ExiledGeordie

I think the thing which hurt Isak v Bournemouth was there was bugger all movement elsewhere that day. The way we’re playing currently with Bruno, Miggy etc and then stick Maxi wide left there’ll be much slicker movement that Isak should get more space even playing centrally (if needed). Agreed getting a striker to play second fiddle to Wilson difficult and more likely in summer.

Will start v Palace I reckon.

I think they’ll go for a winger to add goals, attacking 3 options and depth off the bench to change games with various names mentioned. Maddison could well happen as we were clearly interested in the summer but that might be more protracted in Jan and depends how much we can get him for. We could also see areas like RB covered with the loan market maybe. Striker is an interesting one because while Isak can no doubt fill in for Wilson he’s a very different type of player. I think we’ll look to bring in a young striker more in the traditional centre forward mould and if someone became available in Jan don’t rule that out (but more likely next summer). Someone who can deputise for and learn from Wilson moving forwards.

I reckon that’s pretty much what will happened. Get 25-30 mins Sunday, start the cup game and get 60 mins then start Chelsea. A fit Maxi v Chelsea would make all the difference.

That was a terrible miss

I’ve always thought this. Miggy is on fire, Bruno absolutely dictates close marking and if you add ASM on the other side that’s serious issues for a defence in terms of marking. You can’t be doubling up on individuals.

It’s total nonsense mate ?? It’s amusing if anything

They’re very inconsistent, sometimes they’re awful, sometimes they turn it on. Given we’re rock solid at the back, Wilson//Miggy are bang in form and we’ll have a fitter ASM off the bench 2nd half I fancy us down there.

Im actually pretty confident of overpowering Chelsea at home. Their defence isn’t at it this season and the atmosphere at St James will be ludicrous. We’ll hopefully have a fully fit Saint by then too ?

I still think he’ll ease ASM back in then start him in the Cup match.

He scored in the champions league recently (Miggy type goal) but Leverkusen lost 2-0 yesterday though and are still in 16th. Hes scored twice this season and 3 assists

Can see same team but Murphy coming in for Joelinton and a midfield of Bruno, Willock and Longstaff. ASM will get 20-30 mins and can see Shelvey getting more time too.

Maddison would really add that extra attacking edge too particularly against teams sitting in against us at home.

I think it depends on if they feel they have enough in the squad to push on and how much they decide to go for it given our 4th place currently. If there’s a deal to be had I think they’ll sign someone but it’ll be real quality over quantity.

That would be outrageous really and make a real statement. Imagine the options going forwards.

I think you’re right to a point as Wilson has shown how easily he picks up knocks. To keep him healthy I think you’ll see Isak eased into greater minutes through the middle particularly away from home as I’ve said. Very exciting to see what Isak can do and I’m sure he’ll learn loads from Wilson to improve his game.

Depends on Maxi’s fitness but assuming no injuries he’ll be coming on for either Miggy, ASM or Wilson as an attacking option off the bench to start with which probably suits him. I think with away games he might see more minutes with Wilson’s minutes being managed to avoid injury and given his style probably suits the counter attack more away from home. Moving forwards he’ll be pressing for a start either left or right vs Miggy and ASM which keeps them on their toes to play well.

Now that we have Miggy who at present is a legitimate goal threat on the right wing and someone who needs serious marking I can’t wait to see a fit Maxi (or Isak) on the other side. That’ll be an absolute nightmare for defences to manage.

Trossard, Maddison and a right back understudy (but able to start) to Trippier would be ideal. Either way I’m happy in the knowledge that whoever they sign will be carefully thought out and fit the bill.

Another fine example of just how shite Bruce was. Unbelievably shite

You’d have to say so. We’re rock solid at the back, powerful in midfield and have the potential to be even better in attack with combinations using Wilson/ASM/Isak/Miggy. With some key acquisitions in Jan we’ll get even better too.

I thought he came into it more in the second half but by his standards was pretty poor which says a lot given the result.

Adding those types of goals yesterday is what we all want to see, it’s the one area of his game he probably needs to improve on moving forwards. But the guy must just be so hard to play against, he’s everywhere and so powerful ? Immense.

Some of the passes he hits out of defence are outrageous, a mix do perfectly weighted floaters and raking driving passes

If Manquillo goes in Jan it’ll be because we’ve lined up a replacement. I wouldn’t be surprised if we go for another attacking option either to offer more goals/depth from the wing and/or an attacking midfield option to open up defences at home given more teams are going to come and sit in a la Bournemouth. Trossard seems like a logical option to boost the squad depth on the wings. It’ll be interesting to see what they decide to do given our position because I think they’ll all acknowledge we’re further ahead than where they thought we’d probably be. You get the impression they might well opt to strengthen from a positive position which is the complete opposite to the previous regime.