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The talk of Sky Sports

NOTE: EMBARGOED UNTIL THURSDAY 1ST MARCH 2012

See what has got the Sky Sports experts' tongues wagging over a busy seven days in sport.

" I think the standard of refereeing has been very good in boxing for a long time and a lot of that is down to the mutual respect shared between referees - many of whom, like Richard Steele and the late Harry Gibbs, I got to know personally - and fighters. Plus, referees are often ex-fighters themselves so have a deep understanding for what these guys are doing and the dangers they are facing."
Glenn McCrory looks at the rapport between boxers and referees, and Larry Ekundayo's Prizefighter win.
Taken from 'A little respect'

"Griffiths is on loan at Easter Road until January from Wolves, but Wanderers boss Stale Solbakken has already indicated that the 22-year-old won't be part of his plans and he's happy for him to pursue his career away from Molineux. Hibs are renowned for running a tight ship but it would be madness if they didn't secure his services on a permanent transfer."
Andy Walker says Hibernian must tie on-loan Wolves hot-shot Leigh Griffiths to a permanent contract.
Taken from 'Sign him quick-Leigh'

"During the Premier League era, no manager has picked up as many as 28 points in his first 10 games in charge. The record is in fact held by former Chelsea caretaker manager Guus Hiddink who achieved 25 points from his first 10 games in charge of the Blues. He secured wins against Aston Villa, Wigan, Portsmouth, Man City, Newcastle, Bolton, West Ham and Fulham. His only defeat was at Tottenham and he also dropped points in a draw with Everton."
The Premier League has nothing to touch Tito Vilnaova's 28-point start to Barcelona's season.Martin Tyler's back to answer your questions and wow you with stats.
Taken from 'League of Nation'

"Celtic's victory over Barcelona got me thinking - where are the truly great defenders in our game? When you reflect on some of the scores and some of the defensive performances that we've seen from Premier League clubs in domestic and European competition this season, you have to wonder. Right now I reckon that United, City, Arsenal and Chelsea all need - or will need in the near future - a rock-solid central defender because they all have problems in that area."
Are there any truly great defenders in the Premier League? A concerned Jeff Stelling has his doubts...
Taken from 'Challenging times'

"Compton has the experience and if everything goes brilliantly then you'll get five years out of him, but if you've identified the right player then you could get 15 years out of Root. I actually don't think this is a bad place to make your first Test start. Test matches in India tend to be armchair viewing with supporters turning up for the one-dayers instead, so the grounds won't be packed. Plus he would be coming into a decent team."
Bumble blogs on the Compton-Root debate and why India won't find things as simple as they think...
Taken from 'The Root route?'

"One player doesn't make a team but David Silva's absence has definitely had an impact. Even before his injury the Spaniard wasn't hitting the same heights as last season but when games are tight you just need someone like him to unlock the door and play that pass only a few players in football can see. They really need to get him back and firing. Tottenham, on the other hand, come to the Etihad on the back of a surprising defeat to Wigan. Boss Andre Villas-Boas raised eyebrows when he took off Jermain Defoe for Emmanuel Adebayor, despite Spurs trailing and that seemed like a really strange decision to me."
Issues on and off the pitch are affecting Man City and Spurs' visit will be a tough test, says Jamie.
Taken from 'City must step up'

"Derek McInnes and his team are on a disastrous run of six defeats on the spin after conceding two more goals on Tuesday night to a Birmingham side who had scored only five goals in their previous seven home games. Just to highlight City's deficiencies, Birmingham, who clinched their first home win in five, had 20 shots at goal and McInnes described the performance as embarrassing for himself, the players and fans who were subjected to it. One point off the bottom and four from safety is not a surprise as a lot of their frailties were there last season."
Peter Beagrie blogs on Bristol City's struggles, Ian Holloway's Palace switch and the back-three system.
Taken from 'Robins cooked?' Click here to read more of our pundits' opinions.

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