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Thanks for the service Danny. Was good in the promotion season and was part of some very good team performances since. Are we bringing in another left back??

Why are they far nearer the squad? Neither have ever made a significant senior appearance for us (unless Stephens has had a cup run out), and the reports from the youth matches havent been amazing either. Obviously we hope that they are stars of the future, but there's not really any reason why a guy who has played some first team matches alongside Fonte and Hooiveld wouldnt be picked above the others.

Hmm, thought he was potentially only an injury to one of Fonte, Hooiveld or Yoshida to being on the bench with Lovren out for a while. Unless of course they are thinking Wanyama is back soon (tonight?) and can fill in?

Would've thought the new head would've wanted to show the continuing ambition with a new signing, not just 'we wont sell any players' stuff. We've shown we've got a good first 11, but desperately lacking if 2 or 3 players are out in key areas. I'd say if we want to keep in the top half (and assuming we dont have Osvaldo, along with Ramirez and most importantly Lovren for upto 2 months) we'd need to bring someone else in up front or at centre back. Lets see.

Any streams?

Is Guly back for this one then?

Despite being totally one footed? I think Clyne's a great player, but it's weird that he always wants to do everything with his right foot. I've always thought his turns particularly dont look very natural, but his pace helps him a fair bit with that.

As someone else posted, hopefully Utd not being at the top will mean some of their super overrated players (Welbeck and Cleverley especially), are nowhere near the England squad. With regards to our players, I cant see Lallana leaving.

Wowzers. Quite a few out for this, but am surprised looking back at the team that won last season is no better than the one we might be fielding tomorrow. Just so long as Yoshida isnt played at full back...!

Do you mean one of the most one footed players, along with Clyne?

Doesnt look that sharp for a keeper, but does seem to have good kicking ability. I'd rather good goal saving ability though!

Definitely. He's a youngster in a very high profile position - needs some encouragement from the crowd!

Davis for his experience, Gazza to give him experience. I actually didnt think Gazza was that awful last season - a few stupid mistakes, but with a lot more time with the group, a better group around him, and a year older, I'm confident that he will do ok if picked.

Was it Villa last year where he ran circles around them and we smashed them 4-1 or something? Repeat please!

Worked pretty well for us against Palace? Dominated the defence that day. I know their defence is weak, but he did look a class above. I'm keeping the faith - a few games, get rid of those niggly injuries, and maybe a few more starts and sure he'll get a few more goals before the new year.

So... what was the score?

Cork is a great player. Definitely better than Davis and Guly, but in a different position where we're currently very strong. It cant be long until Wanyama gets banned, and very unlikely both Wanyama and Schneiderlin will go the whole season without missing a match here or there with a knock, so I would expect Cork to get a few games yet. Cant imagine any of the players mentioned would go for less than 10 mil. Got to think Lallana and Shaw will both be worth much more. Shaw's the one I'll be most worried about losing, as I think he's the only one that might want to (if Chelsea came in for example).

That must be a first up there for November!

That must be a first up there for November!

To be honest, I think if we do make wholesale changes we are likely to lose tonight, away on a cold wet night in Sunderland. I hope I'm wrong and I do have faith in players like Cork and Ramirez amongst others, but wouldnt be surprised if we dont win.

So we now have this guy and Targett as young pros who play at left back (or + centre back here), along with Shaw of course, and Fox. Plus a couple of guys in the Under 21s who can play at right or left back I think. Seems like we're well stocked for (youth) options there!

Welbeck awful again for England. Thought Sturridge was quiet, but looked a lot more dangerous on the ball than Welbeck. Shame Rickie didnt get on, but was never going to happen. Good to see JWP score. Osvaldo subbed after 50 odd minutes, hope he's not injured...

Looks a class act to me. Great skill, strength and good movement. Good goal v Palace.

First live match of the season, and chose a good place to sit (in the Chapel)! Told my mate they were saving the goals for us in the second half! Wanyama was decent, but looks like he's going to pick up a lot of silly yellow cards by poor control and then diving into challenges to get it back. He VERY easily brushed off Palace players though, which was good to see, and something we've lacked in other years. Lovren very classy again, and a massive improvement for the whole defence. Shaw was lively, and Clyne and Fonte did well against their old clubs. Thought Schneiderlin didnt really get that involved in the game but was decent enough. Lallana was decent, but I'd say that Davis didnt really impress - a few misplaced passes and poor shots - I wouldnt have him in the starting lineup for the next game. Lambert did ok, maybe should've drilled the shot in the first half rather than curl it, but the free kick was awesome. MOTM for me was Osvaldo. Looked very classy, good skills and great strength (often winning the ball back off the defender when it looked like they had tackled him) and a great goal. Was very impressed and think he's a top quality addition. Ramirez should've been brought on earlier instead of Ward-Prowse (who didnt really get into the game much). Overall, very professional display and always comfortable.

I like how they havent mentioned our best defender when talking about our impressive defensive record!