Now first off let me say that the reason I haven't posted a 'Should we drop Malouda?' thread is because quite frankly anyone who thinks we shouldn't should be seriously considered for a bit of old fashioned electric shock therapy!

So to the matter at hand (and I am not referring to taking comfort in some wookie grooming)

My answer is 'yes'.

Now I take on board the point that both just and BJD have made about us never playing to Anelka's strength however we never played to Sheva's either and he was torn apart for his performances and for me Anelka has been worse than he was. I would also point out that players like Belletti, Ferreira and Essien have been expected to play out of position on quite a few occasions and despite them not being played to their strengths, they have never put in performances as lacklustre as we are seeing from Anelka.

However whatever the reasons for his form the bottom line or me is that with him in the team we are currently playing with 10 men (well 9 if you also count Malouda) and I can see absolutely no reason why he should keep being selected whilst we have young players who are desperate for a chance at the first team. OK they may not be the finished article and may not ready to lead the line week in week out but they can't give us less than Anelka is and on those grounds I see no argument for not giving them a game. Di Santo, today, showed more in 30 minutes than Anelka has in the past 4 or 5 games and for me that is enouhg to choose him from the start against Hull.

By all means have Anelka on the bench - in fact maybe being dropped for a kid may be the slap in the face he needs.

I already said on another thread that I don't think it's a good idea, not because I'm happy with his performances but because I don't see how Di Santo at this stage would offer more. The Argentinean is younger and hungrier and on his way up while the Frenchman is on the way down but Franco still lacks experience. I think you let your frustration with Anelka cloud your judgment, Loz.

Sitting Anelka on the bench for the youngster may prove to be a move that lights a fire up his arse but personally I think it'll backfire. Nicolas is a sulking moody type whose performances are reflection of how confident he feels in the team. Unfortunately at the moment he's struggling and benching him for an 18 year old would only make it worse. Anelka is not the type who embraces the challenge.

Despite 2 poor performances in the last 2 games, I wouldn't drop Anelka against Hull solely on the fact that the Hull defence lacks pace but does have a big strong centre half that may swamp FDS. Anelkas best performances have come in away games too and being the only experienced forward we must soldier on with him until Drogba returns but given Scolari said he was 8 matches short of full fitness before the latest injury it could be a while. I would however like to give FDS more game time and hope to see him play more mins as sub when games are won. The lack of available striking options though is something that needs addressing at the soonest poss time

This would be a harder decision for a manager than a fan,

I would have no hesitation in giving Di Santo a start against Hull and feel he could not do any worse than Anelka has been doing and honestly think on todays showing he could lead the line better,

I would have no one to answer to though and would think a lot harder about it if I had to answer to the man who must be obeyed.

I have no idea what sort of relationship Scolari has with Roman but if he is sure of his position and has the bottle I think it could be a good idea,

Di Santos looks like he could have a future at the club and Anelka is proving even to me that he hasn't.

That said maybe starting them both with Sinclair and Joey wide in a 4-4-2 would be worth a try.

I would have Stoch on the bench as even though we have injuries surely we are getting too "belt and braces" with the ammount of defenders we have as subs.

I already said on another thread that I don't think it's a good idea, not because I'm happy with his performances but because I don't see how Di Santo at this stage would offer more. The Argentinean is younger and hungrier and on his way up while the Frenchman is on the way down but Franco still lacks experience. I think you let your frustration with Anelka cloud your judgment, Loz.

Sitting Anelka on the bench for the youngster may prove to be a move that lights a fire up his arse but personally I think it'll backfire. Nicolas is a sulking moody type whose performances are reflection of how confident he feels in the team. Unfortunately at the moment he's struggling and benching him for an 18 year old would only make it worse. Anelka is not the type who embraces the challenge.

The only way that Franco gets more experience though is playing him...which is what Phil is gradually doing. I just wish he'd give Sinclair more time too. I think Scott's readier for the big time than Franco and personally I would start with Anelka and Malouda with the current injuries but be more agressive at switching them out when it isn't working. Sinclair on a 1/2 time for example.

Today was a tough decision as anyone was going to have a hard time. Kalou kept making good runs but final ball was aweful; same bt not quite so bad with Bosingwa. To me Malouda and Anelka rarely got into the game. Malouda has been good in some games so there is hope. I have get to see anything from Anelka to inspire me. He was scored a few but most have been tap ins that Franco would have been just as likely to score and he probaly would have got more.

The only plus to me today was the end of the record.....I think its been a noose around our necks the lasy year or so. Just look at the home record vs the away one. Better to lose a game occasionally than draw 50% of them

Nick

I don't think my frustration is clouding my judgment Abe. My take on it is that, at the very worst, Di Santo would offer us as much as Anelka has (which is very little) and even if that is all we get from him it is worth getting it from him and giving him the first team experience then getting it from Anelka whose career at Chelsea is probably going to come to an end this summer.

Charriere - Di Santo does not lack pace and as for him being swamped against a big strong centre half, well from what I saw today he is better equipped, and more willing, than Anelka to battle it out with a big strong centre half.

The only way that Franco gets more experience though is playing him...which is what Phil is gradually doing. I just wish he'd give Sinclair more time too. I think Scott's readier for the big time than Franco and personally I would start with Anelka and Malouda with the current injuries but be more agressive at switching them out when it isn't working. Sinclair on a 1/2 time for example.

Today was a tough decision as anyone was going to have a hard time. Kalou kept making good runs but final ball was aweful; same bt not quite so bad with Bosingwa. To me Malouda and Anelka rarely got into the game. Malouda has been good in some games so there is hope. I have get to see anything from Anelka to inspire me. He was scored a few but most have been tap ins that Franco would have been just as likely to score and he probaly would have got more.

The only plus to me today was the end of the record.....I think its been a noose around our necks the lasy year or so. Just look at the home record vs the away one. Better to lose a game occasionally than draw 50% of them

Nick

I agree with most of what you're saying except for Sinclair bit. I'm not sure what you makes you think he's better prepared to step in and contribute than Di Santo. I'm yet to see anything from Scott to suggest that he's ready to make an impact at that level.

I agree with most of what you're saying except for Sinclair bit. I'm not sure what you makes you think he's better prepared to step in and contribute than Di Santo. I'm yet to see anything from Scott to suggest that he's ready to make an impact at that level.

I would agree with that. For me Di Santo is far more ready for the first team than Sinclair. I think Di Santo's awareness seems far better than Scott's although granted this is based on very limited playing time.

I don't think my frustration is clouding my judgment Abe. My take on it is that, at the very worst, Di Santo would offer us as much as Anelka has (which is very little) and even if that is all we get from him it is worth getting it orm him and giving him the first team experience then getting it from Anelka whose career at Chelsea is probably going to come to an en end this summer.

Charriere - Di Santo does not lack pace and as for him being swamped against a big strong centre half, well form what I saw today he is better equipped, and more willing, than Anelka to battle it out with a big strong centre half.

You may be right on that one and it certainly would be quite interesting to see how Di Santo fares as a starter but I doubt Scolari is desperate enough to go for it at this stage. I think he'll continue to 'play it safe' with Anelka until Drogba is back.

I agree with most of what you're saying except for Sinclair bit. I'm not sure what you makes you think he's better prepared to step in and contribute than Di Santo. I'm yet to see anything from Scott to suggest that he's ready to make an impact at that level.

Interesting, but is it an informed comment? I have to ask. How much have you seen of Scott? Have you seen him out on loan anywhere? Do you catch many of the reserve games? Where do you think he is strong and where could he improve?

Personally, I'm willing to gamble and give it a shot. Instead of giving Malouda the start and Sinclair the final five minutes, I'd be happier if it were the other way around.

Interesting, but is it an informed comment? I have to ask. How much have you seen of Scott? Have you seen him out on loan anywhere? Do you catch many of the reserve games? Where do you think he is strong and where could he improve?

Personally, I'm willing to gamble and give it a shot. Instead of giving Malouda the start and Sinclair the final five minutes, I'd be happier if it were the other way around.

I'd be happier if Malouda didn't even get the last five minutes because it would mean Scottie's the bees knees.

Personally, I'm willing to gamble and give it a shot. Instead of giving Malouda the start and Sinclair the final five minutes, I'd be happier if it were the other way around.

That is exactly how I feel about the Di Santo/Anelka situation. I can't see how either Di Santo or Sinclair could offer less than Anelka and Malouda.

That is exactly how I feel about the Di Santo/Anelka situation. I can't see how either Di Santo or Sinclair could offer less than Anelka and Malouda.

Well they'd certainly offer a lot more hunger though I'd like to see us play two up front with Anelka and Di Santo together and I would play 4 across the middle, Mikel, Deco Lampard and Belletti. Our full backs provide the width.

Anelka is the sort of striker who feeds off others rather than playing with his back to goal which is how we played him today. Drogs and Anelka would work very well together in my opinion same as Crespo and Drogba did on the few occasions they were allowed to play at the same time.

Yes it's time to drop Anelka, straight swap for Di Santo, leave Anelka on the bench.

Kalou should be put out left, and Belletti out right (till joe returns).

Interesting, but is it an informed comment? I have to ask. How much have you seen of Scott? Have you seen him out on loan anywhere? Do you catch many of the reserve games? Where do you think he is strong and where could he improve?

Personally, I'm willing to gamble and give it a shot. Instead of giving Malouda the start and Sinclair the final five minutes, I'd be happier if it were the other way around.

If we are talking recent times,I saw him several times on loan for Palace and those few occasions he was brought in as the late sub for us. I haven't seen him in reserve matches since I'm unable to watch them but the times I have seen him play the only positives were his speed and energy but his passing was erratic and he was constantly giving away possession.

Well there are slight hints of at least some effort if I have to be honest but after this performance it's rather difficult to believe that he is going to play upfront the next time. On some moves, he simply looks disinterested, not engaging enough, not enough will to fight for every possession and on some moves he simply looks to be too troubled and not skilfull enough to hold the ball. And worst of all, I believe he's going to play the next game and the next and the next ... till Drogba's fit again which won't leave us satisfied because after such a long pause Drogba needs some time to retain his fitness again and a man like Drogba who's claimed so many times before how awful it is for him to stay at Chelsea - well the powder keg is still heating!

The problem with Anelka yesterday was he couldnt hold the ball, and drop deeper as game went on. At times when Lampard or Deco had the ball via the halfway line, Anelka was about 2 yards behind or next to him. From my observation, the less he touches the ball, the more likely he will miss the chance when it comes by. Despite that I do feel he offers us speed and good link up play (when given a bit of time and space), as everyone has said, playing him behind Drogba and we may get something out of him. At this stage, I dont see throwing De Santos in the deep end will do the team or himself any good. The younsters should get chances, but not straight into the starting 11 as a we start to press the panci buttons.

The one that should be dropped is Malouda I been asking myself 'what the point of playing Malouda? for a long time now. Even at his 'best', for instance against Boro last week, he still looked sloppy and manange to miss plenty of chances. The only justification for playing Malouda is to serve as some kind of defensive cover for Cole, since Cole is going down the line frequently. We swapped Robben for Malouda and few million pounds, at the end of the day we got what we deserved <_<

Just as some players give me pleasure every time I watch them, by virtue of their talent (Nevin, Zola and others), intelligence (Wilkins, Maka, Marcel) or commitment (JT, Johnny B, Speedie) Anelka drives me up the wall. He's always been sulky and seemed detached from proceedings, from his days as a teenager at the Arse. Yes, he's scored goals along the way, but he has never really fitted in anywhere.

I was totally against us signing him, and having watched him closely these past months, he just hasn't got it. He's quick but rarely uses his pace to any effect, either to skin defenders or to take up good positions from which he can do damage. His positional play is crap, and he doesn't seem to make any decent runs. I don't think his touch is that good, his crossing is poor and his finishing? Just look at his record since he joined us.

Last week at Boro I saw him make a run that practically took him up the arse of the teammmate in possession at the edge of the box. It was completely clueless. Today in the first half he laid the ball off on the edge of the box and, rather than spin off the defender and take up a threatening position in the area, he jogged off towards the left wing. He just doesn't seem to have any idea.

I know Di Santo would be a big gamble, but we really do not benefit much from having Anelka in the side.

Our scoring record in big games this season is pretty poor. Spuds, Manure, Cluj, Roma, Liverpool - our attack has looked weak in all of those games. Compared to the quality we have in defence and midfield, it's just not in the same league.

Yes it is time. He never looks bothered, and it's just getting more and more frustrating!

I'd much rather see us give Di Santo the shot upfront. He looked really lively and good in the air. If we ever went to 4-4-2 I'd play him as the secondary striker, but the chances of that happening are very few and far between

I'd much rather see us play a front 3 of Di Santo, Kalou and Joe than the 3 of Anelka, Kalou and Malouda. Sinclair and Malouda to be used as subs. Unfortunately I don't think this is going to happen as we are really light up-front and I think anelka will be given the nod solely because of his experience

Scott

If we are talking recent times,I saw him several times on loan for Palace and those few occasions he was brought in as the late sub for us. I haven't seen him in reserve matches since I'm unable to watch them but the times I have seen him play the only positives were his speed and energy but his passing was erratic and he was constantly giving away possession.

Fair summation IMO apart from the "constantly giving away possession" comment. Very similar to Walcott isn't he? Both in his appearance and his style of play. And, after gently being eased into first team action by Wenger, we all know how Walcott has progressed over the last few months. Maybe, just possibly, given the same chances and self-belief Sinclair could be the same type of performer for us. After all we are not exactly blessed with pacy, direct players who can run at defenders. Joe Cole is injured, Malouda couldn't go past someone if he was in his car and we can't buy anyone in until the transfer window. What is there to lose by trying him a bit more?

Fair summation IMO apart from the "constantly giving away possession" comment. Very similar to Walcott isn't he? Both in his appearance and his style of play. And, after gently being eased into first team action by Wenger, we all know how Walcott has progressed over the last few months. Maybe, just possibly, given the same chances and self-belief Sinclair could be the same type of performer for us. After all we are not exactly blessed with pacy, direct players who can run at defenders. Joe Cole is injured, Malouda couldn't go past someone if he was in his car and we can't buy anyone in until the transfer window. What is there to lose by trying him a bit more?

For my money it's not even a question of raw skill. With Deco, Lampard and Mikel behind- three players who thrive on passing to players who run beyond the opposition fullbacks- Sinclair's raw pace will stretch defenses. When you have pace, skill can take somewhat of a back-seat. At least use him as a bench option because Malouda does not offer us anything as a true winger.

Fair summation IMO apart from the "constantly giving away possession" comment. Very similar to Walcott isn't he? Both in his appearance and his style of play. And, after gently being eased into first team action by Wenger, we all know how Walcott has progressed over the last few months. Maybe, just possibly, given the same chances and self-belief Sinclair could be the same type of performer for us. After all we are not exactly blessed with pacy, direct players who can run at defenders. Joe Cole is injured, Malouda couldn't go past someone if he was in his car and we can't buy anyone in until the transfer window. What is there to lose by trying him a bit more?

Walcott was considered the biggest young talent in England, a star in the making, when he was signed for Arsenal and he has proved that it was true. Pool were dying to sign him, we were also reportedly in the mix, but he chose Gooners. Yes,Wenger has a history of easing talented youngsters into the first team but in case of Walcott he had an outstanding talent, and I don't think Sinclair is on the same level.

Scott has played enough for reserves and Championship sides to be noticed and assessed and I bet many other club scouts have watched him. Somehow no PL club came asking to get him on loan. The last rumor was linking him with Swansea. I don't want to knock on our own players but maybe, just maybe he's not as good as so many Chelsea supporters desperately want him to be?

I'm not against giving him a chance by the way, in fact I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

I don't think it's time we dropped Anelka - I think it's time we took him behind the Shed End and shot him. Or if that seems a tad drastic, we should at least replace him in January.

I hate players that don't try - any of us fans would give our right arms to play for Chelsea - we might be crap, but we'd put in ten times the effort that Anelka does. F*ck it, pick me!

F*ck it, pick me!

Get your pants on, your in !

I don't think it's time we dropped Anelka - I think it's time we took him behind the Shed End and shot him.

Brilliant!

Make it a double barrelled shot gun. One barrell for Anelka and the other for Malouda. Our two useless, lazy French *&*^'s!!!