Regular Top-4 side

[Marat18]

Thought about that topic for a while.

What your take on the squad that can be CL regulars (say, finishing top-4 3-4 times out of 5), may be challenging for a title in a lucky year?

I?d name Tino, Hall, Botman, Tonali, Bruno, Gordon and Isak.

So, GK, RCB, LCM, RW - 4 positions needs an upgrade.
I do hope that Miley could take Joelinton place more often next season.
RW is top priority - either Mbeumo or that lad from PSV.

Of course, top side is not about 11 players, but also the ones you can bring in from the bench. And here the big question is Osula the one you can rely on to fill Isak?s shoes if needed?

[Nufcian]

I?d say that Joelinton is more than good enough.

He lost his head a bit yesterday, Bournemouth did it on purpose, the ref let them get away with it and we/he fell for it? but he?s a cracking player and I expect Howe will use that as a learning experience for him and the squad.

For a first 11 that can compete for the top 4 I would say we are a GK and RW away from it.

For a squad, and let?s be honest that?s what we need and what we lack, we most likely need at least RCB, ST, CDM (replace Longstaff), Creative CM (to replace Willock and stand in for Bruno, with Miley deputising for Big Joe).

So to even stand a chance of thinking we can compete for a top 4/5 spot I think at the least we need to bring in first team quality: GK / RCB / CDM / ACM / RW / ST

That would give us some decent depth in the squad, all would need to be first team quality though and it?s not gonna be quick to do that.

Going out for me either Jan or the summer: Miggy, Longstaff, Willock, Kelly or Targett, Wilson (free), Lascelles (free), Dubravka (free), Lewis (Free)

Potentially seeing Barnes want to move for more game time, unsure if Sanusi would be ready to step up so might need a new LW too.

We?ve had a cracking run and we hit a game we had f**k all answers too, never mind competing for top 4 I think that highlights the desperate need for new faces to freshen up the squad and offer options from the bench.

We?ve bought pretty much all of the ROI U18/U21 teams, we need to find the money to bring in some first team players in Jan if we want to seriously have a run at a top 4/5 this season.

[tinostongue]

I?d say that Joelinton is more than good enough.

He lost his head a bit yesterday, Bournemouth did it on purpose, the ref let them get away with it and we/he fell for it? but he?s a cracking player and I expect Howe will use that as a learning experience for him and the squad.

For a first 11 that can compete for the top 4 I would say we are a GK and RW away from it.

For a squad, and let?s be honest that?s what we need and what we lack, we most likely need at least RCB, ST, CDM (replace Longstaff), Creative CM (to replace Willock and stand in for Bruno, with Miley deputising for Big Joe).

So to even stand a chance of thinking we can compete for a top 4/5 spot I think at the least we need to bring in first team quality: GK / RCB / CDM / ACM / RW / ST

That would give us some decent depth in the squad, all would need to be first team quality though and it?s not gonna be quick to do that.

Going out for me either Jan or the summer: Miggy, Longstaff, Willock, Kelly or Targett, Wilson (free), Lascelles (free), Dubravka (free), Lewis (Free)

Potentially seeing Barnes want to move for more game time, unsure if Sanusi would be ready to step up so might need a new LW too.

We?ve had a cracking run and we hit a game we had f**k all answers too, never mind competing for top 4 I think that highlights the desperate need for new faces to freshen up the squad and offer options from the bench.

We?ve bought pretty much all of the ROI U18/U21 teams, we need to find the money to bring in some first team players in Jan if we want to seriously have a run at a top 4/5 this season.

I agree, no use waiting till summer,got to be done in Jan if we are to maintain our ambitions and hold onto our top players. If they see us not strengthening and competing at the top they will just leave,and will be open to moves to the likes of Arse,City, Chelsea Lpool, ALL of whom are more or less guaranteed CL football EVERY season. We have to show some ambition in january and Mitchell needs to stand up and be accountable. I’m not interested in all the PSR bull****,other clubs are buying,( Villa) even loan deals although eddie doesn’t like them apparently,well tough eddie, you have to start and like them for the good of your team.

[Jammy89]

End of the day though, the whole cartel's PSR schtick is to stop clubs like ours getting that regular top 4 slot by making us sell our best players every few seasons.

In response to the thread though, RW for the currently team is a must - really I would want one one this window.

A top notch goalkeeper replacement is something that can be done in summer.

Then a general squad upgrade in most positions to be honest.

[Zippity]

We need a RW and I think a striker of some description is a must, too.

Does anyone think we'll get through to the end of the season without an Isak injury? It's clear that Osula isn't ready for the Prem so we absolutely need another forward.

[Jammy89]

It's ok Zip - Eddie has been talking about how Wilson will be back soon

[Zippity]

It's ok Zip - Eddie has been talking about how Wilson will be back soon

[Xamand]

To be consistently top 4 you really need to have 2 quality players in each position ideally backed up by some high quality youngsters.

Priorities for us would be an ST, RW, RCB and GK.

In regards to what we have:

Joelinton is plenty fine for me - yes he briefly looked like he had lost it before half time in the last game but was fine the second half. Surprisingly considering his style of play he hasn't ever received a red card in the Prem.

Willock - for now keep - admittedly he has been struggling of late - doesn't seem quite in sync with the rest of the team though this may be partly due to lack of game time not helped by injuries. When on song definitely good enough as a bench/squad player.

Longstaff - probably an unpopular opinion but I think he can still fill a role - for a while at least though if we receive a decent offer I would sell. He's not exciting but he's solid and provides good movement both in and out of possession. In the long term we probably need an upgrade but I don't think he is a priority. Can do a job as a squad player for the mo.

Murphy - again, not a priority and can do a decent job as a squad player. Has improved over the last season or so and can do a job as a backup RW.