benjii

No chance 40 will be needed.

I want a QPR win so they take some momentum into their game with Wigan next week.

I wonder what Harris is accused of? Always found him a little odd but didn't think he was sinister. Compared to Saville, who was obviously a sex case.

There are Labour MPs who echo the first half of that.

Agree entirely and there is hardly any chance they both will IMO. Both of them average 1 point per match so far this season, giving Wigan the benefit of the doubt and assuming they win their game in hand. They also have to play each other which means one of them would need to get 9 or 10 points from 7 games to finish on 40. I still think 35 points and a decent GD may be enough to stay up. 38 should definitely do it. I can't see Reading or QPR getting more than 35 (they may not even get close) and they both have poor goal differences. Wigan's form over the season so far would put them on 35 points come season end with a poor GD. Villa's would put them on 38 points. Sunderland would be heading for 39 on season's form but with key players injured and a hard run-in it is quite reasonable to expect them to finish with less than that. Basically, I reckon two more wins and a couple of draws will be plenty for us. I think we will win four more games and get a draw though so will probably finish well clear of it.

Since Shaw, Cork and Boruc have come in to the team we haven't really struggled at all. We've had the odd dodgy result, same as anyone, but in most games we've been at least equal to the opposition and really should have picked up more points. The reason we were struggling was because Fox, Davis, Gazza and a lack of midfield cover were costing us points. Coupled with a tough start and an inexperienced squad and management meant we had a poor quarter season. We have a squad that is good enough to finish mid-table next season, not struggle - that should be obvious.

Summer transfer targets IMO: i) Boruc or, failing that, another good keeper ii) Really good centre back iii) A player to go in the "3" behind the front man, preferably with a different style to Punch, Gaston and Lallana You could say that Rodriguez already fits the bill in terms of the third position but if Lambert were to pick up an injury we would need him up front. Sinclair seems to fit the profile too. Other than that, I think we're in good shape. Fox is not adequate cover for Shaw at left back but maybe Targett is. Either way, there's no point signing an LB to sit on the bench. Likewise, at RB Richardson is a good second choice and we are unlikely to be able to sign a better RB than Clyne. Centre mid: Morgan, Cork, Davis, Ward-Prowse fighting for two (occasionally three) positions. If we could sign a real top-drawer player then great but it would have to be someone pretty exceptional to knock Morgan or Cork out of the team and hold back JWP.

I reckon we will get interest in Yoshida before long. He's young for a centre back and has adapted quickly. His speed of reaction is immense. He takes risks with aggressive positioning but he must e horrible to play against. I would say he is worth around 8million to the right buyer (if Matt Mills is worth 5 FFS!). I can't remember a Saints defence with the mobility of Clyne, Shaw, Yoshida and Fonte and Fonte is the oldest in his mid-twenties. The transfer committee has done a brilliant job in thoughtfully assembling a squad that will set us on the right path for several years to come.

Lol. You criticising someone for being condescending! Next Dubai Phil will be criticising someone for being a boring, narcissistic onanist.

really? Puncheon has scored at least three with his right foot this season. If Lallana had half of Puncheon's kicking ability (passing and shooting) he would be in the Enland team.

Got my free twenty quid today. Hope you all listened to Honest Benjii.

Coral are offering evens on online bets on Sprinter Sacre tomorrow as a promotion. It is 1/4 on elsewhere. As near to "free money" as you can get in a betting context. Stake max is £20 though. There are various promotions out there such as "no lose" bets which are worth checking out.

Two match ban for Delph.

Indeed. Both are cleary not good enough.

Yes. I've been saying for a few weeks that 34 will keep a team up this year. We are going to get 46 points, by the way.

I think Villa might get a result. Reading and Wigan will draw. QPR will lose f'sure. Bare bones innit. Not a miracle worker.

What exactly was the plot? I have not seen any details of a plot. Strange law for strange people.

Not surprising at all given that it is pretty standard practice.

My mum fancies Nige.

If people can't see the category distinction between making bold and potentially unpopular business decisions and whining like a little brat in the media then you have to question their intelligence or perspective.

Is Calum Chambers being converted into a defender?

Whether the football creditors rule is fair or not is irrelevant. In a "normal" scenario if a business was insolvent, but about to receive a cash windfall, that money would find it's way into the hands of creditors one way or another not be used to provide financial assistance for a business sale.

Puncheon's end product has been good this season and his workload is absolutely immense. He has been better than Lallana in virtually every aspect (his passing is much better, for a start). I can't believe people think he is worth only £3-4million or that we could easily do better. Nonsense. He has proven himself to be an excellent player and we would be looking at £10million + to guarantee a better output. We spent £12million on Gaston. Who's been better... Punch or Gaston? I know what I think!

Bizarre posts.

Hooiveld had a good game yesterday (and, generally, has been an excellent player for Saints who I am happy to have around as back-up) but if Forren is better he should come into the team. Likewise, once Fonte is fit he should also be picked ahead of Hooiveld. Hooiveld is too slow to react to situations to excel at Premier League level and will get exploited if he plays too many matches for us. As a fourth choice CB he is pretty good though!