10 more wins does it (1 Viewer)

[Ccfcisparks]

how many wins till playoffs first

 

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[Sick Boy]

Leicester (H) W
Millwall (H) D
Norwich (A) L
QPR (A) W
Oxford (H) W
Boro (H) W

 

[shmmeee]

I don’t think we beat Leicester. The parachute clubs seem really pissed at us for being top. And like Brum yesterday we are their cup final. Maybe if we’ve actually made some signings by then but I expect a Doug special last minute job there.

 

[Sick Boy]

I don’t think we beat Leicester. The parachute clubs seem really pissed at us for being top. And like Brum yesterday we are their cup final. Maybe if we’ve actually made some signings by then but I expect a Doug special last minute job there.

I think we'll win one of the next two and draw the other.

 

[SkyBluePower]

Leicester (H) W
Millwall (H) D
Norwich (A) L
QPR (A) W
Oxford (H) W
Boro (H) W

Would be wonderful have that run. Problem now is we can’t predict anything with certainty
A month ago we felt like we would beat anyone at home and always put in a performance away.
Now we are huffing and puffing and all consistency has ebbed away. Needs a spark from somewhere but I do think the fundamentals of the team are still really good and we could just as easily go on another run.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

My concern is that a short respite may not be enough on its own after the squad has burnt itself out.

We’ll be active in the transfer market so we’ll be alright in the end.

My view is that we’ve been unlucky in this stretch of games and things will revert to the norms soon.

 

[skybluecam]

how many wins till playoffs first

you love it don’t you

Whipping people up into a frenzy that we’re gonna win the league then just a few games later it’s disaster stations and we’re missing the playoffs lol

 

[CovValleyBoy]

I’m not panicking, it’s been a tough schedule and this week has come at the right time to freshen up the pack and bring in a few players.

Far too many people losing their nerve. We’re still top by 2 games!

I know...haven't we been mostly fantastic.

It was though our defending yesterday that has unsettled me...I even thought on another day Carl might have saved them all despite those in front of him leaving him to it.

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

I know...haven't we been mostly fantastic.

It was though our defending yesterday that has unsettled me...I even thought on another day Carl might have saved them all despite those in front of him leaving him to it.

With Thomas out it means Woolf will be back in.

 

[Sick Boy]

Would be wonderful have that run. Problem now is we can’t predict anything with certainty
A month ago we felt like we would beat anyone at home and always put in a performance away.
Now we are huffing and puffing and all consistency has ebbed away. Needs a spark from somewhere but I do think the fundamentals of the team are still really good and we could just as easily go on another run.

We've lost one home game all season.
The players have been flogged and are burnt out. If we get new signings in, things will improve.

 

[SkyblueTexan]

Would be wonderful have that run. Problem now is we can’t predict anything with certainty
A month ago we felt like we would beat anyone at home and always put in a performance away.
Now we are huffing and puffing and all consistency has ebbed away. Needs a spark from somewhere but I do think the fundamentals of the team are still really good and we could just as easily go on another run.

I think we need a tactical reset. Forget the high line and the long throws. Think they are causing more harm than good and leaving us more exposed at the back. To get back to winning ways we need to be more solid at the back and start keeping clean sheets again.

Think we need defensive reinforcements in Jan as much as we need attacking ones. Huge window

 

[Ccfcisparks]

you love it don’t you

Whipping people up into a frenzy that we’re gonna win the league then just a few games later it’s disaster stations and we’re missing the playoffs lol

When did I say we are missing out on the playoffs?

 

[Sick Boy]

I think we need a tactical reset. Forget the high line and the long throws. Think they are causing more harm than good and leaving us more exposed at the back. To get back to winning ways we need to be more solid at the back and start keeping clean sheets again.

Think we need defensive reinforcements in Jan as much as we need attacking ones. Huge window

So, abandoning what has got us to the top of the league... right.

 

[clint van damme]

So, abandoning what has got us to the top of the league... right.

Hes right though. We've become very vulnerable.
Nothing wrong with a rethink
Just because something worked previously doesn't mean it will carry on doing so

 

[skybluecam]

I know...haven't we been mostly fantastic.

It was though our defending yesterday that has unsettled me...I even thought on another day Carl might have saved them all despite those in front of him leaving him to it.

Most of the time Rushworth saves the 3rd and we get at least a draw if not a win.

Our equaliser sparked them into action for a few minutes, if we had just seen out that period I’m certain we get something out of the game.

 

[skybluecam]

Hes right though. We've become very vulnerable.
Nothing wrong with a rethink
Just because something worked previously doesn't mean it will carry on doing so

The high line is pretty integral to how Lampard wants to play football, he’s not going to abandon his principles at the first sight of trouble.

 

[SkyblueTexan]

So, abandoning what has got us to the top of the league... right.

These tactics may have worked before, but teams are catching us on the break when we are most vulnerable. We need to adapt and adjust accordingly.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

The high line is pretty integral to how Lampard wants to play football, he’s not going to abandon his principles at the first sight of trouble.

I also don’t actually think we have been ‘sussed out’, teams have been trying these tactics against us for most of the last 12 months. We have however struggled to continue executing the gameplan from earlier on because it demands a lot from players’ energy reserves and Asante, who had that in buckets, has been injured while the rest have been depleted by illness and fixture pile ups.

This is why FL has banged on about depth. With it, you rotate similar players around and keep the energy levels up.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

The high line is pretty integral to how Lampard wants to play football, he’s not going to abandon his principles at the first sight of trouble.

I think it’s more likely that the players are just not executing at 100% because they’re dead on their feet. From Boxing Day, they’ve played 4 games in 9 days and it’s a thin squad. Players are probably also jaded by the flu that’s gone around too, all these little % points here and there add up.

The quality on the bench just isn’t there either, if things go badly, our only real option is to go to 4-4-2. Bringing Andrews (or even Allen) on yesterday is not the kind of sub that will change the game in your favour when chasing a goal. I’ve been banging on about the strength in depth all season and unsurprisingly, it’s come to the fore in the busiest period of the season. Lampard and King know this and will want to be active this month to get us over the line.

It’s a big transfer window for us and will be the difference between winning the league and not.

I’m not panicking yet, Boro had just been on the back of a 4 game winless streak (3 losses) before their impressive win v Southampton.

 

[clint van damme]

The high line is pretty integral to how Lampard wants to play football, he’s not going to abandon his principles at the first sight of trouble.

Sometimes you have to be pragmatic.
If you haven't got the depth and there's fatigue in the squad, maybe you have to adjust things a bit.

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Players need 2 weeks rest and I think Frank needs a rest as well. He looks like shit.

Cup game helps to break away from the league pressure.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I also don’t actually think we have been ‘sussed out’, teams have been trying these tactics against us for most of the last 12 months. We have however struggled to continue executing the gameplan from earlier on because it demands a lot from players’ energy reserves and Asante, who had that in buckets, has been injured while the rest have been depleted by illness and fixture pile ups.

This is why FL has banged on about depth. With it, you rotate similar players around and keep the energy levels up.

100% - I don’t think it’s tactical, there’s been a lot put on the players starting and if they’re only executing at 85-90%, it isn’t enough at this level.

Look at Ipswich, in one position they had 2 players valued £30-40m to rotate on a game by game basis. Both Philogene and Clarke would be the best player on the 23 other teams in the league.

The thing that’s concerning me is that Rudoni and Wright are not performing well enough - our two best players when in form.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Sometimes you have to be pragmatic.
If you haven't got the depth and there's fatigue in the squad, maybe you have to adjust things a bit.

He did against Charlton, and some poor defending from Brau cost us the equaliser. We also stood off Ipswich more on the 29th and the fans were getting on player’s backs.

You can’t help things like yesterday when Birmingham score all 3 shots they had on target. The goal that’ll have Lampard and his staff most angry is the 3rd goal because the attacker waltzes in the box and scores at the near post.

The first and second of their goals were good counter attacking football to be fair. The first goal was similar to our goal v Derby when it’s 2-3 passes for the move. Second goal was a good run from Koumas and he did well to round the keeper.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

100% - I don’t think it’s tactical, there’s been a lot put on the players starting and if they’re only executing at 85-90%, it isn’t enough at this level.

Look at Ipswich, in one position they had 2 players valued £30-40m to rotate on a game by game basis. Both Philogene and Clarke would be the best player on the 23 other teams in the league.

The thing that’s concerning me is that Rudoni and Wright are not performing well enough - our two best players when in form.

Rudoni I am sure is carrying a problem, but with the enigmatic Wright, who knows.

The way we were playing with players nearer to full fitness was almost unplayable, and it would be again. Championship teams cannot handle proper ‘pass and move’ football.

 

[clint van damme]

He did against Charlton, and some poor defending from Brau cost us the equaliser. We also stood off Ipswich more on the 29th and the fans were getting on player’s backs.

You can’t help things like yesterday when Birmingham score all 3 shots they had on target. The goal that’ll have Lampard and his staff most angry is the 3rd goal because the attacker waltzes in the box and scores at the near post.

The first and second of their goals were good counter attacking football to be fair. The first goal was similar to our goal v Derby when it’s 2-3 passes for the move. Second goal was a good run from Koumas and he did well to round the keeper.

I thought we were very poor defensively yesterday and I include Rushworth in that.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Rudoni I am sure is carrying a problem, but with the enigmatic Wright, who knows.

The way we were playing with players nearer to full fitness was almost unplayable, and it would be again. Championship teams cannot handle proper ‘pass and move’ football.

Haji looks like he’s checked out to be honest. There were times he could’ve turned with the ball and ran at a defender but just gave it straight back.

My judgement is perhaps clouded by Haji getting new representation and following that Burnley fan account. I’ll freely admit I’m probably reading too much into it but he’s looked off it since he came back.

 

[shmmeee]

Haji looks like he’s checked out to be honest. There were times he could’ve turned with the ball and ran at a defender but just gave it straight back.

My judgement is perhaps clouded by Haji getting new representation and following that Burnley fan account. I’ll freely admit I’m probably reading too much into it but he’s looked off it since he came back.

Ive not been on Hajis back at all but he did indeed look checked out yesterday. Not sure if partly because he was clearly asked to play the 10. But he did look like he couldn’t be arsed.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I thought we were very poor defensively yesterday and I include Rushworth in that.

The first goal isn’t as bad as has been made out. It was a long ball up to the winger, he crosses it first time and it was a good finish. These are low % moves that when they come off, are unplayable.

People saying ‘where was JDS’ are being really unfair. The ball moved a lot quicker than just about any man could’ve done.

I have issues with the 2nd and 3rd goal but to give Koumas he’s flowers, it was a great splitting run. Thomas shouldn’t have stepped up and MVE should’ve tracked him better.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Haji looks like he’s checked out to be honest. There were times he could’ve turned with the ball and ran at a defender but just gave it straight back.

My judgement is perhaps clouded by Haji getting new representation and following that Burnley fan account. I’ll freely admit I’m probably reading too much into it but he’s looked off it since he came back.

If he wants to play for the US he has a funny way of showing it.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Ive not been on Hajis back at all but he did indeed look checked out yesterday. Not sure if partly because he was clearly asked to play the 10. But he did look like he couldn’t be arsed.

Haji can’t have any complaints whatsoever. He’s upfront for a team that’s top of the league and his last goal was v Sheff Wednesday back in October. Meanwhile, Simms has overtook his goals tally.

If an offer came in that was significant, I’d seriously consider it and that’s a big U-turn from even just a couple of weeks (if not days).

I don’t think I’m overreacting either, he’s not even looked like scoring this Xmas period. Again, recent red flags definitely make me more cynical.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

If he wants to play for the US he has a funny way of showing it.

I seriously don’t get it. If he plays well, he becomes a Prem player and with it, Prem money.

Best case scenario: he’s playing with an injury that’s holding him back.

Worst case scenario: he’s fully checked out and trying to force a move.

That’s my take on Haji atm.

 

[shmmeee]

Haji can’t have any complaints whatsoever. He’s upfront for a team that’s top of the league and his last goal was v Sheff Wednesday back in October. Meanwhile, Simms has overtook his goals tally.

If an offer came in that was significant, I’d seriously consider it and that’s a big U-turn from even just a couple of weeks (if not days).

I don’t think I’m overreacting either, he’s not even looked like scoring this Xmas period. Again, recent red flags definitely make me more cynical.

Ultimately only Lampard knows if he is checked out and any player gets like that it’s time to cut your losses. The goal drought thing wouldn’t come into it. Even with it his record is ridiculous and buys him a lot of credit.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

I seriously don’t get it. If he plays well, he becomes a Prem player and with it, Prem money.

Best case scenario: he’s playing with an injury that’s holding him back.

Worst case scenario: he’s fully checked out and trying to force a move.

That’s my take on Haji atm.

I agree it’s one of those two scenarios. The new agent leads me to the latter one though, but he has got to accept that he isn’t going anywhere for less than the club values him, and if he’s worth it someone will pay.

Frankly, he’s been misfiring for months and I don’t think he has attracted the interest he’s hoping is there.

 

[shmmeee]

I agree it’s one of those two scenarios. The new agent leads me to the latter one though, but he has got to accept that he isn’t going anywhere for less than the club values him, and if he’s worth it someone will pay.

Frankly, he’s been misfiring for months and I don’t think he has attracted the interest he’s hoping is there.

Get him in a room with Callum O’Hare

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Haji looks like he’s checked out to be honest. There were times he could’ve turned with the ball and ran at a defender but just gave it straight back.

My judgement is perhaps clouded by Haji getting new representation and following that Burnley fan account. I’ll freely admit I’m probably reading too much into it but he’s looked off it since he came back.

For someone who is apparently trying to claim a World Cup place he has the wrong attitude. It’s even laughable to think he could go to the World Cup.