Tonight's betting: Barnsley 7/4 (Betfred) Forest 7/4 (Bet365) Draw 131/50 (Marathon Bet) Those best odds give a 100% book, i.e. at best odds, no theoretical profit margin for the bookies. Somewhere therefore, there is value! Our own form is well known. No league win for 7 matches. One league win in the last 20. No home league win since 21 January (10 games). Forest have won both their opening games and have been victorious in 4 of their last 6 league games (5/6 in all competitions). To judge by Forest's website, Mark Warburton believes Barnsley have played well in both their opening league games and states that they are very aware that Barnsley will be looking to get their season up and running tonight. He states however that his side have trained well, that they have closely analysed our game and that they come to Oakwell strong and confident. We are without Yiadom, McGeechan (presumably, as he played 90 minutes yesterday), Lindsay and Isgrove, who would all arguably push for a starting place if fit/focused. Mamadou Thiam doesn't seem to have been mentioned much so it looks unclear whether he will be ready to play any part. I'd personally replace Moncur and Potts with Barnes and Ugbo from Saturday, with Thiam in place of Bradshaw if fit. If Mamadou can't start I'd stick with Bradshaw with either Payne or a half fit Mamadou to replace him after 60 minutes depending on how things are going. I guess that means I'd be going 4-4-2, but I'm not one for all this tactics stuff! Given all the circumstances, Forest look the value given that the two sides are available at the same price for win purposes. But I'm hoping that if Barnes can start (and also if Thiam could play any part) that we will finally banish the ghost of Conor Hourihane and finally win a home league game. So I'll not be betting on this one. For those desperate for other Orsen Kaht wisdom (or folly) Jean-Claude Rouget's Brametot is still available at 8/1 (general) for the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe ahead of his return at Deauville today in the Prix Guillame D'Ornano. A good show today would see his Arc odds contract somewhat (particularly if his stable companion Almamzor doesn't impress in the preceding race at Deauville).
I am relying on their adaptability, especially Barnes. Anyway, I can't have Potts doing his impression of Paul Digby again and Moncur must be banished until he has been to Mamadou's barbers!
Hammill-Williams-Barnes-Hedges ---------Ugbo--Bradshaw-------- Asking for a hammering. Mamadou can't play.
I'd go exactly the same as Saturday. It worked well. Hopefully with another games experience we'll manage things better if we take the lead. I certainly wouldn't drop Moncur he's been one of our most consistent players since the back end of last season.
He had an indifferent game on Saturday, to my eyes. No point in having all these midfielders if you can't generate a bit of competition. But fair play to you - opinions are what this board is all about.
Hecky is obviously more knowledgable than all of us put together, and sees them every day. But I really hope to see Potts on the bench. If we play 5 in midfield again then would like to see Moncur and Mallan, with Williams in the holding role allowing them to push on a bit more. Potts will hopefully improve through the season. Clearly talent there, but big step from L2 to controlling games in championship. Plus if Mallan can take a decent set piece we bloody need that asap. Been woeful so far between Moncur and Hammill.
Sod us, best bet tonight is Truro to beat Bath City @ 15/8 Stick Aldershot, Brackley and Spennymore in a nice non league acca pays around 13/1
Id be tempted to give Mowatt one more run in the number 10 position. Over 100 Championship games there's got to be something there.
