Happinesstan

But yeah, I guess what I'm saying is that the acquisition of Bruno would appear to allow us that luxury.

I'm not sure he's anymore of a luxury than Willock, in that regard. Different options. If we want a patient approach Shelvey can deliver, but if we're going more direct Willock to get in the box.

I know that but with a player like Bruno taking his role, that is less likely to punish the team. Hence relieving him of his defensive responsibilities.

Having seen Bruno's assist for Brazil I am now in no doubt about his role. He can do everything Shelvey can and more. I still wouldn't drop Shelvey, yet. I think playing Bruno should relieve Shelvey of his defensive responsibilities, and allow him to do what he likes most. and I'd like to see him further up the pitch. Passing it around the penalty area and getting chances like the one against Leeds. Similar to how he played in his debut against West Ham. Willock gives us another, more direct option, should it be required. I like Shelvey, despite him being a it of a footballer, and want every player at the club to excel. I think he'd be happier in a more advanced role, you have to remember it's the managers who have asked him to do the role he's been playing. Now Bruno can do that role.

Didn't Longstaff come on for Joelinton, with Willock on from the start?

Obviously won't be available for the game after the Everton match.

If we start with Shelvey, Bruno and Joelinton, I expect Joelinton to be the one actually bringing the ball out with Bruno and Shelvey as a kind of QB pairing.

It's up to him, now. Hopefully Mansfield will be good for him, needs to knuckle down and show how much he wants this.

Never said that either.

I quite clearly didn't say that.

Lingard would have given me complete confidence that we would survive, I'm at about 75% though which is good.

We now have the longest blanket in the division.

Joelinton has been exceptional at passing out of tight situations. Get Shelvey on direct plays, Joelinton doing what he does and give Bruno the license to choose.

Like the look of him. Nervous in font o cameras because he's a footballer not a celebrity. Could be a LB David Batty.

I certainly wouldn't be ashamed to see him on the pitch. A good pro and there's always the chance of a goal. I'd seriously consider bringing him in to protect Wood, if we manage to get into a match-winning position. With a committed opposition, Shelvey can just put his hollywood balls through for Gayle to run onto. It worked in the Championship 14 years ago.

For the coming weeks we just have to touch wood with our striker option.

The biggest boon of the transfer window is that we seem to have bought the right type of characters, strong-minded individuals that can, hopefully handle the situation. We were getting there already, Lascelles was pretty solid against Leeds, but I still worry he might have cracked in the last minute. We will definitely need a composed defence for the first quarter of an hour, at least. Burn and Targett, I believe, will contribute to that, but I would keep Schar and Lascelles in the team to keep a bit of the team spirit that has developed. Similarly with Shelvey, he doesn't deserve to be dropped and if he can prove effective amongst our new signings, brilliant.

I think Targett could be perfect on that side, allow ASM to do his stuff in that part of the pitch, and offer support when he needs/sees it. ASM likes it to feet, and just going off Targett's lack of assists and excellent progressive passes, might suggest he's the guy to do that. It could be a very astute signing.

Think I'd start with this. Dubs Schar Lascelles Burn Trippier Bruno Target Shelvey Joelinton ASM Wood In order to absorb their early enthusiasm. Gives us good counter attacking options but we could also control the middle if we click. If we need to change things up: Dubs Trippier Lascelles Burn Targett Bruno Willock Joelinton Fraser ASM Wood If we need a goal the added wide player will be useful, and if we need to tighten up, a little, Fraser's work-rate and burst of pace will be invaluable.

Yeah, that's my feeling. I think Howe has been here long enough for his methods to have sunk in enough to counter any new manager bounce that Lampard provides. Alli could be a real threat to us, but I hope he will be too highly strung to focus., or Bruno can nullify him. Don't much like the idea of Shelvey re-engaging.

I expect Lampard to gee them up for this, but I hope it is to their detriment. I expect them to leave a lot of gaps for us to exploit. I think Howe's approach will be more measured and focussed.

Is this 2 week isolation a recent development? It seems strange to think we wouldn't be aware of the situation in advance.

Nobody has said he's amazing, have they? He has the record of a reliable goalscorer, that's it. It's been widely acknowledged that relying on him is a risk. But even if he doesn't get his 1 in 3 he is still an important presence in how the team will attack.

I don't think that's possible. Players have a contract that needs to be honoured by somebody.

I think the lad has side-lined himself by rejecting the loan move.