trousers Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 (edited) Just looking at all the games this coming weekend and, statistically, we have the toughest game of those teams in contention at the top, i.e. we're away to the team in 7th whereas our closest rivals are either at home, or away to lower league sides. Bournemouth, Brighton, Charlton, Peterborough and Huddersfield should all be favourites to win their games I'd have thought. Crunch time.... Saturday, 5 March 2011 Bournemouth v Oldham, 15:00 Brighton v Carlisle, 15:00 Bristol Rovers v Dag & Red, 15:00 Charlton v Tranmere, 15:00 Colchester v Southampton, 15:00 Hartlepool v Brentford, 15:00 Leyton Orient v Notts County, 15:00 Peterborough v Exeter, 15:00 Rochdale v MK Dons, 15:00 Sheff Wed v Plymouth, 15:00 Swindon v Walsall, 15:00 Yeovil v Huddersfield, 15:00 Edited 2 March, 2011 by trousers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMikey Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Colchester are a really stifling team, it's hard to play against them. 0-0 draw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 2 March, 2011 Author Share Posted 2 March, 2011 http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~2305617,00.html Big Game Awaits On Saturday Posted on: Tue 01 Mar 2011 The U's take on Southampton at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday as John Ward's men continue their quest to close in on the play-off spots. With the Saints losing at Walsall and the U's picking up their first away win since October at Bristol Rovers, the gap between the two teams is now just four points. And the U's are also that number of points behind MK Dons, who come to the Weston Homes seven days later. Tickets for the game against Southampton are selling well and the biggest home crowd of the season is expected for the visit of Nigel Adkins' men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc1976 Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 We'll probably start really slowly, end up hoofing it about, a few cock-ups from Kelvin, lose 2-0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Can't really see any of the sides around us dropping points so it's vital we win. 4-1 I reckon to prove our worth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Colchester will be fancying their chances of a play-off place now. The result will depend on who we have fit and who we don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Big game, take our chances and we should win. They aren't a great side, but very hard to break down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 We really have to win this one. I'd take a **** performance and a 1-0 OG off Llloyd Jame's backside right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Marco Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Massive game. Lose it and we let those teams below us back in it. Which will just put even more pressure on us. Hopefully the lads will bounce back and put in a promotion chasing performance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armitage Shanks Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I think we will win this on Saturday and fairly comfortably so. The reason I say this with some confidence is because I think we have a team of players who are very confident (too confident) in their own abilities and know that we have the strongest squad in this league. This is good but as we have seen it is also bad. I saw in the game against Swindon on Saturday a complacency that worried me after we went 1-0 up. They thought they were going to stroll it. It wasn't until Swindon scored that we got our arses in gear again. Having come out 4-1 winners, I believe that they went to Walsall last night (as they have done to other lower teams such as Tranmere) believing that victory was certain. Against Colchester the players will know they are up against a top side - at least at home. It is up to the boss to temper this arrogance but only temper it - not beat it out of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Shango Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Hate Colchester. Bogey team, souless ground in the middle of nowhere with time wasting ball boys. Must win game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I think we will win this on Saturday and fairly comfortably so. The reason I say this with some confidence is because I think we have a team of players who are very confident (too confident) in their own abilities and know that we have the strongest squad in this league. This is good but as we have seen it is also bad. I saw in the game against Swindon on Saturday a complacency that worried me after we went 1-0 up. They thought they were going to stroll it. It wasn't until Swindon scored that we got our arses in gear again. Having come out 4-1 winners, I believe that they went to Walsall last night (as they have done to other lower teams such as Tranmere) believing that victory was certain. Against Colchester the players will know they are up against a top side - at least at home. It is up to the boss to temper this arrogance but only temper it - not beat it out of them. How the Hell do you come up with that prediction after your muddled analysis of what is good and bad about the team? How the Hell does any of uf us have a clue what is going on the minds of the players or of the manager? I predict we will draw. Failing that we will either win or lose. There will be the full range of reactions already lined up to select from and express following which ever result transpires. And whatever the result it will give no further clue whatsoever as to whether this team has what it takes to get out of this league. I suggest Adkins takes an air rifle to Colchester and when Plan B fails yet again he uses it for target practice on the players arses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~2305617,00.html Big Game Awaits On Saturday Posted on: Tue 01 Mar 2011 The U's take on Southampton at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday as John Ward's men continue their quest to close in on the play-off spots. With the Saints losing at Walsall and the U's picking up their first away win since October at Bristol Rovers, the gap between the two teams is now just four points. And the U's are also that number of points behind MK Dons, who come to the Weston Homes seven days later. Tickets for the game against Southampton are selling well and the biggest home crowd of the season is expected for the visit of Nigel Adkins' men. Oh great! It's their cup-final too. It must be that time of the year again, I've just checked my keyboard and the letters T-U-S-M W-I-N E-A-G-M are starting to look suspiciously shiney, I suspect those keys will be getting plenty more use between now and the end of the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soggy Bottom Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I just want Saturday to come and us to win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bailey Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 After last night's disappointment, Colchester is a big, big game. Win it, and follow it up with another three points against Yeovil, and things will be looking a lot better. However, lose on Saturday and automatic promotion will be a big ask. Would be typical of Saints to lose against a relegation threatened side and then beat a playoff chasing team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Davis Butterfield Fonte Jaidi Harding Chamberlain Hammond Chaplow (Morgan likely to be out) Lallana Barnard Lambert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 2 March, 2011 Author Share Posted 2 March, 2011 Davis Butterfield Fonte Jaidi Harding Chamberlain Hammond Chaplow (Morgan likely to be out) Lallana Barnard Lambert Is Jaidi up to 3 games in quick succession? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Durman Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 I am so up for this game. My son and I will be there and we'll make sure Saints win. Come on Saints!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~2305617,00.html Big Game Awaits On Saturday Posted on: Tue 01 Mar 2011 The U's take on Southampton at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday as John Ward's men continue their quest to close in on the play-off spots. With the Saints losing at Walsall and the U's picking up their first away win since October at Bristol Rovers, the gap between the two teams is now just four points. And the U's are also that number of points behind MK Dons, who come to the Weston Homes seven days later. Tickets for the game against Southampton are selling well and the biggest home crowd of the season is expected for the visit of Nigel Adkins' men. Neatly side stepping the issue that they have played 2 more games than us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Strover Posted 2 March, 2011 Share Posted 2 March, 2011 They will win 2-0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGTL Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Another massive game when you look at the other fixtures. Lose this and we would be totally out the race for 2nd IMO, and will be looking like play-offs at best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpine_saint Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 A game which will leave our 2nd place aspirations in tatters, considering the other games on Saturday. Lose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I believe we will win this, and we'll win it well. Results will go our way in other fixtures, with a few surprises, and we enter the mid-week game against Yeovil ready to win and totally put the pressure on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Lej Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 A game which will leave our 2nd place aspirations in tatters, considering the other games on Saturday. Lose. Absolute legend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I've given up trying to work out the matches now. I suppose it depends which saints side turn up. Hopefully the team will be seeking to make up for tuesday and desperate to beat Colchester at the 4th time of asking and really go at them. I can't help feeling we worry to much about the opposition in away games and seem to change our style and personal rather than trying to play like we do at SMS. If only we could play like we did for the last 20min against Swindon every week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 3 March, 2011 Author Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Reverse psychology time..... Colchester 2 Saints 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_John Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 On the previous Colchester thread I posted this fact :- The Pink looked at the top 10 sides and how many results had changed in the last 10 mins of a game. Saints only had 2 games - 4-4 against PBoro and the 2-1 win at Exeter. However Colchester have won lots of games by scoring in the last 10 mins Late Joy Rochdale (a) W 2-1, Walsall (a) W 1-0, Notts (H) W 3-2, Orient (H) 3-2, Hartlepool (H) W 3-2, Rotten Fruit (H) W 2-1, PBoro (H) W 2-1, Swindon (H) W 2-1. i.e. they have won 8 games by scoring in the last 10 mins of games, the best of the top 10 sides. Saints MUST focus for 95 mins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericofarabia Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Just looking at all the games this coming weekend and, statistically, we have the toughest game of those teams in contention at the top, i.e. we're away to the team in 7th whereas our closest rivals are either at home, or away to lower league sides. Bournemouth, Brighton, Charlton, Peterborough and Huddersfield should all be favourites to win their games I'd have thought. Crunch time.... FFS ..... how come we have to play another League 1 team and everybody else gets to play a lower league team? Adkins & NC Out!!! Mind you after our recent escapades at Tranmere, Hartlepool and Walsall, maybe playing a higher placed in the table team might be to our advantage whilst the others all crumble against the lower teams. [b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Durman Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 We are going to win make no mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I believe we will win this, and we'll win it well. Results will go our way in other fixtures, with a few surprises, and we enter the mid-week game against Yeovil ready to win and totally put the pressure on. Flashbacks of Jordan Sibleys tweet on Tuesday before the game "Have got a little voice in the back of my head telling me we are going to get a big win tonight" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEVMAN Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I really think it is time to take the bull by the horns and put Lallana in the centre of midfield and let him pull the strings from there,i know alot of people dont think he is strong enough in that position but along side someone like Chaplow surely it could work.We just seem to be wasting his ability out wide where in some games he dosn`t see enough of the ball,more when we resort to the long ball tactics when behind in a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Lej Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 For me , this has a draw written all over it. A **** poor return of 1 point from 2 away games, but with a point at colchester seeming to be "a step in the right direction", leaving many of us desperately clinging on to the fact that a draw at colchester is a good result. Hence, Saints will leave us hanging again. Well, seeing as we lost at Walsall....a draw will not be enough in the long run now.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I really think it is time to take the bull by the horns and put Lallana in the centre of midfield and let him pull the strings from there,i know alot of people dont think he is strong enough in that position but along side someone like Chaplow surely it could work.We just seem to be wasting his ability out wide where in some games he dosn`t see enough of the ball,more when we resort to the long ball tactics when behind in a game. Lallana and Chaplow in CM would be an absolute disaster.I know you're a friend of Adam's but please don't suggest this any more. Lallana and Hammond maybe but Chaplow is too bad in the tackle,too poor in ball control and too hit and miss for this ever to be an option.Should we ever do this we will be on the end of one of the biggest hidings we have ever had, mark my words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Stickity stick, let's get it started... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEVMAN Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Lallana and Chaplow in CM would be an absolute disaster.I know you're a friend of Adam's but please don't suggest this any more. Lallana and Hammond maybe but Chaplow is too bad in the tackle,too poor in ball control and too hit and miss for this ever to be an option.Should we ever do this we will be on the end of one of the biggest hidings we have ever had, mark my words. Oh well back to my drawing board always was **** as a manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 We do need to get Adam on the ball more though. How about a 4-2-3-1 as follows: ---------------------------Davis--------------------- Butters-------Fonte--------------Jaidi------------Harding ---------------Hammond-----------Chaplow/Morgan------------ AOC---------------------Lallana--------------------N'Guessan/Forte ------------------------Lambert---------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingsbridge Saint Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Lost faith in the side I am afraid. We will find a way to lose this one too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 We will need to not only show previously missing bottle at the back and in midfield as Colchester will direct as John Ward teams usually are but also to generate width as their pitch has been poor over the last couple of seasons and the scope for one touch football is going to be limited. That's not to say we have to hoof it but get it wide as early as possible as the surface won't be so bad in those areas and that's where Lallana and Chamberlain can do the creative work. Chaplow and Hammond (I'm assuming Morgan to be injured) are going to just have to battle and be the water carriers. Is Guly fit? He needs to start up front alongside Lambert if so, Barnard was useless at Walsall and should have scored two goals at least. If he isn't, then N'Guessan (ok, he's not great but Colchester's back 4 is glacially slow) or Forte up front for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I have been positive and optimistic for the whole season, confident that we would finish top 2. But the result on Tuesday for some reason has made me really start to doubt our ability to win consistently and make those auto spots. I'm not at all confident going in to this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints-cris Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 I have been positive and optimistic for the whole season' date=' confident that we would finish top 2. But the result on Tuesday for some reason has made me really start to doubt our ability to win consistently and make those auto spots. I'm not at all confident going in to this one.[/quote'] Same thoughts here. I have remained ever positive and even up to last game thought 11 from 15 isn't bad going at all but for some reason that game on Tuesday has changed my views on the season. Hope we can put it right on Saturday. Win that and it should be another 3 on Tuesday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Can't see us winnnig this one but still confident we will go up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefunkygibbons Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Don't care how we play anymore, just get the points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 1-1 and that is being optimistic... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 1-1 and that is being optimistic... No it isn't. Realistic maybe, but when have Saints EVER given a sh*t about the form book. We could go there and win or lose 4-0. Walsall was only our 3rd League defeat since the middle of November. Sh*t happens. Promotion will depend on how well we get over results like that. I wont even take a guess at the result because our form seems to be almost entirely random. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Lasse Viren is the key apparently,shows you can fall over in a race and still win.Unfortunately for every Lasse Viren in 72 there are hundreds of Mary Deckers in 84. Plus they didn't have as many Kenyans and Ethiopeans in those days..I really am beginning to wonder if NA knows what he's talking about with all these cosy homilies he keeps treating us to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Lasse Viren is the key apparently,shows you can fall over in a race and still win.Unfortunately for every Lasse Viren in 72 there are hundreds of Mary Deckers in 84. Plus they didn't have as many Kenyans and Ethiopeans in those days..I really am beginning to wonder if NA knows what he's talking about with all these cosy homilies he keeps treating us to. If Ian Holloway says it then everyone would lap it up. A the end of the day its what happens on the pitch that counts, and Adkins has got it right more times than he has wrong. Lets support the guy and the team, we can still claim 2nd quite easily if we start putting away more of our chances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAZZER82 Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 just watching the highlights from tuesdays game, spidermans injury looked a bad one on the slow mo, i reckon hes done ligament damage with the way it twisted. Id put money on him not playing again this season, which is a massive blow!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 just watching the highlights from tuesdays game, spidermans injury looked a bad one on the slow mo, i reckon hes done ligament damage with the way it twisted. Id put money on him not playing again this season, which is a massive blow!!! Adkins doesn't even mention it in today's build up video/interview.Just sidesteps the injury position entirely with the usual '"we've got a strong squad all pulling together, it's not just about 11" spielge.Reckons we had a good January window and the development squad is always there anyway and that Oscar Gobern might even get his chance.Nothing about Bart orMorgan,weeny bit about Ox young lad nurturing etc etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 Adkins doesn't even mention it in today's build up video/interview.Just sidesteps the injury position entirely with the usual '"we've got a strong squad all pulling together, it's not just about 11" spielge.Reckons we had a good January window and the development squad is always there anyway and that Oscar Gobern might even get his chance.Nothing about Bart orMorgan,weeny bit about Ox young lad nurturing etc etc. He is right not to give constant injury updates. It makes no difference if we as fans know or not before a game, but more importantly it leaves the Colchester manager guessing how we will line-up on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 3 March, 2011 Share Posted 3 March, 2011 He is right not to give constant injury updates. It makes no difference if we as fans know or not before a game, but more importantly it leaves the Colchester manager guessing how we will line-up on Saturday. As if Lloyd James doesn't know the exact position that our squad is in at this very moment.People have friends that they talk to on the telephone and twitter and all that you know.There is nothing that Ward will not know about our squad on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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