Mr'C/CMF

I'm of the opinion that we need an orthodox DM against Spurs, Luiz doesn't cut it for me as a holding midfielder.

If we setup with 2 defence minded holding midfielders, we are on the back foot before the game even kicks off. Chances are Ramires might not be available.

Lampard will start <yawn>

Jose's not gonna play Oscar deeper especially after all the stuff he has said about Oscar being preferred over Mata. Anyway I think Ramieres will be fit. If not we'll just have to go with a midfield duo of Lampard and Mikel.

The only orthodox dm we have is Mikel. He is too slow when played next to Lampard, and Oscar in CM is a silly idea especially in such a big game.

Luiz was okay today, he pressing all over. Mata committed more fouls than him in silly posituins, from the looks of it. Luiz also found a few good passes, always looking for the positive outlet.

However again, playing him in midfield would be a bit of a gamble, as would Oscar and Essien.

So I think Jose will go with the safe option of Lampard and Mikel, which is what I fear most. Still will probably be good enough though, hopefully.

Not a chance he is going to go with Mikel and Lampard pairing, not against a dynamic team like Spurs.

Maybe Mikel and Luiz will be the pairing.

I think Mourinho will and should continue with his most solid back four defensively on current form which I think is Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Cole. In front of those again I’d favour solidity and experience so Mikel and Lampard. I wasn’t too impressed with KBD last night and Willian hasn’t set the world alight yet, Hazard hasn’t been at his best either but I think plays along with the in form Oscar. The last berth of the trio I’m torn, I think I’d throw Mata back in to the mix and hope he works well with his familiar colleagues in those roles from last year but would be tempted to use Schurrle at some point from the bench. Torres I think has played his way in to the team last night.

=====Cech
Ivanovic=Cahill=Terry=Cole
===Mikel====Lampard
Matascar==Hazard
======Torres

ergghhhh

Mikel and lampard together is a horrible selection

Ramires must play if not injured

I'd play Essien and Torres after last night, i know it was against lower league opposition but a good performance is a good performance regardless.

comment by Toby lerone Ramires No 1 Fanboy (U12295)
ergghhhh
Mikel and lampard together is a horrible selection

Ramires must play if not injured
================================

It isn’t ideal but it is still my preference in a game like this. One of our biggest flaws and actually mostly overlooked is the amount of space we give teams between our midfield and back four, our full-backs have also been slow to react to opposition counter attacks so far this season which can leave us exposed. I am confident the deeper midfield is an area Mourinho will make us better, this was the downfall of AVB and RDM; Playing Ramires, Luiz or Lampard together in this formation is ludicrous, Mikel plus either Lampard or Ramires if fit is our best option for the Tottenham game given our options.

Essien played well last night but he won’t be allowed the space he was there in the PL.

I would love to face mikel/lampard

Mikel and Ramires. Or Essien and Ramires.

"And his substitute, Ramires, also had to go off with a muscular injury at the top of his hip which was causing him more discomfort as he tried to run it off. He'll be a major doubt for Saturday at Tottenham, not out for sure yet, but a major doubt."

Steve Holland

Smokescreen........lets hope so

Ramires is your best CM. I hope he misses out.....I'd love us to face Mikel & Lamps in the middle

The Mikel and Lampard pairing is the worst, just can't comprehend someone wanting to see this idle/stagnant partnership ever again.