Tiotes Witch Doctor

The Junction? The Hancock? Particularly the latter, do a cracking beer deal 4 pints for £7 on match days and the food is surprisingly lush.

But why? Hes been poor all season. He hasn't played on the left all season though, perhaps he wants to see him in a position where he'll get more of the ball at his feet. Aye, this basically. He's looked awful as a #10 and with the way Rafa likes his wide men playing on the "wrong" side so they can cut inside on their preferred foot I do think that the left might be where Perez ends up. In terms of ability he's one of our best players, we should be looking to get him playing well again rather than having him sit on the bench while we persist with Gouffran out there. Not sure where this new trend of people wanting to see him on the left comes from, hes played there in the past and looked average at best. In the small periods of time hes looked decent and scored goals he was playing centrally. Would much rather stick with Gouffran who has looked better with each game, if not then start giving Atsu minutes, Perez has been given time so far and has looked disinterested IMO, let him fight for a place if he wants one.

Best keeper on our books IMHO.

But why? Hes been poor all season.

Still think Tiote would be a better option than Anita in midfield but its not hilarious to suggest otherwise like, its debatable really.

That will definitely be the team like, would probably sub in Tiote for Colback on the subs as said though. Wouldn't it be great if he didn't even get in the match day squads from now on

1-2.

Hopefully that's Ritchie off with no niggling injuries to speak of. Had a blinder tonight by all accounts.

This is bang on, our fans are so accepting of mediocrity now it stinks. The "we can't get any better" or the "without Ashley we would have done a Leeds" comments from a lot of even quite knowledgeable fans is sickening to say the least. There's nothing wrong with aspiring for more, its not deluded to stand up for better, if you don't you end up like ambition less Sunderland absolutely buzzing about winning a relegation battle every single year.

Interesting to see calamity Sels in everyones lineup.

Yep.

Supermac suggesting Mitro is going to be backup to Murphy? http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sissoko-wijnaldum-were-disgrace-times-11833979 I think it could be the way to start. Starting with Murphy and Gayle, experience and hunger. Hopefully this pairing would get us a two goal lead in most games at which point we can give Mitro a run out sans pressure. Alternatively, if we are struggling then Mitro would offer us that little craziness that might win the game. Once Mitro is up to speed he can start games. Playing 2 games a week, if the game is wrapped up before 60 mins, take off both Murphy and Gayle, bring on Mitro and another midfielder. Resting our main strike force for the next game. In fact that would be 3 forwards playing 60 mins a game so they should all stay relatively fresh. Not for me, not at all, you want your best players playing first and I can say with confidence Mitro is the better player. You use the best players relevant to the situation. I agree Mitro is the better player, technically. But I think Rafa might think for this situation Murphy is the better option to start. Either way works for me, I think both will play a big part. BTW sorry I edited my previous post to show that my thoughts were only relevant to the Derby game, It just took me about an hour. On a game by game basis, knowing how meticulous Rafa is with his tactics, we might see Murphy start and vice versa, whatever suits the opposition the best really. But I would hope and imagine that Gayle and Mitro will be top of the pile for selection, provided they are firing of course.

Supermac suggesting Mitro is going to be backup to Murphy? http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/sissoko-wijnaldum-were-disgrace-times-11833979 I think it could be the way to start. Starting with Murphy and Gayle, experience and hunger. Hopefully this pairing would get us a two goal lead in most games at which point we can give Mitro a run out sans pressure. Alternatively, if we are struggling then Mitro would offer us that little craziness that might win the game. Once Mitro is up to speed he can start games. Playing 2 games a week, if the game is wrapped up before 60 mins, take off both Murphy and Gayle, bring on Mitro and another midfielder. Resting our main strike force for the next game. In fact that would be 3 forwards playing 60 mins a game so they should all stay relatively fresh. Not for me, not at all, you want your best players playing first and I can say with confidence Mitro is the better player.

Can't see past Lascelles for number 1 studmuffin myself. OOOH JAMAAL

Sissoko's 8 goals and 15 assists across 3 seasons where he was the main focal point of attack for the majority of the time is pretty poor, didn't realise it was so bad.

One injury to Shelvey or Hayden and hes probably back in the fold, at least for away games.

FYP

There have been other times when hes been the best on the pitch, but still very few and far between, started to look far better under a proper manager in Rafa though. You can't let some players off by saying they were Pardewed or whatever then blame all of Sissoko's problems on just him. Hes an average PL player who is capable of above average performances on his day, not worth 30 mil even in todays market, but think he would tear the champ apart especially under Rafa.

Of course he will.

It's ok, I think Charnley will sort it.

Was it? Fuck I'm behind.

Graeme Bailey ‏@GraemeBailey 48m48 minutes ago Being told West Brom have come in for Moussa Sissoko offering cash plus Callum McManaman.

We've done everything to help him get his move barring lowering the asking price, and if hes a good as he thinks he is, then these demands were reasonable enough to begin with. We've not made him play, more than likely to avoid him picking up an injury, and we've told him he can leave if the price is right, nothing more we could really do for him and if nobody comes in that's not our fault. Hopefully if he does have to stay then he understands this and gives his best until at least January. As already pointed out 3 years left on contract we're no obliged to do a thing for him.

Hes got a bit of a hunchback I think that's what makes him look slower.