Randy36

Mourinho made a shrewd investment in signing Willian who is an excellent addition to the squad. I really like him. He is quick, versatile, creative, and intelligent in his use of the ball. He does not shirk tracking back and helping out in defence and offers Mourinho fantastic options in attack. He should link up well and assist his former Anzhi team mate Eto'o in finding the back of the net. At 25 his best years are still to come and his future with Chelsea looks most promising.

I believe Eto'o is our best option up front because of his experience and goal scoring record. He has a good working relationship with Mourinho and his linkup with his former Anzhi team mate Willian should be productive.. His ability to interchange and switch positions can disrupt opposing defenders. On a short term basis he's a good investment.

Ramires Oscar Cech Terry Torres

There is no doubt in my mind David Luiz is not a long term solution for Chelsea in midfield. He is much better at one on one defending as a centre back. But I don't believe he is suited to Mourinho's disciplined style of play required from a central defender. Therefore, I won't be surprised if Mourinho sells him to Barcelona.

Hazard is excellent at taking penalties. Similar to Balotelli. Slight pause as the keeper moves then finds the opposite side of the net,

This season I expected Hazard to go from strength to strength with Mourinho at the helm. His contribution so far has not been at a level expected from such a high profile player. The club has a right to expect more from him. Hopefully he's adapting to Mourinho's tactics and will eventually succeed. He needs to be a consistent goal threat in addition to creating chances for his team mates. In the meantime, his first team place will come under increased scrutiny given the wealth of attacking options Mourinho has at his disposal.

Michael Essien is no longer the player he once was as he's past his prime and is injury prone. He was a powerful dynamic presence in centre midfield but a series of knee injuries have taken their toll. Michael has been a wondeful servant to the club but sadly it is now obvious he is no longer the player of the past. Rather than persevering with an ageing and injury prone footballer the time has come to target a talented young player in his prime.

Mikel's performance against Schalke demonstrates how important it is to play him alongside Ramires in the pivot. He is far superior to Lampard in the holding role. Willian and Hazard on the wings with Oscar in the middle and Eto'o up front. Ivan, Cahill, Terry and Cole, the back four, with Cech between the sticks. Prediction: Chelsea 2 WBA 0.

Cech Ivanovic Cahill Terry Cole Ramires Mikel Willian Oscar Hazard Eto'o

With Torres and Bertrand out for the game and Luiz criticised by teammates for not showing up against Newcastle here's the team to start against Schalke. Cech Ivanovic Cahill Terry Cole Ramires Mikel Willian Oscar Schurrle Eto'o.

Willian put in an excellent performance and surely must have impressed Mourinho. He is turning out to be a shrewd investment.

Cech Ivan Luiz Terry Azpili Ramires Mikel Wilian Oscar Schurrle Torres

Disappointing performance. Let's stop the nit picking and get back on track. Keep in mind the six previous wins prior to encountering the banana skin. Jose is well aware of the situation and will take steps to correct it. There is no point in criticising him for a poor team performance. Shalke are next on the agenda. Looking forward to a win on Wednesday. Onwards and Upwards Chelsea!

Cech Ivanovic Luiz Terry Cole Ramires Lampard Hazard Oscar Schurrle Torres Prediction: Newcastle 0 Chelsea 3

----------------------------Schwarzer-------------------- Dave-----------Cahill-----------Luiz---------Bertrand ---------------------Essien------------Mikel------------- KDB----------------------Mata---------------Schurrle ----------------------------Eto'o--------------------------

Bertrand instead of Cole.

Cech Ivan Luiz Terry Cole Ramires Lampard Hazard Oscar Schurrle Eto'o

Cech Ivan Cahill Terry Bertrand Mikel Lampard Willian Mata Hazard Torres

I agree. Surely we'll start with the same team that defeated Steau. Hopefully we'll get good start and an early goal would put us on the right track. We can't afford to lose points and I expect nothing less than a win.

Chelsea concedes more goals when Cahill plays. Goals conceded per game - Cahill 1.47, Terry 1.0, Luiz 0.78 Tackle Success - Cahill 81%, Terry 83%, Luiz 91.3%

I believe Mourinho has no intention of switching Luiz from defence to midfield. It appears his preference is to play Luiz and Terry in central defence. Cahill is the weak link in our back four. Ivanovic is doing well at RB. The back four against Norwich will more than likely be Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry and Cole. Looking forward to an easy win and clean sheet.

It's not customary for Mourinho to openly criticise a player if he wants to get rid of him. Apparently he's not impressed with KDB in training sessions nor his performances so far this season. Jose has stated he wants to get him to work harder and perform better. Perhaps KDB needs time to adjust and improve. Let's wait and see how much game time he'll get when the season is in full swing.

I favour the same team that defeated Steau Bucharest Cech, Ivanovich, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Oscar, Schurrle , Eto'o Looking forward to a clean sheet and picking up 3 points.

Excellent performance against mediocre competition in a difficult stadium. Ramires is my MOM and one of the most influential players in the team. Looking forward to a great season from him. Most impressed with Schurrle's performance on the left but he is still less effective than Hazard in that role. Mata is coming back to his best form and adjusting to what Jose expects from him. Solid performance from the defence resulting in a clean sheet. Hopefully, Torre's injury is not serious. Eto'o promises much but still has to prove his worth. Despite the quality of the opposition I was impressed with the excellent team performance and 4-0 win.

Starting lineup : Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Oscar, Schurrle, Torres. Subs: Schwarzer, Azpili, Cahill, Mikel, Willian, Ba, Eto'o