Don’t think you can rest anyone. Momentum is everything and swapping out key players and getting some duff results before the semi finals is detrimental to confidence.
Tricky one though, especially if the likes of TC and LJ are carrying knocks.
Think you’ve just got to go all guns blazing from here on to the end.
Some people on here seem scared of playing Stockport in the semis. I just don't get that at all. Any game will be tough. They are rarely easy. And all this talk of Wycombe crumbling isn't borne out either, although they are not on the same form as Wrexham certainly.
Not scared. They should be as concerned coming to the Valley as some fans are about going Edgeley Park. They are undoubtedly the most awkward opponents though, for whoever they match up against.
They’re seemingly outplayed in almost all the games they play and yet keep grinding out results. BUT I really don’t think they’re good enough against the better sides. Blackpool tore them a new one the other day and even Appleton’s Shrewsbury had nearly 3 times the number of touches in the opposition box than they had.
Some people on here seem scared of playing Stockport in the semis. I just don't get that at all. Any game will be tough. They are rarely easy. And all this talk of Wycombe crumbling isn't borne out either, although they are not on the same form as Wrexham certainly.
Not scared. They should be as concerned coming to the Valley as some fans are about going Edgeley Park. They are undoubtedly the most awkward opponents though, for whoever they match up against.
Are they? Wycombe more goals, less losses, more points, better squad on paper and beat Stockport 5 nil at their ground.
Nothing undoubtedly about it. Wycombe as things stand are the better team until proven otherwise.
Some people on here seem scared of playing Stockport in the semis. I just don't get that at all. Any game will be tough. They are rarely easy. And all this talk of Wycombe crumbling isn't borne out either, although they are not on the same form as Wrexham certainly.
Not scared. They should be as concerned coming to the Valley as some fans are about going Edgeley Park. They are undoubtedly the most awkward opponents though, for whoever they match up against.
Are they? Wycombe more goals, less losses, more points, better squad on paper and beat Stockport 5 nil at their ground.
Nothing undoubtedly about it. Wycombe as things stand are the better team until proven otherwise.
That was a very different Wycombe to the Wycombe of now. They're a lot more edgy and score a lot less goals. Not saying they aren't dangerous but I think Stockport are more dangerous. They're incredibly physical and good at the dark arts, that stuff is 10x more important in play off games than regular season games
They’re seemingly outplayed in almost all the games they play and yet keep grinding out results. BUT I really don’t think they’re good enough against the better sides. Blackpool tore them a new one the other day and even Appleton’s Shrewsbury had nearly 3 times the number of touches in the opposition box than they had.
I was actually thinking about Sunderland yesterday mate, was doing some taxi duties in Norwich City centre and saw all the Mackems about and it made my brain start ticking.
Why did we play in red at Wembley both times?
I understand 2019 as we finished 3rd and thought it was that, but Sunderland finished above us in the league In 98.
Does anyone know why Sunderland didn't play in their home strip?
I was actually thinking about Sunderland yesterday mate, was doing some taxi duties in Norwich City centre and saw all the Mackems about and it made my brain start ticking.
Why did we play in red at Wembley both times?
I understand 2019 as we finished 3rd and thought it was that, but Sunderland finished above us in the league In 98.
Does anyone know why Sunderland didn't play in their home strip?
There is a draw for who gets the home dressing room and therefore get to wear their home strip. It's not televised, just announced.
I really hope this info is correct and I haven't just imagined it. I'm now doubting myself.
I was actually thinking about Sunderland yesterday mate, was doing some taxi duties in Norwich City centre and saw all the Mackems about and it made my brain start ticking.
Why did we play in red at Wembley both times?
I understand 2019 as we finished 3rd and thought it was that, but Sunderland finished above us in the league In 98.
Does anyone know why Sunderland didn't play in their home strip?
Yeah I don't why. Do they have a choice or is it decided? Either way, it worked. I also went to the Leeds playoff final. Back then it was home and away and there was then the decider at Birmingham as we drew both games. Played in blue that game. We have not lost a play off final.... Yeah saw some Sunderland fans this morning at Norwich station making their way home.
Have to get that 2nd leg at home. I can see us beating anyone at the Valley, but away from home we've looked vulnerable in spells and I don't fancy us to hold on to a slender 1-0 first leg lead away at Wycombe or Stockport.
Id also fancy us to win at Wembley with the larger pitch and 35K+ Addicks cheering us on.
Will a big pitch help us with our play style? We seem to rely on a long ball / high press play style which a smaller pitch will help for running distances. If we were to play a more expansive passing game I would agree with you about the pitch size but we generally have less possession so a bigger pitch could become an issue. The big pitch will help Small and TC to isolate their defenders and cause some havoc, but our press could be bypassed a bit more easily
I might be wrong but the valley is a bigger pitch than most right? We are a lot better there than away from home.
I think the comments are more about playing Stockport specifically where a big pitch would help us, as in the away game we really struggled to get Small and TC in the game. Against a footballing side like maybe a Reading the big pitch would probably help their style more than ours
Big pitches, small pitches, blah , blah, really?!
What are the differences in size in fact?
We only know if there’s anything to ’pitch size theory’ if we can study the dimensions.Also, do a couple of metres really make a difference?
Have to get that 2nd leg at home. I can see us beating anyone at the Valley, but away from home we've looked vulnerable in spells and I don't fancy us to hold on to a slender 1-0 first leg lead away at Wycombe or Stockport.
Id also fancy us to win at Wembley with the larger pitch and 35K+ Addicks cheering us on.
Will a big pitch help us with our play style? We seem to rely on a long ball / high press play style which a smaller pitch will help for running distances. If we were to play a more expansive passing game I would agree with you about the pitch size but we generally have less possession so a bigger pitch could become an issue. The big pitch will help Small and TC to isolate their defenders and cause some havoc, but our press could be bypassed a bit more easily
I might be wrong but the valley is a bigger pitch than most right? We are a lot better there than away from home.
I think the comments are more about playing Stockport specifically where a big pitch would help us, as in the away game we really struggled to get Small and TC in the game. Against a footballing side like maybe a Reading the big pitch would probably help their style more than ours
Big pitches, small pitches, blah , blah, really?!
What are the differences in size in fact?
We only know if there’s anything to ’pitch size theory’ if we can study the dimensions.Also, do a couple of metres really make a difference?
I’ve heard even a couple of centimetres makes all the difference 🫢
I was actually thinking about Sunderland yesterday mate, was doing some taxi duties in Norwich City centre and saw all the Mackems about and it made my brain start ticking.
Why did we play in red at Wembley both times?
I understand 2019 as we finished 3rd and thought it was that, but Sunderland finished above us in the league In 98.
Does anyone know why Sunderland didn't play in their home strip?
There is a draw for who gets the home dressing room and therefore get to wear their home strip. It's not televised, just announced.
I really hope this info is correct and I haven't just imagined it. I'm now doubting myself.
Definitely a "draw" of some sort - more likely a toss of a coin. It's just they use one with CAFC on both sides....😀
Will there come a point where Nathan starts resting players for the semi finals or will he just keep pushing?
I’ve already been asking myself this for the last two games.
He knows that 2nd place for us is like any Arsenal fans who still think that they can catch Liverpool.
I’m just hoping that TC and LJ come back fresh for solid draws at Wycombe and Wrexham and then a decent win against Burton. We’d have to take that now if offered it.
The undoubtedly trickier game for all EFL teams (unless you're named Wycombe Wanderers)
We also lost at home against Crawley more recently than this result.
In the form tables Stockport are 4th for last four, 2nd for last six, 3rd for last eight, 4th for last ten and 4th for last 12.
On the other hand, Wycombe are 9th for last four, 8th for last six, 7th for last eight, 10th for last ten and 8th for last 12.
Agree with you that trying to pick and choose opponents is a dangerous business and we will face who we face. Wycombe have dangerous players who can hurt anyone (apart from Birmingham maybe). But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying Stockport would be a more uncomfortable opponent on current form.
I don't see us falling flat or taking it easy once we confirm play offs, that's going off Jones passive comments after Lincoln.
He will want to finish strong, grabbing 3rd or 4th, and having confident momentum going in to the play offs.
There might be some resting players, whether that's full games, or making early subs, but no more than that, in my opinion.
That is true but if we have a player who is not 100% and we are sure we can't go out of the play off places or come second, then I would expect us to rest that player. Of course we have players that are easier to replace than others. I would say TC, Coventry and Jones are ones you would not feel comfortable replacing and we had two of those not available for the Lincoln game.
As I will be on holiday for the Play Off final, I suspect we will reach it as that is life. I deserve it for not having faith and I may feel I have helped us get there. I ran past the wife, half jokingly, the possibility of coming back for it and that isn't going to be a goer. I am around for the semi finals thankfully.
Some people on here seem scared of playing Stockport in the semis. I just don't get that at all. Any game will be tough. They are rarely easy. And all this talk of Wycombe crumbling isn't borne out either, although they are not on the same form as Wrexham certainly.
Not scared. They should be as concerned coming to the Valley as some fans are about going Edgeley Park. They are undoubtedly the most awkward opponents though, for whoever they match up against.
Are they? Wycombe more goals, less losses, more points, better squad on paper and beat Stockport 5 nil at their ground.
Nothing undoubtedly about it. Wycombe as things stand are the better team until proven otherwise.
Wycombe are where they are because of how they performed up to January with Matt Bloomfield in charge. Under Dodds their record is P13 W5.
Have to get that 2nd leg at home. I can see us beating anyone at the Valley, but away from home we've looked vulnerable in spells and I don't fancy us to hold on to a slender 1-0 first leg lead away at Wycombe or Stockport.
Id also fancy us to win at Wembley with the larger pitch and 35K+ Addicks cheering us on.
Will a big pitch help us with our play style? We seem to rely on a long ball / high press play style which a smaller pitch will help for running distances. If we were to play a more expansive passing game I would agree with you about the pitch size but we generally have less possession so a bigger pitch could become an issue. The big pitch will help Small and TC to isolate their defenders and cause some havoc, but our press could be bypassed a bit more easily
I might be wrong but the valley is a bigger pitch than most right? We are a lot better there than away from home.
I think the comments are more about playing Stockport specifically where a big pitch would help us, as in the away game we really struggled to get Small and TC in the game. Against a footballing side like maybe a Reading the big pitch would probably help their style more than ours
Big pitches, small pitches, blah , blah, really?!
What are the differences in size in fact?
We only know if there’s anything to ’pitch size theory’ if we can study the dimensions.Also, do a couple of metres really make a difference?
I’ve heard even a couple of centimetres makes all the difference 🫢
Will there come a point where Nathan starts resting players for the semi finals or will he just keep pushing?
I think after Saturdays result, he won't rest anyone else, if he did for that game. I believe that was one of the reasons when he said his comments about being 'passive'. Nothing is guaranteed yet, so it has to be all hands to the pump.
They’re seemingly outplayed in almost all the games they play and yet keep grinding out results. BUT I really don’t think they’re good enough against the better sides. Blackpool tore them a new one the other day and even Appleton’s Shrewsbury had nearly 3 times the number of touches in the opposition box than they had.
I’d be delighted if we got them in the play offs.
but they did beat Wycombe on Sat
Yep. And it kinda proved my first point that they keep doing it despite seemingly being outplayed in all their games. I just don’t think their form is sustainable.
As I will be on holiday for the Play Off final, I suspect we will reach it as that is life. I deserve it for not having faith and I may feel I have helped us get there. I ran past the wife, half jokingly, the possibility of coming back for it and that isn't going to be a goer. I am around for the semi finals thankfully.
They’re seemingly outplayed in almost all the games they play and yet keep grinding out results. BUT I really don’t think they’re good enough against the better sides. Blackpool tore them a new one the other day and even Appleton’s Shrewsbury had nearly 3 times the number of touches in the opposition box than they had.
I’d be delighted if we got them in the play offs.
but they did beat Wycombe on Sat
Yep. And it kinda proved my first point that they keep doing it despite seemingly being outplayed in all their games. I just don’t think their form is sustainable.
They also beat Wrexham with the stats being a lot more even. And Peterborough
Reading
Key
Wrexham
Overall possession
REA
56.6%
WRE
43.4%
Reading 56.6%Wrexham 43.4%
Shots
Reading 12Wrexham 15
12
15
Shots on target
Reading 4Wrexham 3
4
3
Total touches inside the box
Reading 24Wrexham 25
REA
24
25
WRE
Goalkeeper saves
Reading 4Wrexham 2
4
2
Fouls
Reading 6Wrexham 17
6
17
Corners
Reading 2Wrexham 3
2
3
There is the issue of the awful owner. They have done remarkably well in the circumstances but it seems a bit unfair on other teams for them to be given a deadline then it being extended etc. I suspect the EFL are just hoping they miss out on the play offs. But could their results affect who gets relegated if they results are wiped?
As I've mentioned before, Shrek is a Reading supporter, so challenging for me to be objective!
As I will be on holiday for the Play Off final, I suspect we will reach it as that is life. I deserve it for not having faith and I may feel I have helped us get there. I ran past the wife, half jokingly, the possibility of coming back for it and that isn't going to be a goer. I am around for the semi finals thankfully.
I am away from 15th until 23rd so will be around for the final. Must admit to though when we booked our week I had no faith in us being in the mix now. I would also be tentatively running past my wife about coming back for it but Charlton have over the years tested our relationship far more than is really healthy 😂😂
Will there come a point where Nathan starts resting players for the semi finals or will he just keep pushing?
I think after we played Wrexham we'll know what the SP is. We should be safely in the play offs & very likely not be able to get top 2.
2 games to go NJ may want to rest a couple of players. But then you have the "integrety" of the competition to think about. We have to play Wycombe (maybe still chasing 2nd ?) and finally Burton (safe ? Already relegated ? Need a point to stay up ?) and so not playing your best 11 players might be questioned.
Will there come a point where Nathan starts resting players for the semi finals or will he just keep pushing?
I think after we played Wrexham we'll know what the SP is. We should be safely in the play offs & very likely not be able to get top 2.
2 games to go NJ may want to rest a couple of players. But then you have the "integrety" of the competition to think about. We have to play Wycombe (maybe still chasing 2nd ?) and finally Burton (safe ? Already relegated ? Need a point to stay up ?) and so not playing your best 11 players might be questioned.
We rested nearly our entire first team for that Rochdale game - allowing them to win and stay up in place of Oldham and we had no repercussions. My Oldham supporting mate never lets me forget allowing ‘Dogdale’ to stay up instead of them though …
Will there come a point where Nathan starts resting players for the semi finals or will he just keep pushing?
I think after we played Wrexham we'll know what the SP is. We should be safely in the play offs & very likely not be able to get top 2.
2 games to go NJ may want to rest a couple of players. But then you have the "integrety" of the competition to think about. We have to play Wycombe (maybe still chasing 2nd ?) and finally Burton (safe ? Already relegated ? Need a point to stay up ?) and so not playing your best 11 players might be questioned.
I think you'll find that we only play Burton after Wrexham
Comments
Some real misplaced confidence here, just like Peterborough away.
Wycombe have some brilliant players, and none of these play-off games will be favourable.
Let's just make sure we get the home fixture in the second leg.
Nothing undoubtedly about it. Wycombe as things stand are the better team until proven otherwise.
Why did we play in red at Wembley both times?
I understand 2019 as we finished 3rd and thought it was that, but Sunderland finished above us in the league In 98.
Does anyone know why Sunderland didn't play in their home strip?
I really hope this info is correct and I haven't just imagined it. I'm now doubting myself.
What are the differences in size in fact?
We only know if there’s anything to ’pitch size theory’ if we can study the dimensions.Also, do a couple of metres really make a difference?
We are 4th, Reading 5th. Reading disqualified we get a bye into the final.
Wycombe finish 3rd, Stockport 6th. Stockport beat up/rough up Wycombe, but Wycombe win.
Come the final, half the Wycombe team are suffering minor injuries that rule them out.
He knows that 2nd place for us is like any Arsenal fans who still think that they can catch Liverpool.
I’m just hoping that TC and LJ come back fresh for solid draws at Wycombe and Wrexham and then a decent win against Burton. We’d have to take that now if offered it.
In the form tables Stockport are 4th for last four, 2nd for last six, 3rd for last eight, 4th for last ten and 4th for last 12.
On the other hand, Wycombe are 9th for last four, 8th for last six, 7th for last eight, 10th for last ten and 8th for last 12.
Agree with you that trying to pick and choose opponents is a dangerous business and we will face who we face. Wycombe have dangerous players who can hurt anyone (apart from Birmingham maybe). But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying Stockport would be a more uncomfortable opponent on current form.
Nothing is guaranteed yet, so it has to be all hands to the pump.
Overall possession
Shots
Reading 12Wrexham 15Shots on target
Reading 4Wrexham 3Total touches inside the box
Reading 24Wrexham 25Goalkeeper saves
Reading 4Wrexham 2Fouls
Reading 6Wrexham 17Corners
Reading 2Wrexham 3There is the issue of the awful owner. They have done remarkably well in the circumstances but it seems a bit unfair on other teams for them to be given a deadline then it being extended etc. I suspect the EFL are just hoping they miss out on the play offs. But could their results affect who gets relegated if they results are wiped?
As I've mentioned before, Shrek is a Reading supporter, so challenging for me to be objective!
2 games to go NJ may want to rest a couple of players. But then you have the "integrety" of the competition to think about. We have to play Wycombe (maybe still chasing 2nd ?) and finally Burton (safe ? Already relegated ? Need a point to stay up ?) and so not playing your best 11 players might be questioned.