SteV

If it does, then they’d probably save themselves a load of grief by using it to phase out the randomness and give a more even distribution of success (resale abilities aside).

Only four more games til they’re back (🤞)

Probably been their best player so far this season from what I’ve seen. Ironic given how vehemently opposed a significant section of their fanbase were to signing him.

It’s a fair question, especially given your own situation, but I’d be very surprised if the ballot is sophisticated enough to take that into account.

We’ll probably need a bit of luck with the draw for the next couple of rounds this season (assuming we get past Bradford). A tough(ish) away game against someone like an Everton or a Fulham (never mind the main clubs), and we’re probably going to struggle with the schedule. Home draws or less tricky away draws in the next two, and you’re in the semis and maybe prioritising it.

What % is shite though? I’m not saying I think adult and child get like 50% or anything, still probably hovering around the 20% mark, but seems to be less instances of <10%. Also, there’s still an element of randomness within it all. There will be some adult and child applicants down at really low success and some single adults at higher than average success. Whatever theories we all have, there’s clearly no silver bullet to applying successfully

I don’t have evidence to back this up, but anecdotally, it seems those applying for an adult and child, have better success rates than those simply applying for a single adult. *cue someone saying they’ve applied for an adult and child every game for the last two seasons and never won…

Diarra fucked with a torn groin. Out til December. Wonder if they try and string it out so he’s not fit for the start of the AFCON, but then plays end of December? Don’t know if he’s good enough or important enough to Senegal for that to be realistic or not?

That’s Monchi’s incomings. First window - Roger’s and Tielemens been very good, rest mediocre at best. Second window - Onana, Maatsen and (to an extent) Barkley been OK, but nothing flash. Rest poor. Third window - obviously far too early to judge, but hardly an encouraging start.

Interesting (debatable) stat - although Bradford are top of the league they are actually second bottom in terms of possession.

Park not involved for the U-21’s tonight, so reckon he’s probably in the squad for this.

Beat Birmingham last season.

Yeah, I think they probably realise they won’t get what they’re asking for, or particularly close to it, but if they can get something, it’s better than the nothing currently available.

Yes, but seems to be plenty popping up for resale if you’re after one.

They’re starting to come under a lot of pressure now though with the other major teams doing it. Not saying that will definitely make them change their mind, but it’s becoming harder to justify the ‘commercially sensitive’ angle.

Who was the last 19 yo to make 50 appearances for us? Could only have been Taylor or Carroll in recent times, and I’m not even sure they would have done it? Probably going back to Gazza before that, unless I’ve forgot someone?

Could definitely see him sticking with the back 5 against Arsenal. Not least to counter their set piece threat. He managed to find ways to threaten them playing it last season, albeit with a different striker.

It’s a bit bizarre really because at the end of last season they were much better with 10 than 11 against us.

When he was 13?

Will Potter make it to Monday?

But ironically didn’t make any difference as 9 times out of 10 it was easy enough to get a ticket regardless.

Not even sure I’d class them as ‘gambling’ really. If the operator is in full control of the outcome, then it’s virtually impossible to have a positive long-term outcome. And some might say that ties in nicely to being absolutely determined to play 5-2-2-1 forever.

https://metro.co.uk/2025/09/18/football-fan-in-london-crystal-palace-match-dies-days-attacked-24203059/

Well, yeah, but gambling under control is a fun hobby / pastime. Difficult to sell the same line about getting jacked up on a bit scag.