First choice defence

[Madmax 9,219]

Luiz's form and Alex's injury has made this as easy choice as of now. But once Alex returns, who'd you leave out?

Ivan has signed a new deal, presumably having been given a promise of a regular starting place at CB. Bosingwa's status remains unclear-we're not even sure if he will be given a new deal. Arnesen's comments about Van der Wiel throw his position under a massive cloud.

Then there's Alex - he's not likely to sit around while Luiz and Ivan take turns to play next to the captain. Cole is the only untouchable so to speak.

And this is all without taking into consideration the much hailed youth-Bruma and PvA.

For me, in the most important games I'd go with Ivan-Luiz-Terry-Cole. Bosingwa at RB in other games with Ivan and Luiz rotating alongside Terry, form and fitness permitting.

Carlo has a selection headache coming up.

[Rambo 1,729]

I think we should go with Alex in the big matches. Luiz takes a lot of wild chances and lets face it, he was extremely lucky to still be in the United game. Not going to hold that against him because he will be the best defender at this club, but to be safe I'd go with Alex.

[EskWeston 696]

Easy choice. Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole. At the moment the clear and obvious choice. Unless something drastic happens to any of their form then that is how it should stay once Alex is back also..

[Madmax 9,219]

I think we should go with Alex in the big matches. Luiz takes a lot of wild chances and lets face it, he was extremely lucky to still be in the United game. Not going to hold that against him because he will be the best defender at this club, but to be safe I'd go with Alex.

Yeah that's the only thing you could pinpoint about Luiz. He literally sticks to the guy he's marking and an intelligent player could make it count against him. But he's still just played 3 games for the club so he'll settle down and adapt once he gets more game time and gets used to the pace and style of play here.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Ivanovic - Luiz - Terry - Cole

The best choice there is. Luiz > Alex, Ivanovic > Bosingwa

[Milan 17,854]

Ivan - Luiz - Terry - Ash

Although it hurts me to miss out Alex.

[zagger 47]

And what about Ivan-Luiz-Alex-Ash

??

[Styles 9,790]

Bosingwa is our best right back. Ashley Cole is our best left back.

That leaves us with 4 CBs to chose from. In previous years it would be Terry + 1. But I'd really like to see:

Bosingwa - Ivanovic - Luiz - Ashley Cole

That would be epic. :champions:

[Wilson 358]

I'd keep Luiz in for now, sub Alex in around 60th min mark.

[eldo 868]

Luiz needs to play in the PL and others need to be rotated, even Terry. We need them fresh for the CL.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I think we should go with Alex in the big matches. Luiz takes a lot of wild chances and lets face it, he was extremely lucky to still be in the United game. Not going to hold that against him because he will be the best defender at this club, but to be safe I'd go with Alex.

Absolutely agreed.

Ivanovic - Luiz - Terry - Cole

The best choice there is. Luiz > Alex, Ivanovic > Bosingwa

Personally I'd prefer to see Luiz at right-back. We saw him there against Fulham, and I'd rather see him going forward as a RB than a CB. I wrote an article the other day on him actually:

First line of defence

3rd Mar 2011, In Articles, by Alex Hinsley

David Luiz' sensational goal on Tuesday evening did not only make him an instant fans' favourite – but it also underlined his supreme attacking qualities.

Described by Dunga, the Brazilian national team manager as a true "footballing defender," Chelsea fans have already been given an exclusive insight into the powerful centre back's desire to join in with the attackers.

A scintillating volley in front of the Matthew Harding Stand began an instant love affair with the Stamford Bridge faithful. It was also a finish that Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba et al would all have been proud of – and a goal that has turned the tide of Chelsea's fortunes this season.

Make no mistake – Chelsea are not back in the title race, and in fact, our victory against Manchester United may only have improved Arsenal's odds of ending a trophy run so hilariously extended by last-minute calamity on Sunday afternoon.

But a victory in our game in hand would not only see Chelsea re-establish themselves as a top three outfit, displacing Manchester City in the process, it would also see the gap between themselves and Sir Alex Ferguson's wounded outfit to nine points.

That being taken into consideration – the damage has already been done. Costly defeats against Birmingham and Sunderland have put paid to our title chances. A win over Liverpool almost a month ago might have resulted in a different equation, but Chelsea supporters should be contented in the knowledge Champions League football looks much more likely after a brace of confidence-inducing wins over Copenhagen and now United.

Even with trips to Anfield, the Emirates and what looks like a potential title decider at Old Trafford against Carlo Ancelotti's defending champions, the title seems very much so United's to lose.

Arsenal will try their best and come closer than they have done in many a season, but years of experience coupled with a wonderful ability to produce when necessary will see United over the finish line with a point or two to spare, one imagines.

Luiz' sumptuous effort will certainly go down as one of the more memorable goals of the 23 year old's career so far, and whilst the debate in regards to whether he should have perhaps been sent off for admittedly cynical and idiotic fouls on Hernandez and Rooney whilst still on a yellow will predictably rage on judging by Ferguson's history of bitterness and being a sore loser – as well as him just generally being a despicable, loathsome hypocrite.

On Tuesday, Ramires ensured insult was added to grievous injury as Nemanja Vidic was dismissed in stoppage time for the most innocuous of fouls – though few can have any complaints considering the 'totting-up process' that saw Martin Atkison acknowledge several acts of thuggery; including a thunderous studs-up effort on Didier Drogba's ankles.

But with the dismissal – or lack of – surrounding Vidic and Luiz still a hot topic, a secondary debate has emerged in regards to Chelsea's number four – his position.

With all respect to the player, who possesses wonderful skill and confidence to match (as demonstrated by the guts he has to sport such an incredible hairstyle), he frankly scares the shit out of me.

As a centre back, he likes to get up close and personal with his opponents – and, as best demonstrated by his concession of a penalty at Craven Cottage, that involves some haphazard, touchy-feely defending in the penalty area. He also enjoys forays into opposition territory, thus neglecting his defensive duties. Granted his athleticism and considerable stamina see that more often than not his adventures forward are quickly countered by a 50-metre sprint back into the defence, Luiz still leaves a sizeable gap that is sometimes left unplugged.

However, it must be said that after only his third game in English football he will, with time, adapt to a different footballing culture and learn the discipline required when playing as part of a rearguard. In Portugal, such is the all-out attacking nature of their first division, defenders such as Luiz may well find themselves playing as midfielders at times – but in the Premier League, such risks should be addressed by the coach.

Ancelotti will therefore have to instil some restraint in the afro-sporting defender – that, or he could play him elsewhere.

The Fulham game showed his ability to operate as a full-back; his switch with Bane Ivanovic mid-way through the second period did not only see him demonstrate great attacking nous, but Chelsea fans became privy to a hidden talent; Luiz long throws. Such a weapon could be effectively utilised – cue the inevitable images of Rory Delap hurling a football into the penalty area at 30 miles-per-hour.

Alternatively, such is the player's diversity, he could even be played as a midfielder. As to where he could be played is debatable, however. Judging by Florent Malouda's recent showings, a pop on the left wing might not be out of the question. Of course, realistically-speaking, a player who performed so well for Benfica in a variety of roles should be played in one of his primary positions- but when you have a player with such attacking instincts, a place within the midfield quartet should certainly be considered.

Ultimately, Luiz' versatility will be a key aspect of any potential trophy triumph for Chelsea in the future – though his immediate influence should not besmear the long-term overview. Chelsea have signed a wonderful, wonderful talent in this young Brazilian defender, and, like fellow countryman and former Benfica team-mate Ramires, has certainly already come to warrant a hefty price tag.

Luiz has come to represent the first line of defence with his defensive enthusiasm matched with an unquenchable thirst to attack. He is also an insight into the foreseeable future – and what an exciting future it may well be.

[True_Blue 469]

Ivanovic - Alex - Terry - Cole

I also love Luiz and he has had a fantastic start for us,but i feel no should be granted a starting place regarding their first few matches.Alex did nothing wrong,he was injured his form was good before his operation.Perhaps rotating the CB's from game to game would be a good call.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I hate the idea of changing centre-backs every game, personally. I think that, if fit, the goalkeeper and the two centre-backs should start every game. They are the cornerstone of the team, and good communication between a goalkeeper who knows his centre-backs, and centre-backs who know their goalkeeper, is paramount.

[True_Blue 469]

I hate the idea of changing centre-backs every game, personally. I think that, if fit, the goalkeeper and the two centre-backs should start every game. They are the cornerstone of the team, and good communication between a goalkeeper who knows his centre-backs, and centre-backs who know their goalkeeper, is paramount.

Don't get me wrong BL i didn't mean every game i am not that daft .I meant that we had our two center backs that are usually starters and the other two can adapt in Cup games and some easier UCL draws,or even step up since our injury crisis is now a usual thing that happens every season.

[Bir_CFC 3,455]

Ivan - Luiz - Terry - Cole

Loosing Bos is fine cause Luiz goes forward.

or

Bos - Alex - Terry - Cole (in CL)

Here, we loose Luiz's forward runs but that's why Bos is a better option here than Ivan, cause he'll go up a lot.

So in both scenarios, we'll have someone to go forward.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I wrote an article the other day on him actually:

Talk about tooting your own horn

I'll have a read of that later though

[Term-X 7,891]

David Luiz is a guaranteed starter. Alex will be gone this summer, if he doesn't accept he's a substitute now. It's that simple.

I just hope Real madrid don't come calling for David Luiz in a few seasons.

[Rambo 1,729]

BL good point, having an attacking CB is risky and being caught on the counter is not good at all considering our line lacks speed besides Ash/Bos. Luiz should be set as a right-back so his attacking options won't be limited and at the same time won't give us a huge whole in the defense.