STM

Bigi is a better passer than Anita, that's why he's in the team. We should dominate the centre of the pitch.

Oh absolutely, Ashley is incredibly astute and utterly ruthless at the same time. I quite like that we do things differently to the rest of the league. Mavericks.

Yeah but it isn't 8 years though is it? Basically, what Mike Ashley is saying is that he doesn't agree with one/two/three year deals as they have no merit in his business, so he signs people for indefinate lengths of time to tie them down. If they want to sack Pardew, they pay him off, he's one of lowest paid managers in the league (or was). Alternatively, they already have a pay off written into his contract. However, should another club come in for him, unlikely as it is, we have a nice long contract to sit on. Therefore we can get a nice fee for him, in the same way we would do for players. Mike Ashley, once again, now holds all the cards and he gets the idea of "stability" thrown into the bargain. It changes nothing. From a footballing point of view, i like Pardew.

If Colo is out, Williamson will stuggle with Pogremnyak (sp). However, away to Reading is a game that we should win. We have a pretty good balance of form and fitness returning to the side. No premiership game is easy though.

There's always that little younger lad when you are playing 5 a side, the one that skips past you and scores loads of goals but says nowt the whole game but looks experianced beyond his years. That's what Ferguson reminds me of. There was a moment after that goal where I think Welbeck was trying to close him down but didn't know what to do with him. Ferguson has goals and assists in his game, an end product, golddust amongst young players IMO.

My ratings; Elliot -8 starting to look a good back up keeper. Perch-6 was ok Williamson- 5 beaten one too many times for my liking Colo-6 doesn't look match sharp IMO Tav-7 really impressed with his control, naïve going forward Obertan-5 same old stuff, two decent runs, the rest shite Gosling-6 actually played a little better, still not sure Tiote-7 needed a passer alongside him Marveaux-6 composed on the ball but seems to slow the pace down when he's got it Vuckic-6 some good touches but still struggling to impact the game enough Ameobi-7 I thought he was a handful for them, struggled without support though. Fergy- 8 good cameo Bigi-7 better than gosling Cisse-8 back

So if that's the case; Elliot Perch Williamson Colo Santon Obertan Tiote Bigi Marveaux Shola Cisse

Sadly, it will take relegation to make them realise. Even then, they will claim to be victims, so its a never ending cycle. Success means they are great. Failure means they are victims.

I was talking about watch in a stadium, live. I've never watched Barcelona. I've seen Toure but I'd say Ben Arfa has comfortably more individual talent than him. Its Yaya Toures pace and power which is frightning.

I think Pards is doing a great job. Ok there's issues with formations and perhaps pandering to his bosses a bit too much but on the whole they are minor issues. Issues I would have begged for a few years ago, when I was wondering where goals would come from or stopping them going in at the other end. We've got a squad and a team to be proud of, as well as some really exciting players too. I don't feel we are capable of dropping too far back down this league. There's too much quality thoughout, compared to a lot our competition. We won't reach the champions league this year but even with heavy investment we would have struggled.

Other than Cristiano Ronaldo, I think he has more individual talent than any other player I've ever seen. Of course its all subjective, due to positions etc. Shearer is still the best footballer we've had, goals talk. HBA is a joy to watch. Unbelievable at times.

Well bugger me sideways. I suppose Taylor needs a rest. It's not ideal, would hate Colo to pick up another injury.

None of the recently injured players will be played today IMO. That's not Pardew's style. I reckon we will see something similar to Europe; Elliot Perch Williamson Taylor Santon Obertan Bigi Gosling Amalifitano Marveaux Shola

Also got clattered in both games he's played and got up and got on with it, like nothing happened. Excellent attitude.

Spacker? Come on man, no need. We should be winning comfortably though.

To be in contention for a first team start for us, at his age, is astonishing. I would have absolutely no fear playing him in the league against decent sides. Bravo to the scouting team once more, how much was he again?

Considering how many 'first teamers' he rested it's fantastic management really. It just a shame we don't have another centre back so we could have rested Taylor too. Now we can go into sunday with what's available, with a much better chance. Chances are we won't win at old trafford but we must do the same again there. Great experiance for Bigi, playing at old trafford and in europe.

Just because he's playing well, doesn't mean he's rated by the club.

Rodgers dresses like he's a good manager, with the little jumper and that. He's just won a game in Europe, they will be building the shrine by now are they?

That'll do in the first half. Nick a goal in the second half.

I wouldn't say excellent considering the level of the opposition. For a reserve team they're doing ok. They're the fifth best team in Portugal. Tbh that's like saying you are the best team in scotland. Portugal has a semblance of technique. And the women are nicer... it's always relevant.

LOLerpool.

Building work to the stadium apparently.

"Arc of achievement "FFS

Can someone confirm, Chris Waddle, a mackem?