STM

They have done their homework. Sitting off so Shelvey cant ping them in behind. We don't put it in the box because we have no one to cross it to.

Yeah it's way OTT. Just in holiday mode. Rafa will get amongst them.

That went well.

0-0 written all over this.

It just shows that Rafa values winning over giving players a "run out." I was convinced that he would give a few fringe players a go but I'm not surprised that he's playing his strongest 11 because he wants to win.

You would think this would be Slimani's best chance to show something. I dont disagree that it should be Gayles shirt. He's playing well.

Doubt he will be staying. Not starting today is a sign that he didn't rate his performance against Everton. I'm surprised he hasn't given him another chance though.

Their incompetence can only be a good thing for us. Shame we couldn't have beat them this year. Hopefully Rafa is allowed to catch them up next year with a better squad.

He's like Indiana Jones the way he hurdles the pit falls and then avoids the spikes. What's worst is that the Journos love him for it.

Knew it would work

He's so savvy too. He has them all in the palm of his hand. He's consistent and cool. Love the man.

So nice watching us with the pressure off. I'm certain that Murphy will start, possibly someone random like Manquillo too.

HTT is at the match. Poor sod.

Same here.

There's no way it will be a long contract. Rafa won't commit to anything over 3 years with these goones. My guess would be a two year extension and a pay rise. They will probably give him the same assurances as last summer I.e "money the club generates", with the exception that we should have much more money due to premiership tv money.

12 Sunderland fans in attendance. RTG will be opening a thread as we speak. Best fans in the land.

Come on Mitro.

Micky Gray says they have always had excellent recruitment.

It's a blatant red like and should result in retrospective action and it's this sort of thing that Rafa wont want. He's crucial for Fulham and he's put their season at jeapordy for nothing. He's reckless.

If Slimani is valued at more than 20m, we wont be going near him. I suspect Rafa will be able to get someone better in for that, even in the age of daft transfers. Dubravka is going to cost us around 4m IIRC. No one knows on Kenedy. We might get him back on loan but if a bidding war starts, we will get blown out of the water by someone like Everton (who have more money than brains).

Lee Ryder says he's getting a new deal and loads of dosh. I can only see a new deal if he has the investment in writing.

Yeah, it's a good chance for Merino or Murphy to show their worth.

I think the main thing I take from that half is how shite Everton are. Big Sam has done a sterling job turning some half decent players into an awful footballing side.

Big Mo hasn't morphed himself into Viera yet. He looks off the pace. Since we've been about 5/10, its pretty good that its goalless at half time. I can only see us improving.