MalcolmW

Well at least the bottom 4 teams all lost this weekend. Currently it's still possible to go down with 49 points, although that will drop somewhat. Blackburn do have dodgy fixtures (home to Bolton and both Manc clubs, away to Everton, West Ham and Wolves) so they might struggle to reach even 42. But best of all is if Liverpool stay on 45.... [in 1909 Liverpool were 4th of 20 at end of February and only escaped relegation on final day (30 April) by getting a point (won by only goal) at champions Newcastle. Newcastle had played at Blackburn on 24th, Villa on 26th, the following seasons Charity Cup(!) at Stamford Bridge on 28th, before hosting Liverpool on 30th. Man City were 'top' on 1st September, 7th at end of December, 17th on playing their last match 28 April, and 19th of 20 2 days later. Bradford City were 19th/20th from 3rd October to 29th April but escaped. 20 teams, 2 points for a win, 2 up/down, but even more volatile than this season!] I'll say Wolves, West Ham and Blackburn.

A Europa league place would help Sturridge to see the benefit of a full season loan. Just a pity he can't help to achieve that in the Cup.

For MU's last league match (assuming title not still at stake) they should apooint referee BUSBY from football league list, plus SCHOLES and KEANE as linesmen. See what he has to say about that!

Surely Gardner at left back, Alonso left back on the bench.

Al Habsi has made one bad mistake at Wigan. Apart from that he's probably saved them 10 points. (When he played a season in Norway his team finished fifth but conceded least goals). Jussi does have a temperament weakness - may just be more provoked in future by opponents. Bogdan is a fully capable second string with a future.

Surely the key to fee size achieved is the level of demand. If more than one big money club want to buy, the price is likely to be better. I think there is an understanding that we will not stand in his way if the price is adequate, but that this may well not be contractual - just a gentlemen's agreement (football's full of them ??).

I got 28/1 the day after the 4th round draw. And the team has improved match on match (but losing SH is obviously a big blow).

"14 ( ... Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from the other players, and the Match Officials". This rule is presumably there because, in the final minute of a knock-out competition match, both goalkeepers and the referee could be in close proximity. But in Stoke v West Ham Olympic the officials wore all black - as did Robert Green.

City are NOT guaranteed a Champions League place by finishing 4th - if Chelsea or Spurs finish lower but win this season's Champions league they will take one of England's 4 spots (this rule was made watertight after the Liverpool/Everton fiasco). 4th in the Premier League would then drop to the Europa League and winning the FA Cup takes precedence in qualifying for Europe, so the next placed league team would qualify and not the FA Cup runners -up. The final set of league fixtures includes not only Bolton v City but also Everton v Chelsea. If Bolton qualify as FA Cup WINNERS or 5th in the league they will join the Europa League in 4th Qualifying Round, starting on August 18th. If they qualify as Cup runners-up they will be England's third representative, behind Birmingham City as League Cup winners, and will start in the 3rd Qualifying Round, starting on July 28th. If they finish 6th in the league and Cup runners-up they will be ranked before Birmingham and will start in the 4th QR (unless Chelsea or Spurs finish lower but win the Champions league...). If England gains one of the three additional Fair Play places (beginning in 1st QR on 30 June!!) as at 28/2 the English FP league is headed by Chelsea (likely to qualified by other means), Fulham, ManU (???) and Blackpool. The prospect of Prestatyn v Blackpool in the Europa League is almost tempting.