Rich192

West Brom released him, so we didn’t pay them a fee. They would be owed a small percentage of any fee, but it would be probably about 5% maximum.

Watched the game last night. Thought he was really good. I’d start him at the weekend. The thought of him and Diaby supporting Watkins is giving me special feelings.

Yeah agreed. They were awful in those first few months of the season before last. Howe comes in and they still struggled. They then went on a training camp in Saudi Arabia, and came back as absolute animals. I’ve no doubt they’re at it.

Apologies. I forgot the number one rule, that everyone was entitled to Bickster’s opinion.

I have been to all types of venues, and seen all types of artists. I’d say 90% of them were average-disappointing. The other 10% I’ve loved. So it’s not as if I’m averse to enjoying them, just that my [unpopular] opinion () is that they’re generally poor.

Music concerts/gigs are rubbish. The quality is never as good as the actual album, surrounded by pissed up loud people singing along, or worse talking through each song. Difficult to get a drink, toilets are a nightmare, and it’s way too hot. I should caveat this by saying I have enjoyed some before, but usually it’s very disappointing.

Hoping he’s okay enough to start tonight. Get some minutes in those legs, and give Kamara a rest. Also wouldn’t surprise me if Fulham target him to replace Palhinha if he goes.

Konsa playing at right back will massively increase his chances of getting called up to the England squad.

They have to give at least six points deduction at least as punishment, otherwise it won’t be a deterrent going forward.

Libor Kozak?

If Pavard goes anywhere, it’s Inter. However Tuchel said last night that he’s decided he wants to keep him for the season, even if it means he leaves on a free at the end of the season.

A lot of players have taken their medicals for moves to Saudi Arabia in France. So he could’ve had permission to travel there for a medical a few days before our game so it doesn’t disrupt our game plan for Sunday, and so when all the finances of the deal are sorted, he can move quickly?

Middlesbrough are going to struggle this season, and have lost many of their good players from last season. Archer won’t go there, he’ll have far better options. Either a team battling Premier League relegation (such as Sheffield United), or a Championship team chasing promotion.

I’d prefer not to buy from them, but Chalobah would be perfect. Can play RB, CB and DMC, and is obviously homegrown. Available for about £25m by all accounts.

Mings’ injury has hit me for six. I’m still devastated by it, all these hours later. We need to establish the Torres and Carlos partnership as first choice now though. And that’s nothing against Konsa, who has generally been excellent under Emery. However neither he or Torres are dominant in the air, so Carlos is a must, and due to communication issues and style of play, it’s time we brought forward both of their introductions to the first XI. On paper, they’re the perfect Emery defenders, absolutely great with the ball at their feet. I feel we’ll need to adjust how deep our line is with these two, and it might take a few games for them to click properly, but I think it’s a must. For now, Konsa would absolutely be starting at right back, unless we buy a new right back, and I do think the injury to Mings will accelerate an offer for Foyth, who can play on the right and in the centre. It’s been an awful week, but we’ve still got quality players, and maybe this can make us an even better possession based team? Clutching at straws, probably. Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but Tyrone’s injury will massively impact how we defend corners, he must win about 80% of them for us, so adjustments needed there. We need Carlos, Torres, and Kamara to step up with this.

Prior to this season, Luzern had only ever won two European ties. Don’t write Hibs off yet, they’re far more seasoned in Europe. Having said that, Hibs did lose away to an Andorran team in the last round. So…

We must play our first XI in the qualifier. Let’s qualify before we think about playing weakened teams.

Not entirely true. In the Champions League Round of 16, the seeded teams are away first leg to give them home advantage in the second leg. However I don’t think that’s the case for the Conference League Playoffs.

Creased me up.

Draw is Monday at 1pm UK time. Basel are going out as it stands, it’s in injury time.

I imagine it’ll be the same 22 or so, all playing a half in both games. Probably trying to replicate similar conditions to what we’ll expect in Europe.

Maybe the reason there’s been no rumours about a new number two is that Emi will be number one for all competitions this season. Which personally, I would want anyway. I’m not on board with this modern fascination of having cup keepers. Emi has also specifically stated that he can’t wait to play for us in Europe, which hopefully means he won’t be sat on the bench for them. David De Gea played 58 times for Man Utd last season, and was only not chosen for the early rounds of the League Cup. So there is precedence for this. And I hope this is our plan for the coming seasons. And if that is the case, I have no issue with us not replacing Olsen. I’d still rather we did, but if Emi is number one for all competitions, it’s certainly less of a risk.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally love it. And herein lies the problem of any designer. Some think less is more (as per example the post above), whereas some like more outlandish and quirky designs. They can't win! They can't please everyone.

Meh. He’s no Ward-Prowse.

Repeated at midday on Sky Sports for anyone else who recorded it, but only got 40 minutes recorded due to the delay.