| Are we good enough to finish top 2? 13:17 - Feb 17 with 1796 views | Chrisd |
Forget who we have in our squad, do we feel confident that we can genuinely finish in the automatic places? I like to think we can, but I’m also not wholly convinced by us either. In one way, I think great we aren’t playing well and getting results, that’s something to be encouraged about there’s more to come. Then, there are times we make it bloody hard work, look pedestrian in the way we play, we can be excruciatingly painful to watch at times. I appreciate that the club is under enormous pressure to get promoted due to the potential funds we will miss out on if we fail to get back to the EPL and everyone must be feeling that from the management down to the players. It must have an impact? I feel I’m quite 50/50 about our chances. Thoughts? |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:18 - Feb 17 with 381 views | bsw72 |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:01 - Feb 17 by hoppy |
Yes, we are.
Will we?
We have as good as chance as our main rivals, despite being behind them in points tallies at the moment. If we win the two games in hand, we would be, as we stand, just 2 points off the top. We still have to play one of the 2 teams above us, and you'd have to think that, over recent form both are just as capable of dropping points as us, so it becomes a case of who handles any pressure over the remainder of the season as to who finishes in those top two positions. |
I think it still comes down to squad depth.
Boro have been fortunate with injuries, I don't think they have lost any key players for extended periods of time. Coventry have lost key players for 2-3 week periods which had cost them their points lead from early December.
We have that better strength in depth than either of those squads, despite the moaning that last week's performance at Wrexham showed our "reserves" were not up to it.
If you needed proof, then the fact we have kept touch with the leaders without 2 of our most influential players this season (Philogene and Nunez) shows we have at the very least adequate replacements.
Another factor that will influence, is that there are 5 teams in the top 2 chase (imo), with only 8 points separating the top 5 (and those 8 points off have one or two games in hand). Extending that is the fact that there are only 6 points splitting 6th to 16th (9 pts to 18th) - so there are at least 16-18 teams with active playoff hopes to chase also.
Gonna be a rollercoaster of a run in with still at least 42 points to play for . . . . |  | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:21 - Feb 17 with 362 views | _CliveBaker_ |
8th, minimum |  | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:21 - Feb 17 with 358 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:09 - Feb 17 by Herbivore |
"pretty much every non town fan who watches us, believe it's poor football" - this is just made up boll0cks.
"Because it's not fast fast fast for 90 minutes, it's viewed as poor football" - as above.
"It's getting ready for the prem football" - it's not, it's us playing basically how we've always played under McKenna with two key caveats. The first is that the players haven't had years of playing together and so aren't always as cohesive. The second is that teams stick ten men behind the ball against us and so we have to be more patient at times, we can't make it a basketball game like we sometimes did in 2023/24. If we go up we'll be adjusting how we play again, we'll look to play a lot more on the counter than we do currently and we'll not be dominating the ball as we do now. So again, boll0cks. |
Some missing words in my post there herbz, let me go back and add them in. Makes a massive different to how it reads apologies for that
But i will 100% disagree with you that we are playing the same way we always have done under KM, we aren't.
It's incredibly different and we are definitely more prepared for the prem. I don't need you to agree to that, others have agreed prior so im happy that the view is shared elsewhere.
The useage of Davis for example, the useage of Oshea as our ball distributor when last time round it was the cm. Back in 23 we used what i'd call a 3 3 press high up the pitch, its not like that this time around, it's more of a sitting V 3 press.
We minimise quick throws out from the keeper, or quick distrbution, in exchange for calm, collected ball progressing from the back. Frustrating at times of course, but reduces turnovers and loss of potential possession.
Of course if we go up it'll be adjusted accordingly, however most prem clubs have the ability to attack then defend within a blink of an eye, from goal scoring opportunities to low blocks in seconds. IMO KM learned last season, you can't be playing the old KM way as it's too open. This season is the beginning of a better more controlled aspect of KM football. Every stat backs this up in comparison to 23. As does Taylors words himself about the squad being a different profile to that team, not just better individuals. |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:24 - Feb 17 with 349 views | Vaughan8 |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:02 - Feb 17 by FrimleyBlue |
Why?
Do you not you feel we are more prepared for prem football than we were last time?
Ignoring individual talent, that's a different discussion.
Our style of play, the transitions and controlling the game aspects of our football is imo far superior to what we did last time round. When we've lost games it's that slight lack of control that's beaten us not by teams getting through us. Oxford - Was taylor as KM said pushing to much, lead to a break and a goal. Sheff Utd... we got out of shape etc, and lead to breaks etc.
Kinda backed by our stats in being 2nd top goal scorers, yet also 2nd best defensive figures. It's incredibly well balanced. |
To answer the preparation for PL question, I can't be the only one who thinks we are the same if not worse than 2023/24. Maybe its because we had so much confidence in the team and we scored loads of goals.
We've not come back to win (probably barely draw either) when a team scores first against us? If we score first we pretty much always win. The first one will carry on in the PL, the second won't.
I get the defensive stats in this league, but the eye test suggest we actually aren't that good if teams attack us. We are very vulnerable on the break. This defence would get slaughtered in the PL, so again we'd pretty much need a whole new back 4. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:25 - Feb 17 with 348 views | itfcjoe |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:09 - Feb 17 by Herbivore |
"pretty much every non town fan who watches us, believe it's poor football" - this is just made up boll0cks.
"Because it's not fast fast fast for 90 minutes, it's viewed as poor football" - as above.
"It's getting ready for the prem football" - it's not, it's us playing basically how we've always played under McKenna with two key caveats. The first is that the players haven't had years of playing together and so aren't always as cohesive. The second is that teams stick ten men behind the ball against us and so we have to be more patient at times, we can't make it a basketball game like we sometimes did in 2023/24. If we go up we'll be adjusting how we play again, we'll look to play a lot more on the counter than we do currently and we'll not be dominating the ball as we do now. So again, boll0cks. |
I think it's a fair point re adjusting for the Prem football, whilst we still have more of the ball it is because other teams let us have it - but ultimately it's much more structured, much more defensively solid than last time we were here.
It's a much more controlled way of playing, more bend but don't break defensively and feels more PL ready than how we were before - but it does take a bit away from the attack at times. I can see why we do it now for that reason, and because the first goal so important across the Championship this season, feels much more impactful than normal (especially in our games) |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:30 - Feb 17 with 335 views | hammo56 |
I don’t think we will. As 9 of our remaining 16 games are away from Portman Road then our away form is going to have to improve. The next 2 games should give us an indication of whether this is going to be the case. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:31 - Feb 17 with 311 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:24 - Feb 17 by Vaughan8 |
To answer the preparation for PL question, I can't be the only one who thinks we are the same if not worse than 2023/24. Maybe its because we had so much confidence in the team and we scored loads of goals.
We've not come back to win (probably barely draw either) when a team scores first against us? If we score first we pretty much always win. The first one will carry on in the PL, the second won't.
I get the defensive stats in this league, but the eye test suggest we actually aren't that good if teams attack us. We are very vulnerable on the break. This defence would get slaughtered in the PL, so again we'd pretty much need a whole new back 4. |
We're ok when a team attacks us, we have the best XGA in the league. Teams will attack, otherwise there's only one team in the game and that's not going to happen, so we actually manage those attacks incredibly well. | |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:35 - Feb 17 with 302 views | Illinoisblue |
The run of games until end of March looks more favorable than the April fixtures. Might have a bette idea by then. Feels like last-day drama is on the cards. Hirst for the Aguero moment home v QPR in 90+5 to take us up. Scenes. |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:37 - Feb 17 with 282 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:25 - Feb 17 by itfcjoe |
I think it's a fair point re adjusting for the Prem football, whilst we still have more of the ball it is because other teams let us have it - but ultimately it's much more structured, much more defensively solid than last time we were here.
It's a much more controlled way of playing, more bend but don't break defensively and feels more PL ready than how we were before - but it does take a bit away from the attack at times. I can see why we do it now for that reason, and because the first goal so important across the Championship this season, feels much more impactful than normal (especially in our games) |
We've also got better player, fundamentally.
I know some don't accept it, and its fair to say we've not seen value from all of our signings thus far, but to be going up with a baseline of O'Shea, Greaves, Matusiwa, Clarke, Philogene, Davis, Nunez, Mehmeti and even some of the fringe players is a higher base off which to build. There's no doubt we'll add again if we go up, but its a higher starting point.
I mean this politely but a number who got us there last time have never and will never be premier league players. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:38 - Feb 17 with 273 views | Ralphinho |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:35 - Feb 17 by Illinoisblue |
The run of games until end of March looks more favorable than the April fixtures. Might have a bette idea by then. Feels like last-day drama is on the cards. Hirst for the Aguero moment home v QPR in 90+5 to take us up. Scenes. |
Would love that for Hirst.
"This is what I do." |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:40 - Feb 17 with 266 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:38 - Feb 17 by Ralphinho |
Would love that for Hirst.
"This is what I do." |
"This is what I do in Spring / Summer" | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:40 - Feb 17 with 266 views | itfcjoe |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:37 - Feb 17 by _CliveBaker_ |
We've also got better player, fundamentally.
I know some don't accept it, and its fair to say we've not seen value from all of our signings thus far, but to be going up with a baseline of O'Shea, Greaves, Matusiwa, Clarke, Philogene, Davis, Nunez, Mehmeti and even some of the fringe players is a higher base off which to build. There's no doubt we'll add again if we go up, but its a higher starting point.
I mean this politely but a number who got us there last time have never and will never be premier league players. |
And re your final point, what has happened to them since they left us, and where they were before proves the point in reality | |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:42 - Feb 17 with 253 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:35 - Feb 17 by Illinoisblue |
The run of games until end of March looks more favorable than the April fixtures. Might have a bette idea by then. Feels like last-day drama is on the cards. Hirst for the Aguero moment home v QPR in 90+5 to take us up. Scenes. |
3-0 Town
Hirst, Azon, Mcateer. |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:47 - Feb 17 with 236 views | Herbivore |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:25 - Feb 17 by itfcjoe |
I think it's a fair point re adjusting for the Prem football, whilst we still have more of the ball it is because other teams let us have it - but ultimately it's much more structured, much more defensively solid than last time we were here.
It's a much more controlled way of playing, more bend but don't break defensively and feels more PL ready than how we were before - but it does take a bit away from the attack at times. I can see why we do it now for that reason, and because the first goal so important across the Championship this season, feels much more impactful than normal (especially in our games) |
Not sure I agree. I think a lot of the differences are explained by teams sitting deep against us, meaning we don't have the space to play the exact same way we did last time. We're also better now individually and so dominate the ball and dominate games a lot more than last time we were at this level. |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:51 - Feb 17 with 228 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:40 - Feb 17 by itfcjoe |
And re your final point, what has happened to them since they left us, and where they were before proves the point in reality |
Quite. Remarkable group, sum greater than its parts, togetherness, momentum, call it what you like, but at least half of that squad had no right to be there and we desperately lacked depth.
We'll add a lot in the summer if we go up, its not unthinkable that Greaves, Matusiwa and Philogene are bench options 12 months from now, rather than Edmundson, Luongo and Al-Hamadi. Therein lies the difference. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:53 - Feb 17 with 221 views | Smoresy |
Of course. We've played well enough since the turn of the year for a win to be the more likely outcome, most times we play. We've gained Mehmeti and will soon regain Nunez, which is crucial to results as we've reliably suffered when absent a creative outlet in the centre.
I wouldn't put our chances far above 50/50 because it feels silly to me to dismiss the two at the summit, who've been there throughout and are currently tracking ahead of us. 14-16 games to go, each of us may snippet an equivalent chunk of the form table and suggest that the other two would struggle to cope with that. Coventry have the furthest to travel no doubt, but there they perch on merit atop the crucial columns of points and goal difference, with only Hull left to play of those who fight for automatic promotion. Boro have the slightly better form of the three, both recent and extended out to the length of fixtures they have remaining, but we're keeping a keen pace just behind, tucked in and hopefully readying ourselves to accelerate.
Lastly, funny things happen on the home straight. When Leeds overlook us in late March with eight to play, having won twelve of their previous thirteen games, I slightly feared for the direction of travel. Impossible to know whose legs will go gooey this time and whose will pump faster. Sheer willpower alone may see two of us to five successive wins at the death, leaving the other with no rope from which to recover. Would be nice to win in carrot country again. [Post edited 17 Feb 14:56]
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:02 - Feb 17 with 199 views | billlm |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:05 - Feb 17 by blueoutlook |
We have also had a ridiculous amount of money to throw at it unlike Coventry and Middlesbrough. So we should be walking this division. We aren’t though,because we are too predictable. Teams no exactly what to expect,just watch Wrexham this weekend. I fully see us bottling it there. |
Not loosing this weekend |  | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:10 - Feb 17 with 177 views | OldFart71 |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 13:40 - Feb 17 by Kieran_Knows |
We wouldn’t have this problem if we still had the 23/24 squad though…. |
I doubt it very much. As I see it the only problem we have is the No.9 position and slight reservations on the right wing. Where Egeli hasn't ripped up the league, McAteer is so,so and Burns whilst being the best may be a bit injury prone hence why we went in for the Millwall guy. I can see us renewing interest if we get promoted. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:11 - Feb 17 with 176 views | itfc_statman |
I think we are plenty good enough to finish top 2 in this division.
However I think we are absolutely miles off the quality of say, Leeds last season. Who were both statistically and on the eye, considerably better than us.
That's probably more relevant and an indication to just how big a job keeping us up next season is. | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:12 - Feb 17 with 171 views | billlm |
We are and will,
Lots of elements to being a successful team/squad,
Most people talk about our lack of striker or how good our wide players or the tens are,
To me,
It's our defence sometimes look out of sorts but if the current trend of one goal a game or technically just under that's where we will come out on top when it's all done and dusted, so yes we are, | | | |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:16 - Feb 17 with 157 views | Metal_Hacker |
Most definitely we are but the other teams are not going to roll over and die and neither are they going to try and play us at our own game
Low block scenario as ever but by now we should be slightly better at beating it or perhaps starting with a quicker tempo aiming to get that first goal |  |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:34 - Feb 17 with 125 views | SomethingBlue |
We are clearly good enough to, the anguish and overwrought nonsense about many elements of this team & season would be hilarious if they weren't potentially so damaging. Whether we will ... let's see, it's going to be very close but I'd back us. | |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 15:43 - Feb 17 with 106 views | Chrisd |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 13:39 - Feb 17 by tractorboy1978 |
Season feels on a bit of a knife edge to me and is going to hinge on how we do away from home. We need more Coventry/Derby and less Blackburn/Leicester/Sheff Utd/Oxford. These two games against Wrexham and Watford are big. |
This is exactly how I feel. Stats are all well a good, but I’ve seen enough games this season where we have had plenty of possession, but not really made their keeper work. | |
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| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 16:11 - Feb 17 with 63 views | NthQldITFC |
| Are we good enough to finish top 2? on 14:05 - Feb 17 by blueoutlook |
We have also had a ridiculous amount of money to throw at it unlike Coventry and Middlesbrough. So we should be walking this division. We aren’t though,because we are too predictable. Teams no exactly what to expect,just watch Wrexham this weekend. I fully see us bottling it there. |
Binner! |  |
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