Post anything on here that's relevant. To kick it off I notice that we are the least fancied team by the bookies to win them, even trailing Barnsley in the odds:
BRENTFORD: 13/8
BOURNEMOUTH: 2/1
BARNSLEY: 7/2
SWANS: 9/2
I guess that's a fair reflection of current form. Some of our recent performances have been redolent of us being relegation fodder rather than promotion hopefuls. I remember tipping Barnsley as dark horses some time ago on here and they've hit form and confidence at the right time. They could surprise a few.
That said, at our best we can beat any team in this division and it's Cooper's job to get the best out of his charges. As far as I'm concerned our remaining fixtures should be used to rest our key players and get them chomping at the bit for the play-off games. Sod the results against Derby and Watford as they are meaningless now. We need fresh, eager legs and attitudes going into the play-offs where it really matters.
But I'd play Cullen in the next two. He needs game time. Overall he did well against Reading but he missed a header that normally he'd have put away with his eyes shut had he been properly match sharp. When Cullen is at it he's always a danger because his instincts are so sound in and around the box. You can't coach that: you've either got it or you haven't and, believe me, he's the best at the club in that context.
I wouldn't start Hourihane because he just doesn't, or can't, put the energy we will need into these games. Every player of each team will be going for it putting everything they've got into winning the Holy Grail of football, so we can't afford to leave gaps for them to exploit because of a lack of energy or input. We don't want any player out there who is just making up the numbers. Every individual must make a contribution and, at the very least, win his personal duel against his opposite number. If they all do that we have as good a chance as anyone.
BRENTFORD: 13/8
BOURNEMOUTH: 2/1
BARNSLEY: 7/2
SWANS: 9/2
I guess that's a fair reflection of current form. Some of our recent performances have been redolent of us being relegation fodder rather than promotion hopefuls. I remember tipping Barnsley as dark horses some time ago on here and they've hit form and confidence at the right time. They could surprise a few.
That said, at our best we can beat any team in this division and it's Cooper's job to get the best out of his charges. As far as I'm concerned our remaining fixtures should be used to rest our key players and get them chomping at the bit for the play-off games. Sod the results against Derby and Watford as they are meaningless now. We need fresh, eager legs and attitudes going into the play-offs where it really matters.
But I'd play Cullen in the next two. He needs game time. Overall he did well against Reading but he missed a header that normally he'd have put away with his eyes shut had he been properly match sharp. When Cullen is at it he's always a danger because his instincts are so sound in and around the box. You can't coach that: you've either got it or you haven't and, believe me, he's the best at the club in that context.
I wouldn't start Hourihane because he just doesn't, or can't, put the energy we will need into these games. Every player of each team will be going for it putting everything they've got into winning the Holy Grail of football, so we can't afford to leave gaps for them to exploit because of a lack of energy or input. We don't want any player out there who is just making up the numbers. Every individual must make a contribution and, at the very least, win his personal duel against his opposite number. If they all do that we have as good a chance as anyone.
There's not much wriggle room in terms of choice obviously, so some players might have to be played out of position. Let me have your thoughts on this formation and mention any players I might have missed.
