RobM

It affects our happiness though, so it can stay.

Richardson (RB for RB) and JRod up-front with Rickie. Guly left, Punch right, both swapping occasionally.

Confirmed that Clyne is out injured.

Perhaps we're saving everyone for Arsenal? Seems mad either way - we've either gone for height and strength to match Stoke, which we can't do. Or we're saving people for Arsenal, which is a mistake as Stoke is surely a better chance of gaining points. Or, and I hope this isn't it, we have a list of injury concerns.

It really does show the lack of depth we have in the squad.

Yoshida is playing.

We've gone for height at the back today then, which kinda makes sense in an obvious sort of way. Guly is a good addition on the left, his movement should give Stoke something to think about, plus he's a bit of an unknown to them.

http://www.thefirstrow.eu always have something. Once the game starts they add additional links as well. Every game I've watched online has been via First Row.

Let's also not forget Lee, who has the movement and footballing brain to do well at this level. He could well be like a new signing for us when he comes back.

My prediction for Saints hasn't changed - survival, middle of bottom half. But my three to go down I'm still not sure of, it's almost certainly QPR and Reading and probably Wigan, but it'll be close.

The trouble is, who is going to start that information drive? It needs fans to kick-start it as a football-wide drive. I hope it does happen. If people can get ****ed up at a massive music gig and be crammed into the front of a field, with people all around and a fence in front, then surely well-designed stadium with well thought out exit points can allow standing? The funny thing about the Sunderland story, is you just know that everyone in the same stand will be standing this weekend to make a point. They can't ban everyone...

At the risk of sounding controversial, I'd like to see JRod and Mayuka given a run together. I think they would compliment each other well, be more mobile and more creative than our current attacking choices. I also think they are likely to be the future anyway. The trouble is, we're so used to playing with SRL up front we struggle without him. We also have that pesky African CON coming up.

I wouldn't call it a problem though, if anything it's part of our new-found defensive solidity.

Agreed entirely. For me though, he hasn't provided enough assists or creativity to justify his price or hype. He was supposed to be our playmaker whose skill and talent would make things happen.

So far, no. But it's clear to see the talent and potential. He needs to mature and grow up a bit, stop trying to be clever when something simple would do. I won't judge him just on today though, as nobody comes out looking that good.

From that list, I'd keep Martin (for the future, no harm in keeping him another season to see how he grows), Richardson (adequate RB cover), Guly (worth having on the bench, gives options) and Fox (unless we buy two new LB's).

I don't think it's healthy for any club to be reliant on any one player. If we believe this is the case Lambert, we need to fix that. Even if he doesn't leave, he's a bad injury away from causing the same problem. I can't see him going to WHam though, as all he'd gain is money and I'm sure we can solve that problem ourselves. It's not like WHam are going to be competing for Champions League football next season, they will be fighting us for mid-table safety.

Agreed. 10m buys you a lot of CB or DM. If all other positions are filled, if we've removed some deadwood from the books and we still have a spare 7-10m burning a hole in our pockets, snap him up.

I bet the locals are looking forward to the first class catering that's surely on the way to Garforth Town. (Balls, beaten to the joke while reading!)

I don't disagree it has done them good, but it's hard to argue it was better than moving up the leagues years back when Dyer, Bale, Theo and AOC made that move and are doing well, despite missing out on a lower league education.

I think both Saints and JP will wait this one out. If and when he can talk to other clubs, Saints might want to see how committed he is. If he wants to play for us and we want to keep him, it will be just as easy to wrap that up now as it will be in 6-months time.

You've kinda missed the point of a discussion forum there.

This time last year I never thought I'd be voting for Puncheon as MOTM in the Premier League. Bloody glad I am though, he's been a highlight of the season so far and on course to be POTY if this form carries on.

A defender as well as a CB and LB... what roles do the CB and LB play? If true, it's good to hear it from the horses mouth, so to speak.

Yup, this. The CB should be the big-budget signing IMO, somebody to stabilise us and add experience and leadership at the back. With that, there is no need for a new GK, IMO. Our 'keepers have looked poor at times because they have been so badly exposed, but all three can do a good job.