LAM09

We signed Kovacic prior to our transfer ban. The players we're targeting now are levels below, rather than a good mix of potential stars and starting-quality players (Nkunku being the exception).

The fact that our backup CF is an 18 year old says everything you need to know. It's the second game in a row he's been unused despite us needing a goal. As Begovic pointed out in a recent podcast he was on, the days of us actually going for the best players seem to be gone, and it's starting to become more apparent.

I'm hoping Mudryk can put in a big performance today and start to cement a starting berth on a regular basis.

Have you seen our recent record V West Ham? I'd have even thrown Washington on considering the score. If you're losing, why leave your only other CF on the bench regardless of his age, etc.

I'm starting to lose patience with our reluctance to spend big on PROVEN attacking players. Spending sizeable amounts for what at this point? Here I was thinking we had a good run after the Liverpool game to cement a high league position. Two defeats out of four are almost cause for serious concern. Poch needs to really fix up fast, or we'll only be adding to that number.

He should have done that at HT. I'll never understand why managers hold off for so long.

The same old story.

You watched him in Argentina, I presume? It was an EXAMPLE!

I think he showed at the WC that he can score from distance; however, I'm not a fan of him being so advanced in most of our games. Nkunku being out has really messed up our plans. Changes have to be made at HT.

I can't argue with that, but look at what happened last week at Old Trafford. Forest do pose a threat, so Poch is clearly wary of that.

It's hardly surprising considering most of our business was centered around either defensive reinforcements or youngsters.

Fair enough. I personally think he showed enough during his time at Southampton to warrant a chance, but he's had no luck with injuries thus far. The fact that Poch mentioned him recently would make me believe a return isn't too far off. As another user here mentioned previously, he's more of an old-school CF, which is a dying breed nowadays. He has that grit and a high work rate, which are two qualities that, to me at least, give him a fighting chance of making an opening for himself should his injury woes come to an end. Whether he's able to do enough if or when said opportunity arrives is another story. With regards to the last bit, I thought Palmer was told he'd either be playing AM or RWF?

Has everyone forgot that Broja exists?

It's the same old story where we're considered. We've chosen poor destinations for players to go out on loan and effectively wasted the most important years of their careers. I wasn't a fan of Casadei remaining in the Championship, and I'm still not thrilled because I believe he's far too good for the league, but at the very least, he's going to get plenty of minutes, which is paramount.

It evens itself out if he turns out to be a solid buy.

There's no way people can we don't have issues behind the scenes. Our injury list since the start of last season is crazy. It reminds me of the Arsenal in the late 00's.

How times have changed, squad players are ranging between £40 and £50 million.

Your guess is as good as mine. I'm all for promising talents being signed mainly by someone with a good eye for youngsters, but at some point, you need players that have a 90%+ chance of delivering the goods from the get-go.

I believe Pep said he'd either be part of their squad or be sold shortly after the Community Shield. It would be refreshing to see a youngster push for playing time rather than being content with collecting medals.

If other clubs seriously wanted him, he'd have been tied up.

I didn't say you couldn't complain about our form. It was in reference to other teams seemingly not deserving to win because of their performances. Exactly! They're showing character for the first time in years, but they are still a way off City. It will be a while before we see those days again, unfortunately.

We used to do that on a regular basis, so you can't complain much. It's the difference between a team with some grit and a toothless one.

I feel like things won't change without a consistent threat upfront. Jackson has the movement, but he lacks the ability to create chances for himself and isn't much of a physical presence. We're playing Luton, so only a convincing win will suffice considering the staggering difference between both sides.

I'm sure we'll find out after the game. If Poch actually has him as first choice, the blame lies with him.

All I can think about is the PK. If you fail to take such chances, you can't complain about the outcome. We HAVE to buy a proven goalscorer before the window shuts.