This is the game that will decide whether it’s playoffs (hopefully) or whether we can maintain a run for 2nd spot until the end of the season. Well it could be.
On paper, we have the most difficult run-in with games against 3 of the current Top 7 to go but the benefit of that means staying above Colchester and getting above Leeds is still in our own hands. Dropping points down at St Marys could however mean that we would have to overhaul three teams over the remaining games – maybe a bridge too far?
Again, on paper, Southampton have a very good team which has been shown in Pardewesque glimpses over the course of the season – they are however also experiencing the Pardewesque inconsistencies that we are all far too aware of. Although sitting pretty in third in the current form table, they are a lowly eighth (check out AFKA’s stat bank) in the home form table – somewhat surprising I think.
I think we will approach the game in the same way that we approached both Huddersfield and MK Dons and I would like to think we can possibly maybe nick a win. The team at the moment picks itself and I can’t see many changes from the Carlisle game. The only change that I could possibly see is Bailey coming in for one of Reid or Sam although I hope not. I’d stick with him on the bench…
If we play the ball to feet to Jonjo and Forster up top and they get well supported by the two wingers and maybe even Racon from the midfield I think we can get something from the game, maybe even all three points.
Not too confident though, and will predict a 2-0 loss combined with all other results going against us. Bring on May 29th…
League Table
Fixtures to keep an eye on
Brentford v Huddersfield
Colchester v Swindon
Leeds United v Southend
Millwall v Gillingham
Norwich v MK Dons
Comments
I would start:
Randy Randolph,
Richardson, Dailly, Sodge, Borrowdale
Sam, Semedo, Shelvey, Reid
Mooney(burton if fit??), Forster
Lets go to them and be positive, racon was not good enough imo monday and think we should give shelvey a CM role and maybe bring bailey on if not working
Come on you Reds!!!!
Can't make this one, would probably take a point as on paper it's probably going to be our hardest game.
At least we have a nice little gap between us and Colchester so we will at least have two shots of promotion 2nd or the play offs
Would easily be our win of the season if we can pull it off.
Yep, I think to get an automatic place you need a real landmark win, a moment when you go "we could really do this". A win on Saturday would be that moment for us.
Parky: "I've been waiting for you, Pardew. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now I am the master."
Removing the race for automatic promotion from the picture and an away draw would be a good result. If the lads do that then they deserve plaudits whatever happens in the playoff picture.
I know i sound negative about our prospects in this game. It isn't a judgement on the team I simply think to many things work against us. For a start they are managed by Pardew. Don't think he's a good manager but I do think it's sods law that he ends our hopes of automatic promotion. Then take into account that they are the money team of the division and are playing at home. We have won two games one nil and I expect we will play this way again. The law of averages tells us that eventually we will be on the wrong end of this scoreline.
That said I really hope we win and we are in the best shape and form to do so than at any point this season. We have stabilized the defence and central midfield. Our wingers have a clear understanding of their jobs and we have a striker born to score goals. Shelvey, Bailey and A Sodje could also be effective coming from off the bench.
http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=35917
Or possibly: 'Your powers are weak, old man."
Oh dear, what a nerd I sound...
0-4
COYR!
Or.... (Pardew to Parky)
"Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. Your players, out there on the pitch, are walking into a trap, as are your supporters. It was I who allowed your scouts to know the formations of my teams. We are quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best players awaits them. Oh, I'm afraid the scoreline will be quite embarrassing by the time your substitutes arrive".
Dear, dear, it would seem you are nowhere near as big a NERD as me, padawan!
Monday we had loadsa space? your right this will be an open game so should suit us
A narrow defeat.
Leeds will be Sarfend, Col U and Swindon draw, Millwall win
I still think if we win our home games we will be top 2 as we will get some points at Oldham and Exeter.
Bailey has got to start particularly to help cover at the back.
My team would be
Randolph,
Richardson, Dailly, Sodje, Borrowdale
Sam, Semedo, Bailey, Reid
Shelvey
Mooney (would link up better with Shelvey IMO)
Bench: Warner, Fry, Llera, Racon, Wagstaff, Forster, A Sodje
Comment re-tracted for legal reasons.
Starting
Randolph
Richardson
Dailly
S.Sodje
Borrowdale
Sam
Semedo
Bailey
Reid
Shelvey
Forster
Bench
Warner
Solly
Llera
Racon
Wagstaff
A.Sodje