Yeah and the other thing about the Palace game is psychological - there were lots of excuses made about depleted squad etc in the hammering we received, probably our worst result this season both in terms of scoreline and performance in the context of the opposition. If we can change that result, with players back from injury, it helps justify the old excuse and will be a big boost to morale and belief.
Brentford have lost their last four games and are currently slipping down towards the relegation battle. They're currently 7 points above us but have played one game more. Everton lost again and are only 3 points above us and Leeds lost to Newcastle and could be dragged into the relegation battle as well.
"On the night"? From now on they're all going to be as good as his second against Watford! This article in The Athletic includes a quote from Sargent explaining how that goal was the product of coaching.
Kind of mad that I only expect 3/11 (Gunn, Gibson, Idah) to play in the same position next time we play Palace. Sorensen/Lees-Melou might come into the CM roles. Giannoulis, Byram, McLean, Gilmour, Placheta, Tzolis all unlikely to start. With players returning to fitness and using the Wolves game to try and build match fitness, I'm curious how Smith uses that FA Cup fixture. Does he continue to try and build familarity with the 4-4-2, but with Normann + Gilmour/Rupp/PLM/McLean/Sorensen in the middle, depending on whether you want to test-run a pairing or build fitness? That probably means Rashica, Sargent, Idah, Pukki all play, risking injuries/tiredness when all will be required in a big home game 4 days later? The dropoff in quality should any of those 4 be ruled out is worrying. Or does he trial a 4-5-1 which Smith has suggested might be needed for the Man City and Liverpool games? Could be a way to give game time to a third central midfielder, and Idah more time as a lone striker. Pukki and Sargent could be rested.
I think the Wolves game will be used as a competitive pre-season friendly with maybe 4 or 5 changes from what he might expect against Palace depending on fitness of players
From BBC gossip The Premier League is set to its change rules around the postponement of matches due to Covid, with clubs required to prove at least four positive cases to get matches rearranged. (Mail)
I think I’d want to see a changed line up, although this winter break also makes me think we need to keep the recent starting team fit. I’d give Cantwell 90mins against Wolves, see if we can get him going. He would be like a new signing if we can get a tune out of him at this point. Tzolis could do with a decent run out as well, I’d probably start Gianoulis as it’s the cup.
That’s good, though a bit late as Burnley have nicked themselves a load of time and doubtless helped get them a draw at Arsenal… And wouldnt we have been able to postpone the Palace match if that had been the rule? A complete farce of management.
There was a breaking News Story from a local Watford newspaper this morning then it got pulled as I was reading it after refreshing.
Roy Hodgeson an early favourite for the Watford job. I wonder what odds you'd get on him lasting 6 months
I don' think we should take any risks with our usual starting players: Gunn Byram Kabak Omobamidele Giannoulis Gilmour Sørensen Rupp Dowell Tzolis/Cantwell Idah Subs: Krul/McGovern, Williams, Hanley, Normann, Rashica, Sargent, Pukki Formation is 4-3-2-1 in attack and 4-4-2 in defence.