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Actual webcam footage of me every time I dare to take a peak in this thread

I was a lot more confident a few weeks ago, not so much now with Joelinton out but also because a draw helps Chelsea a lot more than us as well. It's a must win game for us now but only a must not lose for them, makes a big difference.

Been on a couple of their forums, they are not that confident. they see SJP as a bogey trip and that the early game will upset them. They seem to think that Caicedo tucking into the middle (from righ back) is a disadvantage and will give us a free channel to attack them down with gordon or barnes... Good point!

Based on if they qualify for european competition, but coupled to the way they are playing at the moment and the remaining games they have (not easy ones), so it is not a definite...

Well he wouldn't be playing that way in Howe's system. That's my point. I imagine if they are interested it would be based a lot on his success at under 21 level for England, and some of what he did at Sheffield United, and not his Man City stint, where he has hardly featured.

They are obviously regretting the decision to pay £20m, but I guess it's just about whether they are locked in or not. If we drew the contract up right, they won't be able to wiggle out of it.

Can play on the right, upfront and in central midfield. Would make a lot of sense.

Not sure it's what the Howe system demands, which is what @buzza is getting at. Not that Howe doesn't like technique, but it would need to be allied with some physicality and bite. Not seen much of McAtee so no idea if he fits the bill.

Ffs a game that’s 15 miles from me. Can get a ticket no problem but it’s on a date I can’t make

The early kick off might make for a more nervous atmosphere, that's my worry. Fans will have had less time to get some drinking in which normally inflates the confidence nicely.

Must be nice, I remember fixture piles ups cost us under Sourness and Pardew, we got no help whatsoever.

Chelsea's away form in order Fulham - Won 2-1 Brentford - Drew 0-0 Arsenal - Lost 1-0 Villa - Lost 2-1 Brighton - Lost 3-0 Man City - Lost 3-1 Palace - Drew 1-1 Ipswich - Lost 2-0 Everton Drew 0-0 Spurs Won 4-3 We are better than these and we should be expecting to beat them. I'm very confident we'll get it done, again!

He's obviously not leaving this summer like. As for McAtee, I'd take him for sure. Huge upgrade on what we've got beyond our first choice three in the middle, not sure he displaces any of them though. A decent amount of EXP for his age, at both ends of the table, and has loads of miles left in the tank.

I mean, we need technical players in final third, it’s something we badly lack. £25m makes him more attractive and there’s certainly a player there to work with which would be appealing for Howe.

How many do you think we need ?

That's what the Pep system typically demands.

I shit myself every time there’s a ball in behind our defence so a pacey CB would be my first preference. We’re going to need bargains though given how many players we need.

The fans are going to have to get used to these types of crunch games just like the players. They are needed to help buoy the team at times like this and intimidate the opponent. I so hope it’s a bear pit and not one of angst. We’ll see soon enough. An early goal for us wouldn’t go a miss!

League it clicked, UCL was very fortunate and typical Madrid weird jinx they have on it. Their squad needs investment, especially in defence where it’s aging and many injuries. Probably sell on of their attackers (Guler or Rodrygo) to fund the spend.

Watched Mcatee for city and he doesn´t stand out in any way. Typical technical footballer who prefers the pass backward than to take on his man, just doesn´t seem like an Eddie Howe player...

It's neither in reality. Both teams are very dangerous in their own way. We have the home advantage, but that's kinda negated by Joelinton being out. Any result is possible, that's why there will be nerves on both sides of the fanbase. Their supporters will be dreading it, and I know I am very apprehensive about it just because so much is riding on it.

Lavia in the middle and Caicedo on the right (tucks into the middle when they have ball) has made a huge difference to them and they seem much more solid at the moment. They also have a pacy attack and Palmer´s creativty. We will miss Big Joe a lot in this game. Question is, who will step up in the middle? I don´t think Willock is the one for this game as it will be a difficult battle in there, I would almost prefer gordon or Miley just for their battling qualities...

Kinda feels like we've gone from a lot of people foolishly acting like this will be an easy game because Chelsea are poor, to a lot of people dooming and acting like we don't have a chance real quickly.

Have faith my man!