Brentford up next, and I for one expect another tough test - then again, is there such a thing as an easy game in the Championship? Some on here seem to be under the impression that because they conceded four on Saturday that this is a game we ought to win (somewhat glossing over the three they scored themselves), though the bookies have what I would call fairly standard odds of slightly better than evens for a home win. I do think that even at this early stage, what happens in this game could be quite indicative of what we can expect from this season. The Birmingham game was frustrating in that we probably had the better of the play for the longer amount of time, which was something that seemed to be said numerous times last season, particularly during our record-breaking losing streak. Brentford are likely to be desperate to get their first points on the board and similarly have only lost their opening two matches by the odd goal. If we can impose ourselves in a similar fashion to our opening three games, but it be reflected in the score-line also, then we can begin to write off the Birmingham game as a 'blip'. If we again make chances but fail to take them and get sucker-punched, then that in turn suggests that maybe we've (to an extent) been sussed out as a side who can be contained and then hurt when things aren't going their way. I think the in-vogue term would be 'sterile domination'. It will be especially interesting to see who lines up, particularly whether if Flint is involved, on the back of interest in him cooling down. I'm guessing we'll see much the same side, with perhaps one or two changes. Part of me would like to see us mix it up a bit, and maybe experiment with three at the back (Wright, Hegeler & Baker), with wing-backs - not that I think there's something broken, just that I think we have the personnel to do it and being adaptable and unpredictable could be a great advantage for us. Prediction right now... 2-2. Being a negative-Nellie I'll put us down to take a 2-0 lead then poop our collective pants, concede the first when someone of theirs isn't closed down 30-40 yards from goal so he has all the time in the world to deliver a pass or cross to score and the second a scrappy goal, partially caused by our own disorganisation, in the dying minutes. Then a nerve-jangling finish as they go all-out for a winner... Prove me wrong lads!
For me i was very impressed with our play at Brum,not a lot wrong,my biggest concern was we played a fantastic high tempo first half,Brum could not get near us, we don't seem to be able to carry it on for two halves.Second half we were quite subdued. Personally think we will win tomorrow if we can replicate the form from Saturday.
Uncharacteristically positive for you RR - fair play. Not sure if fatigue plays its part, or the opposition getting a toe-hold to explain dipping 2nd half performance. I'm with you in thinking that our play is sometimes very impressive, but it's maybe unrealistic to expect us to play at that level for the whole 90 minutes - we need to have it in us to grind out results and hold onto leads. Finger crossed you're right with your prediction.
Nick clearly the high tempo game for 90 minutes is going to be a struggle,i have witnessed it in both the Barnsley,and Brum game. We are not able to keep it up over 90 minutes. LJ has got to have something else in his locker,as Harry did with his second half subs. That is going to be interesting over the next month,seeing if he has a plan B up his sleeve.
In total home, and away against the Bees since 1906 in all competitions it doesn't make great reading Games won: 27 Games drawn: 16 Games lost: 33 September 2005 was our last league win at Griffin Park in L1. Scorers on the day were Marcus Stewart, Luke Wilkshire and Steve Brooker. We won 3-2
We may well last even less time with the high tempo tomorrow. A bit of fatigue from Saturday, carrying a few knocks like JB.... If we don't take our chances as per usual I can see us losing it in the second half again. Lee needs to be more pragmatic - we aren't a team of robots who can run endlessly without consequences.
