Break before the next game due to the international fixtures.

Hard to predict the starting eleven as there is always the risk of losing players to injury and also the fact that there is a transfer window closing next week.

Assuming all bar the long term injured are available then I would expect to see Mata start (clearly), the back four stay much the same (when is Luiz due back) and the Torres/Drogba partnership be dropped with Anelka returning on the right hand side.

If we do sign anyone before the window closes then I would expect them to start on the bench.

Sturridge will also be available again but might struggle to get on the bench due to lack of match fitness and the signing of Lukaku.

Hoping to see Modric,Mata.Sturridge and Torres in our first 11 = 100% win. :)

Cech/Hilario

Bosingwa Luiz Terry Cole

Mikel

Lampard Ramires/Josh/Yossi

Sturridge Torres Mata

No brainer IMO. Hopefully AVB will have another option in midfield before the window closes.

Agreed with the above, but Ramires has to start IMO, was our MotM against Norwich.

International breaks are rubbish and boring. 10 days until we play again. Seriously?

I would like to see Lukaku again. He looked really good when he came on against Norwich and really showed that he wanted to be involved.

But I expect him to start on the bench. Maybe not even that since we have a few others who will want to have a chance. Last game there was no Kalou and no Sturridge. Atleast one of them will probably appear, either on the bench or in the starting eleven.

I also think we might have atleast one more new player in the squad by the next game. Maybe Modric, maybe someone else. They will certainly push for a place in the team against Sunderland.

Same back 4 with Luiz to be on the bunch

Ramires Mikel Lampard

Sturridge Anelka Mata

Anelka should start purely because he has dominated Sunderland away every season.

Let's bring back the beautiful game:

-------------------------Cech/Hilario

Bosingwa-------Luiz----------------Terry--------------Cole

---------------------------Modric (this is fanciful, after all)

----------------Benayoun--------Lampard

-------Sturridge----------Torres---------Mata

Let's bring back the beautiful game:

-------------------------Cech/Hilario

Bosingwa-------Luiz----------------Terry--------------Cole

---------------------------Modric (this is fanciful, after all)

----------------Benayoun--------Lampard

-------Sturridge----------Torres---------Mata

In ten days we could be playing with Kaka in midfield for all we know, so I wouldn't worry about being fanciful.

Let's bring back the beautiful game:

-------------------------Cech/Hilario

Bosingwa-------Luiz----------------Terry--------------Cole

---------------------------Modric (this is fanciful, after all)

----------------Benayoun--------Lampard

-------Sturridge----------Torres---------Mata

We do need an engine in the midfield though. Ramires instead of Benayoun or Lampard would be ideal. Bring Josh on after 60 mins.

Lets wait and see what the last few days of the transfer windows bring us !

After watching Kaka yesterday I would think that a sneaky bid for him would make sense !! On loan or otherwise

No thanks, to Kaka. His best attribute was his speed with the ball, even in tight situations. He's lost the majority of that, and it really does make him a lesser player.

No thanks, to Kaka. His best attribute was his speed with the ball, even in tight situations. He's lost the majority of that, and it really does make him a lesser player.

He is not the Kaka of old but he still would be a great improvement for our midfield. I certainly wouldn´t say no to him if we can get him on loan or for little money

I wouldn't rush Luiz in, tbh we need to sort out our high line fast cause Luiz isn't the greatest defensively as it is.

We do need an engine in the midfield though.

Lampard's not an engine?

I would give Lukaku a chance to start , he knows Mignolet like his backpocket .

Lampard's not an engine?

Agree he is but Ramires is a bit newer and shinier and performing pretty well at the moment.

Actually it is really good for the team the 10 day break. Window is closing and I think we are not finished our business yet. If someone like Luka comes he has some time to get to know everyone...Although he will be in Croatia.

Yossi might be gone by weeks end now. Would like to see Mata and Torres link up for at least one goal as well as Ramires get one for a 3 goal outing and a clean sheet at the back.

Most importantly, I am looking to see how they cope with the high defensive line next game as they were dreadful at stopping the long ball against Norich. Fully agree that Lamps needs a week off and Ramires is looking much better than him at the moment.

Edited August 29, 201114 yr by jmcfall

i want torres to score from a mata cross. i really dont see how torres can score with the system and support he has right now.

id like to see a complete diff midfield.

ramires.......luka(hope we get him).......josh

Mata.......torres......Nico

i want torres to score from a mata cross. i really dont see how torres can score with the system and support he has right now.

id like to see a complete diff midfield.

ramires.......luka(hope we get him).......josh

Mata.......torres......Nico

Even though sturridge is available?

Even though sturridge is available?

I think its almost certain Sturridge will start, he was outstanding pre season and Kalou, Anelka and Malouda havent really done themselves and favours when they played (and I wouldnt be surprised if at least one of them isnt here by thursday)

I think its almost certain Sturridge will start, he was outstanding pre season and Kalou, Anelka and Malouda havent really done themselves and favours when they played (and I wouldnt be surprised if at least one of them isnt here by thursday)

I can only see that avb may feel that he isnt match fit after being out for 3 weeks, hope he starts aswell.

Who would you rather have start out of place on the right, Sturridge or Mata? I feel like Mata would be less predictable as Sturridge primarily cuts inside on his stronger foot but you would lose Mata's delivery on crosses from the left.