Neil

But that just highlights another strength. Your 'main' players are seemingly incredibly fit. Very few injury problems. We are walking on the edge of the razor though. One of Puyol/Piqué goes out for a significant amount of time and we have to put Milito (woeful this season) or an out of position Abidal at CB. One of Xavi/Iniesta drops and we are stuck with Keita (decent player but not a creative force), and we have Bojan as our *only* backup forward. The signing of Afellay is meant to supplement our options in midfield and the wings. Surprised Afellay hasn't been given more of a role in his few games so far. Don't think he came on last night? Would have thought Guardiola would be keen to give him 20-30 minutes considering the game was won.

Clincial. 0-1 Inter, Stankoffish.

Interesting defending.

But that just highlights another strength. Your 'main' players are seemingly incredibly fit. Very few injury problems.

I was going to say defence but it isn't really. The only real flaw I can see is if a team can really effectively counter against them because of the offensive mentality Barca adopt exposing the defence if the opposition can break fast. That would of course have to be combined with a tremendous defensive performance.

Didn't they struggle in the seasons after reaching the CL? It would be good to get back into the UEFA Cup this year like - what positions is it in Italy? top 6 or does it again depend on who wins the Coppa Italia? It'll be a shame because if they tail off this year then you'd have to expect the likes of Inler and Sanchez wanting to up roots and head off somewhere frankly bigger and better.

I'd be tempted just to remove 18 of the 22 players, and just keep the goalies and make it Eto'o vs. Di Natale.

£3 says they'll pass it by winning 2-1. Udinese nailed on now. 6-0.

Wow, I didn't know the table was so close near the top. Shaping up to be a very competitive title race - hope Lazio and especially Napoli can stay in there. Also, after just seeing Udinese vs. Inter is kicking off at half 11, Udi have turned things around have they not? Weren't they in the relegation zone after about 10 games? Now on a march towards European spots. I'll be impressed if Inter can continue their winning streak here - I'd even go as far as to install them as favourites for the title.

I'll say it again, I think Messi's playing within himself at the moment. And he still got a goal (albeit a pen) and an assist tonight - maybe I'm just greedy and expecting him to be intergalactically amazing each game. In fact, IMO I think there's been a conscious effort from Pep at the moment that if the game is won, just save yourselves (due to the CL kicking back in soon).

Did anyone discuss the Barca game on here? It was a standard, typical, average Barca game. Yet still great to watch.

SPLENDID

He ventured to Birmingham a couple of times recently but I'm pretty sure it was when London sides were visiting.

Guess what?

4-3 Valencia.

Malaga down to 8 men temporarily, and with no manager.

Pellegrini sent off.

The overriding feeling of me is the mentality a lot of players have adopted. For some, it is no longer a thrilling honour to play for England; it is but a requirement in their calendar. There is also a fear of changing the status quo. Far too many players have been picked far too long on name alone.

second yellow was for his celebration too I hate few things more than that utterly ridiculous rule. It's farcical.

Why do you have no chance? Mid 50s could well see you get Europe this year, hell, low 50s even due to how strangely things have been going. You've got just as much a chance as everyone else really. I think the key to this though is top 5 teams winning the 2 cups.

I think due to the bizarre nature of the table, everyone is hoping for an Arsenal win on Tuesday.

We’ll be toothless with Best up front unless the Spurs defence play as badly as the West Ham defence. Well Dawson will be playing. Best should be rubbing his hands. Obafemi Best.

Anyone get that Skybet offer? Place a £5 bet then get £10 free to bet on a single. Anyway, fiver on: Man Utd -1 Arsenal -1 Huddersfield Millwall/draw £10 on Man Utd And also a surefire £100,000 will be won on the Super 6: Arsenal 2-0 Wigan Blackpool 2-2 Sunderland Everton 2-1 West Ham Fulham 1-1 Stoke Man Utd 3-1 Birmingham Newcastle 1-2 Tottenham

Forgive me if I've missed something, but this seems another solid move from Pardew; that is, quite definitely stating Carroll is not for sale. I know that's nothing outstanding to do as a manager but he definitely seems to have his head firmly screwed on in terms of this role.

Seriously, what the hell is Shola doing?