05 Nov 2018 18:25:02
Browne, Bamford, Beradi and Ayling all hopefully back fit in January will give the squad a great boost . Looks like we only have Alioski on the left . I would try Saiz there with the instructions to keep it simple and not try and beat every player on the pitch every time he has the ball. Knock it about and one touch first time passes. He needs to model his game like Hernandez plays. Then add 3 players, a centre half, left wing and striker in January, hope they hit the ground running and we could be in the mix. 16 games down and 30 to go. Top 2 place needs what, 90 points probably a little less? 2 points a game, the old home wins and away draws should get us there . Fitness and fatigue are the big questions now. Honestly don't think the managers style is all about pumping the players up to get performances out of them, this form of management style runs out of steam over a whole season, MB's style of play is all about how the players perform collectively as a team unit, this is becoming more and more evident with every game . Our possessions stats away against an unbeaten at home Wigan team are absolutely amazing.

1.) 05 Nov 2018
05 Nov 2018 20:14:36
I agree 1970 with your assessment. Our business in the January Window will be crucial. The only thing missing yesterday was another goal which we deserved. We played well, and played as a team with spirit which is great to see.

2.) 05 Nov 2018
05 Nov 2018 20:19:18
Not sure that Beradi will be a certainty for Jan and Brown is a big gamble after so much time out. I think how good he is and how quickly could be a key part of our second half season. Seems like a game changer . Ayling also a key returner out if that group, stability back on the right. Finally Bamford could be that additional striker, if he comes back fit and ready. The advantages of the injuries are that some of the players are not going to have been overworked.

Think we need to be realistic about comings and goings in Jan. Even with the 4 players mentioned above, on Saturday there was no place in the bench for Pearce or Shaunessy. With three new players in and no outs where do they all go and who makes room for them.

I think we will only see 1/ 2 coming in that will effect the second half of the season, people Bielsa is sure about. Any more and it might be because we lose someone, Pearce is a possibility, Roofe will definitely be wanted by some of the PL strugglers and even Saiz, if he is still on the bench could be a gamble for a PL struggler.

Have confidence in what Bielsa and the team can do with what we have already.

3.) 06 Nov 2018
05 Nov 2018 23:15:56
I wouldn’t let Saiz anywhere near the first team atm. His attitude and effort stinks. Alioski by far the better option.
In fact if we can get $6-$10 mill in jan I’d consider moving him on.
Not sure Ayling and Bamford will help too much when they return either as both in poor form.
Def need 3 in January or give younguns more time to shine.

4.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 06:57:49
Yes, that Bamford has been a waste of money. Came into squad later than the rest, started the season on the bench getting limited game time, then picked up an unlucky injury during an U23s game. Shame on Bamford! He should have 20 goals by now 😂.

5.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 06:58:52
Bamford barely got the chance to settle in before he was injured - bit harsh to judge his form from that!

6.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 07:52:02
Not sure about the evidence that Saiz’s attitude or effort stinks! He’s going through a tough patch but he remains one of our most skillful and creative players. I think he’s got frustrated by his own form and the tackling that he constantly receives. As a sub, he can still be a powerful option for us. Let’s not right him off. A challenge for Bielsa and his team to get him back to his best.

7.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 09:17:10
I think 20 is optimistic notts but you are right. He should have a few to his name.
I’m afraid I don’t like the guy as a footballer. I have not seen anything from him recently that suggests he will achieve his early potential. I’m happy for him to prove me wrong for 2 seasons like woods did. But I doubt it will happen.

8.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 11:45:39
Totally 100% agree re Samu, Spanish.

9.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 11:50:10
You must have given Wood a chance to prove himself then, so why not Bamford?

10.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 12:53:37
I've always said there's something about Saiz, match-winner, game-changer when on form but how often is he on form? It says a lot that, for all his talent and creativity, he was playing Spanish second division and now the championship at his age.

11.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 16:15:19
If he keeps attracting attention (on and off the pitch) then I can see Samu moving back to Spain for an easier life.

12.) 06 Nov 2018
06 Nov 2018 19:50:59
Sis didn’t give Wood a chance but he had no choice 😂.