1 down 2 to go

Brighton need to get a result so will have to have a go at Newcastle
this is classic Rafa territory hit them on the break - pity that Almiron is out

 

It's ok - Atsu to the rescue - oh wait.....

 

You would think so but Hughton seems to have gone the other way against Spurs (understandable), and Wolves (less understandable in their situ). Ultra negative, every man behind the ball for 90mins hoping to nick something. Try that against Rafa I think he'll lap it up. As you say even if they do have a go it also suits our defensive counter attacking style.

I don't think Brighton will get what they want from us. I just think the lack of pressure on us, the nerves for them, and them suiting our style in the circumstances could see a decent counter attack victory.

 

Is he gone for the season? Any news on Schar?I wouldn't mind losing this week as long as we have a decent team for the Liverpool game,to quote some one can't remember who " I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.”

 

Shame as I think he could have ran riot against Brighton.



Wonder if Kenedy will be back in the frame....seems to have been dropped altogether from the matchday squads of late.

 

We don't have to worry about losing the next game so may as well go for it. A 0-0 total bore fest is unjustified now we're safe.

Been wondering if Kenedy or Shelvey will get a another game this season.

 

Shelvey getting the winner against Liverpool.

 

Nah, Wijnaldum own goal for the winner for me, Shelvey can **** off, he's done!

 

Ah **** forgot about him,he's having a good season

 

Think we're down to probably Cardiff with outside possibility of Brighton now

 

If you beat the zero goals for seven games Brighton this weekend, and Cardiff win at already relegated Fulham, then its game on, and far from done.
Its not beyond the realms for those two scenarios to pan out.

 

We're well set up to beat Brighton. Our lower-team record is pretty excellent bar some early season blips (including Brighton). We're looking at trying to get 6 points from the last three, and I think we could do it. Shame Almiron is out; I'd prefer Kenedy to have a last chance to shine as I find Atsu is just crap. It's his preferred position as well, left wing forward - he really isn't a worker so if I was Rafa I'd say "look, here's a chance to shine - press high, but stay high and keep Rondon/Perez company, like you said you wanted, and show the World what you can do".

 

I can't see Kenedy getting the nod. Rafa prefers Atsu and sees Kenedy as back up to Ritchie. He hasn't used Kenedy in an attacking sense at all this season. I'd love to see him released in that attacking role instead of Atsu. He's a far better player and no way shape or form a left wing back.

To be fair to Rafa he didn't plan to play with a 343 type of situation when he signed Kenedy. It was forced on him through injuries etc. As it turns out its probably well suited to our squad (a few on here pointed this out pre season). So he has been kinda left with a player who doesn't suit him. I think many including myself think Rafa is missing a trick somewhat in refusing to release Kenedy into an attacking role, but I think you just have to accept the managers call.

Unfortunately Kenedy is just not seen by Rafa as an attacking player. The lad also has not helped himself with his performances at left wing back. Although its not his bag at all, I still can't really excuse the lack of effort at times and just awful performance levels. I know the rumour is about his troubles away from the pitch, but while I sympathise, in the grand scheme of things he doesn't have a bad life!

 

Or we tell the player we own you have 3 games to make an impact and show why you should be here next season

 

With Kenedy?

I think Chelsea still want 30m so I wouldn't worry about whether he'll be here I know what you mean though to motivate him. Problem is if he does have personal problems which are making him want away, then it may fall on deaf ears

 

Kenedy's just not shown anything this season that would persuade Ashley or Rafa to want to buy him.

It would be nice to get something positive from him before the seasons out, but he's got to be shipped to Chelsea after that.

 

PROS

• Has obvious talent
• Only 23 and seems a young 23 with a lot of potential still unlocked (probably due to being part of the 'Chelsea Farming System')

CONS

• Manager does not view him as an attacking player (only place he looks suited to me)
• 30m pricetag
• Has personal problems and if rumours are true has a partner who disliked the area so much she lives apart from him in London
• Looks unsuited to our formation
• Has at times not given his all and generally underperformed even if largely out of position

I'm not seeing a lot going for the move to be honest! I'd play him now but only if he is replacing Almiron. If we are going to push Ritchie on again and ask Kenedy to play behind like earlier in the season, then **** that. Just one of those which hasn't worked out in my opinion, largely through circumstances out of anyone's control.

 

He's certainly not worth £30m,£10/12 tops.

 

Indeed. He is essentially a Chelsea player who has had one successful half season in his career That was here. How that translate to a transfer fee of 30m is beyond me. To give it context James Maddison moved last summer to Leicester for 22.5m, Ricarlison moved to Everton for 35m, Felipe Anderson to West Ham for 34m, Gerard Deulofeu for 11m (ridiculously good signing that).

Yet we are to pay 30m for Kenedy?

 

Almiron £22m (maybe),I did think he was a player last season but never kicked on this season for whatever reason so never £30m,is that agreed or just an option?