DP2

I'd like to see James, Christensen, Tomori, Azpi, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Odoi, Abraham. If Kante's a risk then 343 with Azpi in the middle and Alonso on the left. We are so short in the middle of the pitch at the moment, in numbers and height. Could do with an Obi Mikel on a night like this.

We'll take that. Taking a Champions League position this season would be a bonus.

Only at old trafford would the linesman flag for that. 3 yards onside.

Dont know if anyone is watching the dross at old trafford but shouldn't the ref book the two utd players just now? He gave advantage but they were both bookable offences and he only showed a yellow for the 2nd offence

Dont forget Loftus Cheek. Almost 200m worth of talent based on present market value I'd guess, not taking long term contracts into account. Cheek 150k 5 years, Mount 75k 5 years, Odoi 120k 5 years. If Mount continues to develop that will probably be 150k in a couple of years. Abraham 50k 3 years, James (unknown) 3 years, Tomori (unknown) 2 years. Abraham will hopefully go to 120k for 5 years, Tomori 100k 5 years and James 80-100k 5 years. Those 6 players between them are currently paid about the same as Messut Ozil. Sustainable.

I’d keep Pedro in the squad. He’d be better for the young lads than Willian. At least thats the impression I get. Still have Azpi, Christensen, Pulisic in there too.

It was going so well...presume you left him out by mistake but Kante for kovacic and that looks like the first 11 after Xmas. 2 or 3 ‘world class’ players, 1 at left back and 1 or 2 others to keep it healthy and that would be a really good side, even now not just in 2 or 3 years.

Thought that was a really strange selection and didn’t help that Barkley was very poor today. I’d be surprised if Frank is resting players, particularly when he put Mount in last week. Just hope Kante isn’t in more trouble then we’re to believe.

Against a better team we would have been in trouble but it’s a good win and good times ahead. No surprise again today where we’re struggling and without Kante we lose so much. Let’s hope he’s back for Lille. 2 home games we should win after that so could build a bit of momentum. Up the Chels.

Needed that, we'll take it.

No movement at all, everything is so slow. Need to change 2 of Alonso, Azpillacueta, Barkley, Willian or Pedro early. Pulisic, Odoi or both for something different or even stick Batshwayai up front with Abraham. He's getting nothing.

Think so, trying to work Odoi into the team. Maybe 451 or 4231 with Willian, Mount and Odoi the 3 playing closest to Abraham. Not sure what formation or line up to expect.

On the way. Mount, Odoi and Abraham to start in attack please.

Chelsea 4 Brighton 0. Abraham. 8th Minute.

Odoi for Willian and you've got a deal. Thats exactly how it works between Frank and Jody. No looking at the oppo, who's trained well, any knocks from Wednesday, players natural position, subs...they dont even discuss who's in nets, kepa just turns up with his jersey on. But seriously, stick Odoi in there and that's the team.

Azpilacuetta, Zouma, Tomori James, Kante, Jorginho, Mount Willian, Abraham, Odoi Would that work? James and Mount would be slightly out of position and kovacic would be unlucky not to be in the team but I’m not sure him and Jorginho are both effective in the same team.

Anybody know when the date is officially announced? I know it will be 29th or 30th of October. Guessing we'll be on Tuesday and Arsenal/Liverpool Wednesday.

yessss

Ok to see them going through, would like to get them at home in the next round.

Don’t want to get carried away but after all the youngsters who passed us by without getting into the first team maybe we’ve been lucky and got a half dozen at the same time. We won’t know for a while but it looks quite good and I think they’re all contracted for 5 years.

Icing on the cake. Really looking forward to Saturday. Not sure what team to expect.

Shooting fish in a barrel at this stage but lots of positives to take from it. Shame no clean sheet or Odoi goal.

Poor finishing from Odoi again. That’s a bit of a concern.

What a finish. Class.

Great control and lay off from Hudson Odoi in the build up to the corner.