I agree with most that staying up will take less than 40 points this season (38 I recon). That’s means we need 6 wins in the next 16 games, so if we keep up performances there’s no reason we can be safe by mid April.

With this in mind, do we go for points after this or blood in youth players to give us more depth for next season. Injuries have nearly killed us the last couple of seasons and we don’t have the best squad depth as we know, so why not blood in players under 21 that can stay in the squad but don’t need to be named in the 25. Also, we will have a number of players leaving in the Summer so need new blood to step up cause I’d rather we bought quality with a few academy stars than bought average players (I’m thinking players like Mutch, Lee, etc)

Thoughts? (And I know a number of fans will say it’s too early to think of this, just thinking long term)

It's Red and Blue that unites us

What Academy stars? If they are good enough, they should be able to force their way into the team.
I can't see us giving them a start because we are safe, as each place in the final table is worth millions extra per position.

We're 2 pts clear of the drop zone on 22 pts. Think it could be a high tally to stay up

No it won't be that high. 36 points needed max. Have a look at everyone's fixtures. There are a lot of teams near the bottom that have at least 4 fixtures against teams around them (i.e. the six pointer as they say) so that will cancel out one team (a draw would be even better!) plus both Swansea and West Brom only have 16 points at the moment, and their fixtures are pretty horrendous (especially Swansea) so i think both of them will be gone with a few games to spare, so there will probably only be one place in doubt, which we are more than good enough to avoid. Yes 36 points will do it, but we should be over 40 points anyway

No one can say that with any certainty; it can only ever be an opinion until it's a mathematical fact.

Bexley Dave

Can you hear the Brighton sing? I can't hear a ******* thing!

"The most arrogant, obnoxious bunch of deluded little sun tanned, loafer wearing mummy's boys I've ever had the misfortune of having to listen to" (Burnley forum)

On the basis that 10 wins and 10 draws is enough to stay up, 40 points, we need 5 more wins and 3 draws, i would not like to speculate how many points are needed this year, just thankful that we have given ourselves a chance from a terrible beginning, i hope we come through tonight with no injuries or red cards, we could still get dragged into trouble if key players are unavailable for any reason, with everyone fit and able we can finish near top half,