ExiledGeordie

Yeah we have to beat Bournemouth really if we are going to finish in the top four.

I would think so yes. You’d think Howe and the current set up is ideal for him coaching wise. He’ll also work very well with Bruno and Isak with their movement.

I think Isak can have a big say in the match but I think Howe always starts with Wilson if he’s fit. Saint will come off the bench, no way he starts unless he suddenly shows serious form in the next couple games.

At a rough guess how much do you think we’ll spend in the summer? I mean I’d imagine we’ll be looking to bring in 4 potential starters at least. 180- 200m if you consider new sponsorship deals?

Exactly. Someone like Alvarez at Ajax is much more realistic

?? exactly. Rice is absolute quality, he’d be the ideal type of player to sit behind Bruno and protect the back four.

I noticed that but I think he’ll stay down south and go to Arsenal.

It’s fine margins in games like this. I’ve just watched the highlights and Wilson simply HAS to score that header for someone of his ability.

I think our quick acceleration has meant some fans unrealistically exporting too much now and getting greedy/slight sense of entitlement. Top four was never a given and the team is way ahead of schedule in the “project”. We’ll get Europe in some form and may even win the cup.

He overlaps better than Burn and gets into better forward positions and has a better delivery from the left. This is not saying Burn needs to be cast aside it’s just recognising that Targett offers something different. Fwiw I think the club brings in an attacking left back in the summer anyway.

Yeah great point. Second half of the season the team is going to start feeling leggy and that will translate into some difficult draws at home against well set up teams imo. After the next transfer window you’d hope 14/15 quality players will go up to 19/20 for example. Our second half of the season was always going to be about how we manage to break teams down at home. I think Isak, Gordon and possibly Targett being used a bit more at home will help a lot with this. Seen various comments on here recently and on Twitter saying Declan Rice overrated, yeah right ??

Burn has been class but I think Targett will offer more for our overall play against defensive set ups at home. He’s certainly a great option anyway.

Yeah I can see a Leeds, Bournemouth low block situation. ASM be handy for this

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.