Jo is only 22. Expecting a Drogba-like return from him when he's in a massively inferior side is asking for disappointment.

Drogba took a season to come good at Chelsea and has suffered lows in his form as well.

Lisandro Lopez to United?

Sometimes it's about the player adapting. Look at Forlan, looked a donkey at United (don't bring it up), yet has gone on to win two golden boots, is it? Or is it two pichichi's?

I like Benzema but I was unsure as to what way he'd go. He reminds me very much of Anelka, strong, quick, two top feet and sharp in front of goal, but even Anelka I've never considered in the highest bracket of strikers. Despite him probably outperforming Drog over the course of the season, I doubt there are too many Chelsea fans who'll say Anelka's better, Drog seems to have that 'X factor' that top strikers have.

Wonder if Madrid will sign another forward now, if they sign Villa as well, I wouldn't mind Higuain at Liverpool to back up Torres.

He will come good at Goodison next season.

He was set to join Olympique Lyonnais by i believe there was problems with the Fee so the deal could be on hold...

Its the away matches you need to worry about.

Quote ="Enfield Exile"There are three theories doing the rounds: 1. He has chronic back problems. Even when he was playing, he was in excruciating pain after each game. Because the problem has stopped him from training and he has got bored developed new hobbies 2. He doesn't have an injury, he has a 'problem' 3. He's fibbing about his injury, and has no desire to play football I have a feeling it's No1. It's frustrating because I think out of all of our youngsters, I thought Johnson would prove to be the best of them.'" I think this might provide a clue www.mcfc.co.uk/Players/Midfielde ... el-Johnson

Quote ="Enfield Exile"There are three theories doing the rounds: 1. He has chronic back problems. Even when he was playing, he was in excruciating pain after each game. Because the problem has stopped him from training and he has got bored developed new hobbies 2. He doesn't have an injury, he has a 'problem' 3. He's fibbing about his injury, and has no desire to play football I have a feeling it's No1. It's frustrating because I think out of all of our youngsters, I thought Johnson would prove to be the best of them.'" I think this might provide a clue www.mcfc.co.uk/Players/Midfielde ... el-Johnson

How would Real line-up if they signed Benzema, I ain't down with the spanish football scene.

Diarra - Gago

Ronaldo - Kaka - Robben (if he stays)

Benzema

Although Pellegrini usually uses the 4-4-2, I can't see him playing Kaka centrally in a 4-4-2, and he'd be wasted out wide.

Very true. He was great at Goodison last season, awful away. Two sitters at Pompey and Chelsea spring to mind. Cost us the win them too.

Casillas

Ramos - Pepe - Albiol - Marcelo

L.Diarra - Sneijder

Ronaldo - Kaka - Robben

Benzema

Seemingly unstoppable.

I would absolutely love it if the wheels fell off. Ronaldo and kaka might not get along or something.

He's just an all round miserable get, especially if he doesn't get his own way.

Arbeloa could be in there yet.

Madrid have spent/committed to spend £180 MILLION in just 22 days



I'm sure Mr Blatter is happy about this seeing as he seems to bum everything Madrid do...i know his quotes from last week were slightly misquoted and focussed on the way clubs are funded over here compared to in Spain..but still!!

It would be immense if there was some kind of falling out and it all went to sh.ite but I'm not too hopeful...the last lot of Galacticos did pretty well didn't they?

Blatter will never look into any clubs finances unless they come from england. The tool.

Any player real are not buying?

Hopefully – or there'll be no football to watch next season.

I think they'll go for Villa then shut the cheque book.

I Wouldn't go with Gago personally don't rate him...
I Thought Real might have been in the market for a Left-Back but as ever Attacking Players are there main priority...

I think Gago's sh'ite...

But I think Pellegrini will play him...

If they get Arbeloa, he will play left back most likely, with Marcelo/Miguel Torres as back up...

Still think they're after another centre mid because Gago is absolute sh'ite, with many players still to leave Madrid, I very much doubt they're near finished in the market...

Our attack was very good last season. If Drogba had played upfront for us, we would have had a much better season. Drogba has that x factor. Jo, as skillful and as talented as he is, simply doesn't have it. Would love him to be a success here but I think he would be much better on the continent, including La Liga

Wonder where Platini's cries for an even playing field have disappeared to?

Couldn't even sell out an FA cup midweek replay vs Liverpool.



Was there a train strike from Kirkby/Southport etc?

37,918 in attendance, considering the segregation the police put in place to divide the two fans about 800-1000 empty seats. Definately worth making a scene for eh, again, pathetic



In the first leg there was 43,524, not a sell out and down on the league derby attendance a few days earlier - I don't recall you pulling Liverpool up for not selling out.

Have you seen some of the views at the back of the bullens and gwladys?