STM

I just don't see the debate with Wood. We signed exactly what we all knew we had signed, a bottom half PL striker who will put himself about physically. He was never a long term choice and if we stay up he will have done his job. The 25m fee is neither here nor there if we stay up. One thing that has surprised me is his pressing, he actually presses defenders at a higher tempo that I thought he could. He's also smart in how he presses, blocking passing routes and generally making life difficult for sides to play out from the back. The idea of playing Gayle or ASM up front for the last 10 games doesn't bare thinking about. The transfer was desperate, but it worked.

He doesn't work hard off the ball, he clearly dislikes that side of the game, he also takes the huff on the pitch, which is annoying. Those are my only two criticisms of him. He's still one of our best players, he still has a big future for us but he's not immune from criticism. I got called arrogant for suggesting that we might outgrow him the other day. My point was that if we have ambitions to challenge for league titles, we can't have ANYONE who doesn't work for the team. ASM wouldn't get a game for any of the current top four or Spurs because none of their managers would accept him only giving 90% when tracking back or pressing ball. He wants to be a ballon d'or winner, well he needs to have the correct attitude of one on the pitch. I love watching him play and he has the ability to do whatever he wants.

So we should stick with Murphy or Almiron? Or are you one of these people that thinks we will buy 10 new players, all of which will be class and cost a fair bit of money? You can't build a good side overnight. Every now and then you need pragmatic signings.

If we can't find a "star" striker from abroad, which I think is going to be our hardest task in the summer, I would be happy to see us go for Toney. Toney always looks an absolute nightmare to play against and has done really well goals wise in his first PL season. Edit: Hadn't realised he was 26, thought he was 24. He's still scored 11 in 24, which pretty decent going. Reckon he would get a few more with Trippiers crosses.

I really like this 433 and hope Eddie sticks with it. We just need better players. I suspect he will move to 4231 but for this to happen signing a quality CM to play alongside Bruno will be vital and a quality number 10 to create chances.

This guy can't keep his gob shut.

Yeah the idea of a "10" has changed. I always knew a 10 as Bergkamp/Gudjohnsen/Rooney type. A striker but a one who often played with his back to goal or saw their game as creative. At some point it changed to a midfielder who plays in an advanced creative player.

Fraser, ASM, Lingard and a potential signing like Raphinha from Leeds would make us look strong on the wings.

It annoys me far too much that people would turn their noses up at Lingard. I don't think anyone is suggesting that Lingard is going to fire us to the PL title but having extra quality in the squad might prevent us from having to look at Almiron or Murphy from the bench. OK, if we were having to pay a big fee we could probably look elsewhere for value for money but adding this guy for peanuts would be a no brainer for me. He's also incredibly versatile, he could play right, left or centre comfortably.

If someone is willing to offer us anything above 12m, we should cash in. Otherwise, he will be a reliable 3rd choice behind Wilson and someone new.

Viana was twice the player of Jermaine Jenas for example. He was a digital player in an analogue era. It was noticeable how he quickly resurrected his career in Portugal. He really should have moved to Spain, rather than England.

Reckon it will be more like 90, not including Targett, but bare in mind I expect we might get at least one free signing. If we get Lingard, that gives us more finance to spend on fewer players. We don't want to be held over a barrel for previous targets like Botman or Carlos.

I also want him here next season but I can see a scenario where we might out grow him.

Just checking but is it OK to be critical of ASM yet? I think he's a really good player, he just needs to work on certain aspects of his game. It's unfair for someone to label this as "turning on him".

Perhaps but I'd argue that Fraser has taken his place on the left.

It's becoming more and more apparent that ASM is unlikely to have a long term future at NUFC or indeed the career he wants if he can't play for the team. That means working for the team, playing passes at the right time and not sulking when things don't go his way. We aren't good enough to lose him yet but the situation will be different in 12 months time.

Plays for himself.

The fact we are disappointed we aren't winning in an away game in the PL, having been the better side, is light years from where we have been. Needs to be us that remains mature and allows Everton to tire themselves out. They will he drained this half. Krafth and Miggy are our weaknesses but we already new that. Bruno has looked class. Need Willock involved more.

Pretty relaxed about the situation. We are destined for good things, where as Everton aren't. If Everton win tonight, its because they were galvanised by their situation and the crowd.

Would love to dick these.

Might get Joelinton, Joe Willock and Bruno.

Big Jowwww

Dubravka Krafth Schar Burn Targett Longstaff Bruno Murphy Willock Fraser Wood Is what I reckon it will be.

They will be well up for it. First half hour is crucial to get their fans on their backs.