SuperSAINT

Derby will be a tough nut to crack. A good side who are used to winning games.

Good to see Alfie Jones back. Marcus Barnes & Tyreke Johnson starts which indicates he probably won't feature against Derby?

Doesn't really gel with Ralph's long-term talk, but Gabbi & Davis leaving have free'd up enough wages for a Cahill loan (if we wanted to go down that path).

I always like signing good championship players. There are some gems down there.

Also interesting re: Everton/Ryan Fraser:

Name rings a bell. Think Bournemouth have been after him. Scouting report: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5423639/amp/Brentfords-Chris-Mepham-modern-day-physical-defender.html Brentford have some good players. I like Ollie Watkins too.

Poor Morgan.

Derby's joint top scorer Harry Wilson remains an injury doubt. https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injury-update-harry-wilson-ahead-2422407 That would be a bonus as he looks like a hell of a player.

He was bang on about Ings.

Alan Nixon on twitter: Centre half deal maybe close

Re-bumping this thread up again to gauge latest opinions. Really pleased he's getting a run. Hojbjerg has been one of our better players, so has been a big void to fill.

I suppose it's like any player. Find a system that emphasises & highlights strength's rather than weaknesses.

I wonder how many of today's bench will feature? Gunn / Cedric / Ramsay / Slattery / Elyounoussi / Sims / Gallagher

Typical Chelsea.

A good read. I always enjoy your match reports.

I think we will only see a couple come in. Don't really have the time/resources to re-fit the squad in this window IMO. That *might* change if we shift out Cedric etc but seems risky to me.

Shane Long: No problems with playing against Derby. I've sat on the bench for long enough.

Yeah, I think the 3 suits all our defenders at the mo.

Primarily the Everton game I was referring too. Ralph will put out a good time, I've no doubt. We just don't have much wiggle-room if we get injuries.

#Stat

This is the key to our wins under him so far (which, in retrospect, makes me worried for Everton) but I'm very happy tonight. Didn't expect it at all after the red card. The boys should take so much confidence from this. Hopefully we didn't pick up anymore injuries.

Charlie Nicholas said he was 'magnificent' today.

The boys ran some serious distance today. I wonder who we will rest for this one.

You just know when 1 goes in, the floodgates will open. Prove me wrong, Saints.

Precious