LAM09

Maresca might have said it in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but he mentioned telling Caicedo to be reading for Sunday in any way. A win for Maresca would elevate him in an instant.

Depending on who we face - RM have had a dire season up until this point and have a new manager. If anything, I'd put us as slight favourites. If it's PSG, Botafogo showed it can be done in this very tournament. I still feel like we have a good chance, if we don't shot ourselves in the foot.

Kompany did us a solid as well by underestimating Benfica. I feel like at that point, Bayern would have gotten the better of us. It's effectively the WC for club teams, so this doesn't come as a surprise.

Sorry to be blunt, but I hate the Salah comparison at times. He had major European performances prior to making the move (scored the winner against us in Switzerland) and took Basel to the EL semis, starring along the way before losing to us, the eventual champions. Long story short, Salah did more during his time at Basel than Madueke has done in his career so far. I was actually a fan of Madueke & Mudryk before they joined, having seen glimpses during CL matches, and was rather excited when they joined. It's just come to the point where I don't believe either player (Mudryk's career could be completely destroyed, tbh) has what it takes to go to that next level for a host of reasons. As you said, if we are to move to the next level, which is fighting for the top honours, we can't keep saying, "wait another season," where any player is concerned. Jackson really should be in this conversation as well.

We were underdogs in both of our CL triumphs (massive ones in 2012). It's a position where we have thrived in the past.

Maresca's "smart thinking" against Flamengo helped us massively and allowed us to build up some real momentum. We can actually dream of making more history after a topsy turvy season.

I'm still seething about Jackson's greediness. Reason I hope we see the back of him soon. Moving on, back to back finals! I don't care who we face, anything can happen in a one off match.

This ain't the time to do it. Winning above all.

No idea what this sudden fixation is with Nkunku after one goal against 10 men. That's the one question mark about the XI. Huge night for us. One step away from a final.

Based on recent games, I'd say Neto is. Madueke has been shoved to the left & looks lost most of the time. I think the supposed "dislike" is more frustration and his limited skill set.

Madueke really shouldn't be going any less than this unless Arsenal are playing it all that once (I feel that doesn't happen with most expensive transfers).

It's rather comical that Lavia was talking in a recent interview that he can do the dirty stuff similar to Caicedo. If he did anything close to that, he'd be out for the season.

As long as Jackson isn't anywhere near the starting XI, I'm okay with it.

Yet Newcastle bid £55m for Elanga which still hasn't been expected. 😐 Milk Arsenal for every penny.

At best, I think his effect will be comparable to that of Aubameyang. He'll score goals and maybe win a golden boot, but I don't think he will take them to the next level (nearly choked top 4).

After Maresca's recent comments, it seems like Kudus in and Madueke out is what he's after. If the prices are right for both players, I could see it being smart business.

It's wild to think that was Palmer's first goal from open play since Jan.

Because he's a natural RB and look who scored the winner. You could have this attitude where someone like Nkunku is concerned. With the option we have now, he should be nothing more than a last restort.

I wouldn't go that far. If everyone is fit, James still has to be number one. These constant layoffs are getting too much now, though.

Deja vu. We beat them again. Another £13m~ in the bank, and a step to the to doing the unthinkable (we were ranked as slight favorites before today). This time, a reunion with Silva, another former player.

Santos hasn't put a foot wrong all night. Providing James isn't out for an age again, it was a blessing in disguise. I'd start him again (should we hopefully hold on).

How is it smart to have this card system in place? Key players missing for semis is so stupid.

Of all people! Gusto!!!!!!!!!

Moments like this are where James' impact is missed.

No idea what happened at HT. We haven't turned up so far. Need to wake up while it's still level.