Don't think we will get much out of this game Not a great game to have when you've lost 2 games already Ex R Matt Philips still looks good and somehow still in his 20s,players like Chris brunt too,who likes to score against us too
On paper we should lose, especially given our continued shocking away form. However our last away win was in March at Villa who had just beat Wolves and nobody expected anything, so you never know.
That said, a point would be a good result, just to avoid 3 straight league defeats to start the season. If we lose it puts a lot of pressure on the Bristol City match, where the knives would be out should we clock up a 4th defeat. So just getting something today helps in so many ways!
I fancy he may go tight in midfield, perhaps starting Scowen, Cousins and Luongo. Eze and Freeman out wide. May be wide of the mark with that call but it is what he tried 2nd half away at Preston albeit with Manning over Cousins.
I don't think many will argue with you on that singlespeed. (This is my head speaking!) But football is rarely logical so this might just be the game where we get something. (This is my heart speaking!)
Our first points of the season today. Excellent ground and serviced by its own rail station. Don't see why knives would be out considering the poor runs OLLIE had.
Don't see why knives would be out considering the poor runs OLLIE had.
If we lose today and at home against Bristol City the knives will be out for certain, as it would mean starting the season with 4 defeats. I don't personally see us losing both games but I am certain that social media will be awash with criticism should we lose both games.
I am not saying it is right or wrong, but the knives will be out if that scenario plays out. Holloway was always cut a bit more slack due to his past connections with the club, I don't think McClaren will be given the same sentiment by fans if we clock up 4 defeats. All big 'IF's' anyway. We'll cross that bridge on Tuesday if it occurs!
Anyway, the team news is out:
I called the midfield correct; Cousins does stay in the team alongside Scowen and Luongo. Freeman and Eze out wide with Smith back up front.
Lynch returns to replace Baptiste and Ingram is back in goal ahead of Lumley.
Wszolek and Washington only make the bench despite strong midweek performances.
Last Edit: Aug 18, 2018 13:42:47 GMT by northwesthoop
29 mins: matt Phillips shoots and scores from the centre of the box. 1- 0
34 mins: Joel Lynch left footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt Smith with a headed pass following a set piece situation. 1 - 1
Last Edit: Aug 18, 2018 14:40:10 GMT by kingfisher
4-1 down, miserable afternoon. Anybody care to still disagree with my above statements?
This is the predicted outcome, based upon quality of the sides, so we cannot be too surprised. Interesting that Lynch has been replaced by Baptiste at 77 mins. It is rare for a CB defender to get replaced, so unless Lynch is injured this would be indicative of where the weak link is seen to be... At 81 minutes we have a last desperate gamble in Wszolek coming on for Matt Smith (to add width with Washington going CF?). Not likely to do much in the time still available but would love for him to score! Instead a minute later it is 5 -1....
Most went for a WBA win but nobody could have guessed this result - seven goals shipped and the only one we scored was by a CB! I feel queasy....
Last Edit: Aug 18, 2018 15:55:50 GMT by kingfisher