So where are we now?

[friedk]

Now that we have Kuyt on board you have to say that we have strength in depth throughout the squad.

There can be no doubt that Kuyt & Bellamy are a massive improvement on Cisse & Morientes.

We have pace on the flanks which we were lacking last season.

In defence we have cover for the Hyppia & Carra partnership which was a major worry and Aurelio on a free looks incredible business.

So if we aren't ready to mount a serious title challenge now, when will we be?

[Red_hot]

We will win the league this season no bother!

[red g]

Looking like he will now start 4-4-2 in most games does that mean pennant will come on as a sub and gerrard will be on the right again?

[Maestro]

I think from a squad perspective, we are ready. A lot still depends on injuries, luck and mental toughness though.
If it's a tight title race, there's going to be a lot of questions asked of our boys with regards to their character in the final straight....

[Red_Al_77]

If we sell both Pongolle and JK then I think we'll see more Alves talk. I'm now convinced we have a squad to challenge on all fronts and push Chelsea etc very close. Our start to the season will extremely important. Our new signings need to hit the ground running.

[PTP]

I think we can have a real go this season, but let's not get to carried away. There is a lot of new players and it all depends on how quickly they settle and perform in the prem. Imo this is the strongest squad we have had in a very long time with the ability etc to win the title, but it may take time. Obviously if Gonzalaz, Kuyt etc etc all settle straight from the off then we can go all the way for sure!

[baronvonskidmark]

I think we are in the best position to challenge for the league since the Barnes and Beardsley days. We have quality and variation everywhere, players approaching their peak years, and some younger ones who look like they will have a big future. And Momo is only 21!

If we sell Kromkamp, ideally I'd like a RB brought in as cover, but that's only a slight concern. Perhaps Rafa thinks that Palletta can play there, giving him some first team experience.

After all the years of signing the 'missing peices', I can't quite believe how excited I am about the coming season. Perhaps the title is returning now after its 16 year loan.

[fowlen]

We have huge potential, possibilities and options this season.

Our midfield will give Rafa his biggest headache, and I can really only see one of Gonzalez, Kewell or Pennant playing at the same time for the majority of matches, except when Alonso, Gerrard or Momo are rested.

I am sure that all key midfielders will play significantly fewer games this season and they'll be rested alot more often.

The biggest improvement for me, is that we will now have a subs bench full of players who will be able to influence a game should we be struggling.

Too many times I have looked at the bench when we have been struggling and thought where could a massive change be made.....now I believe our bench will be as strong as anyone else's.

Will be interesting to see how we fit 8 quality midfielders into 4 or 5, and how often we play 2 strikers.

I believe the biggest casulaties of the transfer activity will be Luis and Crouch...

[friedk]

We have huge potential, possibilities and options this season.

Our midfield will give Rafa his biggest headache, and I can really only see one of Gonzalez, Kewell or Pennant playing at the same time for the majority of matches, except when Alonso, Gerrard or Momo are rested.

I am sure that all key midfielders will play significantly fewer games this season and they'll be rested alot more often.

The biggest improvement for me, is that we will now have a subs bench full of players who will be able to influence a game should we be struggling.

Too many times I have looked at the bench when we have been struggling and thought where could a massive change be made.....now I believe our bench will be as strong as anyone else's.

Will be interesting to see how we fit 8 quality midfielders into 4 or 5, and how often we play 2 strikers.

I believe the biggest casulaties of the transfer activity will be Luis and Crouch...

bloody traitor

[red g]

We have huge potential, possibilities and options this season.

Our midfield will give Rafa his biggest headache, and I can really only see one of Gonzalez, Kewell or Pennant playing at the same time for the majority of matches, except when Alonso, Gerrard or Momo are rested.

I am sure that all key midfielders will play significantly fewer games this season and they'll be rested alot more often.

The biggest improvement for me, is that we will now have a subs bench full of players who will be able to influence a game should we be struggling.

Too many times I have looked at the bench when we have been struggling and thought where could a massive change be made.....now I believe our bench will be as strong as anyone else's.

Will be interesting to see how we fit 8 quality midfielders into 4 or 5, and how often we play 2 strikers.

I believe the biggest casulaties of the transfer activity will be Luis and Crouch...

add on to that Kewell and riise, notice Aurelio played left backlast night.

[bazza76]

Looking like he will now start 4-4-2 in most games does that mean pennant will come on as a sub and gerrard will be on the right again?

Its just my opinion, but we will never play a flat 4-4-2 under Rafa. Leaves too many gaps in front of defence and midfield.

[red g]

We have huge potential, possibilities and options this season.

Our midfield will give Rafa his biggest headache, and I can really only see one of Gonzalez, Kewell or Pennant playing at the same time for the majority of matches, except when Alonso, Gerrard or Momo are rested.

I am sure that all key midfielders will play significantly fewer games this season and they'll be rested alot more often.

The biggest improvement for me, is that we will now have a subs bench full of players who will be able to influence a game should we be struggling.

Too many times I have looked at the bench when we have been struggling and thought where could a massive change be made.....now I believe our bench will be as strong as anyone else's.

Will be interesting to see how we fit 8 quality midfielders into 4 or 5, and how often we play 2 strikers.

I believe the biggest casulaties of the transfer activity will be Luis and Crouch...

Yeh Fowlen I agree....think we will see a midfield of

gerrard Alonso Sissoko Gonzalez

with Pennant coming of the bench and gerrard moving into the centre.

[fowlen]

add on to that Kewell and riise, notice Aurelio played left backlast night.

Most people seem to be forgetting that Harry seemed to rediscover his form before getting injured, and at times was absolutely brilliant.

He took that form into the world cup and sadly got injured....again.

If he finds that form again, it may prove difficult to let him go or leave him out, coz a fit and on-form Kewell is joy to watch and is a class act.

I know it is a big if, but it could happen.

[BobTheCharmer]

For the first time in years I feel we have enough quality to be able to cope without Gerrard, if god forbid he sustained a lengthy injury.

[friedk]

Yeh Fowlen I agree....think we will see a midfield of

gerrard Alonso Sissoko Gonzalez

with Pennant coming of the bench and gerrard moving into the centre.

There aren't many midfields around that can compete with that, it's complete, a strikers dream.