Casey

Now we're fucking talking.

Exactly the line-up I wanted. I expected Lascelles and not Thiaw but that's fine. Tonali stay on the bench please. Love seeing a rotated team like this and not really being worried about anything. Osula is a question mark but if Wissa wasn't injured I imagine Wolt would start this. Hoping we can bang a few in for confidence.

Handy bit of data that. 👌 I'm not one of the worriers myself, in fact I don't really form any serious opinions til game week 10 (roughly ¼ of season). Our next 5 PL games: Arsenal (Home) Forest (Home) Brighton (Away) Fulham (Home) West Ham (Away) I'd argue we need 9 points minimum to feel ok about our position, that would give us 15 points by game 10 which matches 2022-23 and last season. Can we win 3 of 5 fixtures listed above? If we pick up 6 points it'll be a little concerning but regardless of where we stand by game 10, I'm hopeful the return of Wissa & Ramsay will give us a spark to kick-on.

I fully expected Gordon to start LW. With you stating Barnes, I imagine you expect Gordon at CF? I've not seen much outside of Gordon's pressing to suggest he's any better than Osula in that role. Arguably, with Osula scoring vs Liverpool you could argue the opposite, not that I would. Still, if Osula isn't starting against these lot (no shade but we're leagues apart) then not sure it's justifiable that we cancelled his outgoing transfer/loan.

I'm curious. How much does everyone care about the Carabao this season? For me it's the least valueable competition. Being the current holders doesn't really change anything in that regard (just how I feel about it). I would like to have a better run at the FA cup. Thankfully that happens later in the year so less worry of 3 fixtures in 8 days as we're currently encountering.

Had myself a brief looksy at a Bournemouth forum. As a fanbase they're about as well-equipped to comment on Howe as any. There was a general consensus amongst them of mild surprise at how we setup, to paraphrase: "Never thought I'd see Howe be so pragmatic. They're strong defensively and didn't expect to see them setup not-to-lose instead of going for it, but it worked and suppressed our attack" Clearly it's not exciting and we lack thrust offensively, but flexibility from Howe is something I felt was lacking previously and so I am happy. Once Wissa and Ramsay are back and we've bedded in the whole team, I expect us shape up more offensively but having this defensive foundation surely cannot be a bad thing.

Shows how little of a shit I give about those Pigeon fuckers down the road, dint even know he played for 'em.

Bradford 6 wins 2 draws 1 loss so far in league one, AND they have a midfielder called Max Power. Mental.

If he can string a few games together without worry of injury I'll be well pleased. Needs contract sorted along with Tino and Hall as all three are dead certs to be our future backline for the foreseeable so long as they're fit.

Don't even wanna see this beautiful magnificent cunt on the bench for Bradford. Let em rest.

Howe has clearly learnt from our last European comp. A draw away at Bournemouth with different players and formation. Can't complain about injuries, lack of rotation and tactical inflexibility anymore.

Surprised he lasted the 90 tbh, figured Howe would bed him back in slowly. Agree vis-á-vis performance. Thought he looked very shakey early on and grew a little into the game later but still ways to go. Imagine he'll get minutes at Bradford with our lack of depth at fullback.

Some people being a bit harsh like. Miley played his first start in ages away at Bournemouth in a midfield 2 and didn't put a foot wrong. Overall pretty happy with that. I've said previously what's the point in having him in the squad if he never gets time (historically) but today he got his chance and held his own. I expect more to come but it's a decent start.

Classic VAR. Fucking yoke man.

We've been pretty steady over that first half. Very little danger going forward but team is still gelling alongside reasonably rotation. Willock has been ineffectual on left wing but equally Semenyo hasn't looked a major threat either so you can give and take with that. Murph looked ok and had some decent link with Wolt who had some decent layoffs and good hold-up. We're playing a very different style out-of-position of mid block with less pressing, and it's kinda worked. It's not exciting or intense. I imagine Howe wants defensive solidity with a chance to nick it with a goal for an away fixture like this, but I imagine second-half will be fairly different as Iraola is excellent at adjustments and following subs our shape will probably change a tad.

Blessing in disguise sorta. Don't get me wrong I like Fabi and I hope all these head injuries aren't fucking him up long term, plus he's a good player and brilliant servant to the club. For 3m he's repaid his value 10x over easily. That said, Thiaw will now get his chance and one he wouldn't have otherwise. He is the future (or at least expected to be) at RCB for us, and I hope he knocks it out the park.

Trips is fucked like.

Gordon

Crikey.

Thiaw surely comes on here.

Was offside. Barca trap endlessly with their line, gotta play through balls very early.

Been pretty evenly matched here. That's not a bad thing to say vs Barca like. Gordon coulda done better I think but that's been true for a while like. He's about as useful as Osula up top, runs about with no conviction. Think there'll be plenty more opportunities but I'd take a point all things considered. Reet, time for a cuppa.

All owa at them atm. Need to get some end-product while we have the momentum.

Fair points made by all. I'll chuck in that our last UCL campaign/season was a godawful mess because of injuries too. An injury to Woltemade now could be season defining with Wissa out. I'm fine with Eddie taking a different approach and still expect we'll get chances tonight, hopefully Gordon can tuck some away.

Gordon is out for Bournemouth due to his suspension. That game is in 3 days, so unless you want Osula, there has to be rotation to keep Woltemade somewhat fresh and avoiding injuries. Murphy and Wolte can come on towards the back end of this game but I think they'll both be given less minutes.