Youri Tielemans

[Drummond]

Yeah but I think that’s because he is always looking for that incisive pass.

In that sense him and Buendia are similar. 

[brontebilly]

If it’s a like for like replacement for Kamara the Donk has a shout. But who knows what Unai has up his sleeve.

Tielemans will sit next to Luiz I expect. Ramsey, Bailey, McGinn and Watkins. Lovely weight of pass by YT for Watkins goal. Still needs to protect possession a bit better at times for me, Bailey even more so.

[Steve67]

Good job the suspension is against Bournemouth rather than Arsenal or Man City, not that we should take anyone lightly, but I suspect we will sit with Luiz and Tielemans, McGinn and Ramsey.  No way does Dendonker get a start, I reckon Unai would rather start Chambers.  It does show that we need a suitable alternative to Bouba though.

[Dave]

Lovely weight of pass by YT for Watkins goal.

There were about four perfect through-balls he played for Bailey as well, and every time he decided he just HAD to cut inside onto his left.

If I were Emery I'd get Bailey to practice first-time, right-footed finishes all week. Or just stick the bugger on the other side.

[Keeno]

Good job the suspension is against Bournemouth rather than Arsenal or Man City, not that we should take anyone lightly, but I suspect we will sit with Luiz and Tielemans, McGinn and Ramsey.  No way does Dendonker get a start, I reckon Unai would rather start Chambers.  It does show that we need a suitable alternative to Bouba though.

I think that's really the only position I'd like to see us add to in Jan. It seems quite likely we move Dendoncker on so a backup for Kamara as a true DM is definitely needed - we're pretty set everywhere else.

[pauliewalnuts]

Good job the suspension is against Bournemouth rather than Arsenal or Man City, not that we should take anyone lightly, but I suspect we will sit with Luiz and Tielemans, McGinn and Ramsey.  No way does Dendonker get a start, I reckon Unai would rather start Chambers.  It does show that we need a suitable alternative to Bouba though.

I think that's really the only position I'd like to see us add to in Jan. It seems quite likely we move Dendoncker on so a backup for Kamara as a true DM is definitely needed - we're pretty set everywhere else.

We are very skimpy at right back.

[Rigadon]

Good job the suspension is against Bournemouth rather than Arsenal or Man City, not that we should take anyone lightly, but I suspect we will sit with Luiz and Tielemans, McGinn and Ramsey.  No way does Dendonker get a start, I reckon Unai would rather start Chambers.  It does show that we need a suitable alternative to Bouba though.

I think that's really the only position I'd like to see us add to in Jan. It seems quite likely we move Dendoncker on so a backup for Kamara as a true DM is definitely needed - we're pretty set everywhere else.

We are very skimpy at right back.

If we lost Watkins or Martinez for a run of games I think that would be really bad news. 

[paul_e]

The big positive though is that this is the first window I can remember where no one is seriously calling for outright upgrades to our best 11, instead we need squad depth and players to put pressure on the starters in a couple of positions.

[Dave]

The big positive though is that this is the first window I can remember where no one is seriously calling for outright upgrades to our best 11, instead we need squad depth and players to put pressure on the starters in a couple of positions.

It does feel a bit like the last time we were in this sort of position, playing well and with a settled team. Then January comes along, we buy Heskey upsetting the balance of the team and Arsenal go out and get Arshavin and they shoot past us.

So our version of an Arshavin would be good, but the priority is not getting this era's version of Heskey.

[Rigadon]

The big positive though is that this is the first window I can remember where no one is seriously calling for outright upgrades to our best 11, instead we need squad depth and players to put pressure on the starters in a couple of positions.

It does feel a bit like the last time we were in this sort of position, playing well and with a settled team. Then January comes along, we buy Heskey upsetting the balance of the team and Arsenal go out and get Arshavin and they shoot past us.

So our version of an Arshavin would be good, but the priority is not getting this era's version of Heskey.

Another reason why it's so amazing to have Emery.  There is no way he'd buy 'a Heskey' and even if he did, said Heskey would morph into prime Alan Shearer within weeks of training!

[paul_e]

The big positive though is that this is the first window I can remember where no one is seriously calling for outright upgrades to our best 11, instead we need squad depth and players to put pressure on the starters in a couple of positions.

It does feel a bit like the last time we were in this sort of position, playing well and with a settled team. Then January comes along, we buy Heskey upsetting the balance of the team and Arsenal go out and get Arshavin and they shoot past us.

So our version of an Arshavin would be good, but the priority is not getting this era's version of Heskey.

I get the comparison and I agree that we need to be careful that anyone coming in now doesn't disrupt things but I trust Emery in the market a lot more than MoN.

[Smithy]

Youri has really started to impress in recent weeks, which is great.  I also imagine Monchi must be licking his lips ahead of January.  He's had a few months to get his feet under the table, the team is in the top four making us look far more attractive to prospective players, and we're buying from a position of strength - plus he MUST have some money to spend.  I can't imagine we're going to go through January without one or two top class introductions - even if we don't know them well.

[Risso]

Youri has really started to impress in recent weeks, which is great.  I also imagine Monchi must be licking his lips ahead of January.  He's had a few months to get his feet under the table, the team is in the top four making us look far more attractive to prospective players, and we're buying from a position of strength - plus he MUST have some money to spend.  I can't imagine we're going to go through January without one or two top class introductions - even if we don't know them well.

That's my feeling/hope as well, Smithy.

[Risso]

The big positive though is that this is the first window I can remember where no one is seriously calling for outright upgrades to our best 11, instead we need squad depth and players to put pressure on the starters in a couple of positions.

It does feel a bit like the last time we were in this sort of position, playing well and with a settled team. Then January comes along, we buy Heskey upsetting the balance of the team and Arsenal go out and get Arshavin and they shoot past us.

So our version of an Arshavin would be good, but the priority is not getting this era's version of Heskey.

I get the comparison and I agree that we need to be careful that anyone coming in now doesn't disrupt things but I trust Emery in the market a lot more than MoN.

Exactly Paul. It helps that we're not managed by somebody with a massive hard on for overpriced British players. I also can't see that Emery is going to be straining at the leash to sign 2024's version of Aiden McGeady!

A forwardy type player would be very welcome.

[paul_e]

At a guess I'd say 3 new signings, 1 challenging for the first team and a couple of younger players who will be more Duran level for the first year with us but will give some cover as they develop. Adds depth without really disrupting the squad.