CaptainXabi

Oops, yeah you're right.

Our goalkeeper Martin has some kick on him.

Great Nardiello solo effort. 6-0.

What a goal for Hammill!!! Everyone wants to be Xabi these days. (That's a 40 yard lob of the keeper, btw)

I don't know what percent he's operating now, but he made Miguel look like Morientes yesterday. He's absurdly fast.

No way, I'd rather have Barca. 1. Chelsea have the psychological edge on us this season, even if the CL is a different competition. And they will still feel wounded from the last time. It's unpredictable how that will affect the matches. 2. If you can get Barcelona excited, they lose all discipline tactically 3. Luis would definitely be good for at least 2 goals over the two legs against his old club 4. World class Stevie Finnan will have Ronaldinho is his pocket

I think the tie depends largely on whether Gallas and Makalele are fit. Gallas in particular is crucial because without him, Chelsea have to choose 2 from Geremi, Del Horno, Johnson, and Ferreira for the fullback slots. It goes without saying that Johnson would be eaten for lunch by either Ronaldinho or Messi, so he's out. Likewise Geremi probably isn't up for it. So that leaves Ferreira (who is still probably traumatized by what Ronaldinho did to him at Stamford bridge last season) and Del Horno. That creates two favorable matchups for Barca - or more accurately, it helps negate the fact that Belleti and Gio are most likely going to be owned on the other end. Without Makelele and the suspended Essien, Chelsea are forced to play Gudjohnson/Cole, Lampard, Maniche as their midfield three. That may mean Lampard will have to actually defend sometimes on Wednesday, especially since Maniche isn't looking great right now, which will lessen his attacking threat. I'd say in that case the midfields are pretty even, maybe a slight advantage to Barca. With Makalele, the advantage goes back to Chelsea. I think Barca's key man for the match will be Van Bommel. Barca's ability to stick to the tactical gameplan and not get too excited (leaving holes at the back) rests largely with him.

You know what I just remembered? I think Trezeguet's out of contract in June. Sure he's the laziest striker on the planet, but the brother can finish. I wouldn't say no on a free.

No seriously, which one is it? You used "you" in another thread, so it's obviously not Liverpool and I don't remember ever seeing you post. I want to know exactly how little to think of you.

So do you support Everton, Man Utd, or Chelsea?

So how is Calliste coming on I think the issue here is that we've hit a wall mentally and physically, about a month before any other Prem side has. Obviously the early start to the season has a big part in this, and the trip to Japan. While one could argue we played less friendlies to compensate for the CL qualifying games, it just really isn't the same. I really think the mental tiredness is the real issue here. Unfortunately, until the others hit it also it's going to be hard for us to turn it around. I think it's more or less going to be damage limitation for February. After that I think we'll become more competitive. Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.

I don't want to hear what Chelsea supporters have to say right now

Momo, but then everyone gets on his case for picking up too many bookings. IMO that booking against United was top class. My only regret is that he wasn't on the pitch to level Robben or Terry at the next opportunity. Honestly I don't care if he picks up 15 bookings a season because no one messes with us when he's on the pitch.

I thought it was borderline, especially since he got the ball as well. If a midfielder had done that, I'd say red, but right or wrong, refs seem to apply the "striker's challenge" rule. And if strikers can be forgiven for not knowing how to tackle, then obviously so can goalkeepers.

Forget that, sign the man himself.

I would have named my (future) first, second, and third born after him had he done that, even the girls. I'd like to see that t*** Robben complaining every 3 minutes with a swollen jaw.

Reina's good and all, but we won't miss him that much. Right now we need to learn how to put the f***ing ball in the net. Only after we sort that out will the choice of goalkeeper matter.

Preach brother.

Calm down, you know that isn't true. We all got excited by the European cup and our awesome run and we flew a little too close to the sun. It wouldnt' be the first time it's happened in football. But we're still in the building phase and we shouldn't forget that. All the strikers bar Crouch need to go, and realistically, I love Crouchy and all that, but if we aim to win the league, he should be our 3rd striker or thereabouts. We need two competent strikers in the summer. And one right midfielder. And a left back. I'd say the rest of the squad is more or less on par with Chelsea, at least to the point where the "intangibles" like effort, passion, etc can make it up on the day.

Well, I can only hope the Chavs get ripped a new one by Barca, or there'll be a lot of gloating to live with for a while. It's not all doom and gloom though. Just like last year made Rafa realize that you don't have to play 4-5-1 at Sunderland just because it's an away game, I think this year wil make him realize that you need competent strikers to win the league. We will get some this summer and we'll be better for it.

To be honest, all of our strikers lack fire on the pitch. There's too much of a "If the ball comes to me 6 yards in front of goal at the right height and I'm feeling absolutely wonderful today, I'll score" approach to them. We need someone who will go out there and make things happen. For example, when Gerrard is having a bad day, he's still trying to make things happen.

f***, i don't like how this is going

It's pretty much down to Luis, Stevie, or Harry to turn this one around.

Can we give the linesman a squad number? I'd start him ahead of Warnock every time.

I don't know of any direct stream, but if you're willing to download PPLive (google it) then click on any of the first column of "Play" buttons next to the appropriate game here