Happinesstan

Anybody know who Weat Ham are playing today? BT seem reluctant to reveal.

Build a new stadium on Castle Leazes and develop the land that we currently occupy to extend the city centre. I can see the Reubens rubbing their hands at such an opportunity.

I was looking forward to this. Then I heard the voice of Rio.

2-2 Brace for Wood.

Murphy getting a full game? Probably hit the woodwork 3 times.

For a lot of people, at the time, the only option was to watch us on Sky. They really couldn't have wished for a better fairy tale to sell their product, globally.

Imagine, 6 months ago, discussing Krafth's imminent selection with such optimism. But yeah. He gets his chance tomorrow. Took him a little while to find his comfort zone against Villa, but hopefully he's been drilled all week on his role.

Yeah. With one stand out disappointment in midfield.

Only seen Brennan Johnson once, and I've never watched Brereton Diaz but I'd be looking into them as back-ups.

From what I've seen, Trippier, Burn and Targett are all good enough for us next season. Just need an exceptional partner for Burn in the centre, and a DM to protect and recycle. Bruno and Joelinton in the centre. Class RW and CF and we're set. Then it's all about securing adequate cover.

"That's the beauty of him" Love Howe.

What was the score?

Murphy would likely be the ideal [from options available] RWB to play that if we rest Fraser. Would mean bringing in Bruno and moving Joelinton to the right of the middle 3, but I think you could use Trippier's absence as justification for changing things wholesale. I'm fascinated to see his selection as we know it won't be unchanged. But we do have a lot of options.

I'm certain this game was pencilled in as his debut, after 30 mins against Villa where he could put himself into contention. Unfortunately he lost out on that opportunity and may have to wait. Could be a blessing, if we are losing. Ideally we will be a goal down and we'll come back after his introduction. I'm preparing myself for a draw at best from this game.

I agree, don't disrupt more than necessary. Of course if your LB and LW aren't connecting then it might be considered.

I'm sure that was Almiron.

Do we really need a deep sitting CM with 3 CBs?

So be it, and good luck to him.

You would, but it's not. Therefore respect to those that do, is due.

At first, we looked set to fall apart, as though they couldn't play without our talisman. But we pulled it together and, other than the offside goal, never felt under any real pressure. We lose so much in both attack and defence, with Trippier out, but the players have to believe in themselves.

Think if we go to a back 5 we bring in Bruno for Shelving unit. Don't need him sitting n front of a back 5 we need the midfield bossing the middle.

To my naked eye there have been noticeable, incremental improvements from the day he started.

I don't really have a problem with his not tracking back, he does contribute defensively and we've adapted for ASM by getting Targett, so keep him in the attacking phase where he can do his damage. I just wish he was prepared to do the simple things more often. He's too confident for his own good, and believes he can dribble through any crowd, when a simple 1-2 would be more penetrative and structured.

Hindsight and all that, but I'm glad he didn't start Bruno. The disruptions to our defence, and losing our talisman and leader, could have spelled disaster without the work rate and determination of the middle 3. Bruno is likely a better player than all of them and I've no doubt he could have handled it, personally. But for the team as a whole I think having that settled midfield was vital. I'd be itching to start him against West Ham, but don't want anybody dropped.

Steve Bruce https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333570842259?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=7101533165274578&mkcid=2&itemid=333570842259&targetid=4584826055637462&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=412354546&mkgroupid=1299623041023876&rlsatarget=pla-4584826055637462&abcId=9300541&merchantid=87779&msclkid=59334af4cf351b50e0af28fd5a3b9778