I was talking to my Barca supporting mate at work, who has taken a passing interest in our Champions League chase, and I basically outlined it to him like this: Factoring in other teams predicted results (always a sketchy proposition) I think 65 points would get us 4th. Going into last weeks game with Boro that meant we needed to take 20 of 27 remaining points. Now it's 17 of 24...get 3 points Saturday and it becomes 14 of 21. Then suddenly it seems really attainable. That means we can lose 2 games, or lose 1 and draw 2. It sounds daunting, but if we can just put some away form together I don't think it's impossible (oh to have those WBA and Everton games back). If we beat either Liverpool or Chelsea and not slip up against the bottom teams, I think we can do it. At any rate, just the fact that we're in a position to be disappointed by NOT qualifying for the Champions League is a great thing and credit to MH and the squad.

Bob, what do you do for a living? 'Cos you really should be writing a sit-com here in Hollywood.

awesome, thanks...

yeah, not so much....the f***** ball hadn't even come down yet, Messi was waiting for it. What's he supposed to do? Move out of the way in the box, so Terry can clear it?

no changes

The last time Hughes freshened him up, he responded with a goal, so hopefully he comes good against Sunderland. With Tugay turning in some questionable performances lately I see: Friedel Neill Nelsen Todd Gray Bentley Reid Savage Emerton Kuqi Pongolle/Bellamy Bench: Encks, Peter, Zurab, Pongolle/Bellamy, Tugay

Serves us right for gloating and carrying on about Champions League football....maybe the players started to get caught up in it too.

I watched it on TV and the crowd sounded absolutely brilliant....when we were 4-1 up, i really thought we might stuff the 5 or 6-1. The way the were coming unglued at the back. Great sub at half-time to bring Emerton on...really caused them problems. Hope the lads enjoy tomorrow and then get onpreparing for West Brom. It would undo all the sweetness of this win if the dropped points to the Baggies. YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!

I would if I had it.

fair enough

Can't blame the "lack of firepower" today. If you would have told me before the match that we'd score 2 goals today, I would have been ecstatic (as would most of you I think). Should have been enough for AT LEAST a draw and a replay. Defending as been the culprit today...

It's not like bringing someone in is as easy as clicking a few buttons on Championship Manager. Between the time Dickov got hurt, and Bellamy broke down in training which was all less than 4 days before the Man U game, we would have had to: 1) identify the target 2) negotiate with club 3) negotiate with player/agent 4) have a medical That doesn't come together in minutes or hours....I'm sure it's not for lack of trying, and it's a shame that it hasn't come off, but we're all being overly critical and reactionary towards the situation.

Check his bloody car seat.....worked for Duffer.

I take it you want his gloves?

Anybody see this picture of Savage and Ferdinand on the official site...looks like he's about to ###### himself...if Savage had some balls, first 10 mins at Ewood he should nut Smith and Ferdinand with a "stray elbow", just to show he's not going away. Mommy?

yeah, pretty much the same call...ball in the chest

yes, but in years past we were out of both cups EARLY, not after long runs that give confidence to the squad and HELP our form...don't think the lads will let it slide...probably a good thing that we have another cup game straight away...

Being as they didn't score on the penalty, we should probably stop harping on it...

agree with all three points you've made...Hughes has already stated he's looking, I suspect something in on loan will be coming...I don't think he wants to buy outright until the summer, which makes sense. Don't think there is too much to hang our heads about...obviously disappointing but if Bellers is fit for Saturday, lets go get at win at Upton, and kickstart another unbeaten run.

If Bellamy is fit, we'll stuff them at Ewood... Hope for a Utd win in the final for the extra UEFA place...

hope it's not too late....why not make that change 10 mins earlier?!?! C'moooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnn blues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Push MGP up front with Kuqi...peter takes his spot on the left....bentley off

emerton

being as how bentley hasn't been mentioned ONCE....I would say he's the obvius choice....anyone else have more insight?

FFS how long is MH going to wait....Peter has shown some skill to create chances...bring him on!!!