. If we are to buy a player in Jan or next year then it should be a proven striker.. not midfielder.

Well IF we get CM (Witsel,...) then Oscar will play more ofensively (cam, lm, rm), while Romeu would be getting bit parts and then if he play good, starts ahead of Mikel eventualy.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

ALL OUR CM ARE NOT IN GOOD FORM OR JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

[Jase 43,479]

If we sell Meireles, our squad will just be edging towards one of the smallest squad in terms of depth we have had in recent years!

[Bosnian Blue 2,471]

Rami back to midfield, that has to be it now if Raul is off.

[DDA 9,690]

Well IF we get CM (Witsel,...) then Oscar will play more ofensively (cam, lm, rm), while Romeu would be getting bit parts and then if he play good, starts ahead of Mikel eventualy.

I would certainly welcome a move for Witsel to join us but when is these fantasies going to end?..... We can't just keep buying a player every time one of our own under performs for a sustained period. We have to start believing in the players we now have, especially after the summer Roman has given us. God knows how Romeu must feel after joining us as one of the most exciting holding midfield prospects to have left Camp Nou, only to find himself deprived of even a place on our bench. Josh McEachran may not be a holding mid but the lad must be scratching his head when last season a Chelsea side that lacked flair and artistry still refused to call upon a technician of his caliber. It's going to be very interesting to see how the fans react when Roman does decide to put his credit cards in the top draw.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

If we sell Meireles, our squad will just be edging towards one of the smallest squad in terms of depth we have had in recent years!

Not really. Ramires is shifted into the midfield and Romeu plays more. As I have stated time and time again Essien can be recalled from Loan any time.

[Tacticalpanic 17]

May I ask everyone criticizing on here one thing? Would you write the same things about our players before yesterday's game? They had a bad game and this doesn't influence their overall talent. If they continue to perform badly, then I will consider critizing their abilities.

na I think we're solid and in a much much better position than last season , I just dont like mikel and lampard being played together.

[Magic Lamps 11,653]

I cannot imagine any combination of our CMs that would make a decent double pivot. Maybe Romeu + Mikel come closest, as they both are defensive midfielders at least. We have to revert to 4-3-3 with a mikel-rami-lamps midfield FFS

[Jase 43,479]

Not really. Ramires is shifted into the midfield and Romeu plays more. As I have stated time and time again Essien can be recalled from Loan any time.

I am not even sure if RDM is gonna shift Ramires back to CM. All we are doing now is just speculating.

And do you have any reliable source to back your persistence claim about we can call Essien back from loan at any time?!

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

I am not even sure if RDM is gonna shift Ramires back to CM. All we are doing now is just speculating.

Unless he is trying to get fired he will shift Rambo back into CM. We'd be very light in midfield if Ramires didn't play as a CM. Also Perhaps we will switch back to 4-3-3 now. Selling Meireles is odd indeed. However it frees up space for McEachran and KDB next season. We're going to be very technical. We could perhaps even have this next season with a certain Mr Guardiola in charge.

---------Ramires/Romeu-----

------Oscar---------Josh/KDB--

[drog.ba 239]

I hope Di Matteo is realizing we need defensive players in the double pivot, given he's letting Mereiles and Essien go, neither being defensive midfielders. Doubt he'll let Lampard leave. Ramires/Mikel alongside Romeu would fgive the side the best balance. Still the squad looks short on quality and depth for the double pivot.

[zolayes 14,489]

Gourlay getting rid of more players than he is shirts

[RamiCFC9 258]

Just drop Lampard for Oscar.

[Blue-in-me-Veins 4,067]

Now that mierles seems to be headed out, it cant be any more clearer that the 433 is the way to go. stick rambo in midfield, actually use romeu, i hope we see it soon