12 Feb 2019 07:57:10
So we going to finish mid table ish. Let's have a bit if fun. What positions do we need to strengthen in the summer and who are we likely to target and will. we release.

1.) 12 Feb 2019
12 Feb 2019 09:45:02
If the current squad were fully fit, we should be well catered for in attacking mid/ wingers:- Lanzini/ Anderson/ Nasri/ Antonio/ Yarmolenko (I still think Diangana needs to go on loan and get regular playing time to hone his game) . Slightly further back, a fit Wilshere would make the match day squad, but we need a strong box to box tackler/ disruptor to support Rice.

Up front is a bit of a lottery - we are all led to believe that Arnie is leaving, that Chicha wants out and that Perez is on his way. Carroll has done absolutely nothing to justify a contract extension. Where do we go from there?

If there is a complete clearout, we will need two new high quality strikers. At least one, if not both, must be big, strong and fast. Xande will be back up unless he, like Diangana, goes out on loan.

The back four will need further reinforcement. Zaba is getting on and will not play as much and Fredericks has yet to prove himself at this level, though I think he will get there, once he is trained to defend properly. Masuaku will be sold so Cresswell will need a deputy at left back. Diop and Balbuena will form out first choice CB pairing, but we will need squad backup and that won’t be Ogbonna, as he to should be on his way.

Adrian should move back to Spain, so we’ll have to buy a No.2 keeper.

As for the names of the potential incomers (? ) we are always linked with a zillion players every window, but I’m sure that MP and Husillos have already got their targets well and truly marked.

We now need a strong end to the season to make us look an attractive proposition.

2.) 12 Feb 2019
12 Feb 2019 17:23:18
Agree with everything you have layed out Mark. I still think that Anthonio can play up front (as well as anywhere else to fill in) and is it about time Trott is given a chance occasionally - if not maybe Pope from Burnley to replace Adrian.

3.) 13 Feb 2019
13 Feb 2019 12:48:22
Bang on Markro.
Iv done a bit of a u-turn on Antonio recently, I think he has been great at right wing lately, and if his form continues i would keep him despite his final ball not being quite good enough.
Centre mid is SO important, we urgently need to get the player that is going to take over from Noble ASAP. Obiang is not good enough and may even leave, so that would mean we need 2. Backup for Rice would be nice, but i hope Sanchez is fit and maybe he can play some games in the final year of his contract.
Depending on who goes, i can see 7 players incoming. The below assumes Carroll, Chica, Arnie, Obiang, Masuaku, Oxford and Adiran all leave, and Zaba signs for another year.
2 x First team quality strikers
1 x Top quality CM
1 x Backup CM (could be Edi Fernandaes if MP likes him)
1 x Backup LB
1 x Backup GK (heard a lot about Trott, but not seen him)
1 x Backup CB (maybe 2 if Ogbonna goes and Ried is not fit)
This all ASSUMES Lanzini, Yarmolenko, Wilshere and Sanchez all come back to full fitness.