[Stairs]

I don't think the squad is an issue. It's more a case of the people in charge don't know how to use them effectively. The one area we have not changed is the 'staff' that support the coach/manager.

AI doesn't have a clue and the 'staff' are being exposed as a result. They can't paper over the cracks!

Fear is that now Palace are looking, we will miss out again.

[Beefy 1965]

My team for Stoke:

Myhill
Gamboa-McAuley-Lescott-Pocognoli
Yacob-Gardner
Brunt-Sessegnon-Varela
Berahino

Foster
Dawson
Wisdom
Mulumbu
Morrison
Samaras
Ideye

4 changes with a few surprises to keep the squad fresh and on their toes. Some of the players are starting to become complacent because they are classed as undroppable, this needs to change.

That looks a good team to me

[baggietrousers]

That does look a decent team, just not sure about brunt though. Think I'd go with mulumbu in a 433.
Anyway all the best to everyone for the new year, and here's hoping it's not as bad as it looks for the baggies. I'm off to play a bit golf in Dubai for a couple of weeks so will be checking in here regularly for the latest news, rumours, and honest match reports and opinions. (Can't rely on sky and BBC when it comes to wba)

[BaggieMan]

I was impressed with Gamboa when he came on against City so he would be my preference over Wisdom. Brunt is a question mark although one thing he does bring to the dance floor is that killer pass; that accurate through ball which is sadly few and far between. Whether he's worth it for that is open to debate.

Trousers, have a great golfing trip to DXB - I've played there several times and some great, but tough, courses. Take plenty of balls with you as the rough is fearsome!

[Stairs]

Mmm Dubai and golf was not a connection I had made. I need a new location for golf and so very interested in your thoughts.

I am playing in near to Seville, Spain soon. - anyone played there?

Maybe this is s conversation that should own a thread in the golf section. I'll set it up.

[tidy]

Not a great day for us, fixture wise.

QPR v Palace
Villa v Sunderland
Hull v Leicester

If a win ever was needed....it's today.

[Stairs]

Yes 3 point is essential for survival in the Premiership and for AI to keep his job.

But if AI has looked at the WBA v Stoke head to head over last 27 games:

W - 2
D - 8
L - 17

I think, 'Appentice Style', he will have packed his stuff this morning.

I want us to win, naturally. But I want him gone as well - Catch22

[tidy]

It will be down to our 'superstar's' to see if they can hit a barn door with a banjo today. They get paid shit-loads so lets see them earn some of it.

If not, we are all in trouble.

[Worldclassalbion]

I think every game is a must win at the minute either with AI or hopefully without

[Squirrel Regis]

It's a huge game today at Stoke. Lose and it should be Irvines last game.
For me we have to go and try to win the game but just can't see Irvine having the balls to attack them.
Individual mistakes are killing us and with no obvious game plan or tactics other than keep it tight and hope to grab something off a set piece we are always going to struggle.
It's last throw of the dice today, lose and its time for our brilliantly patient fans to voice some discontent.
I am praying for 3 pts or at very least a good performance...