Vive_La_Villa Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 End of this month there are 5 games in 2 weeks. There will be a lot of shocks during that period. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vive_La_Villa Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Just adding to the above our schedule seems pretty gruelling starting Saturday 31st. Saturday 5:30 game then tue game then Saturday 12:30 game, another Tuesday game and then a Friday game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nabby Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 45 minutes ago, Vive_La_Villa said: Just adding to the above our schedule seems pretty gruelling starting Saturday 31st. Saturday 5:30 game then tue game then Saturday 12:30 game, another Tuesday game and then a Friday game! Well lets hope QPR was a wake up call to Bruce and he rotates in that period Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSV Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 4 hours ago, Nabby said: Well lets hope QPR was a wake up call to Bruce and he rotates in that period dont buy that. What has Cardiff rotated? they have had the same players over and over. They dont get tired. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgyknees Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 4 hours ago, KSV said: dont buy that. What has Cardiff rotated? they have had the same players over and over. They dont get tired. I think they did rotate a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demitri_C Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 Quote Championship play-off contenders: Who is in the running to reach the top six? By Will Unwin and Simeon Gholam Last Updated: 14/03/18 3:35pm The battle for a play-off place is hotting up as we enter the final stages of the Sky Bet Championship campaign. With Wolves leading the way and seemingly heading for automatic promotion, we take a look at the other runners and riders as they look to secure a place in the top six... Check out all the latest odds from Sky Bet here... CARDIFF - 2nd, 76 points Remaining fixtures: Derby (a), Burton (h), Sheff Utd (a), Wolves (h), Aston Villa (a), Norwich (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Hull (a), Reading (h) Av. position of remaining opposition: 11.6 Points accrued from reverse fixtures: 23/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Derby (a), Sheff Utd (a), Wolves (h), Aston Villa (a) Health check: Neil Warnock has lamented the injury list at Cardiff; for the recent visit of Birmingham 10 outfield players were absent. Midfielder Aron Gunnarsson has not been seen in the team since November due to an ankle problem, while striker Danny Ward is ruled out until the end of the season. Form: WWWWWW What the manager is saying: Warnock is concerned by the fixture list: "I think we're going to have to write to the Football League. No team going for promotion should play on a Friday coming back off the international break, it's pathetic. We've got lads playing on the Wednesday night and we're playing Burton on the Friday night? It's absolutely ridiculous." Key man: Marko Grujic - The Liverpool loanee has shone since arriving in January and his lack of game time in the first half of the season might ensure he will not burnout before the end of the campaign. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 2/7 Neil Warnock is aiming for the Premier League ASTON VILLA - 3rd, 69 points Remaining fixtures: Bolton (a), Hull (a), Reading (h), Norwich (a), Cardiff (h), Leeds (h), Ipswich (a), Derby (h), Millwall (a) Av. position of remaining opposition: 12.4 Points from reverse fixtures: 12/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Cardiff (h), Derby (h), Millwall (a) Health check: It was feared striker Jonathan Kodjia could miss the rest of the season with a fractured ankle but he could now return following the international break, which would be a boost the forward line. Form: LDWWWL What the manager is saying: Steve Bruce feels his side's experience could be key, he said: "We're a threat going forward and they all put in a shift. Jack Grealish coming back in has helped us and Lewis [Grabban] has given us another dimension. It was classic centre forward play, the way he got in at the near post for our third goal (against Wolves), and we look so strong defensively. Added to that, we had an unbelievable crowd behind us. It's not been like that here for a few years." Key man: Jack Grealish - When the midfielder is on form, he looks a cut above most in the league and his dynamism can make the difference in the final third. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 15/8 Jack Grealish has the ability to change a game FULHAM - 4th, 68 points Remaining fixtures: QPR (h), Norwich (a), Leeds (h), Sheff Wed (a), Reading (h), Brentford (h), Millwall (a), Sunderland (h), Birmingham (a) Ave position of remaining opposition: 16.2 Points from reverse fixtures: 12/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Millwall (a) Health check: Sheyi Ojo is ready to make an impact in the run-in after missing six weeks with a leg injury. The winger on loan from Liverpool was absent for two months earlier in the campaign after suffering a dislocated shoulder. Form: WDWWWW What the manager is saying: Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham deserve to be in the Premier League, he told the Mirror recently: "If I'm a coach then I must believe we can do it and win promotion. I trust in myself, my staff and my coaches. I've been asked where we went wrong last year but actually football is about many small details and I think we deserve to be a Premier League team." Key man: Ryan Sessegnon - It is no surprise that the teenager is attracting interesting from the majority of the Premier League having scored 14 and assisted another four this season. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: Evens Ryan Sessegnon is Fulham's shining light DERBY - 5th, 62 points Remaining fixtures: Cardiff (h), Sunderland (h), Preston (a), Bolton (h), Wolves (a), Burton (a), Middlesbrough (h), Aston Villa (a), Barnsley (h) Ave position of remaining opposition: 12.1 Points from reverse fixtures: 20/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Cardiff (a), Preston (a), Wolves (a), Middlesbrough (h), Aston Villa (a) Health check: Prior to their draw against local rivals Nottingham Forest, Gary Rowett claimed to have 13 separate players injured, although many were still fit enough to play in the goalless draw. Top scorer Matej Vydra missed the match with a groin problem and his fitness will be of the greatest concern to the manager. Form: LDDLDD What the manager's saying: Gary Rowett does not believe his side can now achieve automatic promotion, but says the season has still be a successful one regardless, he said: "I think a lot of Derby fans would have probably felt it was a season of change, a season of consolidation maybe, and a promotion challenge was out of the question but we are still in there and still fighting." Key man: Matej Vydra - The striker has scored 18 goals already, three times more than any of his team-mates, a sign of how crucial his finishing has been to the Rams this season. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 5/1 Matej Vydra has scored 18 this season MIDDLESBROUGH - 6th, 61 points Remaining fixtures: Brentford (a), Wolves (h), Burton (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Sheff Utd (a), Bristol City (h), Derby (a), Millwall (h), Ipswich (a) Ave position of remaining opposition: 10.3 Points from reverse fixtures: 17/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Wolves (h), Sheff Utd (a), Bristol City (h), Derby (a), Millwall (h) Health check: Rudy Gestede will not feature again this season due to a fractured ankle which he suffered during a 3-1 win over Hull, a match in which he scored twice. Form: LWDWWW What the manager is saying: Tony Pulis told BBC Tees recently: "We have nine games to go. We've got 27 points to play for, so come and see me when we've one game to go and four points clear and I'll be absolutely delighted. I'm serious. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground and there are some very tough games coming up." Key man: Adama Traore - The winger is thriving under Pulis, with his pace making the difference in vital games. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 9/2 Adama Traore is shining under Tony Pulis SHEFF UTD - 7th, 59 points Remaining fixtures: Nottingham Forest (h), Brentford (a), Cardiff (h), Barnsley (a), Middlesbrough (h), Millwall (h), Birmingham (a), Preston (h), Bristol City (a) Ave position of remaining opposition: 11.6 Points from reverse fixtures: 7/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Cardiff (h), Middlesbrough (h), Millwall (h), Preston (h), Bristol City (a) Health check: Paul Coutts is the only long-term absentee for the Blades after the midfielder suffered a fractured tibia in November. Form: WLWLDW What the manager is saying: Chris Wilder says: "We're just not really thinking about league positions at the end of the season. We're just thinking about getting points and being in the scrap going down the home straight which we are now. That's the target. We'll talk about what we've done at the end of the season, whether it's been good or okay. At the moment, I think it's been really good. Opposition managers tell us we've done great. Key man: Billy Sharp - The experienced striker suffered an eight-game dry spell earlier in the season but has scored five in his last eight. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 14/1 Billy Sharp has hit a rich vein of form BRISTOL CITY - 8th, 58 points Remaining fixtures: Ipswich (h), Barnsley (a), Brentford (h), Millwall (a), Birmingham (h), Middlesbrough (a), Hull (h), Nottingham Forest (a), Sheff Utd (h) Ave position of remaining opposition: 13.5 Points from reverse fixtures: 20/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Millwall (a) Middlesbrough (a), Sheff Utd (h) Health check: Callum O'Dowda and Matty Taylor are the main absentees for Bristol City. Both have undergone surgery to correct an ankle and hernia problem, respectively, so should be available before the season concludes. Form: DDLWLD What the manager is saying: Lee Johnson says: "All clubs get injuries but it's very unusual - I've never had it as a player or a manager - to have seven injuries to a squad that are over 14 weeks to key players, and six of those guys probably would have been starting if I'd picked a team at the start of the season." Key man: Bobby Reid - The Academy graduate has lead the line wonderfully well, recently hitting a hat-trick against Sheffield Wednesday, which took his tally to 19 for the season. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 14/1 Bobby Reid is Bristol City's top scorer PRESTON - 9th, 57 points Remaining fixtures: Sunderland (a), Sheff Wed (a), Derby (h), Reading (a), Leeds (h), QPR (a), Norwich (h), Sheff Utd (a), Burton (h) Ave position of remaining opposition: 15.3 Points from reverse fixtures: 17/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Derby (h), Sheff Utd (a) Health check: Preston have no injury problems of note, which might prove handy in the latter stages. Form: DDLWWL What the manager's saying: Alex Neil: "It's a snowball effect. With each game that goes by, it becomes bigger and bigger. If you win this one the next one becomes more important, and then after that the next one becomes more important. So what we've got to do is make sure that is the case because if you end up losing the next couple you are in danger of letting things peter out. Key man: Sean Maguire - The striker has scored four in his last three outings, as Preston look to come up with a way in which to replace Jordan Hugill who left for West Ham in the winter window. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 22/1 Preston North End's Sean Maguire has found form in recent weeks MILLWALL - 10th, 55 points Remaining fixtures: Barnsley (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Ipswich (a), Bristol City (h), Bolton (a), Sheffield United (a), Fulham (h), Middlesbrough (a), Aston Villa (h) Ave position of remaining opposition: 10.7 Points from reverse fixtures: 9/27 Head-to-heads (vs other top 10 sides): Bristol City (h), Sheffield United (a), Fulham (h), Middlesbrough (a), Aston Villa (h) Health check: Defender Byron Webster remains absent with a long-term knee injury, but Aiden O'Brien is on his way back. Neil Harris has a fully-fit squad to pick from otherwise. Form: WWWDWW What the manager's saying: Harris said: "Millwall going like a steam train pleases me. We're six points off the play-offs with nine games to go - the players and fans have earned the right to dream." Key man: Steve Morison - He embodies everything Millwall are about and is very much Neil Harris' man on the pitch. He struggled for goals earlier in the season but has come into good form as the Lions have charged up the table. Sky Bet odds to win promotion: 66/1 Click Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy81 Posted March 15, 2018 Visiting Supporter Share Posted March 15, 2018 10 hours ago, terrytini said: Do we ? We have lost to QPR/Fulham/Brentford/Cardiff/Reading/ Wolves/Sheffield Wednesday/Derby. Rough tough Cardiff have lost to Fulham/Wolves/Preston ( twice)/ Blues/Bristol/Bolton So each have lost to footballing sides and more physical sides in about the same amounts. I don’t see the difference. Cardiff haven’t lost to Wolves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy81 Posted March 15, 2018 Visiting Supporter Share Posted March 15, 2018 (edited) 10 hours ago, terrytini said: Do we ? We have Edited March 15, 2018 by Andy81 Duplicate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Platt Posted March 15, 2018 VT Supporter Share Posted March 15, 2018 If it's the play offs so be it. however 9 games to go anything can happen. players lose form get injured and so on. twists and turns all the way best season in years! Kodija to come back to give us the x factor. Do you want to bet against us!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demitri_C Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 (edited) Cardiff are in better form than Wolves and Fulham, they may have peaked too early. their game shave been fairly easy recently but they will get a lot tougher Lets hope QPR is our final blip, but i think its over for 2nd personally. we blew it (yet again) Edited March 15, 2018 by Demitri_C 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markavfc40 Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 We are fortunate that we still have Cardiff to play as that means one game we can control and take points off them. If we do beat them then over the other 8 games we have to pick up 4 more points than they do. I think when put like that it doesn't seem such a mountain to overhaul a seven point gap. If we beat Cardiff then I can't see them taking anymore than 18 points from the other 8 games they have. That would put them on 94 points. We'd therefore need to win 8 and draw one of our last nine games. Hell of a run we need to go on but not beyond our capabilities. I think in some ways it is not a bad thing that we now go into every game knowing we have to win to keep ourselves in the automatic promotion mix. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_avfc Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 23 minutes ago, markavfc40 said: We are fortunate that we still have Cardiff to play as that means one game we can control and take points off them. If we do beat them then over the other 8 games we have to pick up 4 more points than they do. I think when put like that it doesn't seem such a mountain to overhaul a seven point gap. If we beat Cardiff then I can't see them taking anymore than 18 points from the other 8 games they have. That would put them on 94 points. We'd therefore need to win 8 and draw one of our last nine games. Hell of a run we need to go on but not beyond our capabilities. I think in some ways it is not a bad thing that we now go into every game knowing we have to win to keep ourselves in the automatic promotion mix. Very much this. Let's concentrate on winning one game at a time and see where we end up. Go and beat Bolton on Saturday and we'll be four points off Cardiff. Cardiff then have a difficult trip to Derby on Sunday. If we're sat four or five points off Cardiff with 8 games to go, a similar goal difference and a home match against them still to play then I'm sorry but I won't be giving up on automatic promotion. As you say it's a hell of a run that we'd have to go on but those runs happen in the Championship. Cardiff have just won 8 and drawn 1 of their last 9 matches. So yeah let's take it one game at a time - I'm sure we're not the only team who will slip up unexpectedly in the run in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omariqy Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 No way we will win more than 5/6 of our last 9 games IMO. We have to rely on others slipping up and beating Cardiff. If we don't beat Cardiff then we can forget about anything else. That is crucial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaJ100 Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 I still think Cardiff are more likely to win the league than lose 2nd now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demitri_C Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 10 minutes ago, VillaJ100 said: I still think Cardiff are more likely to win the league than lose 2nd now. i dont 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRO Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 13 hours ago, terrytini said: Do we ? We have lost to QPR/Fulham/Brentford/Cardiff/Reading/ Wolves/Sheffield Wednesday/Derby. Rough tough Cardiff have lost to Fulham/Wolves/Preston ( twice)/ Blues/Bristol/Bolton So each have lost to footballing sides and more physical sides in about the same amounts. I don’t see the difference. Its just m opinion Terry, i take your point on the defeats, but that does not include the Millwall at home draw, Sheff utd at home ,Ipswich at home,Middlesbirough at home,etc and all the near misses.....I just think we are too easily knocked out if our stride to go up automatically.....play offs ,yes. The team Ron saunders took us up with was far more convincing. don't want to get neggy its not fair. but that said......We have to get behind them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRO Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, markavfc40 said: We are fortunate that we still have Cardiff to play as that means one game we can control and take points off them. If we do beat them then over the other 8 games we have to pick up 4 more points than they do. I think when put like that it doesn't seem such a mountain to overhaul a seven point gap. If we beat Cardiff then I can't see them taking anymore than 18 points from the other 8 games they have. That would put them on 94 points. We'd therefore need to win 8 and draw one of our last nine games. Hell of a run we need to go on but not beyond our capabilities. I think in some ways it is not a bad thing that we now go into every game knowing we have to win to keep ourselves in the automatic promotion mix. I think your last line is significant and makes total sense, we have given ourselves more to strive for. I just happen to think for whatever reason......I don't see one of the chasing pack dropping their standard in the same fashion as we did against a 15th placed team at home.....just don't see it. in the same vein as a chain is only as strong as the weakest link......I think teams are only as good as their worst performance. I am genuinely not intetested in anything but getting behind the team....but just declaring my observations. anything can still happen, but i will stay with my judgment auto has gone, not mathmatically, psycologically. ps...i don't mean we should throw the towel in....just that our quest has took a turn to unlikely. Edited March 15, 2018 by TRO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRO Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 (edited) 15 hours ago, TRO said: Read his book? I think his signing of Marko Grujic was a master stroke. Edited March 15, 2018 by TRO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turvontour Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 9 hours ago, KSV said: dont buy that. What has Cardiff rotated? they have had the same players over and over. They dont get tired. And they've had to contend with having shitter players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRO Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 If i had to pick just one weakness in our squad.....I would say centre Mid. I think Steve has tried with signing Onomah......but it just has'nt worked like Grujic has for Cardiff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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