Rousseau

But, fun, though... no?

Thanks for playing, I suppose. Better luck next time. In all seriousness, I do believe GvB has played a 4-4-2 with Feyenoord to combat a superior Ajax side. He might set-up specifically for this opponent, but I see him starting as he wants to go on (i.e. His preferred 4-3-3/4-2-3-1).

Harsh...

Kamara is absolutely a defensive midfielder. Yes, I'm a big fan of Aribo, and he has been in good form; he doesn't deserve to be left out.

My team for tonight: Kent - Morelos - Sakala Hagi Kamara - Jack/Davis Barisic - Balogun - Goldson - Tavernier McGregor I went with a front three to emphasise the wingers, but I think it'll be a 4-2-3-1. I get the feeling GvB will play a #10, but I could also see two #8s, which is a simple change. That defence disappoints me, but I don't think we have too many obvious changes, here. I feel GvB will fall back on the 'first choice', to see what they can do; give them a fresh chance to impress.

Does Dave Vos count? Looks to be another coach added. We're linked with Zeb Jacobs, too, another coach; Belgian, and head of development at Royal Antwerp. Both sound quite promising.

It's not a proper transfer thread without @Bill deriding it. It has now been christened.

Why do I keep forgetting Sakala? His tune is a banger! He's the obvious choice out wide.

I think we'll see more traditional wingers. (The two #10s we've been running was Gerrard's quirk.) It'll probably be a 4-2-3-1. Kent should be one of the wingers, but I don't know who else can play there? Barker in from the cold? Pep likes wide wingers, often using forwards, so what about Morelos out wide?

So... what are we all expecting team-wise?

This is a bit of a free hit, in terms of the GPL: who will start, will there be a style change, what's the approach? A lot of unknowns. I wonder if Kent will start after big Roy told him off?! Then again, GvB likes wingers, and Kent is pretty much the only one we have. Rangers 1 - 0 Sparta Prague FGS Kent

Rangers vs Sparta Prague Apologies - I've just realised I'm a day late with this one.

Juan Alegria is training with the first team too - has he always been involved with the first team?

Roy Makaay saying to Kent, "[T]ricks are for the circus"! Brilliant.

Goldson having a laugh as he's coming out to train... yes, he can go at the end of the season. 👀

I don't rate McLaughlin. I see him as a poor man's McGregor; a copy, without the ability to pull off the impossible saves that McGregor can. However, I certainly can't argue with those stats, or McGregor's form; it's not been good. I'd rather see McCrorie get a starting slot, or perhaps it's time to sign a different style of 'keeper, more suited to our approach. I wonder what GvB prefers?

There's been a bit of a 'reaction' to Conte and Gerrard banning food stuffs, like Ketchup etc., in club canteens. To be honest, I thought that was standard now? Of course, Sean Dyche requires players to drink 3 pints of Ketchup pre-match, and a Full Roast dinner at half-time. Can't handle it? Sold. It's that simple.

Against? Jeez. Either we're conceding very big chances, letting in soft chances that should never go in or we're extremely unlucky. Mix of all, probably. Either way, it's not good. To only allow 6 shots on target in three games is actually good going, though - If I'm understanding you correctly. We just need to cut out the p*sh.

They don't have to. Abrahams signed for Roma for £34M. Tomori went to Milan for £26M. Geuhi went to Crystal Palace for £21M. Livramento went to Southampton for £8M, and they have a buy-back clause. He's doing very well. That's just this season, which was an especially good one. Last year Pasalic went to Atalanta for £14M, which was the biggest sale. They generally sell a few players every season for £5-10M each. Reece James is now in the squad, alongside Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Mount and Hudson-Odoi. They have all had a few seasons out on loan. Gilmour and Gallagher are currently out on loan with good prospects. Even if they don't make it at Chelsea they'll be going for big money.

It's quite normal in Italy. Juventus have around 40 out on loan. I don't have a problem with it. I would like us to replicate it.

According to Wikipedia, Chelsea currently have 22 players out on loan.

I actually think our defence and team would suit a sweeper 'keeper more than McGregor. We see a lot of long balls over the top that would pose little danger if our 'keeper burst off his line to sweep up, like Alisson. McGregor barely comes out for a headed back-pass from the 18-yard line! But, McGregor is McGregor; you're not dropping McGregor at his best. Time takes it toll, though.

Yes, I don't think we had much of a chance. It made sense to keep in their good books. I feel it's something we have to do ourselves: flex our muscles in that way.

I know of Everton making a derisory bid for Patterson. Who's in for Kelly?

There have been a few games this season where a 'none of the above' option would be applicable, but it screws the results.