PhilH930

Was wondering if Alonso might mix this up to match Arsenal more. Play a back four with the LB and RB being CBs also, and midifeld of Barco, Lavia and James. Depending on what side Arsenal attack, James or Barco drop in to make the back five, but we have numbers in mid also. Martinez Josh Lacroix Colwill Hato James Lavia Barco Palmer Pedro Rogers saying that, he’ll probably stick to the wingbacks for the width and intensity they’ve been able to bring. Just leaves us light in the middle. Martinez Josh Lacroix Colwill Neto James Lavia Hato Palmer Pedro Roger’s Arsenal fans are nervous. I’m not sure we have enough to beat them yet as the small battles they’ll win over the 90 will tip the scales. But doesn’t define our season and hoping we give a great account of ourselves with a win or draw.

im not sold on Scott. Hes making all the headlines and think the hype is a little much. Hes certainly a good player, but he’s more Conor Gallagher to me than a midfield player that can take us to the next level. If we sign him I hope this doesn’t age well, but I think there better options will emerge. Ditch the PL premium, go find a strong player from a competitive league.

Feel a bit for Villa. Not to be disrespectful, but they’ve ended up with Abraham, Maatsen, Barkley, Garnacho and Jackson - hardly players you’d think would take a team to the next level.

Spent a good amount of time thinking how we’d benefit from a Ramires right now. We’ve had elite mids in Maka, Kante, Frank, Essien. We’ve had top tier in Mikel, Ramires type players also. We need that back.

Do you know over what time period this is for? Assuming it’s net spend

Game doesn’t define our season, but it sure would be nice to come away with any type of result, even a point. Just think Arsenal are too savvy for Chelsea. Over the course of 90 mins the little moments, dark arts, defensive concentration, all just tip the scale to them. It’s coming, but a little too soon without Moi. Actually think this game will immediately highlight the midfield issue, if that wasn’t already witnessed against Brighton. Anyway, with our attack anything is possible!

We must filter out the noise. We’re two games into the season. His game time will come, be it thru substitutions or starting due to form, selection or dare I say injury.

The silence is deafening, but they’ve no reason to come out and make any comment on his condition - especially when the transfer window was still open. Trying to stay optimistic that he was being very cautious, took it upon himself to call it and walked off without any help. Hopefully back after international break.

The logical thing to do would be recall Essugo - if anything for a little athletic depth.

Bissouma (30). Wijnaldum (35). Ndombele (29). Pogba (33). Desperate I know. But once the directors learn Bissouma played for Brighton they’ll find a way to pay for a free transfer.

They can’t get off that light. They must be forced to bench Camara and reinstate Bakayoko in his place also.

I’m not convinced Camara was the long term solution anyway, but it doesn’t cover the problem with our midfield. A fit Caicedo and Lavia would be fine thru Jan. No one would bet on that outcome though. Still think we might recall Essugo for some depth. Barco should play also - which he’s young, he was good enough to go to the World Cup and this is a chance to prove himself. Nothing I’ve seen convinces me Camara was a better option - was a numbers game there. It’s done now anyway. Need to get the most out of what we have, and be serious about one or two targets in January.

Baloguns off now also?

Make no mistake, this deal not getting done is a problem. We needed the depth. I do question what 47M would have bought us - gave me doubts just based on how little quality clubs get for that price nowadays. But, I’d rather have had the chance to see

If fit, Caicedo and Lavia wouldn’t concern anyone for now. Problem is Caicedo is unknown, and we’ve never seen a fit Lavia. Any one of the above being fit with Reece also buys us time. Problem is, never fit. That brings us down to Barco and Henderson (also not fit). IF there is any way we can get Caicedo and Lavia playing we’ll be ok. Outside of that, this is a problem. Preserve top 6 thru Xmas, sign two midfielders and make a push for top four. There should be consequences for this. Sporting Directors messed around - there’s a lot riding with the on the pitch success at the club, and they’ve sent us in with one hand hand tied behind our back.