Sifu

I got knocked out, booo and I only got 35 points this week.

Obertan's out for a month you say? Oh, what a shame! But really, this is a big blessing in disguise: - Firstly, Pardew will now have to change things around (something which he should have done a few games ago really) which could turn out to be for the greater good in the end. For example, if Jonas is moved to the right, then it'll give Simpson that much needed protection imo. Would also be interesting to see Fergie on the left (though I suspect Sammy will simply step in for Obertan which would be a pretty bad decision because Sammy is simply not ready to start games yet). Though a certain Ben Arfa could do the job on the left wing too like (you know, thought I'd mention it). - Secondly, like some people have said, it'll give Obertan a break from the first team picture which could be a good thing in that it may allow him to reassess his playing style/approach. His confidence must be shot atm especially considering the reception he gets from the fans for his performances so a mini break would do him a lot of good mentally. - And finally, if Obertan's "replacement" does well/better on the pitch then we could see Pardew reassessing his options/views too. As a result, we could see Obertan on the bench and come on as an impact sub if need be - this is pretty much where the lad should be atm because as it stands, it looks like Obertan still isn't ready for first team football.

Interesting. Sounds like he's more suited to the right wing though, hmmm (which could be a good thing considering our problems there with a certain Mr. Obertan). Mind you, this is League 1 football we're talking about so when Tavernier comes back from his loan spell, would he be ready for the step up to the PL?

Sessegnon is a good player from what I've seen of him. Inconsistent though. If PSG/Marseille are really in for him, he's good as gone imo.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16237635.stm January transfer window: Top 50 players who could move

Ciani has had a massive drop of form recently. He doesn't even start for Bordeaux these days so I think he is a no go really.

He would somewhat be a solution to our lack of cover at CB though. I would trust him more than Perch at CB anyway.

Indeed

This is from the "Our wingers" thread: I'd go with what tmonkey said really (for the rest of the season anyway). I'm split about Vuckic behind Ba mind (I'd probably use this pairing against the lesser sides but against the big sides, probably not).

Steady on. I agree it's stupidly and overly pessimistic. It's just that their sudden upsurge in fortunes, coupled with our drop in form, unsettles me. Well, the mackems were bound to go on a good run of form when O'Neill was appointed but I'm not worried as such. I'm pretty confident we can turn it around too (probably not against Man U mind).

Steady on.

Nice.

I think at most we can get two decent players (preferably ones who are already equipped to play in the PL) using the quoted £8 million budget.

Hmmm quite true that. With Williamson back, central defence looks like it could solidify again in the next few weeks or so. Both wings have shown worrying signs recently though. Personally, I'd go out and try and find an attacking midfielder who can play on the wing tbh (even though we already have one in Ben Arfa!). As much as I would love Samba here, CB isn't a weakness as such compared to other positions. It's our lack of cover which is worrying. If the Sunday Sun is to be believed and that Pardew has only got a transfer budget of £8 million, then I would try and get Ridgewell signed as well as another [possibly the attacking midfielder I mentioned above] (wishful thinking and optimistic I know, what with the same article saying that we're only going for one player).

City had 25 shots of which 11 were on target while the mackems only had 8 shots of which 5 were on target.

Interesting that.

Fair play to the mackems today.

Ji is there purely to give Sunderland some exposure in South Korea like. All part of Niall Quinn's international plans.

It's going to finish 0-0 isn't it?

He's cheap. Decent back up too (imo).

I'd drop Obertan before I even considered dropping Jonas. I'd like to see Gutierrez on the right, personally. Could be wrong, but believe that is where he used to play for Mallorca... The ideal solution really.

Wooo

Just caught up with the thread. Suarez is very lucky he only got an eight-game ban, it could have easily been more. Absolutely horrendous words from him. Liverpool Football Club, Kenny Dalglish and their fans are a f***ing disgrace. Really hope the FA punishes them now for pretty much making a mockery of the Kick It Out campaign and essentially embarrassing English football. Thanks a lot you Scouse c***s.

It's going to be a long month like. Uncertainty will be everywhere....