Neil

What's going on with the Fer transfer? Read something about Everton imposing a deadline on FC Twente to agree on some additional contract clauses, due to him having had knee surgery or something? Are you trying to make a part of the agreed fee dependent on certain targets or somesuch? Basically yeah. The original deal was going to be spread out over a couple of years' worth installments, which I guess is how a lot of deals are done nowadays. The medical however showed up a potentially serious knee problem he suffered while on international duty last year. We're now scrambling around trying to renegotiate a deal with more emphasis on appearances. We've apparently set a deadline of 7.45 (kick off tonight) for an answer either way. The Twente president has been very boisterous about this in the media and depicting it as though we're pissing them about. Hard to say exactly who's saying what here but the latest is that Munstermann (president) has said "if nothing changes, then he'll probably stay". Whether that's sheer stubbornness from him (and he has every right to defend the interests of his club) or just some common haggling, remains to be seen. At the moment though, more likely not to go through than to happen. "We tried." I can hear it now.

To me, it's that fine line between it being a win which stops the rot and allows you to look up rather than down, and concentrate on getting towards mid-table, forget about this season and push forward with a strengthened squad next year.... and also recognising you're still in the shit, and 0-1 points in your next 2 games (which is very possible) will put the pressure right back on, and back to square one almost. Very confident you'll be more than fine (still think you'll get top 10) while also recognising yeah, this season's been a massive disappointment. Hopefully, with the January additions, you can build some momentum between now and May, and use that as the base for next season. I firmly believe that's what happened with us - we got Jelavic and Pienaar in last January, hit some good form and that continued at the start of this season.

Wonder what excuses Kenwright and his media cronies will come up with this time if this Fer deal doesn't happen. At the moment, it doesn't look like it will.

Draw.

:lol: Brilliant stuff.

Oh and also... Everton to win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 @ 15/8. Think that's again very decent value. If we're going to win, it's overwhelmingly likely going to be one of those scores.

Couldn't have really been more of a penalty.

Currently have about £50 in my Skybet account - very tempted to stick it all on Messi and Ronaldo both to score tomorrow. 5/2. Had a quick look into it (beyond the fact they're both obviously mint and you'd never back them not to score), and in the last 3 El Clasicos, both have scored. Think I'll be having a bit of that. If it doesn't come off, it doesn't, but I think it represents very decent value. The one fear is Mourinho goes ultra defensive and looks for a 1-0 but even then, I think Real Madrid aren't good enough to shut Barca out. Only other thing is a very unlucky injury picked up during the game but that's very unlikely. Don't think either that there's any danger of both teams not taking this seriously. Expecting very strong teams. Will wait until they're announced just to make sure there aren't any big surprises.

Can imagine that being a strangely infuriating match for you all to watch. Seen it in a lot of games under Moyes where we play well first half, are comfortable, but for some reason think the way to win from there is to sit back. It's a completely void tactic, unless you have excellent organisation and good players all performing their job. The mentality generally though I don't agree with, it's a stone-age philosophy as far as I'm concerned - "more players back = we won't concede". Rubbish. Sissoko, as most would have guessed, looks like a ridiculously good deal for you. Cabaye again impressed and I thought Gouffran had a decent first outing. Those substitutions, well, I'll leave you guys to pick them apart. They were truly... ...but nonetheless, a great result.

Not a big profit but profit regardless. Had a small cover bet on the BTTS bet once 3 of the 4 goals had gone in after about 55 minutes so at least got something from that. (Watford, the league's best defence, couldn't muster a goal against Bristol City, the league's worst defence.)

Catchy.

Fer transfer stalled.

Wigan back from 2-0 to 2-2.

Don't think he's been that bad. Becoming a tough game to officiate currently.

I'd hate to be a wimp and win a couple of hundred quid.

Here's a mental idea...wait for the teams to come out. Pff I bet for fun not like these mad fkers £5 a week tops unless I win a little to rebet as the £9 I won yesterday. Anyway got free £10 get of skybet so stuck it on 3-0 Toon Cisse FGS 110/1 Blimey, come on Skirge! If it's 3-0 after 80+ mins, please, please lay.

Cabaye.

So, still think you won't finish in the top half then? Absolute world of difference between the teams here. Only question is how much it's due to Villa's awfulness.

Yeah, that was wankworthy.

Good start.

Aguero anytime. Cabaye anytime. Fletcher to score in a Sunderland win. BTTS in Stoke-Wigan and Bristol City-Watford. Mainly financed through free bets. Come on.

Guzan, Vlaar [c], Clark, Bennett, Baker, Lowton, Westwood, Bannan, N’Zogbia, Benteke, Bent.

The flood of abuse Pardew receives for not starting Marveaux when it turns out he got injured.

Wait, is that meaning you think I've put money on you lot? Pfft, I think everything points to you NOT winning. If you don't win then you've all fucked yourselves over.