I'm assuming the board are switched on enough to already have a centre back and left back lined up for the beginning of January. Rather than a striker I think we should be looking for a right winger though. Obertan just isn't cutting it and whilst Pardew may think time will prove effective in boosting his confidence and therefore improving his ability I think a kick up the arse in the form of competition would prove way more positive. (Even with a fully fit squad he seems to have no real competition for that place). He's then got 6 months to earn his stay. For goals we rely too much on Ba at the minute and he will be a big miss over the ACON but with a better left back freeing up Guti and a more productive right winger then I think the support for our attack will increase hugely. Guti's need to help out Raylor causes our midfield to spread diagonally instead of pushing up together, reducing numbers getting in the box. This in turn leaves Ober with only Ba to aim for. More targets may help improve Obers game, but not as much as competition for his place. Next summer should be the time for an overhaul of our strikers and replacements for Raylor and Simpson.
