09 Aug 2026 07:49:29
Wanted to get everyone and Ed001's opinions on who will be first choice forward this year? Do we think Gyokores will nail it down or is it Havertz' for the taking?
Also how do we see the team fitting in Bruno? Do we think this will change Rice's role as he was prolific in the way he was contributing all around last season. I could see a season in which Rice and Bruno chip in 10 goals each in the league if Arteta balances the roles.
{Ed001's Note - I think Gyokeres should step up, but Arteta loves Havertz, so he might not get the chance. A lot depends on injuries etc though, as Havertz will get used in other roles if needed, which will free up Gyokeres to get going.
Bruno is likely to sit and allow Rice more freedom.}
09 Aug 2026 09:41:45
Neither as an upgrade is needed there. ?
Neither good enough at the top top level, and I'm hoping that's where we want to be.
Failing - depends on opponents, but neither will scare City defence like Haaland scares & occupies ours.
09 Aug 2026 11:34:25
At the moment, we have quality backup in every position if we play a 4231 double pivot - which I'm hoping we generally do against most teams, which means, hopefully, Bruno will play alongside Deckers a lot - but this season I think realistically Mikel will probably not always play his best team & rotate a lot depending on form, cups & opposition to avoid injuries/fatigue and save the best 11 for the big games because we have such a great squad. Same for Kai & Vik tbh.
I can see what Sy is (consistently!) saying about Vik/Kai vs the best strikers. I prefer to be hopeful, and really do think with Bruno, Dec, Ode, Tzolis, Saka, hopefully an improved end product from Noni, and long balls from Raya, that's a lot of potential quality balls in the box & movement to confuse/tire defenders, & hopefully Vik gets the chance to show what he's really about this season.
I'm saying he's 20 goals in the Prem! (I've nearly always been wrong when I've posted predictions on here in the past, but not now! ?) Come on Viktor! ?
(I also think the club are waiting for a top striker to become available, and will go all out when it's feasible - possibly like they are reported to have done for Vini. But winning the Prem and/or Champions League this season might make a real difference in attracting them?)
09 Aug 2026 12:41:33
Would love it if they get 35 goals in EPL between the two of them & not penalties or against poor teams. Would love it, Jim.
I am consistent!