1. 7 of the 8 teams below us are at least 6 points adrift of us. I don't see 5 of them overtaking us in the remaining games.

2. In our last 3 games we have improved our defensive performances and snatched 2 draws against teams in the Champions League places.

3. A point a game will see us to 42 points. We're averaging better than that so far this season. Indeed, we have managed a point a game in our last 5 games. Only Wolves with 7 have managed more. 4 of those 7 teams haven't even won any of their last 5 games.

4. The form of those 6 teams who haven't even managed 5 points in their last 5 games isn't going to magically improve because they have new players, especially where those players have come from a foreign league and will need time to adjust to the pace and style of the PL.

5. Whilst the bookies do get it wrong at times, we are 16-1 to go down, so unlikely candidates for relegation in their eyes.

4.

Have we even managed to loan Spence? We're not buying anyone are we.

Red and Blue Army!

I think you have written enough on this subject to know the answer already, but to humour you:

1) Tactics/selections
2) Players being played out of position.
3) Lack of confidence due to 1) and 2)

Not when we're back in the championship with a 10-14k attendance - mind you I guess we'll be able to choose where we want to sit

A first team centre-mid on loan is, I think, the minimum we need to stay up, just, this season. i.e. kick the can down the road to the Summer, just like we've done for the last 10 years. Anything less and I am convinced we will go down.

Very, very unlikely. We only need another 12/13 points which means we would have to play worse than saints/everton have in the first half.

Maybe Ozah and others will be given a shout off the bench.