Neil

What should I bet on?

What sort of defender he is? I've got to confess I've barely seen him but he seems to be talked of quite highly around this here forum.

He's a very good goalscorer IMO, one of the best in this country. The quoted figure of £18m "in this market" seems fair enough to me given the quantity of goals he's consistently scored in recent seasons. I agree however that his all-round play leaves something to be desired - technically I think he's quite poor. It is weird because technically his finishing is very average if you ask me, he can't seem to strike the ball with any degree of power for example, but still gets himself goals as you say. I've not seen much of Beckford but I'd say technically he is a better footballer than Bent. Funny you say that - neither have I.

He's a very good goalscorer IMO, one of the best in this country. The quoted figure of £18m "in this market" seems fair enough to me given the quantity of goals he's consistently scored in recent seasons. I agree however that his all-round play leaves something to be desired - technically I think he's quite poor. Understatement. Cannit strike a ball cleanly. Indeed. Not that it's making a great deal of difference for him.

He's a very good goalscorer IMO, one of the best in this country. The quoted figure of £18m "in this market" seems fair enough to me given the quantity of goals he's consistently scored in recent seasons. I agree however that his all-round play leaves something to be desired - technically I think he's quite poor.

Hence the problem they have. They're going to have to splash out a significant sum of money just to stay in the same position they are now, squad-wise. Values? I don't know, at a guess: Mensah: £4-6m Onouha: £5-7m Elmohamady: £2-4m Welbeck: well.. I'm sure I read SAF was tempted to keep him when he comes back? Also figures of around £8-10m have been banded about, I believe. So basically if they were to get those 4 players permanently, they'd need a minimum of £20m I reckon, and it could easily pass £25m.

Due back shortly though. They may decide to keep their powder dry instead of replacing him and having a push for Europe this season. They're out of the cup and have small cushion in the league with 15 games to go. With only 2 strikers? They'll have to sure as hell hope neither gets injured. I can't see them sticking with just 2 in their squad; they'd be shooting themselves in the foot. They could easily switch to one up front if either Gyan or Wellbeck got injured imo. They may feel they'll get better value for money in the summer. I'm not saying they will or they should but they might just cross their fingers for a couple of months. I hope they do stick with 2, as I'd put my house on us finishing above them. I think their better play has come from playing 2 up top. If circumstances do dictate in them going back to 1, it would be a step backwards and I think they'd take a few corresponding steps back down the league if that were to happen. I know it's just hypothesising but still. I take your point regarding the January window, like. Some right ripping off takes place.

When he plays well, we play well. Something's been up with him though for pretty much all this season, just hasn't been his usual self. Get him playing with more confidence and we'll climb the table without doubt.

As I say, he's contributed significantly of course, but not to the 'one man band' extent he did last year.

Due back shortly though. They may decide to keep their powder dry instead of replacing him and having a push for Europe this season. They're out of the cup and have small cushion in the league with 15 games to go. With only 2 strikers? They'll have to sure as hell hope neither gets injured. I can't see them sticking with just 2 in their squad; they'd be shooting themselves in the foot.

Good point. In which case they've GOT to get in a striker.

aye their form took a marked turn for the better when he was crocked. Yep. They're nowhere near as dependent on him this season as they were last year. They will however need to bring in a decent striker - they surely can't rely on just Gyan and Welbeck for the rest of the season, can they?

Is that the all new revised relegation zone?

Interesting test this. I don't think you'll have too much pressure on yourselves; the media will be more interested in seeing how the all-conquering Spurs get on IMO. Is Carroll back? If so, you'll get something. If not, I think they'll edge it by the odd goal.

What are the chances of Bent suddenly "not being that great" according to Sunderland fans or stuff along those lines? Bent carried the entire Sunderland team last year - one of the most one-man teams I've ever seen. He's done brilliantly for them - the reasons for his apparent departure remain to be seen.

For some reason the inclusion of Sears tickled me most.

He's one very bad game and a Gyan fluke away from being in the "great" category IMO. Has to be 'good', surely?

Basically, yes, you are. As long as your players are professional about it, you'll keep well clear of any serious relegation fight. Top 10 should realistically be your target now.

They're actually idiots.

FACT: people who end their sentence with FACT make their FACT sound more important. FACT. is that END OF ? Says it all, really. That's a FACT. I'd go as far as TRUTH.

FACT: people who end their sentence with FACT make their FACT sound more important. FACT. is that END OF ? Says it all, really.

Seemed to make the right calls yesterday apart from Smith, who is playing worryingly regularly. Otherwise, it seems you were fairly comfortable once you got ahead and only a big slice of fortune for them got them a point. Still, you matched them for passion and more, so in my eyes, Pardew did a good job.

Baaaaah.

When the FA are not run by clowns, idiots and fraud's. Could be waiting a while. I'm sorry mate, but it's the first thing I noticed in this thread. He steps past one... Past two..... Oh but it's over!

North-east of Northern Ireland, I'm sure that's what he meant. Still not right, like.