St1pe

That lineup looks worryingly weak for an away game in the fa cup. I think we'll be hard pushed to win this one.

I'm surprised lascelles has had so many detractors lately. It's the first time in as long as I can remember where we've had an actual working centre back partnership. Clark has been far better than the majority of us were expecting but Lascelles does the ugly stuff very well. He's also a vocal captain which seems so odd given the white flag wavers we've had as captain in recent seasons. On topic I think it's a no brainer Mbemba for Townsend on loan. We've got ample cover at centre back and I can't see him getting a look in unless there's an injury crisis. I'm not sure how a deal like that could be done given he's away at the afcon though?

I think I'd prefer him to Townsend. I can't remember the last time we had someone that's dangerous down that left side.

Hoping we get a couple of early goals and see the game out without conceding. We've had to grind wins out so often lately it would be nice not shitting myself for the last 20 minutes for a change. 3-0 Ritchie x 2 Murphy

Hard to disagree with any of those points Steggy. I've only watched the highlights and listened to the match on the radio but at 1-1 I wasn't confident at all. Good luck for the rest of the season!

I guess it depends on how rigidly that policy is applied and to what extent Benitez has over it. I think to a certain degree most clubs only buy players that have a resale value. David Gold was arguing with a fan on twitter because of how much he'd commit to signing Defoe on the basis of no resale value. I still think the story is bollocks. We've failed so far in the January market after being quoted stupid money for players. It's an easy article to write by someone who has made shit up for years and pushed it as fact. I guess we'll know over the next two windows but if the past two windows is anything to go by I'm pretty pleased.

Spot on Cronky.

Townsend's direct running and willingness to take on players would piss all over this league. Would be a hell of a signing if it's possible.

Pleased for Perez. Some of the criticism has been unjust over the past few weeks. He's been shit but has shown enough quality in the past to have more faith than some have shown him on here. Hopefully he can get a good run going now because we're going to need someone to step up.

Huuge win! Sounded like we played total shit after Gayle went off. It's a bit of a concern the amount of injuries we've got all of a sudden but hopefully a win like this will get us going.

Darlow saving our arse again by the sounds of it.

Sounding like a familiar story? Strong start followed by us not sitting back after scoring.

A few people have already said he doesn't really have any other options. If when Shelvey is back and he's consistently starting then people have a point. If at the end of the season he's still here then people have a point. At present we've just got to suck it up despite him being turboshit.

Perez blinder today!

I've been a bit disappointed every time Anita has been picked over him. I actually really like Anita but Yedlin looks like he could be our right back for years if he continues to improve but he needs a solid run of games. We look far more dangerous with him in the team too.

Despite the negativity after a poor couple of weeks I think we'll get a comfortable win today. We've had a wobble but I'd be surprised if we weren't back on track after today. 0-2 Gayle Clark

Would have liked us to move for him, especially that he's valued around £8m. He could have solved that awkward 10 spot.

All but gone now by the looks of it.

Ince would be an excellent signing at this level but given his form I really can't see Derby selling him so cheap.

Read conflicting reports on this on twitter suggesting he's on a season long loan and currently at the afcon but it's... well Twitter. Anyone know what's going on with this?

I guess he'll play in the cup game unless he's cup tied?

I didn't realise we've got a fair gap before our next league game v Brentford. Hopefully that's a good thing.

Christ it's like RTG in here...

Miserable result and a miserable set of late winners from Brighton and Reading. Before the meltdown goes into full swing we completely dominated that game and had enough chances to win 3 games. I hope this Cleverly loan happens because I don't want to ever look at Colback again. A few reinforcements this window will hopefully see us up.