macca155

I assume you didn't intend it to be abusive, but If you can't see why that could be perceived as racist, then we'll be seeing players on one knee for many more games.

Not sure that many changes helps and what is the line up ... weird. I too have wanted to see Stephens in midfield. Away to City great place to try it out ... not. Redmond for Tella was obvious. He better player well or the haters will vent. Feels like McCarthy has been thrown under a bus. This could be 5 or 6 against. Mind you decent of City to not play a striker I've reserved my space behind the sofa.

Clubs pay what a player is worth, be it winning games or shirt sales. Plus compensation for the contract JWP doesn't really hit the mark brand wise, but contract wise he has big value. It will take a lot to prise him away, same scenario as Lallana. Main issue is whether there is an available spot at a club that can afford him. That's City, Utd, Liverpool, or Chelsea. Maybe Spurs, Everton, or West Ham but can't see it. The Arse never buy English. The top 4 all have good players in those positions, so unlikely at the moment. Vestergaard is a far more likely target

With the fragile nature of the squad that wouldn't be sensible. There have been major injuries in every game recently, can't risk that against City. Forster should play, no need to change. Redmond definitely should play. On current form we can all see that will weaken the team, but not disastrously, he knows his job and just needs to do the best he can. Crucially he is fit and it will protect Tella or Minimano. Similarly I would play Stephens at RB. Wouldn't be terrible but clearly makes it easier for City. Ralph has to protect KWP. It is ridiculous that, as fans, we have to contemplate and accept playing a weakened side. Questions need to be asked of the owners, but we are where we are. Need to tough it out.

All about keeping the system going and not exposing players. Defence should be the same, maybe Ramsey/Stephens as a sub for KWP to conserve fitness. Redmond and Djenepo to start, use them to conserve other players' fitness for Brighton. Other than that business as usual. Perhaps give Salisu or Jankewitz 20 mins at the end. Could get a draw City will get bored at some point.

Ridiculous post, he has been an integral part of many good wins in the past. Just because he's struggling at the moment, there is no need to turn on him.

Dead right on Salisu, good player no doubt on that, but he's 21 and still learning. The Bendarek/ Vestergaard partnership is the most solid at the moment. Ralph has to find a consistent team, at the moment they are strangers to one another.

I was being kind. He had a terrible game but I don't think slagging our players helps. Doubt you'll get many disagreements.

Relative really weakened as they left out 3 regulars but certainly not weak i agree.

Now that's a very good point. I am obviously assuming some sort of change of ownership. Otherwise .......

Bendarek at RB will never work, Ralph has to find a better solution. The horrible truth is that Ancelloti knew we were weak and sent out a weakened team. It worked, he has fresher players next week. Armstrong excellent, Redmond just shot of confidence. Tella can play in his position, that should be the change. Blue line, move on, Ramsey at RB for Utd. All about survival now and then rebuild for next year.

This it is madness, Everton will crack that at some point.

Oh don't please some of us where there.

Players are mentally shattered, they desperately need a goal. Tella for Redmond please

We'll all watch, we are mainline football addicts. Try not watching or checking the score. Imagine not watching and missing a storming win. It is like going to the dentist, horrible experience but worse if you don't.

Forster won't play, they want rid of his wages so guaranteed he won't be given any encouragement

Blimey that sets our stall out somewhat. I doubt he'd put Jankowitz in a 2 man midfield, far too exposed for a second game. Although the first at 2 minutes hardly counts. Ramsey is all over the club media so he is clearly starting as you surmised. I think it will be McCarthy Ramsey Salisu Vestergaard Bertrand Moussa JWP Janko Armstrong Ings Redmond

He'd already had 2 loans, he wanted 1st team football.

Became too good to keep as a back up, but not good enough to replace Bertrand. Right decision but annoying.

This,that decision is incomprehensible. He had experience, knew the drill and by now would be established in the team. Certainly better than the current shambles.

We really shouldn't be debating about Stephens. He is experienced, certainly not useless, and he is needed. That doesn't mean he is the chosen one, far from it. I've always liked his attitude but something is amiss this year, we can all see that. If he does get a chance at RB, then it is going to be last chance saloon. Playing him in midfield is very risky, it could work, but I don't think he has the pace for that position. He would be a strong enforcer there so it isn't without merits. However, Jankewitz has to be given another chance. He is the future. We'll probably lose so make it a low key game for Alex. Chance for him to establish himself. Whatever happens, it needs to be a step towards a season long solution. No more patchwork.

Need whatever experience we have left on the pitch. These are desperate times. I'd go Stephens at RB and give Jankewitz another chance in midfield. If he's struggling Stephens can move into midfield. Jack may not be everyone's cup of tea, but he has more good Prem games under his belt than bad. We need him at the moment. For me Forster Stephens Vestergaard Salisu Bertrand Djenepo JWP Jankewitz Armstrong Adams Ings Keeping Redmond as impact sub (all we have) It will be a variation on that unless KWP is back. Everton are 11/10 to win. Those are cracking odds. However betting on the opposition is going down a bad road. There lies ruin.

Look i was trying to find some small bit of comfort, sadly you are right.

For all our moaning about VAR and the Ref's decisions. Leeds needed no help from either to slot away three good goals. There is the difference sadly. They absorbed our early assault, put the midfield under pressure, exposed our gaps, and weaker players. Just as every team has done recently. Ralph has to review his tactics.

JWP apparent drop in form has probably got more to do with midfield being over run time and time again. He's a very good player but football is a team game. One player cannot compensate for the number of gaps the team has. He is run ragged.