I'm sure many of us are still feeling a bit disappointed after losing to Reading 3-1 last night, so that makes this game extra interesting to watch. A bit of game knowledge to settle some nerves: (All these stats are based on West-Ham winning all their remaining games, obviously with their recent form i don't think that will happen) West Ham lose, they remain 6 points behind us with 3 games to go, so if we win just one of our remaining games after this result we basically assure ourselves promotion. West Ham Draw, they are 5 points behind us. With this result, a win and a draw will assure us promotion. If West Ham Win, things start to get very tense as there is just a 3 point gap with 3 games to go. Two wins will see us promoted. Again this is all based on West Ham winning all their remaining fixtures... and before you get all cranky at me, yes we should always be playing to win and never park the bus and play for a draw! To be honest with the excitement of having the premiership in arms reach I've lost my passion of winning the Championship Title. I'll be very happy just to get promoted.. if that's 1st or 2nd place doesn't bother me. Streams: http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/118932/1/watch-west-ham-united-vs-brighton-and-ha.html http://atdhe.eu/ http://myp2p.pe/index.php?sport=football (currently no listed streams, will possibly appear closer to kick-off) Kick off at 3:00pm Anyway, Up the Saints and let's go Brighton! Blue and White Tonight!
I feel this is a thread I must comment on! I really think our second half against Birmingham will have given us some real belief for our last 4 games. I think we will have far too much for brighton today and I see us winning by 2 or 3. I will be amazed if we catch you but last nights result has given us a glimmer. In a way I wish you and reading had drawn last night so we can just accept the play offs! I can handle despair - it's the hope I can't stand! COYI
Blue line drawn and look forward to Posh on Tuesday. Apart from the Hammers game some interesting other matches. Boro to hopefully lose at Derby which would put them out of contention before we go there next week and of course the pleasure of seeing the skates relegated if they lose at Doncaster!
Whilst it would be nice if Hammers dropped points, we mustn't look to them for help. I'm too concerned about auto promotion to care about Portsmouth...they are off my radar. Don't feel that Boro having nothing to play for helps as most teams play for pride...they will be up for denting our promotion hopes.
We should all just expect West Ham to win...hope that they don't (sorry trixter), but expect them to come away with the 3 points. We just need to take care of our end and we should be ok. I just don't want a board full of depressed Saints fans if WH win today. 6 more points and it won't matter.
Good thing is we have a pretty decent record against both Boro and Coventry in recent years. Let's hope it continues!
My favourite expression when Saints were in the PL: can cope with despair, it's the hope that kills you. Didn't think I would need it this season but hey ho!
If West Ham draw today, then it will have been a good weekend for us. We'll be another step closer. We started the weekend needing six (maybe seven) points, and a WH draw will see us ending it needing four (maybe five) points. Four (maybe five) points from three games? Yes please! And obviously a WH defeat makes things even better than this. I'm expecting them to win, but if they don't then we are almost, almost there. Come on Brighton!
West Ham could give us a bonus, but as Adkins said after the match he can't control West Ham. Luckily, it's still in our own hands.
If we win 2 out of 3 then second place is pretty well nailed on regardless of what West Ham do because of our goal difference. We win our games and we don't need to worry about West Ham. All we can do is go for maximum points and hope Reading slip up. They have a tough trip to St Andrews on the final day, while we have what should be a home banker against Coventry, so things could get interesting.
If WH win by three or four today, then I wouldn't be so confident about our GD advantage. Likewise, with regards to Brum vs reading on the final day, don't be surprised if Brum players have one eye on the play-offs already and/or Hughton rests a few players to ensure their availability.
If Saints win the next 2, it all boils down to the final game. If Reading do slip up, I'd have thought it was most likely to be that one.
