mozo

I actually think that Nige's kitchen sink policy is a bit daft. Fair enough it provokes enough change to make the opposition have to think, but we just end up with half our players playing unfamiliar roles and looking more disjointed than before. I personally would prefer subtle changes. Subs can even be like for like if they have specific instructions.

Exactly my thoughts Dave. A random question for you... you've said on here a few times that fans are naive to think that attacking formations or throwing on attacking players is the way to be a more attacking team. Interestingly, this is Nige's strategy for the last 15 minutes of any game we're losing. When he does his kitchen sink strategy do you wince and think, 'subtlety Nige!', or do you think that's the correct way to turn a game around.

I think some people are letting themselves get too enraged. I know I foolishly anticipated that we would steal a draw, but hey, Wells only had to square the ball and we had a different game. We were outplayed by a better squad of players. We quite clearly were going to struggle without any fit senior midfielders and it was very brave for us to give players like Scott and Benarous the opportunity. But it might pay off in the long run as they learn more lessons. The weather was atrocious, the referee was appalling and our players weren't at their best. But let's not get too upset. These games will happen. If we reach 25+ points before Christmas then we are well on track to avoid a dogfight.

McGoldrick has been quality today. They've fielded players of a much higher calibre than ours.

I think that's too negative. We're playing away to a decent team with a load of youngsters in our team. The conditions are awful and the ref has been awful. We've been sloppy and disorganised at times but atrocious is over the top, I think, at only 1-0 down.

Don't worry. We'll equalise.

We can still nick a point. Need to get some shots on goal on the skiddy surface. Doesn't matter how well we play.

If we had a replacement he'd have to come off. Instead he needs the hairdryer treatment. Scott we should bring off if he can't get his game going. Semenyo and Wells needed for something different but let's face it they both have the potential to come on and have zero impact.

Well Martin had a great chance and had a close range header saved. That was during a period of the game where we go the ball in the final third quite often, but our attacking play just seems a bit make it up as you go along with mindless decision making.

Vyner's current form is a positive

As discussed on OSIB this week, they're both doing their job but it's not really a partnership.

Bakinson seems to have pulled out of every potential challenge

We're very much in this game.

City have been a bit disorganised, but I think the Sheffield United chances have all been created by exceptional play by them and I also think Blades have had the run of the play so far. Everything landing to SU players currently.

Higher press today

Bad start from Bakinson, good start by Vyner.

They've both made an error so far. Hopefully they settle down.

Yeah didn't we expect James to be back by now?

How can Flea of the RHCP be a Blades fan?! Anyway, I predict a 1-1 draw with both sides happy to take the point and not really going for it at the end.

This season is definitely one where I'd like us to get to 50 points ASAP. 28 by halfway is a tough but realistic target.

You can't both say next week and expect me to not get my hopes up! Merde.

Here's Ostigard with a handful of Han-Noah's delightful hair and not looking especially fouled in this shot.

Guaranteed win then?

Shame he didn't finish with, "speaking of assets, I'm pleased to announce that Han-Noah has signed a four year extension to his current deal which really shows the ambition of the club and the faith that the lad has in us."

I absolutely don't think wing back is O'Dowda's natural position. The way it could be made to work is a la Conte's Chelsea, if Baker and Vyner are very disciplined in their lateral movement to fill in as full backs when O'Dowda and Scott are engaged in the midfield play. That also requires that one midfielder drops deep, which I believe was Williams' job in these two games. So, I think it's something we can adapt to with hard work. But if you told O'Dowda he could play wing with less defensive responsibility I bet he'd bite your hand off. When it comes to game where he really has to defend as part of a back 5 he could easily get found out.