macca155

Now thats the spirit

We all live in hope of that scenario. However truth is you add a few experienced players to that squad and they'll grind out enough results. Its Watford and Burnley who will suffer. I don't blame Newcastle they are simply using the rules. Plus they've played 19 clock is ticking for them. The spineless league carry the can for this.

Only bringing forward the inevitable really. Anyway since when did we run scared of Newcastle, in any guise. Just gives Saints extra motivation. Bring it on I say, be a tasty match.

I'd say in this instance, they simply don't have enough players. They are obviously doomed and I'd imagine Smith is planning for a bounce back. I don't think they gain much from cancelling fixtures. It really only benefits Newcastle as they have a unique situation. Even if they buy Trippier, Ali, and Ake, they'll need time to bed them in. They won't all be in place until after the mid winter break (starts 22 Jan). Before then they face us, Leeds, Watford and probably Everton. Bet those games end in defeat or draws. Mind you strange things happen down the bottom this time of year, we are are well out of it ... hopefully.

Plus they'll all be bleating about the AN cup soon.

Having researched a bit more, I don't think there will be much of an advantage for Newcastle Postponed games will be played asap, not April as I initially thought. As neither team is in Europe, and there are no FA Cup replays, it should be pretty quick. The league will want the games out of the way to avoid messing up the end of the season. Plus they need the competition to retain integrity. Newcastle will be limited in who they can attract and when they can get them on the pitch. Just another game, they won't be City or Liverpool.

Obviously we all want the game played as Saints clearly have an edge at the moment. However as his Lordship says that really is irrelevant. Just as much as Newcastle wanting it postponed and who can blame them. The situation is pretty unique and the league need to play a very straight bat to this, to avoid being seen as complicit. The rules are clear Newcastle need to be able to field 13 'first team' players, including a goalie. Otherwise the game is off. I guess they have means of verification. Plus, and this sticks in my throat, Newcastle's buying power is also irrelevant. They can't be treated differently. Game could be rearranged quite soon as lots of midweek gaps coming up, so may not be an issue.

They'll do all they can to call off the game against us. Different prospect in April when their new players are starting to have an impact. Has to be played no squinnying out.

What a difference having Forster in goal. Ridiculous he's been kept on the bench for so many games. Enjoying this so far COYS

Yes saw that this morning, that's annoying it's a ground I wanted to tick off. However I was hedging about going so made the decision for me. England tends to follow Wales on these things so I wouldn't be surprised if the same happens across the UK. That will be a blow for the club as they have sold out the Spurs game. End of the day it is just a game of footie, more important to keep this blasted virus under the cosh.

I agree (depressingly) but if the club had even modest investment thats what is required imo.

Need to remember how precious points are in the Prem. Key to survival is not losing, ensure that and the necessary wins will follow. This squad is very weak if a few crucial players drop out the quality disappears. Romeu is not his old self at the moment, add in the missing Armstrong and the midfield is severely weakened. Point won, another point Saturday and its 18 points at almost halfway. Repeat that and its good enough for survival. How depressing for that to be the target. Had they won the Norwich game (that was the low point), then all would be pretty ok. That is how tight the margins are. Add Forster, Adams, and the Armstrongs into that side and there is hope for me. In January buy a decent CH and sell Bendarek. Also buy a left winger. I don't want to see Djenepo doing his Bambi act again.

All he needs to say is "now don't be shit" Perhaps stare at a few players as well.

What a beauty come on

They already don't like JWP. That won't help lol. COYS now start playing

Put the drugs down

Just looking at the table I notice that Saints need to beat Palace 6 0 to go above them. So that's the target then We can't keep having bad games can we

I should have put in 'hope', because at the moment we look as rank as any. I think it's pretty obvious that Norwich, Watford, Burnley, Leeds, and Newcastle will all be in the mix with Saints. I think Saints will have just enough to avoid being one of the three to go down...... I hope.

Actually I suspect we'll survive this season. There really are three rank sides this year. However next year looks ominous. We are falling behind a number of Championship sides in investment now. It is short journey to being a Stoke, Forest, or Swansea. Grim times I fear.

At the moment imo that is Stephens. I accept that isn't great. However a dominant tall CB is required asap.

Struggling to argue with that. I think you may be a little harsh. He does jump on I agree but his interceptions are good At least he cares, I live in hope he'll develop.

Not sure what you've based that on. As soon as he came on the defence was stiffened and a dreaded cricket score was avoided It was nevertheless dire stuff. Rubbish goalie. Can't save or kick. Diallo too easily bypassed. Tella and Livramento constantly lost the ball and Broja was utterly disinterested. Ralph messed up the subs again, bringing Lyanco on way too late and Elyounoussi too early. Things were that bad we needed Long on the pitch. First time I've heard the crowd go for Ralph. Chants of 'you don't know you're doing' started towards the end. His days are numbered if that continues. Livramento needs a rest. Put KWP on the right and Perraud on the left. Salisu. Stephens at the back. Romeu and JWP in the middle. That will look more balanced.

That was just so inevitable. Why can we not close our these games. Just felt so depressing. Brighton are an efficient boring side, it was never going to be an easy win. However, having got our noses in front that win should have been secured. What's particularly annoying is that yet again it was game management, fitness management, and leadership on the pitch that cost us. The latter is the major one for me. None of that costs money. Some of this is on Ralph, some on the players. Monday morning should be about reflection, diagnosis, and how to put it right. A draw isn't a disaster so move on to the next game.

Price relates to money laid not our chances. Just bookies making a book. Soon go down if people take that price. Bookies like an edge.

I think that's a bit harsh. He was definitely the best of the three CHs yesterday, but obviously that isn't saying much. I agree his positioning can be iffy but as you say that may be his instructions. However his anticipation and interceptions are good. I guess we'll see of he develops the other aspects of his game. A bigger culprit was Tino. His defending was shocking at times. Combine that with Bendarek woeful efforts, it is no surprise that Liverpool ripped us to shreds. No way would Stephens have allowed that to go on. Hope he is fit soon.