Sifu

Pardew's mentality these days of "playing it safe" has really clouded his judgement about Ben Arfa. It's probable that Hatem isn't seen as a "safe player" (as he carries too much of a "risk") and I think this is why he's not starting. Can somewhat understand it from Pardew's POV but it's absolute bullshit reasoning imo. We need to push on and "go for it" so to speak and I reckon we can only do that with changes in the system/personnel. Playing Raylor at home/against weaker teams is a negative thing to do. I can understand the reasons for starting Raylor in certain games but against teams like Wolves, we really need someone like Ben Arfa who can create space for the others and ultimately give us that extra attacking spark. Pardew's handling of this whole situation has been very poor. I was hoping to see some signs of change but it's not happening yet. Patience is a virtue I guess, there's 12 games left and I've said it before, there's still some time for the situation to change for better or for worse (of course, I hope that former happens).

In all seriousness, his role on Sunday should be coming off the bench as an impact sub (in the last 15 minutes or so). His pace could go very well against tiring mackems.

He was - was never any trouble on here but think the Cissé-coming-to-us-instead-of-them really broke him

Like I said on Saturday, Obertan hat trick

Most likely fake. The written French doesn't look natural at all, looks like a Google translate job to me.

Simpson is more than likely starting on Sunday - I wouldn't mind that. Having said that, I wouldn't be averse to seeing Santon at RB with Ferguson at LB.

Nope, it's real. Been verified.

Yeah, he would be a good signing for them imo. Can see him being Arshavin's "replacement" actually (or will he eventually be Van Persie's replacement? Hmmm).

How old is Podolski these days? Feels as if he's been in the game for a very long time.

And it's not even the real Kiefer either

Tevez made his "comeback" for Man City in a reserve game against Preston reserves today. Lasted 45 minutes.

It used to be Taylor doing the very same thing. It worked better with Saylor imo and that's really down to him having more strength than Williamson. Not just strength, Taylor is better at every aspect of heading. He attacks the ball greatly, has a more determined leap/timing of a header and he gets greater purchase/direction on them. Yeah I agree with that. Saylor has that extra determination to get there even if it means putting his body on the line. (His "super-Geordie" instinct if you will )

It used to be Taylor doing the very same thing. It worked better with Saylor imo and that's really down to him having more strength than Williamson.

Good plan

Pardew's confident that they (including Tiote and Cabaye) will be fine for the Derby.

Aye, should be this. Always. Though, Obertan coming on as an impact sub could be a very nice option to have against tiring mackems.

Oh, well that's just great.

Fair enough methinks. He does do the job he's asked of in CM and more often than not, he does perform decent enough.

That's more than fine like. Would certainly suit both parties imo. Just have to endure the waiting game, I imagine we won't hear anything until the end of the season.

Oh right! Nah, there's Campbell, Rooney, Sturridge and Welbeck left in the squad. I reckon the latter two will start though.

Think Wickham, Ji are available.

It's not hard to justify a 5 year contract for Coloccini, his game doesn't revolve around pace, he's not going to forget how to read the game and that's by far his biggest asset.

Nice.

Villa will be fine. The next few months or so will be unremarkable for them though (which I guess has been the case for most of the season really). The McLeish project has so far been quite a failure.

Ah, so in yet more bother I see, now there's a surprise. Sooner we get rid, the better.