STM

It's my natural reaction to ignore a thread if I'm finding it's contents unpleasant, that's why I'm never in the Saudi human right thread. The fact that I couldn't find a post by me in 28 pages tells it's own story.

Hands up who thought (without looking) that Ugarte was black and likely from an african country?

I believe fitness is the answer we were all looking for. Under Steve Bruce our squad was chronically unfit, it took Howe two months to rectify that. Add in a few basic tactics, a couple of brilliant signings and we were good to go. A few on those mentioned the "eye test" being good. I.e, it looked as though they had improved, even if results hadn't. Well done those people.

This is my first post after page 560, admittedly 28 pages down the line. I think I can hold my head up high with this one.

I'm not sure we will win this one but I know by the time kick off erupts, I will be. The stadium plays a huge part. It swings the odds a % or 2 in our favour. Could be an absolute goal fest too.

fuck sake, this is embarrassing

It depends which article you read on Raphinhas wages. Some have it as 200k, others at 100k. Certainly not out of our budget, the latter.

Liverpool are nowhere near as good as us.

I understand why people get murdered now. Could stab this cunt in the face for a week and not reach the back of his head. The most delusional man in football.

Also remember the golden rule... selling side will always exaggerate the potential fee, buying side will play the fee down. If they reckon we are paying 60 odd million quid, I'd bet it would be more like 40m with a raft of performance based add ons.

The player I saw play for Leeds was performing as good as the likes of Saka, Sterling etc.... he was just playing for an absolutely bang average Leeds side, which meant he spent loads of time defending. He fits the profile we are looking for, entirely along the lines of what I mentioned the other day. PL experience Quality Can play in a pressing system Young and mouldable His price is probably top end of what we can do. He's 50/60m player but capable of jumping up to a 100m player, if it clicks for him. His wages look big but we are edging towards increasing our wage cap quite soon if we want to progress. Whether he's world class or not, depends entirely on your definition. He's certainly an elite player IMO. He'd be adored here, no doubt.

Chelsea have to play City, Man U and us, last 3 games.

Aye no bother Chelsea, just leave Odegaard free in the box.

Oh wey fuck that. Will have to go and play in Saudi then.

Watched him the other day he looked their fittest player. Besides... someone is defo going to call you a racist in about 5 seconds.

Has Kante signed a new contract yet? I'd love us to sign him. Give him a 2 year deal, put him on the same wages as Bruno. At least we know he's not a mercenary type. He'd bring valuable experience, could play in the 6 or the 8 position. Besides, everywhere he goes.... trophies follow. I'm presuming that he has somewhere lined up, big pay day somewhere.

If Fulham at Anfield is a write off, so is Leicester at home for us. That means we only really need 1 win.

We battered them.

Is it just me that feels that it's obvious ASM will be sold in the summer? I don't think there's any issue between Howe and ASM, I just think that the chemistry isn't correct. He's not a Howe "type". He's got fitness issues. He spends half his life in France (compare that to when Trippier broke his foot). He's had a number of minor infractions around the training ground (being late, where he parked his car etc). He openly criticised his teammates (Wood) to the press and while he was spot on, Howe won't like it. He apparently wants a new contract, which will force the issue. I think ASMs a joy to watch and I think Howe likes him, but given what I've written above, if we get anything like and acceptable offer for him, he's gone. I don't even see the debate.

Pressing is very much a teachable skill. Provided someone has the fitness and attitude, it's an easy thing to teach. What the likes of Bruno and Maddison do on the ball, is virtually impossible to teach.

Funny because I looked at Allardyces appointment as a blessing for us. This idea that him and Dyche are specialists at fighting relegation battles is nonsense. They are backs to the wall, long ball merchants. I'd like to see Leeds play direct against us. We will end up with 90% possession and about 300 shots.

It's also worth noting the Maddison can play in Almirons position too.

He's absolutely class. He's playing in a shite side who not only don't keep the ball but also spend way too much time defending. Its dead easy for good players to look average from time to time in shite sides. Give him a summer with Eddie and the boys, 60% possession most weeks and Bruno by his side and let's see what Madders can do. Isak and Wilson will get 20 each next year.

Wouldn't be shocked if we beat Arsenal and Leeds.

Love it when a game of football has loads riding on it.