Given his history with Watford he's obviously going to prefer them to be promoted over us, so there is no way he is going to let his team ease up in the final game if there is any chance of Watford pipping us - even if Cardiff are already champs by then. Can't see Leeds wanting to do us a favour either...
We aren't rivals with Leeds so i doubt they care about us. But, they'll probably want to finish the season off well, rather than limp over the line.
Nobody is going to do us any favours, as it should be, we have to do this ourselves. One game at a time.
If Cardiff do go up as Champions we need them to have won it and been presented with the trophy before they come to us on the last day of the season.
Won't get any favours, teams are so closely bunched up that most are either fighting to get into the playoffs or avoiding bottom 3. Also most players are playing for contracts. Its in our own hands so one game at a time and onwards to Ipswich.
That's one school of thought, but it could have the opposite effect and they could play with a relaxed fluency while we're under a lot of pressure. I'm rather hoping we're going to be promoted by the final day anyway.
I really hope the next 3 close together games seals it for us in all honesty. However, I'm not looking any further forward than this weekend's game.
I'm not suggesting Cardiff will give a toss about us but Malky WILL give a toss about Watford on the final day if it comes down to them or us going up & that will be transmitted to his players & maybe team selection / substitutions etc. Having said that we obviously should not expect anything less than 100% in any opponent
Oddly, the majority of the form teams are the ones still fighting off relegation near the foot of the table such is the bonkers nature of this league. 1 Ipswich Town 2 Birmingham City 3 Barnsley 4 Sheffield Wednesday 5 Charlton Athletic (Only time Ipswich have been near the top of any table this season ) I think this weekend will be a strong test for us both as we lack goals but have a rock solid defence (for once ) and you lot have been strong all season. I'll get an early 0-0 prediction in as we seem to be churning them out quite a bit
HE might give a toss, but will his players? If they are up as champions, the players will want to enjoy the moment and relax, not go hell for leather.
It shouldn't really be a surprise, most of the teams fighting relegation usually step up a gear when it matters most. Unless it's Bristol.
The biggest favour MM could do us would be to play the ex-Watford contingent on the last day. Not because I think there is any particular emotional attachment (Tommy Smith aside), but because they are all players who treat every game like a cup final.
Malky cant control his players thoughts if they're contemplating a 50/50 challenge and think 'do I fancy a nice, relaxing break on the beach or 3 months on crutches?' Cardiff will be on the beach by the time we play them.
Agreed. We won't be looking for favours, its in our own hands. If we're good enough, we'll go up as an auto. If we aint, we'll go up via Wembley again!