Match Thread….the apathetic version

We missed Jordan Williams yesterday because even if he makes mistakes nobody can ever say he doesn't try. If my ITK is right he had his operation yesterday. Hope it all went well and it heals good.

 

Brittain is definitely more of a winger than a full-back. In training this week, he needs to be shown how to close down the winger and stop him getting crosses in. He needs to be able to block more crosses by getting closer to him at the critical points. On Saturday that could cost us dear, as on the end of them will be Mitrovic and he won't be as profligate as the Stoke forwards for sure. With Williams out (and he adapts better to the full-back type role than Brittain) this is the side of Callum's game which needs to be developed. I would also go for the 4-2-3-1 structure which served well against Boro. It means Brittain being right back as I don't think we have a better alternative, but Wolfe and Gomes in the holding role in front of the back four allowing the three of Bassi, Styles and Quina to go and be as creative as they can with Morris battling away as usual up top. This would also match Fuham's likely structure, so would work defensively as well as offensively.

I thought that the defence looked solid last night, especially Andersen and Helik. When you think we have been battered for much of the first part of the season, mainly because our midfield couldn't hold the ball for more than a couple of passes, and yet only Fulham and Bournemouth have scored more than two against us in the Championship, it shows the quality of these central defenders and Collins as keeper.

'Every little thing is gonna' be alright' - the game reminded me of one against Derby at Oakwell in the Flitcroft 'great last day escape season.' We took the lead in the second half in front of the Ponte End (Chris O'Grady) and Brayford equalised for Derby in added time. That song was ringing out that game as well ....until Derby scored. Similar situation and it would be amazing if we got a similar outcome this time too.

 

Nonsense....... watch it again. Wolfe makes the block to stop the cross and loses where the ball is a it loops in the air. There are then opportunities for first Gomez and then Cole to clear it.

 

Not nonsense, he turns his back on the player,