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West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City
Saturday 20th June 2020 15.00pm
Please use this board for all your After Match Debate. Away fans are reminded to abide by the site rules.
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West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City
Saturday 20th June 2020 15.00pm
Please use this board for all your In Game Chat. Opposition fans are reminded to abide by the site rules
Please keep this board Albion related, there are boards elsewhere in General Sports to discuss other games
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West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City
Saturday 20th June 2020 15.00pm
Please use this board for all your Pre Match Chat. Opposition fans are reminded to abide by the site rules.[/center]
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Let's get this home form sorted out. Thankfully blues decent form ended yesterday with the loss to Reading. So they won't be as confident as before you would of thought
3-1 to us
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Must win especially if Fulham get the result
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Must win especially if Fulham get the result
Let's hope Brentford beat them and we can get the win take the gap to 9 points with 8 games remaining but effectively ten with goal difference.
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Birmingham are a tough, workmanlike team and exactly the type of team we struggle against at the Hawthorns. This is not a game I'm at all confident about. This is a big game.
I hope Hegazi is fit. Personally and controversially, I would expect, I would leave Pereira out of this game. He is likely to be targeted and he's out of form at the moment. I would start Grosicky on the right.
Johnstone
O'Shea Ajayi Hegazi Townsend
Livermore Sawyers Krovinovic
Grosicky Robson-Kanu Robinson
Subs: Bond, Furlong, Bartley, Harper, Pereira, Edwards, Austin.
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;D Agree would like to give Grosicki a start in this game. Would also put Periera in the the #10 role ....he is "catching a cold" on the wing and wasted, should be closer to the action.
Put Krov on the left and Robinson up front and we should get a 3-1 result. Livermore and Sawyers holding midfield.
Would also like to see Furlong back at RB.
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................Johnston
Furlong. Ajayi Hegazi Townsend
Sawyer s Livermore
Grozicki. Pereira. Krovinovic
HTM
Subs, bond Bartley Oshea Robinson Phillips Zohore Edwardes
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My first game since charlton at home, you would think I would be up for it. 1-1
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gap could be 3 points then with enormous pressure on us to win.
i have a bad feeling about this one, blues haven't won here too for a while.
i think we will drop points again. 1-1.
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A tough game no doubt.
We need to find our form again after 2 disappointing performances in the league.
Fulham seem to be struggling with consistency too at the moment though and definitely have a harder run in (on paper) with Brentford up next and then Leeds away.
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Are we even going to be allowed to go to this game :o that’s what I’m thinking now with this virus going round
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Need the 3 points here.
I think we will get them though
2-0 to us
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Are we even going to be allowed to go to this game :o that’s what I’m thinking now with this virus going round
tickets on general sale today.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/march/blues-clash-on-general-sale/
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I fancy this one to be a right proper rip snorter on and off the pitch! ;D
COYB
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Local derbies are always a feisty affair, and BCFC will be looking forward to this one after a storming game at St Andrews. We will need to be at our best to take all three points.
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Difficult
I’d rather we were at their place
This is what I would do
A keeper
O’Shea. Bartley. Semi
Harper Sawyers
Phillips. Livermore. Krovinovic Edwards
HRK
This is what you’ll get
Johnstone
O’Shea. Hegazi* Semi. Townsend (Unless not fit in which case Bartley )
Livermore sawyers. Krovinovic
Pererira. HRK. Robinson
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Same ref as the original game , different assistants and 4th official.
Referee: Bond, Darren
Assistant Referee: Dermott, Philip
Assistant Referee: Russell, Mark
Fourth Official: Donohue, Matthew
reffed our home games with Barnsley and Brentford; both draws.
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Difficult
I’d rather we were at their place
This is what I would do
A keeper
O’Shea. Bartley. Semi
Harper Sawyers
Phillips. Livermore. Krovinovic Edwards
HRK
This is what you’ll get
Johnstone
O’Shea. Hegazi* Semi. Townsend (Unless not fit in which case Bartley )
Livermore sawyers. Krovinovic
Pererira. HRK. Robinson
I think you are right with the 'what you will get' selection and also think its the better of the 2 options. Phillips and Edwards both under perform far too often for me.
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I think I'd be switching Townsend for either Gibbs or even Peltier as they both have around 10 cm height advantage and Blues did seem to want to isolate Townsend at their place. The second goal sticks in my mind.
Townsend has been playing well and doesn't deserve to lose his place for anything he's done/not done but I just feel his lack of height might be targeted by Blues.
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First team need an injection of new faces, Gibbs, Grosicki and Zohore come in for Townsend, Robinson and Kanu. Bilic perfers three center backs in his back four so nothing to do with Townsends form it's just that Gibbs gives us more attacking intent on left flank which caused blues all sorts of problems at their ground. Grosicki has looked sharp when coming on and deserves a start where as Robinson has been poor in last two league games. This is last chance for Zohore in my opinion and its him not Austin getting nod just for his size in defence of corners and free kicks and hold up play and mobility up top.
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First team need an injection of new faces, Gibbs, Grosicki and Zohore come in for Townsend, Robinson and Kanu. Bilic perfers three center backs in his back four so nothing to do with Townsends form it's just that Gibbs gives us more attacking intent on left flank which caused blues all sorts of problems at their ground. Grosicki has looked sharp when coming on and deserves a start where as Robinson has been poor in last two league games. This is last chance for Zohore in my opinion and its him not Austin getting nod just for his size in defence of corners and free kicks and hold up play and mobility up top.
Zohore is woeful. Utter garbage, shouldn't be anywhere near the starting XI
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I would favour Gibbs over Townsend as he can tackle with either foot so isn't vulnerable to wingers cutting in. He is also better on the overlap. If B'ham are going to mount a mass defence at the Hawthorns like so many other teams, then we need to get to the byline and turn their defence. I'm not sure that slinging over crosses without variation is not going to work against an organised defence.
For the same reason I would choose Furlong over O'Shea although the effect is marginal in that case and, as has been pointed out, we can go 3 at the back with O'Shea.
If HRK tires then we could try Robinson at CF where he has played before and bring Grosicki or Edwards on. Again I would favour Edwards against a packed defence because he can beat guys.
It all depends on how the game is going at 55-60 minutes - no?
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Gibbs hasn't played in weeks. He will be rusty. Would be madness to change what in recent games has been a solid back line, especially in the high intensity of a local derby.
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I would favour Gibbs over Townsend as he can tackle with either foot so isn't vulnerable to wingers cutting in. He is also better on the overlap. If B'ham are going to mount a mass defence at the Hawthorns like so many other teams, then we need to get to the byline and turn their defence. I'm not sure that slinging over crosses without variation is not going to work against an organised defence.
For the same reason I would choose Furlong over O'Shea although the effect is marginal in that case and, as has been pointed out, we can go 3 at the back with O'Shea.
If HRK tires then we could try Robinson at CF where he has played before and bring Grosicki or Edwards on. Again I would favour Edwards against a packed defence because he can beat guys.
It all depends on how the game is going at 55-60 minutes - no?
Didn't make a very good job of it at Villa park last season, did he?
Can't understand the desire to ditch Townsend, who has been performing very well.
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Wondering whether this one will go ahead. Tensions are said to be mounting between the PL and the EFL over how to handle fixtures in relation to coronavirus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51852461
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I suspect they'll try and push on if they can to the international break after next week's fixtures and then halt the season.
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Didn't make a very good job of it at Villa park last season, did he?
Can't understand the desire to ditch Townsend, who has been performing very well.
He has been playing well and it would be hard to drop in, however my reasons for it are that he lacks height and Blues did seem to want to isolate him at theirs. His lack of height was definitely a contributing factor in Harlee Dean's headed goal.
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He has been playing well and it would be hard to drop in, however my reasons for it are that he lacks height and Blues did seem to want to isolate him at theirs. His lack of height was definitely a contributing factor in Harlee Dean's headed goal.
That's a very polite way of saying Townsend was absolutely garbage at Saint Andrews. From my perspective he was just absolutely garbage at Saint Andrews. However, as you state he's enjoyed a number of good performances since then so playing a not match fit Gibbs ahead of him may well seem harsh.
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He has been playing well and it would be hard to drop in, however my reasons for it are that he lacks height and Blues did seem to want to isolate him at theirs. His lack of height was definitely a contributing factor in Harlee Dean's headed goal.
So set up differently at set pieces. Derek Statham was 5 foot 5 we never dropped him.
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So set up differently at set pieces. Derek Statham was 5 foot 5 we never dropped him.
I take your point about setting up differently, however since we would be setting up to defend what Birmingham do, we would have to know what they were doing. It's not as simple as saying for example, taller players pick up taller players. Blues could still target Townsend, just as they did at St.Andrews.
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Unlikely if we set up with Townsend as our outball option, which in itself may also seem unlikely ;D .
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The game will be postponed.
https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2020/march/efl-statement-on-coronavirus/
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Assuming this is still our next game, thought it worth resurrecting the thread and getting back to discussing some real football.
It's been so long since we played, I've forgotten a lot of players but, from memory I'd go with:
Godden
Batson Wile Robertson Statham
Cunningham Robson Cantello T Brown
Regis A. Brown
Only kidding (and wishful thinking)
Assuming all fit:
Johnstone
Furlong Hegazi Ajayi Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers Krovinovic
Robinson Austin Perreira
Phillips, Edwards, HRK, Grosicki, O'Shea, Harper, Bartley, Townsend, Bond
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Diangana? Surely he would play... I would also have HRK instead of Austin.
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Assuming this is still our next game, thought it worth resurrecting the thread and getting back to discussing some real football.
It's been so long since we played, I've forgotten a lot of players but, from memory I'd go with:
Godden
Batson Wile Robertson Statham
Cunningham Robson Cantello T Brown
Regis A. Brown
Only kidding (and wishful thinking)
Assuming all fit:
Johnstone
Furlong Hegazi Ajayi Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers Krovinovic
Robinson Austin Perreira
Phillips, Edwards, HRK, Grosicki, O'Shea, Harper, Bartley, Townsend, Bond
I am dreading seeing what Austin runs like after a lockdown of 3 months..
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Any Austin that hasn't been run for 3 months will have a flat battery, sound like a box of frogs and run like a wheelbarrow with a flat. (and I am an ex-leyland apprentice, so I should know)
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Diangana? Surely he would play... I would also have HRK instead of Austin.
Still got it in my head that he's injured, he's he would definitely make the starting line up, in place of Robinson.
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Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers Krovinovic
Pereira Robinson Diangana
Just want to see it for one game. With Phillips and Grosicki off the bench that's terrifying.
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Bond
O'Shea
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Brunt
Phillips
Pereira
Diangana
Robinson
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Johnstone
Furlong Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Livermore Sawyers Krovinovic
Pereira Robinson Diangana
Just want to see it for one game. With Phillips and Grosicki off the bench that's terrifying.
Yep that’s what I would go for, but I imagine Bilic would keep O’Shea as he likes to have one defensive full back.
How great is it to be thinking about the team again.
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Johnstone
Ajayi Hegazi Bartlett
Livermore Sawyers
Grosicki Periera Krovinovic
Diangana
HRK
subs; Phillips, Gibbs, Furlong, Robinson, Austin, Bond, Edwards
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Bond
O'Shea
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Brunt
Phillips
Pereira
Diangana
Robinson
Never give up do you Jacko? Brunt over Livermore?
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Sj
Oshea semi bartley Townsend
Livermore sawyers krovonovic
Phillips HRK Periera
Bench: bond furlong hegazi brunt Zohore diangana grosicki
Strong strong strong no space for Austin and Robinson (although there has been discussion of 5 subs 20 man match say squads..)
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It's a must win!
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Bond
O'Shea
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Brunt
Phillips
Pereira
Diangana
Robinson
Just can't see Brunt starting. I'd expect to see him start the last game of the season if promotion has been achieved by then and also to be wearing the captains arm band. Until we have achieved promotion he'll rightly be a bit part player.
Bond hasn't done enough to oust Johnstone.
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Bond
O'Shea
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Brunt
Phillips
Pereira
Diangana
Robinson
Never quite sure if you are on the wind up - if not lockdown has has obviously been too much for you. BOND?? the maddest thing i have heard in ages and the thought that Brunt will- or should - be anywhere near the starting 11(and possible the match day squad) is fanciful in the extreme. I very much doubt Philips will be either.
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I had a dream in which Robinson and Prereira were left on the bench, no idea why or who replaced them.
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Never quite sure if you are on the wind up - if not lockdown has has obviously been too much for you. BOND?? the maddest thing i have heard in ages and the thought that Brunt will- or should - be anywhere near the starting 11(and possible the match day squad) is fanciful in the extreme. I very much doubt Philips will be either.
It has to be a click bait post surely?? ;D
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No way Brunt gets in the squad if everyones fully fit. I expect Diangana will be back but apart from that i think SB will stick with the pre-lockdown team.
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Never quite sure if you are on the wind up - if not lockdown has has obviously been too much for you. BOND?? the maddest thing i have heard in ages and the thought that Brunt will- or should - be anywhere near the starting 11(and possible the match day squad) is fanciful in the extreme. I very much doubt Philips will be either.
I don’t see why Philips wouldn’t. In fact I think a 9 game season would be ideal for Philips considering he seems to need a rest every 2 months or so. I’d fancy him to get 4/5 goals in the last 9 games.
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Johnstone
O'Shea Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Sawyers Livermore Krovinovic
Pereria HRK Diangana
Subs:
Bond, Bartley, Furlong, Robinson, Austin, Phillips, Barry or Brunt
The options we have with this bunch are staggering - poor old Grosicki doesn't even make the bench.
I've opted for Barry or Brunt as a midfield cover.
I would love to see this lot at their full flow. Looks an excellent side.
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Johnstone
O'Shea Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Sawyers Livermore Krovinovic
Pereria HRK Diangana
Subs:
Bond, Bartley, Furlong, Robinson, Austin, Phillips, Barry or Brunt
The options we have with this bunch are staggering - poor old Grosicki doesn't even make the bench.
I've opted for Barry or Brunt as a midfield cover.
I would love to see this lot at their full flow. Looks an excellent side.
Think I'd have Grosicki in for Phillips or Austin( if we used Robinson through the middle to replace HRK if needed). All academic if EFL allows match day squad of 20 players.
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I think it's very difficult from the armchair to know
a) who has been able to return to some sort of fitness in such a short time
b) who is truly in the right state of mind to play
Given the nature of Covid-19, we might see some younger players (Edwards) included on the bench. The team definitely needs another energetic ball-winner but I don't where that's going to come from.
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I don’t see why Philips wouldn’t. In fact I think a 9 game season would be ideal for Philips considering he seems to need a rest every 2 months or so. I’d fancy him to get 4/5 goals in the last 9 games.
That's the reason I opted for Phillips starts well then fizzles out by xmas. Also offers directness and pace
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That's the reason I opted for Phillips starts well then fizzles out by xmas. Also offers directness and pace
Depends which (insert players name) turns up, that is a phrase / sentiment which puts me off a player straight away. I accept that everyone has a bad day, but not every other day or a bad 3 months.
Sadly (IMO) Matty seems to be in the "bad 3 months" category. If I was running the Albion, I would flog him and get a regular 7/10 player rather than the occasional run of 8 or 9/10's.
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Depends which (insert players name) turns up, that is a phrase / sentiment which puts me off a player straight away. I accept that everyone has a bad day, but not every other day or a bad 3 months.
Sadly (IMO) Matty seems to be in the "bad 3 months" category. If I was running the Albion, I would flog him and get a regular 7/10 player rather than the occasional run of 8 or 9/10's.
Agree with this 100%... Just doesn't do it often enough albeit frightening on his day.
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Depends which (insert players name) turns up, that is a phrase / sentiment which puts me off a player straight away. I accept that everyone has a bad day, but not every other day or a bad 3 months.
Sadly (IMO) Matty seems to be in the "bad 3 months" category. If I was running the Albion, I would flog him and get a regular 7/10 player rather than the occasional run of 8 or 9/10's.
Isn't it part of the Moneyball philosophy that 3 players at 7/10 make a better team contribution than one diva at 9/10 and two at 6/10?
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I can't wait to see Diangana and Perreira back again - they're a handful on their own but together they're unstoppable together at times.
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I can't wait to see Diangana and Perreira back again - they're a handful on their own but together they're unstoppable together at times.
agreed, they just seemed to gel from the off and bring out the best in each other. I'd love us to be able to buy Diangana as they are the kind of players that can make a difference between relegation and staying in the PL (should we get there).
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Are we assuming k/o 3.00pm Sat 20th?
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Pep Clotet to leave Blues at the end of the season "to explore other coaching opportunities"
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Hopefully he's on holiday in his head witrh the rest of his club for this game.
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Here's hoping we're a little sharper on set pieces and balls into the box than we were at St Andrew's.
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3-0
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Here's hoping we're a little sharper on set pieces and balls into the box than we were at St Andrew's.
Indeed, stick O'Shea on Jukiewitz - problem solved?
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It’s been a while and I’ve no idea of anyone’s form but this is what I’d go with.
Johnstone
O’Shea Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore sawyers
Diangana Pereira Robinson
HRK
Harsh on Krovinovic but that is the strongest three for me. The options off the bench are crazy for this level - Austin, Phillips, Krovinovic, Grosicki, Hegazi, brunt and Barry are decent options if the game is close!
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Indeed, stick O'Shea on Jukiewitz - problem solved?
someone would still need to pick up Harlee Dean.
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Haven't been to many games in the last few years and been watching less and less football on the TV since Christmas.
But strangely looking forward to football restarting.
In regards to this game, it'll be typical Albion to go 2 down in the first ten minutes wouldn't it?
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Stop it
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I am going with 3-1, cannot see us keeping a clean sheet. The lads will inevitably be rusty despite what the club is saying.
Tbh as long as we win, I don't care at this juncture.
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If the friendly today is anything to go by it looks like:
Johnstone
? Ajayi Hegazi Gibbs
Sawyers Livermore
Diang Pereira Robinson
HRK
Couldnt see a clip with the right back in with the first team, think it may have been Furlong though as O'Shea was in the 2nd teamm
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Commentary on Talksport 2
https://talksport.com/radio/schedule/2020-06-20/#talkSPORT2-Schedule
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It’s been a while and I’ve no idea of anyone’s form but this is what I’d go with.
Johnstone
O’Shea Ajayi Bartley Gibbs
Livermore sawyers
Diangana Pereira Robinson
HRK
Harsh on Krovinovic but that is the strongest three for me. The options off the bench are crazy for this level - Austin, Phillips, Krovinovic, Grosicki, Hegazi, brunt and Barry are decent options if the game is close!
I agree with most of that side however it would be either Phillips for Robinson in that formation or if he sticks with his 433 krovonovic is in to add energy to midfield in place of Robinson
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Really looking forward to having something else to think about, even if it the usual stomach churning are they going to blow it as usual feeling, I don't care, a football Saturday might just keep me sane
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Really looking forward to having something else to think about, even if it the usual stomach churning are they going to blow it as usual feeling, I don't care, a football Saturday might just keep me sane
Seen this a few times, but we have an extremely good track record for getting out of the Championship, so where does this worry come from?
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Seen this a few times, but we have an extremely good track record for getting out of the Championship, so where does this worry come from?
It's just there, ever since 1968.
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It's just there, ever since 1968.
Oh, I understand it more generally, but specifically for getting out of the 2nd tier in the PL era, we're probably the best at it!!
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Oh, I understand it more generally, but specifically for getting out of the 2nd tier in the PL era, we're probably the best at it!!
ergo, best at getting relegated
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ergo, best at getting relegated
Joint best with 4 :D
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Excitement will be building this week now....
I thought football was done for the season in all honesty but after 3 months without it I dont think there is a single partner that will deny their football loving partner watching as much as possible...not happening in this household either way ;D
Will be interesting to see the starting lineup, see who comes back in to the starting lineup immediately.
Praise the lord for footballs return
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Excitement will be building this week now....
I thought football was done for the season in all honesty but after 3 months without it I dont think there is a single partner that will deny their football loving partner watching as much as possible...not happening in this household either way ;D
Will be interesting to see the starting lineup, see who comes back in to the starting lineup immediately.
Praise the lord for footballs return
Definitely, it's going to be wall to wall in my gaff from Wednesday, I'm not into the European Leagues so haven't tuned in to that much at all. Can't wait!!
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Definitely, it's going to be wall to wall in my gaff from Wednesday, I'm not into the European Leagues so haven't tuned in to that much at all. Can't wait!!
I'm annoyed, I'm working until 19.00 (I do my own rota ???) so I'll miss the first match but Man City Arsenal seems a good place to re-start. I tried with the German League but it didn't happen, wasn't feeling it!
But Saturday, what a day for it to come back. Football in the garden at my Dads on his 60th Birthday, my uncle there too and it's West Brom V Blues. As Brummie baggies it's a pretty good game to come back with. And the novel idea of it being on TV at 3pm on a Saturday and not having to scramble around for streams. Lovely.
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I'm annoyed, I'm working until 19.00 (I do my own rota ???) so I'll miss the first match but Man City Arsenal seems a good place to re-start. I tried with the German League but it didn't happen, wasn't feeling it!
But Saturday, what a day for it to come back. Football in the garden at my Dads on his 60th Birthday, my uncle there too and it's West Brom V Blues. As Brummie baggies it's a pretty good game to come back with. And the novel idea of it being on TV at 3pm on a Saturday and not having to scramble around for streams. Lovely.
Sounds like a superb day mate!!
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I'm annoyed, I'm working until 19.00 (I do my own rota ???) so I'll miss the first match but Man City Arsenal seems a good place to re-start. I tried with the German League but it didn't happen, wasn't feeling it!
But Saturday, what a day for it to come back. Football in the garden at my Dads on his 60th Birthday, my uncle there too and it's West Brom V Blues. As Brummie baggies it's a pretty good game to come back with. And the novel idea of it being on TV at 3pm on a Saturday and not having to scramble around for streams. Lovely.
Sounds a cracker of a day mate. I was 60 on the 7th of May and hope your dad and your family have a top day.
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Sounds a cracker of a day mate. I was 60 on the 7th of May and hope your dad and your family have a top day.
Belated happy 60th birthday Gerry 8) .
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The former Mrs Baggieman expelled me to t’ greenhouse back in March when lockdown started.
Kitted it out with electric radiator, really comfortable armchair that turns into a single bed at the touch of a button, widescreen smart TV, microwave, coffee table and a shed load of Boddingtons bitter cans and a rack of red wine.
The Baggieman is set up nicely for the rest of the footy season starting with the Vile getting whupped tomorrow and a Baggies win Sat’day !!!
🤪
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Belated happy 60th birthday Gerry 8) .
Cheers SmethDan :D
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Straightforward home win.
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We need to be careful not to be over confident.
I’d honestly settle for a draw now to keep things steady.
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I reckon there's going to be players, for all teams, who will shine in this environment, without the pressure of a big crowd.
We've always heard stories of players who are unplayable in training but never quite carry that into match day.
I think Philips, Edwards, Harper and Zohore could all fall into this category for us and could have a major role to play. Hope so anyway, they all seem to have tremendous ability but always seem like something is missing.
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We need to be careful not to be over confident.
I’d honestly settle for a draw now to keep things steady.
bolo mate full strength squad to choose from bet Ferguson who hasn't been missed. Expect a win and celebrating promotion and trophy presentation after Qpr game, going up as champions :P
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I've updated match officials information if anyone is interested.
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Personally, I think we could have done without a local derby and all the added rivalry that goes with it for our first game back as they are levellers in most instances.
But, having said that, playing behind closed doors neutralises the crowds impact on the game, but still the players are playing for bragging rights to some extent.
I would sooner it wasn't a local derby though
score: ? v ?
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The former Mrs Baggieman expelled me to t’ greenhouse back in March when lockdown started.
Kitted it out with electric radiator, really comfortable armchair that turns into a single bed at the touch of a button, widescreen smart TV, microwave, coffee table and a shed load of Boddingtons bitter cans and a rack of red wine.
The Baggieman is set up nicely for the rest of the footy season starting with the Vile getting whupped tomorrow and a Baggies win Sat’day !!!
🤪
Respect mate, what a set up you've got. I'm well impressed
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Personally, I think we could have done without a local derby and all the added rivalry that goes with it for our first game back as they are levellers in most instances.
But, having said that, playing behind closed doors neutralises the crowds impact on the game, but still the players are playing for bragging rights to some extent.
I would sooner it wasn't a local derby though
score: ? v ?
4-0
There is absolutely no reason why blues will be half up for this
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4-0
There is absolutely no reason why blues will be half up for this
I am also quietly confident about this
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Watched the two games last night and personal take away was that the high octane pace of English football was lacking with teams at latter stages of games at a walking pace. Players looked fit but weren't match fit and much preferred game with no sound effects from sky.
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Fourth official Matthew Donohue was largely incompetent during the 2-2 with Charlton at our place. The smirk on his face when he eventually sent Ferguson off was pure snide. His decision to award them a penalty at the death when we should have had a free kick would be laughable if it hadn't denied us two valuable points. I'm hoping he doesn't 'see' anything which hasn't happened off the ball to cost us any more. Arrogance personified.
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Fourth official Matthew Donohue was largely incompetent during the 2-2 with Charlton at our place. The smirk on his face when he eventually sent Ferguson off was pure snide. His decision to award them a penalty at the death when we should have had a free kick would be laughable if it hadn't denied us two valuable points. I'm hoping he doesn't 'see' anything which hasn't happened off the ball to cost us any more. Arrogance personified.
The ajayi getting flattened incident, if i remember rightly, you're right he was a expletive
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Wasn't it Grady Diangana who he initially sent off instead of Ferguson?
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Wasn't it Grady Diangana who he initially sent off instead of Ferguson?
Quite correct.
The Alzheimer’s isn’t setting in just yet Dan :D
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Darren Bond Stats
Championship
Games 22,
Yellow Cards 76
Two Yellows Cards 0
Red Cards 1
Penalties 5
Referred us twice this season at home against Barnsley 2-2 and Brentford 1-1.
Its a draw then ;D
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max 5 loan players on pitch at a time is one of the temp rules
Krov / Periera / Robinson / Grosicki / Peltier are only options we have (I think), so not an issue for us, not sure about Leeds / fulham etc
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max 5 loan players on pitch at a time is one of the temp rules
Krov / Periera / Robinson / Grosicki / Peltier are only options we have (I think), so not an issue for us, not sure about Leeds / fulham etc
Don’t think Grosicki is a loan player, think he’s ours
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Don’t think Grosicki is a loan player, think he’s ours
Yes, he signed on a permanent deal.
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Yes, he signed on a permanent deal.
Even better !
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Even better !
And Peltier signed on a short term contract following his early release from Cardiff if I remember correctly.
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max 5 loan players on pitch at a time is one of the temp rules
Krov / Periera / Robinson / Grosicki / Peltier are only options we have (I think), so not an issue for us, not sure about Leeds / fulham etc
also forgot Diangana
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Watched the two games last night and personal take away was that the high octane pace of English football was lacking with teams at latter stages of games at a walking pace. Players looked fit but weren't match fit and much preferred game with no sound effects from sky.
Yes the games had did have a pre season feel to them and everybody had something to play for, you do wonder what will happen when 2 teams with not much to play for meet.
Not sure sound effects on or off was better both were pretty sad.
Generally the lack of physical intensity favours the better team and on Saturday and generally in this division that's us.
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also forgot Diangana
Christ, lets just forget I started this, what a mess !
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Our option in the attacking areas are truly exciting, just hope they hit the ground running.
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A Birmingham Mail story suggests Blues only have 16 senior players, so the squad will be padded with kids.
Hopefully we can get off to a fast start. If we can strike early, i think id be seriously worried as a blues fan.
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Here's a thought too...
If we are going to spend £8-£10m on a Croatian in the summer, would it make more sense for that to be on Sunjic than Krovinovic?
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Here's a thought too...
If we are going to spend £8-£10m on a Croatian in the summer, would it make more sense for that to be on Sunjic than Krovinovic?
Yes definitely. That would SORT midfield as was stated on another post.
Far better than Livermore and only 23.
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Yes definitely. That would SORT midfield as was stated on another post.
Far better than Livermore and only 23.
Livermore is not going anywhere, and will captain the side in the Premier League.
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Livermore is not going anywhere, and will captain the side in the Premier League.
having Sunjic / Livermore / Sawyers / Edwardes competing for the defensive side of the team would be healthy in my view, no reason for moving Jake on.
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having Sunjic / Livermore / Sawyers / Edwardes competing for the defensive side of the team would be healthy in my view, no reason for moving Jake on.
Edwards is very far from being a defensive player.
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Edwards is very far from being a defensive player.
ah you beat me to it, was just about to post that Edwards is a winger.
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Edwards is very far from being a defensive player.
having a mare today !
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This site is really buzzing again after so much time without footy.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about a ‘season’ starting again as long as I can remember.
Also, very confident that under Slav, we will hit the ground running and in just a few games will be promoted - just hope upon hope we can really turn on the magic and achieve promotion in great style.
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having Sunjic / Livermore / Sawyers / Edwardes competing for the defensive side of the team would be healthy in my view, no reason for moving Jake on.
Sunjic
Krovinovic
Nzonzi
Harper
Sawyers
That 5 would give is a really strong core .
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Come on you baggies
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Come on you baggies
Oi, think it’s grate!
Footys back!
🥳
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Going to keep very busy this morning, need to fit a new washing machine feed, very glad to have something to do to keep me from counting down the minutes on the clock
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It's back ;D Hope we get a resounding win today lads.
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Got to admit, I'm really looking forward to this afternoon, but I'm really nervous.
A scruffy win would do for me.
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Palmer in goal, (Johnstone making half-time tea)
Diangana on left wing,
Pereira central in #10 role
Kronovic somewhere
We have too many options - I give up !!!
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I think that the Litmus test will be against Brentford. They have a reasonably high scoring front line and are relatively young and therefore should be able to achieve full fitness more quickly.
Just don't mess this one up boys. Try not to concede in first ten minutes.
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Here we go guys! Game day! I'm guessing the site will be way busier than usual - hope it's a happy place come 5pm!
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Hoping that the option of 5 subs, and the fact we have so much strength in depth will be too much for Blues.
We could start with Livermore, Sawyers, Pereira, Robinson, Diangana and Austin, and finish with Kroc, Edwards, Phillips, HRK, Zohore or Grosicki. That is a lot of fire power on the bench.
With Bellingham the subject of intense transfer speculation, I hope his head has been turned.
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Hoping that the option of 5 subs, and the fact we have so much strength in depth will be too much for Blues.
We could start with Livermore, Sawyers, Pereira, Robinson, Diangana and Austin, and finish with Kroc, Edwards, Phillips, HRK, Zohore or Grosicki. That is a lot of fire power on the bench.
With Bellingham the subject of intense transfer speculation, I hope his head has been turned.
Good players for this division, but I’m not sure if I’d class it as fire power. I’d associate fire power with real goal scorers. Most of them are capable of grabbing a goal though so there’s certainly a collective threat
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Matheus Pereira Twitter Account
"Ready"
COYB!!!!
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Matheus Pereira Twitter Account
"Ready"
COYB!!!!
go on matty do those bluenoses :D
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After what feels like an eternity we are back let's hope this break has not made us sloppy hopefully a win 3 points and a very happy forum. COYB will be weird listening to the game without any fans and if the liquidator is played no one to sing it
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WM Might have it covered not sure if Villa or Wolves play today
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Johbstone
Furlong
Ajayi
Gibbs
Hegazi
Sawyers
Luvermore
Perriera
Phillips
Robinson
Hrk
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Johbstone
Furlong
Ajayi
Gibbs
Hegazi
Sawyers
Luvermore
Perriera
Phillips
Robinson
Hrk
Do we really need to give them an extra man to beat us??
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Edited before you posted :D
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It’s the 11 I expected other than HRK for Austin.
It makes sense to ease diangana in and I’m sure he will get at least 30 minutes. There’s probably very little chance we have him next season either so in the long term it may make sense to play Robinson.
Good to see Harper back on the bench, a bit of a forgotten man this season.
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No Townsend or Grosicki. Barry and Brunt being left out is understandable.
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Bit surprised at no Townsend , could be the number of games in a short time . No way Gibbs will get through them injury free.
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The blues side is missing two of their better players and 6/7 on the bench are kids.
If we are sharp, this could be a rout
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Fulham 0-2 Brentford suits us.
😃
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Just wanted to say COYB BoingBoing
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I like the look of the team, as other shave said 5 subs could really help us due to our strength in depth.
Don't think I have posted on the forum since lockdown started, feels good to be back.
COME ON YOU BAGGIES!!!
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Edited before you posted :D
;D
I’m surprised not to see Grosicki involved if I’m honest
Team looks strong either way
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I feel like a 16 year old on the first morning of starting work - nervous, apprehensive and all sorts of emotions.
C’mon you Baggies - lift that apprehension with a thumping win!
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Away teams doing well today.😁
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Having problems logging on to follow :o Anyone having similar issues?
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Team, would like to have seen Grady Diangana start in place of Phillips who often blows hot and cold but I suppose, as someone said, there’s a lot of games to come and easing Grady in might be the wisest option.
Also, he’s a West Ham player and we’re going to lose him so maybe that has influenced Slav.
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I follow says your email is not avail email
What the hell does that mean it’s my email
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I haven't got iFollow. I am using a stream from Sky Sports. (See the Woodman).
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I follow is worse than chute it says problem signing you in please try later
What a load of pony I will get season ticket refund as this doesn’t work
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Also can't get onto Ifollow after using it without any problems earlier in the season. Typical :D
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COME ON Y9U BAGGIES!!!!!!!!!
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Stream is good. Thanks guys. Agree ifollow is v poor.
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Here we go. COYB.
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COYB!
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Dingle Don saying that our inconsistent home form is basically down to the fans.
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Bright start - three corners
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Good tempo from us just need
Keep our focus
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Few missed placed passes, but playing well
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77% possession
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As usual Pereira and Sawyers particularly good.
Phillips and Robinson okay.
Early days. I'd have Diangana in this team every time.
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4th corner for us. We must do something to score, though.
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Pretty football but no end result.
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This far from the usual frenetic pace of the division. Crying out for HRK OFF Austin ON.
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68% possession but no penetration.
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They aren't getting a look in. Clearly going to end 0-1 >:(
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Robinson looks off the boil. Diangana on at half time at this rate.
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Shambles of a free kick. Just shoot.
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7th corner. can we make it pay?
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Livermore is so poor on the ball. >:(
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For all our flare our final ball is so poor.
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It’s all very nice in the middle, but we still look susceptible when blues do manage to get forward and haven’t really threatened their goal with much of any note.
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Come on guys were well in control of the game just not firing on the same wavelength Yet. Coyb
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Pretty football but making hard work of it.
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Need to be sharper. Too much fannying around when we get 8nto good areas. Go direct.
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Just to slow and laboured getting into their box and once there - nothing!
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Don't seem to be able to open them up which is a worry. Phillips not doing it for me at the minute
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Brilliant from Pereira and Kanu fails to get a shot off.
Camp hasn't got his gloves dirty.
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Need HRK and Phillips off.
Need Diangana and Charlie on.
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Livermore rubbish on the ball. Philips surprised he’d started, Grosicki is a better player, as is Dianganna. Robinson quiet. We’ve not mustered a shot on target. Too gentle, slow and sideways.
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Crying out for Diangana.
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0-0 HT
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Just not good enough so far. We need to get in out of second gear.
This is where fans in the ground would help I think
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Johnstone nearly punched it to their striker. Still 0 0 though.
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Johnstone nearly punched it to their striker. Still 0 0 though.
Yeah nothing to do that half and he still managed to miscue a punch in his own six yard box. Hegazi is annoying me as well. We’ve had tons of corners and he never makes an effort to attack the ball - Bartley is much better attacking corners.
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Why is Phillips playing? How many touches does he need before he crosses the ball.
Not keen on the team selection and not overjoyed at the performance so far. All very pretty but Blues are awful and Camp hasn't had a shot to save.
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We had 9 shots, all off target. Awful stat.
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We are the better side, with all the corners, but that's the sort of game we lose 0-1. Forwards are nowhere near sharp enough.
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So many crosses into the box being blocked, Blues clearly playing for a draw and hoping for a breakaway. Can’t help but think we fanny about because the Players look up and have HRK to aim at.
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God I’ve missed this positivity :) They’ve not played for 3 months and it shows. Still look by far the better team though.
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We do look the better team, but we're lacking sharpness all over the pitch. Need to make a breakthrough soon or we'll start getting frustrated and ragged.
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Massively dominating but need a goal.
Got to watch the balls into the box, especially their long throws. Johnstone not filling me with confidence again already.
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So much negativety guys.
We aren't playing rubbish just not firing on all cylinders. MP is our player now. I'm still saying a win for is on the cards has long as we keep our consentration
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Hope Slaven changes it at half time Phillips off Diangana on.
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We are the better side, with all the corners, but that's the sort of game we lose 0-1. Forwards are nowhere near sharp enough.
Be typical Baggies.
With something like 70% possession and then blow it with a Blouse breakaway and lose 0-1.
Diangana and Austin please Slav.
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Easily the better team, as someone above mentioned Blues seems to just hope of catching us on the counter or from a set piece/long throw
I’d take Phillips off, very lucky to start to begin with for me, hoped the break we would see the Phillips that comes out the blocks at start of the season, but hes carried on from where he was
Hope to see Grady at some point and HRK off too, ideally give them both 15 at start of the 2nd half then change it up
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Not negative but slow and rusty like pretty much all teams have looked on the return. You can't just have match sharpness immediately.
Need 1 break for a goal and I can see 2-3
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Haven’t seen much of Livermore either
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I would assume Phillips and Robinson are starting because we are playing 4231, I would fancy us big time second half with Krov, Grady etc playing against their knackered first eleven or the kids either way.
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I've got what sounds like a Slavic commentary. Background crowd noise consists of one repetitive song. Wouldn't mind but its not even an Albion song.
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One positive. We’re top of the league!!!
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Still a bit sluggish. West Bromwich STROLLERS.
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Tenth corner.
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COYB this is actually boring we are playing well but nothing of note apart from 10 corners
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We have to attack the ball more. Go for goal, and stop the pretty tippy tappy passing.
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WM have the game as do Talksport
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Good tackle from Livermore with the centre backs up the pitch.
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Kanu needs to practice heading the ball straight..
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If blues win this, it’ll go down with Jobi McAnuff and Wimbledon in my memory.
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same home form as per
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Grady stripped and ready.
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Thought this after the premier league games, but these matches all feel as though it’s the 94th minute the entire game.
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Too pedestrian. Need more pace and movement to unlock a side sitting deep.
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At least I can have a drink in sight of the pitch! :-\
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Blues attack keeps threatening.
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Please take Phillips off.
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I'd give Robinson a go up top; Diangana on the left.
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PHILLIPS WOEFUL
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Edwards and Diagana coming on.
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Please take Phillips off.
Just about to say same. Need Grady on and Krov. Would maybe take off Livermore, doesn't look sharp at all
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Phillips squandered that chance there. 3 players free in the box with an open goal and he found the keeper
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Very poor by Phillips then.
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Dianaga and Edwards for MP and Robinson. Good call.
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Still a bit sluggish. West Bromwich STROLLERS.
I've just said that here. Spooky.
Leeds will win tomorrow and then I'll be really drunk off.
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Both wingers switched out. Amazed Kanu still on the pitch.
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Dianaga and Edwards for MP and Robinson. Good call.
I'll second that.
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So many set pieces and not 1 decent one is poor
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No directness.
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If we were going to switch out the wingers, we should have at least told the Robinson and Philips to really run the defence for the first 10 minutes of the second half to give the fresh lads a real edge.
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Our set pieces have been dreadful.
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It's warm. I can see a few late goals for us...
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How have they still not managed to shoot there. Dreadful.
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How’ve we not scored there?
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Said it previously this season, I dread to think how far down this league we would be without Pereira.
Bilić is far too loyal to some of these players.
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Oh do one with the drinks breaks!
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Watching the replay, Edwards needs to just hit that, not sure why he’s trying to take a touch 6 yards out.
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HRK is the best at the holding the ball up we have but it's not been like that. We are having crosses galore. This would suit Austin much more IMO.
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It's warm. I can see a few late goals for us...
Still not a single shot on target. We are just waiting for something to happen and have wasted an hour of football. Too negative.
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Austin on for Kanu
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Aha here is Austin for HRK.
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Not exactly scintillating is Bellingham the 16 year old supposed wonder kid
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Pereira is different class.
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Has Edwards got his boots on the wrong feet?
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They are holding the ball better than they have been doing.
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Edwards booked for a cyinical takle.
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I worry we’ve left it too late. Blues seem happy to sit back and soak now.
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Lee Camp could have brought a deckchair.
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Not exactly scintillating is Bellingham the 16 year old supposed wonder kid
Agree with that. I must be missing something if he is worth £30m.
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15 minutes to do something.
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Edwards been awful
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At least there seemed a little more urgency in the last attack. Blues have had it far too easy considering how much of the play we have had.
We are in serious danger of making the run in far harder than it should have been.
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It's the final ball every single time I'd change this and bring Krovinovic on where possible
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3 or 4 times to cross the ball in the last 5 mins and we don’t. Surely with Austin on that should be plan A
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Got a Johnstone blunder and a one nil defeat written all over it.
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You just know we will throw this away, we are the Baggies, we always make it hard for ourselves.
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Shocking
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Get it in the ****ing box!!! Stop faffing about.
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They are getting in better positions.
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this is so frustrating to watch. the final ball is awful or never comes every single time. Gibbs at fault that time.
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3 months off, I could be following a tread from then, same old
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Look, I am fully aware this is the first game for months and we'll be rusty...But, Jesus.
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Unusual circumstances to say the least but there is no excuses for this. It is bloody awful.
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I thought Grady was on. Where is he?
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It really is rubbish. Like watching a pub team
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You know its bad when even Perreira is starting to make mistakes on a regular basis.
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Why we voted to carry on the season I’ll never know!
Clearly none of them ready to restart
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Unusual circumstances to say the least but there is no excuses for this. It is bloody awful.
End the season on PPG better than the time and effort that's gone into this rubbish
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66% possession ::)
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Zohore and Krovinovic coming on.
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Krov coming on with Zohore.
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FFS why I did bother listening to this game could have in this time organised my books killed that last remaining moth in my room or played on my PS4
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People can say we’re rusty, but teams around us have still managed to pull out a performance today and win.
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We are becoming 2nd best at the moment.
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Well over five hours now since we scored a goal in the Championship.
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We are becoming 2nd best at the moment.
I think you’re being generous there ;D
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Painful.
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Nearly for them.
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This is pooh what the hells going on
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4 mins added.
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Well the stronger squad argument doesn’t cut it anymore....just hope we improve for Friday.
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We've had 1 shot on target, they've had 2.
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We are trying to walk it in and end up doing pot shots. Need to speed it up when attacking, we give blues to much time to get behind the ball.
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Do our lot seem to think we are going to get points for skills etc? Do something with it!
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Yawn... Another corner
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No urgency, no ideas and if I didn’t know better I’d say they were lacking desire.
This side was supposedly itching to get back, but have just swanned about like it’s a meaningless training game.
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0-0 FT. Total rubbish
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3 games without scoring a goal
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Total waste of time. If this is how we go on I worry about us
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All the fancy play but nothing at the end of it.
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Were the players aware that this was a competitive match?
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Sitter from Zohore. Relying on Cardiff now.
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Friendly
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How the flip did Zohore miss from 1 yard
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Terrible performance 1 shot on target with all the ball
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I think the comments are harsh. No games for 3 months, no fans to provide motivation. We will get better. Keep the faith please.
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Put loads of crosses in first half with Kanu on, bring Austin on and stop doing it. Don’t get it myself, plenty of opportunity to put the ball in they just kept taking the extra touch 🙈
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going to need to sharpen up an awful lot in attack based on that performance, absolutely dreadful in every aspect of attack aside from Pereira who at least had a few bright moments. No one seemed to anticipate anything, most the passing in the final third was dreadful and the few that weren't just bounced off players. Special mention to perhaps the most ineffective set pieces i've ever seen as well.
I realise its a difficult situation coming back like this but even still, of all the games i've seen so far this had the most pre-seaosn feel to it. You wouldn't for a second think one of these sides had anything riding on these last few games.
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Woeful. I’m blaming Bilic, negative rubbish team selection and players never seemed too bothered about it being 0-0. No urgency or quality. Why wasn’t Grosicki, Krov and Dianganna starting with Perreira? We never took the hand break off.
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Extremely poor in the final third, no goals in 3 and somehow a point more ahead. Good job the league is so poor.
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Well over five hours since we scored in the Championship, and if you play an entire match at practice game pace you’re unlikely to.
Rusty at best.
But it’s worth noting there were 11 Championship games today - only one home win.
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Rusty and no match sharpness...to be expected
End product was woeful today
Need to go beat Brentford now
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Pundits claiming its down to being the first game we'll Brentford had their first game today and beat Fulham that wasn't good enough
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Terrible anti climax, very very poor, no tempo, no vision, no intent. Best possible start for Brentford, we’ve given them no cause for concern.
Zohore proved his previous performances were no fluke.
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Not good enough. Poor team selection. To leave Krovinovic out was absolute stupidity from Bilic. Why has Phillips suddenly leap frogged other wide men to get a start? Why change the formation back from 4-3-3? Where was Grosicky?
It weren't broke so why try to fix it?
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Very disappointing after the optimistic build-up.
If we play like that against Brentford we’ll lose.
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We’re in a better position now than when we started blues were always going to be a tough game we need to not lose against Brentford and then hopefully it will be more of a straightforward run in
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I think the comments are harsh. No games for 3 months, no fans to provide motivation. We will get better. Keep the faith please.
This. We dominated the game and should have done better but first game back a point will do. 1 point more than Fulham
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Well over five hours since we scored in the Championship, and if you play an entire match at practice game pace you’re unlikely to.
Exactly. Why play the entire game at walking pace when you have loads of subs to bring on? The players need a rocket up their backsides.
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Thank goodness that's over. The players didn't look that bothered. All smiles at the end.
Some nice creative ideas, but lacked the precison to carry them out.
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back to being frustrated after another nothing home game. what a load of rubbish that was. phillips cant cross for toffee
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Woeful in the final third. Once Pereira tired around 60 mins it was game over. It was on a plate for us as well. That Birmingham side were dross, 3 of their starting XI were missing.
Every time results have gone our way this season we have failed to capitalise. We've drawn far too many games against poor teams. Now Brentford changes from a free hit to a game we really don't want to be losing.
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That was a waste of Saturday afternoon I am now debating weather to listen or watch the remaining games it was pathetic I have a headache from it
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Overplayed too often around the box, only plus is we are a point better off and opened the gap to 7 points from third place.
Other than it was poor.
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Well, 7 points clear of 3rd placed Fulham, top of the league, 8 games left and 24 more point to fight for COYB!!!!
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
Another bonus us Brentford won't sit back and have 11 men behind the ball so that should suit us next Friday night
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You can see why Blues haven’t lost many. Very disappointing afternoon for us but Friday is now a critical match. A win at Brentford would be massive and I’m sure that they will attack us.
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
Should have won by 3 or 4? Did we even have a shot on target?!
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
one shot on target to there 2. glad there is still some optimism around.
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Should have won by 3 or 4? Did we even have a shot on target?!
Yes. ONE !
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
Barmy that mate our only shot on target was the 30 yarder from Diangana with the last kick of the game.
We should have won 1 nil. Unforgivable Zohore missing that header at the end.
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Should have won by 3 or 4? Did we even have a shot on target?!
apparently 1 but I cant remember
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The comments on here youve gotta laugh! ;D
First game back, can people just chill a little, blues set up solid, all season we’ve struggled to break teams down that have done this, no idea what people thought was suddenly going to change
All attackers were very poor today, but we’ve got an extra point than Fulham and its 1 more game out the way
We won’t steam roll these last 9 games, no idea what has given people the idea we will
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People can argue that we’re rusty. But teams around us have managed to turn up with some intensity today and get results.
I think we’re going to struggle scoring and winning games playing at this pace. We’ve never been great at breaking down teams and rely heavily on counter attacks, pacey passing and quick breakaways. None of which we’re going to get much of for the rest of this season.
Balls into the box were particularly poor today, as was our decision making in the final third. Left Kanu and Phillips on far too long for me. Edwards wasn’t great when he came on either. Think we need a better plan B for when things aren’t working.
Bilic ran out of ideas in the second half and seemed to panic and throw on every attacker we have, which still didn’t work. There’s no point having two big strikers on and not getting balls into the box.
I said in the in game thread that every game I’ve watched this week has had the intensity, atmosphere and pace as if it’s the 94th minute the entire game. After itching for football to return, I’m having second thoughts already.
Worried about Brentford next after their win at Fulham today. No doubt Leeds will turn up against Cardiff too. Hope we’re not just going through the motions again like this time last year.
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Albion can still do it no matter what the team or coach, frustrate the hell out of me.
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Should have won by 3 or 4? Did we even have a shot on target?!
I didn't say we had shots on target, but we had enough possession around the edge of the box to have scored 3 or 4 (if we'd have played the ball in).
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
Another bonus us Brentford won't sit back and have 11 men behind the ball so that should suit us next Friday night
We bossed the first half in terms of possession and corners won. We created absolutely nothing though. The over-complicating of every set piece was one of the more annoying aspects, seems to happen every time Phillips and Pereira are on the pitch together.
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The comments on here youve gotta laugh! ;D
First game back, can people just chill a little, blues set up solid, all season we’ve struggled to break teams down that have done this, no idea what people thought was suddenly going to change
All attackers were very poor today, but we’ve got an extra point than Fulham and its 1 more game out the way
We won’t steam roll these last 9 games, no idea what has given people the idea we will
what did we do as an attacking force exactly with better footballers. some of these comments above are justified
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what did we do as an attacking force exactly with better footballers. theses comments are justified
Because we have better footballers does not give us some god given right to have won today, blues sat back and we struggled to break them down, just like other teams we’ve played that have done similar and struggled again, I’m glad we didn’t lose cause some of you would be on suicide watch
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How the hell did Phillips get in the first team has been useless all season. If I ever see Zohore in Albion kit it will be too soon total waste of money.
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Because we have better footballers does not give us some god given right to have won today, blues sat back and we struggled to break them down, just like other teams we’ve played that have done similar and struggled again, I’m glad we didn’t lose cause some of you would be on suicide watch
they had the better chances even though they sat back, I didn't once get out of my seat. maybe criticism will spur them on for the next game . glad we are away because even without the moans and groans the players haven't performed at home again
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On a positive note, I thought Ajayi was a rock, as usual, and his partnership with Hegazi is one we can really build around.
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Disappointed yes, but we've actually widened the gap to the 3rd placed team, which is equivalent to 2 wins and a draw difference and a far superior goal difference, which is more like a 3 wins gap in the 8 remaining games, I think :D
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Seems like we want to rely on other results to get us over the line. Great favour by Brentford earlier, unfortunately we have to play them next week and they could be the real danger team to watch out for.
I’m really hiding my true level of negativity on what I feel about that game. I suppose it very much sums up our home performance level and we should be grateful it wasn’t another defeat to a dreadful team. Didn’t really make much difference without the pressure of the home support/expectation.
I think we’ll do it, probably getting a few good away wins but it’s massively deflating after being presented with a great opportunity in a favourable fixture.
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Bad performance
Did people watch the Brentford game!? Equally as bad
We will do better v Brentford as they need to score and hopefully Slav has worked out that Krov & diangana start in midfield
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I posted this in the "Pre Match Chat"
"Personally, I think we could have done without a local derby and all the added rivalry that goes with it for our first game back as they are levellers in most instances.
But, having said that, playing behind closed doors neutralises the crowds impact on the game, but still the players are playing for bragging rights to some extent."
I would sooner it wasn't a local derby though"
score: ? v ?"
I was surprised at what I considered was an unrealistic level of expectation, given the last 100+ days we have all had to endure, but perhaps, on reflection, that was the reason for such optimism
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Blues did a number on us, always got plenty of men behind the ball they never had too much attacking intent, just the long ball up to Juke.
Putting the first game back to ring rust, better off than at the start of the day, so there are some plus's.
Brentford will have more attacking intent so hopefully it will suit us better.
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Thought blues were there for the taking if we had any one with their shooting boots on.
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Frustrating yes, but not a terrible performance. We take possession for granted but we knocked it around well enough it was just the tricks, flicks and final balls that didn't come off. Phillips particularly guilty I felt. BLues were unlucky to be beaten at St Andrews, they are well organised and hard to breakdown. Days like these are when the clinical sniffer is worth their weight in gold, a SKP who would have scored at the death, off his backside if needed. Niether Hal, CA or Zohore have that instinct. CA had it in the past but seems to be caught rooted to the spot an awful lot when the ball is flying about the box. We've lost to worse teams and are top for the night.
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We don't seem to want to shoot on sight. We have to return to the way we played at the beginning.
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Diagana has basically been a star on the left wing so why did we put him on the right and whilst accepting Blues got most people behind the ball we had about a dozen corners so that had no effect on them so why were we unable to put any corners into the danger area?
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Diagana has basically been a star on the left wing so why did we put him on the right and whilst accepting Blues got most people behind the ball we had about a dozen corners so that had no effect on them so why were we unable to put any corners into the danger area?
A lot of decisions didn't make sense. Note that Hegazi is useless at attacking corners, we've scored a few from corners and free kicks this season but that was with Bartley and Ajayi together. Given how lethargic and disjointed we are I would make Brentford favourites next week.
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A lot of decisions didn't make sense. Note that Hegazi is useless at attacking corners, we've scored a few from corners and free kicks this season but that was with Bartley and Ajayi together. Given how lethargic and disjointed we are I would make Brentford favourites next week.
The beauty of playing Hegazi, is calamity Kyle and chocolate wrists dont get the opportunity to put in one of their bi-gamely ricks.
The corners were dreadful Andy Carroll wouldnt have got any joy.
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A lot of decisions didn't make sense. Note that Hegazi is useless at attacking corners, we've scored a few from corners and free kicks this season but that was with Bartley and Ajayi together. Given how lethargic and disjointed we are I would make Brentford favourites next week.
Hegazi is a much better defender than Bartley is though and wont be responsible for so many goals conceded. That was the one change I did agree with.
I could live with Furlong for O'Shea as we were always going to have a lot of the ball.
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The Brentford game is massive isn't it. Yes, we've got eight more matches but that's the key one for me. Win that and I think a lot of the pressure's off...
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Wondering what game some of you watched. We bossed that, just couldn't put the ball in the net. Blues came to stifle and did it.
very good play until the final 3rd (where it matters most) but again Blues crowded the box a lot of the time giving us no space, other times Phillips, Edwards, Robinson and Pereira wasted opportunities to put the ball in.
Should have won by 3 or 4 but didn't. 7 points above 3rd with 1 less game to play.
Bonus is Pereira has now triggered the deal clause.
Another bonus us Brentford won't sit back and have 11 men behind the ball so that should suit us next Friday night
How are we supposed to win 3 or 4 when we only had one shot on target? Birmingham where bloody hopeless and we couldn't break them down, no excuse that was awful.
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The Brentford game is massive isn't it. Yes, we've got eight more matches but that's the key one for me. Win that and I think a lot of the pressure's off...
Every game has been important .Win, lose, or draw against Brentford, there will still be another 'important' next game. Massive games, however, are when everything is on the line. Not when there’s still plenty of points up for grabs.
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One thing I have noticed is everyone had high excitement for football returning but for me it has been flats. Sheffield Vs Villa you would have expected something but got controversy and dull, Man City Arsenal usually a Game I would listen to if I was bored but City predictably won I think I was relieved that something's were normal eg Arsenal poor defending and David Luis being a fool. Friday Southampton Predictable. Tottenham Vs Man Utd was hyped up was a bit flat. Leicester saw brief highlights played well good game from what I saw Brighton Vs Arsenal I predicted that Brighton could have won our game was hyped but was boring, Wolves Vs West Ham was actually alright. Then the game now hope it is good the point is without the fans you lose the Hype you lose the Player Morale if we had been there Albion could have put 3 or 4 past blues but without a fan in Row Z screaming at HRK telling him he is pooh meaning HRK could then score proving him wrong we have well nothing is this is the new normal then you might as well prepare for boring long slogs and over hype hopefully tomorrow can be good
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We play lots of intricate stuff around the edge of the box, but the players are not quite good enough to get the small details right. Better players weight the flicks more accurately and better timed. A question of needing lots more practice of passing with a ball. Pereira delivered some fantastic through passes, but his teammates didn't have an efficient first touch and finish. Pereira also fluffed a few shots.
Having watched the Watford game today, I also thought we were crying out for a Craig Dawson coming forward for corners. There are not many better who beat him in the air.
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I dont want to criticize too much as its our first game in 3 months without a proper pre season but that wasn't too dissimilar to the games before lockdown we didn't look like scoring too much tippy tippy stuff and no speed or directness.
That's the 3 games without a goal. Besides sawyers and periera the rest of the midfield and attack didn't really do anything except the safe option. Should we get up we might be able to play faster counter attacking stuff some weeks but we still need to be able to break down the stubborn sides. I'm amazed we didn't have grosicki on the bench.
As soon as periera tired we were done. Not sure if we need to change the formation or what but we definitely need a more effective plan b and we need to be prepared to use it sooner.
The positives are we are 7 clear of the pack and we havent lost so were closer to the end goal but if we play like that we will struggle v brentford
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I can only assume that Grosicki was injured hence not even being on the bench. He looks a lot more direct than our other wingers. Hoping he gets a start soon.
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I can only assume that Grosicki was injured hence not even being on the bench. He looks a lot more direct than our other wingers. Hoping he gets a start soon.
I was amazed he wasn't' even on the bench. I was hoping he would start. Edwards was woeful in his 15 minute spell. The whole game was a farce, played at walking pace with drinks breaks in each half to slow it down even further. Ten minutes to go and it took us 5 minutes to make the final double substitution as Zohore & Krov stood on the sidelines for 5 minutes getting their instructions and then Perriera took an age to get off the pitch - it was a joke, it was itself nobody had told the management or players that the game stops after 90 minutes, even at nil nil. Special mention to Phillips as well for wasting countless opportunities to put a decent cross in. Start of the second half we have 4 on 2 and he floated it straight to their keeper. He was a shambles and shouldn't be starting anymore.
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Only one word can sum up what I saw. Dire.
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Thought Birmingham came to do a job on us, defend, & hit us on the break.
They did it well.
It will happen again.
Nobody is going to roll over for us, we've 8 tough games left, but with a 7 point cushion.
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Thought Birmingham came to do a job on us, defend, & hit us on the break.
They did it well.
It will happen again.
Nobody is going to roll over for us, we've 8 tough games left, but with a 7 point cushion.
Birmingham played Pulisball and we couldn’t break it. We did the same thing for 2 years and remember the high profile teams we beat doing it, it works as a strategy.
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They were unlucky to lose when we beat them down there, they were unlucky to lose to Leeds as well 5-4 I think it was, seem to be one of those sides that pick up when they play better teams, certainly not the worst side we've played this season. They did a job and did it well plus had possibly the best 2 chances in the game through Hogan.
We looked rusty and Phillips and Robson-Kanu especially just not at it, we need to avoid defeat at Brentford on Friday now which will be a more open game.
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Well I missed the game live as I fell asleep just before game time, 11.30pm Sydney time. I thought I’d get up in the morning and watch the replay without knowing the score.
I still can’t believe we didn’t get a goal despite all the possession we had. The Blues did come to get a point so good on them for that.
We built up play well, looked dangerous at times and only the final finishing let us down.
Against Brentford I’d start Diangana but on the LEFT. Why he played on the right I’ll never know.
Keep Robinson but start Charlie instead of Hal. Bilic looks like he prefers Hegazi over Bartley now.
Here’s how I would line up against Brentford
Johnstone
Furlong
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Livermore
Perriera
Diangana
Robinson
Austin
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Well I missed the game live as I fell asleep just before game time, 11.30pm Sydney time. I thought I’d get up in the morning and watch the replay without knowing the score.
I still can’t believe we didn’t get a goal despite all the possession we had. The Blues did come to get a point so good on them for that.
We built up play well, looked dangerous at times and only the final finishing let us down.
Against Brentford I’d start Diangana but on the LEFT. Why he played on the right I’ll never know.
Keep Robinson but start Charlie instead of Hal. Bilic looks like he prefers Hegazi over Bartley now.
Here’s how I would line up against Brentford
Johnstone
Furlong
Ajayi
Hegazi
Gibbs
Sawyers
Livermore
Perriera
Diangana
Robinson
Austin
Start Charlie?
I forgot that he came on and cannot recall him touching the ball once.
We had no intensity and it felt like a reserve game in atmosphere and play.
Robinson, Philips and Gibbs were poor.
Edwards was his usual useless self as was ken sopoor.
Hegazi was solid and played some great long range passes and he and Ajayi handled the aerial threat of LJ well, but the Brentford game will see them up against pace and trickery so it will a totally different challenge for them.
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Start Charlie?
I forgot that he came on and cannot recall him touching the ball once.
We had no intensity and it felt like a reserve game in atmosphere and play.
Robinson, Philips and Gibbs were poor.
Edwards was his usual useless self as was ken sopoor.
Hegazi was solid and played some great long range passes and he and Ajayi handled the aerial threat of LJ well, but the Brentford game will see them up against pace and trickery so it will a totally different challenge for them.
You can pick anyone else you like mate but I’d prefer Charlie in front of HRK and Zohore.
He can’t do any worse than what they did today.
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If it illustrated anything it was the desperate need we have to get decent strikers signed.
We have depth and a lot of quality in the squad but not in the up-front department.
All three of them played and all three were just hopeless.
Oh for a Kevin Philips or even an Odemwhingie.
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I thought the problem with our home form was the nervousness in front of our own fans but after yesterday its the inability to break sides down who come to defend for a point.
We haven't got the strikers to break them down so what you have to do is have more shots from outside the box. Something we didn't do enough of yesterday. One deflected shot going in suddenly changes the game and blues have to come out and attack. Its no good trying to walk the ball in.
Diangana should have played on the left. I remember the Swansea game when him and Gibbs were killing them down the left hand side. Gibbs and Diangana play well together so why do we play him on the other side !!!
If we do get promoted I hope there is a big break before next season because somehow we have to search high and low for a striker who will perform in the premier because what we have now is not going to work.
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Spot on. Need 3 new strikers and a goalie if we go up. Those are our 4 most crucial signings.
To play Diangana out right was stupid. Phillips was awful as well. Robinson did OK I guess but he seemed off the boil. Have we given Robinson a real run out up front yet on his own!? We have nothing to lose.
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Spot on. Need 3 new strikers and a goalie if we go up. Those are our 4 most crucial signings.
To play Diangana out right was stupid. Phillips was awful as well. Robinson did OK I guess but he seemed off the boil. Have we given Robinson a real run out up front yet on his own!? We have nothing to lose.
Townsend desperately unlucky to lose his place, but not to even be in the squad?, disgraceful treatment of a player in my opinion. Gibbs no better for me.
Grosicki not in the squad, and Phillips starts? ridiculous.
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Our inability to break down a packed defence is an ongoing issue. B'ham should have played in cream tops and navy blue shorts of old Omnibus Corporation colours. We need to work it so that the wingers get to the by-line and pull it back so that it's in front of our - admittedly "moderately accomplished*" - strikers. (*Teacher talk for c**p)
I said earlier that younger players would recover fitness faster than older ones. I think this was borne out in the performances of Austin and Phillips.
On the positive side, I thought that the back line were good against the B'ham heavies and Pereira ran his heart out as well as being the stand-out player
Diangana did not look £20M on yesterday's showing. Robinson is greedy. Zohore adds to the growing list of costly mistakes regarding strikers.
Different game coming up on Friday evening. We need someone on Norgaard who plays defence splitting passes to their forwards - who are nifty and can shoot.
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Well I think we can put the theory that our home performances are adversely affected by whingeing from the stands to bed for a bit.
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You don't want to be harsh but it was rubbish yesterday. Pep Clotet's after-match comments show that he was delighted to even have a 'couple' of chances, and that they desperately didn't want an open game. However, the pace that we played at, the fancy flicks when we weren't creating anything close to a chance, the full backs seemingly both not attacking (strange for the type of players that they are), lead to a desperately poor performance.
Also, how can we not have tested Lee Camp!? He is comfortably the worst goalkeeper at this level by some distance.
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Should of been able to break down a blues team that only came for a point, frustrated by that. Positives Diangana and Hegazi get minutes into their legs and Pereira should become a permanent signing.
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It's hard to brake down a 11 man defensive at the best of times but just coming back after a very long lay off is beyond deficut. We looked & played the better football & created enough chances for a win]. Charlie missed a tap in with only seconds left on the clock. Fulham would have taken our score line I'm sure. COYB
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It's hard to brake down a 11 man defensive at the best of times but just coming back after a very long lay off is beyond deficut. We looked & played the better football & created enough chances for a win]. Charlie missed a tap in with only seconds left on the clock. Fulham would have taken our score line I'm sure. COYB
bit harsh on Charles thought Zohore should of buried that header
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I feel a little differently about this result today.
It's properly in our hands now....
COYB
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I think the most frustrating thing was that we never really looked to change anything. At no point did we really seem to try and up the tempo which the better teams generally look to do.
It’s commendable to stick with your game plan to an extent and patiently trust it will see a break through, but come 75-80 minutes it makes more sense to change gear when you’ve got the vastly superior players and they’ve barely threatened. That could be pushed by Bilic, but the players can influence that too.
Our build up is so slow at times we allow poor teams to get back in to shape. We can be have a general game plan focused around patience and still look to counter quickly when the situations allow, although the lack of a decent striker with Any sort of pace doesn’t help.
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I think the most frustrating thing was that we never really looked to change anything. At no point did we really seem to try and up the tempo which the better teams generally look to do.
It’s commendable to stick with your game plan to an extent and patiently trust it will see a break through, but come 75-80 minutes it makes more sense to change gear when you’ve got the vastly superior players and they’ve barely threatened. That could be pushed by Bilic, but the players can influence that too.
Our build up is so slow at times we allow poor teams to get back in to shape. We can be have a general game plan focused around patience and still look to counter quickly when the situations allow, although the lack of a decent striker with Any sort of pace doesn’t help.
Agreed. Was worrying that we used all 5 subs as basically like for like changes which each had no more impact than the players they were replacing.
I really think we need more of a plan b for situations like this, where we can try a different system as well as personnel. Especially since we’re able to make more substitutions now too.
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I think today’s result for Leeds adds a little more context to ours yesterday. People are of course entitled to their own opinion but I think it was mostly down to being rusty and that things will improve. Must confess to being very relieved that our position is better than it was 24 hours ago.
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Spot on. Need 3 new strikers and a goalie if we go up. Those are our 4 most crucial signings.
To play Diangana out right was stupid. Phillips was awful as well. Robinson did OK I guess but he seemed off the boil. Have we given Robinson a real run out up front yet on his own!? We have nothing to lose.
Your recruitment comment is interesting and I almost agree
I think a keeper and 2 strikers
However, Krov is on loan as is Diangana so what do we do there?
In terms of strikers Kanu stays (for me) in 3 place but who is going to buy ours
Of course we want promotion ....but it may hurt
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I think we will get Krov and Diangana on loan possibly so midfield is fine. I think we need another CB too so Bartley can go 4th choice.
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I think we will get Krov and Diangana on loan possibly so midfield is fine. I think we need another CB too so Bartley can go 4th choice.
That’s interesting
Assuming we did get them both on loan (around 6m in loan fees)
Keeper .. 6m?
You wanted 3 strikers ...let’s say one on loan at 3m loan fee and 2 more at say 12M between them
Center back 7m
That’s 34m without wages, the Pereira fee is 8m
All doable, but I think we need better than current or we struggle ...nzonzi I think would be an upgrade on Livermore , the prem is a big pull and I would like us to somehow get someone akin to Edin Dzeko
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bit harsh on Charles thought Zohore should of buried that header
I agree
I was just saying on another day we could have buried then
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Zippy we have around 15m unspent from this season although the covid closures probably took a few million off that. Couple young goalkeepers with a year left. Ramsdale Bournemouth (wba supporter) and Rodak from Fulham. Both better than SJ by some distance.
Strker wise we need to look to Europe I think to find value. Not easy but not that much of a stretch either I think.
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8 games left and 7 points clear (or 8 with goal difference). Although Saturday was frustrating, the weekend was an overall success.
Next week will be a much different test, but hopefully the players will be a bit sharper having got a game under their belts. That was the main issue in the end. The final pass around the box, mixed with the lack of tempo. That will start to pick up in the next few games, we won't keep allowing the ball to drift across the oppositions goal mouth.
I'm just a bit disappointed that our substitutes didn't have a bigger difference, as I feel our bench is our trump card over these final few games.
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In a twisted sort of way the draw may be a good thing,
if we hd nicked a winner the club (management / players) could now be thinking thats it we are good enough.
I suspect that there will have been a lot of inquests and what can we do better discussions instead now as drawing at home is NOT good enough for a club with our aspirations.
And yes i would rather have had the 3 points, but ....
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Just looked at Brentford s run in. On paper it looks very easy☹ï¸
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Just looked at Brentford s run in. On paper it looks very easy☹ï¸
Maximum points they can get is 87, so that needs to be our target. First stage is not losing on Friday, which looks a big ask after the weekend but, a point is far more use to us than them so they have to go for it. If we can keep it tight and frustrate them with possession, we have a decent chance.
If we can nick it on Friday then it would take a colossal effort for them to overtake us. Massive game.
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Maximum points they can get is 87, so that needs to be our target. First stage is not losing on Friday, which looks a big ask after the weekend but, a point is far more use to us than them so they have to go for it. If we can keep it tight and frustrate them with possession, we have a decent chance.
If we can nick it on Friday then it would take a colossal effort for them to overtake us. Massive game.
But I don’t think we are set up for that type of game....I posted elswhere we should throw a curveball and play a 532...I’d have a midfield of sawyers Harper and Krov
This game is pivotal for both teams ...if we can nullify and get a 0-0 then we should be over the moon .
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But I don’t think we are set up for that type of game....I posted elswhere we should throw a curveball and play a 532...I’d have a midfield of sawyers Harper and Krov
This game is pivotal for both teams ...if we can nullify and get a 0-0 then we should be over the moon .
Who would be the 5? And the 2? Our strengths are Periera, Diangana and the other attacking midfield - switch to 5 at the back and we lose that. Unless you're talking a 3-5-2 which still means an awful lot of back tracking for the wide players.
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Just realised there was only 1 home win in the Championship this weekend. :o
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Just realised there was only 1 home win in the Championship this weekend. :o
2, Blackburn and Cardiff ;)
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Just looked at Brentford s run in. On paper it looks very easy☹ï¸
And their gd is better than ours
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Just looked at Brentford s run in. On paper it looks very easy☹ï¸
On paper don' t mean a thing, no such thing as a easy game in this division.
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Who would be the 5? And the 2? Our strengths are Periera, Diangana and the other attacking midfield - switch to 5 at the back and we lose that. Unless you're talking a 3-5-2 which still means an awful lot of back tracking for the wide players.
A keeper
Bartley. Semi. Hegazi
Furlong. Gibbs
Harper. Sawyers. Krov
Phillips. HRK
I hear what you say....I thought Pererira looked laboured and I think we over rely on him.
This match is critical...just stop Brentford winning is almost as good as winning