Administrator Stan Posted November 1, 2023 Administrator Share Posted November 1, 2023 all kick-offs 15.00 (BST) unless stated Friday 3rd November, 2023 Leicester vs Leeds, 20.00 Saturday 4th November, 2023 Birmingham vs Ipswich Bristol City vs Sheff Weds Huddersfield vs Watford Millwall vs Southampton Plymouth vs Middlesbrough Preston vs Coventry Rotherham vs QPR Stoke vs Cardiff Swansea vs Sunderland West Brom vs Hull Sunday 5th November, 2023 Norwich vs Blackburn, 12.00 Tuesday 7th November, 2023 Rotherham vs Ipswich, 20.00 Tuesday 7th November, 2023 Shrewsbury vs Bolton, 19.45 Wigan vs Peterborough, 19.45 Reading vs Bristol Rovers, 20.00 Tuesday 7th November, 2023 Colchester vs Swindon, 19.45 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Hewitt Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 Difficult game for us methinks. I'd be happy with a draw, considering how tight the table is, hopefully followed by a win against Norwich the week after. Leicester vs Leeds should be a cracker. Will be interesting to see how Winks does against proper opposition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Dan+ Posted November 2, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted November 2, 2023 I think we're better than Leeds and I'm pretty certain of finishing ahead of them, but I do think there's a chance they take points, they're probably as equipped as anybody to hurt us. Biggest game of the season so far. This will be a proper test and atmosphere too hopefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 6 hours ago, Dan said: I think we're better than Leeds and I'm pretty certain of finishing ahead of them, but I do think there's a chance they take points, they're probably as equipped as anybody to hurt us. Biggest game of the season so far. This will be a proper test and atmosphere too hopefully. I'd agree, with the above. You seem to be more well-rounded across the board where as with us, I'd say we're perhaps a bit inbalanced. But we have had far too much change too late to be as settled as Leicester and are still a work in progress. For example, we're not playing with a specialist Right Back or Left Back in our system and that for me shows a weakness. Once Spence is fit for example, I'd expect us to kick on. I've not seen enough of Leicester to really judge them but from our point of view, we seem to have no problem dominating a game and creating chances, but I think we need to be more clinical and work on the sloppyness/concentration issues that have led us to concede silly goals. Still really waiting for a complete performance from Leeds, it seems to be more about a good half that wins us the game, not the majority of the 90. What I would say is, unlike a few sides Leicester have faced this season, I do think we have the weapons to hurt them. Summerville and Rutter in particular are the one's making us tick. Equally, if we give them chances, they are more likely to be clinical than us. We'll see what happens. Weird to think we've actually gone to 2nd placed Ipswich and best them 4-3 which pretty much typifies what we are about right now. Got in the locker but need a more complete performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted November 2, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 2, 2023 1 hour ago, Lucas said: I'd agree, with the above. You seem to be more well-rounded across the board where as with us, I'd say we're perhaps a bit inbalanced. But we have had far too much change too late to be as settled as Leicester and are still a work in progress. For example, we're not playing with a specialist Right Back or Left Back in our system and that for me shows a weakness. Once Spence is fit for example, I'd expect us to kick on. I've not seen enough of Leicester to really judge them but from our point of view, we seem to have no problem dominating a game and creating chances, but I think we need to be more clinical and work on the sloppyness/concentration issues that have led us to concede silly goals. Still really waiting for a complete performance from Leeds, it seems to be more about a good half that wins us the game, not the majority of the 90. What I would say is, unlike a few sides Leicester have faced this season, I do think we have the weapons to hurt them. Summerville and Rutter in particular are the one's making us tick. Equally, if we give them chances, they are more likely to be clinical than us. We'll see what happens. Weird to think we've actually gone to 2nd placed Ipswich and best them 4-3 which pretty much typifies what we are about right now. Got in the locker but need a more complete performance. Your attack worries me. You have potentially the best attack in terms of options and across the front line - Rutter, Summerville, James, Piroe, Gnonto. It's lethal, and should be. I have a bad feeling about tomorrow, I actually think you'll beat us but it'll be narrow. We've become a tad sloppy since the international break, so I'm hoping we get some of the sharpness back for the game tomorrow because it's the one where we'll need 100% concentration at all times. The confidence I do have is that we've shown we can win a game in different ways against any kind of challenge, and Maresca would have studied Leeds to the nth degree to find the weakness. Be incredible to win, but I'm not confident about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 7 minutes ago, Stan said: Your attack worries me. You have potentially the best attack in terms of options and across the front line - Rutter, Summerville, James, Piroe, Gnonto. It's lethal, and should be. I have a bad feeling about tomorrow, I actually think you'll beat us but it'll be narrow. We've become a tad sloppy since the international break, so I'm hoping we get some of the sharpness back for the game tomorrow because it's the one where we'll need 100% concentration at all times. The confidence I do have is that we've shown we can win a game in different ways against any kind of challenge, and Maresca would have studied Leeds to the nth degree to find the weakness. Be incredible to win, but I'm not confident about it. The attack is our strength for sure, especially counter attack. I'm sure Leicester will be a bit more cautious in that regard. As much as Maresca will have studied us, I'm really intrigued to see what Farke has as an answer. I do remember when we were flying in the Championship under Bielsa and his Norwich came to Elland Road with the perfect gameplan and done us 3-1. So will be interesting to see if he can work similar for us. Not sure how to predict tomorrow tbh other than on paper it looks a tremendous game. But I feel if we are to win, we can't be missing three to four chances, we'll need to be clinical, especially as we don't tend to keep clean sheets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Sky thinking it’s remarkable that Justin is on the left side of the defence. Impressive levels of research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Leicester unlucky not to be ahead at half time. Fatawu nearly scored an incredible goal. As for Leeds, if Sam Byram comes back out for the second half, Farke only has himself to blame if he gets sent off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Hewitt Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Fuck me, Dan fucking James has actually done something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Leeds 1-0 up through Rutter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Hewitt Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 And with that, 'the best player in the Championship' was unable to impose himself against Leeds as Leicester lose 1-0. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 Deserved win that, thought we looked pretty classy most the evening and the better side, although we let Leicester off a bit with a poor final ball/touch in the last third. Seemed like Leicester really struggled with our press, off the ball we worked so hard tonight. Perhaps they haven't been used to facing that thus far, but you probably won't get many teams in this league do that either. Credit to Leicester for trying to play out all the time, clearly been instructed to do that, but it did get them in trouble too doing that when they turned over the ball. Sadly we didn't sufficiently punish those chances, especially early on with Piroe and Rutter. Should really have gone 1-0 up early doors. I know there was a lot of talk about Winks on his thread and Dewsbury-Hall, and they are obviously good players, but Ethan Ampadu man, seriously, what a buy he's been for us. Just snuffed it all out in midfield and never let Leicester get a grip of the game centrally in that area. Absolutely dominant, and that's where I felt we won the game, in that midfield. Credit to his partner also, Glen Kamara, who had his best game in the shirt for us tonight since his move, and he broke the lines really well carrying the ball for us forward, he was a big influence in the game. Shout out to Meslier too. He's had nothing to do all game then has to claw out a header in the 94th minute with Leicester's first attempt on target, would have been textbook Leeds to concede that after how the rest of the 90 went. A pleasing win in the circumstances at top of the league obviously, guess it sends out a statement to the league we've now beaten both the Top two away, but at the end of the day, it's only another three points to the total. Got to be kicking on really, no point going overboard. But we have definitely showed Farke's getting something going with this side, they are starting to click and by the time we get to the last couple games, we should really be contending for that top two. Don't think Leicester should feel too fed up about tonight, they have had a cracking start and they are still a mile ahead. Perhaps they have rode their luck a little in some games so maybe a defeat will be good for them and give them something to learn from. Consistancy is key to this league and that's why Leicester are top. We need to produce that level more often but if we do, we should be there or thereabouts. Yeah we had a slow start and it's cost us being a fair few points behind, but it's also obvious we have the capabilities to go toe to toe with Leicester to the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted November 3, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 3, 2023 Frustrating to lose that but I can't type here and say we deserved to win it. I'm more frustrated at some players who ambled about and showed a distinct lack of effort. And it becomes even more glaring against a side that put in 100% all game and stuck to their game plan to a tee. To be honest, we were fortunate not to be behind earlier on. Sloppy play as we became victim to Leeds' high press and struggled to find a way through. Gutted for Fatawu as he is one player that did stand out. Deserved a goal after that effort in first half. But something was off in the 2nd half, chose not to run at Byram even though he was on a yellow. We were just lacking some energy and creativity. We miss Ndidi in the midfield and Casadei is not the one to replace him. Disappointed in his game today as just ambled about and was probably the most careless. Thought the ref got the Summerville call wrong. From where I was sat it looked like he bodyslammed Choudhury, then they both end up with a booking. Ultimately know we're not going to win every game and perhaps it's okay to have a reality check. Glad to have the 11-point buffer still though, and just hope it's not the start of some kind of patch of underwhelming form. Would have been unjust and unfair on Leeds had they not won that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted November 3, 2023 Share Posted November 3, 2023 24 minutes ago, Stan said: Frustrating to lose that but I can't type here and say we deserved to win it. I'm more frustrated at some players who ambled about and showed a distinct lack of effort. And it becomes even more glaring against a side that put in 100% all game and stuck to their game plan to a tee. To be honest, we were fortunate not to be behind earlier on. Sloppy play as we became victim to Leeds' high press and struggled to find a way through. Gutted for Fatawu as he is one player that did stand out. Deserved a goal after that effort in first half. But something was off in the 2nd half, chose not to run at Byram even though he was on a yellow. We were just lacking some energy and creativity. We miss Ndidi in the midfield and Casadei is not the one to replace him. Disappointed in his game today as just ambled about and was probably the most careless. Thought the ref got the Summerville call wrong. From where I was sat it looked like he bodyslammed Choudhury, then they both end up with a booking. Ultimately know we're not going to win every game and perhaps it's okay to have a reality check. Glad to have the 11-point buffer still though, and just hope it's not the start of some kind of patch of underwhelming form. Would have been unjust and unfair on Leeds had they not won that. Fair assessment mate. Don't be too downbeat, that's a mighty lead you still have over third and that's where you need to keep the perspective. That is the end goal after all. On a couple points you made. I'm not sure if you noticed but Farke instructed Summerville to drop back and help Byram to double up on Fatawu in those one on one situations, which Byram needed tbh. I felt sure if that continued first half, he'd see red but second half, we managed to get more of a grip of that threat. He looked a very tidy player though I must say, your winger. Also regarding the Summerville/Choudhury incident. Not sure if you'd have seen clearly but Choudhury had Summerville in a headlock which is why he reacted. Bit of a shithouse move, mind you it was all a load of handbags in truth. Both a pair of babies. I will say one thing, just my opinion mind. Definitely feel like you need to start games with Iheanacho and look to bring Vardy onthan vice versa. He's a bit of a passenger these days, caused no threat at all. Pereira had a good game against Summerville, whose been on fire recently. Don't think he managed to beat him too many times one on one tonight in truth, and he's in red hot form. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted November 3, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 3, 2023 8 minutes ago, Lucas said: Fair assessment mate. Don't be too downbeat, that's a mighty lead you still have over third and that's where you need to keep the perspective. That is the end goal after all. On a couple points you made. I'm not sure if you noticed but Farke instructed Summerville to drop back and help Byram to double up on Fatawu in those one on one situations, which Byram needed tbh. I felt sure if that continued first half, he'd see red but second half, we managed to get more of a grip of that threat. He looked a very tidy player though I must say, your winger. Also regarding the Summerville/Choudhury incident. Not sure if you'd have seen clearly but Choudhury had Summerville in a headlock which is why he reacted. Bit of a shithouse move, mind you it was all a load of handbags in truth. Both a pair of babies. I will say one thing, just my opinion mind. Definitely feel like you need to start games with Iheanacho and look to bring Vardy onthan vice versa. He's a bit of a passenger these days, caused no threat at all. Pereira had a good game against Summerville, whose been on fire recently. Don't think he managed to beat him too many times one on one tonight in truth, and he's in red hot form. Yeah I had seen Summerville had dropped back more regularly, and even more so once you'd scored. But even when there was the opportunity to go 1 on 1 and Summerville wasn't there, he was lacking confidence to take him on. I probably do need to watch it back as only seen it live, didn't see the headlock. Agree about Iheanacho. Seems more energetic and complimentary to how we play and Vardy still has it in him to be an impact sub. He was wasteful today. But so were plenty others. Pereira was one of our better players, agreed. Showed his PL quality at times and was excellent defensively. Also a shout to Meslier for that save from KDH header right at the end. How he clawed that back enough I do not know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Dan+ Posted November 4, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted November 4, 2023 Worst performance of the season and first since the Coventry game where I think we deserved to lose. I'm not entirely surprised by what happened, we can't win them all and Leeds were always likely to be one of the sides who could threaten us on a one off. Most disappointing elements are it feels like we've not turned up at all in a big game and we had absolutely nothing beyond Fatawu going forward for the vast majority of the game. Strikers weren't in the game at any point and Casadei I'm fearing is a dud. May have to watch it back in detail for the intricacies on where Leeds have stopped us but they felt quite comfortably the better side to me for most of the game. Standard remembrance fixture for us. This and boxing day are two days we are consistently absolutely woeful on. Worryingly boxing day is Ipswich. No meltdown. Just got to respond to this like we did the Hull game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 Huge away win for the Leeds. Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu in the middle looks like real good business. Great save from Meslier at the end when he was called in to action as well. The Crisp Shaggers have lost as many games as Reading did in the 106 point season now, people underestimate how mad that season was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Dan+ Posted November 4, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted November 4, 2023 But still have more points per game. We're going to have a few like yesterday I fear though. We definitely play better away than at home. Ipswich losing at Birmingham. Perfect example of how random this league is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Stan Posted November 4, 2023 Author Administrator Share Posted November 4, 2023 Ipswich bring it back to 2-2 very late on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Dan+ Posted November 4, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted November 4, 2023 Least it means they can't go top on Tuesday. It is mad how we've won 13 in 15 and are still worrying about being overtaken already I have to say, I'll give credit where it's due, Martin is showing signs of turning things around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 Southampton have rode their luck so many times this season. 8pts gained from 90+ minute goals, I don't know how much is down to fitness and how much is luck but it's incredible so far. 90+7 v Norwich (Gained 1pt) 90+4 v Plymouth (Gained 2pts) 90+5 v Hull (Gained 2pts) 90+6 v Preston (Gained 1pt) 90+3 v Millwall (Gained 2pts) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Hewitt Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 0-0 in our game. No complaints really as while I felt we had the better chances, we didn't really work the keeper that much and our final ball was generally poor throughout, especially annoying with Bowler as he was beating man after man, but his final ball just wasn't there today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted November 4, 2023 Share Posted November 4, 2023 14 minutes ago, Lucas said: Southampton have rode their luck so many times this season. 8pts gained from 90+ minute goals, I don't know how much is down to fitness and how much is luck but it's incredible so far. 90+7 v Norwich (Gained 1pt) 90+4 v Plymouth (Gained 2pts) 90+5 v Hull (Gained 2pts) 90+6 v Preston (Gained 1pt) 90+3 v Millwall (Gained 2pts) I'd say a lot of it is down to fitness but more down to talent. When we were in The Championship we lost a lot of games late on under George Burley, then we went up under Holloway that balanced out. But when you compare what those players went on to achieve, it showed they were making there own luck for a reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subscriber Dan+ Posted November 4, 2023 Subscriber Share Posted November 4, 2023 5 hours ago, Lucas said: Southampton have rode their luck so many times this season. 8pts gained from 90+ minute goals, I don't know how much is down to fitness and how much is luck but it's incredible so far. 90+7 v Norwich (Gained 1pt) 90+4 v Plymouth (Gained 2pts) 90+5 v Hull (Gained 2pts) 90+6 v Preston (Gained 1pt) 90+3 v Millwall (Gained 2pts) It is mental. They have picked up - it's incredibly looking like there's a gap between the top 4 and the rest although maybe I'm being harsh on West Brom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Hewitt Posted November 5, 2023 Share Posted November 5, 2023 Norwich are getting pissed apart here. 2-0 down after 15 minutes and every time Blackburn attack, they look like they'll have a great chance or score. Warner in deep trouble at present. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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