The trip to Southampton may be just one day away, but other talking points dominate the latest Royal Blue podcast.
Host Phil Kirkbride kicks things off by asking David Prentice, Sam Carroll and Paul Wheelock whether they are surprised that it hasn't worked out for Oumar Niasse under Marco Silva given he previously played for the Everton manager.
While the podcast was being recorded, Niasse completed his loan move to Cardiff City, which came as no surprise seeing how far the Senegalese has fallen down the Goodison pecking order.
That in part is down to Silva's decision to move Richarlison from the wing to up front, where the young Brazilian has enjoyed success this season, but from where he has also shown signs of frustration in recent weeks.
And that leads to the question whether the 21-year-old is getting enough protection from the officials? And, if not, does he need to speak out?
Phil also revisits a question he posed previously on Royal Blue - and that is which player in Silva's squad most deserves a new contract. We get four different and interesting answers.
The panel are also asked to name their favourite ever Blues January transfer window signing, talk the immediate and long-term future of James McCarthy, as well as previewing the Southampton match.
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