Mazzy

Definitely similar. That's a better comparison than the Pirlo/Gattuso ones that were bounded about when he first signed. If Tonali can have the kind of career and longevity that he had, he'll do well.

Yeah I know he has played as a CAM/Second Striker a fair bit so far in his career but that relies on Howe changing a formation he's had basically the entire time he's been here. Not saying it's impossible just that I don't see it happening personally. But having said that, he's free, so if Howe/Mitchell can convince him to come here and shows him how he would fit into the team then I'm all for it definitely.

An early goal for us is always great but considering their bench is full of kids and a striker who barely played on loan at Watford earlier this season I'd be content if we can keep them out for the first half where they will really be going for it. Then ideally we can pick them off as they tire in the second half.

It's a good point you make about the back up striker needing to be a different profile of player. There's issue with that as well though, if they are too different then you risk having to change alot tactically if Isak gets injured for any length of time but then equally you need something different to come off the bench if it's not working for Isak. DCL is the obvious one to point to and say he'd provide something very different than Isak but someone like Jonathan David would be perhaps allow us to swap him in without much adaptation. FWIW I don't see us getting David in, even for free, surely he'd realise he's not taking Isak spot in the team so he'd not be playing every week.

Where's the James Trafford thread gone? Why isn't it back yet.

That would be ideal but I think even with selling Murphy and Miggy bring in Dibling AND a quality RW seems impossible. There's so many other positions that need filling in the summer as well, we won't have the funds to do that.

What are people expecting exactly with Dibling? He's well off coming in and providing the kind of numbers Gordon is, or even Murphy right now, so we'd still have to bring another RW in anyway. It's not like he'd be cheap either. That's not a position I think we can afford to sign a youngster, we need proper quality there. CM, CB and even goalkeeper I think are three positions where we can afford to currently have sign someone who may take a season or two to come into their own before they take a first team spot.

However exciting he is now, he won't be like that in a years time after Pep has coached it out of him. This next 5 months will be interesting to see how he does.

If that's what wins us the game, who cares. Bournemouth will be incredibly tough and I'd be content winning it by any means necessary.

Miggy leaving for £10M and nobody coming in would be a smart move but equally leave us short in the front line.

New stadium = New stand names. I could see stands being renamed if a renovation/rebuilding was done also.

Talk of us in a title race is laughable really. 17 GAMES still left to play. Chelsea were apparently in the title race not so long ago but now have picked up just 3 points in 5 games. Things can change quick. If we're in this position (less than 10pts off top spot) with 10 games to go then is the time I'll believe it.

On course to match his G/A from last season. Wouldn't be surprised if he beat it given the form he's been in during this winning run. Isak has rightly had the plaudits for his goal scoring form but Gordon has been almost equally instrumental.

Very tough so far. We've been caught out on the counter at least three times. Burn and Botman pushing so high up the pitch. Don't see how we can keep this up without conceding but equally I think we're looking capable of getting another goal or two.

I've missed the news if it's been said. Where's Schar?

They have conceded a lot of goals this season so I'll go 1-0. Tough game. Just hope Isak is back for it.

Results really going our way now with Man City drawing. Would be typical to fuck this up tomorrow.

Should be Schar and Burn really. Would be unfair to leave either out considering Botman has only just come back, I'm sure he'll start one of the next 4 league games.

Cunha back for this one? Less confident if he's playing. Feels like we struggle against Wolves home and away so not sure about this one. Obviously they've been porr this season but they've had an upturn in form since their new manager came in.

Arsenal were a couple of years away from ending up like Man Utd/Spurs are now. They got lucky with Arteta when they did but that seems to be spiralling downwards now. No one in world football can afford Isak at £150M aside from 3 clubs (Man City, Real Madrid and PSG). Two of those clubs already have a main striker and the other is moving away from the crazy money spending currently. Bayern have never historically spent insane amounts on players (£80M highest fee paid) which I why I didn't mention them even though they could afford Isak, they have Kane for now.

Oh yeah missed that one. They will probably do similar to this weekend. 5/6 games on TV across Friday/Saturday/Sunday.

Probably a TV game as well. Man U obviously will be one as will Plymouth vs Liverpool and then probably Man City whoever they end up against. Maybe Doncaster v Palace as well

Could be worse. Shame it's away from home but they really aren't all that considering the media coverage they get in League One.

Shame he scored.