Happinesstan

I'm rocking like a recovered junkie, waiting on their first hit for 14 years.

Seems Targett isn't the attacking WB I had assumed, but his passing is impressive. He'll be effective at recycling it through the middle for ASM. Attack the right with Trippier and the left with ASM, with two big Brazilians mopping up and recycling. Willock [subject to further incomings] and Wood [likewise] scoring the goals. Don't really need to think about defending.

Sounds like Merson was coming back from "making a cuppa"

Full week of training before the Everton game. Could be a full overhaul if they can connect early. Howe's training seems to create a healthy environment for that. I'm shaking with excitement for the match.

Willock and Wood have both shown that they can score. It's all about creating opportunities and attacking with structure. I also wouldn't start with Fraser. His energy in the last 20 mins would be essential to my game-plan, once Trippier has exhausted himself.

Nice to see my tactic of keeping the keeper by the bench for instruction, is catching on.

Looking at that I would rather Schar over Lascelles, but it leaves Dubs as the weak component. A top sweeper Keeper would be perfect.

That's not all of it though. Trippier is top quality and can just as easy recycle it through the middle. I think our attacking options [without thinking about injuries, touch wood] are impressive. We've still got our little superstar ASM.

I'd keep Fraser for later in the game. Take of one of the 3 CBs if we need a goal, if we're looking to protect a lead and counter he's shown he can be effective against Brentford.

Just let Trippier do it. Crossing for Wood and Jow, with Willock arriving in the middle for a knock down and ASM arriving far post for any that Wood misses.

If I've got to polish all that gold I retract my offer.

I was 10/10 when we signed Trippier. The intent was made clear at that point and they've delivered. 20/10

I'd volunteer my services for free, to look after that box.

Nobody owes the club less than this man, so if he isn't interested in any role then I wouldn't push it. But it would be incredible if he was involved again, even just as a fan.

Any stats on how often he gets into the final 3rd?

Is there anything to suggest we won't be sensible?

I've not seen him in action, so I can't say, he doesn't get many assists it seems but the one stat that interests me is his 710 points from the bonus system on FF, last season, with only 4 assists. I got carried away with that. After some simple arithmetic I realise I don't know what that number actually means. Who cares? It's exciting times.

Still 5 at the back for me. Dubs Trips Schar Fede* Burn Targett Willock Bruno Jow ASM Wood *Might be Lascelles but him being dropped for the Saudi game might be telling, since Fede is supposedly fit again. Get the WBs attacking, with Schar and Burn covering their positions. Jow and Bruno controlling the middle with Willock getting into the box to do what he does best. Let ASM shine. Edit: Could even push Lascelles up to in line with Bruno giving us a Pulis style back 4 while we attack.

He backs up both. If Targett gets an injury then Manq will fill in. Your argument would lead me to the conclusion we need a better RB cover than Krafth, although he's looked better under Howe.

No. We now have 3 [plus the Manky one] so loaning one is a good idea.

I disagree, I don't think Lewis is good enough for the task ahead, this season, but at 24 he also needs playing time. It'll be Dummett and Manquillo covering for Targett.

That's Mohammed Bonio. He's a chappie with a good pedigree. Bit lightweight though, not a mince morsel on him

Did he not insist on it himself. I seem to remember he was preferring a move back to Spain at the time, so it would make sense that he was prepared to take a chance with Rafa, but with a get out of jail card.

It was touted a while back that Origi would be their target if they needed to replace Zapata so it could be a goer. And it would still be a surprise.

Definitely. Give the lad a chance to unpack at least.