JP

Ince would be a good signing but again, doesn't he play on the right?

Downing, Cairney and a CM would be great business IMO. Something like: Shelvey Hayden Ritchie Cairney Downing Gayle Be more than enough to get us promoted. Diame, Atsu and Gouffran as well of course. Again, happy with the names we're being linked with.

No idea what team Rafa will go with here. Hayden has looked tired towards the end of games lately but we don't have any other CM's to come in? I'll have a crack; Sels Yedlin Lascelles Hanley Lazaar Colback Hayden Ritchie Perez Gouffran Mitro

Schneiderlin reported medical at Everton this afternoon; Cleverley incoming?

2-0 win, which will be frustrating as the majority prefer league points this season. Birmingham haven't found any form at all under Zola and were shite at SJP anyway.

I posted earlier about unrealistic aims in the transfer window. This is exactly what I meant.

I'm encouraged by the names we're being linked with. Only those that are unrealistic are the ones moaning. Cleverly, Delph and Loftus-Cheek mentioned in CM - all huge upgrades on Colback, with the first 2 having more top level experience than Hayden. Brady and Snodgrass for width - either would be a creative upgrade on Gouff. Think Brady is more realistic Snodgrass will surely have PL teams sniffing as he's proving he can produce even in a really poor PL team. My only concern is that it's a bit quiet on the #10 front? I think it's a position we need strengthening the most with Diame at AFCON and Perez way, way out of form. I'm pretty much certain Rafa knows what we need and by the end of January I think we'll all be happy with the recruitment again.

Really? Couple of times we've carved them open, particularly that chance on Gayles left foot. They can't give him any more of those before they pay for it.

Great half, all that's missing is the goal. Completely dominant and creating chances though can't complain at all. Be amazed if we don't score here

Seriously? Absolutely transformed the club from top to bottom in terms of recruitment. Handled outgoings better than any manager we've had before by rinsing every last penny out of Spurs and Liverpool for two players who didn't want to be here. Bought the right blend of talent and hard working players to create a much stronger team ethic which sees us top the league (the main objective no matter what). It's blatantly obvious Snodgrass would improve our squad. So what if Murphy hasn't featured much, he's part of a close-knit squad who are all pulling in the same direction now. What would you prefer? Riviere and Obertan? I seriously hope Rafa never comes into contact with some fans' opinion of everything he's doing for our club.

Yeah I know where you're coming from. I just feel its easier said than done to find a player with the quality of Shelvey, for example, that would be willing to step down. I'm sure the pull of Rafa and our current league position will be an attraction to current prem players not getting regular game time but we'll see. Whatever happens I'll be trusting Rafa to make the right choices!

Agreed. Can you see Chelsea letting him go on a perm? I'd say there's 0 chance like

Be interesting to see what Rafa has to say on this in today's presser.

Why? I've never really bought into this argument. It's the moments of quality that separate players in this league. There's plenty of mediocre championship wingers that have loads of pace, but wouldn't improve our side in the slightest. Snodgrass would be another sound signing, who understands the league better than most.

It's funny, isn't this the aim every week?

I'm with you, don't think he's been great at all.

Links with Loftus-Cheek and Delph really encouraging. Would be really pleased with either (loan or perm)

100% this. The FA aren't going to change their mind because a fan forum thinks there can't be any evidence for it 5 games is 5 games, glad Hayden has shown good form lately. Wouldn't surprise me to see Diame played next to him in home games if Colback isn't fit.

Worth noting Brighton game is 28th Jan same weekend as FA Cup 4th round which you'd expect atleast one of the sides to make.

Didn't realise that Wouldn't be the worst thing if our cup game went to a replay so he misses 2 cup games Great shout that

To Jonjo? 2 weeks or so after tax. Peanuts

Ban doesn't kick in until appeal lodged/not lodged. Can play v Sheff Wed

This speaks volumes. Everyone is talking how good Brighton have been (which is true) yet we're still above them

Didn't he come on fairly early against Preston too?

Murphy? Played 45 mins for the youth lads in about 3 months . I agree he will rotate, but Gayle will start IMO. Remember he's just had a month off.