Saint_Tony

It will feel strange if he leaves, he has been the focal point of our team for the last 4 1/2 years. Who can replace him?

So is this actually happening? He's still playing and scoring goals here, although he might fit in better at West Ham

The goal at home to West Ham, that was the day we showed we were promotion contenders. Also yesterday, when he slipped playing a cross field ball to Clyne, that ended up being a great pass! He's still a top guy though despite some of his shortcomings. Like I said on the match thread, he is no worse than Yoshida, who seems to be one of these players lots of fans rate for some unbeknown reason (similarly to Lee, coincidentally)

I thought he played well. Some misplaced passes, but some moments of brilliance, especially the chip he tried shortly before he went off. He certainly looked to be putting some effort in, more than on other occasions I've seen him play

Strange game, but an entertaining one that could easily have gone the other way. After a poor first 10 minutes we took control, scored 2 great goals and it looked all over. Worrying to see Rickie go off, he pulled up after 10 mins and never looked right after. Burnley came back into it 2nd half and had us rattled Hooiveld and Yoshida are nowhere near good enough. Yoshida is the worse of the two IMO, doesn't ever look comfortable in any situation, as least Jos can win a few headers. Davis made a great save when it was 2-2, and again at 3-2. If Gazza was in goal we would have certainly lost. Scrappy third goal, but when Lallana came on he ran the game, a cut above every player on the pitch. Another thing, JWP should not be playing out on the right, he was very poor, including his crossing. I think we should stop pretending hes in the same class bracket as some of our other players. He's not good enough for the first team. Anyway, an interesting game and most importantly we go into the hat for the next round

It's exciting. If we don't go for cup glory this season, then there won't be a lot to look forward too

We spent several seasons in the Championship and League 1 playing an extra 8 league games as well as league cup, FA cup and JPT. Most of our players should be used to a busy fixture schedule. They should be wanting to play, not worrying about having a rest. Looks like Osvaldo/Oswaldo is back in training, is that confirmation that he has been injured for the last few games as opposed to being frozen out?

He's 20/1 next to leave. Looking at the bigger picture we are still 9th, it's hardly a disaster. One of the problems is that the way the fixtures have come, expectations rose as a result of some good form against some of the weaker sides in the league. I think we've seen we are better than most of the bottom half sides, but still a long way off of the top 6/7. Very much still a work in progress. I hope Cortese isn't thinking about giving MP the sack, but it's probably best we get a decent result in the cup on Saturday

We were beaten by a superior side. WhenChelsea have the likes of Willian and Oscar on the bench then it's hard to compete. We gave it a go and weren't up to it, but we've played worse this season. It's been a tricky run of fixtures, but we're still comfortable in 9th and we should be looking to stay there and maybe push for 7th or 8th

Really? Looks very strong to me, going to be very tough

Interesting line up. J-Rod as the central striker I assume?

Going to have to go for a 2-1 Chelsea win. They haven't been overly impressive despite their league position, but Mourinho knows how to grind out results

In all fairness I think he could score a few goals at West Ham. For me he's the biggest club legend we have had since MLT and I wouldn't begrudge him a move. However, I feel that if we give him a rest until the West Brom game, he will come back firing on all cylinders. It's stupid to suggest he's suddenly lost his quality in the last couple of months. He's still a top player and will have his sights set on Brazil

It's disappointing, but realistically we were never going to maintain the form we showed over the first 10 games. I'm not worried by it, I'm confident we will pick up another 7-8 wins

You can't say he hasn't been given chances before though. If he starts on Wednesday and gets taken off after 70 mins, the majority on here will be slating him again. However, he hasn't really had a proper run of games so I'd start him in the next couple. Who knows, maybe he's playing for a move in January? FWIW I'd drop JWP, he's gone off the boil a bit, personally not good enough for me for where we want to get to.

Lambert certainly needs a rest, ideal time as well with the cup game next Saturday. It's anybody's guess what's going on with Osvaldo. Think it'll be another defeat. Nothing to lose so I'd give Ramirez a start.Plenty of positives though as there winnable games to come over January and February, plus most of our first team players returning.Think we will stay around 9th/10th for the rest of the season

Looks like it's not going to be our day, unless Gaston decides to do something for a change

Much better looking line up. Biggest news is Jagielka missing, never rated Alcaraz. We should be looking to get at them early

Don't have much of a problem with them, but don't believe all the we have no money for transfers bull**** that they come out with every season. They've spent plenty of money on transfers over the last few seasons, just not as much as the top 6 teams

Another tough game, but Everton are far from invincible despite their recent form. They've picked up a few suspensions and I've got a sneaky feeling that with J-Rod on fire, Lambo back amongst the goals recently and possible return of Osvaldo we will win 3-2 (Lukaku 14, Osman 31, Rodriguez 26, Lambert 53, Osvaldo 87)

Rodriguez has his chance and didn't take it. It gives Roy a good enough excuse not to take him, even if he scores 15-20 goals I can't see it happening. Right now Lallana is 75/25 to go and Ricke 50/50

Incredible. Do we need one more to make this safe?

J Rod has been immense since his England debut, shows his determination to prove himself

With that defence you' ve got to be worried, we're hardly prolific in front of goal. Big performance due from Rickie

Another defeat beckons