What is our squad capable of?

[Zippity]

Ok, so on the back of Ghost saying our squad is capable of finishing tenth if used properly (not a dig, by the way), where do we think we sit in terms of quality and likely finishing position? All other things being equal, a team finishing tenth should be looking up rather than down.

But, as we know, with us, all other things aren't equal.

i would argue that we have the worst forward line in the league. Rafa's first choice attackers-so far- are Joselu with Perez behind him...an appalling combination which surely can't be better than anyone else's? We haven't seen enough of Muto or Rondon and they might ultimately prove to be the difference.

Our midfield consists of the inconsistent Shelvey, the wildly inconsistent and ageing Diame, Hayden who isn't very good and doesn't want to be here and Ki from a relegated club and plays like it.

Our defence is a full-back injury away from disaster although at CB I think Fernandez is a more than capable replacement for Lejeune (came from a relegated club but doesn't play like it.)

Meanwhile, every team below us in last season's table has strengthened, whilst of the teams who have come up, Wolves look well-placed to finish above us, Fulham will be ok and Cardiff are going straight back down.

Add to that, Rafa did a fantastic job-imo-to get a tune out of a knackered fiddle...will he be able to do the same again? I think most agree that we over-achieved last season and I don't think it will happen again. As I've said before, I think injuries, suspensions and loss of form will hit us harder than it will other teams because of our paper-thin squad.

I think we're a bottom third squad with a middle third first team if Rondon or Muto get game time and start scoring.

Thoughts (unless you've lost the will to live reading this )

[ronandtet]

start scoring is what we need - against arsenal we had 10 corners but in total only 4 shots

[ashingtoon62]

We are capable of survival,with a fair wind...
Agree Cardiff are ganning straight back down,possibly along with Huddersfield IMO.So the way I see it is we have a mini league between 7 clubs,we have to make sure we divvint finish bottom of said league...

[Zippity]

start scoring is what we need - against arsenal we had 10 corners but in total only 4 shots

In January we should try and sign that lad scoring all the goals for Fulham...

[Davearmy]

In January we should try and sign that lad scoring all the goals for Fulham...

Nah apparently he's not good enough mate hes only scored more than our whole team combined >.>

[TheBigSausage]

Nah apparently he's not good enough mate hes only scored more than our whole team combined >.>

He was unlucky also, hit the bar near the end.
He only needs 2 more to match rondons total for the whole of last season.

[Curian]

I think we will probably get beaten today and get the usual excuses. I also think survival is our top priority and we will be lucky to achieve that on current form and tactics.

I know citing Mitro agitates some folk but whilst he did not fit into Rafa's style, that, to date, has not really proved that successful, whilst Mitro has. Sometimes putting the horse in front of the cart can work! No point in playing well if you cannot score or hold onto a result or get beaten but were (unlucky)!

Rafa has had the opportunity to mix up the team but seems set or fixated on a line up that is not gelling. Not really sure what to expect nor do I think the January window will resolve our dilemma. (I know it's Ashley etc but that aside).

All we can do is keep the faith but also rely on a wing and a prayer!!

[TheBigSausage]

I think we will probably get beaten today and get the usual excuses. I also think survival is our top priority and we will be lucky to achieve that on current form and tactics.

I know citing Mitro agitates some folk but whilst he did not fit into Rafa's style, that, to date, has not really proved that successful, whilst Mitro has. Sometimes putting the horse in front of the cart can work! No point in playing well if you cannot score or hold onto a result or get beaten but were (unlucky)!

All we can do is keep the faith but also rely on a wing and a prayer!!

Rafa has had the opportunity to mix up the team but seems set or fixated on a line up that is not gelling. Not really sure what to expect nor do I think the January window will resolve our dilemma. (I know it's Ashley etc but that aside)

Smells fishy .. Nowt to do with style of play .. Whatever that is .. He fell out with Rafa and was sold .
Looking more and more like a ridiculous decision .

[Zippity]

Certainly even before the season began, most folk would have chosen Mitro over Joselu if you had to choose one...and that's without the hindsight of our lack of goals and his 5 so far.

Unfortunately all we've got to go on are unsubstantiated reports of him being a poor trainer and the evidence of our own eyes when he did get the chance to play. The jury was out, for me-but his international record and the fact that he's still relatively young and still learning meant that maybe, given our existing options, he should have been given another chance.

[Geordie1974]

Oh ffs.Will people stop going on about Mitro.Even if he played every game for Rafa and Rafa loved him for 27m the fat slug would have accepted.He would have been sold end of.