Hughesy

Such a great kit.

Interesting analysis of him here - https://statsbomb.com/2017/07/identifying-ligue-1s-next-big-breakout-talents-4-alassane-plea/

I do like Ritchie a lot, but the prospect of having Kenedy and Townsend on the wings would frighten a lot of defences. A lot of pace and trickery, whereas Ritchie just doesn't have that yard of pace to actually beat his man.

What a goal.

How good is Berisha? Remember reading articles about him being a promising youngster ages ago, but he's obviously not made a big move yet.

Was that someone's opinion or actual research. Actual research. Wasn’t the article I read but just saw something by freakonomics on momentum that referenced research - http://freakonomics.com/2011/11/20/football-freakonomics-is-momentum-a-myth-2/

I’m sure I read an article a while ago basically arguing that ‘momentum’ in respect of sporting mentality is a nonsense. In any event, would beating a weakened Belgium with a full strength team really make any difference? Some amazing amateur psychologists knocking around on twitter though.

Seems to be a lot of hints from the Chronicle that there's some release fee clause in Merino's contract - although they seemed very vague about what amount it was. Find it hard to believe it was as low as €15m though.

Should be getting far more than €15m for Merino. That's ridiculously low for the potential he has.

They absolutely blitzed the championship, and Boly, Neves, Jota, Costa, Coady, Douglas are all PL quality. Add to that they have tons of cash and good connections I have no idea why you'd predict that I think people are massively overestimating Wolves to be honest. There seems to be loads of talk of them finishing top half - genuinely don't see that happening.

If we are playing one upfront, they probably need to be pretty versatile to be honest and be able to hold the ball up as well. I imagine that's why Rafa was so keen on Abraham as he combined strength and pace.

For the first time ever, I'm genuinely considering cancelling my Sky subscription. I never thought I would, but it's just getting harder and harder to justify the cost and I know loads of people in the same boat. Convinced this tv bubble will burst in the not too distant future.

I mean... it's probably a penalty to Real for the shove by van Dijk.

Seems quite cheap - he seemed to have a half decent record from memory?

Totally agree.

I think his run of form has just come a bit too late unfortunately. And despite his recent improvement, people aren't going to forget his disciplinary record because he's behaved for 5 months. Personally I would take him as he offers something no-one in the England squad does, but I'm not surprised he's unlikely to make it. As for why people want in the squad - 1) allows me to be more interested in the England team (I've never been more interested than when we have some representation in it) and 2) allows players to see that they can get international recognition while playing for us.

Based purely on stats and what I've read on him, I reckon Gerard Moreno would be a realistic target for us as a striker. 15 goals in 36 matches for Espanyol this season and 13 in 37 matches last season.

It's not always about how good a player is it's also about how they fit the way the team plays and how they effect the culture of the club. Mbemba and Mitro are prime examples of that. Shaqiri fails on both aspects for me, he doesn't work hard enough out of possession for Rafa and he has an awful attitude, I wouldn't want him a million miles from the club, he's a dick. Not sure his attitude is that bad to be honest - not sure there is a huge amount of evidence to suggest he's as disruptive or as lazy as you are making out. He's managed to score 8 goals and 6 assists in a relegated team - that's exceptional.

Not sure how or why we could turn our nose up at Shaqiri - he's a quality player. And he's only 26.

The idea that you shouldn't buy a player from a relegated team seems slightly bizarre. Clearly you can get good performers in a team that is relegated that will improve your squad.

Get the sentiment behind it, but can't say I agree. Yeah, beating Rotherham et al is fine, but so many matches during the last two Championship seasons felt so... empty and devoid of meaning? I hated Saturday evenings when MOTD was on and we weren't on it. Last season was only bearable to me because we had Rafa. To be honest, I think it's the hope that we could be in the top 6 again (however delusional) is what keeps me going and thinking we could win something. I can't see the enjoyment of being some perennial yoyo club. Plus as someone said - the football just isn't that good below the PL. I want to see us play against the best and beat them, not beat teams full of Clint Hills and the like.

Shaqiri at £12-14m should be a no brainer.

Can't find the exact stats I'm looking for, but from the stuff I have seen on xG, a top quality striker would make a massive difference to our team. Not a huge problem with our attacking play save that we don't score enough. Even in a dreadful performance against WBA, we still created enough to win relatively comfortably.

Would have been pissed off if Jagielka had scored that chance - surely that was a foul on Dummett. Keane was climbing all over him.

No idea how Keane is in the England squad ahead of Lascelles. He's shit.