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Sterling has started well. I like him as a player and technically he’s good, but on a fast moving pitch against two Big centre backs, alongside a quasi target man, I’m failing to see the logic behind Andreu. He needs pace in front of him, which he hasn’t got.

Andreu showing why he’s the wrong choice alongside JCH, as the latter wins a flick on the former can’t capitalise on due to lack of pace and movement. Also, Shipley’s started poorly.

Looking at the positive, he can bring on two strikers and Jones. Just frustrating as I really think there’s a player in Hiwula.

Frustrating as it indicates we won’t be playing with two strikers up front. We looked good on Saturday playing more attacking. Looking at it positively, another chance for Bayliss and Andreu to link up. However they’ll be a lack of movement in front of them.

Fair point, but it’s disappointing. He’s only started a few games and had a full season to be fit. He worked hard, but so did a number of other players who I’m sure will start. Hopefully it’s a motivational tactic for JCH.

I thought he showed signs of a good player when he’s been given a chance, especially considering he was out of position. He also has pace which is a worry for defenders, and up front as part of a two I think he could cause problems playing off the last man, chasing flick ons etc. Definitely...

If we put in a similar performance to Saturday I’d expect a draw minimum. JCH had a fantastic game on Saturday, but it’s now on him to prove that’s his level and his new norm, as opposed to a one off in front of the cameras. Thomas has been criticised by some for his lack of end product. I...

I witnessed a lot of it after the game, at the top of the hill on the path by the bypass. Absolute idiots. Zero respect for anyone who truly believes that fighting at a football game proves, or solves, anything. If people want to fight then arrange it do it away from families. A good advert...

I’d have put Shipley left back and brought Kelly or Jones on. Less moves in the defence then. Hopefully it allows Thomas to attack more knowing Willis will cover.

Those watching on tv - was it a foul for the free kick?

Any danger of JCH winning a header or linking play.

All seems fine the way I walked in too. Loads of fans but no sign of trouble yet. Fair play for being aware and fencing the garden off.

Any signs of the proposed trouble yet?

I’ve got a feeling Sterling will have a stormer today. It’ll be a good atmosphere, it’s a big game and it’s on tv. He’ll want to impress. We can hope anyway.

Could be, or just ‘Fuck off Sunderland’* *I don’t actually care.

The pub I always go to before the game is absolutely full of Sunderland fans. It’s not even a match day pub as it’s a good 25 minute walk from the Ricoh. Not a good sign....

Would be excellent to have a good City turn out today, but I don’t expect us to. I’m not concerned if we’re outsung, made to look like we’re the away team on tv etc etc, as long as we put in a performance and shut them up on the pitch. Anyway, I don’t think I want people who have no idea who...

Looked a little lost in his brief appearances in the first team, which is to be expected based on the step up he’s taken. Good loan in my opinion; it’s still a step up from where he was (before us) and it’s men’s football.

I’d keep Sterling in. He’s been poor, but moving Willis to RB means we lose pace in the middle and have no attacking intent from RB. If he’s starts poorly then take him off and give him a few games rest. For me, losing Willis from CB is a bigger risk than starting Sterling. I also think if we...

Confident of a victory today. It’s a chance to really prove to the rest of the league we are a force to be reckoned with. Our technical superiority will show today, as long as MR allows us to play football and isn’t ultra defensive against a team who are in a bad form. 3-0, Chaplin x2, Bayliss.