STM

Considering his character, it's surprising how unselfish he is around the box. He really needs to think about himself more and how HE can get a goal. Instead of dropping deep and supporting team mates, he needs to get in the box and see situations arising quicker. His contribution otherwise is OK, but ultimately he will be judged on goals.

Quite simply, we know what Gouffran does, it's not going to change. He runs around a lot, tracks back well and has a decent instinct in the box, that's it. Our other option is Atsu, who is clearly talented but raw and less reliable defensively. Things are going fine, so there is no urgency to change things. Neither are the answer if we get promoted.

Again, I only saw the first half but he made a massive impact when he came on. Of course Villa stopped pressing our defence and back four by that point. I'm fairly comfortable with him playing in Gayles absence.

I only saw the first half but Shelvey was equally as bad as Colback in the first half.

Shelvey had been none existent.

I'd rather it was boring as fuck and we were coasting to the end.

Was never about Brighton anymore. All about Huddersfield for me. Let's gets some distance from them, then us and Brighton can have a straight fight for the league.

Its far more likely that Lansbury will get sent off or bottle it, than score a goal against us. He's shite. It's Colback or Shelvey doing something stupid that worries me.

Totally agree. There's far too much emphasis on the talent of the individuals IMO, it's about how they play as a team. Of course there is a limit to how far a team can go without some quality players. Both times we were relegated our fate could have been avoided had we decided to value a manager's contribution. Keegan wouldn't have had us relegated, we may not have pulled up trees but we wouldn't have got relegated. Last year, had we had Rafa all season, we wouldn't have gone down and so long as Rafa is in charge next year, we won't either (provided we go up).

They will have had their punishment if they don't get promoted because I can't see them coming up for quite a few years. Brummie is one of the best posters on here, so I'll cut Villa some slack, after Monday.

There's been quite a few which he has got away with too. I like him, I think he's a decent keeper but we need someone better next season.

Yeah, our games against one another are becoming crucial moments.

I feel this is a good game for us. I don't doubt Rafa's ability to motivate but this game will have an extra spice with it being Villa. I can see the players and fans being well up for it. Also, Villa are in bad form at the moment and we are ticking along (albeit with a couple of draws). Colback, Lascelles, Mitro and Gouffran out. Gayle, Atsu, Hanley and Hayden in.

Not many options tbh, Hatydens got a knock. Lets just get behind them So why is on the bench the last 2 games then - can't believe that fucking ginger cunt, Perez and Gouffran keep getting games over and over again - gobsmacked that's all I have to say! No cards today like?

Absolutely. Let's sort the Gouffran problem out first and we might find a better balance down that side.

Regardless of league position, I think Norwich are capable of a big performance, so we must tread with caution. I'm not saying I'd take a draw but it wouldn't be the worst result given the circumstances. Gayle being back is a massive boost and tips the advantage in our favour. We can't afford to concede the first goal IMO, because we won't come back from behind, like last time.

Aside from the yellow/not yellow debates, I thought he played ok. Certainly had more of the old psycho that we first signed, which is the only way of getting any sort of performance out of him. I'm not his biggest fan though.

Did Mitro get injured or suspended? Must have missed that. In Rafa's mind it's Gayle, Mitro then Murphy. If Gayle isn't ready, then Mitro will start. Atsu and Hayden are the only potential changes IMO.

I bet they are offered less money.

Done Marco lad.

Probably: Yedlin Lascelles Clark Dummett Hayden Shelvey Richie Diame Gouffran Mitrovic Think we might get beat... or stuff them. Fuck naas.

There are plenty of laws that should be fixed.

It's not handball unless it's deliberate. The referee doesn't need to blow his whistle unless he believes the player deliberately handballs it. You can score with your hand, provided you didn't mean to.

Wasn't deliberate, was it? but he clearly gained a major advantage from it, does he score the goal without the hand ball? But thats not the law. In my opinion it should be though, removes all doubt about the current interpretations Yes. And perhaps more importantly, it means that you can't score a goal with your hand like that . Impartiality at its best, I'm sure.

I haven't seen it but it makes me laugh that people still don't know it has to be deliberate. Commentators regularly get it wrong.