Between now and January 21st we have six games which will show us all what our team is really made of. All six games have the potential for all three possible results: Yeovil away looks the easiest 'on paper'; Orient, Fulham and Wednesday, all away are games against teams which are coming right into form as our own is slipping a little and a few injuries are starting to take their toll. Brentford and Sheffield United at home will be far from easy. OK, we beat United at Bramall Lane, though 2-0 was a flattering scoreline. Brentford are one of our bogey teams and will be right up for another valley visit.
Our squad looks strong and Chris Powell will need to get his selections just right to come through these six games with colours still flying high. I'd love to have a good cup run but right now, although I dislike writing this, the league games are far more important for the long term future of the club.
Guesswork ?: Win V Yeovil, draw at Orient, hard fought win against Brentford, loss at Fulham, and one point from each of the Sheffield games. And bear in mind, every club will have similar problems to us and every manager will be praying that his top players come through relatively unscathed and with a few points in the bag ...
A Merry Christmas and a happy & successful 2012 to one and all.
Comments
On the plus side. After the consecutive Sheffield games, we only have 2 more games left against the other "big 4".
MK Dons at home in Feb & Hudds away in March.
TBH I can see anything happening. Perhaps the most crucial thing is to not lose against our rivals. If we draw, we maintain our lead over them.
We may have more trouble against the lesser teams, you just can't tell.
I do agree that it is more likely we will get promoted if we are out of the cup. Since we drew Fulham we have had 2 insipid draws with Walsall & Oldham.
If we beat Fulham & then draw the likes of Man U, there is a real danger we will take our eye off of the most important target.