Saturday is an interesting day - yes, I turn 30. Got t'northern girlfriend coming down until Tuesday, on the basis she's got to put up with meeting a load of my mates tomorrow night I agreed with her to go to Reading v Sheff Weds so I'll know more about Wendy this weekend than us! Actually quite looking forward to being an honoury Reading fan for the day, but curious as to what their away support is like. Now onto us, tough game at Brum. They'll be full of confidence after beating Derby 3-0 ( that's some result ) 10 points from a possible 12 show Brum have certainly upped the anti, a win for them would see us fall to 8th. VERY pleased Gray has been sold. I'll go 1-1 draw. COYB. Anyone going?
Firstly, many happy returns Westy for Saturday (it's mine on Friday - let's hope for a double birthday celebration result). I agree, Birmingham do seem to have upped the ante of late, which has surprised me, as I thought they would falter slightly. Will be a tough game that's for sure (aren't they all these days??), and the draw does look the obvious choice. I believe we have done quite well up there of late, in fact they haven't beaten us home or away since 2011. I can't see there being many goals, as I think MM will not want to lose this game, therefore will probably line up quite defensively - i'll agree with your prediction and go with a stale 1-1.
Same to you Stretchy, here's hoping it's a good un for us both! Looks like I will be at both Bristol City and Huddersfield games, so if anyone wants to meet at these, do the usual, a message and I'll come spout rubbish to you in person. A point would be decent - hoping Reading may do us a favour. Likewise I'm a little surprised re Brum but fair play to them - manager doing a superb job there. Have some capable players - we were linked with Jerome all summer, don't players generally score when the move doesn't happen?! We're a lot better on the road. I did read the other day Sears has scored 2 in 20 - alarming. Needs to up it. If Sears/ Fraser both have a good game Brum will struggle!
Re: Sears - you could look it that he has 2 in 10, and also 6 in 25 for the season - which, lets be fair, is not a bad return for a midfielder, which all in effect he is this season. Fortunately, at least one of our strikers has always been in good form this season. Beginning of the season Sears was banging them in, and lately Murphy has been on a relatively decent run (since he scored his first of the season) and Pitman has been consistently scoring (only once he's gone more than 4 games without a goal). Also, fortunately, our midfield seem to chip in now and then, and also unusually Berra has yet to score. This has no relevance at all to Saturdays game - just a tad bored at work!
The local game for me so I shall be there. Game that I've been confident about but we'll have to be firing on all cylinders. It's a sad reflection on AMN seaon when you think that the opposite fixture had him as our main threat. 0- 2 town goal both sides of half time. Provided we play as we did against Leeds.
Will go for a tight 2-1 win. We go 2 goals up, let one in around 75 minutes and cack ourselves to the finish line.
2-3 Town full of passion, guts spilling endeavour and a vital win to sustain our push. Not happy with MMs remarks about his 2nd XI - he chose them. Not good for club morale.
I have a bad feeling about this game. We're unbeaten in five league games and we've got an enviable recent record against Birmingham (unbeaten in past eight meetings), but I've got a feeling the next couple of games are going to be harsh on us. Still, McCarthy and the team have signed new contracts, so maybe the feel-good factor in the squad will translate to a result? Head says a 2-1 loss, heart thinks we'll manage a point.
0-2. Just think there will be a reaction to Pompey. Happy birthday fellas btw! Hope Town makes it even happier
