Neil

To do what exactly? Try and finish in the top 6 to reach European football? Again, a pretty stupid statement (from Pardew). Unless you were ultra-confident of finishing in the top 4, then it's an utterly perplexing point to make. It's one of those statements that makes it sound like he's got a plan but in reality makes no sense whatsoever. It's ludicrous.

and it would be incredibly naive to think otherwise. Europe is where you want to be playing. Sure, the Europa League (please bring back the UEFA Cup) isn't a patch on the Champions League but it's how you develop as a club. Bigger stature, better players are more likely to come, increased performance, increased funds, and so on. To compete successfully and maintain good league form, yes, of course you need a strong squad. But it equally doesn't mean you have to rest most of your first-team for every European game. There's a middle ground to be had here.

That last statement seems to come form players and managers. I'm not so sure. For example, there seems to be an annual discussion on this forum about the pros and cons of an extended League Cup or FA Cup run. Plenty of posts have indicated people wouldn't want an additional few games because apparently it will cause severe tiredness and will also mean several injuries. Don't get me wrong, this sort of attitude has been prevalent on Everton forums and when just generally chatting to supporters of other clubs. Of course, this argument then gets somewhat moronically twisted when said person will come back with "Well then, are you saying our current squad can cope with everything and that we shouldn't get anyone new in?"

That game yesterday was the worst televised game I've seen all season. Turgid is a kind assessment.

Not one for sweeping statements but this topic is an exception. Any fan who doesn't want their club to qualify for Europe needs their head checked immediately. One of the biggest piles of bullshit in football is when a fan or whoever says they don't want Europe (or for that matter an extended cup run) because of the extra games, injuries, tiredness. Fuck off man, give your head a shake.

That was heinous.

Not that my betting opinion is worth anything but I'd definitely put something on Bournemouth +2. I know the odds aren't very good but you don't want to think about how much you'll be kicking yourself if it's this game that lets you down. £1600 is a massive amount of money but I'd not be that pissed off if I ended up with £1100-£1300 instead, safe with the knowledge that you're covered.

Sunderland have a good record recently vs Spurs don't they?

Nah, I've got it all worked out. It's going to be a month of money. Nice little tax rebate in a few weeks, going to win a few bets, invest it all in Germany to win Euro 2012. All sorted. What could possibly go wrong?

On your coattails. Wait, couldn't someone put a massive stake on that and be virtually guaranteed winning?

I'm going to win today. I can feel it.

Inspect his username. As the song goes: paranoia, paranoia, everybody's coming to get me.

They're desperately trying to create excuses for why you're doing so well. In a way it must be entertaining seeing them in shock as you, err, win again. cant BELEEV dey wun again lol how lucky Sunderland have been one of the luckiest sides this season. This however doesn't get much attention because they're too shit to take advantage of it.

Well according to rtg, and I mean 99% of them believe McClean & Sess are worth at least £20m each. Aye, seen a few saying that. Man City and Real to start a bidding war seemingly... In fairness, this is a world where Jordan Henderson cost £20m.

Where's brummie?

Going on the basis that the last bet I won, I did without any preparation and just stuck money on 3 results I instinctively had a hunch for, I've gone for: Northampton DNB Tamworth draw Shrewsbury draw

Has he played on the left of a 4-3-3 before? Tbh, people will say he should be professional and get on with it but I can totally see why he'd be pissed off. He's been shoved out wide and Cisse's come in, essentially had his spot and is getting all the glory.

Tbh, while I agree he's done well, I'd question his stubbornness with how he has them playing. Yes, carpet football is nice to watch but you looked comfortable today. They have no plan B and plan A, just recently, has consistently not been working. They're a good side but not good enough to just cut through teams constantly. Obviously, looks great when it does work.

IMO can see this being a scrappy single-goal win. I know Bolton have been shite this season but they've picked up as of late. Pardew will have to make sure no complacency creeps in.

Thought your performance today was on the whole very similar to us at Swansea a couple of weeks ago, and it's exactly how to go there and win. You recognised that, frankly, they aren't good enough - if you defend solidly and with plenty back - to carve out that many clear chances. You looked fairly comfortable throughout give or take the inevitable moment here and there. It was abundantly clear you were a side playing with confidence in a defensive aspect - you were happy to let them have the ball up until 35-40 yards out, because you had the belief in yourselves they weren't going to pass it through you. You're close to having a monopoly on the top 3 buys of the season.

I reckon Beren thinks Swansea's defence lacks height.

Thought between him and Linderoth in the mediocre Swedish footballer stakes. Could've just gone for Nicolas Alexandersson. All played for us.

Alright Skirge.

Hate Americans? Pah, yankee doodle fuck off.

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276979_140129886082528_1319867685_n.jpg