STM

I think it's unclear. One thing is for certain, Dan Ashworth will know.

This is why someone like Maddison would be important. If Bruno gets injured, at least we have some craft from midfield. Shelvey is an able deputy in the "6" position and while not being as good, it's the same for all good players and good sides. Liverpool would struggle without Van Dijk, City without De Bruyne, Spurs without Kane. Etc. We can't live in too much fear that good players will get injured. Trippier is mainly a risk because Krafth is also injured, who again is an able deputy, when available. The issue is when you have Bruno AND Trippier AND Wilson, for example but again it's the same for everyone. You have to try and have the best squad you can and hope for a bit of luck. From a transfer perspective, I like the idea of Maddison because he could play where Miggy is or where Longstaff is. He's an elite player who can play in a couple positions, which is rare.

We have a 7th o meter. Baby steps mate.

You just look like a side in the early stages of a new manager. Playing better but plenty still to do. There was a team spirit at the end of the game today that was new. Passion and fight. That said, you don't want to be backs to the wall to often.

I think he's twice the player he was under Bruce. He's just not getting the goals. He's being asked to do a helluva lot more donkey work than Bruce did, that means a hard press. I thought prior to the villa game that he had been one of our best players. I think it's clear he is right in the middle of a formative stage in his career. He will either bounce through this and become a real top midfielder or he will lose focus and be another average midfielder at someone like Palace or Everton.

Ten Hag is a cracking manager. Talks so much sense.

Because the word Ham derives from the word Hamm, which means a space of marshland or wetland, I think. West Ham was presumably built to the West of this area.

It's Southampton mate, even if they all start on you, you be fine. In all seriousness, just keep yourself to yourself. You will be fine.

He's well gone. He just struts around the pitch looking for photo opportunities.

West Ham holding their own.

I don't think it will be easy but I suspect they will be more vulnerable than our last 4 opponents. They will look to start strong. We need to stop that and get control of the game. If we do that, we should come away with at least a point.

Not sure how that was a foul, let alone a yellow card for MGW.

Draws, cards and injuries please.

Gets me every time.

Did you see Amanda blatantly breaking protocol by leaning over to Gareth and joking about him taking Wilson when he scored?

Thank god I have dodgy.

At this stage, I'd say it's pretty easy to rule our which players we aren't interested in. Playing for a top European side already Likely on wages higher than 100k Likely to cost more than 50m Aged over 29/30 It was different last January, when we needed experienced players. We will be in the market for young, hungry players who are ready take a step up from a Levekusen, Lyon or a Lille.

That's Edwards.

Worth noting that we are 10 points above West Ham, who are one of the only squads, I believe, which are capable of competing for 7th. I know right now we are in 4th but for the purposes of sanity, I won't get ahead of myself.

Caulkin is alright man. He got himself way to involved in the takeover hype and it cost himself some street cred, but ultimately you can trust him to analyse what's going on at the club to a high standard.

We have a separate part of the forum for tickets mate but pretty sure Palace tickets are still on sale. Sorry: Palace tickets sold out

Anything special or exciting? Full stadium for Chelsea?

Was thinking about an idea of a flag that covered the tunnel, so it looked as though the players were walking out of the mouth of a lion or a magpie would be more appropriate. Would have great visuals on camera.

Did the idea of a 3D flag ever get off the ground? BTW yous do a cracking job, so don't get annoyed when we badger you about ideas.

Yorkie he's right to build a club mentality but could have built it with Englands best players, instead of his mates. He's got 2 years between tournaments.