ExiledGeordie

I think that’s probably a bit harsh given the impact he can have and what he’s done but I take your point. We're moving away thankfully from having to rely completely on individuals but the club won’t be able to ignore his injury record. I’d be happy if he stayed and we had suitable other options available which I think will be addressed in Jan and particularly next summer.

The one time he looked clinical in the box ? Can’t hit a barn door most of the time

We all know he’s not an out and out striker as has been proved but considering he’s played “forward” you’d expect better finishing from him. Colossal physical presence but the finishing aspect is definitely a weak point of his game.

They're definitely a lot tougher and have better leadership with Coady at the back. There’s more scrappers but they aren’t exactly prolific going forwards. As has been mentioned above the crowd and getting an early goal will be important. I’d be confident of seeing them off with everyone fit but this will much tighter now.

Yes can see a tight 1-0, 1-1 type game

I wouldn’t be surprised if Howe goes for direct competition for his position in the summer if we haven’t already signed a legitimate option in Jan. We’ll be needing to bulk up the squad but as you say if his fitness concerns continue it’ll be more paramount to improve that position.

Might have a spare in Gallowgate for this. Currently have covid but will test Wednesday (day 5) to see if I’m still positive. If I am and no immediate friends want it I’ll let people know on here. This is going to be a bit like last seasons grind out results

We had the power to out muscle them yesterday we just lacked some quality in the final 3rd to finish them off. Roll on next April at St James. Add ASM and Isak (or new signings) and we’ll fully go for them at ours.

This is an interesting point. Joelinton is probably going to have to add more attacking threat moving forwards to guarantee his place in the side. Particularly next season as you say.

Id take Barnes over Maddison to be fair

Same here, starting to develop some hatred again for them

jesus that would be mint

Reads the game so well, looks like he has the class of Woodgate but has more power to him.

Vital we keep him fit currently. If he goes down we’re back to the same situation last season

Bruno will also benefit more when the likes of Isak and ASM play because it’ll create more space. As someone has mentioned above though Shelvey can have a big impact this season to help move Bruno further forward.

I reckon we might see him for Southampton and Chelsea matches but I’m basing that on wild guesswork lol

Players like Diaby and Harrison fit the bill for Jan. Maddison is quality but like you I don’t see where we play him but Howe is talented and I’m sure if he wants him he’d find a way. They must have got wind that he was interested hence the previous bids but I think it’s more likely he moves to someone next summer.

Unless they get someone on the cheap I think they’ll rely on Shelvey this season and go for attacking options in Jan. definitely a new DM in the summer though.

That would be an excellent signing. Leverkusen are also doing very badly, a bid for Diaby maybe?

Our attack is still miles behind our defence

I think this will be addressed in Jan. We need more options

?

You can see we still lack a cutting edge without ASM and Isak. Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see us add some attacking potency in Jan because that’s still the area we need to improve.

He lacks durability but thankfully we’re moving to a squad system so there’s less reliance on him. We definitely need another quality winger who can play left or right side.

Bruno and Miggy are in great form and Wilson is always a goal threat plus we’re very hard to beat. I’m still feeling relatively confident.