chaboinateg

Their understanding will no doubt improve as time goes. The defenders have been suspect a number of occasions this season. Ivan in particular likes to attack more than defend and JT and Cahill have regressed a bit. I'm not panicking since it's early but I wonder when Jose will move Ivan to the center (taking away license to attack and keeping him focused on defense) and bring Dave to the right with Luis on the left. Surely it can't be too much longer before Jose makes these moves

The only way to set up Sunday is the 4-3-3 with Matic, Cesc and Ramires in the middle. Ramires box to box and Cesc furthest forward with Matic in the Makalele role. I think we're going to do City 2-1. Hazard late in first half and Costa nicking a late corner for the win. KTBFFH!

To be fair, I think the dippers miss Sturridge more than they even knew they would. His movement and shots can't be replaced at pool right now by anyone on their roster.

Should be up 3-0 at least but hopefully they can extend the lead early in the 2nd half. I could see kagawa coming on aroun the 60 minute mark

There it is Dortmund!!! Immobile with a great run and finish

Welbeck again!

If Dortmund could finish like costa, they'd be 3-0 up

Welbeck with the predictable fluff shot

Oh my Dortmund

Arse getting completely run over. Dortmund need to turn this dominance into a goal

Agreed

Arsenal with Ozil as left forward in 4-3-3 and with an ugly kit.

I think Jose needs to start Costa. Get off to a flying start in the first half then hopefully rest some key players in the second half. We need to start with 3 easy points in the CL.

Have any of you ever noticed that Carlo seems to be a cup manager? He very rarely wins league titles. I think the only ones are '04 Milan, '10 Chelsea and '13 PSG in about 20 years as a manager. The man has as many CL titles as leagues - which is probably a rare feat considering the CL is widely considered more difficult to win. Not that I begrudge him anything -- I love him as a manager and for the Double. And Real Madrid I'm sure knew what they were getting and (mostly) hired him to win La Decima anyway. Just interesting that such a great coach struggles so much in the league. The man is a cup manager.

Any chance Costa is up for the Ballon D'Or this year or does Ronaldo have it wrapped up? If he continues his free scoring ways and we continue to top the table, I could see him being a finalist despite a forgettable World Cup because he led Atletico to the La Liga title, Champions league final.

A mistake from day one (especially di maria). And everyone but Perez knows it.

Can see the pool - villa game to go about like ours today

Costa of course

Loving this team but we need to tighten it up in the back

Costa and Cesc you beauties!

No chance in my opinion

FFP would come into effect. UEFA (or some independent group) would determine what they say is a "fair value" deal in the market, and only that amount would be used in FFP calculations. It's to stop the exact idea that you are offering up

Is remy going to start now with costa injured or will drogba give it a go from the start?

Hope he slots in well against Swansea. Could do to give costa's hammy a rest

I think Lahm is best in the world. But I'd put our big Serb #2