JoeColesBrain

I feel more upset by this than a grown man should about a sporting deal. Devastated that we should get rid of perhaps our most talented player (not to mention a real gentleman and ambassador for the game), especially that we should sell him to a rival who is in decline. Mata is exactly the sort of player they need. He's also exactly the sort of player Chelsea need. I think it's an absolute shame that Mourinho was unwilling to flex his system and find a way to incorporate such a skilled player. Our best player by far over the last couple of seasons, sending him to a key rival will, I think, come back to haunt us. I can only hope that it is because Mourinho genuinely believes that he can strengthen the squad further with the money brought it, and expand in other areas. The alternative is that it's an extension of some punitive attempt to stamp his authority on the squad, owner and fan, or another small move to pave the way for him to move to Man Utd in a couple of years. Whatever the reason, and as much a mistake as I think it must be, all we can do is thank a great player for such service to the club and hope he does well in the future. He deserves it.

I meant as a signing in general, not a striker specifically. Apologies, I can see how that might not have been clear.

We need a top-quality, 20-goal-a-season striker first and foremost. Problem is, no one like that is really available. Falcao's only just gone to moved, if we were going to get him we would have done last summer. Lewandowski maaaaybe, but doubtful. Matic would be a good choice but would he fit with Mourinho's style? God spare us from Rooney. Massively overrated, mercenary (how many times has he threatened to leave United unless he gets more money?), immature and egocentric. Half of his goals are from penalties Young and Welbeck win for him, and he only gets chosen automatically because of the pressure from sponsors. The fact is, who really need is Lukaku back. Similar style to Drogba, powerful and skilled, but with a better mentality and doesn't dive. Alas, we won't see him again till summer. For my mind it's more important to keep, and play, Mata. If he goes either now or in the summer we'll regret it. I'd also say get rid of either Ba or Eto'o. Neither contribute much tbh, it's not like we'll miss the goals we'd get from them. Torres may not score as much as he should, but at least he gives more to the team as a whole, always puts in the effort and works with the midfield.

Cech hasn't had his best season so far, but it's premature to say he's in decline. There have been issues all over the team, especially Oct/Nov, and I think he's still a first-class keeper. Courtois has great ability and real potential, but I can see Cech being worth keeping as first choice for at least another couple of seasons. If after that time his performances continue to dip, then Courtois will be more than able to fill his shoes. But half a not great season isn't necessarily the end. When push comes to shove Cech's got the experience to be a better big-game keeper.

I reckon this could be quite a tough game. We've got momentum form the last few wins, but we're still not scoring enough goals, particularly away from home. And don't forget that Hull have one of the tightest defences in the League atm. I reckon we'll grab the three points, but I think it'll be close (also my Dad's a Hull fan, so don't want to be disrespectful. I think 1-2 to Chelsea. As for formation, the most likely is Cech, Azpi, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Schurrle, Oscar, Willian, Torres. However, if it were me, I'd favour playing Hazard and Mata over Schurrle and Willian, as we did last season. Mata really needs to play consistently, he's being wasted in what I suspect is part of the Mourhino 'I'm the boss' saga. He's been composed about it thus far, but you can see he's beginning to get frustrated. How can he prove his worth to the team unless he gets the chance to play regularly? Keep Willian, Schurrle, Mikel and Eto'o on the bench. Luiz playing a DM role is his best postion, as he gives us solidity at the back without the liability and risk of him leaving a hole in the back four, command of the midfield and an extra attacking option. Now, who's going to tell Jose?