Jerseybean Posted October 20, 2023 Report Share Posted October 20, 2023 With 24 per cent of the season completed, we are 14th, three points off the top six. Other than Brum and Argyle every game has been decided by a one goal margin. Comparing this season and last, after 11 games we were 13th on 14 points with a goal difference of +2 from 20 scored and 18 conceded; at present it’s 14th on 15 points with a goal difference of +1 from 14 scored and 13 conceded. The teams faced so far this season have an average league place of 11.2, last season it was rather freakishly also 11.2 (at that precise time of the season). Here’s a view on player ratings to date: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/knight-bell-bristol-city-ratings-8830872?utm_source=bristol_live_newsletter&utm_campaign=bcfc_newsletter2&utm_medium=email The Sky Blues will be backed by 3,000 traveling fans. Coventry are the draw specialists and sit immediately above us on the same points with 6 draws, 3 wins and 2 defeats. They have lost just once since the opening day of the season, winning two of their last three before the break and drawing with Norwich City in their last outing. They lost to Luton 6-5 on penalties in the play off final back in May, after it finished 1-1 after extra time. See photos Their striker Viktor Gyokeres completed his transfer to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.Gyokeres moved on a five-year deal for an undisclosed eight-figure fee, a record for an outgoing Coventry player. Of course they signed defender Jay Dasilva on a four-year deal.The 25-year-old had been offered a new contract by us, he spent four years with us and played 144 games. https://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/interview-jay-dasilva-ready-to-get-down-to-work-after-completing-coventry-city-switch/ and https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-jay-dasilva-bristol-27927393 They signed goalkeeper Brad Collins from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. They also signed Everton striker Ellis Simms on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Simms scored seven goals on loan last season at Sunderland then once in 11 games after returning to Goodison Park. The 22-year-old is to be a straight replacement for Viktor Gyokeres, who moved to Sporting Lisbon, https://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/transfer-viktor-gyokeres-joins-sporting-lisbon/ Japan midfielder Tatsuhiro Sakamoto joined on a three-year deal from Belgian club KV Oostende. They signed defender Joel Latibeaudiere following the expiry of his contract with Swansea City. The Sky Blues still had to pay an undisclosed compensation fee for the Jamaican international, thought to be about £500,000. The 23-year-old, who agreed a four-year deal, moved to south Wales from Manchester City in October 2020. They also signed defender Bobby Thomas from promoted Premier League side Burnley for an undisclosed fee. Their seventh summer signing was Dutch defender Milan van Ewijk who joined from Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old wing-back played 36 league games for Heerenveen in the 2022-23 season, scoring six goals. They also signed defender Luis Binks on loan from Italian Serie A side Bologna for the new Championship season.The 21-year-old has been in Italy since August 2020 after he left Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact. They broke their club transfer record in early August to sign United States international striker Haji Wright from Turkish side Antalyaspor. The £7.7m fee (9m Euros) beats the £6.5m paid to Norwich City when they signed Craig Bellamy in August 2000. The 25-year-old USA international has signed a four-year contract to become City's ninth summer signing. They signed Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari on loan for the rest of the season. The 19-year-old Swede joined the Seagulls from AIK Solna on a four-and-a-half-year deal in January for £3.5m. Gustavo Hamer left in mid August to join Sheffield United, one of 14 senior players to move on. On deadline day they took their total of summer signings to 11 by signing defender Liam Kitching from League One side Barnsley for an undisclosed fee. Their injury list appears to be extensive: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-injury-news-bristol-27878742 Kasey Palmer, who joined them from us, is one of those out injured. https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/kasey-palmer-coventry-city-bristol-city-efl-championship-jay-dasilva-4376202 For us Wells and Tanner will be missing and Kal Naismith and Jason Knight are doubts and of course Vyner and Atkinson are both still sidelined. In his brief loan spell at Bristol City their manager, Mark Robins, scored 5 goals in 8 appearances and helped City reach the 2003 Football League Trophy Final. However, by the time of the final he was recalled by Rotherham and unable play. We went on to win the final 2-0 against Carlisle in his absence. He is currently the longest serving Championship manager (six years and 226 days) with NP the second longest serving (two years and 238 days). It ended goalless at Ashton Gate last season, https://youtu.be/USSFneosyS0 Head-to-head record is close Won: 24 Lost: 25 Drawn: 24 Who else was there for this infamous game back in 1977? https://youtu.be/E38dbwFdNS4?si=uuR4RK8znjDDtLXJ NP presser: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/interviews/pearson-previews-coventry-visit/ and Rob Dickie’s thoughts: https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/interviews/dickie-looks-ahead-to-sky-blues/ Officials Referee: David Webb Assistants: Rob Smith and Robert Merchant Fourth official: Daniel Middleton From Facebook: My Dad Mark aka Blobby (as most knew him) passed away 2 years ago. This Saturday would of been my Dad's 60th Birthday. I've messaged Downeys but they don't do photos weekly they now do a memorial screen at the end of the season. Trying too get a clap for my Dad on the 60th minute this Saturday COYR’s 2 12 2 Quote Link to comment
GrahamC Posted October 20, 2023 Report Share Posted October 20, 2023 Real concern that Naismith & Knight appear doubts with Wells out & Tanner still unavailable. Back four appears Hobson’s choice in TGH, Dickie, Pring & Roberts. More options further forward but shows just how few we run with & Coventry are unbeaten in 4 including a decent win v Blackburn. 1 Quote Link to comment
1960maaan Posted October 20, 2023 Report Share Posted October 20, 2023 6 hours ago, GrahamC said: Real concern that Naismith & Knight appear doubts with Wells out & Tanner still unavailable. Back four appears Hobson’s choice in TGH, Dickie, Pring & Roberts. More options further forward but shows just how few we run with & Coventry are unbeaten in 4 including a decent win v Blackburn. MF looks like James & Williams, you either play JW further forward or move Sykes inside and stick say, Weimann in that wide MF role. Personally I'd only want AW as a striker, but needs must sometimes. Perhaps a slight change to how we set up , 442 keeps Sykes wide to help TGH and would allow AW to support/play along side TC. All speculation, but the extra games then illness means I'm not too optimistic for Knight. Fingers crossed for Naismith , him fit frees Roberts to possibly play further forward so Bell could move right and Sykes play the Knight role. As I say, speculation. At the moment you could just as easily through the numbers up in the air and see what lands, not having a go at LJ there BTW Quote Link to comment
Gazred Posted October 20, 2023 Report Share Posted October 20, 2023 Was thinking Dasilva would prefer to go up against Sykes rather than Cornick. He was vulnerable to those long diagonal balls into his area, could see Cornick profiting there if we tried that. I suspect Sykes will start though. Quote Link to comment
BCFCGav Posted October 20, 2023 Report Share Posted October 20, 2023 Really quite concerned about this one. If the Naismith and Knight absences come to fruition, on top of our existing injures, that’s an injury crisis with how small our squad is. Plus it’s at AG where we’ve more often than not struggled this season. On Cov, I notice they’re also mid-table. Is that an effect of losing Hamer and Gyokeres? Both excellent players. Or are they in a bit of a false position and will probably end up higher? Either way, I’m afraid the lads that do start tomorrow are gonna have to be near their best to get the 3 points, and after 3 losses in 4, that has to be the aim. Quote Link to comment
Son of Fred Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) 10 hours ago, 1960maaan said: Personally I'd only want AW as a striker, Agreed - then let's play him there. If Tommy isn't starting I'd go - Bell, Weimann, Sykes. Bags of energy there & all three individually carry more of a goal threat than Cornick. Edited October 21, 2023 by Son of Fred Quote Link to comment
City oz Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 11 hours ago, BCFCGav said: Really quite concerned about this one. If the Naismith and Knight absences come to fruition, on top of our existing injures, that’s an injury crisis with how small our squad is. Plus it’s at AG where we’ve more often than not struggled this season. On Cov, I notice they’re also mid-table. Is that an effect of losing Hamer and Gyokeres? Both excellent players. Or are they in a bit of a false position and will probably end up higher? Either way, I’m afraid the lads that do start tomorrow are gonna have to be near their best to get the 3 points, and after 3 losses in 4, that has to be the aim. Whoever starts you can be assured they will be committed. We are showing more fight this season than the past two or three seasons. The league is so tight and 3 points today. Dare I say it will go a very long way with confidence. Let's home its 3 points in the bag for us. 2 Quote Link to comment
Garland-sweden Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Despite our injuried players have a good feeling today. Weimann for Wells, think he will score today. 2-0 City, COYR 3 Quote Link to comment
1960maaan Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) 6 hours ago, Son of Fred said: Agreed - then let's play him there. If Tommy isn't starting I'd go - Bell, Weimann, Sykes. Bags of energy there & all three individually carry more of a goal threat than Cornick. Also protects TC , I know Nige said he's pretty much there but could easily give him (TC) 45 mins. I'd like to see AW central, always done ok and scored well there. Edited October 21, 2023 by 1960maaan 1 Quote Link to comment
pongo88 Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 You’ve done it again: Head-to-head record is close Won: 24 Lost: 25 Drawn: 24 There must be some team, somewhere, where we’ve won more than lost And, yes, I was there for the 2-2 draw. The last 10 minutes were amazing 1 Quote Link to comment
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 2 minutes ago, pongo88 said: You’ve done it again: Head-to-head record is close Won: 24 Lost: 25 Drawn: 24 There must be some team, somewhere, where we’ve won more than lost And, yes, I was there for the 2-2 draw. The last 10 minutes were amazing North of the river? 1 Quote Link to comment
winsaw Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) Just noticed all cross country trains are cancelled between Bristol and Birmingham due to flooding may see them bringing less down which should help us in what I think will be a close game Edited October 21, 2023 by winsaw 1 Quote Link to comment
Loosey Boy Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 8 minutes ago, winsaw said: Just noticed all cross country trains are cancelled between Bristol and Birmingham may see them bringing less down which should help us in what I think will be a close game Won’t help the Argyle fans on way to WBA either….. Quote Link to comment
BCFCGav Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 1 hour ago, City oz said: Whoever starts you can be assured they will be committed. We are showing more fight this season than the past two or three seasons. The league is so tight and 3 points today. Dare I say it will go a very long way with confidence. Let's home its 3 points in the bag for us. Good attitude brother. And you’re absolutely right re commitment - I don’t question that from these lads. 1 Quote Link to comment
Betty Swallocks Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 27 minutes ago, winsaw said: Just noticed all cross country trains are cancelled between Bristol and Birmingham due to flooding may see them bringing less down which should help us in what I think will be a close game They’ve been told their train tickets will be still be valid if they travel via Reading or Worcester. Quote Link to comment
One Team Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 First return for JD? I think KP45 has already been back? Quote Link to comment
And Its Smith Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Two big games coming up. The moans and groans will only get louder if we don’t win one of them. 2 Quote Link to comment
Tony Tootle Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Surely the best three in midfield is James and Williams holding with Weimann further forward so he can press with the forwards. 2 1 Quote Link to comment
City oz Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 10 minutes ago, And Its Smith said: Two big games coming up. The moans and groans will only get louder if we don’t win one of them. We might win both. That will shut up the moaners. 4 points out of 6 will also be respectable. Quote Link to comment
petehinton Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Conway and King starting Quote Link to comment
Sir Geoff Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) 2 minutes ago, petehinton said: Conway and King starting King centre back ? Edited October 21, 2023 by Sir Geoff Quote Link to comment
richyy66 Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 5 minutes ago, petehinton said: Conway and King starting Didn't think the team was announced until 2pm ? 1 Quote Link to comment
And Its Smith Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 3 minutes ago, richyy66 said: Didn't think the team was announced until 2pm ? Some people are in the know. Max and James starting as well…. 1 Quote Link to comment
elhombrecito Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 2 minutes ago, Sir Geoff said: King centre back ? Please, no. 2 Quote Link to comment
And Its Smith Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Maybe Dickie, King and Pring centre backs 1 Quote Link to comment
richyy66 Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Pring will be CB and Roberts LB. I hope !!! 2 Quote Link to comment
redkev Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 Our injuries ( yet again ) are having a huge impact on trying to move on from the dross of 2-3 years ago , every time our results / performances are on the upturn along come a spate of injuries to knock us back again , and today’s opponents are very decent to say the least seen them a few times on the box and been very impressed by them . would take a draw now with todays team ( due to injuries) 3 Quote Link to comment
Jerseybean Posted October 21, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 https://t.co/FYbrn6vgok Quote Link to comment
David Brent Posted October 21, 2023 Report Share Posted October 21, 2023 I had imagined Sykes at right back with TGH in midfield. It’s the best with what we’ve got Quote Link to comment
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