salisbury saints1

Is Gabby definitely out? I understand it's a groin strain so could be back by then.

And good on Defoe for making himself available for international duty - given how's been treated in the past I'm not sure I would.

I like JWP not convinced he'll make a CL team but will carve out a good career as a mid-table PL player - like lots of English midfielders such as jack cork.

OK I'm being dim and could only spot 4!

Spotted in the BBC website gossip section that Forster was off to Everton and Joe Hart lined up to replace him. On current form that's a significant upgrade - but surely Hart will be chasing a champions league club (anywhere in Europe) and we couldn't (or wouldn't) pay his wages?

That would be fantastic but even if we go on a great run to the end of the season I don't see everton dropping sufficient points for us to catch them.

Winning 3- 1 in 2003 which led to Hoddle's sacking was particularly sweet! (and should've been more we were fantastic that day).

I'm more optimistic too. We tend to do our buying quietly like Austin last year - here's hoping for another pleasant surprise (or 2) next week

If Davis is fit then same starting XI as for Liverpool excellent performance please.

Neither was Stekelenburg also a loan player from memory - but didn't have another keeper to put on the bench!

I said I'd miss an obvious one! Yes Pelle on the bench but don't know current form in China.

Following an office discussion could any other club field a better team of ex-players (still playing) than Saints? I bet I've missed someone obvious but my team was: Boruc Clyne Lovren Alderweirld Shaw Lallana Schneiderlin Wanyama Bale Walcott Mane Subs: Stekelenburg, Chambers, Oxalade-Chamberlain, Puncheon, Ramirez I think this team could be top 4 material and certainly the best any other club could field of former players.

We rarely get a mention in the 10 things to watch out for spot - not top six or in meltdown. But we do this week and I totally agree! https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/jan/13/premier-league-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend

I guess that now must be Puel's strongest starting XI (notwithstanding Austin and Fonte unavailable). So same team for Burnley and Leicester please - rotation OK for Norwich. Is Yoshida playing better because he's guaranteed a starting place at the moment?

I'm always optimistic at kick off!

Let's hope ticket allocation for Wembley is based on semi final attendance...

I'm afraid anyone in Reed's position can't always tell the whole truth publicly - it would undermine the club's negotiating position. My house isn't for sale but if someone knocked on my door offering twice the market price then it would be! I think the same principle applies to VVD - and any player for that matter.

I think Fonte's been great for us with his standards falling off this season. There were rumours Man U are after him in which case good business for the club and player. Shame it has to happen with a public falling out. As John Motson said he does seem to get away with some refereeing decisions - my favourite when he clearly kicked Aguero in the box and Aguero got booked for diving! Also for the answer to the question which saints player has won the johnstone paint trophy and the euros?

I was convinced that Perry Groves would become one of the latest line of players discarded for being too old but performed really well for saints. Plus I thought the best transfer business was persuading West Ham to part with £1M fir Ian Dowie!

Poor performance last night. I kind of felt the team froze with the expectation and the occasion and only loosened up when went 1-0 down. My next match is Tottenham so hopefully things looking up by then but lack of goals is a serious problem. Any advance on the rumours of sturridge in the window?

Excellent thanks

Agree with list. Romeu has been a revelation this season.

Does 0-0 definitely put us thru'? If so can anyone explain why a score draw doesn't? Feel my brain aching!

That's made me really optimistic about this one!

VvD and JWP excellent. McQueen and Yos very good. Sadly thought JROD and Hoj off the pace. But fantastic night which was topped by having VvD as last goal scorer at 16-1 and the bookies don't count OGs!! That was a very pleasant surprise!