Maverick

Clearly looked frustrated in the 20 mins that he came on and we could play him for as many games as we want with Malouda for support and he'd still struggle to find one decent chance. Not sure whether dropping him for Anelka and pairing him with Malouda is the way to get best out of him.

There is no other way to voice our concerns, I may not be in the best position to comment but if City can have their CL group games at 25 why do we have to shell 40 for a game against Genk? Its plain ridiculous and I support the fans that have initiated it. The friday night show on Chels TV had almost every call asking about the ticket prices, though Jason may not be the best person to answer its obvious that the fans have had enough. To your point about Chelsea making enough money with a few unsold tickets I'm sure you've missed the point.

No that wouldn't make him a good option on the right considering his reluctance to cross/ move the ball quickly. Playing him on the right would also mean he becomes less of a goal threat given his shooting ability with the weaker foot. So no it doesn't make much sense to experiment with him whereas Sturridge on the other hand looks more than capable of being a threat on the right hand side in terms of build up play and being a goal threat.

Its the same arguement that I have come across for Ramires, Torres, Lukaku etc and all these players went ahead and signed on the dotted line. Reason? They are aware of the fact that football today is about a squad rather than just the starting 11 and if your at a club like ours where we are taking every competition seriously then chances are any player in first team will get 15 + starts. Does that still lead you to believe that Cahill would prefer a club (Spurs/ Arsenal) that guarantees 35 + starts and no ambition?

As much as we'd like that to happen there has to be a transition phase from JT to Bruma and most likely that would have to be Luiz/ Ivanovic/ Cahill (probably) in the interim to play as the leader in defence.

Just adding to what Nibs has said, could this be a trigger to regain his form? To prove the world that he can still cut it for national colours? If Lampard hasn't changed (which I believe he hasn't), that would be exactly the thought running through his mind and it can only auger well for Chelsea FC and its fans. As far as "Fat Frank Brigade" are concerned I look forward to their next scapegoat once Frank retires.

A stright swap wont harm us a lot (assuming Cahil wages are far lesser than Alex) but the question is whether Alex would be fine with that. I would have loved to see Cahill in and Alex to Bayern in the summer but now that it hasn't happened would we be able to sell Alex in Jan (with him being CL cup tied) ? In that case the only team that could be attractive to him would be PSG.

I was trying to draw a parallel between Robben's first few games and what we saw of Mata against Norwich. He surely looks exciting as hell, may not be as quick as Robben but surely has lot to his game.

If I asked you Robben or Mata ?

Not too far off the mark and when you add Ribery/ Silva to that it makes me wonder how many "creative" right footed players do we have in the world today. Apart from Ronaldo and Sneijder I am not too sure many would be in the same class as Messi and Co.

I dont think it's fair to compare the two transfers since they areessentially very different players. What I would ask is whether Modric is 40 million? I would have my reservations and for once I am glad we stuck to our valuation and dint surrender to that dirty git Levy. If you ask me I still believe we will push for Modric in Jan similar to Torres but a lot could depend on how Modric fares in that time span. Does Raul coming to Chelsea have any bearing on Modric? I don't think that's the case as I see AVB rotating Frank in lesser games and Raul stepping in. If Spurs are not willing to do business the ultimate loser would be them and Modric. We can tell them - You can have Luka and we shall have the trophies !!

Glad to see Ryan get the nod this time, PVA would do a great job to dislodge Figueroa for the left back spot.

I disagree. In fact I think this 3 match ban would have helped him recharge himself considering he practically did not have a break since he was away at the Euro U 21's. Fitness should not be an issue considering he would still be training with the first team.

Absolutely agree and Malouda/ Anelka surely add that dimension to our game.

Thats a good point made and most on this board seem to miss it, had the header been a feet either side of the keeper and we'd have orgasmic comments about Torres. The point is Torres seems frustrated playing with Malouda and Anelka, it could be the lethargy or the slow build up play but whatever that is Torres is unlikely to gel with them upfront. Does AVB drop Malouda for the game against United? I hope he does since its certain Torres will start in Drogba's absence. We play United after Sunderland Rahul, would you want Josh to start that game? As much as we rate Josh this game could be a psychological battle early in the season and we can make a statement that we are in the race genuinely. Lampard may have to be benched but this is not the time, we need some experience if guys like Mata are to be blooded in. Though where I would agree with you is his reluctance to play Yossi who looked by far one of our brightest players pre-season. I have no reason as to why he has featured us for 5 minutes in three games but surely we could a great deal with his movement and creativity.

Pondering the idea of backing Arsene as the first manager to be sacked. Surely the board cant be blind not to see the fact that they are falling at an alarming rate.

Joe Cole surely dint act as a Merc, look where he's ended up for a "few dollars more"

We've heard a lot of stories from Spurs and its now two games that Modric could have played for them and apparently his fitness is good enough to play. If the player decides he isn't going to co-operate unless his demands are met I don't see Levy being foolish enough to still hold on to him. Harry has pretty much conceded that he will not be happy at Spurs again and its a matter of time (if not this window) that he is bound to leave.

I'd recommend you watch 'No strings attached', an average movie but Natalie looks gorgeous as usual.

Not sure whether AVB would want to put his job online for a few million dollars and given the amount Roman has paid to Porto for his buy out clause I see Modric now as a Chelsea player by 31st August. I'd be more than glad to pay Spurs 35 million on deadline day than 30 million + Yossi tomorrow. This is heading in a similar way as it happened with Berbatov a few years back. Roll over Levy!!

No that wouldn't make him cup tied, Torres featured for Pool in the Europa league last year and played for us in CL too. Unless the rules have changed I don't think its an issue.

Dint he say something similar in Berbatov's transfer? Only to go on and accept a bid in the last hour. Levy is a dirty little git and its pretty certain he will sell Luka but my only fear is United taking him away.

Not an easy group but I see us winning all our home games and probably drop a couple of points away to Leverkusen/ Valencia, though we should still top our group. I think this draw can only ensure us being on our toes unlike last time when we had an easy group and managed to make a meal out of our easier games. Porto face a tricky group with Shakhtar and Zenit both being good enough to go through and City have got what they wanted - a real taste of champions league football.

So we have indeed made a bid for Pereira, though Boas does not seem too confident of it coming through.

Yes I would be!! Spurs want the cash and this sale is their best chance. From that article its obvious that Harry has almost given up on the CL spot unless they move rapidly in the window. Its likely that we may sign on the deadline day but if the transfer does not go through Spurs would be the loser in this one.