trousers Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 Time to channel our inner Nigel... #blueline 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 Going to be a tough one and 3 points would be huge for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 First of our 4 free hits against the rest of the top 5. Going to get some popcorn and enjoy the show. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micky Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 Personally I think the curse of sky will strike again, 2 nil baggies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamplemousse Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 We're unbeaten against the current top 6 away from home, that will continue, they're gonna get the backlash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexLaw76 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 3-1 defeat Away to not just a good team, but a very good team. This had a defeat written all over it before Bristol. we are flat track bullies. Now we are not away to Rotherham or QPR, we will be pretty meh in games like this. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 6 hours ago, Pamplemousse said: We're unbeaten against the current top 6 away from home, that will continue, they're gonna get the backlash. Statistics like this are what keep me alive. Well done Russell and the team for our breathtaking record of being undefeated, neigh untouchable, against the current top 6 away from home this season. Anyone have any idea what our secret is? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry_SFC Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Someone mentioned it on the Bristol City thread but going 3 at the back if Downes is out could be a good shout. Need to get back to being more solid. It might also keep Manning slightly further away from our goal. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexLaw76 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 20 minutes ago, CB Fry said: Statistics like this are what keep me alive. Well done Russell and the team for our breathtaking record of being undefeated, neigh untouchable, against the current top 6 away from home this season. Anyone have any idea what our secret is? Don’t play them 😂 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
east-stand-nic Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Absolutely certain we will lose this, likely similar to last night 3-1. We have done a lot better than my pre-season prediction of finishing 9th but we will be in the play offs for sure. No idea from there if we win it. We should if on form and play to our best, but the play offs are a lottery. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 After the Huddersfield game I finally switched from being apprehensive about our chances for second to positively excited. I even said that for the first time I thought we had an attack that rivalled Leeds's. And then last night comes and craps on our parade. We were poor defensively, in attack but particularly in midfield. We played like a team of strangers. It was static, slow and passing was poor. I am really hoping we raise our game against WBA but my God did it show how much we missed Downes, how poor Manning is defensively and how AA is really not a number 9, despite that being the position he wants to play in (and a position I think Russ will keep playing him in now that we have Brooks). Winning against WBA will mean that last night's game wasn't an awful result as 3 points from the 2 games was the bare minimum to keep us in the race really. Anything less than 3 points and we really will start to lose confidence. That being said I think a draw would be slightly confidence boosting - it wouldn't help us much long term though. Leeds are flying and their manager is one that knows how to get teams promoted. I do believe they'll have a blip again before the end of the season but we need to keep in touch with them to make it count. Will we win on Friday? It's tough to see it right now but keep the faith. We can't play much worse than we did yesterday. That said WBA are a good team. We need our best side out and that means Fraser and hopefully Downes. Still I'm worried. 1-1 and an improved performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whelk Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 I am a fucking optimist but after last night think we will lose 2-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpsaint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 The late travel back from Bristol, lack of training and recovery time to an already tired squad worries me greatly. Turn up half arsed in the first half like we did last night and Saturday and we’ll be in massive trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morse Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Huddersfield first half, and Bistol City last night have shown our vulnerabilities. Playing direct and mostly through the middle they got after us and managed 14 and 17 shots respectively, from only a third of the possession. We need to be a lot tighter in midfield. When's Downes back? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 We'll find out how good we really are in this one. We can't go 25 unbeaten and straight into 2 defeats on a bounce, it would be ludicrous. Then we'd have Hull at home who will cause us problem's, going into that game in hand with 2 defeats on the bounce would be a disaster. The team can't let that happen. This spell up to the end of this month will define the season more than the 25 unbeaten games did. It's frustrating really, as in any normal season going 25 games without a defeat will give you a bit of breathing space and a nice gap at the top - but we just couldn't ever get that, a really freak season. The top 3 just win every week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miltonaggro Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 2 hours ago, CB Fry said: Statistics like this are what keep me alive. Well done Russell and the team for our breathtaking record of being undefeated, neigh untouchable, against the current top 6 away from home this season. Anyone have any idea what our secret is? Ryan 'mind the gap' Manning... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRM Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 I 38 minutes ago, Morse said: Huddersfield first half, and Bistol City last night have shown our vulnerabilities. Playing direct and mostly through the middle they got after us and managed 14 and 17 shots respectively, from only a third of the possession. We need to be a lot tighter in midfield. When's Downes back? I think last two games have shown other teams exactly how to play against us , we lack strength in the middle of the park, lose possession and get stretched so easily, from the games I've watched recently Leeds look like a well oiled machine think they'll take some stopping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 (edited) 25 minutes ago, S-Clarke said: We can't go 25 unbeaten and straight into 2 defeats on a bounce, it would be ludicrous The pessimist in me in currently battling with my inner optimist... My pessimist voice is having flashbacks to that superb 20 or so game run we had in 2020/21 whereby we were top 4 of the PL form table.... We then suffered that heavy-ish defeat away to Aston Villa and we were never the same again... There was a sense then that teams had finally worked out how to counter 'Ralph-ball'... Here's hoping history isn't about to repeat itself with 'Russ-ball'.... come on the optimist! Edited February 14 by trousers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 39 minutes ago, trousers said: The pessimist in me in currently battling with my inner optimist... My pessimist voice is having flashbacks to that superb 20 or so game run we had in 2020/21 whereby we were top 4 of the PL form table.... We then suffered that heavy-ish defeat away to Aston Villa and we were never the same again... There was a sense then that teams had finally worked out how to counter 'Ralph-ball'... Here's hoping history isn't about to repeat itself with 'Russ-ball'.... come on the optimist! To be fair we weren't anywhere near as good as the table suggested at that point, that form did roll between two seasons as well (the lockdown games skewed things massively, even Sheffield United finished 9th in that year). We've got better players for this league, whereas under Ralph we were punching during that run in my opinion. That's why I never understood the cries to dump Ralph when we inevitably struggled to maintain that 20 game form. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chownie20 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 We have to be able to go to WBA and get a win really - we're easily good enough and they are missing Bartley still I hope. I think the back four picks itself. Midfield three will be interesting - Downes (if fit), Stu and Rothwell would be my pick and let Smallbone have a rest. If no Downes, then perhaps tweak the formation - 3 CBs? Not sure Aribo would be ready to come straight in and start but he has a bit of physicality which might help. Forward three I think we look best with Edozie one side, Arma the other, and Adams through the middle. Dont know if Brooks can play through the middle but maybe we bring him on with 30mins to go. Is there any news on Downes at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 (edited) 7 minutes ago, S-Clarke said: To be fair we weren't anywhere near as good as the table suggested at that point, that form did roll between two seasons as well (the lockdown games skewed things massively, even Sheffield United finished 9th in that year). We've got better players for this league, whereas under Ralph we were punching during that run in my opinion. That's why I never understood the cries to dump Ralph when we inevitably struggled to maintain that 20 game form. Yeah, fair points. I guess I'm just exhibiting a dash of anxiety in not knowing* whether yesterday was a mere blip or the start of a downturn. We'll find out in a few weeks, of course.... (* maybe I should consult @Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd given his ability to peer into the future... ) Edited February 14 by trousers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 4 minutes ago, trousers said: Yeah, fair points. I guess I'm just exhibiting a dash of anxiety in not knowing* whether yesterday was a mere blip or the start of a downturn. We'll find out in a few weeks, of course.... (* maybe I should consult @Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd given his ability to peer into the future... ) I know what you mean, but I genuinely believe we're a really good side and full of leaders. They couldn't have gone on the run they'd been on had that not been the case. I reckon by the end of this month after Leicester have beaten Leeds (yes, that's been given up on now) and we've won our game in hand, things will look better than they have at any point this season in terms of a gap to third. Just my positive hunch. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dman Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Seems like the "inverted full backs" are starting to creep back in. Just like the start of the season when we were shit, we're starting to look shit now... 2-1 baggies or score draw. Can't see us winning here. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 (edited) So, potential line-ups then.... If Downes is still out, I'm inclined to agree with the 3 CBs option... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Stephens, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Charles/Bragg, S.Armstrong, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser But if Downes is back... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Downes, Smallbone, Edozie, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser (As good as he is, I'm wondering if the introduction of Brooks has maybe upset our 'automatism' somewhat, so I'm thinking he'll be better as an impact sub for the time being?) Edited February 14 by trousers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee On Solent Saint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 14 minutes ago, trousers said: good as he is, I'm wondering if the introduction of Brooks has maybe upset our 'automatism' somewhat, so I'm thinking he'll be better as an impact sub for the time Think that's spot on to be fair. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 If Downes is still out we should go 3-4-3. Fuck Manning off as he has been shite in the last 2 games and play 2 wing backs. If Downes is fit, put him straight in for Charles and Stu for Rothwell. Up front play Fraser/Edozie, Mara and Brooks. Recipe for success. Let’s make sure those dour, miserable black-country fuckers go home pointless. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Ash Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Put Downes in on crutches, we would still be stronger than the replacement. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Baz KWP THB Beds Stephens Manning Aribo Smallbone Stu Arma Adams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Baz KWP. JannyB , THB, Manning Stu, Downes, Aribo, WeeMan Brooks , AA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheaf Saint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Remember going to this fixture in our relegation season in 04/05 and nearly getting frostbite - was snowing at one point I think. Drew 0-0 after Prutton had an open goal from about 3 yards and somehow managed to put it over. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry_SFC Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 (edited) Bazunu; KWP, THB, Bednarek, Meghoma; Downes, Aribo, S Armstrong; Brooks, Fraser, Adams/Mara. Armstrong has had 3 poor games in a row, maybe he needs a rest. Certainly don't want to see him as a central striker again. Edited February 14 by Harry_SFC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pimpin4rizeal Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 (edited) 2 hours ago, trousers said: So, potential line-ups then.... If Downes is still out, I'm inclined to agree with the 3 CBs option... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Stephens, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Charles/Bragg, S.Armstrong, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser But if Downes is back... Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Bree/Manning, Downes, Smallbone, Edozie, A.Armstrong, Adams, Fraser (As good as he is, I'm wondering if the introduction of Brooks has maybe upset our 'automatism' somewhat, so I'm thinking he'll be better as an impact sub for the time being?) I kinda agree with this,, I kept going on during the window that our obsession with bringing in a right winger when we have Armstrong with the best stats in the league was unnecessary. brooks does look amazing,but there’s a saying if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. Personally think we should go back to the side that mostly was the one during the unbeaten run now. Get Armstrong and Fraser back in in their proper positions and go from there. Use as close to a proven side for this one as we don’t need two bad results in a row Edited February 14 by pimpin4rizeal 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssEffCee Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 1 hour ago, Sheaf Saint said: Remember going to this fixture in our relegation season in 04/05 and nearly getting frostbite - was snowing at one point I think. Drew 0-0 after Prutton had an open goal from about 3 yards and somehow managed to put it over. Didn't we lose to them there in our relegation season? I thought Geoff Horsefield scored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheaf Saint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 9 minutes ago, EssEffCee said: Didn't we lose to them there in our relegation season? I thought Geoff Horsefield scored. Nope. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4279641.stm 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 At least we should be pretty fresh for this after so little running last night. Hopefully Downes is fit, and Adams too. Both were hugely missed and we’ll have to mix our game up to get anything from this. Strolling around and playing 5 yard passes to the opposition isn’t going to cut it 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coalman Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 It doesn't matter what side we put out. They keys are not giving the ball away and playing with more intensity. Do that and we've got a shout against anyone. Be sloppy like the last two games and we'll get punished. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Going to go out on a limb and say we won't be winning this one sadly. Team looks very jaded and disjointed recently. A lot of change and inability to rotate efficiently looks set to hurt us in the short term. Need to mitigate the damage and stay in touch with leeds until our respective forms recover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 I had this as the game that would end our run. Now it has ended this could go one of 2 ways for me, we bounce right back and win or return to the terrible September form for a bit, so draw 2-2. 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 5 hours ago, JRM said: I I think last two games have shown other teams exactly how to play against us , we lack strength in the middle of the park, lose possession and get stretched so easily, from the games I've watched recently Leeds look like a well oiled machine think they'll take some stopping They seem also to be set up to play exactly as teams we struggle against, quick and powerful on the counter attack. If it's a winner takes all game at Elland Road come May i really cant see us getting a result. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssEffCee Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 1 hour ago, Sheaf Saint said: Nope. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4279641.stm Ah my mistake. Obviously getting confused with something else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Draw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 hmm, doesn't seem to make any sense changing system because we've lost 1 game in 26. Our biggest issues last night were giving the ball away cheaply, and barely having a midfield. We have no one else who can play in Downes position. Felt like too many changes last night, and some of our defending was abysmal, Manning specifically, but also felt like Bednarek was scared about getting booked. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block41 Saint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 30 minutes ago, Saint Garrett said: hmm, doesn't seem to make any sense changing system because we've lost 1 game in 26. Our biggest issues last night were giving the ball away cheaply, and barely having a midfield. We have no one else who can play in Downes position. Felt like too many changes last night, and some of our defending was abysmal, Manning specifically, but also felt like Bednarek was scared about getting booked. He was very lucky not to be booked tbf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notnowcato Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Not sufficient time to change formation, not that I would advocate that anyway. The Brizzle game we didn't control the midfield, we can put that down to key players missing, new players involved, strong game by our opponent. We have to look after the ball so much better than we did last night. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 1 hour ago, Saint Garrett said: hmm, doesn't seem to make any sense changing system because we've lost 1 game in 26. Our biggest issues last night were giving the ball away cheaply, and barely having a midfield. We have no one else who can play in Downes position. 23 minutes ago, notnowcato said: Not sufficient time to change formation, not that I would advocate that anyway. The Brizzle game we didn't control the midfield, we can put that down to key players missing, new players involved, strong game by our opponent. We have to look after the ball so much better than we did last night. Is it not logical to contemplate altering the formation/system to compensate for not having a suitable replacement for Downes...? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convict Colony Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Want Bree starting on the left, plays taller than manning too. Some interesting stats here as well for the overall championship for those interested - https://www.fotmob.com/leagues/48/stats/championship/players Armstrong, Seukou, Fraser and Jan listed in some sections, interesting one though was A Armstrong leads the league for big chances missed 17 ! bit harsh on the fella given his goals and assists but 17 is pretty bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfc4prem Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Really enjoying this season. Let's give it a good fucking go against the Baggies. 2-1 to the lads is my prediction. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 8 minutes ago, Convict Colony said: Want Bree starting on the left He's due to be playing in an u21 game this Friday, according to the Echo... https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24115294.bree-feature-southampton-under-21s-arsenal/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CB Fry Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Baggies? They'll be in fucking body bags when we're done with them. Black Country? Black death more like, when we've annihilated them. 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSaint Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 1 hour ago, CB Fry said: Baggies? They'll be in fucking body bags when we're done with them. Black Country? Black death more like, when we've annihilated them. The Yam-Yams can stick their boing-boings up their bum bums 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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