This acknowledgment is followed by the pundit themselves making the "inevitable" speculation.

And there will be the inevitable speculation about Phil Jackson, the former Chicago Bulls coach, replacing both of them.

The latest executive shuffle at Citigroup also led to the inevitable speculation that Mr. Weill, 69, was once again hinting at a possible successor when he retires.

To some degree, it was meant to deter the inevitable speculation that Mr. Gates was easing up.

There was the inevitable speculation, whispering between bunks that gradually transformed to a symphony of snoring at night after agreement on some wildly speculative idea.

Quickly, the Yankees squelched inevitable speculation that they had had enough and were ready to send A-Rod away, if only he would agree to go.

His early career success led to inevitable speculation that he may join the other professional circuit of darts, the Professional Darts Corporation.

There's the inevitable vulgar speculation about how in the world they'll ever manage to ... do it.

After an 0-5-1 start - the franchise's worst - the inevitable speculation began to swirl.

But the inevitable speculation soon began about what effect her illness might have on her campaign.