Lallana's Left Peg

Hooiveld's head has gone. He is having an absolute nightmare.

Lambert has tweaked his hip. Not a massive problem but the bad news is that he has had hip problems at Saints before and we've often had to play him through them - I suspect we'll have to do the same the second half of this season only hopefully if Osvaldo is fit we won't have to play Lambert all the time.

I think it is clear that Sharp has no future at the club. I just hope he can move on permanently as it is best for everyone.

Apparently Palace need to make one of the Jerome or Puncheon deals permanent (or end one of them early) as they can only have a maximum of two Premier League loanees at the club and they want Zaha on loan.

He played all over the place in the Youth teams - I've seen him play right wing, central midfield, and even centre-half. He looks a very good prospect at right-back at senior level. He has a good build too for the Premier League.

Back in the building tomorrow?

In this case it is used to describe the difference between our first team and backups - specifically the difference in quality. That difference has grown considerably the past year or so.

As much as the last 8 weeks have been horrible, we have learnt a lot about the team and Manager. I suspect Saturday provides a final chance to learn something more before we knuckle down for the rest of the season with a bit more hope given the fixtures. Most of all we've learnt that as the team evolves (both through some players getting better and others being purchased) the delta between our first team and our backups grows. In a way it is good that this has happened as it shows improvement and progress. On the other Pochettino is learning that as much faith as he may have in his system, it only takes a couple of players to be missing from our team and we are weak enough that we don't get the results we otherwise could with a full squad to choose from. As a consequence some players will need to be rested this Saturday and I don't blame the club for doing this whatsoever. It is also a chance for us to see the likes of Reed and Gallagher. Whilst the chances are that they will get better (you'd like to assume that given their age) we also need to see to what degree they could perform this season and adjust our expectations accordingly. Without having the knowledge of who is injured or not I would like to see this team: Davis Chambers, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Targett Reed, Cork Rodriguez, Ramirez, JWP Gallagher

As much as the last 8 weeks have been horrible, we have learnt a lot about the team and Manager. I suspect Saturday provides a final chance to learn something more before we knuckle down for the rest of the season with a bit more hope given the fixtures. Most of all we've learnt that as the team evolves (both through some players getting better and others being purchased) the delta between our first team and our backups grows. In a way it is good that this has happened as it shows improvement and progress. On the other Pochettino is learning that as much faith as he may have in his system, it only takes a couple of players to be missing from our team and we are weak enough that we don't get the results we otherwise could with a full squad to choose from. As a consequence some players will need to be rested this Saturday and I don't blame the club for doing this whatsoever. It is also a chance for us to see the likes of Reed and Gallagher. Whilst the chances are that they will get better (you'd like to assume that given their age) we also need to see to what degree they could perform this season and adjust our expectations accordingly. Without having the knowledge of who is injured or not I would like to see this team: Davis Chambers, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Targett Reed, Cork Rodriguez, Ramirez, JWP Gallagher

Properly beaten by the better team today. One of those days where we needed some luck and something to hold onto. Once Chelsea made those subs in the second half they powered on and we couldn't cope. We obviously never stopped trying but the subs didn't work for me and I don't think they worked for the players either as we were all over the place. I would imagine we'll rest plenty for the Burnley game but very important we get a win and some confidence back.

Do players signed on a bosman to join in the summer count?

£8m seems a good offer from a desperate club but I am not entirely sure where the succession plan is here. Over the course of the season we've seen Lambert dropped for some big games as Osvaldo has come in but who do we replace him with at such short notice? Whilst his form has been up and down he is still a fairly iconic member of the squad and his presence means a lot aside from his productivity on the pitch. I'd say keep him as the risk associated with finding a replacement in 1 month of a transfer window isn't worth it.

I don't know much about him but we must be keen if our interest remains after a year. I did see him give away a penalty once though for hauling Balotelli to the ground when the ball was 50 yards in the air and no danger apparent whatsoever

I wasn't aware we appealed. Is it one of those ones where if you appeal unsuccessfully the ban could be extended?

He's been charged, but we don't know if Saints have decided to appeal or not (the deadline has passed). If it was a 3 game ban then after the Everton game he would have served it (as he also missed the Spurs and Cardiff games).

I think the VMAN mentioned Boruc may well be back for this game

A little heads up for the Authors (I think a few of them are on here?). A relative ordered this book for me from Waterstones (in Ipswich) at the start of December and by Christmas it hadn't arrived - Waterstones were messing my relative about and claimed issues with suppliers etc. which I know is ******** and a crap excuse from them given we know it is in stores in and around Southampton. In the end we ordered it from Amazon I think.

Not going to score many, not going to assist many, but very good at all other aspects of the game and I like his work in transition (both ways) which really is vital with the way Pochettino likes to play. He's got a year left on his deal after this season and I know he said he'd like to return to Rangers one day but he is worth a 1 year extension on top of that if he'd agree to it.

Not sure he is ready to start in the league but he appears to be one of those mobile big men that are all the rage right now. Seen him play for the u18's a lot and he can physically impose himself on the game and make an impact - although that is easier against kids of his own age. Saw him at Sunderland and Newcastle and he liked to put himself about, and also he got stuck into Dawson within about 10 second of coming on today which I loved - very confident guy. His run for his chance when Lallana played him in was also very intelligent. Might be worth a shout against Burnley if our strikers need a rest.

During commentary today Gary Neville mentioned he spoke with Les Reed before the game who told him that in addition to Gallagher and Reed and the others already in the first team squad there were 'a couple more' ready to make the step up to the senior squad. Anyone want to guess who they may be? In terms of kids right now we've got Shaw, JWP, and Chambers a part of the first team squad with Reed and Gallagher coming in and out due to injuries (although Reed is apparently making the step up full time from 1st Jan).

Happens in little pockets but I don't think the Manager has the confidence without his first choice keeper, defence and central midfield to do it.

I suspect he has a way to go before he reaches the achievements of Dunne and Carragher but in terms of ratio he may well be leading that one.

I agree but why are the club going to keep talking about Europe if the depth in the squad can't cope with a 38 game season to the level required? I would much rather the club state their ambition but not put timelines on it. There is no way anyone at the club can think our squad is good enough over a 10 month season but they kept running their mouth so now they have to face the criticism that results like this brings. They can't have it both ways.

Didn't think we played too well as a team - as a unit - but unfortunately it was also punctuated with some poor individual performances. I would have hoped that Pochettino and his staff were aware by now that Hooiveld and Fox in the same team on the same side of defence is an utter disaster. I have no idea what they were expecting. They just aren't up to scratch as a pair. Nice guys but if the club are going to continue to talk about Europe then they need to get real with some of the players in the squad. We're still having a good season, but some of the issues with the depth and the balance of the squad are clearly evident right now. I just hope it is as clear to the club as it is to the fans.

What is he supposed to have done? I've seen some pictures where Cody Cropper is keeping him away from it all but I assumed that was to stop him from getting involved rather than pull him away after he had done something.