Deeg67

Most definitely. I'm not a believer in the manager, and that's an advantage for us and Leeds, but their squad is very good for this level. I think it will come down to the three demoted sides and Ipswich for the two automatic promotion slots, with the last playoff spot wide open. I don't think Ipswich is just lucky - they've legit been very good, but I don't think they have the depth to stay in the top two all season. We'll see. We have probably the most balanced team across the whole pitch, Leeds has the most dangerous group of attackers. If Spence comes back after the break and plays at the level he was at his best, that's going to help them a lot.

A bit concerning that Enzo has been so parsimonious with the subs these last two losses.

Leeds has a ridiculous amount of attacking talent.

3 wins and 2 draws in 5. If this is their low ebb they're in good shape. I do think they're unlikely to hold off Leeds and Southampton for second, but I'm not writing them off yet. I don't think their success is a mirage but I don't think they have the squad depth of the 3 PL demotees.

I think we're the only club that has the luxury of worrying about winning the league. All the other contenders are going to be 100% focused on automatic promotion.

If you look at numbers like possession metrics and xG differential (xG loves possession) Southampton have been the best team in the league. Those stats aren't perfect obviously, but there may be some bad luck (or bad coaching) baked into them not being even higher.

I don't think they'd say that, he does have five goals. Rutter might get sold, injuries and rotation will happen, and he'll probably be more productive when he is playing as a 9. They could also add a #10 in January and start playing Rutter and Piroe together up top. As for Cannon, I think he has a real opportunity. Vardy and Kelechi aren't performing at a level that would keep Cannon off the pitch if he shows he's ready to be a difference-maker.

Being played out of position, basically as a #10 when he's a natural striker.

Two best sides in the league, and it'll be a surprise if they aren't the two automatically promoted in the end. Frankly 13 wins in 14 probably flattered us a little, but there's no shame in losing a tight match to a strong opponent.

Indeed, crazy early for that. Expected goals is a flawed stat for sure, but interesting nonetheless. In fact the top team in the league in xG differential is Southampton (Leeds is 3rd, and we’re 4th). We have by far the biggest gap between actual and xG differential of anybody in the top half of the table. Under Enzo we’re obviously very balanced and very good, but there may be a bit of luck involved in that points gap with Leeds and Southampton. As far as Leeds and their ability to turn us over, the top two players in the league for xG and xA per 90 are Rutter and Summerville, and James is 6th. They have the weapons to hurt us if we’re not at our best.

Gotta rotate players in this league. You shouldn't need your best 11 to handle a team at the bottom of the table.

That match next week could be a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

I honestly don't think Enzo sees it that way. Vesty is a core guy for him, and he's not going to bench him for the key matches on the calendar.

You don't consider the Bundesliga a higher division?

Has Nige ever not been pissed off at somebody?

Ipswich and especially Leeds will be an interesting test for him. Leeds basically has 6 PL-quality attackers and a manager who likes to commit bodies forward even at the risk of being exposed on the counter.

Just turned 31. I mean, that's not that old for a defender at all.

If it's so hard to make a case for him playing in a higher division, why did multiple managers in higher divisions play him as a regular for many seasons before he came to us?

That will be a fun one to watch. Ridiculous attacking talent for this level on both sides.

I guess I’m not allowed to talk about Leeds or Ric will sic the thought police on me, but coming back from 2-0 down at halftime against that club in their building is pretty impressive. When they were chasing the third goal Farke had Piroe, Rutter, Bamford, Summerville, Gnonto, and Anthony on the pitch together - basically six forwards. Ipswich is still a bit of an unknown but I think it’ll be an upset if we don’t finish 1-2 with Leeds. Maybe Southampton will have something to say about it but they don’t seem to be on the same level.

Vestergaard was a nailed-on starter in the Bundesliga and the PL for many seasons before Rodgers. All this “he clearly can’t play in the PL” is revisionist history. Does he have flaws that will be exposed at the highest level? Yeah, but guess what - so do all but the elite 5-10% of defenders out there. I’m also skeptical that the only reason he’s playing is because Coady got hurt. Enzo is a sharp guy. He knew 60-70% of the time we’d see 60-70% of the ball, and be facing low blocks giving our back line basically unlimited time on the ball. I think Enzo knew that in this league with this roster and using this system, Vesty was an ideal fit - he needed someone who could start attacks from the back and recycle possession. Coady can do that too, but Vestergaard is elite in that aspect of the game.

Vesty was a pretty decent PL player before Rodgers got hold of him. Full credit to Enzo for realizing he was a vital cog in his system, and obviously going up against Championship attackers helps a ton. But Vesty’s miraculous turnaround is more an indictment of Rodgers than anything else.

The key for clubs like us to promote out of this league is breaking down teams that park the bus. The fact that we’re showing signs of doing it consistently is a huge leading indicator that we’re going to make it a short stay in the Championship.

Solid and unspectacular. Just have the look of a team that's going to be around 3rd-6th all season. It's all well and good to talk about Southampton being fine when they can Martin, but who knows if they'd do it in time to save their chances.