| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category 17:06 - Mar 21 with 1576 views | IP1Blue |
I’m not sure this is a good point if I’m being totally honest if you put it in context with the rest of the season. It leaves it a 3 horse race for 1 place when you could have made it a 2 horse race.
Left at Home
Birmingham, Boro, QPR
Left Away
Norwich,West Brom, Charlton, Southampton, Pompey
With only 3 home games left, we have to get 9 points. If we draw against Boro, that’s not enough and we have to stop saying that it would be a good result as with the 5 away games left, we are going to need some help. Anything less than 9 points is dropped points.
With the 5 away games, Norwich and Southampton are in the form of there lives, our record at Charlton isn’t the best in recent times and Pompey and West Brom are fighting for there lives. We’re going to need 10 points from them games and if we win our home games that would put us on 88 points. We currently are averaging 1.44 points per away game so stats show we’re only going to get around 7 points from them which would put us on 85 which probably won’t be enough with Boro already being on 71 points.
That means the margin for error is now pretty much nothing with the 8 games left, we can afford pretty much 1 loss and 1 draw in the remaining 8 games. With 5 of them being away from home, I’m just not sure a draw is enough today. We’ve drawn 12 games so far and my worry is, that is what will cost us. The margin for error in our home games is now nothing as anything less than 9 points is dropped points.
I have seen a lot people say across the season that in isolation a lot of them draws have been good results but I think you have to put it in context with what’s going on in the season. Boro have 4 home games left of there 7 games so it’s imperative that we beat them in a few weeks time
IMO, a draw today is a big opportunity missed and we had to win to at least give us some leeway. |  | | |  |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:11 - Mar 21 with 1531 views | bsw72 |
It’s football, in fact it’s championship football.
Not worth analysing what may happen as it’s so unpredictable.
I will say that I think they are the first away points Millwall have dropped since they lost at Cov in January.
It’s disappointing not to win but neither did Boro, so while nothing gained, more importantly no ground lost. |  | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:12 - Mar 21 with 1511 views | andyblue231 |
I'm much more positive. Of those home games, QPR and Birmingham are on the beach (I know QPR had a mad game today but it was against Portsmouth). Boro currently can't score let alone win. Huge opportunities for points.
Of the away games, Portsmouth are collapsing, Charlton are very average. I am extremely grateful not to be playing Southampton now. Who knows, they could be resting players for the ply offs by the time we play them.
I accept that WB are improving and Norwich will obviously be horrible.
Boro have to play us and Millwall. Millwall have to play Boro and Norwich.
I think it's all going to be OK. [Post edited 21 Mar 17:14]
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:21 - Mar 21 with 1443 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
Pretty sure many on TWTD will be claiming it’s a good result until it’s out of our hands! And maybe even then.
We needed today in my opinion.
We finish the season with 3 mid weeks in a row. Hirst looks shot to me right now, so it’s going to be a very challenging end to the season. Has this team shown you it’s going to navigate all those away games at any point? Happy to be proved wrong but I don’t completely trust us.
Others faltering but I had really ear marked this mini stretch as the time to capitalize. April has looked a nightmare for sometime. After dropping points against Leicester and Stoke I thought we had to win. Also stood by if we beat Hull, Wall and Boro at home we’d go up. That obviously hasn’t happened now. Boro is going to be must win. I think they regroup and have a slightly more favorable games to finish the season. I always wanted to go into that Boro game already above them. Big shame on these 3 draws in the last 4.
It’s obviously going to be close but this was our chance to jump in front before that true run in. I hope we don’t regret it. [Post edited 21 Mar 17:22]
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:50 - Mar 21 with 1304 views | IP1Blue |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:11 - Mar 21 by bsw72 |
It’s football, in fact it’s championship football.
Not worth analysing what may happen as it’s so unpredictable.
I will say that I think they are the first away points Millwall have dropped since they lost at Cov in January.
It’s disappointing not to win but neither did Boro, so while nothing gained, more importantly no ground lost. |
I understand that. I can also understand why people would say in isolation that it’s a good point but in context with the rest of the reason I don’t think it is.
We’re at a point in the season where games in isolation are no good. For example a draw at home to Boro isn’t a bad result in isolation but in context of the season, leaves us in a tricky place. Same with Norwich and Southampton.
Just think we’re running out of opportunities to take advantage of the chances we have had. Boro will be saying the same about themselves as well which I do get. | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:55 - Mar 21 with 1272 views | BouncebackIpswich |
I see your point but you're also assuming Boro and Millwall are going to win almost all their remaining games which they're clearly not.
Win the game in hand and we're second so rather than must win I believe today was must not lose.
Next game is more must win in my book to make the most of Wall or Boro dropping points. |  |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:56 - Mar 21 with 1263 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:50 - Mar 21 by IP1Blue |
I understand that. I can also understand why people would say in isolation that it’s a good point but in context with the rest of the reason I don’t think it is.
We’re at a point in the season where games in isolation are no good. For example a draw at home to Boro isn’t a bad result in isolation but in context of the season, leaves us in a tricky place. Same with Norwich and Southampton.
Just think we’re running out of opportunities to take advantage of the chances we have had. Boro will be saying the same about themselves as well which I do get. |
I think you’re probably correct, we have to win 5 out of 8 minimum and maybe 6, that means all at home and 2/3 away. Doable but I think we fall short, if we’d have beaten Leicester and won today we’d have plenty more of margin for error.
Boro have been begging us to take control for a couple of weeks and we’ve not managed it. | |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:03 - Mar 21 with 1213 views | ITFCson |
I know everyone has different interpretations of what a must win game is, however surely to be a 'must win' that would suggest not winning then makes the end goal (top 2) impossible. We drew the game and still very much in the race for second so rather dramatic to suggest it was a 'must win' | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:08 - Mar 21 with 1187 views | Pinewoodblue |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:56 - Mar 21 by Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
I think you’re probably correct, we have to win 5 out of 8 minimum and maybe 6, that means all at home and 2/3 away. Doable but I think we fall short, if we’d have beaten Leicester and won today we’d have plenty more of margin for error.
Boro have been begging us to take control for a couple of weeks and we’ve not managed it. |
A win today would have calmed the nerves of the worriers on here but doing it the easy way just isn’t the Ipswich way.
Come Easter Monday, with Boro at home to Millwall on Good Friday we are going to be either 3, or 5 points off automatic with two games in hand. |  |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:15 - Mar 21 with 1148 views | E_I_E_I_E_I_O |
The 'must win' phrase is one of the most silly. If we miss out on promotion by 2 points then every single loss and draw became retrospectivley a must win. It only makes a little sense if you are able to look into the future and even then the meaning of the words is flawed. |  | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:16 - Mar 21 with 1144 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:08 - Mar 21 by Pinewoodblue |
A win today would have calmed the nerves of the worriers on here but doing it the easy way just isn’t the Ipswich way.
Come Easter Monday, with Boro at home to Millwall on Good Friday we are going to be either 3, or 5 points off automatic with two games in hand. |
March was the time to make hay, especially with Boro’s form, just my opinion. If we go on a run like we haven’t all season then I’ll happily be proved wrong but I don’t like have two games in hand this late to be honest. Especially considering who one of them is against. Finishing the week with 3 back to back mid weeks is just brutal. So many away games in under 3 weeks as well.
We could have almost ended it for Millwall today. Boro have been giving a massive reprieve to regroup. They can’t believe they’re sitting second going into the break.
Glass half full is players to come back in but we are going to need some big results. Let’s see! [Post edited 21 Mar 18:17]
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:17 - Mar 21 with 1122 views | jasondozzell |
Well, that's it. Pack up the end of season party stuff. I'll tell the children there will be no promotion this year. |  | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:22 - Mar 21 with 1078 views | andyblue231 |
People are much more pessimistic about their own team than their opponents. Boro have just lost to Charlton and drawn against Bristol City and Blackburn. Scoring 1 goal. And their best player is injured. If we were Boro fans we'd be assuming it was all over.
But we don't, we assume their luck will change and we've wasted the last chance to overtake them.
We're above Millwall with a game in hand. The most likely scenario is that our form continues how it has for the past 20 games and we'll go up.
Enjoy it! This is fun! | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:22 - Mar 21 with 1075 views | Garv |
By that logic the autos are done and we should prepare for the play offs.
It's not a must win game. Everyone is effectively in the same position as they were before the game.
If anything, out of the three contenders we should be the happiest. |  |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:24 - Mar 21 with 1044 views | IP1Blue |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:08 - Mar 21 by Pinewoodblue |
A win today would have calmed the nerves of the worriers on here but doing it the easy way just isn’t the Ipswich way.
Come Easter Monday, with Boro at home to Millwall on Good Friday we are going to be either 3, or 5 points off automatic with two games in hand. |
I think that’s the problem as well, 5 points off psychologically looks a big ask even if you have two game in hand as all the pressure is on us at that point to win the games and if you drop points in any game until we match boro on games which won’t be until the 45th game of the season, then it’s no longer in ‘our hands’
Boro won’t continue to have this wobble and that’s why I think it was important to win as if we’re 2 points ahead with a game in hand then all the pressure is on them but I feel like we haven’t properly took advantage of this situation and the pressure remains solely on us to make up the points in the game of hand(s)
7/8 games ago it was very close between boro and Coventry but Coventry took the initiative and have won 7 of the last 8 which has resulted in them essentially running away with it. They now play like a team with no pressure on them because in reality they don’t as they have that buffer in place. | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:28 - Mar 21 with 1002 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:24 - Mar 21 by IP1Blue |
I think that’s the problem as well, 5 points off psychologically looks a big ask even if you have two game in hand as all the pressure is on us at that point to win the games and if you drop points in any game until we match boro on games which won’t be until the 45th game of the season, then it’s no longer in ‘our hands’
Boro won’t continue to have this wobble and that’s why I think it was important to win as if we’re 2 points ahead with a game in hand then all the pressure is on them but I feel like we haven’t properly took advantage of this situation and the pressure remains solely on us to make up the points in the game of hand(s)
7/8 games ago it was very close between boro and Coventry but Coventry took the initiative and have won 7 of the last 8 which has resulted in them essentially running away with it. They now play like a team with no pressure on them because in reality they don’t as they have that buffer in place. |
Nailed it. | |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:30 - Mar 21 with 986 views | NedPlimpton |
Really don't see how that was a must win at all
The draw takes it out of Millwall's own hands. They're now relying on us to slip up and means their match against Boro is absolutely a must win now
Gutted to not get the 3 points, but Boro drawing makes today a good day overall |  | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:48 - Mar 21 with 900 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:30 - Mar 21 by NedPlimpton |
Really don't see how that was a must win at all
The draw takes it out of Millwall's own hands. They're now relying on us to slip up and means their match against Boro is absolutely a must win now
Gutted to not get the 3 points, but Boro drawing makes today a good day overall |
Disagree, it’s not a good day for us when you keep missing opportunities. We’re running out of home games here as well and we were leading at HT. It’s not must win in a mathematical sense of course, but I think we needed today.
Boro have Pompey and Wednesday back to back at home after Millwall (yes they’ve dropped awful points recently) but I can only see 6 points there. Their lack of form won’t last and I don’t think we have taken advantage with an open door for a few weeks now.
We might be in a position where 5+ points behind them with 2 games in hand soon, that would add tones of pressure to a very congested schedule.
Need a Millwall result up there really. [Post edited 21 Mar 18:50]
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:58 - Mar 21 with 842 views | WestSussexBlue |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 17:11 - Mar 21 by bsw72 |
It’s football, in fact it’s championship football.
Not worth analysing what may happen as it’s so unpredictable.
I will say that I think they are the first away points Millwall have dropped since they lost at Cov in January.
It’s disappointing not to win but neither did Boro, so while nothing gained, more importantly no ground lost. |
The first Two lines sum it up perfectly. | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:12 - Mar 21 with 762 views | Pinewoodblue |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:24 - Mar 21 by IP1Blue |
I think that’s the problem as well, 5 points off psychologically looks a big ask even if you have two game in hand as all the pressure is on us at that point to win the games and if you drop points in any game until we match boro on games which won’t be until the 45th game of the season, then it’s no longer in ‘our hands’
Boro won’t continue to have this wobble and that’s why I think it was important to win as if we’re 2 points ahead with a game in hand then all the pressure is on them but I feel like we haven’t properly took advantage of this situation and the pressure remains solely on us to make up the points in the game of hand(s)
7/8 games ago it was very close between boro and Coventry but Coventry took the initiative and have won 7 of the last 8 which has resulted in them essentially running away with it. They now play like a team with no pressure on them because in reality they don’t as they have that buffer in place. |
We can only look to the Easter games, and re access the situation after those games.
Middlesbrough have the added complication of players away on international duty. They have six players away and two of them have a game to play in Sydney on the evening of 31st March. Majority of flights from Sydney to London will involve a stop in Middle East, an unknown factor as things stand. From what I can see the only way back from Aus, avoiding Middle East, involves an overnight layover in South Korea. Arriving back in UK just 48 hours before kick off is far from ideal
A Boro win seems the least likely outcome for their game against Millwall.
Everything to play for COYB | |
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:20 - Mar 21 with 714 views | NedPlimpton |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 18:48 - Mar 21 by Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
Disagree, it’s not a good day for us when you keep missing opportunities. We’re running out of home games here as well and we were leading at HT. It’s not must win in a mathematical sense of course, but I think we needed today.
Boro have Pompey and Wednesday back to back at home after Millwall (yes they’ve dropped awful points recently) but I can only see 6 points there. Their lack of form won’t last and I don’t think we have taken advantage with an open door for a few weeks now.
We might be in a position where 5+ points behind them with 2 games in hand soon, that would add tones of pressure to a very congested schedule.
Need a Millwall result up there really. [Post edited 21 Mar 18:50]
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I mean, sure if you're going to assume the worst from here on in then in your mind every game is a must win
I'd imagine you probably thought boro's recent poor form would end today, but here we are | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:38 - Mar 21 with 641 views | armchaircritic59 |
I expect 'Boro fans are saying the exact same thing. The reality is neither of us are in " must win " territory just yet, as we keep opening the door for each other and neither walks through it! | | | |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:39 - Mar 21 with 637 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:20 - Mar 21 by NedPlimpton |
I mean, sure if you're going to assume the worst from here on in then in your mind every game is a must win
I'd imagine you probably thought boro's recent poor form would end today, but here we are |
I said yesterday they’ll drop point over there next few. I just think post Millwall they have favorable run which coincides with a tough one for us. Law of averages and surely their shots per game against Wednesday and Pompey you’d expect 6. Swansea before that, they try and play football and get battered by better teams when they do.
If we can win our next four we will go up, just means winning at Carrow Road and beating Boro down here! No sweat. [Post edited 21 Mar 19:40]
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| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:42 - Mar 21 with 619 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| I do think today was in ‘must win’ category on 19:38 - Mar 21 by armchaircritic59 |
I expect 'Boro fans are saying the exact same thing. The reality is neither of us are in " must win " territory just yet, as we keep opening the door for each other and neither walks through it! |
They should basically be up.
2 wins in 8 and go into the international break 2nd, unbelievable really! [Post edited 21 Mar 19:58]
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