STM

If West Ham are getting Paqueta, I wonder if they would consider letting Soucek go. There was rumours earlier in the window that he was available for a reasonable price.

Certainly sounds Moyesy but Villa are short on CBs. Would make sense if Dawson went the other way.

The amount of time he's limped off and I've sworn he's done his groin or hammy. He's fine man.

I'd wait until the deal is done before judging what the actually deal is. I have a feeling that either the fee will be more than 5m or it will be an obligation.

I understand people's frustrations but again, the pros and cons will have been weighed up. Hey, there's half a chance another keeper might come in. Plenty of scope for another loan.

ASM is regularly in cotton wool, I wouldn't worry.

I suspected in January there was something up between Howe/Dubravka/Newcastle because we were being linked with goalkeepers straight away, which was odd and then we went in for Pope/Henderson very quickly. Perhaps it wasn't personal, maybe Dubravka wanted a new contract and club said no, perhaps he had gotten wind of Man United early and they unsettled him, perhaps Howe doesn't trust his injury record. Whatever it is, the wheels have been in motion since January. Yes, going from Dubravka to Darlow is a slight loss in quality but we are talking a number 2 goalkeeper here, its something we can think about in January. I'm sure our scouts can find a talented young keeper we can develop.

To me he seemed more "do I have to do this", like he wanted it over, which I've got no issue with.

He's got that steely "I'm an arrogant cunt", vibe. Like he knows he's good. Strikers need a bit of that, Wilson has it, Shearer had it.

I'll be honest, Brighton was hard to judge, City they were all over us, so again hard to judge. I was at the Bilbao game and he hadn't made an impression on me but against Wolves he was unreal. Finally I got to see what all the fuss is about. It's got nothing to do with his defensive ability, which is very good, it's his passing and intelligence that mark him out as great player.

He's going to be fucking mint this lad.

Barkley will go to Everton.

Leicester aren't selling Maddison, they've just fleeced Chelsea for Fofana. We are more likely to break the bank for Harrison.

It's the only thing missing. Once he gets some air miles playing with Bruno he will be twice the player.

Aye fair cop. It was more of a suggestion of what Howe might do.

5 games in 2 weeks?

This is going to be a patched up, one off, hail Mary swing at a smash and grab. It's perfectly natural that Howe will have one eye on Palace and making sure he has a proper team available for a more winnable game. That's not to say he won't have a real go or have a plan, but he won't take any risks with injuries and nor should he. Isak might get an hour from the start or 30 minutes at the end but he will be kept for Palace. I can actually see a few changes: Pope Manquillo Schar Burn Targett Longstaff Willock Anderson Fraser ASM Wood Give Joelinton, Botman, Trippier, Bruno and Isak a clean bill of health.

The great part is that if we are making moves it better move quickly.

Mate, we signed Isak last week.

Sounds about right. CM for me but would be content with a good winger. I actually think we might spend again.

Yeah, give him a sub appearance at Anfield. Then keep him fresh for Palace.

We've also just signed an outstanding striker, which whatever way you look at it, is a game changer for us. Chris Wood is now 3rd choice. Get through Liverpool, get Wilson, Bruno and Isak involved and we are cooking on gas.

Only 2 started today, a game we drew, and both helped us finish 11th in the PL last season. We need strength in depth, sure.

Game week 4 update: 6 points from 4 games and we are bang on our target of 1.5 points per game. With the added advantage of playing Man City at home and getting an unexpected point, as well as 2 very good points against top 10 sides. Other sides: Brighton: 10/12 Unbelievable start. Villa: 3/12 Still suffering Gerrard tax Wolves: 2/12 Very pragmatic, Lage will be lucky to see out the season Leicester: 1/12 Way underperforming West Ham 3/12 Will start marching up the table you feel Man United 6/12 Another side that are on the march Palace 4/12 Had Arsenal, City and Liverpool in first 4 games, so are actually doing really well. Summary: Things changed this week, with West Ham and Man United starting to move. Leicester and Villa will do well to be top half sides at this rate. Brighton once again by and away the strongest starters. We are doing well, unbeaten, scored 6, conceded 4 with players injured. Probably slightly ahead of target due to fixtures but we have Liverpool next. Period after the Liverpool game will be key.

Which of our players are championship quality players?