I am a glass half empty kind of person and I share much of the despondency on here at the moment, but here are three straws I am clutching at.

The bookies

The bookies currently have eight teams more likely to go down than us. Our odds are 18/1 and the next most likely team are West Ham at 5/1. What that suggests to me is that although we, in our HOL bubble, are filled with despair, most punters out there in the real world think we are the least likely of nine teams to go down.

Other clubs’ forums

When things feel bleak I find it quite helpful to look at other clubs’ forums. For our complaints about Parish/Vieira/Zaha read Sullivan/Moyes/Rice (West Ham), or Moshiri/Lampard/their entire squad (Everton), etc. Currently there are at least six teams ‘nailed on’ for relegation according to at least some of their own fans.

The table

There are currently 8 teams below us. We have a 7 point advantage over three of them and 5 or 6 point advantage over four of the rest. Six of those sides have to overtake us for us to be relegated. Only two of those sides (Wolves and Forest) are in better form than us over the last five games. I accept of course that this can change pretty quickly but I’m trying to find reasons to be cheerful.

Now, with or without a rhythm stick, you can hit me, hit me, HIT ME!

Why don't you get back into bed??

this season, we will stay up.

In the longterm, only the football Giants ( plus an undeserving Everton ) will stay up.

and i am hoping we will outlast Everton.

Kayla did Anfield & Old Trafford