AndyDowsleftflank

Always wondered what would have happened had that gone in. We'd beaten them twice in the league so we had a psychological advantage on them. Oh well, que sera sera Didn't we end up with ten men in this game due to injuries, or is my mind playing tricks on me?

Yeah, he might do that seeing as everyone else seems do to it, successfully so. I just really don't rate Solskjær when it comes to the defensive and cynical side of the game, so I doubt just putting someone on Jorginho will be enough. Of course, this all depends on us scoring first as we know what happens when we fall behind!

I actually have a feeling we'll cruise this. As a fellow countryman of Solskjær, he always plays open football and I think they'll do that tonight as well - which will play right into our hands. This is also one of those games we always raise our game for. 4-1 win!

How is it possible not to start Hudson-Odoi for this one? Baffling

Poor Ruben, he always gets injured at the wrong time. I really believe this would have been his time to nail a starting spot ahead of Kovacic/Barkley but every time the stars seem to align for him, his back shuts down. Hopefully there is something that can be done to fix his problem once and for all - otherwise his career is unlikely to ever take off

Wouldn't it be great to see this team against Malmø? Kepa Azpi Rudi Luiz Alonso Jorginho Kante Kovacic/Barkley Willian/Pedro Hazard Higuain If we are to turn this around I think we need major changes in the lineup. However, with pressure building from all sides he probably realizes Champions League qualification is the only thing that will keep him in his job. Thus, this competition grows in importance and I think he will keep most of his favourites for that reason. In terms of giving the youth chances, we've all seen this cycle before at Chelsea - a new manager comes in, and chooses to go with the "big" players to get off a good start. It works for a while, then suddenly start failing. When the pressure intensifies, they then choose to continue with experience because they want to get out ot the hole and wont risk playing the youth. Then he's sacked, a new man comes in and repeats the cycle. I am desperate for youth to be given a chance, but until something changes within the club (realistic expectations, DoF, whatever) we're just going to see this happen time after time. Another by-product of our lack of faith in the youth is the constant, expensive purchases of squad players which eats away at our transfer kitty and hinders us from going after the top talents that we need. Anyway, I kind of hope he gets to stay to break this cycle, but I have major doubts he has the ability to change anything really, and integrating the youth specifically. Happy days

In - simply because I don't see any decent replacements and Lampard/Jody probably needs some more experience first. However, we need to see something change - besides Kovacic for Barkley and Willian for Pedro. What we are doing is clearly not working, so I'd love to see some major changes to our lineup: Kepa Rudiger Christensen Luiz Emerson Kovacic Kante RLC CHO Hazard Higuain The thinking being that Sarris system needs a deep lying playmaker to function, so you can't really play Kante there. I doubt he'll switch to a 4-2-3-1 as well, which is why I put Kovacic at the base to add some more physicality there. Ruben is simply a better player than Barkley, and adds another dimension with his driving runs with the ball - he also adds a bit more of a goal threat. Both fullbacks need replacing atm, of course it's not perfect putting Rudiger there but it gives us more height and physicality overall, it's not like we have much attacking output from our right anyway with Azpi playing there. Callum gets in the team simply because we need something different, and also it wouldn't hurt to start thinking about the future. We have this amazing talent coming through the academy, lets play him when none of his competitors really are performing to a satisfying level atm. Bottom line is things aren't working, players aren't performing so something needs to be done. Anything

I hope not, but he absolutely HAS to try something different now. And no, I'm not talking about Kovacic for Barkley and Willian for Pedro

I actually think Callum has played his hand really well. Remember Sarri saying at the start of the season that CHO and Ampadu wouldnt play much - now all of the the sudden Sarri states publicly he is "ready" and on par with Pedro and Willian. He has used the interest from Bayern to increase his stock, and you can understand why given how RLC and others from the academy has been neglected in the past. I'm pretty sure he signs

If we cant play young players on the fringes away to an inferior opponent when the team is in good form, then there really is no time to play them, ever

For some bizarre reason - Darren Barnard. I'm not even left footed, I think I just liked his name. It does seem like I have a soft spot for obscure left wing-backs though :)

Hi there, I've been reading the forum for a whilr, thought it was the right time to start writing a bit as well. Been a fan since 88', can't wait to start interact with you regarding all things Chelsea Cheers