ExiledGeordie

Elbow on Dan Burn

Can’t stand him. Defo some lasting memories from that elbow at Stamford bridge at the end there.

This, he’s on the bench too likely able to give 25-30 mins I needed

Both factors here are key ? Chelsea have some very experienced players but they aren’t playing as a unit and have looked shaky at the back. The atmosphere tonight can certainly take advantage of their shakiness.

If it’s a bug or virus it’s a bit different to an injury. He’s either fit enough to compete or not, I don’t think there’s any greater risk to causing injury. If he feels well enough to play he’ll play imo.

I agree, I’m not sure Saint did enough last night to start Saturday but we’ll see. He’d probably do better with all the starters. My guess is a midfield of Longstaff, Bruno, Willock, with Joelinton left of a front 3.

Dreadful match but glad to have got through. Great seeing lots of young kids there able to see the team play but in all honesty it felt more like a pre-season match with zero atmosphere. Weird mix of kids with parents, young charvers trying to act hard and lots of people seemingly more interested in purchasing pop and pies. The number of times I stood up with people coming and going in my row ?‍♂️ Atmosphere picked up a bit second half and the subs made a difference but we just struggled to find anything that clinical in the final 3rd. Pope class in the shoot out, roll on the draw tonight.

I think Joelinton might start on Wednesday

Looking forward to going to this and Chelsea after covid knackered my Everton attendance.

If you’re a defence and you have to mark him AND have Miggy on the other side in this form, this the scenario I’ve always wanted to see.

Just seeing him, Bruno, Saint all interlinking was great to see. I can see him and Bruno working well together with Shelvey controlling things allowing Bruno to move further forwards.

I wonder how much we can spend in Jan within FFP, anyone got an idea on the amount?

January is going to be really interesting now ?

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.