This week's mid-week results have emphatically proved that we are the worst team out of the four potential 'top two' finishers. Despite having arguably the easier game we hobbled to an unconvincing win against Barnsley. Villa, Fulham & Wolves meanwhile all thrashed their opponents by three to nil. However, the good news is that this matters not one iota if we can keep on winning (even if only scraping) wins. Can't see the other three dropping too many points, so by virtue of our current position, we're still in with a chance of top two. Suppose it comes down to whether our lead over Villa & Fulham is enough, as I think they'll get more points than us between now and the end of the season.
Think you're right whiffle, though at some point Fulham will drop points. It's going to be tight so we may have the troublesome playoffs to face. Even then, if we fail to make top two, there's the prospect of villa or Fulham to overcome to make it via that route. Been a good season though however it pans out.
Rather than be glass half empty after witnessing the Barnsley game (which would be justified given the creaking and knackered squad) I’m glass half full as any X1 NW puts out will give it 100% right to the final game. City also deserve a break on injuries and refereeing decisions.
At the start of the season I said I'd be happy with a play-off place, that still stands. Can we make an automatic promotion spot or dare I say go up as champions. There seems to be one huge reason why not. We seem to have an unending injury problem. Up to November we seemed to be okay on the injury front. Players were brought in with injuries and with the exception of Lee Camp all came through, Paterson in particular. However, injuries seems to be mounting, WoL posted an outfield team of injured players and it was pretty scary reading. Traore, Peltier, Morrison, Richards, Ralls, Gunnarson, Paterson, D Ward, J Ward and Madine. The big misses are Morrison, Ralls and Paterson. Has Gunnarson really been missed that much? We haven't it seems, at least to me, a consistent run of games with a full first team selection in an age. The fact we are still second in the league is an awesome achievement and long may it continue. Why do we have so many injuries? Your thoughts please, as I only see TV football.
The fact we are second in league does suggest that Gunnar hasn't been too much of a miss so far. However can't help thinking he'll be crucial for the remainder of the season if we're to get out of this league (especially if Ralls is out for any length of time). I wonder if Warnock's no-nonsense approach about players getting 'stuck-in' has got anything to do with the injuries? Can't be over-training or over-playing because half of the players out have only been with us for a couple of weeks.
Yep, Fulham Wolves and Villa had some great results (scorelines) as opposed to our somewhat scrappy 2-1 Barnsley effort, but I wouldn't bet against City getting more points like that. The remaining games of those three clubs wont always go the way they want them to, and their ability to "scrap" for points could be somewaht lower than City's. As far as the injury thing is concerned, there's an old adage that you're more likely to get injured if you don't go into challenges at 100%. On that basis, Warnock's approach shouldn't cause in juries - more like prevent them. It's got to be down to luck. Madine's nose wasn't broken because of his efforts, it was a swinging arm of that Millwall guy that did it. Morro's groin strain is another example - you over-stretch and it happens, sod's law.
Agree with what your saying Sparks, but in a way you've reinforced what I was saying by saying 'Morro's groin strain is another example, you overstretch and it happens'.....Warnock demands 100%....even if that means overstretching, going in when it would be more prudent not to, chasing lost causes etc., possible over aggression to opponents, when you know they will retaliate etc. I'M m not saying its' wrong and, in fact its' probably necessary, but it does expose you to aagreater risk of injury. Also with regards to numbers in midfield, aren't Kennedy & O'Keefe still on our books?
Both out on season loans and O'Keefe is just on his way back from injury. Not played for 2 months or so. Kennedy is a winger. One area where we have plenty of fit players. Hoilett, Harris, NML, Wildschutt, Feeney and Pilks. All in Tuesday's 18.
Our bench v Barnsley had no defenders or forwards. It had one defensive midfielder Halford (who can slot in defence as he did at Ipswich but that was last resort) one central midfielder (Damour) and the rest were wide players (Feeney, Pilkington, Wildschut & NML). That was the extent of our current fit squad. The list of people injured players is alarming. If you add Paterson and possibly Zahore who was feeling his groin late on (ooh matron) then despite all the inspirational words from the manager, it wouldn’t be surprising if it all caught up with them and the next opposition takes advantage.
Heard that as well but WOL appears to have different info............. "Gary Madine Missed Barnsley game because of groin injury. Warnock hopeful he will be back for the weekend. Zohore appeared to be struggling in closing minutes of Tuesday night, so Warnock may want to freshen up the front-line... if, and it remains an if, Madine is fit."
