this, Lampard>Gerrard.

Does anyone care about the mexican league... 'cause i don't want to post results if nobody gives a nickle about it x)

I hadn't seen this before, but I have to say, Lampard is way better than Gerrard

I can't think of any reason why people would say Steve is better than Frank. Lampard scores more goals and creates more, on average he created 3.5 chances per game last season, 1 chance per game more than anyone else, and he is not operating in a team built entirely around him

Anyway, am I the only one who realises how crap a diamond formation is? Our problem under Scolari was lack of width from the forwards, because Malouda is not very good, and he played Anelka on the wings, and now we just take all the width away. It narrows your areas of attack, and makes you vulnerable at the back, it will just not work!

yeah, i was talking to my dad about that yesterday (chelsea fan), Chelsea did well under Mourinho when they had wingmen like Joe Cole (on form and fit) and Arjen Robben, if they used the wings well, they could cause real problems for opposition defences.

i think the diamond is designed for success in Europe more than England, Abramovich seems less intrested in the league than the Champions League, played a big role in why Mourinho getting sacked (dumbest move by any top club in recent years, sacking a manager that good is just stupid) 

The main reason for Mourinho's sacking was a clash of personalities, and I desperately want him back! And don't forget Damien Duff, he was awesome

Yeah, that does concern me, especially as I feel this year the league is really up for grabs. Man U are obviously weaker, as are Liverpool, and Arsenal are nowhere near, Everton were appalling this weekend, they just forgot how to mark and the Lescott situation is causing problems. I would probably be willing to take 1 bad season and get Hiddink back, but I think Anchellotti can do a good job, if he abandons the diamond! I thought the signing of Zirkov might be the start of some more width... but no. Scolari learnt we needed width, but Quaresma did not perform when he came in on loan.

I'm not sure if it will even be that successful in Europe. Ultimately, Chelsea should have beaten Barcelona, but out of the last 4 teams, none of them were playing diamonds

I think the title will be won with less points this season, possibly only 80 or so could be enough, more open, especially after United, Chelsea and Liverpool, I think 4th will by very close. 

in Europe, i reckon Barcelona and Inter are the main contenders, Madrid possibly if there team gells, United or Chelsea have an outside chance if they can find there best formations early on and stay injury free.

Zhirkov looks like a real threat, could turn out to be one of the buys of the season, he's injured atm though, so thats he didnt play at the weekend. 

Yeah, but Zirkhov will be limited if he is playing in a diamond.... As for Europe, well Madrid won't gel in time to be certain, but they will certainly be a real threat and those teams you mention are the main ones, Liverpool will probably end up fluking their way through as well. Yeah, with Man City, Villa and maybe Everton (and Spurs?) pushing for 4th, it will be hard for Arsenal, and there will probably be a lower points total, but it will certainly be interesting

My team has played with diamonds (I assume you mean diamond as 1 defensive midfielder, 2 side mf and 1 attacking midfielder) since forever, and we've won a lot of titles with that formation. And it's still my fav one. You gotta pick the right players, of course (finding the good no.10 is though), but for me it's the most balanced of all

Although the 4-3-3 (with 2 wingers) is my favourite formation, I reckon Ancelloti can make the diamond work.

cech

bosingwa carvalho terry cole

essien

cole zhirkov/malouda

lampard

anelka drogba

2 wide players plus the 2 full backs should be enough width. We had 25 shots against hull on saturday. Creating chances isn't the problem, its scoring them. We need Kun Aguero.

Also I think Arsenal will be fine. They sold a back up defender and an over-rated attacker who caused problems within the squad. They have Rosicky and Arshavin all season, plus they have bought a pretty good defender.

Liverpool need to buck their ideas up. They were all over the place on sunday. They only lost 2 games last season and still came second. They have already lost one game this season.

My prediction for top 7:

1. Chelsea
2. Man Utd
3. Arsenal
4. Tottenham
5. Liverpool
6. Man City
7. Everton