TRon

Interestingly, Keegan changed his preferred formation to get results out of that team, he played Owen in a withdrawn striker role, and IIRC he also moved Barton to the left. Howe doesn't seem interested at all in changing anything, he's playing his way whether the players are capable of it or not. Although tbf, they weren't getting results when they parked the bus with Bruce either.

It's not like he's some random defender who's agent has got in touch, from all accounts it seems we have been pursuing him, so there must be more to it than those stats. At least I hope the bid was initiated by us.

I like to take wild guesses which inevitably turn out wrong. It's what I do, I have a rep for it on here which needs to be maintained.

He's shown no inclination to change from his own preferred formation to accommodate players, so I can't see it.

I thought so, but probably not then.

Fede's the best CB we've got, I've always thought this. Don't know what happened over the last year, but can't remember him letting us down much when he started. Not the type to take shit either, like too many of our losers.

He will, Carlos looks like a direct replacement big hard man defender alongside the more cultured Schar. Plus I think Schar is left footed and that seems to be very important to Howe.

They also miss a load of chances, I guess we could punish them on the break if we can get someone to actually enter their penalty area. That said Bamford is back for this one, watch his score a worldie.

@Trensa seemed to be convinced they would never sell, so he seems to rate him, otherwise you would think they'd snap our hands off for that sort of money for a 28yr old.

You would like to think we've done our homework on him, but tbh it feels a bit like Moshiri at Everton, just throwing money at random players and seeing if they come. I wonder how much input Howe has on this one?

Fair enough. Although Howe was complaining at the weekend we still tend to sit back as soon as we've taken the lead, so I think he's trying to change that.

There does seem to be some sort of consensus that a CB will be coming in this week. If it's Carlos I'm stoked. He looks just the sort of nasty bastard we need.

Not sure that's right mind, I thought I saw somewhere that we had 52% possession against Watford. That's never happening under Rafa or Bruce.

Agree, he's going to stay in the side at the moment because we don't have anyone else who is anywhere near as good, but what makes him good is also what makes him a problem. I can guarantee you none of the big clubs will buy him. Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, they don't have ball hoggers in their team for a reason. he whole is greater than the individual parts.

Should be interesting to see Howe's reaction, I mean how they approach the game would be similar to his own ideas you would think. No wonder he's playing Joelinton as an extra man in midfield, can you imagine the plight of those two if they were tasked with stopping Leeds on their own?

*shudders*

Thought he was a bit unlucky with that volley which hit the post. Heard a few people complaining that he missed it, but it would have been a fantastic strike.

He's got all the tools, he should be much better than he is. Even with that great right foot, if he's through on goal, more than likely he's going to miss it. He seems to have a good game, you think he's finally cracked it, and then he'll have stinker in the next one.

Yeah he might be more up for it, sounds like they've already got a Dobbie and @1878 seems to rate him.

Potter's already said he's not interested in talking to Everton.

You've got Almiron in there, I'd have him nowhere near the team, never mind ahead of Joelinton.

@Neil will be putting his foot through the tv screen if he sees that flashing up on Sky Sports.

That goal that Watford scored, no way could you do that if ASM was involved. One touch passing? I think he'd rather chop his own leg off.

I think he's played deep so he doesn't have to run much. We've seen when he gets caught up the pitch he ends up fouling or pulling players down because he knows there's no way he's catching them. It was the same with Colback.

Great quote that like.