The one man Lee Johnson can't afford to drop for Bristol City's Sheffield United clash. By Michelle Owen The Sky Sports News presenter gives her verdict on the Robins Three wins on the bounce and there is an air of positivity surrounding Ashton Gate in this international break. I was really impressed with Bristol City on Sunday, Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray afterwards said it was not a 4-1 game but Bristol City took their chances and actually they could have had more. Thanks to a great piece of defending by Tomas Kalas clearing from under his own bar late on the scoreline remained 4-1 and will breed confidence into the Bristol City squad. Lee Johnson spoke eloquently after and he must be chuffed at how the last three games have worked out. When Famara Diedhiou was banned for six games it seemed as if it would massively impact Bristol City’s season, he was so key last season even being out with injury for some of it. However, even though fit and available he only made the bench for Sunday’s match, a decision that proved correct. Matty Taylor is currently a player who cannot be dropped, it may be Andreas Weimann with his name on the score sheet but Taylor is playing just as well. Two assists on Sunday proving his worth once again, I hope he gets a few more goals which his work rate deserves. Unless Weimann is injured while on international duty, you cannot see Johnson changing the side for Sheffield United next weekend. Diedhiou did really well when he came on, he probably did not catch his shot for his goal as true as he would have wanted but it went in and he now adds pressure to the strikers who will, in turn, look to up their game. It is a nice problem for Johnson and his coaching staff to have, one they have across a number of areas on the pitch which Johnson spoke about after the Blackburn Rovers win. Some players are not even getting in the matchday squad like Mo Eisa and Bailey Wright. In this situation, it must be hard to keep everyone content, but unless he is forced to by injuries you would doubt that Johnson will change a winning team. The only position it seems where there is not quite as much depth as others is central midfield. For now, Marlon Pack and Josh Brownhill are doing a fine job. There was a period in the Blackburn game when a pass would not fall for either of them, but after that dodgy spell they pushed on and got a goal each. However, where is the backup? Liam Walsh is one candidate and needs to be ready in case of any injuries, but I just wonder if Johnson may be thinking of Jamie Paterson as back up too in the absence of Korey Smith. It is a shame for Paterson that he is not starting on the wing or in the number ten role but the players in front of him are keeping him out. We discussed his role at length in the Robins On The Wire podcast this week, all of us agreed he is one of the most skilful players in the Championship but for now he is limited to substitute appearances from the bench. While I am sure everyone hopes for no injuries, it is reassuring to see the quality ready to come in if needed. The players and coaching staff not on international duty will have enjoyed a bit of time off this week, and Johnson was relaxed after the win. He even joked that after the yellow card that Steve Lansdown had given him the choice of fine or forfeit, I am intrigued to know what the forfeit is! I am even more intrigued to see if the Robins can keep up this form. Roll on next Saturday! https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/one-man-lee-johnson-cant-1979132
' Matty Taylor is currently a player who cannot be dropped, it may be Andreas Weimann with his name on the score sheet but Taylor is playing just as well.' I thought it might raise a few eyebrows.
Some players are not even getting in the matchday squad like Mo Eisa and Bailey Wright - Injured players generally don't.... Good to see the reporter did her homework.....
We don’t know what goes on behind the scenes , but on th face of it why change a winning team , it’s a long season Fam will get his chance to start . On the plus side it will allow him to get match fittness back at his own pace .
The format worked last weekend so why change it? As Ashton rightly says it will be the perfect scenario for Fammy to regain his match fitness and confidence and with all things being right he could make the starting lineup in about 3 weeks. Right now we appear to have hit a purple patch and if we can trounce Blackburn we can beat anybody, so bring it on lads. Over the last few weeks I have watched some highlights of our recent matches and I have noticed an upbeat component in our performances and also we seem to make things easier for ourselves as opposed to recent seasons where we have fallen off the perch. Competence is a key component that we have missed and my view from the sidelines is that we appear to have added that part of the game to our resume.
We have to be very careful with teams like SHEFF UTD they started very well last season and have done this … some teams just win and win and draw for about 10 of the opening games irrespective of the opponent ….. then settle down and drift away ….. bookies laying odds that both teams could win …. some have either team to win ...7/5 v 7/5 or 13/8 v 13/8 or go 13/8 v 7/5 etc etc most games the draw is between 9/4 to 5/2 no difference here
Only a idiot would change a winning team that has won three on the trot. Matt Taylor has been instrumental in the play and wins. Same team should start.
I wouldn't pick a side just because it won a few games......i would pick what I thought would be my best side...
Both arguments are valid , personally i wouldn’t change a Winning side , but I can see the logic that if the manager believes the better way tactically to win would be to start Fam I wouldn’t criticise him for doing so.
Well I would certainly pick what I think would be my strongest side, I think in the championship Fammy is a better striker than Matty, wether LJ thinks Fammy has had enough game time remains to be seen, always pick your strongest team is my motto, and it always served me very well.
I think LJ will need to consider what he feels will be most effective against a strong Sheffield United side, though I'm inclined to say that Taylor should probably be rewarded with the start with Diedhiou ready to cause havoc from the bench.
Well I have been proven right regards Matt Taylor give him the chance and he will do the business. It is the first time LJ has given him a go and it has been rewarded with excellent performance.
OK, I trust you on that, but I think the point that he still has a long ways to go to prove that he has more to offer than our player of the season last year. If he does, we can only be happy about it.
You did say he's better than Reid though. I really like Matty Taylor don't get me wrong (on the pitch at least). But he is not better than Bobby.
