ExiledGeordie

Reckon Shelvey and Saint start and maybe Wood. Possibly Targett gets a game too

Well chuffed for him

Chelsea don’t look great, dreadful at the back

Yeah proper game changing player. I think with his recent form quite a few will be in for him now.

He’d definitely add another level for sure. Don’t see why he couldn’t float where Willock plays at the moment but obviously with more attacking emphasis. Could probably playing either side of a striker too but not as a winger obviously.

Yes I think the key is we know the players will be as well prepared as they can be. That said anyone can have an off day and the other team turns in a massive performance. Just hope most fans can look at the bigger picture when a loss arrives whenever that is. I think we’ll win tomorrow or at the very least not get beaten.

Harvey Barnes ?

I like the lad but I still don’t think he imposes himself enough on games and often takes too long to get into games. Realistically where we’re going I see us upgrading the midfield which will most likely include a better, more more creative and prolific goal scoring midfield option to Willock. I can see him staying as a squad player but a starter moving forwards, no. Howe does seem to have an amazing effect on players though so we’ll see…..

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.