rubberman

Weird. Don't see any of our lads on that list.

You don't say....

A couple of softer games to start, but big teams away first, so possibly when we play them at home there'll be crowds of some sort in. Against last seasons table, 45 is top of the shit teams, 50 bottom of the better ones. So somewhere in that spread would be a good season for me. Don't see why we shouldn't be challenging Burnley, Southampton, Everton etc.

I think prices may be a little softer than in previous years with a lot of clubs having money issues post-covid. That said, I'd spend my notional £120m on: £40m forward. With experience of playing in the UK. £25m pacy right wing. £25m midfield general. Set piece screamers a must. Balance on 3-4 younger prospects (+ spare keeper dependant on Heaton) I'd keep Jack out left. With the short turnaround we need squad consistency plus I think we'll see continued improvements from last seasons new boys. Would only get rid of third choices - Lansbury, Jota, Davis on loan, etc. Defence I think will continue to improve. Obv if there is cash and the right player we should upgrade, but wouldn't be my focus. 4 new first choice starters would be max for me - we have to start the new season as we finished the last so no wholesale changes.

Guilbert, Targett, Konsa and McGinn will all be fine as starters. Totally agree with the others. Too many changes in a short off season will be worse than keeping a slightly less-good established player IMO.

No @RicRic. There won't be, and nor do we need, 7 new starters. That's crazy, especially with the short turnaround to next season. 3-4 max, with maybe a couple for the future as squad depth.

We will almost certainly not be shopping in the relegation and championship teams only. Not to say there aren't good buys there, but there's no way these all happen.

I don't think Man Utd need him now. Really hope the board can convince Jack that the Villa 'project' is about to go to the next level and to give it another year to see where we end up.

If we were going to be so ruthless, I'd want it to be for a big name manager. Not for an unknown. How would this look to the dressing room? Can't see any truth in it.

A couple of quick marquee signings to show intent and persuade Jack to stay. Centre and wide forwards ideally. Add a couple of longer term prospects and 1 or 2 experienced PL players to bulk out the squad. Hopefully an exciting few weeks.

And now subbed to the thread.

Well I suppose we can't sit any deeper for the second half, so there's that.

Christ, give it a rest. The gross faceapps are better than this endless circular Bruce v Smith bollox.

I had just talked myself round into needing a draw as Bournemouth and Watford are both terrible. Now I'm worried about them winning again and us needing a win, or we're sitting on a draw in the last 15mins with everyone back in our box with crosses raining in and the spiral of nervousness begins.

Amazing. Proper belief. Need to see it out now on Sunday.

Please end......

I can't take these last minutes.

Bournemouth, Watford and us are all where we are because we have been terrible overall this season. We aren't likely to win, nor are/were they. But still, deep down I have the tiny voice telling me that despite our single point against the 'big 6', we've come pretty close and this could be our time when it all comes together.

Same line-up. Good.

C'mon Jack. Time to turn up tonight.

Crikey - only an hour till Teams announced. These early evening starts always catch me out.

Indeed, but the other evidence of the season is that Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham are equally as bad. Wouldn't be entirely surprised to see Brighton shit the bed as well. The big unknown this season is how much mid-table teams will take the foot off the gas. Citeh played a 'weakened' team last night, plenty of players will be playing with a bit less aggression to avoid injury. Probably going to be some unexpected results - we need to make sure they are for us.

I'd prefer a West ham win. Better to play them when they're safe than when it's all on the line. (assuming other results etc)

Beat Everton and we'll have the belief and confidence of 2 wins on the bounce for the first time in forever. I fear a draw, whatever the results elsewhere, will see heads drop. Loss and we're gone.

I'd hate this more than many other scenarios. Us and West Ham playing out a gentle 0-0 to keep us both safe and then Watford and Bournemouth sending everyone up for an injury time free-kick/corner...I'd need new pants every few minutes.