STM

Reet lads, no more relegation-o-meter, it's top half for us this year. We needed somewhere to track our progress, talk about our rivals in the potential top half mini league etc. I've opened with a poll and I've added the options of 12th and 6th for the more fruitier posters. We've started off with 3 points where as our potential rivals have had varying success in the opening weekend; West Ham LOST (fair enough) Villa LOST (look shite) Brighton WON (look good again) Wolves LOST (could go either way) Palace LOST (tough start for them) Leicester DREW (could go either way) Obviously signings may change the outlook but I thought we needed somewhere were we can talk about where we are in the league and what our chances are of getting that coveted 7th place and a dabble in Europe.

Can we have a 7th-ometer?

I think City have weakened themselves. Certainly have worse depth. In; Alvarez, Haaland and Phillips Out; Fernandinho, Sterling, Zinchecko and Gabriel Jesus.

I know its early be West Ham are our rivals this year, I hope, so anything that derails them is good.

City are such shite to watch. West Ham aren't great to watch either.

Brighton the better side.

I'm watching this game in the confident knowledge that Eddie is also watching this game. Let's see how Brighton do.

I didn't want to bring this up but I'm convinced that in 12 months time Madrid will come in for him and will offer like 100m. I just want people mentally prepared for it.

How many of our supposed targets moved on to other clubs? I really fucking hope Ashworth and Co have something up their sleeves. I want to end the window saying, "oh... that's why we didn't sign Cornet".

I don't know how many times one of the nicked the ball and immediately fed the other. It was telepathic at times. They seem to know where each other are all the time.

I was worried he would get over coached into passing. I don't want to lose that gung ho dribbling too much. It's all about picking the right moments. He had Williams on toast.

The most damning thing I can say about Gerrard, is that I think Lampard is a better manager. At least Lampard had the balls to swallow his pride and play more conservative at Everton. At least Lampard has had a galvanising effect on their club. Gerrard has been given the keys to the bank and still can't get a tune out of them. I knew something was wrong when I saw that stupid narrow formation he employs. Didn't he leave Buendia on the bench yesterday? Get a bid in Eddie.

Felt like longer. I know we went on a long run and he wasn't in the team at the start of it.

Just a flag like Brunos but in orange with Botman on it would look mint. "Dutch Master".

I always rated him here tbh. You have to give him service though. There little point tippy tapping around. He's clearly matured alot though. He's refined his skill and knows his craft well.

The whole captaincy issue, shows exactly the difference between Howe and Gerrard. Howe stuck by Lascelles for squad harmony. Gerrard decided to make an example of Mings. How many players in Gerrards squad have now lost respect for him? It's not about whether you rate the player or not, it's about understanding squad culture.

He still might not mind.

I don't know if it was @Flipbut I said in January that Joelinton would make the Brazil squad and got laughed at. Have we any other Brazilians on here?

Watch against Brighton. Wilson will get proper chances because Brighton will try and play, which will leave gaps. It's always harder when a team floods their box with defenders.

He uses his arse beautifully. It's like having a brick wall between you and the ball. They try and go around then he just goes the other way. He's lush.

Surely he has to be making a Brazil squad? If Fred and Douglas Luiz can then surely Joelinton can? I honestly think given the talent they have, a Joelinton would be perfect foil for them.

BTW, we should probably take a serious look at his brother. Got two years left on his contract at QPR. Scored a worldie today. Would be a good one for the future.

Aww man, that's lush. I think Wor Flags need an orange flag for Sven. I'll tag @Heronin this, you never know what might happen.

22 man. That's actually quite something. He's already very good. Another 4 years under Howe? He could be an excellent player for us. I hope he grows at the same rate as the club.

Abraham offers more but I doubt he's a better finisher than Wilson. Wilsons instinct is A1. I do love Tammy though.