Have to say I thought it was clear offside, don’t know why the commentators tried to pretend otherwise
He is doing rather well, but in my opinion he has got it wrong today. Do you really think he hasn't? Bah!
A little bit of pant wetting is understandable at this point, but bottom line is we’ve played poorly for a couple of matches but still gathered two points, are seven points clear of third and four points clear of second. Hands up who would rather be Sheffield United or Leeds right now?
I can understand not changing a winning team (though I don't always agree with it), but after two draws in which we didn't score until the subs came on surely there must be changes on Friday. Leitner and Vrancic must be wondering what they have to do to get a start. It isn't just about the team, but the squad as a whole.
Things aren't as bad as some would make out. We've played 2 teams desperate for points and set up not to lose. Both teams went ahead against the run of play and one of them needed a penalty to score. Despite this we still managed to score 3 goals and come back from losing positions. I don't think the last 2 games are down to the loss of Buendia. I do think some of our players are tired. If I was Farke I'd be very reluctant to change my selection / squad management policy particularly if I believed this is had contributed to the incredible squad spirit that has been the hallmark of our season. We are still in a fantastic position that even the most optimistic fan wasn't predicting at the start of the season. The title / promotion is still ours to give away, not that I think we will. Have a little faith.
It would take a lot of giving away from here. In fact we are 1/66 for promotion. I very much doubt now that Sheffield can take full points from what they have left. They have averaged 1.88 points per game to date which suggests that they might take 7 from their last four games. Personally I think that they might take as many as ten, leaving us needing four points from our remaining games.
I think the odds are on our side for a top two finish, but I'm less sure now of finishing above Leeds. If we had upped our game at Wigan after the previous performance I'd be more confident - but we didn't. Keeping the same side yet again suggests that that's ok and must disillusion the players left on the bench. I like Cantwell and think he has potential, but he lacks Buendia's pace, goal making, goal scoring and defensive skills. Vrancic is the closest player we have and he's lifted the play each time he comes on. IMO he deserves a start, as does Leitner, who would bring more fluidity to our midfield.
Wednesday have pretty much blown their chance of the play offs and may want to do us a favour to screw over Sheffield United . They won't be fighting for survival like the last two games.
We now face three teams with nothing to play for followed by one who will either be safely in a play off position or if they are not will have suffered a pretty dramatic collapse in form. It will probably be the former, and with their first play off game days away Villa won't be wanting to risk injuries by turning our match with them into an unnecessary cup tie of a game.
After two draws, SW is now a must win or the pressure will mount for the final 3 games. The Owls will attack more and we'll need pace on the counter. Pukki and Hernandez have that but Cantwell and Stiepermann don't and neither are likely goalscorers either. Replacing Cantwell with Vrancic would provide a more balanced and powerful attack.
Cantwell may well be a player for the future, but we need players for now and that should mean Vrancic or Leitner, or both, in the starting line up on Friday (and again on Monday, though Bendy will be available by then).
I'd agree Cantwell doesn't pose much of a threat, but Stiepermann ? Personally I'm not convinced Cantwell is yet good enough & wouldn't have gone with him to replace Buendia. We haven't done much wrong the last 2 games, so wouldn't be surprised if no change to starting line up, but maybe subs earlier at half time if not working.
I wasn't suggesting dropping Stiepermann, just that he doesn't have real pace. Without a three pronged attack ahead of him, his play has dropped off in the last two games. Put either Vrancic or McLean in for Cantwell and we'd carry more threat. That's not Cantwell's fault, because IMO he's playing out of position. His game is as an AM not out wide and we look unbalanced as a result. I suppose if we draw with SW, DF won't bring back Buendia against Stoke. That would be infuriating!
Infuriating!!?? Hell, that would be crazy!! Don't talk like that Rick. I'm already in a delicate state of mind!
