I cannot agree with Eddie N that this is no different than any other game that follows. I am nervous about this one already! Regrettably, the odds are shortening on us going down - we are pretty much equal with Bolton and they have the home advantage for this game. Unless the improvement we saw against Everton continues and we get a teeny bit of luck (Buz's miss), out chances will drop further still.
The pressure's on Bolton to win at home,fortunately their worse at home than they are away!We just need to play positively and attack them,i'm sure we won't keep a clean sheet,but equally sure we can outscore them.
This game is massive. Let's not forget that Bolton have probably been looking at us as a handy 3 pts. While obviously a win and 3pts would take off some immediate pressure, a draw would not be the end of the world. A loss however would be a huge blow. We need to make sure we don't loose this game. An unlikely win would put us 5pts ahead of them. Think the importance of this game will influence who he picks and how he sets us up. Really can't see him risking Diakite from the start. He will still be way off the pace and match unfit. Think Derry will deffo start. Adel has really stepped up to the mark recently, but despite his improved work-rate can't see MH playing him on the wing as it may still leave our FB exposed. MH said he would try and play Adel as he is such a creative option. That indicates to me that he won't go with a standard 4-4-2. IMO he will continue with a 4-2-3-1 or similar. I know others have said that Cisse can play in the attacking 3 but i am not so sure. I would not be surprised if Cisse does not start but comes on after 60 to increase the pace. If Cisse does start then IMO it will be SWP that is dropped. Thoughts?
MH does not seem to understand that substititions are permitted at any time and there has been no sign that he is willing to change the line up until 10 mins before the end at the earliest. That's way too late for subs to make an impact IMO but either way we need Cisse and do not want him on the bench for most of the game. He will definitely start.
I think it is a game we really should be looking to win with our tough run in. So I think and hope MH brings in Cisse for SWP, Cerny for Kenny, and otherwise keeps the same team, 4 2 3 1 formation, solidity defensively, and fluency up front with which we produced our best performance over the full 90 minutes in a long time against Everton. 22 Goal scoring chances I think I read, and not too many against. We need Cisse to convert a few more than SWP has done this season! I agree with you Derry will be a safer starting option than Diakite, and that Adel must play.
I think we need to use the fact that Bolton do need to win. Keep it balanced (for God's sake don't sit back) like we did against Everton (tight at the back and willing to join in the attack) then we should be alright (with Bolton getting increasingly frustrated and dangerous). There shoud be lots of chances (especially at the end if we're still level or better). The workrate of the central midfield is the crucial part for me.
FFS...I've only just realised that it's live on Sky!!!! Now I'm really nervous....as I can never get a decent stream for away games, I thought I was going to be relying on Jeff and the crew on Gillette Soccer Saturday! Now I'll be living every torturous second. Oh and nuts....Bob thinks Ciise may start on the bench too...can't see MH risking leaving him out myself! I could go with playing him on the right of a 3 behind Zamora though.
Thanks for pointing out it's on Sky. Hadn't realised. We really need a win here, although a draw and an excellent performance would still be encouraging. If we can get on song now, we can beat Liverpool at LR...
I'm fairly relaxed about this game. After watching our last two games, I sense that the team have a calmer inner confidence about them. The sending off against Fulham put a spanner in the works, but the 10 men went on to play better than Fulham without getting a result. Against Everton there was improvement and you could see that the intensive short training drills were starting to have an effect. We pressed relentlessly in the final third of the pitch to win back the ball and sustain our attack. This will only make us improve further, and with the amount of chances we're creating, woe betide any opposition who's not on top of their game.
Was it changed recently to a TV game? It was the 1245pm KO that made me wonder. ****, I'm gonna be nervous watching it!!
Gets my vote as best post recently ... Any fickle fans should read this and understand what is required to become a team: If we rush around like chicken's then we will get our heads cut off ... Composure ,confidence and total understanding take time to bed in ... Some fans may look very silly come the end of this season ..999 won't be one of them
No reason to fear liverpool at home. They are not the team they use to be. If we don't get at least a draw against them i will be disappointed.
Yeah, I think it was a recent change. I suspect we'll be in a few televised matches before the end of the season.
Nervous, ****ing bricks to be honest! But I've got a good feeling 'bout it still, think we'll get something from it. I have a feeling as well that MH will show no sentiment and drop both Hill and Derry for Young and Diakite. Young should be fit to start and since MH took full responsibility for Diakite's sending off I'm pretty sure he'll start him as well. This is what I believe Hughes will do, not what I would do. Kenny Young-Ferdinand-Onouha-Traore SWP-Barton-Diakite-Taarabt Cisse-Zamora Good point nines, agreed
Kenny Young-Ferdinand-Onouha-Traore SWP-Barton-Diakite-Taarabt Cisse-Zamora I would go with that with a twist ... Barton gets taken off as he gets a early booking on comes Akos and we win by 2
