There has been a lot of good debate already on how good or poor we have been this season (with statements such as we should't lose to the likes of Preston or Barnsley).
For my part as one of the few that went to the Barnsley game, we weren't at our best by any means, however should have come away with a draw imo (after they equalised for 2-2, they had the impetus which at home, anything can happen and it did) and for me, their last two goals were in part significantly contributed to by poor decisions by the referee. Despite the loss, on the long old trek home, both me and my mate were encouraged by what we saw. Barnsley looked a decent enough side, especially at home. Results since then and where they are in the League at the moment suggest that they are currently playing very well, so all in all a loss away maybe wasn't as bad as some people have stated in previous posts. (won all three home games, scored 9 goals and the only two conceded were against us)
Preston at home well enough said, we just looked totally flat, if we had played well and lost then I would be more concerned, it was just one of those days and there will be many more like that in the Championship, which will work in our favour but equally also to our detriment. That's what makes this league so difficult.
So on to the main point of my post
The next 5 games will be a true barometer of our credentials this year. I for one will only really start to judge or assess us once these games have concluded. We will have had the 2 week international break (had players rest the niggles) and seen the end of the transfer window, so will clearly understand what our squad will be for the rest of the year. My hopes (at a minimum would be as the teams standings today)
Blackburn (H) - Bottom of the League (Win)
Newcastle (H) - They sit 4th one place above us (Draw)
Huddersfield (A) - Top of the League (Loss)
Birmingham (H) - 10th in League (Win)
Burton (A) - 13th in the League (Draw) - Would have gone for a win but Burton will be so up for this with Jimmy's return
On the face of this - I would suggest that 7-9 from the 15 points available would be a decent return. Thoughts?
For my part as one of the few that went to the Barnsley game, we weren't at our best by any means, however should have come away with a draw imo (after they equalised for 2-2, they had the impetus which at home, anything can happen and it did) and for me, their last two goals were in part significantly contributed to by poor decisions by the referee. Despite the loss, on the long old trek home, both me and my mate were encouraged by what we saw. Barnsley looked a decent enough side, especially at home. Results since then and where they are in the League at the moment suggest that they are currently playing very well, so all in all a loss away maybe wasn't as bad as some people have stated in previous posts. (won all three home games, scored 9 goals and the only two conceded were against us)
Preston at home well enough said, we just looked totally flat, if we had played well and lost then I would be more concerned, it was just one of those days and there will be many more like that in the Championship, which will work in our favour but equally also to our detriment. That's what makes this league so difficult.
So on to the main point of my post
The next 5 games will be a true barometer of our credentials this year. I for one will only really start to judge or assess us once these games have concluded. We will have had the 2 week international break (had players rest the niggles) and seen the end of the transfer window, so will clearly understand what our squad will be for the rest of the year. My hopes (at a minimum would be as the teams standings today)
Blackburn (H) - Bottom of the League (Win)
Newcastle (H) - They sit 4th one place above us (Draw)
Huddersfield (A) - Top of the League (Loss)
Birmingham (H) - 10th in League (Win)
Burton (A) - 13th in the League (Draw) - Would have gone for a win but Burton will be so up for this with Jimmy's return
On the face of this - I would suggest that 7-9 from the 15 points available would be a decent return. Thoughts?
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