Btay

Horrible defence

We don’t need to panic. Just need James to get control of this game. Midfield needs to close down a lot more.

That’s been coming

We are so suspect to the cut back. No midfielders picking up the loose man on the edge

Oh Gylfi I wish that went in for him

Very good athlete.

Gylfi, James Or Digne. Great options

Iwobi is trying to make things happen. Couple of times he could release the ball a bit quicker but can see him making a goal or 2. Need a goal to settle this one down.

Big game for iwobi. Needs to step up here and get at them.

Knew Carlo was working the media earlier this week and James would be starting.

Brands seems a classy man and I think he represents our Club in a fantastic manner. I think he’s done an excellent job personally.

Important to pick up a win here and keep the momentum. There’s a whole different feel to the club, I feel the players believe they are where they should be on the table.

Agreed. I believe we were looking for a counter attacking style CF at the end of the window, pace and finishing ability.

I think this league is to quick for him I’m afraid and that was before his injury.

injuries and suspensions making this one a bit difficult but perhaps a good chance to work out how we are going to combat the busy Christmas period. For me we either go 3-4-2-1 Pickford Godfrey Mina Keane Iwobi Allan Doucoure Digne Gylfi Bernard DCL Or we stick with out 4-3-3 same tactics Pickford Kenny Mina Keane Digne Gomes Allan Doucoure Bernard DCL Gordon Kenny - subject to Ancelotti, he’s because he’s our number 2 rb but Carlo sees more than we do so trust him on that. No issue with Godfrey. Gomes - Stays for stability alone, already a few changes but again if Gylfi comes in or Davies so be it. Bernard, drifting inside similar to James. Gordon, most similar player to Richarlison so tactically I feel it keeps us balanced. Iwobi - Can come in on either wing I just feel he is completely different player to either wide player in our starting 11.

Depends on how Carlo sets us up really - the good thing is now we have so many options to tweak tactics ect. I feel Gordon is the most like for like with Richarlison so I wouldn’t be surprised if he went wide left with Bernard playing James’s role. I’d love to say Siggy is like for like with James but he would need to break his own shackles are demand the ball like James does. Coleman injury though means we could see a change of shape. Interesting to see how Caro approaches this.

Can’t remember exactly what game it was but I think we didn’t have Allan or James on And Doucoure played his best game. Watch him step up here, he might feel a bit subdued given the high profile of James/Allan but if we get him on the ball more he has the quality to run the game for us. Great player.

I’m just saying that I think this is Carlo deflecting the media from Pickford. If he doesn’t on the weekend I’m not too bothered but he played 85 minutes with the knock. It’s not serious what so ever but it’s an opportunity for Carlo to deflect some of the shit coming at us from the Derby away. I actually think it’s great man management from Carlo and IF James is actually out this weekend he’s used that negative in a positive way.

He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton." “I think” is not 100%

I feel Ancelotti could be playing some games here as this takes the media limelight away from Pickford. James probably will play against Southampton in my opinion.

Won’t have those runs regardless as Richarlison is suspended hence Bernard to free up Digne as our next best outlet on the left

Very athletic player. Would never have thought of him as an option in the market after last season so credit to the scouting team for spotting him. Perfect age as well

I think Gordon will come in for him. Weird but I have seen Iwobi play as last man for us this year so I’m sure Carlo has something in store.

Mane and Robertson both kicked out with intent. Our players put in 2 hard challenges with no intent what so ever to hurt anyone.

That changes my perspective on it. I’m not happy VVD got injured but he squares that they score. If someone is through 1v1 and Pickford makes him self big gets a toe on the ball and saves it but in the process goes through the man - I have no issue with that. Unfortunate that VVD got injured but look up his challenge on mertens last year for a good reference on winning the ball but following through.