The pre-season thread - 2024/25

As scary as it looks it only needs 3 or 4 more players. Our attack is very weak at the moment that's for sure. That's my main concern by a mile right now. Way ahead of the GK situation.

 

Only Armstrong and Edozie up front?
Guessing 3xCB, 2xWB, 3x midfield.
Or maybe a return to Ralph’s 4-2-2-2

 

Our bench today.

 

Depends who those 3 or 4 players are, they would need to be significant upgrades

 

Well yeah, I took that as a given. Ww need 3 or 4 quality players rather than 5 or 6 average ones.

 

I agree, but getting 3 or 4 starter quality players in in the last month would be a big final month! Glad we still have our two loan options available as not only do we need 3 or 4 good quality starters, but a couple more options too imo. If we go into the season without another good option to play the Downes role and he misses any sizeable chunk of games we are absolutely ****ed.

 

Let's just not bother to even attempt the PL at all.
Blue type if I knew how.

 

West Ham are completing 3 transfers this weekend, so it’s not like it’s an impossible task.

if we’re looking at that team, I’d like a midfielder, goalkeeper and striker as improvements and as you say back up for Downes. Not crazy with two loans and as far as FFP is concerned, we have January to recoup if we can’t sell those fringe players this window.

 

Not saying it’s not going to be possible! Just that that lineup being more or less our strongest, whilst being arguably weaker than last seasons strongest lineup, with the season fast approaching highlights how much work still needs to be done.

 

We desperately need a quality striker, a quality midfielder and a good goalkeeper.

 

I think we should at least have a look at Onuachu .








Not his natural position but he might be better than McCarthy in goal

 

I managed to find streams for the friendlies in Spain but nothing for Oxford or Millwall - anyone else have any luck?

I refuse to pay £5 for a friendly

 

Unfortunately it isn’t working

 

Yep definitely not working

 

Anyone found a stream on saintsplayer? 21 not working
Ignore haha

 

I'm in Spain and can get all sorts of friendlies, except saints.

 

I don't really like the shape. Not enough width.

 

Was always going to happen with just one wide player on the pitch (Edozie). Taylor isn't exactly foing to bomb down the left either.

Thankfully Martin did confirm that we are still looking to strengthen out wide.

 

I'm actively avoiding watching this, as I fear it's going to depress me. If anyone finds a stream, please don't tell me.

 

Watching the game you can see we really need to add at least 2 starting players of quality.
O’Riley would be a massive upgrade on the position where Stephens is playing today.
Another player to replace one of Aribo or Smallbone.
Brereton Diaz would be a better option on the left over Edozie, and another striker would be nice, just can’t see Stewart being fit enough to be an option.