ExiledGeordie

We have the defence and power in our side including midfield to knock them over. Everyone will have to be on their game though. The key selection I think will be the front 3 and what he goes for. I’d be tempted by an Isak, Wilson, Miggy or Willock, Isak, Miggy if Wilson still bang out of form but then I’m not manager ? I think Isak if he plays really could be the one who swings it for us though.

I think we’ll sign 3-4 potential starters for the team and probably a couple solid squad players.

Interesting discussion on Burn. As good as he’s been I think we need a really high quality left back who can attack. It will take our attack to the next level and particularly help against the low block set ups at home. Burn will still get plenty of game time at centre half and on occasion play left back. Target and a new LB will be the main LBs. I definitely think Maddison is a target, Neves would be immense though. Imagine getting both ?

Edison Alvarez at Ajax is class

West Ham will come and keep it tight and try and hit us on the break with Bowen. So it’ll be whether we can break down a low block which we’ve not been great at previously. ASM could be key here but as mentioned above not sure whether Howe will select him. I hope he goes for ASM over Murphy though christ. Isak is ideal for this match but likely missing which is frustrating. Could do with Wilson finding his finishing form again. I think if we score early West Ham might struggle but it’ll probably be a right game imo.

Summer: New LB Number 6 New young right sided CB Maddison Young striker

Bring him back for Bournemouth

I think they’re missing Zouma due to injury

If it was for concussion he definitely misses West Ham. I’m assuming it was confirmed as that?

Id imagine he’ll be missing for 7 days unfortunately. Could’ve done with him for sat because Wilson looks completely out of sorts not just with goals but his all round play - yard short of pace, poor touch at times. Clearly going through a tough patch but you just hope with training the form and fitness will come back.

Chuffed for him, great to see

Immense player but showing signs of getting too emotional at times and probably just needed to calm down a bit yesterday. He was snapping away in challenges that you felt one was coming. I don’t think he went out to hurt anyone but it was dangerous so you’re always treading a fine line. I can’t wait when he moves further forward when we bring in a full number 6. On a side note, yes it’s frustrating he’s missing for 3 games but he’s back for the final and we need to learn how to play without him at times.

The likelihood is that they know exactly who they want (1 or two top targets) as the new number 6 but probably can’t get them until summer as 6s are hot property currently and clubs unwilling to sell in January. I still think Gallagher would do very well here and would be a great addition to the midfield just not the 6 we need. If Martinez signs you wonder how much opportunity he’ll get moving forwards even though they’re slightly different players. I guess it’s whether Gallagher wants to join if he’s told by Chelsea he can leave and whether he’s one of Howes top targets. I guess we also may see a loan to buy option from the continent but it’s cutting things close now. The spoilt brat nufc fans on Twitter is ridiculous at the moment “I want Maddison blah blah”, I want this that “the windows been a disgrace”. Christ some have short memories where we’ve come from.

Yeah I think Leicester are far too good to go down.

Manquillo will definitely go I’d say not sure about Krafth

Imagine him scoring vs Pool in a few weeks ?

Decent write up on him in Athletic today talking about his skill set and potential (fast, strong, good on the ball). Seems like a great understudy to Trippier with Kraft still to come back too.

I think he’s been great under Howe if a little injury prone as always. Plenty players lacked consistency, the right attitude under the various clusterfuck set ups before Howe came in. Been a good servant and good luck to him. Lascelles is the obviously big name of the old generation to go in the summer.

A proper number 6, Joelinton and Bruno further forward would be a fantastic midfield.

??

If we are letting Shelvey go we’ll have got wind that certain contacts are available imo. Not blindly searching I mean.

Kephren Thuram being linked. We’ll definitely bring someone in I reckon.

Removing Shelveys wage certainly opens up lots of opportunities

If Chelsea sign Martinez then it seems quite likely. The other Thuram is being linked also

Gordon’s arrival means Joelinton can focus his efforts centre midfield.