Pre-Oxford chat ...

[LBW]

Wyke is and should be one of the 1st names on the teamsheet, dropping him would be ridiculous whichever way you dress it up.
He’s playing well, all our forward play goes through him, he’s our main man & has earned it

 

[cumbrianmackem]

Funnily enough mate I still don’t feel comfortable, I have supported Sunderland that long I don’t come on here when the match is on because I feel sick,Anyway there is two scenarios we will either beat the teams around and above us and be flying or they will beat us and drop us in the s hit and I can’t stop my heart going 90 to the dozen until after we have played them I just wish I could but been let down to many times.

I fully agree with that Rooch, I hate watching the lads on TV as I just can't relax and kick every ball, it's totally different to being at the match.
I haven't used the streaming for matches for that very reason, can't get it into my head that they won't let me down as they've being doing that to me for most of the last 60 years but am trying to enjoy this brilliant run were currently on and all credit to LJ and the players.
I'm working both games over Easter which just makes it worse relying on mobile app updates, I love and hate football in equal measure if that makes sense.

 

[dyd13]

I'd agree, but you'd be pretty brave to drop Wyke with his scoring record

Could never have imagined agreeing with that statement a few months ago but what a turnaround it has been for him, have a like.

 

[ab65]

Cracking thread Smug.
Great way to start what promises to be defining eight days in our season.
I agree with most of what has been posted in terms of keeping the changes at the back to a minimum, I would leave CB’s unchanged for Oxford. I’d be tempted to start Hume if he’s had enough game time.
If Jones is ready I’d bench him for Oxford and give him 30 mins with a view to him starting at Posh.
Win these next two and we’ll win the league imho.

 

[FellTop]

The speed of McGeadys footwork is amazing. I used to love watching allan Johnstone, he would put a fullback on his arse but he wasn't the quickest. Just something about that type of player that gets people off their seats.

Watch the ball not the feet. Easier said than done like

 

[FellTop]

I wouldnt drop Wyke personally. I think he makes the players around him look great just like others help him. He is playing like a classic centre forward whereby McGeady hits an area with his cross and Wyke attacks the area. Plus I suspect teams are so tuned into Wyke it leaves space for others, maybe like O'Brien on Saturday. Jones coming back in woulf make him twice as likely to score.

I am surprised to see people want Wright back in and O'Nien into midfield. Fair play and I respect everyonew opinions, and knowing O'Nien would be best midfielder on the day, but that partnership has been crucial to our recent success and I would not change it.

These games should be right up our street. I am hoping both play open and we can play through them. Cracking weekend.

 

[Sunderpitt]

I wouldnt drop Wyke personally. I think he makes the players around him look great just like others help him. He is playing like a classic centre forward whereby McGeady hits an area with his cross and Wyke attacks the area. Plus I suspect teams are so tuned into Wyke it leaves space for others, maybe like O'Brien on Saturday. Jones coming back in woulf make him twice as likely to score.

I am surprised to see people want Wright back in and O'Nien into midfield. Fair play and I respect everyonew opinions, and knowing O'Nien would be best midfielder on the day, but that partnership has been crucial to our recent success and I would not change it.

These games should be right up our street. I am hoping both play open and we can play through them. Cracking weekend.

You make a fair point Sanderson and 09 have been pretty good so why break up the partnership?

 

[rooch 3]

I fully agree with that Rooch, I hate watching the lads on TV as I just can't relax and kick every ball, it's totally different to being at the match.
I haven't used the streaming for matches for that very reason, can't get it into my head that they won't let me down as they've being doing that to me for most of the last 60 years but am trying to enjoy this brilliant run were currently on and all credit to LJ and the players.
I'm working both games over Easter which just makes it worse relying on Mobile app updates, I love and hate football in equal measure if that makes sense.

I enjoy every match when it’s finished up until then I’m a wreck

 

[Montysoptician]

You make a fair point Sanderson and 09 have been pretty good so why break up the partnership?

We have eight games in April, Peterborough seven and Hull six, it's going to be hard graft and we will need use our entire squad to keep them fresh.

 

[TopCat.]

Not especially worried about Oxford. They have been patchy all season. Am expecting a regulation home win
Easter Monday is a different matter. I'd be happy with a point to be honest. This feels like the Coventry away game last season, with a different outcome I hope

The good news is that the position we have engineered ourselves into means we could lose this game and still go up. Hull are the team in decline, finish above them and we go up

 

[Bigmackem]

I think I'd probably leave Younger out of the equation for now, it's squeaky bum time with 10 games left, I think LJ knows his squad now, and they all seem to know what's required ( loved AOB interview yesterday) so I'm not sure younger fits, but his time will come. I'm also a bit hesitant on moving our defenders around to accommodate Wright and Hume, I'd rather keep changes to a minimum to avoid confusion, games are too important now to be trying too many changes, I think out current 'team' of 12-15 players are good enough , although it's a catch 22 on bringing back those who are fit again.

One game at a time is the only way forward , LJ will know how fit his squad is and will have the lowdown on Oxford and what approach is needed . We shouldn’t be thinking about Peterborough till we know the outcome of Fridays game as it could change the approach we need , LJ will know what is needed against Oxford and after that what is required against Peterborough we have to put our trust in him - One game at a time is the only logical approach, injuries , suspensions , recent results may change what is needed . Once the Oxford game is over the focus can then move to Peterborough but only when the first game is out of the way .

 

[TopCat.]

We have eight games in April, Peterborough seven and Hull six, it's going to be hard graft and we will need use our entire squad to keep them fresh.

Luckily we have by far the strongest squad in the league. **** me, we're on a ridiculously good run of form with 1 and a half defenders in our back line

Get Hume, Wright, Flanagan and Jones back in the squad and the manager has some serious headaches about the bench, never mind the starting eleven

 

[safcyellowbelly]

I’d have Wright back against Posh - their 9 scores for fun...O9 has been great but Lincoln goal down to his lack of defensive know how IMO - can’t risk that against Posh if Wright fit.
I’d keep O9 in midfield - not sure who for though...
Also think that us being at home and Posh away at Fleetwood on Friday might give us an edge - long trip for them - back v late Friday
I hate this optimism that’s growing...heart/head/**** it.... Champagne on ice

 

[Bank of England 2]

I'd rather leave our returning players to sub appearances or injuries ...

... otherwise you can dispirit the current team.

We've done wonders with the players who've come in and they deserve their chance imo.

That would make sense. Ease them back in from the bench.

For example, if during the game we need more energy in midfield, bring in Bailey Wright and move 09 further forward, hooking one of the midfield players.

The current crop of players have earned their places. I think the only exception to that would be Jones replacing Gooch.

 

[Nads]

Blows my mind that there’s been a suggestion we drop Wyke.

There’s nothing to support that whatsoever, you don’t take someone who’s scored 20 plus out of a promotion winning team, it’s like taking an engine out of a car, pushing it down a hill and staying ‘it still moves’

Gonna be nervy Friday as it’s getting very close and very real now, but having watched spells of their game Friday I’m not scared of them one bit, the nerves come from how tight the top 3 margins are.

I’d be a lot more edgy if the gaffer who’s helped turn Charlie into a goal machine suddenly thought it was savvy to drop him when we need to be on full blast.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Blows my mind that there’s been a suggestion we drop Wyke.

There’s nothing to support that whatsoever, you don’t take someone who’s scored 20 plus out of a promotion winning team, it’s like taking an engine out of a car, pushing it down a hill and staying ‘it still moves’

Gonna be nervy Friday as it’s getting very close and very real now, but having watched spells of their game Friday I’m not scared of them one bit, the nerves come from how tight the top 3 margins are.

I’d be a lot more edgy if the gaffer who’s helped turn Charlie into a goal machine suddenly thought it was savvy to drop him when we need to be on full blast.

That was my intention mate!

Seriously though, I'm not suggesting or expecting Johnson does that, but I do believe it might happen.

There's something not quite right with Wyke imo and I think he could easily go through a bad patch. If that happens I don't doubt Johnson would act.

Wyke was very quiet yesterday and I don't think he's really happy at the club, hope I'm wrong.

 

[Nads]

That was my intention mate!

Seriously though, I'm not suggesting or expecting Johnson does that, but I do believe it might happen.

There's something not quite right with Wyke imo and I think he could easily go through a bad patch. If that happens I don't doubt Johnson would act.

Wyke was very quiet yesterday and I don't think he's really happy at the club, hope I'm wrong.

I haven’t seen anything different in Charlie personally mate. We haven’t performed great last 2 and the chances haven’t been there l, but we’ve got the job done and I couldn’t put any of it on the lad.

I can totally see him fancying the Boro move, it’s his club, but he will want to score as many as he can and get the job over the line here for sure.

We just haven’t anyone else who can do what he does, so he has to start.

 

[Wolfy]

I haven’t read the whole thread, but there’s no way someone has suggested dropping Wyke surely?

 

[Smug in Boots]

I haven’t seen anything different in Charlie personally mate. We haven’t performed great last 2 and the chances haven’t been there l, but we’ve got the job done and I couldn’t put any of it on the lad.

I can totally see him fancying the Boro move, it’s his club, but he will want to score as many as he can and get the job over the line here for sure.

We just haven’t anyone else who can do what he does, so he has to start.

I agree with all of that mate.

It remains a fact, however, that if he doesn't score for the next few games it will create an issue. One touch goals are literally his main, some would say sole, contribution and these next few weeks are critical.

One thing's sure, I wouldn't want to be in Johnson's shoes.

 

[Smug in Boots]

I haven’t read the whole thread, but there’s no way someone has suggested dropping Wyke surely?

Is this the poster I'm following around the board by any chance