This game is virtually a must win. I am aware that mathematically that is not the case, but three points here would put us top with only 4 games left and improve our GD by at least 1. Another important factor is the effect on team morale. We lost badly to Blackpool. If we win today the match against Pompey will be seen as a decent performance, whereas if we lose it will feel like we are on a poor streak. Reading and West Ham will feel as if they are in a run of form...as Maggie Thatcher said to Reagan, 'This is not the time to wobble.'
Morning Fran! Worried aboutthis weather. Live only five miles from Selhurst and its pissing down. Not going to suit our passing style.
Morning lamballana, just drizzling on Isle of Wight. Our racehorses will just have to learn to play in soft conditions...may need reshoeing. Working today, so when I get back at 4.00 I want to see us 2.0 up...none of this 0.0 nonsense! West Ham are playing after us, so let's hope that does them no favours.
On the other hand a rock-hard dry pitch would be worse. Provided the drainage is ok it might be ok. Anyway, it's time for the players to stand up and be counted. A good win would take away some of the hope from WH.
A win with a single goal off Lambert's bum will do, but a decisive win will do wonders for the team and settle fans' nerves.
Exactly! I don't care about how we win; but we must win. Of course if we do it in style it makes me feel more confident going in to Reading, but at this stage of the season it's all about the points. I can't wait for this 6000 fans should make a difference. It's my first awayday of the season I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing!
Morning Fran - agree with the sentiment expressed wholeheartedly - however Mrs Thatcher spoke those words to George Bush Senior - Reagan had already abdicated his not-so-illustrious term of office. The current performances - particularly central midfield which seems to being over-run a too easily of late - worries me alot. Desperate for a win but am thinking we might, at best, get a draw. I truely hope I am wrong again!
Thanks for correction...I dithered on quote but knew she was close to Reagan so thought that it was probably him. The sentiment, however, remains the same. COYR
You know that we've reached the climactic stage of the season when, depending on the results, we could exit today in a nearly unassailable position...or find ourselves in a dire battle. If conditions aren't great, I'm less worried about our attack than the possibility of a slip by our defense on the counter or a scuffed clearance; here's hoping it isn't decided by a mistake.
Possibly partly because of Palace's league position, and recent form? Their recent results read: Birmingham (A) 1-3 L Forest (H) 0-3 L Doncaster (H) D Derby (A) 2-3 L Barnsley (H) 1-0 W Hull (H) 0-0 D Burnley (A) 1-1 D Coventry (A) 1-1 D In fact, they've only won three league games in the whole of 2012 so far. The above 1-0 win over Barnsley, plus a 1-0 win over Posh, and a 4-0 win over Watford.
The issuue for me is more about the players who are tired after Saturday. Tired players are less likely to perform to the best of their abilities and are more likely to pick up injuries. We need our best players perfrming, not just against Reading, but against Posh, Boro and Coventry too.
See, now that's different. And an arguement which I can kind of accept. 48 hours between games is not a lot. However, Palace have also only had a 48 hour gap (in fact, our gap is 2 hours more than theirs) so we're both in the same boat. Moreover, with Adkins' physio background, I have every confidence in him taking care of the players. If he thinks that they're up for playing today, then they're up for playing today.
Hey all! I for one would take a point today I think West Ham and Reading will also draw their games thus meaning another round done and 4 left! I will be over the moon with 3 though COYR!
