midds

Prepare to be amazed then gentlemen.

Tiote went away from the player with his lunge, I didn't realise that at first and would have agreed with you until seeing it again. I just hope that Marrnier is honest enough to take another look at it. It was still reckless and dangerous though. I hope the FA see it differently but can't see it being overturned.

Ah right. In that case there might be a slim chance. We'll see.

We're relying on Marriner to overturn it though. He consulted a linesman, took his time and decided it was a red. He's not going to change his mind now. (I thought it was a red personally)

Got a feeling Carroll will be fit. wouldn't surprise me if he put Nolan in behind him and played Barton and Smith/Guthrie in the middle. Jonas and Routledge to give width. He won't want to lose it and it'll be a case of humping in up for Carroll to win. Concentrate on set-pieces and look to force a mistake or two. They're weakened by injuries too and don't be fooled, they're shitting it just as much as we are. They won't want to lose to us again and it'll be tight and cagey.

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100% red card. Didn't do too much damage but was reckless and he had no control once he'd decided to jump in. Won't be overturned and they'll probably make it 4. Stupid 'tackle' to make in the first place. In keeping with the rest of the game tbh.

This has been as bad as anything I've seen for a long long time. Absolutely wank from the first minute. No spark, no enthusiasm or fight. Stevenage have totally deserved this. Tiote shouldn't have even been on the park to pick up the red either.

Tiote out of the derby. Fucking idiot.

Watch the difference in performances from certain players. They'll run themselves into the ground now.

There's no real continuity though using loans. Wellbeck and Onouha have done well but they're back to square one once they go back to their parent clubs. They'll loan someone else next season though. The important thing is to get the best XI out of the park every week. If they loan them or own them doesn't really matter. They've done well in recent seasons in that respect.

The days before Wikipedia. Where did you read that Midds? His biography.

Cascarino dyed his hair and lied about his age when he met the Marseille president.

Using the loan system is something we've not made the most of tbh. They get good players in for next to nothing year on year and it makes sense. They can't be faulted for that imo.

Great thread.

Enjoy the game mate.

Where would they all play though? I presume Gyan and Bent would start up front? Muntari and Cattermole in the middle? Henderson, Richardson, Adam, Sessegnon, Zenden, Welbeck, Malbranque all fighting for 2 places? Good luck trying to keep them all happy tbh. Not having a pop btw just wondering how it's going to fit together. Cattermole is a liability and I wouldn't be too disappointed if he was moved on. If and it's a big "IF" these signings happen then I'd go for a midfield of Henderson Muntari Adam Sessegnon They're all canny players but it's a bit gung-ho for Bruce isn't it? Sunderland's results have been built on an organised back 4 and a solid, disciplined midfield. You can throw that out of the window with that midfield playing behind Bent and Gyan. Would be very entertaining to watch but you'd be horribly exposed and cut to ribbons.

Don't think he'll be the last one to come in this month. Got a feeling they'll go for it now they're up there.

Completely agree. However, I don't feel that Bentley will often hit top form and I would much rather have a guaranteed 7/10 player. I'd rather have the match-winner tbh. Having someone capable of turning or winning a game is much more valuable than a 'steady eddie'. All about opinions though.

Where would they all play though? I presume Gyan and Bent would start up front? Muntari and Cattermole in the middle? Henderson, Richardson, Adam, Sessegnon, Zenden, Welbeck, Malbranque all fighting for 2 places? Good luck trying to keep them all happy tbh. Not having a pop btw just wondering how it's going to fit together.

That'll do.

Not seen much of him at all. Is he that good like?

SWP is bargepole time.

January 21st. About dinner time.

Was in favour of playing a full strength XI and putting as many past them as possible until I realised it was the week before the derby. An XI of mostly fringe/squad players with one or two older heads should be enough to see this lot off. (Liked Ronaldo's line-up actually, had a nice blend) 0-2