Match Day Thread Stoke ****ty v Hull City

Surprised people are so down. I don't think stoke are anything special.

 

Agreed, think it’s just the timing. They are in scorching hot form whilst we are struggling with a crippling injury list.

 

To be fair in terms of injuries, presuming Lundstram is back on the bench, we're only actually missing two players who've played any minutes this season (discounting Palmer as he'd be binned off anyway).

 

But arguably the two best players in the squad.

 

I’d be delighted with a draw.

Stop the (mini) rot

 

Ipswich were on a run but looked very poor the problem is so did we.

Stoke are nothing to fear its our own mistakes that I fear more than the opposition.

 

Don't forget a walking wounded Crooks who's not been the same since his injury

 

Third game in a week with the same small squad of players unless we get anyone back. Not letting my heart rule my head so unfortunately it’s a 2.0 defeat. A draw for me would be magnificent.

 

I think the plan would have been to play 3 at the back, but Drameh being a doubt will change that.

Crooks straight back in you'd expect, I wonder if it'll be Gyabi back out, I wouldn't have faith in him and Slater being able to shield the defence, so Hadziahmetovic will likely start again?

 

I thought Gyabi did alright on Tuesday, but of the 4 you mention, yes he probably is the one to drop out.

Would imagine Lundstram will be on the bench.

 

i dont think we will be getting crafted by the potters

theyll be mauled by the tigers though

 

I agree, but I'd be surprised if he dropped Slater and we saw what happened with a Gyabi and Slater pairing from 60 mins on Tuesday.

 

We won't get a point!

 

Slater been poor compared to recent games in the last 2, he set up Gelhardt very well but outside of that he’s been very poor in possession with his midfield counterparts. It’s our biggest issue still not the backline

 

You're probably right...I recall going there a few years ago. They were riding high, we were struggling. They needed to win to secure a top 6 place, we just needed the points. Last minute goal by Barmby (I think) got us a point. I'd take similar on the weekend.

 

Agree with that also, but I'd still be surprised if Sergej dropped him.

Similar to Joseph, he seems to be one of Sergej's favourites now.

 

Just on that.

Ipswich's "Farmed by the Tractors" was a better effort than many opposition fans who just put their own team name into Mauled, which makes no sense. Although they were still doing the mauling gesture; I'd have preferred to see a farming gesture of some kind ideally. They did at least wait to go two ahead, unlike Portsmouth's lot who, with judgement clearly impaired by the long trip, went early at 1-0 in the first half. Almost guaranteed their defeat right there.

 

Another tough game, I thought we defended much better the other night apart from the 2 mistakes. We will need to be focused and try and hit them on the break. Good to see Crooks back and Lundstram.

I guess the 2 main decisions are will Joseph go to left wing and Destan up front or Joseph up front and Ndala on the wing. Also, who will play in midfield, between Slater, Amir or Darko as I assume Crooks will play in the 10 role.

 

thought this was a goods watch - loads of City fans giving it large to the deluded Stokies