Number 6

I think this is a good chance for us to assess Ruud to be honest. Been up against it in terms of fixtures and injuries, but we'll go into this as favourites and it's a chance to see what sort of style he will look to implement when we have the ball. Given the run of defeats I'd prefer to see us go strong for this. Got and put in a performance that builds a bit of confidence ahead of more winnable PL games.

I think the crumb of comfort re: survival is that there are more than 3 shit teams in the division.

Not sure what the point of a new manager would be given everyone slates them so quickly. Cooper barely got a chance to breathe before he was slated and Ruud is getting the same short thrift. 7 games which has included Villa, Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, plus injuries to key personnel. Give the guy a chance.

Enzo's at the wheel...

Never thought that Derby 11 would be under threat, but somehow Saints are managing it.

One thing I was annoyed at under Cooper was our inability to low block and frustrate opponents. Instead we would low block and gift easy chances. Last few games under Ruud I think we've seen a much better defensive shape and structure. No idea where this one ends but I find it encouraging.

He's just followed the Liverpool template hasn't he? Tough away game set up. Buonoanotte will hopefully be brought on later if we've managed to stay in the game, Thomas change enforced.

While Jakub is a competent understudy and Mads money could be spent strengthening elsewhere, it would be insane to rely on somebody returning from a few months out with injury for the rest of the season. Particularly when the second choice would then basically guarantee relegation.

I think we've dodged so many bullets because our potential transfers list is full of future bullets.

Nope. Next.

Think I saw that Leeds were 14th too. So things can and do change. Obviously requires someone to go on an awful run, but it happens.

Yeh it's like death by a thousand cuts: it's not huge glaring decisions, it's the little ones. A big 6 player falls over and the free kick is given almost every time.

They're absolutely not as imperious this year as last year. Palace have taken a point there, Saints and Everton only lost by 1. Ipswich also took a point off them at home. If they turn up and play at their best then we lose but there's a few ingredients which could help us: Duran out, Rodgers out, Torres out. That said they've got some tough games this month and I'm sure they'll see us as a good chance to get 3 points on the board. Wouldn't change much from the starting line up we had against Man City other than obviously Mads returns as soon as fit, and I wouldn't mind seeing Okoli in for Coady.

Depends how the second half of the season pans out I think. I think if he can get us at around a point per game, with an ethos and clear game plan then there's lots of merit in keeping him, even if we've ultimately been relegated.

Isak scored in 6 in a row now, his upcoming PL games: Spurs, Wolves, Bournemouth, Southampton, Fulham, Man City. They've got FA Cup and League Cup in the time though so not sure where his minutes will be prioritised.

It is proving more and more difficult for promoted teams to stay up. I think in the shorter term, the goal is the stay in the mix until April time. Result tonight feels horrible but the gap to 17th hasn't changed tonight. Need to beat the teams around us and pick up draws elsewhere. If I was picking now I'd say we're probably down, but I'm not waving the white flag yet.

We scored against Liverpool, the game before Man City.

Apart from the Ayew goal you mean?

**** this, putting the darts on.

Morgan Rodgers out for the game against us.

At what point are they not too big to go down? They're so devoid of quality and recent signings look woeful. Another bad couple of windows?

This Newcastle midfield is one of the best in the division at the moment.

Ipswich have taken the lead quite a lot this season, interesting to see if they hold on. Shades of Millwall and Plymouth last season for Enzo.

Villa have been much patchier this season. Need to put in performances like the last couple and hope that Villa are below the levels they can attain.

Definitely think there is potential for them to. Their defence is very poor, negative vibes around about the manager, Bowen now going off injured.....