Essien

We'll just need a left winger to join Torres and Sturridge up front.

Why should Essien be the sure starter and not Ramires?

Have Romeu Ramires Essien
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That's the problem, that midfield like Biggish said is all physical. Leaving only lampard/Meireles and neither have been any better recently despite being the more creative midfielders in the squad. Ideally we would have actually given Josh a chance but he'll go on loan do well and actually get noticed next season so it's better for the long run.

Biggish

imo we need some power in the midfield. meireles and ramires have energy yes but offer little in creativity or power. why not have essien romeu like city have toure and barry then have mata sturridge torres and one other winger making up the rest of the attack

Not sure which midfield to have to be honest. Each combination has its own weaknesses and strengths.

TBK

I'm not saying he should be the starter right away, but once he's fully match fit. He and Ramires in behind Mata is surely a much better middle 3 than we currently have.

I must say when you have the choice of two from Romeu Essien and Ramires it does tempt the idea of playing Josh as the third midfielder.

Actually although I'm not a big fan of that midfield three at all i would probably play it against Norwich (which is live BTW on Sky Sports).

Unfortunately he's not with us anymore. It's great how having Essien back is opening up different options of midfield setup for us. It's going to be interesting to see what midfield AVB cooks up for the coming weeks.

Well Miereles has been average for a while now so he may need a rest, but then Lampard was poor today also.