sushimonster85

Worries me that I have no pessimism at all for this game. Think it's going to be a comfortable afternoon. 3-0.

I know what you mean. Does worry me that in our last 2 away games (Brentford & Villa) we have produced 3 pretty rotten halves of football. Only saving grace was that second half at Brentford.

Same. Would be very surprised if there wasn't some sort of reaction from them tonight. Even if that means they manage to take a point, which would actually be ideal for us.

Will be amazed if Isak doesn't start. Think if he was going to play Wilson he'd have left Isak in for much more of the game on Sunday.

Still hurts, this one. There's another timeline where Shearer doesn't get injured and he actually gets to play off/behind Shearer as opposed to being asked to lead the line.

Can't see it myself. I think Dyche knows he doesn't have the players to play like that, so will instead set them up to be really tough to break down and hope to grab something from a set piece.

Yep. Team is full of players with that winning/big game mentality now. Longstaff mentioned in that Athletic piece on him that in every pre-game huddle Trippier says 'pressure is a privilege'.

Just to clarify my position on all this. I do still make us strong favourites, I'm just terrified of Liverpool I actually think we may end up taking matters into our own hands. Win tonight, win on Sunday, beat Leeds, beat Brighton, beat Leicester and it doesn't matter what anyone else does.

True, but they seem to be coming off the boil, as opposed to Liverpool, who seem to be getting a head of steam now. Brighton still need to go to Arsenal, and play us at St James.

Aye, they are more than capable of winning the rest of their games. For those who haven't seen, Liverpool's remain games: Spurs (H) Fulham (H) Brentford (H) Leicester (A) Villa (H) Southampton (A)

Yep, this actually plays out for this lad as well. Had 3 goals in 28 games this season, which is decent for a FB. Imagine it's cos, like an inverted winger, when forward he will often look to cut inside and create a shooting opportunity. Flip side of that is he only has 1 assist all season.

More than likely, yes. Although taken to the mathematical extreme it's 12 points we need. If Liverpool win all their remaining games they can get to 71. If Villa win all their games they can get to 69. But they play each other so they both can't take max points. I do fear Liverpool, the fixtures they have from now till the end of the season it isn't impossible they go on a run where they win them all.

Transfermarkt does indeed seem to confirm he is a right footed left back.

Hmm, I guess I am the opposite. Not with the nerves, also really nervous for this one. But I can actually calm the nerves by thinking about how I felt at this stage in these recent seasons where these games have been all about trying to claw our way to safety. This by comparison is so much better.

Player of the Season: Bruno. The ankle knock has curtailed him a little, but we look so much weaker when he doesn't play it's hard not to consider him our most important player. Flop of the Season: Targett. Feels like even now he's back form injury Eddie doesn't really fancy him. Which is a shame as Burn has need a rest since the cup final really. Most Improved Player: Schar. From solid PL CB who is decent with the ball to one of the best CBs in the league. Unsung Hero: Longstaff. Finally starting to get his recognition after the Villa game, gets through so much work. If he could add a little more composure in his finishing he'd be a £60m player. Signing of the Season: Isak. I thought/think Wilson is class, but this lad is a different level. First properly world class forward we've had since Shearer.

Aye. Call them scouse mackems for a reason.

I feel like this is seeming more and more nailed on. Not a super exciting one but (assuming it's not a mad price) can see Eddie getting a lot out of him.

I honestly think there is a chance Wilson may want to go in the Summer. He seems like someone who wants to be playing week in, week out. If West Ham had any nous they'd chuck in £10-12m bid for him, if for nothing else than to stop him scoring. If that happens I can see the club letting him go provided we sign another younger forward.

True, but on the flip side of that Trippier only cost us £12m and was apparently on 120k a week when we signed him. Brozovic would cost more than double, and is already on 180k a week at Inter, so would likely want 200k p/w.

Reckon this is agent talk. Can't see us spending £30m+ a CM who turns 31 in November and would likely want a weekly wage that would make him our highest earner.

Would be gutted but not shocked if he is out for this and we're trying to keep it on the down low. He spent the last 15 mins of the first half on Sunday limping around the pitch. Was actually shocked he came back out after half time. And I know whenever Bruno is going to be out they try and keep it quiet for as long as possible.

Gordon situation is weird. As others have said, you have to be careful when you bring him on as it's going to get the home crowd massively up and behind the side. Bring him on while the game is close and it could create a cauldron like atmosphere. I would honestly leave him on the bench and only bring him on if we need something, or we're 2/3 goals ahead.

This. You can pretty discount any Barca links as them/agents trying to drum interest in their players. Realistically any Barca player coming in this Summer would break our wage structure.

Aye. Barring injury there's 0 chance he changes a side that just won 6-1.

Surely next season (assuming we do get a more attack mided LB) then Targett would be the more natural backup LB? Him coming in would mean not altering the way we're playing as much as Burn next season.