Hopefully we have a LB signed before our next PL game.

I would prefer Cucurella to Digne

I would give literally anyone a contract to keep Alonso out

He seems to prefer Pulisic at wingback to CHO now

comment by NPE - Finding Timo (U22712)
posted 10 minutes ago
I would prefer Cucurella to Digne
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Same. But unlikely they sell after buying him 5 months ago. Also not sure he can play for us this season. Played a game for Getafe before joining Brighton.

Apparently Tuchel wants Emerson back but no idea why he'd want to trade Lyon for being Alonso's understudy.

I’m not convinced Emerson would really help us. Especially as a wingback

I don't care especially either way, the only thing I like about Alonso is he doesn't take a knee like a chump.

EPL still doing that?

To be honest, I haven't watched a single premier league kick off for a year on principle.

lol

https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2022/1/5/22867748/chelsea-fine-lukaku-with-tuchel-cech-granovskaia-in-full-agreement

Spurs day

comment by ＴＬＬＬ (U4640)
posted 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
Gilmour should return now and replace Barkley and Saul

Gallagher should return next season to replace Ruben. Can’t see him being guaranteed game time though.
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Disagree...I'd have him as a first name on the sheet on his current form

comment by NPE - Finding Timo (U22712)
posted about 7 hours ago
To be honest, I haven't watched a single premier league kick off for a year on principle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I always see ours...to get the CPL timings right...unless its on prime...then it's 30 seconds out as standard

Anyway...matchday...

what's a good score today...?

$puds will be overjoyed at a draw, & will think they can overturn a one goal deficit

Try to finish them off in the first leg but our home form is a worry, far too many draws.

I'm expecting something similar again, a game in which we likely dominate but do not press home the advantage.

Both teams will set up in a similar formation, they'll look to counter us with Moura/Son.

Been thinking about our options for holding mid next year:

From most expensive to cheapest:

Rice (22 - 23 on 14/01) ~ £100m

Tchouemeni (21 - 22 on 27/01) ~ £40-50m

Bissouma (25) ~ £35-40m

Gilmour (20) ~ free (return from loan)

For me, Gilmour's defensive deficiencies and lack of physical presence means he would currently only function as a holding mid in a 3atb system or paired with a more physical/defensive mid in a 4atb system. The others should be fine being a lone holder in a 4atb.

My personal preference is:

Bissouma > Rice > Tchouemeni > Gilmour

Main reasons:
- Cost (Rice at £100m is a risky outlay for a player who hasn't played in a possession-orientated team)
- Familiarity w/ PL (Bissouma & Rice both have plenty of PL experience)
- Ability to play as lone holder (Gilmour doesn't have the defensive awareness/positioning yet and can't make up for it with physicality)

Thoughts?

comment by minididi (U17584)
posted 27 minutes ago
Been thinking about our options for holding mid next year:

From most expensive to cheapest:

Rice (22 - 23 on 14/01) ~ £100m

Tchouemeni (21 - 22 on 27/01) ~ £40-50m

Bissouma (25) ~ £35-40m

Gilmour (20) ~ free (return from loan)

For me, Gilmour's defensive deficiencies and lack of physical presence means he would currently only function as a holding mid in a 3atb system or paired with a more physical/defensive mid in a 4atb system. The others should be fine being a lone holder in a 4atb.

My personal preference is:

Bissouma > Rice > Tchouemeni > Gilmour

Main reasons:
- Cost (Rice at £100m is a risky outlay for a player who hasn't played in a possession-orientated team)
- Familiarity w/ PL (Bissouma & Rice both have plenty of PL experience)
- Ability to play as lone holder (Gilmour doesn't have the defensive awareness/positioning yet and can't make up for it with physicality)

Thoughts?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd throw Kessie in the mix from Milan. Contract up soon I think.

Decent shout.

To be honest, I just want someone who gives us a bit of tactical flexibility. I think Tuchel's insistence on the 3atb is as much due to our midfielders deficiencies as it is our CBs.

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 4 hours, 24 minutes ago
Anyway...matchday...

what's a good score today...?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
8-0😲

Arsenal Liverpool off

comment by Oscar. #TeamFury. (U12980)
posted 25 minutes ago
Arsenal Liverpool off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So did I miss something? I read it as Liverpool can field the required squad as per guidelines but it's the coaches who are affected?? So pretty much anyone but Chelsea can get matches postponed and we'll just play the school boys to make up numbers?

Hoping for a good match tonight at least anyway. If Rom starts just have to hope he's in the mood to atone for that interview. Will cause problems if he's on his game anyway.