KaKa

This is huge. Could do with some of his 'clever' play late on to see out the game.

That's a heck of a wrinkle to throw at them. Going with the change in formation. I like it provided Isak looks to drop into space to help the midfield two out in our build up.

Flying?! Can we just see him run first please.

Hopefully

That would be amazing, but wouldn't be surprised if we come out a bit shaky, and looking a bit uncertain on how much to commit going forward.

What is the approach to this game likely to be. More defensive from the outset? Or same approach as the first game? Hope it's the latter.

It was and still is very simple to understand. If Howe cannot adjust to the different approach to recruitment going forward it is a complete waste of time for everyone. That was my main issue, which appears to have been resolved. It really isn't rocket science.

Yes, I know exactly what you said. That's why I repeated it back verbatim in my post.

Oh ... so you've not seen much of Adeyemi. So why are you yapping?! I don't really trust any of what you have to say regarding players man. You just jump on whoever is getting hyped at the time or any player from a top club. So so basic man.

Your 'baller test' is basic and weak. You never rate anyone until you see them producing a high number of goals and assists. It's so simplistic. I remember when we signed Gordon you referred to it as a Bournemouth signing by Howe in a way to disparage him, and you were completely against it. There's certain types of players that are very obviously Premier League suited, especially with the style we play. If the likes of Gordon, Mbeumo, Madueke, Semenyo, Elanga, Wissa, N'Diaye etc can be such a threat in this league, I find it laughable that Adeyemi is dismissed. Hopefully he comes into the league next year into a dynamic high tempo team like Newcastle or Villa and you're made to look clueless again.

Would have been labelled a 'shit' signing of other clubs castoffs if we signed him when Bournemouth did. Would have been the same if we had signed Cunha from Atletico when Wolves did. They would have both been judged by their relatively ordinary performances at their previous clubs, and deemed to be 'not good enough'. We need to do a better job of recognising players like these with untapped potential, who could better thrive in the style of play in the Premier League.

Not going to see a bunch of high pressing and high lines that leave your defenders in far more vulnerable positions. Like you said too teams don't play at a high pace or tempo and as direct. Teams are more compact and the defenders get a lot more protection. Not surprising that defenders coming from the Premier League would find it easier.

Well they're not Newcastle and they are going about it the way they see fit. I also doubt any of us have enough information to know whether they are gambling or not.

Didn't sound like he was 'unwanted' by the manager. If anything he was the one pushing to leave. With all the information you can gather on players nowadays, I'm pretty sure they'll have good reason for targeting him. A number of decent teams were interested in the summer. He came here largely because of his previous relationship with Howe. Was clearly expecting a bigger role, but it didn't work out that way, and so he's moved on.

What?! Because it's January and they are players the manager wants to bring in?

It's a relatively affordable mid season pickup to help deal with a number of injuries at the position. It's not like their viewing him as some marquee signing.

Yeah it's all part of managing their money better.

Your lack of comprehension is actually astonishing

The manager himself has come out and said he isn't keen on loans and the conditions would have to be ideal, as well as it needing to be a player we want long term. But still the continuous whining and complaints.

Villa have managed their money better than us the last four years. Their manager is also more open to bringing in temporary loans. It's really quite simple.

You just know all this gloating is going to backfire spectacularly Fully expect him to head in the winner in the Champions League final.

I'm sure that makes perfect sense to you. Good luck.

By the end of the season they'll likely be mocking those same opinions.

Here's hoping. Anything so we don't have to have people keep asking why we can't spend the Guehi money, or why we can't do loans.

Get in West Ham!!!