On the Douglas front remember the start to the season, when everyone was raving about Douglas being the best £3m we have ever spent. He was consistently good and getting rave reviews. My own view at the time was that he couldn't play with Alioski in front of him, and still think that. He got injured and Bielsa opted for Alioski instead of Pearce and so loaned him out. Alioski has come into his own and Douglas is now his bitch and think he doesn't like it, and Jock may be right saying he is disruptive. Bielsa will know whats happening but 'the wand left foot' thing is also a worry because I think Douglas has created 3 goals and missed a few simple chances himself, and not really had a go at taking free kicks? So its like we only bought half of Douglas and I have a feeling he will be gone in the Summer. The only thing missing at Leeds right now is goals and having both Roofe out (Twice) and Bamford missing for big chunks of the season has hurt us. The other top teams have 2 or 3 top strikers but we haven't. Billy Sharpe for example has scored 22 goals so far from 34 games, and I have no doubt that if we had a Beckford, McMoney type player in the squad they would be over 20 goals too. I have no doubt that if Bamford had been fit all season he would be going for the golden boot, how could you not with this style of play, but unfortunately we didn't sign a striker in January. I still think we will do it because I think both Norwich and the blunts will drop points and both could get beaten next time out. Boro and Bristol and their opponents and Pulis will be fuming and no doubt his players will know it. I think its last chance saloon for Boro so fancy them. Bristol have gobbed off too much recently and think their manager knows his team need a performance or play-offs gone, so fancy them too. That means a win against Wall will see us back in 2nd 2 points behind again with 7 to play.
Can someone explain to me how Sheffield united can afford four quality strikers they can rest/rotate. Sheffield are only back from a spell in league one, draw smaller crowds than us and don’t have anything like the merchandising ability we have yet we’re the ones trying to operate with two strikers hoping the second one doesn’t get injured and have no option in the event of a lack of form
Just to clarify the mixed emotions from yesterdays match. Negative...we lost, so gutted as we passed up the opportunity to move more points in front of third and also as a consequence fell outside of the automatic promotion slots. Positive...we were much the better side and after yesterday I'm convinced we are one of the best 2 sides in the division. Promotion is definitely achievable this season but it might have to come through the play offs. We should fear no one and if we do finish 3rd we're definitely the best team and will be worthy favourites to get to Wembley and achieve what we are all dreaming off. Big push now for the final 8 games and just as importantly be ready to go again if needed.
Villa are vastly improved with Grealish back. They’ll likely finish sixth meaning they’ll be playing the third place team in semis. Not sure I’d fancy the prospect tbh
A long way to go before we know who will be finishing where so obviously we'll worry about that as and when. Psychologically though, it might be a good idea to refer to 11 games remaining from now on to try and prepare the minds of players and supporters alike for the tasks ahead.
Very good point which makes it all the more important that we grab an auto spot,as others have said Sheffields luck should run dry (hopefully sooner rather than later)
Bielsa has his mind set on one way of playing. Who is gotts and why is he a bench warmer?. To me bielsa has his faults he is a bit Asperberger.
Yep think you’re right. 3 tough games will need 3 big performances... and probably a bit of luck... We’ve got to be due a bit of luck though surely. Seems like we have to dominate teams to get 3 points and even then it’s not guaranteed. Norwich and blunts are both capable of picking up points when not at their best. If we had their ruthlessness/efficiency we’d be out of sight. Sheff wed and villa at home are potentially tricky too as both have hit form.
that would be a big statement to make. Would put sheff utd under pressure. A big ask but maybe roofe will make it back. One thing bud but why does bamford drop back so much. Hes supposed to lead the line.
No I did not, I alway said that I thought Douglas was a poor left back. And I alway got slapt with he is the best left back in the league. I mean ffs he is not even the best left back in the club.
