Bit worrying if we don’t get any positive results in the last couple of friendlies Could it be Same old story lack of goals and leaky defence to start the season with Surely not
Last Edit: Jul 24, 2024 19:56:14 GMT by singlespeed
Bit worrying if we don’t get any positive results in the last couple of friendlies Could it be Same old story lack of goals and leaky defence to start the season with Surely not
To be fair, the defence and attack in the first half (where we were 3-0 down) were those expected to be not in the Starting XI. That said, it is a concern we did not at least score. We should be a week at least ahead of Fulham in the drive for full fitness. I am also thinking Chair is not even featuring in these games because of an internal suspension or is being saved because of a protracted bid.
It was interesting that Marti started with mainly the fringe players and although we lost 4-0 this is just about getting players fit. It was no surprise that players like Larkeche, Fox and EDB struggled against the quality Fulham forwards and Marti already knows that our left hand side needs strengthening.
We did create chances but our age old issue of being able to finish them remains a concern.
I presume that Illias must still have an issue with his back because he wasn't part of today's squad. Hopefully, he'll get some minutes against Reading on Saturday.
It was interesting that Marti started with mainly the fringe players and although we lost 4-0 this is just about getting players fit. It was no surprise that players like Larkeche, Fox and EDB struggled against the quality Fulham forwards and Marti already knows that our left hand side needs strengthening.
We did create chances but our age old issue of being able to finish them remains a concern.
I presume that Illias must still have an issue with his back because he wasn't part of today's squad. Hopefully, he'll get some minutes against Reading on Saturday.
It's Reading (A) today and we make 2 changes from the side that went down 2-0 against Spurs.
Lloyd replaces Kolli Field replaces EDB
Still no Chair. Both Dykes and Celar on the bench. Fox not in the squad, nor Tuck, Bennie or Talla from last week.
Sounds as if there will only be a few subs made, and late on. Obviously match fitness is the primary aim now. I am guessing at 60+ minutes we will see either Celar or Dykes come on (for Frey?). Delighted to see Sam Field back where he belongs. EDB is not really a DM, and Colback is better forward; so, neither is really cover for him.
30 mins in and Smyth down with knee injury (after Wareham had tried to flatten him as well), which is a concern. Lucas Andersen playing really well, Nardi composed, Frey looking a problem for CBs at last and Alfie Lloyd just needs to be calmer - he can do it!
HT and 0-0. On balance it is QPR, but Reading are putting up a good defence (especially given the Back 4 are Dev players). Paal looks a little out of sorts, but the rest are doing OK. It is good to see Lloyd and Andersen filling the voids between their lines of defence, as I think that is what Cifuentes wants. Smyth has been a handful, and that is why he has been chopped down a couple of times.
Last Edit: Jul 27, 2024 15:00:37 GMT by kingfisher
In that first half we have seen some good movement and some good inter play but without any real threat in front of goal. Its good to play pretty football but we need to see someone troubling the goalkeeper.
That first half was a tough watch... zzz. Smyth has been good; Lloyd promising; otherwise really so-so. Our build-up play is too slow; so easy for any defending team to regroup and reset. Chair's absence is so noticeable.
