There is certainly a spot up for grabs alongside Doucoure with current contenders not being able to shift Schullp out of the middle . Its one of the areas I think most of us would be expecting reinforcments . If we can promote a junior to fill that gap its a no brainer . Give that lad a go . Same goes for the central striker where nobody has cemented a spot

As for the line up we will lose if we carry on doing the same thing maybe throw Potter a curve ball

Johnstone
Anderson Richards Guehi
Ayew Doucoure W-Morrison Schlupp
Zaha Gordon Eze

If we're going to promote a youngster I'd say Ozoh looks closer than JWM. He's already well built despite being 17 and looks very proficient on the ball, standing out for me in pre-season. Vieira has shown no indication he's going to use the U23s/U18s though unless pushed. Personally, if we don't sign anyone, then I think he should play one or two just to freshen things up and as a signal to the first-teamers that they need to up their game. Arteta did this to good effect a couple of seasons ago at Arsenal if I remember rightly.

What about Killian Phillips, he is built like a brick s***house, oh no, he has gone on loan, and got a standing ovation from his teammates in his first game

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

DB, what are your thoughts on Kofi Balmer making a break through? Thought he did very well in the mid season break & is doing very well in the U21's.

I'm a blind man, i'm a blind man, now my room is cold,
When a blind man cries, Lord, he feels it from his soul.
[Link]

Let's stop pretending we can play 4-3-3

Johnstone

Ward (although an unfit Fergusson couldn't be worse. How often do you see a picture of Ward left trailing in someone's wake?)-Guehi-Anderson-Richards.
Zaha-Doucoure-Eze-Olise
Edouard-Mateta (Why not? Tried together for the last twenty odd minutes against Bournemouth without, it is true, much luck).

I think he has the physical attributes, but he was a bit of a headless chicken in preseason and in the Carabao Cup. If he can get the tactical side of the game down and a bit more composure then I think he could be a useful player. I definitely think he has a future in football though, but whether that is in the top two leagues I think it's a bit early to say.

With regard to Balmer I think he has looked very good on the ball whenever I've seen him play and he has an incredible throw, but I haven't been overly convinced by his defending. I'm not a professional football coach though, so what do I know.