12 Dec 2018 17:13:21
Interested to know what everyone HONESTLY expects us to do in the Jan window?

My thoughts:
MP's mentality will always mean progress, even if we are effectively safe by Jan as he will be targeting 6th. Ironmike will be better at explaining what finances we have, and where we are with FFP, but i suspect we have to move players on before we can make permanent signings and accommodate Rice's pay rise.
Realistically, I see him improving SQUAD quality in a couple positions, UNLESS MP has an opportunity on someone he specifically wants for his long term plan.
Left back is the main issue. Masuaku is not good enough defensively. Sell if an offer comes and expect a young, or temporary addition (e. g. Monreal) to come and challenge Cresswell.
Oxford looks like he is going, and with Zaba retiring at end of season, and Fredricks injured, expect a RB to be on the cards.
Cover for Declan. With Sanchez out for the season and Ogbonna our only backup at CB then a backup DM is important. Interesting that Yaya Toure has had his pay-as-you-play contract cancelled amidst the Turkish financial crisis. Maybe a temporary option until end of season when Sanchez returns? We may well see reports of him training with us before the new year as his family is in London.
Creative player cover. With Snodders and Anderson our only established technical players fit, i expect Nasri to come in to provide depth and cover here. I do not expect us to spend big on anyone else here as we have Yarmolenko and Lanzini still to come back, and 3 very good youngsters in Diangana, Holland and Silva coming through.
Up front, I only see movement here if we sell players. Arnie rumours may be true, although i am not sure which club will want him RIGHT NOW. Many clubs need a Caroll in Jan, and we could see him go on loan until his contract runs out freeing up some salary.
Out - Oxford, Masuaku, Antonio, Caroll
In - RB, LB, Nasri, DM and Rice TO SIGN!
If funds available, MAYBE bigger signing.

1.) 12 Dec 2018
12 Dec 2018 18:17:42
I would go along with that Nickinho. It's a long shot to expect 6th place with current squad, much will depend on what budget Pellegrini has to play with when the window opens. Yarmalenko, Wilshire and Lanzini is a big loss but players have stepped up that have come in. If I was to be critical on team performances it has to be the tendency to step off the gas in periods of the game, allowing the opposition to take control. Pellegrini's philosophy is, if the opposition hasn't got the ball they can't score, and I've noticed that in recent matches the possession stats have taken a dive, not drastically, but enough to tell you that the team is conceding too much possession. Better opposition in those last three games would have taken advantage.

2.) 12 Dec 2018
12 Dec 2018 19:37:24
I would personally love us to try and sign Kieran Tierney I think he is fantastic, versatile and is a leader. Though I may be being unrealistically ambitious and he may have no interest in us.

3.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 00:24:29
Nice post Nickinho I think you have covered all the main points here, IT WAS the idea originally to have another spendfest this coming summer however injuries, and poor performances by some players demand more urgent attention, we don’t have to sell anybody to buy a couple of players as close to 35 m can be available However WH will look to sell on and reduce wage bill or at least keep it under control. IRONMIKE.

4.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 00:30:41
Not much point in loaning out Carroll he can help us when available I'f someone's that desperate to need him in January they can buy him.

He seems to come back play a few games then get injured but he always seems to make an impact, but yes I would sell we still have an option at the end of the season and we know if he can stay fit what an asset he can be. More likely a sale than a loan.

5.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 09:05:41
Lb- k Tierney
Rb- n clyne
Cm- a duncan
S- y poulson.

6.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 12:51:05
Well written post Nichinho.
I, too, think that Nasri might be our only recruit in January. Your points about our full backs make good sense, but my gut tells me that only Oxford will leave if we get a decent offer.
Our full squad, when all our fit, covers most bases and I am optimistic that we are on course for a top 10 finish.
The summer spending was so extensive that we won’t spend this window. I would really have liked Almiron to come in, but can’t see it happening realistically.
I’m sure that MP will not move Carroll on, as he’s good cover for Arnie, who l also think will stay at least until the summer - at which time there may be a major shake up in our strikers.
MP and Husillos will be constantly scouting for the players he wants in the summer to make the squad increasingly his.