Saint Charlie

You said he and his wife had split a couple of weeks back, a few days later their son was born. She might not have liked living here but don't think that is why he moved on loan. It was because NA told him he wasnt going to feature much. Agree that we got him as Hooper or JR were unattainable and he did a good job. Clearly not a Prem class player though (especially in our style/system) so right decision for all parties.

For me there is no need to play 3 CMs - they arent strong at keeping the ball and their CMs dont run the game. Their threat is in the penalty area and they like to squash teama into their own half and keep them there with balls going up to Jones/Crouch. The best approach is to be more attacking and give them something to think about, especially with two defenders missing. Ramirez just off Lambert (or JR) and then Puncheon right plus AN Other on the left. Need wide midfielders to help stop crosses going into the box so the central 3 in midfield wouldnt work and as NA has realised Gaston isnt good at tracking so needs to play central where he can do most damage. Probably Guly for the left slot as we have nobody else.

Recall him and then never play him because he isnt good enough?

IMO Fonte has showed he is a decent CB for a lower level Prem team. Took a while to adapt but looks pretty decent now I would say. Also there is no doubt about Lallana's role as a player or captain for me, he is vital and an extremely good player.

QPR rumoured to have bid 4m. He is a decent player.

Birmingham Chairman admits they have to sell players to stay afloat in Jan. Says they couldnt turn down the 6m that they did from Saints in the summer any longer and that Liverpool and Everton aee keen and he isnt sure if Saints still want him or not. Sounds like 4m would get him to be honest. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/peter-pannu-interview-part-one-389303

Buckley is a decent player.

Floats in behind Dean Wilkins.

Seems like a nice guy and obvious pace but nothing else, decent CCC player. Was close to a move to Crawley in the summer.

Think it is 7 then moves to 10.

In theory yes but they have not lost a home game and we have only won 1 away all season. As with Fulham a point is a very good result away from home when at the bottom.

Stoke website confirms both are suspended.

Morgan just needs to avoid a booking in this to reach the amnssty where it moves to 7 yellows then a ban.

Although looking on the FA website he might be, bit of confusion some sources say he had 3 and some 4. Edit: Apparantly a booking he had in the US League has been carried over which is bizarre but good for us if true. Their defence would then be Shotton, Upson, Huth, Wilkinson

Cameron isnt suspended - yesterday was his 4th yellow.

Vs Stoke you need to cut the supply out wide. Need a midfield 4 IMO

I reckon Chaplow could be good for this one to add some bite and energy to the midfield.

IMO in terms of formation just match their 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 with ours. Ramirez just off Lambert and then fill the left midfield role with either Guly or Rodriguez.

Nobody else in our squad could have done the bit of skill, nutmeg and shot that Gaston hit yesterday - absolute class. Play him in the centre and we will get the rewards.

Correct. Only Prem squad he would get into is Reading IMO which tells its own story. Quite why so many want him back and then are happy to slag off Lambert and Ramirez is beyond me. Would you have been confident Sharp would have slotted that pressure pen today?

Crouch is costing Stoke up to 12m as someone said they hadnt spent that money on anyone. I think the last two games have been average allround so hard to judge just on those. If you picked Newcastle and Villa at home it would be the opposite opinion. He is 21, learning a new style of football and had had a stop start time due to injury and the personal stuff. Ramirez is the least of our worries.

Lallana is great but Rmirez has that little bit extra IMO. A little more acceleration to beat a player and a better shot. He is class, is 21 and will have a fantastic career. We need to get him on the ball as much as possible. Also Crouch deal worth 12m which is what I thought Ramirez cost us.

Yeah just saying it might be an idea but think I agree with you. Stopping the crosses is as important as defending them anyway and both their full backs are able to be attacked and the central midfield doesnt keep possession all that way. Just need to quieten the crowd and start well.

3-1 Have to stop Jones winning the first header at all the set pieces somehow. Even though he has looked hopeless this season maybe Jos would offer more height and power at the back?