ethicalstrategy

Davey, there is no way that Chelsea would sack him on the basis of an FA ban. I do think though that JT and the club will fight this every step of the way in any case.

I wasn't all that impressed with Arsenal against City. They started well but after Mancini shored up the midfield they didn't look a threat at all. The equaliser was the result of a poor header from Lescott and a 1 in 10 shot from Koscielny. City will be kicking themselves that they didn't win. I think we have to stick with what we are trying to do. Reverting back to the old ways every time we face a tough team is going to get us nowhere. We coped well with Juve who are every bit as good, if not better, than Arsenal. I would like to see the following: Cech Cole Cahill Luiz Cesar Ramires Lampard Hazard Mata Oscar Moses I am certain that Torres will actually start though, and to be honest, it is the sort of game where he will get a bit more space in behind. I'd leave JT out because we need more pace in the back line and because he will have his mind elsewhere this week. Even if we lose, if we can see continued signs of us moving in the right direction then I'm OK with it.

A fine article from Martin Samuel which deserves to be read in full here

On the Torres debate, His strength is running in behind the opposition defence. This will be quite handy on the two occasions each season that the opposition don't sit deep and deny him space. Other than that, I feel he will continue to struggle. But, hey ho, we can live in hope...

I've locked the old Torres thread and renamed this one something appropriate. We can carry on the debate here.

Interesting debate. I think it was clear that we setup cautiously against QPR. Whether that was a reaction to getting torn apart against Atletico or simply that Robbie realised that it was going to be a combative, battling type of game and wanted to make sure we were strong enough - perhaps a combination of the two. If we are going to play an open, attacking game then we need our most mobile players, particularly across midfield and defence. In my view, that means leaving out Lampard, Terry and probably Ivanovic too. That's a big call for Robbie to make, but that's what he's paid the big bucks for. Getting Mata, Hazard, Moses and Oscar all in the same side will be tough. I'd be surprised if we were over attacking against Juve. I think that will suit them down to the ground. We should just try to play as we did against Newcastle. With a mobile front four and a high tempo.

Thanks guys. Just set it to record at 3 this afternoon.

to no-one's surprise, Frank.

To be fair, there have only been 3 or 4 games this season! Also, hint - the pundit might not be quite correct.

5 penalties last season. 16 goals. Rather more weren't penalties than were. Of course, based on this season so far, he will pass the record solely with penalties before christmas!

What a strange question! Obviously Lamps was better, is better and will be better.

Just came across this. Thought some of you old boys might be interested! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZngrtVF583M&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Not a chance we will be selling him

Nice interview with Courtois in the Guardian today. Link

In the same vein, Dalian Atkinson could be awesome when he was interested.

The Chelsea website is wrong. Kick off is the usual 7:45 time.

Falcao would be my dream purchase. Of all the top strikers in Europe, he looks the most accomplished. I can't see him coming to sit on the bench though which would be a problem for Torres. If we want a back up then I think Defoe would be a good choice. He'd be happy to come of the bench, could start if Torres was injured and would definitely score goals.

Not ridiculous at all. He's a top class player who could play in the midfield two. It's competition for Mikel. If Essien, Romeu, Meireles and others aren't happy they are free to leave.

Oscar is a couple of years older and has broken in to the Brazil first team. I think comparisons are a little unfair. Hopefully by the time Josh reaches 21 he will be knocking on the England door and playing regularly for us.

Can I just say, Frank was excellent.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but I really don't see Oscar and Mikel filling anything like the same role. One is a defensive midfielder, the other a number 10 or a winger. Oscar will play in the attacking three for sure.

Fantastic effort by Wiggo and Froome. Noticed that there's no love lost between them though. Still reckon Froome believes he could have won the Tour if allowed. Incredible determination by Cancellara who was clearly in agony.

Interesting. Probably feel they need to be seen to be evenhanded when they screw JT.

New season, new thread!

Time for a new thread for the new season I think.