Apologies folks, another quick one for this match, lots of last minute running around to sort ahead of the big day... though I suspect my idea of the big day being this game may vary slightly from Mrs Brizzle's and the rest of my family!! Another tricky game lies in store for our Bluebirds on this Boxing Day as the Pilgrims come to town for the first time since 2009. By some strange quirk of fate, that last visit was also on Boxing Day in a match that saw a play-off chasing Bluebirds taking on a relegation threatened Plymouth side, so the parallels are uncanny, though let us hope that that is where the similarities end as in that last game our southerly visitors performed a current Cardiff City like 'smash and grab' on us to walk away with all 3 points in front of a disgruntled and expectant home crowd. Plymouth's form, very much like our own has fluctuated rather badly, though over the last 6 they are still marginally better off than we are. They have of course also suffered the blow of their highly rated manager jumping ship on them to take over at fellow strugglers Stoke City, but given their fight back yesterday against Mr Rooney's Brum side it seems motivation and endeavour are not an issue for them. Bulut's Bulletin Not being aware of any fresh injuries it seems that Erol will once again have the bulk of his squad to select from as he searches for some inspiration to spark some life into our still misfiring Bluebirds side. Etete may have earned a start again with his bright substitute appearance against the Owls, perhaps with Meite moving to the wing in place of the out of sorts Josh Bowler? Callum Robinson may also drop out of the starting 11 following a poor showing and Manolis Siopis is really looking liek he could do with a rest at just the wrong time, so could we see a complete midfield re-shuffle from the gaffer or will he persist with his preferred but struggling regulars? Past Meetings Throwback from the 1993-94 season here; And an entertaining 2-2 from 2006-07. Sharing The Love As per previous 'quick' threads, rather than provide a load of blurb, just pictures and on this occasion some small hints.... time to guess away. This Pilgrim made 141 appearances for our visitors, and 62 for us, but failed to notch in that time with us. I'm sure no one saw this guy making 170 appearances for us when he first signed. Also made 62 appearances for the Devon side. This guy formed a solid column at the back for us, making 127 appearances in the team's shirt. With a stone cold knack of finding the net at crucial times, this player clocked up 110 appearances and 25 goals for the Bluebirds. A home boy who probably should have had a better career than he did, made 90 appearances for the Bluebirds but just the 7 for Argyle... also dabbled in that other game where they have odd shaped balls. So, can Erol guide us to a very Merry Christmas with a 2nd win on the spin? Will our big cheese make the right Pilgrims choices with the line up to get us 3 points?? Will we cruise to victory against Argyle or will be be sweatering on the final whistle??? All I know is, with a little smattering of Christmas magic, a minor miracle and some hard work, we could be top 6 again in the New Year, now who'd have thought that eh??? Bloooooooooooooooooooobirds.... Merry Christmas all - may you all have a wonderful day tomorrow with family, friends, loved ones, pets, Peroni or however you intend to spend it.
Cheers BB. Thanks for taking the time on what is a busy Christmas Eve for all of us. Interesting ex-players list with Plymouth connections. Of those only Noonie (one of my favourite City players - guaranteed to get us out of our seats when he got the ball) would get a starting place in the current team although Darcy Blake at his best would get a shout. Fingers crossed for 3 points on Boxing Day with some entertainment and no squeaky bums. Have a good one guys and gal.
Cheers Brizzle Thanks for the regular match day threads, some excellent work. Hope you and Mrs Brizzle have a good Christmas.
Whizzo Brizzo again! We need to thank you and Sausageman for your respective inputs to provide us forum members with continuity in all things CCFC. I'm sure I speak for all - well done to the both of you.
Memories of Argyle matches? I do recall that downer at home in 2009 Without checking I’m sure we beat them 1-0 on New Year’s Day around 2008 & recall Kasper Schmeical keeping out Sylvia E Banks with a dadesque spread. A 4-4 draw in 1986, a 3-3 draw away in 2006 (memorable but for wrong reasons as we were 3-0 up), a 2-2 draw (fightback after Ross Turnbull blundering in 2002). The day after we beat Newport Co in 82-83 season on Boxing Day we went to Argyle the day after (yes younger readers the players did back to back games back then) but were robbed 3-2 by some dodgy defending & refereeing - that was a long coach trip back There’ll be a lot in green in that corner tomorrow
Was at that 3-3 draw down there. When we were 3-0 up and coasting, Super Kev and Pursey both scored own goals - Pursey's was a header past Alexander that gave them the point with a couple of minutes to go. I think Dave Jones bought Tony Capaldi off them after he'd played for them that game.
Life is very simple, football is very simple. We played 75 minutes saved only by some brilliant defending then with 15 to go moved Grant central with Ettete and Tanner on the wing and suddenly we score 2 goals and win a game that was lost. It does not take the brightest spark on the planet to know which team to start. As luck would have it Bulut is not the brightest spark so he will choose the team that played for 75 minutes, but then again he changes goalies out of the blue.
Life is very complicated, football is very complicated - that's unless you're a hermit and play Subbuteo with yourself of course. I'm no football strategist by any means, but there a little more to it than you suggest.
It’ll be interesting to see the team he sends out tomorrow. Usual gk & back 4. Now here’s where it gets tricky. How about Ralls, Wintle, Tanner & Grant in a midfield 4 with Colwill in the hole and Etete up top? So that would mean Siopis, Robinson, Meite and Bowler benched.
I wouldn't start Robbo nor Bowler at the moment. They can both do the business in a side that's playing well but they're very hit and miss when the chips are down. Grant deserves a spot for his efforts and Tanner can win you a game. Not sure about dropping Siopis though. Some indifferent performances recently but his energy is vital in an otherwise static midfield. Colwill remains an enigma. I'm sure he's capable of better things than he's shown recently. It could be worth giving a run before Ramsey comes back (allegedly) because I can't see him getting that spot if Rambo remains fit. Up top Etete looks the obvious choice as it just isn't happening for Meite. We definitely need another option in January for the second half of the season. Whether it's Moore or not doesn't matter to me.
I notice Brizzo hasn't given us "Bulut's bets" on his epic thread for this game........... Just had a look. We're at a very univiting even money favourite for the win - can't be arsed with that. Does anyone think we can win this by 2 clear goals? Well I'm going to have a go on City with a one goal handicap on offer @ 13/5. 50 quid of my (very fortunate ) Wendie winnings gone on City to win this -1 @ 13/5. Now City with a 2 goal handicap is on offer at 13/2..........
Oops, sorry Sparkey.... Rushing to get it done before heading out to buy the Xmas fresh food!!!! Hope everyone is having a perfect day today, will catch up tomorrow after the final whistle no doubts... Merry Bluebird Chrimbo all
Wonder if he’ll start with Grant inside like he changed it up at Sheff W? Wintle certainly, well IMO, made a difference coming on last game with some decent accurate passing. Siopis? He’s been off his game a while now. Agree he does decent harassing but his passing is a bit hit & miss. I’m banging the Colwill drum again. He does add some attacking threat but maybe not from the start, like Tanner.
My choice is the team that won the game in the last 15 minutes why would you play anyone else? Still I think Robinson is class and players are not reading him, Bowler will take on 2/3 players and a lot of the time all they can do is bring him down. They always put 2/3 players on Bowler and 1 on grant and no one on Meitie cause they watch our games and spot the danger men.
You'd lose. A 3-1 prediction with a 2 goal handicap would mean City would draw not win. Better have a rethink.
jck - just to show you how much of a long shot predicting a win for City with just a single goal handicap, the last time it happened was the 4-0 drubbing of Huddersfield back in October. Apart from that, we've only won by more than a single goal margin 3 times, against Rotherham, Swansea and Bristol - all 2-0 wins. Having a go with a 2 goal handicap is a huge punt and 13/2 is a bit short - City would have to win by a 3 goal margin to pick up your money. Having said that, today could be the day............
