Shak

Have always felt that away fans should be directly behind the goal at one end of the pitch at all grounds. Be so much better for atmosphere in the sport in general.

I do wonder if Howe will be tempted to change towards more of a 4-4-2 given our lack of options in CM and the fact that Isak and Wilson starting together seems like something that would really benefit us. Gordon and Almiron on the wings, Joelinton and Longstaff in CM. Think that could be super solid defensively with Longstaff and Joelinton while that front four could do some damage.

Think Targett will get a chance as soon as he's fit enough to start. We know Howe doesn't like changing a winning team and we were just rattling off wins with Burn at LB so can't fault him for not changing. We've stagnated a bit going forward and having Burn at LB doesn't help. Think it'll be a nice way to freshen up. Think Burn is going to be a very solid squad player for several years to come. Backup for Botman at LCB who can play at LB in an emergency while being one of the squad's homegrown players. Seems a great dressing room guy too.

Too many draws, gonna have to figure it out soon if we want to keep ourselves in the top four. Gordon looked great, on the plus side. Really hope Targett is back soon, Burn stands out like a sore thumb trying to get forward at LB.

Gordon is brilliant Wilson looks wrecked.

Harrowing watching our 3 CMs attempt the passes that usually we ask Bruno to.

He just doesn't fit in our team, sadly. Really think he's trying but it's just a terrible fit.

Diving in the VAR era

Having a big lumbering CB at left back really isn't helping us.

Paqueta should drop that celebration, he's not got the athleticism for it

Aye been coming, we've been shite.

We've really let them back into this.

Will be really, really disappointed if Murphy starts ahead of ASM. Feels like ASM has been really putting the work in. Doesn't come natural to him and I think he's on borrowed time here but I just don't buy for a second that Jacob Murphy is a better option?

Much as I'd hate to disrupt such a ridiculously solid back four, I do think he could add something significant to us in terms of having a left back that can provide something of substance going forward. Given how solid he is defensively I could easily see him playing the way Burn does on left of a back three when we have the ball but giving us the option to change it up from time to time.

Goes to penalties, into sudden death. Pope saves one then steps up and scores the best panenka of all time. Like it's so fucking slow that De Gea dives and has time to get back up and try to dive back into the middle but it just about beats him. It's so good that from then on an absolutely top class panenka is referred to as Popenenka.

Hangover this morning is making me think maybe I should take the Monday after the final off work

Aye ASM in for Bruno seems the obvious move and I'll be shocked if it's anything else. Think Isak for Wilson was on the cards but if he's got a concussion he'll be out obviously.

Worked out

Christ I'm gonna be an absolute mess for the final, honestly a bit worried about it.

In the pub with a couple of friends, getting emotional as fuck here Tell me Ma, me Ma.

If this were a league game I'd be really annoyed with that line-up. Going in with a 1-0 lead it was absolutely the right team though.

What sort of stupid cunt spells it 'Schak' FFS. Hope we get beaten.

One positive is that after tonight we currently only have two more midweek games this season scheduled. So I don't think we'll need to rotate the team that much. Everton away on Tuesday April 25th. West Ham away not set yet. Obviously if we make the final of the cup the Brighton game will have to be moved too but that's about it. Fifth round of FA Cup will be played midweek, won't affect us. Weekend of sixth round we play Forrest, who are out already. Only other potential move is the weekend of the semi final we are scheduled to play Spurs. If they're still in the cup that game will be moved but it's the weekend of April 22nd so even if that does get moved it means a break before the aforementioned Everton away game. Anyway, the point is that we'll have a full week break before the majority of our games for the rest of the season. 12 of our last 18 Premier League games even if we make the final. Should be able to make a good fist of it. The issue if course is injuries. If we get a couple of long term injuries in CM it'll be very tough.