Happinesstan

Owners will be wanting at least one big name transfer to hit the headlines.

I did wonder myself. He hasn't scored for 3 years and also never injured in that time. Suspicious.

Absolutely spot on. Looking at those stats [12 aerial duels, in a game in which we scored 3] compared with ASM's incredible dribbling stats [when we have barely managed to score] shows how important he is to the team. Not digging at ASM, He's clearly vital to us for what he brings, just like every player.

Last 365 days includes 243 under Bruce, where we know he was allowed to idle.

I know. None of those are full seasons. He was phenomenal in his first season, with Beardsley the perfect partner. At Man U he was required to be a bit more like Beardsley, and Fergie had many other options. He contributed to 5 titles and a Champions League win, amongst others. It's a difficult one to judge, is all I'm saying.

I wonder if Fraser might be rested for this. Move Joelinton over there and bring Bruno in. Nothing to suggest Fraser needs resting, his recent performances suggest he is well over his injury problem, but we might not want to risk him. Plus it gives Howe an excuse to bring in Bruno without dropping anybody.

They'll be gutted, but that will galvanise them. I know what you're saying, but I think if Trippier is out then you replace him and don't mess with anything else. Bringing on Bruno at 60 mins will revitalise the crowd, if needed.

People often underestimate his contribution, outside goals. Fergie never needed to rely on him for goals as they came from everywhere. Also he never played a full season again, after his amazing PL debut.

Everybody has looked hopeless, against us in the last four games [PL only]. Maybe we have something to do with that.

And Leeds played with a DM, didn't seem to have much affect. If we play with 3 at the back we could do a better job of limiting his options.

Alreet Mr. Barton

Don't think Targett will sign as cover, didn't he ask to be loaned out the minute Digne signed? Kid wants first team football.

Yeah, the difference is how we are playing as a collective. I doubt Howe has made a decision yet, but he'll be glad of the options.

I've no doubt he'll be busting a gut in training, and an unchanged team would suggest that the others have responded positively to the competition. Any slackers this week and I don't think Howe would hesitate.

You play your best team. A team with Bruno included is still a relative unknown so it's difficult to compare with a team that have won the last two [targett being the only change]. 30-35 mins against Villa will give us enough to see. It seems clear that he will be a 1-on-1 improvement on anybody, but whether that will be an overall addition to the team as a whole is yet to be seen. I've no doubt we'll see it, and yes we need him in there soon, but I think waiting another 60 mins isn't risking too much.

Aye but it's not a car, it's a big fuck off juggernaut that would have taken his leg clean off.

First person Howe went to at the end of the Everton match, was Shelvey. Could imply that he's taking a softly, softly approach to letting him down.

Howe pointing out how we'd approach the game patiently was the biggest suggestion that he was planning changes.

The best thing is we're under no pressure to rush Bruno into things.

Find it weird people are so desperate to be negative.

Hope to see that copy/pasted all over the stadium, in the future.

Christ! just did a search on YT, it does look strange, and there is a lot of nipple. Am I going in? Looks like it.

He looked cleaner and leaner. His hair was getting a bit wild, but it was immaculate last night. Just like his second half performance.

Is that 'fight for your love'?

Aye, was similar to the Kane tackle that fucked Lejeune, and we were calling for a red. Maybe the winds are changing.