ExiledGeordie

Going off my current hit ratio of zero in every ballot ? I think it’s highly likely I’ll give membership a swerve next season particularly as so many tickets seem to be appearing on dodgy sites for exorbitant prices. Who knows though the gods may shine on me and I’ll get a ticket at some point this season.

I’ll think I’ll wait to judge him once the details and or court ruling become clearer. If he has been illegal betting and is in like for a ban then he’s a complete moron like other players but innocent until proven guilty. To be fair though plenty idiots seem to have written off his playing ability already.

Sounds like absolute horse shit to me. Hes just signed a new contact, im sure he’ll be here for a couple more seasons yet after this one and then yes he’ll probably go to Spain and we’ll use the money likely 100m+ to improve the team again.

Agree with all of that to be fair but if Howe wanted him then that’s good enough for me. Philips sitting with Tonali/Bruno or Longstaff etc. I’m happy either way to be honest

I think Howe would make Philips class but does have an injury record and I thought he’d turned us down already in the summer?

I think his recent form post international break has been crucial on this run.

Yeah in isolation if you look at Isak’s missed chance and conceding late on it’s disappointing. However given how West Ham are playing and our injuries a point away is solid particularly given it was always going to be hard following on from PSG. If we’d had Joelinton, Gordon, Willock, Botman, Barnes or even 3 of that lot available we probably win more comfortably but certainly see the game out.

Yeah I think Willock is a big miss for Isak and for us driving the team on late on. That game yesterday was tailor made for someone of Willock’s ability making those driving runs with Isak.

Injuries and suspensions are part of the game but if we have the likes of Botman, Joelinton, Barnes, Willock available we can maintain that intensity from the PSG game and indeed within the game itself. With a full or nearly full squad we win that game, we’re better than them. A draw under the circumstances is a good result.

Spot on

?? would’ve been even more of a car crash than some people make it. Disappointing not to hold on but probably a fair result. They’re in good form at the moment and good at home, always though a draw would be a good result particularly with who was missing. For those getting their Knickers in a twist, move into the next game folks, you don’t win every match in sport ?

This is a tough match. With a fully fit squad I’d be very confident but we can still go there and win. I’d happily take a point tho then regroup for Palace. I can see a 1-1 or a tight 2-1 either way.

If ever there was a player that summed up the farce that was Steve Bruce it’s him (and probably Schar). So great to see.

As others have said I wouldn’t be surprised if we bring in a young striker of sorts. We may bring in a key target if they suddenly became available but I think it’ll probably just be one player. Injuries as ever could change things.

You raise a good pint there but suppose it depends on how Tonali comes on, granted he’s a different type of player possibly. What I mean though is you could bring in someone who is very solidly defensively but can keep the ball moving well and then allow Willock/Joelinton/Tonali do their thing further forward in Bruno’s absence. I think it’s inevitable we upgrade midfield in some way again though. I agree in the right CB and RW though, I do thunk they’re probably our most important additions next. Some more pace at the back and a proper quality goal scoring winger who can open teams up at home. Bowen fits that mould but I don’t think he’d move north with his cockney Mrs. He’d also cost loads. Probably get a RW from the continent.

What’s he on wage wise now I wonder? 170-180?

Be interesting to see who/what we go for in January. Lascelles recent form probably reduces the urgency to bring in a right sided CB back up/eventual Schar replacement unless a top target becomes available in Jan. I wouldnt be surprised if we brought in some kind of attacking player either a younger striker or winger type. I do think we’ll eventually bring in a new proper right winger who can break open games, nick something in a big or tight fixtures but that’ll probably be next summer. I would imagine over the next two windows they will look at RW, another striker, maybe a defensive midfielder option, right CB. I think the squad after next summer will be starting to look how the club envisaged things.

I think it makes sense to stay at St James if they can do it. Im a bit of a romantic so will always veer towards maintaining the history and unique aspect of the cathedral on the hill. I think adding 13k of seats would allow a decent number of additional season tickets plus more match by match tickets. The atmosphere would be outrageous too.

Yeah outrageously good really.

Defo

Agreed, he’s still getting goals and working hard but doesn’t look as sharp as he can be. There’s a few chances he would’ve buried I think on top form as well as controlling the ball better as you say. Mad he’s still that good when possibly not 100% for whatever reason.

Wouldn’t be surprised at a young prospect striker. Lascelles form probably lessens the need for a right CB unless their clear target becomes available in Jan.

Agreed I don’t think they’ll take any chances. If he plays though he’s obviously ok, same for Wilson.

Yeah it’s a tough match for very different reasons particularly given everything that’s gone into last night. Mind if Wilson and Joelinton are back then I’d still be fairly confident. Would take a draw too though. The difference now with Lascelles playing so well, Livramento as an option and Anderson looking so good is that the squad is starting to look much deeper.

I quite like West Ham actually lol They always have a good word for us to be fair and have a few West Ham mates. Anyway yes hopefully Joelinton and Wilson back but with hamstrings if it’s touch and go with an international break here they may er on the side of caution. Anderson will surely start but it will be interesting to see how he shapes the midfield and attack. I think the back four stays the same unless he decided to give Livramento a start at right back.