Unfazed Blues?
Sheffield United and Middlesbrough away are our next two Championship league games. Not great reading on first glance and understandably so. But pausing for a second and reflecting on recent similar consecutive away games against Preston and West Bromwich Albion, then maybe we should welcome these two fixtures.
Bagging maximum points at Deepdale and the Hawthorns with a paper thin squad was unexpected, confirming yet again the unpredictable nature of the Championship. These next two games, plus the remaining fixtures leading up to the enforced World Cup break, are certainly vital for us with again only a thin looking squad.
Biggest problem of course is the dependence on Scott Hogan and, above all, keeping him injury free. What an unenviable situation for John Eustace. However, goals from others is the obvious answer with Deeney and Jutkiewicz the only other recognised helpers to see us through until the next transfer window. Easier said than done I readily admit.
Returning players Gardner, Placheta and Roberts should allow for a more solid base and, with fingers crossed, another decent ten game run. Remaining unfazed is the only way this season is going to pan out, as takeover talk and all that goes with it will not help the players win games. Reality is the ‘here and now’ and that we battle on regardless, with hopefully better times ahead should we get our prospective new owners rubber stamped.
John Eustace has his work cut out getting to the necessary target of points needed for survival, and should he succeed in guiding Blues through this season then job well done. The October fixtures certainly look difficult, but with the confidence gained by the recent away results then this Blues squad could well surprise. No predictions from me, but whatever happens from now until the November break my hope is that all concentration is focused on pitch matters and not off-field developments which, at the moment, only create confusion and uncertainty.
Mitchell Bray
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We are wonderfully unpredictable. One week we are losing to Rotherham and the next beating WBA. I do worry about fatigue to players especially the internationals. The defence is definitely better than last year which means we should remain in games. We don’t need to fear anyone in this league. UTB. KRO.
We as supporters always fear the worse. Sheffield and Middlesbrough look tough but as you put it this team need not be unfazed. 1-0 win at Sheffield with Deeney on target.At last!
I think we will be ok this season no problem,goals scored is always going to be a issue but it’s been that way since the heady days of Jukiewitz and Adams so midfielders need to contribute more.
The imminent World Cup Finals could strangely help us a touch, in two ways: 1. Through a few of our lads playing ‘out of their skins’ in order to squeeze themselves into their respective World Cup squads at the 11th hour! I can think of Trusty (USA), Placheta, Bielik (both Poland) and JJ (Wales) who this applies to (off the top of my head), but maybe even the likes of Ruddy still fancies his chances of making the England squad based on the current form of his rivals in the England goal!!
2. The enforced break itself will provide an extended opportunity for Eustace to work closely with virtually his whole squad, focusing on patterns of play, finishing, team bonding, etc., which will definitely benefit the team for the rest of the season.
You could argue these things apply to all the teams in our league, but I think we will benefit more than most, as Eustace and his team are only a few months into their tenure, plus we have a young squad, so extra training pitch time will be a blessing for them—especially as we can all see Eustace’s messages sink in to the group-he has clearly been effective on the training ground in the relatively short time he’s had so far.
Anyway, as for the ‘here and now’, if Blues get anything at Sheff Utd, that will be a huge bonus, so 3 points from the next 6 on offer would be success, in my opinion.
What’s great is we know Blues are capable of winning any game, home or away, in this league, so we turn up at games these days with hope, and an increasing belief in our team.
KRO
Excellent points Mark, lots to ponder and take in. Many thanks.
I saw Cosgrove trap a ball last week at Plymouth which proves Eustace is quite a good coach.Lets not do points totals lets say we can win this match on an individual basis.Theres a lot of games/points to play for in October and November before the break.This could mean top 6 or bottom three by the end of it heres hoping KRO
Excellent point today at Sheffield United. Unfazed perhaps? Deeney coming good and maybe Harlee Dean next. On to Middlesbrough…
Fantastic ‘bonus point’ at Sheff Utd today, and fully deserved too. I thought everyone did well today, but Jordan Graham particularly stood out for me. Just hope the knocks that Chong and Bielik picked up today are remedied asap-we haven’t lost since those two came in to the side!
KRO