ExiledGeordie

Yeah exactly, what is he 19? ?

I think we’ll see him come on for Burn more and more in games because it’ll allow us to go more offensive in certain situations. A great option to have and him and Livramento look like the full backs in waiting moving forwards.

His ability to shut players down is ridiculous. Must be a nightmare to go up against, just smothers players.

Has to rest Lascelles at some point. If he gets injured and as Botman looks like he’s out longer then they have to protect him (didn’t think I’d be saying that). No quarms about the team, something has to give under the circumstances.

The Barnes injury has made the issue more prominent again I think. If Barnes had been fit we would’ve had more opportunity to field the Barnes/Gordon combo which could be great. RW next summer for me.

And he likes Trippier (and Burn for that matter) for their leadership.

Yes I think normally we’d be licking our lips for this but injuries have come at a really unfortunate time.

There would’ve been a shit fest ?

This is it. Howe has done pretty well bedding different players in at the right time. He'll do the same with Hall and Livramento

Howe clearly felt, in fact he’s said this postmatch that to close out the game in this situation it wasn’t right for either Liv or Hall. I think our lack of options in midfield and attack was more of an issue than what role Livramento and Hall could do.

Fair enough mate it’s all about opinions isn’t it. If either of them are still struggling to get game time next year I’ll be asking questions too. For now I’m not concerned.

Listening to Howe post match, he clearly didn’t feel comfortable bringing either player in in this specific situation in a difficult game. Sounds like he would’ve made more changes further up the pitch if he could but lacked options. Thats good enough for me. Hall and Livramento will play in good time.

Yeah squad is stretched to the max currently, even some of the younger lads missing like Miley. I think we have to half sacrifice this game to focus on Arsenal and Dortmund and we have B’mouth after that before the international break which is a must win really in relation to top 4/5. Just play a squad side and give players a run out like Hall etc who need minutes. His knows who he’ll play upfront, Gordon?

Anderson is out 2 months with a stress fracture

I’m not nearly as concerned as some on here judging by comments but he definitely seems like he’s more nervy on some crosses than he used to be. Used to catch a lot more and now goes for the punch option more often.

I get people’s concerns but I’m banking on Howe having perfectly rational reasons for his rotation decision making.

There was always going to be a greater risk with injuries this season.

Exactly this. They’ve been solid at home this season with some good results recently and we’re down to the bare bones ffs. Tremendous effort and solid point under the circumstances

?? spot on. Needs dropping? Aye right

Gordon or Joelinton has a 9 at some point in the match you’d imagine

The champions league was always going to test the squad depth and quality. We were awesome against PSG but Dortmund probably exposed some of our limitations. The squad is being built but games against elite well drilled sides will eventually come unstuck with players like Miggy in the side. As Tron has said above too we need more players who can finish top teams off and I don’t think we have that just yet. Gordon has been excellent but he’s still work in progress to a point and will get better. Another striking option goal scoring winger etc

It’ll be interesting to see what they do with Hall in terms of bedding him in the second half of this season. They clearly see him as the left back moving forwards and you’d imagine to maybe have him starting for next season ?‍♂️ Or would they go for another option too? I don’t see that given the needs in other parts of the pitch.

I think I’ve said something similar to you at the exact same time ?

I think Eddie is probably a little torn here because Targett did really well for him before Burn turned in his surprising left back form. I think he knows Targett gives him more in terms of set piece delivery and a little more width going forward. But Burn has been integral to that defensive rigidity so it’s difficult to twist rather than stick.

Well summed up. It’s a disaster really but at least it’s in an area of the pitch where we have a bit more depth. Not much we can do now but support him and strengthen the team as best we can in Jan.