STM

Also, we just need to be in the mix come February. Chances are that our CL campaign won't last that long.

Completely agree with this. If we finish above Spurs we will be in CL IMO. Is 5th CL this year? I expect a fight back from Man Utd, probably post Xmas and possibly post Ten Hag. Right now: City Liverpool Arsenal Spurs/Newcastle Spurs/Newcastle Villa Brighton Then stick Man Utd in that mix once they have sorted themselves.

Yeah this "lacks end product" is bollocks when referring to his early years at the club. He was playing under one manager who was pragmatic in his approach and another who was a fucking idiot. For much of the time he was defending his own box. Ever since Howes come in, his end product has improved markedly. That said, he's not a world beater but his insane workrate makes him perfect for our system. I see absolutely no reason why he won't reach double figures this year, he's already got 2 and its not even October.

You need to be tearing up the Dutch league before you are capable in the PL like. He looks skillfull mind Howe would certainly improve him.

Can see Murphy and Tonali coming in.

His speed is getting better and better. That close down when he gave the ball straight away was mint.

Credit needs given to Schar for shuffling across too.

Ratings: Pope 7 Class stop first half. Trippier 9 Class again Lascelles 7 Schar 7 Burn 6 Harsh maybe but was rinsed first half Longstaff 8 Bruno 9 Lush to see him purring again Anderson 7.5 Unlucky not to bag Miggy 8 Isak 6 Poor aside the goal Gordon 8

Bruno MOM for me.

Fair enough, you didn't specifically say at LB.

Better team, possibly look vulnerable to pace in behind but I'd say we will probably get better in second half.

Let's also be clear, one of their 2 chances was because Burn slipped on his arse. It was just misfortune.

Trippier and Bruno class. Miggy very good. Anderson is growing in front of our eyes. Need Gordon and Isak into this game.

I hate saying this for the umpteenth time but Targett is in front of Hall for LB. Also Hall didn't look anywhere near ready.

Aye a worked it out.

Who's the geordie commentator?

Not so worried about this game. Its the PSG game which we will suffer.

Botman and Bruno are the two players we don't want to lose for any stretch.

Lascelles in apparently

That joel bland reliable?

If we played Brighton now it would be different game. If Villa played us now they'd be a tougher nut to crack too. That's what form is all about. For me Villa look a much tougher side than Brighton and much less likely to be inconsistent.

I'd argue that Burnley is the perfect side for us to play against. They play open.

It's too soon to mention timber. Too soon.

Then PSG Back four + Bruno Longstaff Joelinton Miggy Gordon Wilson

I'm fairly convinced that Joelinton won't start this.... Howe will be desperate for him to play against PSG (there's a sentence I never thought I'd say). I think a fit Joelinton would have made the world of difference in Milan. For that reason, I also think that Tonali may start and Longstaff starts against PSG but that's a tough call. So in theory... Pope Trippier Schar Botman Burn Bruno Tonali Anderson Miggy Gordon Isak