alexf

They have a few decent players. Cunha for example is the antithesis to our defenders with his running power. But if we don't over commit and control the midfield we "should" have far too much for them overall.

Always felt in these sort of cup games against lower league opposition he looks really poor, in a sense that it looks like his level. But then surround him with good players and against better opposition and he looks serviceable. In contrast, you put on people like Gordon, Bruno and Hall and you could see they were levels above the opponent.

Nowadays? When have they not? always been like that in my lifetime anyways.

To be fair I think he's wanted out for awhile but got persuaded to stay last season. Plus think he flirted with retirement from england also and got convinced to stay on there aswell. But certainly seems to have fallen off a cliff this year. Never rated him as a defender really anyway, from a reading the game perspective. He just had cheat code pace to get himself out of trouble but always been an average player if you get what I mean.

Yeah don't do it to yourself. He's not been able to put a consistent run together since 22/23. Also since then his levels have dropped quite noticeably when he did play and Isak's have gone up. So I'd say probably Villa have the best 2 now for strength in depth. But irrelevant really because by the time Wilson got chance to put any form and sharpness down he'll be injured again unfortunately.

I think Schar is still automatic RCB. But I think Botman has proven he can cover on that side when needed. But I think Botman will go back to being phased back in now and be a rotation option. If Burn wasn't playing so well then he'd be straight back in as starting LCB I'd have thought. Nice to have options again finally.

Was it Darlow he replaced? Remember that game and it being night and day in terms of quality. He caught everything and communicated with the back 4 etc. was a great signing at the time.

They got Kai Havertz as 130, Hoijlund as 111 and Martinelli, Nunez and Garnacho all above him. Plus it's in euros so they actually value Isak at £80m. Yeah. Next.

Reverse fixture is gonna be tasty. Seems to be a brewing rivalry especially as we've beaten them 3 in a row now. Could be very important 6 pointer for Europe qualification also.

Hasn't he not long returned from a broken leg? Poor guy. Wonder if it's the same leg, perhaps there is a weakness in there. Remember was it Dybril Cissé who broke his leg like 3 times in his career or something?

Tell you what with Dyche. He's from the Steve Bruce school of negativity. Yes he probably just about keeps them up as he has done last few years....but...it's easy for him and same with Bruce with us when they were here to pull the whole "deal the hand your dealt" and woe is me mentality to the media etc and that there is no alternative to negative, survival football. But there is. Yes there is an element of risk to it, but look at the tune Howe has managed to get out of so many of the Bruce legacy players. Yes we signed players and kicked on to be a champions league challenging team. But I have no doubt that even without big investment, However would have had that Bruce squad comfortably mid table.

First thing I thought, Botman was good but think Burn was the standout performer in our backline.

Not a bad shout.

Was probably more the player pushing for the move then if he was perhaps on for a good final contract. However I don't see the harm in him hanging on then for end of season when he can still go but likely get a signing on fee aswell.

To be expected, he can have little complaints as they have been so anti football. However unless they have someone coming in, might be abit of a risk. As shit as he is, they were probably never going down under him.

This guy loves himself way too much.

Yeah he's clearly fucked up and trying to cover arse but doing it badly as none of that makes any sense in relation to what he was saying. Because our goal was given on the pitch so nothing he said there relates to that incident.

There's a difference between fans of clubs feeling hard done by and the manager going on every media interview and suggesting corruption by match officials. The explanation is clear as is the rule. You can disagree with the rule and feel unlucky you didn't get a decision but it doesn't make the officials any less correct in the enforcement of those rules. To then act all clued up about the rules and know all the ins and outs when a decision goes your way in the very next game is hilarious and makes you look a twat.

perfect

So if we are following the Sven Botman storyline, Pope is gonna return and then his unknown knee injury that has kept him out recently is gonna explode. Leaving us with Vlach and Ruddy for remainder of the season

Not underestimating the job still to do in the 2nd leg. But I totally get the thoughts regards Liverpool or Spurs as opponents. What I would say is this set of players have beaten spurs 3 out of the last 4 times. That has to inject belief and confidence and help improve our chances on the day. Whereas on the flip side, this Howe team have never beaten Liverpool, although we're inching closer each time. Would be interesting but if we both reach the final, do we play Liverpool again in the league before it? Not sure if that would be good or bad.

Would cost more than we can afford right now. His stock is high.

They will be looking to kill the tie tonight. I can't see a spurs win but you never know I suppose.

Didn't mention the impact Tonali has made. Which is the key to allowing us to press higher again.

It was the "that would be my wish" at the end after being asked if he could stay and get a new contract that concerned me. Just no need to say that or put that out there if you know he's leaving. All that is gonna do is let everyone know that Mitchell has sanctioned a sale against Howe's wishes. We don't need any of that bullshit again. They need to keep any disagreements behind closed doors.