Mole

Any person who tries to claim "other people are taking too much joy" in anything is a Grade A weirdo.

I think the key with rotation is really not massively changing but making 2 or 3 changes max to manage the team over the long haul. I don't think he'll make a lot of changes either. Maybe Murphy for Barnes or Elanga and Tonali maybe comes in if he's feeling up to it? Don't think they'll be much else.

I feel like there's an overreaction to one off games sometimes, just because we beat Benfica comfortably doesn't necessarily have to be a psyop on the strength of our league vs the rest of Europe. At the same token, Benfica vs Chelsea was really competitive and I don't think these games necessarily means Benfica would really struggle in the PL. In the same way when Sevilla went deep in EL every year back in the day it doesn't necessarily mean La Liga teams would dominate every league they go into. Another example would be Monaco who were completely smashed against Club Brugge but both PL teams really struggled against them. It's just a completely different environment to makes comparing European games and league games pretty much impossible and tbh with you rather pointless. Granted I will say that PL teams SHOULD be doing well I just don't really feel like the European sides that are actually good (all teams have down years, or rebuilding years) are significantly worse or at least as bad as the Gulf in money suggests they should be.

Regarding the not feeling as important and special that was something I felt when Barcelona played Real 6 times in one season. I genuinely stopped caring about the fixture afterwards, there’s such a thing as over exposure so I completely understand where everyone is coming from.

I think he has genuine reasons to be hesitant about such a change tbh. Tonali has been so good at protecting the back 4 and in general eliminating space that as much I would like to see it I get why we probably won’t. I think Miley has been awesome but I don’t think he’s ready for those defensive responsibilities just yet. If he is to play I suspect Tonali will continue to play that role for now. Seeing Bruno and Tonali with more freedom offensively would be fun though so I hope it happens eventually but I doubt it will be anytime soon.

This is something I’ve noticed in a lot of team sports that has a level of physicality, smaller dudes get away with murder so often.

You're most welcome, I'm glad that you're now cool.

Not even just stats, watching it live if it wasn't for Sels it could have very easily been 4 or 5. Would be very happy with a repeat on Saturday ngl

While I respect the sentiment and I'm fine with him or Miley starting I do think Miley has been pretty awesome everytime he's got an opportunity this year so I'd like to see him get further run. Good news is I think either option is a positive one.

As the wingers get more comfortable with him and end up taking positions between the touchline and the box it’s going to be really important that the fullbacks offer width that’s vacated. Which is why it sucks they're both hurt currently.

From the highlights I watched Wissa seemed more like shoulder of the last defender type. Which is probably useful for someone like Elanga anyway.

One of the things I felt in the first few games of watching is everytime Bruno gets the ball I want to say like 35 yards from goal it's very positive but he doesn't see it anywhere near enough. I'd love to see a midfield set-up where that actually happens. I think the concern is that Tonali does a masterful job protecting the back 4 and covering space so obviously Miley can't do that job, but I genuinely would like to see those 3 in some form for a run of games.

I didn't watch last season but I get the impression it probably really helps having a striker like Woltemade in this instance. On the right he isn't a high and wide winger and with Woltemade he probably shouldn't be anyway but with a traditional striker I can see why that wouldn't work that well.

Was going to say, if they performed to that level all season we'd likely love them too But it's nice to see, we need them to be at their best to accomplish anything worthwhile.

Not sure how it would work position wise with Bruno and Tonali but he's been the 3rd best CM so far this season so wouldn't hate seeing him get a run of games.

Turnbull's TV must be from an advanced alien race.

I think more than anything that says why Burn and Trippier play, there is no realistic alternative. The situation sucks but we just have to make do.

How the fuck is this still happening. I'm just impressed at this point.

Me too, Miley has done well in that 6 role before and I think Ramsey ahead of Joelinton is the correct decision at this moment in time. if Benfica are going to play like a normal Mourinho team I suspect any defensive misgivings with this trio won’t be exploited as much as it would be if they pressed high.

De Rossi was definitely who I thought of when I first saw him play. Tardelli was unfortunately before my time, I've seen highlights but not much more.

Miley will definitely play I feel like if Tonali is out as he played in his position in the cup. Ramsey is more debatable but with how Joelinton has played so far I would like to see him get some run.

It's not even remotely subtle but fuck them

Was going to say, what purpose does this serve other than to make the fans go completely mental? Surely it can't be that difficult to zip it until the question is asked.

I'll add: If you feel it's necessary it's probably still not enough.

It's funny you say that because I have friends in Germany and before I visited I thought the normal people would hate me but I really get on with German people. I can't wait to go back when I get the chance.