I stuck up a thread on the Norwich board yesterday to get some decent early chat going about our respective teams for the weekend and the season prospects. Seems like they want to talk football without resorting to the all too common slanging crap - feel free to join in over there or even discuss on here. http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/276711-Cardiff-game Personally, I think they'll be the team to take 4 points from if we want to finish above them.
Norwich fan said: "Man-for-man I honestly think we have a significantly better team, though I agree it's probably clash of the two best on-paper teams in the league. The only Cardiff player who would definitely get in our starting line-up is Whittingham." Interesting to see how opposition fans rate Whittingam when many of our own fans don't? Saturday will be a tough game but sadly I can't be there. A draw is the most likely result and if that can be matched by a draw at their place I would be happy. This game has come a little too early in the season for us with our new personnel and the need to gel in our new recruits in defence. Our team selection and formation for Saturday will, if nothing else, be interesting.
On the other hand, we could also presume that that Norwich fan hasn't watched Whittingham this season and that he's basing his opinion on history.
I suspect this is the case. I still wear tinted glasses when it comes to Whitts and was a bit shocked to see a thread on here about wanting him dropped! There you go, I only watch Cardiff twice a season, if we happen to play them. so wtf do I know?
Thai - Whitts is a proper divider of opinions on here and in the stands from those of us who watch him week in and week out. I can understand when opposition fans speak of him in high regard - he has talent in abundance and the abbreviated clips that are shown of him prove that. What we are talking about here though is different. He is often dubbed a "luxury" player whose flashes of brilliance can win a game from nothing. Unfortunately, the same guy can amble around the pitch never looking to inspire or spark the team. Many (including the journos) would say he should always be one of the first names on the team sheet, but that ignores the facts about his recent contribution. He is a potential match winner, but we're having to wait far too long in between such events for my liking.
Whitts has a great reputation he has been around a long time and played against norwich many, many times. So i am not surprised they mention him. However i don't think they know a lot of our new players to rate them this or that way. To be fair i don't see anyone in their team apart from maybe Nathan Redmond that id fancy at City.
Isn't it strange. A poster across there said a very similar thing regarding our squad - in other words he didn't see any other than Whitts getting into their side. It's got to be a question of club bias and that's perfectly natural on a fan's forum like this. The fact is we'll never know because managers have different priorities and methods of play. I just hope that Ole's come to fruition pretty quick, otherwise we could be staring up from the wrong half of the table. From what I've seen so far, our squad along with Norwich's are head and shoulders above most in this division. It'll all come down to whether Ole or Adams gets it right for Saturday, because I think both sides could be battling for an auto promo slot come April/May. Either side picking up all 6 points or even just 4 from our two encounters could be the difference between who finishes above the other this season. I believe whoever does will get an auto spot.
Grabban would have been my number one priority signing pre season. If he stays fit, he'll get 20-25 goals this season. Le Fondre who has had most game time is overrated. I'd play Macheda or Guerra ahead of him. A point would be a good result at this time of the season whilst City work out their best team and formation.
I agree with that factually on what we've seen, but it feels a little harsh this soon into his City career. I said on another thread I'd only play KWJ and use the likes of Daehli off him but if we must persist with 2 strikers then Macheda and Guerra would get into my team ahead of ALF or Maynard right now.
Have to say he was a goal hanger at best at Reading, came of the bench to knock in the odd goal. I cannot se him being that great for us this season and maybe he will become best off the bench. Hope to see Macheda & Guerra given more game time - they've had 2 weeks now to train and get fitter so maybe we'll see a different City team and pace on Saturday. However not only up front is a puzzle for OGS. Full backs, central defence, midfield, and out wide and in particular one Craig Noone. Really hope he is fit and raring to go on Saturday? Perhaps though OGS may prefer to give him a game v Bournemouth in the League Cup first though but if he is fit and ready then get him in now, City need him!
We don't want unfit players on the pitch tomorrow against such a strong midfield as that of Norwich - and that applies to Dikgacoi as well unless he's come on a bundle this past fortnight. Playing unfit players because that's all you've got should be a thing of the past at the club now. It didn't work with Kenwyne last season and so far Pilks has not looked that sharp. I'd seriously consider sticking Ralls in there alongside Adeyemi for the Norwich game. Three more playing behind a lone striker must be the way to go, but actually supporting whoever it is rather than hanging him out to dry like Campbell last season. The striker to start should be Kenwyne on the basis of what he's done so far, but who those three just behind him should be is up for grabs - just as long as they're fit. Whitts, Daehli and probably Pilks would do it for me in a 5 man setup. The Brayford/Fabio wingback combo could provide the width if Pilks comes inside to help out.
He said about a month ago that was confident he would have been fit by now; that is a real blow. He must have a bigger problem that initially thought? Still looking on the positive side, a chance for Pilkington perhaps to star against his old team.
Maybe not rushing Noone back. Everyone including Ole agrees he's an essential part of this seasons promotion push. It would be ridiculous to bring him back 2 weeks early and lose him for months again. Pilks should start, definitely some 'old club haunting' potential there.
At yesterday's press conference OGS said this: "I know my best XI…..for this game! It might change for the next one! It’s important I pick the right 11 each time. You could play 11 Ronaldo’s but that wouldn’t work would it?" It looks as though our hopes for a settled side are in vain and we are in for another season of chopping and changing personnel.
For those not going - you might be able to watch it here. This was not scheduled yesterday but today all the Championship games have appeared
