So we're down to the last one then, and it wont be the hoped for training session game at Palace to give the lads a rest. We best not trawl over that Leeds game again and why we couldn't keep Becchio under lock and key to see the game out - let's look at what we need to do next Saturday. Well, we all know what we need to do, but what I mean is how we best achieve it. We have to assume that Boro will get a result at Watford. There's no mileage in relying on someone else to do us a favour, so a single point will do us unless Boro win 10-0. Should we play cautiously and go there for just that, or take it to them and go for broke from the off? Getting the single point will give us home and away legs against the Hammers, but all three points in the bag could push us up the table to face Brum or Blackpool in the semis. Personally, I just want Malky to get us in the mix and then take what comes, and the best way for me would be to play for the win in this one, **** or bust.
I agree, got to play to win. We are crap at sitting back and holding on against an attacking opposition as most recent home games have shown. We have done well away recently but this was not down to laying a defensive minefield it was due to us playing higher up the park, pressing our opponents and capitalising on the chances we had. I think Cowie is a key to this as someone said yesterday. While he is certainly not a winger or the goal threat we thought he might be at the start of the season, he covers every blade of grass, makes great space to receive the ball (even if he only makes short, safe passes in return) and harries the opposition at every opportunity. He rarely stands out as a star but the team tick over so much better with him. Look how poor our passing was for the last 2 home games (Whitt's 50 yarder to Mason the exception) when Cowie wasn't there. He also gives Whitts and Gunner more time and space. Also, he gets back well and gives Taylor good support - could be needed if Zaha starts at right wing. More than likely as he got no change at all from Kev in the 3 games so far this season. Okay, if he plays who drops out? Do we stick with 4 4 1 1 or go 4 5 1? While the latter appears more defensive, we are stronger in the middle and this allows the likes of Gunnar and Whitts to get forward more. It probably means Lawrence and Cowie end up in wide positions going forward - Lawrence had another good game wide right on Saturday - so we lack pace unless they both tuck inside and allow the full backs to get forward. What a brillaint save by the Leeds keeper to deny Tayls on Saturday. That looked a shoe in for our second goal which would have put the game to bed. In fact that gave them the confidence to push forward and get their goal. So if we go 4 5 1 who starts up front? I would go for Mason as his pace and movement will put their defence under pressure and leave space for the midfield to get through. That being the case we must pass the ball out from the back and with a good 5 in the middle including McPhail that is entirely achieveable. macca has a good week to recover so we might see more than 60 minutes (a 5 minute improvement) from him - again helping so much with ball retention.
More of the same I imagine. I am sure MM would be saying that since we haven't lost for so long now that it would not be worth trying something new so I would expect things to have a similar and shape and feel to last few weeks. It will be interesting to see how MM changes tactics laster in the games depending on scorelines I just hope it is not a desperate last 5 minutes either way!! I think Mason may well start by himself as a 4-5-1, but MM has been loathe to leave Kenny out. Maybe he will see Mason as a pinch hitter?
I think we should go for the win and hope Brum or Blackpool slip up. I don't think we can compete with West Ham over two legs but would love to be proved wrong. If Cowie is fit who does he replace ? McPhail ? I think he does good work though only lasts a hour. Gunnersson ? Getting back to his best form, I'd keep him in Lawrence ? Has been our best mid-fielder over the last 3 or 4 games should start Whitts ? Not at his best but can turn it on and be a threat Mason ? Our best goal threat, can't leave him out. Miller ? Not getting good service can't be expected to win hight balls from defence, if we want to win has to play. So for me Cowie to come on for McPhail after a hour.
not a good scenario to be in. play for the draw and we risk a late goal from the opposition, and middlesborough could capitalise. go for the win and potentially even 4th place is within reach. we are unbeaten in 9 and should therefore carry on what has got us this far...
Go for the win, nothing else will do. Playing for the draw has too many risks given a play off place is at stake.
If Cowie is fit, which I think he is, then he should start, probably in place of Macca. Cowie can get around the pitch better than Macca and we need to go all out for a win because we shouldn't rely on Watford doing us any favours v Boro. (it's ironic how, after all the crap at the start of the season, that it might be Watford who help us into the play-offs). Macca brings his own qualities which we may well need later in the game. Far too many times lately the opposition have got on top after Macca has gone off. (coincidence?) and that's one thing we can't afford to do on Sat. Saying that, I'm confident we'll get the point/s we need v Palace and no way will Boro win by 10+.
It's back to the McPhail start or sub decision for me. Agree with you H - it's DC in there for him. We looked good on Saturday before Stevo went off, but could have done with his influence later in the game. I thought when Kiss came on he looked a bit like a lost soul, trying hard but not achieving much. Same sort of scenario as Vuckic - decent player but hasn't got to grips with Championship football - yet. I'd even be inclined to put Ralls on the bench alongside McPhail instead of him. Going for the second goal has become something of a non event unless Huds can find another Saturn 5 rocket in his boots, so hanging on might be something we'll have to do rather than what we'd like to see. Stevo would be the boy for that in the last half hour. Get it down and play it around rather than just trying to keep the ball out of our half by lumping it. The back 4 will stay the same and upfront I can't see any reason to change it - not that we've got many options with Rudy crocked. So it's go for the win and settle for a draw if we have to. I fear going for the draw will end in tears (again!)
I'd vote for DC's legs early on and SM's influence later in the game too. I think Watford might well provide the safety net we could need but if we come up short at Palace and Boro do the business then we've no one to blame but ourselves. I'd like to see Harris on the bench, in the spirit of 'if it's all going tits up lets have someone on the bench that can do something different' but the stupid 5 subs rule means it's almost certain he'll miss out. On the plus side our recent away form has been good and imo going for the win has to give us the best chance of bringing a PO place back from South London.
Same team as Saturday with Cowie in for Mcphail. If Cowie isnt fit then Ralls. Id worry about Kiss getting sent off. Id also switch the system with Mason having to play wide making a 451.
I would start with Cowie and keep McPhail on the bench for later. Play a 4 5 1 controlling the midfield and hit them on the break. They are sure to want to beat us because of the Carling semi final and if they do push on we have the ability to hit them on the break. McPhail will prove to be our insurance policy whether protecting a slender lead or hanging on for dear life to a draw. Either way it is going to be a very long ninety minutes.
Go for the win. I don't think we would slate the team for losing when going for a win. If we went for a draw and lost we will always wonder .......What if......?
To play 451 drop miller, can't see any reason to move mason from up top. He's a decent (at best)winger, but he's absolute class through the middle.
Always go for the win, it would be ideal if you go 5th a home second leg in the play off semi final worth its weight in gold. good luck and hope you join us next season
You should go for the win and take the resultant positivity with you into the play offs. Momentum is critical at this point of the year. good luck
cheers Mabbs and Swim Purely on recent home form, I think I'd be happier with an away second leg... have to get there first of course
I think Cowie will start with Mcphail coming on for Mason after 70 mins if all goes to plan. Same back four, Lawrence and Cowie wide with Gunnar and whitts CM and KM playing just behind Mason. If Rudy makes the bench I'd have him there instead of Earnie.
