Minsk

I'm hoping it stays 1-1. That keeps them both beneath us.

Pony

No it can't! 😠 😉

Me too.

What a weird way of looking at it. I would hope, as a professional, Kyle wouldn't be sat around fuming but would relish the challenge and put more effort in during training to make the manager pick him ahead instead of the alternative. In any event, it is a long season. Kyle will get plenty of playing time during it. And now he knows, when it comes, he has to keep on top of his game to retain his place in the team. Just as Tino has been doing these past few weeks. As for playing a FB as a 10 when we have 6/7 of them on our books anyway - had Ralph done that before it came the latest craze for posters on here to go on about he would probably have been berated for doing it (by the same people berating him now for not doing so). As I said in an earlier post, this is one of the few matches I would be tempted to play Tino ahead or KWP on the right, with Moussa ahead of Perraud on the left - just so they can help out the respective full backs. That said, to do so would mean playing a flat 4-4-2 and would diminish our already limited attacking options, enticing City even more to camp out in our half - and we all know how that will end! Plus City don't really overload the wing positions, they will just find the space inside. Then we have to take into account the fact that we now have 3 matches in 8 days. We would all like to have another decent cup run. Wouldn't it be wiser to keep one of Tino/KWP fresh for Tuesday? Especially as most are expecting us to lose tomorrow no matter what we do. I mean, even you are hoping we only lose by 3!

Not-sure-if-being-sar-cas-tic....... 🤔

Probably not. I guess whichever of him and KWP starts this match the other will start in the cup on Tuesday. Or maybe both will start that match with KWP at LB again. I honestly don't see Ralph playing Tino as wide midfield player though (as much as many would like to see it). We have 6 other options for those 2 positions (without counting Smallbone) so don't see him using one of his RBs there. That said, for this match, I would probably go with a 4-4-2 with Tino and Moussa ahead of KWP and Perraud on the flanks.

I was wondering if he would get his first start in that match too. Wouldn't surprise me to be honest. He was on the bench last weekend, so looks as if Ralph would trust him if called upon/required.

Listening to the presser it sounds as if there might be a few changes to the team. He also said that just because a player gives a good performance one week doesn't necessarily mean he will start the next, as each opposition has different challenges that need different attributes from our team. - Exactly as it should be. The top teams can afford the luxury of just playing their game. Smaller teams, such as ourselves, need to switch shape/personnel depending on who we are playing, injuries, etc. This is why it is better to have a fuller, decent, squad rather than 11 definite starters. Additionally, Ralph wouldn't be drawn on the formation he intends to start with. From what he said I don't think it will be the 4-1-4-1 of last week. He also alluded to the fact that he may well change formation (maybe more than once) throughout the game. It wouldn't surprise me if we started with a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-2-1: ------------------McCarthy-------------- KWP-----Stephens-----Salisu-----Perraud ------JWP--------Romeu-------Diallo----- ------------------Moi--------------------- ----------Adams---------Armstrong------

Space filler (on behalf of The Sun) regurgitated by lazy (so called) journalists on a slow news day. Maybe we do have a short list in the unlikely event that Ralph leaves us/gets abducted by aliens/has some awful accident/incident, etc. If so, maybe Cooper is high on that list. That's about it. I don't think there is any way that Semmens or Crocker will be thinking that consecutive draws against Utd, Newcastle and West Ham is reason to sack Ralph. Especially as the 3 of them have just overseen the summer recruitment, bringing in players to fit Ralph's system(s). Apart from that, I don't think we would waste what little money we might have to spend in December/the start of next summer on paying off Ralph and his team. Nor should we!

Match Day 4 Match Day comparison: Last season match day 4 saw us win 2-0 at home to WBA - this season was a 0-0 draw at home against WHU. 2 points and 2 GD fewer than the same match day yielded last year. -3 points; -1 GD Head to Head Comparison: Exactly the same scoreline this season as last - 0-0. This means we remain at: +2 points; +1 GD As expected, we are starting to fall away from last season's match day numbers (hardly surprising considering we gained most of our points before New Year) but are keeping our noses in front (at least for now) in the head to head comparison. Next up, on Match Day 5, is a matter of a little trip away to the Champions - Man City. In the same fixture last season we were beaten 5-2; whilst on match day 5 we managed a respectable 3-3 draw away to Chelsea. (Interesting side note: Che Adams scored in both of those matches - in the 56th and 57th minutes respectively.) Would be great to see Che score again on Saturday (he does seem to like scoring against City) , and for us to match the 2 or 3 goals of last season. It would be even better if we don't concede more than we score (to state the bloody obvious). That said, I guess anything better than a 3 goal loss will see us improve in the head-to-head comparison. Fantasising for a win; dreaming of a draw; expecting a loss. COYS

Why? Because he scored a couple of late goals against a tired Spurs, playing with 10 men and missing their 4 first choice CBs?

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/19575730.ralph-hasenhuttl-explains-on-loan-armando-broja-introduction/

Unless he talking literally, of course. I mean, Armando is a fair bit taller than both Che and Adam... 😉

Exactly. And even then Poch waited until Nige had us playing good football in the prem, and getting the results those performances deserved, before agreeing to come stab him in the back!

I know you were. I already said that!

Agree that Broja will become a seriously good player, but I think you are just displaying your usual (negative) bias in regards to our players. Yes, he did well coming on as a sub against a tiring West Ham defence on Saturday, but the sudden outcry that he must start and that he is our best striker is a bit far fetched. Both Adams and Armstrong have scored more goals in both the prem and championship than him, and both have assisted more. Both have displayed that they fit into the TEAM - as in, how they link with the players around them. I do, however, believe both play better in a pair than as a lone striker. Adams is the better at holding/shielding the ball and bringing others into play; Armstrong the quicker, and probably better finisher. From the little we have seen of him, Broja looks like he has the attributes to be a decent lone striker - pace, height, always looking to get a shot away. For that reason, and that alone, it might be worth starting him away at City IF we are going with a 4-1-4-1. Otherwise I would save him for the last 20 minutes from the bench.

What a load of twaddle. It is quite obvious to anyone with any idea of football how many players have improved under Ralph and his team's coaching. And you do realise the huge gulf in finances between ourselves and Chelsea, especially in regard to the youth systems?

I like Jack as a player. I especially like the way he gets 'stuck in' and speaks his mind. He could well be the defensive leader so many of us have been saying we need all these past months. Moreover, I feel he and Salisu are forming a decent partnership at CB. They certainly compliment each other well. Okay, yes, he does make mistakes. News flash - All players make mistakes! I have even seen van Dick make a howler here and there. Tarkowski, who many rave about, had a complete mare against Leeds last season and was at fault for at least 3 of their 4 goals. Jack has and will make mistakes. I can accept that. So long as he also has those matches where he gets stuck in (as in against Fernandes/Utd) and dominates his opponent (as he did yesterday against Antonio). I guess another question is: Are Stephens/Salisu a better CB pairing than Bednarek/Vestergaard? They are certainly very different in their strengths and weaknesses. The former far more mobile; the latter better in the air. Given most threats in the prem come from fast, mobile, players (as opposed to the traditional, big, English CF type) it could be argued that the mobile CBs are more useful.

Not trying to make any point. I never said last season's results would have any bearing on this season's games. I know it was appreciated by many when I did this previously and it appears that it is this time around too (given the number of likes to my OP and subsequent comments). If it isn't of any interest to you just ignore the thread, instead of trying to take it off track like you do with most others. As an aside, nice to see you starting to agree with MLG's way of thinking.

You do realise that you have completely contradicted yourself? If match day comparisons are of 'little value' due to 'vagaries of the fixture list', then how does does looking at the goals scored/conceded in those matches mean anything either? Last season those 3 matches were against Palace (a), Spurs (h) and Burnley (a) - this season against Everton (a), Man Utd (h) and Newcastle (a). I would say the latter 3 being more difficult games than the former. Yet we have scored the same and conceded fewer. Also, as Twar has already pointed out, in your 'observation' that 'little has changed' there is also no accounting for opposition, chances created by either team, etc. Going purely on a league basis thus far, yes after only 3 games, we have a better GD whether comparing match days or head-to-head. Now let's add in the respective cup matches: this season scored 12 conceded 6; last season scored 4 conceded 9. Therefore, a far better return this time. No? In any event, no one is forcing you to read this thread....................

Some of you probably remember the threads I used to do (for a few years, post Koeman) in comparing how we fared comparatively to the previous season. I stopped because (1) I got too busy to keep on top of it and (2) each season was getting more and more depressing than the previous one! 🤣 The way it works is that I compare our points tally (and will add goal difference this time) on a week by week and a head-to-head/match by match basis. If I get everything correct along the way, they should be the same at the season's end (as each other, not as last season). None of us are fallible (even though there are some on here to claim to always be right) so please point out when I make a mistake. I don't pay my fiver, so won't be able to correct it, but I will use one of my 3 daily posts to thank you and try again. Of course we have had relegations and promotions so, for the head-to-head comparison, I will be swapping the teams as follows: Fulham - Norwich; West Brom - Watford; Sheffield Utd - Brentford. I think most of you probably know where we stand compared to last season at the moment, but I will still go through the stats for the first 3 matches: Match Day Comparison Match Day 1 - Last season lost 1-0 away to Crystal Palace - this season lost 3-1 away to Everton Match Day 2 - Last season lost 2-5 at home to Spurs - this season drew 1-1 at home to Man Utd Match Day 3 - Last season won 0-1 away to Burnley - this season drew 2-2 away to Newcastle (Interestingly, in the midst of that, last season we lost an EFL cup match 0-2 at home to Brentford - whereas this season we won 0-8 away at Newport) Therefore, after Match Day 3 last season we had 3 points and -3 GD; whereas this season we have 2 points and -2 GD. -1 point ; +1 GD Head-to-Head Comparison Everton Away - last season we lost 1-0; this season we lost 3-1 Man Utd Home - last season we lost 2-3; this season we drew 1-1 Newcastle Away - last season we lost 3-2; this season we drew 2-2 This puts us at: +2 points ; +1 GD Worse off on a match day basis - which I expect to be a theme, increasingly so until the end of the year, before we (hopefully) turn it around some time in early April; better off in the head-to-head comparison - which I hope we can keep up all season. Next up, on Match Day 4, is West Ham at home. Last season we drew 0-0 with the Irons at St. Mary's, whereas match day 4 saw us winning 2-0 at St. Mary's against West Brom. At this moment in time, I would be happy with either 0-0 or 2-0 as the result this coming weekend - but obviously hoping for the latter (or any similar result). Is a 1-0 or 2-1 win too much to hope for? COYS

Probably somewhat controversial but, If I were in Ralph's position, I would have been tempted to spend the 2 weeks between matches drilling the following team/formation: --------------Forster----------------- KWP----Stephens--Salisu----Perraud ------JWP---Romeu---Diallo-------- ------Tella-----------Redmond------ ----------A. Armstrong-------------- Basically, a team comprised of those who have not been away travelling on international duty, in a 4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-3-1-2 (basically a fluid front 3). However, we know it will be McCarthy in goal and it will be 4-2-2-2. So wouldn't be upset with the above but with Stuey replacing Diallo (in a 10 position) if fit and Tella moving up alongside Arma. If Stuey not fit to start Che to start up top.

Pretty much agree with all of this. As you say, we are slightly weaker in our starting 11; which we were always going to be with Ings leaving. That said, I also think Arma can match his 12 goals this season or, at least, he and Che will match the tally of Ings and Che last season. I also agree that thus far Salisu looks a definite upgrade on Vestergaard. Sali certainly looks to be our best CB. I'm not wholly convinced by Perraud yet. I certainly don't think he is as good as Bertie was when he joined us, but he has certainly shown potential and definitely gets up and down the line far more than Ryan did last season. But, as was proved against Newcastle, we also have KWP who can do a good job at LB - as well as a great one at RB. For a good comparison these were the line-ups for the first 3 matches of last season: 1st Palace away (lost) - McCarthy; KWP, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand; Romeu, JWP; Redmond, Smallbone; Ings, Adams 2nd Spurs home (lost) - McCarthy; KWP, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand; Romeu, JWP, Djenepo, Armstrong; Ings, Adams 3rd Burnley away (won) - McCarthy; KWP, Bednarek, Vestgrd, Bertrand; Romeu, JWP; Djenepo, Armstrong; Ings, Adams Pretty much the same team as the third match then went on a 7 match unbeaten run - the exception being the 10s were rotated with Redmond, Walcott, Djenepo and Armstrong coming in and out of the starting 11. So, in reality, all we have lost is Bertrand (replaced with Perraud/KWP - equal to if not upgrade on last season), Vestergaard (replaced with Salisu - far more mobile but less experienced, so, again, at least equal to) and Ings (replaced with A Armstrong - slight downgrade). However, as you say, we now have far more strength in depth - certainly at RB and LB; debateable at CB, frustratingly equal in CM (although Diallo is now more experienced and somewhat improved); more options for the 10 (and Moi is proving me wrong by putting in a couple of decent performances); and we have extra options up top with Broja, who certainly looks a prospect and Tella (he wasn't even being considered for the first team a year ago). I think where the pessimist's problems lay (which I fully understand) and why I predicted slightly lower to you (12th-15th) is that much of our depth is inexperienced - certainly the 3 starting places listed above. There is also some frustration that our weakest positions GK and CB weren't strengthened by signing someone significantly better, with experience, than we have now. It certainly seemed as if we had the money to buy someone, let's say, more inspiring. That said, I'm not going to write off Lyanco until I have seen him play a fair few matches. Overall though, I agree that our biggest problem in the 2nd half of last season was a thin squad, lots of injuries and very little recovery time between matches. Ralph said we would address that issue this summer, and I think we have. I also think Ralph has learnt and is now willing to make changes, in personnel and team shape, earlier in matches.

Now that the transfer window has closed and we are 3 matches into the season, does anyone want to revise their earlier predictions (if made) or want to make one now? For the revision question, especially looking at the 33 who have predicted relegation either directly, by backing those who have, or arguing against those haven't. See list below (with some caveats): DarrenLeTiss; SKD / Dman (same person); angelman (although did say 17-20); bazza; saint1977; DT; LGTL; croydon saint; Golac's Iron Gonads; Dusic; Give it to Ron; aintforever; Lord Duckhunter; CB Fry (also said 17-20); Lee On Solent Saint (Heart 15/16 - Head 18-20); Stknowle; beattlesaint; Kyle04; JRM; Patrick Bateman; WestMidSaint; hypochondriac; Pat from Poole; Saint WGC; Saint Michael; AlexLaw1976; Supersubpuckett; hackedoff; steveo; Bakovnetski; ErwinK1961 (didn't give an actual prediction, more hinted at relegation) and Turkish (predicted relegation, then top 4, then relegation again, but I have seen on another thread he said 12th-15th - all over the shop? Never.) Personally, I am sticking with my 12th-15th - if forced for one definite position, 14th.