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Must win. Anything less than 0-4 will be disappointing.

Ndidi was fit, and Rodgers didn't have the balls to drop Hamza, nor Maddison, so we played a shit formation and got a shit result. #RodgersOut

Albrighton is a winger. James won't make the squad, neither will Leshabela (unless we sell more than I expect and have an extra spot). And I'd expect us to still move on at least one more, I think Mendy (or Silva or King). Amartey is also probably more of 5th choice CB. That leaves: DM = Ndidi/Hamza(/Amartey) #8 = Tielemans/Praet/Silva #10 = Maddison(/Barnes)/King. Not counting the players that are primarily for other positions or King as he is unlikely to make the bench but is good squad depth for the cups, then that is 6 players competing for 3 positions. And that is fine as you normally want 2 players for every position.

Hamza will likely start the season. Barnes can earn a place ahead of Albrighton or Perez by playing well off the bench - or maybe Rodgers plans to regardless versus specific teams.

The end of last season and most of preseason, we have been playing 4-1-4-1. This accurately showcases the "triangles" of players/passes/link-up. Kasper Ricardo - Evans - Soyuncu - Chilwell Ndidi/Hamza Perez - Tielemans - Maddison - Albrighton Vardy Some people like to see it as a 433, which it could be considered, but imo that is less useful (for fans) to think of as. Others are calling it a 4231, but that is wrong as it suggests Tielemans is playing as a defensive midfielder (although more accurately describes Maddison as our number 10). The idea of a diamond is to replace Albrighton with Praet and move Perez forward into a second striker role (and move Maddison into a more defined #10 role). This is very different (unless you replace Vardy/Maddison with a false #9, having two wide forwards). Ndidi/Hamza Tielemans - Praet Maddison Perez - Vardy

A snow storm

What team outside the top 3 (Liverpool, Spurs, Man City) doesn't have some averageness in their team?

We bought them last summer. Having a preseason with Rodgers, Barnes, Hamza, Tielemans, etc. should "progress" us more in this window than what many expect.

Unless I am missing something, I cannot see Chelsea or Manchester United being able to challenge for the top 4 or even having a comfortable top 6 finish. Depending on how Wolves deal with Europa, them, us, and West Ham all have a shot at 5th.

Ndidi, Hamza, Mendy, and Amartey competing for DM, but Amartey might also be 5th choice CB. Maddison and Tielemans as our starting number 10 and 8. Praet, Silva, and King competing for a spot on the bench. James is not competing for a spot. So exclude Amartey too, and we have 8 players for 3 spots, which yeah is too many, unless we play a diamond and then 8 players for 4 spots is actually reasonable.

Feels like still a while then. Certainly not starting at the end of this season?

Praet, CB, Thauvin

If sarcasm that is very unprofessional.

So who is leaving today? Amartey? Please not King, but maybe he needs to? Probably not Gray unless part of a swap deal, but that is just blind hope. Doubtful James or Kapi leave this window. Mendy and/or Silva can wait, so too Diabate and Slimani (and Ghezzal?).

Man City Arsenal Liverpool Spurs Leicester and a Cup

When you asked him about music, I almost expected you to mention that you're a dj.

Would you describe anyone else as "decent"? Maybe a certain Sean from a certain Enderby?

I'd accept payment in two installments... each of 50m.

Not convinced he'll be much better than Barnes.

Inbe4thelock

I assume most agree: Perez might occasionally be needed as a 2nd striker. Albrighton is a great winger, but it'd be great to have another proven (sorry Barnes, Ghezzal, Gray) goalscoring winger. But we also have lots of goalscoring potential in other areas (Tielemans, Maddison, Ricardo), so maybe backup for a number 8/10 is best... or maybe we sign someone who can play those roles and on the wing.

Prediction: excluding penalties, he will score more goals per 90 minutes than Vardy or anyone else in the squad. His link up play already looks good with the other starters, and the attacking positions he finds himself in, partly by not being the forwardmost striker in our setup, will certainly pay off.

Kasper, Ward, Jaku Ricardo/(JJ) Evans/Morgan/Benko Soyuncu/new signing Chilwell/Fuchs Ndidi/Hamza/Mendy Perez/Gray/Ghezzal Tielemans/Silva Maddison/King Albrighton/Barnes Vardy/Iheanacho/Slimani That is 26 senior players. Ignoring any new signings (other than a Maguire replacement), we need to cut one of Jaku, Mendy, Gray, Ghezzal, King, Silva or Slimani. My choice/guess would be Slimani, as Perez can play as 2nd striker anyway. Amartey and Diabate are likely leaving. Kapi is injured. And so too James, either injured or leaving. If a certain ITK is to be believed, we might be looking to get another winger and attacking midfielder. I'm curious to see who we move on for them - Gray/Ghezzal and Silva/Mendy/King. Was there anymore talk of Mendy leaving? I'm not convinced having only Ndidi and Hamza to play that defensive role; although Silva filled in there with Hamza pushed forward?

Instrumental in the great escape, instrumental in the title win, scored goals in the Champions League, and has earned his place with every manager, giving his all every minute. He's only just below Kasper, Morgan, Mahrez, Vardy, and King (maybe Drinkwater) as one of our greatest legends.