2 games to go (5 Viewers)

[fernandopartridge]

I've got a bad feeling about it. Ironically, it was Millwall and Blackburn occupying the play off spots which we stole at the last in 2023 and they both present imminent danger to us as well as Middlesbrough.

If we perform anything like the last few away games (and there is no suggestion to say we won't) there is a reasonable chance that we go into the last game level on points with Middlesbrough and Millwall with Blackburn just a point behind.

 

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[Liquid Gold]

Fucking Millwall?

This place is flapping beyond belief.

 

[MusicDating]

If we were to finish on 70, that would be an average of 2 points per game across the final couple matches. We're currently on 66 points from 44 games - so averaging exactly 2 points per game across the season. Funnily enough, we're actually bang on course to hit 70, and that would look like continuation of points average across the season.

Rachel Reeves?

 

[JSL]

I've got a bad feeling about it. Ironically, it was Millwall and Blackburn occupying the play off spots which we stole at the last in 2023 and they both present imminent danger to us as well as Middlesbrough.

If we perform anything like the last few away games (and there is no suggestion to say we won't) there is a reasonable chance that we go into the last game level on points with Middlesbrough and Millwall with Blackburn just a point behind.

There is a good chance Thomas will be back to replace Lati and we havent had him for the last two away matches

 

[Lamps]

If we were to finish on 70, that would be an average of 2 points per game across the final couple matches. We're currently on 66 points from 44 games - so averaging exactly 2 points per game across the season. Funnily enough, we're actually bang on course to hit 70, and that would look like continuation of points average across the season.

But if we were averaging 2 points a game we would be on 88 points after 44 games

 

[Otis]

I've got a bad feeling about it. Ironically, it was Millwall and Blackburn occupying the play off spots which we stole at the last in 2023 and they both present imminent danger to us as well as Middlesbrough.

If we perform anything like the last few away games (and there is no suggestion to say we won't) there is a reasonable chance that we go into the last game level on points with Middlesbrough and Millwall with Blackburn just a point behind.

I thought we played very well at Hull..

Should have beaten them easily.

 

[Martw]

I'm feeling pretty positive about the next two games, but I also expect those around us to drop points which will probably get us over the line.
Can see Leeds beating Bristol City, and Norwich could salvage a point against Middlesborough.
Can't imagine Millwall beating both Swansea and Burnley either

Getting a point Saturday would be huge, meaning a draw against Boro would be good enough. I would hope that we provide a performance on Saturday that shows the embarrassment of the last game and puts some pride back into the team. I expect Boro to win comfortably against Norwich but Bristol to lose at Leeds who will want to win the league. So, last day it will be Bristol on 67, us on 67 and Boro on 66. Makes for exciting viewing if you are a neutral and angina for those of us supporting one of those teams.

 

[Macca1987]

If Millwall beat Swansea at home on Saturday, they will be on 66 points as well

 

[Otis]

Getting a point Saturday would be huge, meaning a draw against Boro would be good enough. I would hope that we provide a performance on Saturday that shows the embarrassment of the last game and puts some pride back into the team. I expect Boro to win comfortably against Norwich but Bristol to lose at Leeds who will want to win the league. So, last day it will be Bristol on 67, us on 67 and Boro on 66. Makes for exciting viewing if you are a neutral and angina for those of us supporting one of those teams.

I would have thought Boro would beat Norwich, but now they have sacked their manager, I would expect a reaction from them.

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

If Millwall beat Swansea at home on Saturday, they will be on 66 points as well

As well as who?

 

[Macca1987]

After beating WBA on Friday I had it as 2 spots out of 3 teams, Bristol, Boro and us, now it could be out of 4 teams come the final Saturday, at a pinch 5 if Blackburn win Saturday and are on 65 points

 

[napolimp]

But if we were averaging 2 points a game we would be on 88 points after 44 games

WTF. We should be finishing on 69 points then. It's been a long day.

 

[Macca1987]

As well as who?

Boro

 

[Liquid Gold]

fannies

 

[Phoenix5555]

Middlesbrough are the team who will be under the most pressure for the next game. They have just lost to Sheffield Wednesday and know they will have to go full out for a win on Saturday. Anything less than a win for them could mean they are out of the race full stop.

 

[mmttww]

EDIT - this is completely wrong.

 

[Nuskyblue]

Let's face it, they were all over the midfield and sheaf is hardly the midfield tough guy. Allen is stronger in a 50/50

Doesn't help that we largely play a 2 in the middle, gaps everywhere against Plymouth.

West Brom we looked compact enough in the middle with Shaef and Grimes working well together to close down space, very similar to Allen and Grimes against Sunderland. In both those games the oppo were fairly passive.

We do seem to struggle against physical teams, in attack and defence! It reminds me of Arsene Wenger's mid era teams that struggled like fuck against teams like Bolton.

In games like this you really do have to win the battle to earn the right to play.

 

[Otis]

Doesn't help that we largely play a 2 in the middle, gaps everywhere against Plymouth.

West Brom we looked compact enough in the middle with Shaef and Grimes working well together to close down space, very similar to Allen and Grimes against Sunderland. In both those games the oppo were fairly passive.

We do seem to struggle against physical teams, in attack and defence! It reminds me of Arsene Wenger's mid era teams that struggled like fuck against teams like Bolton.

In games like this you really do have to win the battle to earn the right to play.

Agree.

We should be more than capable of getting 2 draws out of last 2 games though surely.

 

[skybluelee]

Love the permutations the next set of fixtures throw up, us beat Luton 1-0 and Bristol lose to Leeds by a least 2 goals and we would be 5th going into the last game.
The goal difference at the bottom Cardiff and Luton on the same and Derby and Hull on the same.Any goal that goes in on Saturday will greatly alter things.

We'd be 5th if we beat Luton and Bristol City don't beat Leeds. They're only 1 point ahead of us.

We'd also be 5th if we draw at Luton and Bristol C lose by 3 or more at Leeds.

 

[napolimp]

Bet the weekend brings a set of results, and potential end of season outcomes, that no one was expecting.

Funnily enough, if Luton pick up points against us, and Plymouth beat Preston, Bristol suddenly have a very tough final day on their hands.

 

[skyblu3sk]

I think it's time to take a breath and enjoy the ride. At the start of the season I thought we'd finish 7-9th. That didn't change when we were flirting with relegation so to be in with a shout of the playoffs is above expectations for me. Last game was frustrating but some of the rhetoric of the back of it is completely barmy. its also crazy to think we are in a better position than last time we snuck in. Frank and the lads should be taking a bow either way. Let's hope they get it over the line!

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

Boro

If Middlesbrough win yes

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I've got a bad feeling about it. Ironically, it was Millwall and Blackburn occupying the play off spots which we stole at the last in 2023 and they both present imminent danger to us as well as Middlesbrough.

If we perform anything like the last few away games (and there is no suggestion to say we won't) there is a reasonable chance that we go into the last game level on points with Middlesbrough and Millwall with Blackburn just a point behind.

I’m relaxed about it, Bristol have won 4 away games all season so are unlikely to beat Leeds who presumably still want to win the league. PNE cannot sit safe in their position either so all of a sudden, Bristol have a tough relegation threatened side on the final day.

Back to us, playing Boro at home on the final day should give us a massive advantage. It means we control our destiny and could even ‘afford’ to lose at Luton. Barring a large swing in GD, a win v Boro sees us finishing in the playoffs even if Millwall get maximum points.

There should be a lot of motivation in the dressing room to all but send Luton down.

 

[thekidfromstrettoncamp]

Then take into account, Simms is not good in the air, therefore Plymouth won just about every header and he's not good at holding the ball up either.

Was there on Monday his heading ability was sh1t he's on the way down when the ball got to him.His control of the ball passed is terrible.He was muscled off the ball most times even when favourite (nearer to it).My thoughts are Everton sold us a pup

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

If Millwall beat Swansea at home on Saturday, they will be on 66 points as well

Who are now on a 5 game winning streak now and have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs themselves.

Besides, it needs a massive GD swing for Millwall and just can’t see a way they finish above us and Boro. Quick maths in my head is that they’d need us and Bristol to get no more than 1 point to finish 6th on 66 points, with Boro on 66-69 points. They have to inflict Burnley’s first home loss of the season when they could win the title.

 

[Lamps]

If Millwall beat Swansea at home on Saturday, they will be on 66 points as well

Then last game of the season they travel to Burnley. Couldn't think of a harder game than against someone who hasn't lost since before Lampard joined us. If they don't lose their last two games they will be on a run of 33 games undefeated. Only let 15 goals in all season. Still after being Championship winners being just GD behind.

If, as expected, Millwall don't win away to Burnley they would need the single point to be a point above us. A single point to us from either game would put us above them. But we need more than a single point unless Middlesbrough lose again next game.

We have bigger fish to fry.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Then last game of the season they travel to Burnley. Couldn't think of a harder game than against someone who hasn't lost since before Lampard joined us. If they don't lose their last two games they will be on a run of 33 games undefeated. Only let 15 goals in all season. Still after being Championship winners being just GD behind.

If, as expected, Millwall don't win away to Burnley they would need the single point to be a point above us. A single point to us from either game would put us above them. But we need more than a single point unless Middlesbrough lose again next game.

We have bigger fish to fry.

Without being complacent, is it likely that we lose to Plymouth and Luton in the same week?!

Unless funky stuff happens, the battle for 5th and 6th is between ourselves, Boro and Bristol City. If anyone else makes it, it’s probably because Bristol have messed up big time.

 

[Otis]

Was there on Monday his heading ability was sh1t he's on the way down when the ball got to him.His control of the ball passed is terrible.He was muscled off the ball most times even when favourite (nearer to it).My thoughts are Everton sold us a pup

I have no idea why, but the timing of his jumps is way off half the time.

Surely that's a basic isn't it?

 

[Lamps]

Without being complacent, is it likely that we lose to Plymouth and Luton in the same week?!

Unless funky stuff happens, the battle for 5th and 6th is between ourselves, Boro and Bristol City. If anyone else makes it, it’s probably because Bristol of messed up big time.

Nobody knows what's going to happen next. But we have the advantage of a 3 point lead. Whatever happens next game we're still in with a good shout. The teams below us need to win and hope those above them don't.

I'd take a point right now against Luton. The pressure of having to beat Middlesbrough would be gone.

 

[thekidfromstrettoncamp]

I have no idea why, but the timing of his jumps is way off half the time.

Surely that's a basic isn't it?

His jumps were off all the game. and trapping a ball is the same and the years he has been in football he should be able to do by now.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Nobody knows what's going to happen next. But we have the advantage of a 3 point lead. Whatever happens next game we're still in with a good shout. The teams below us need to win and hope those above them don't.

I'd take a point right now against Luton. The pressure of having to beat Middlesbrough would be gone.

Agreed.

Even if we win, it’s an only a cause for celebration if Boro fail to win because that’s the only way we seal it.

I’m confident we’ll beat Boro so feeling relaxed about things even we lose v Luton. If we can’t finish the job this weekend, I’d like for us to be in a position where Boro need to be beat us.

 

[Otis]

Agreed.

Even if we win, it’s an only a cause for celebration if Boro fail to win because that’s the only way we seal it.

I’m confident we’ll beat Boro so feeling relaxed about things even we lose v Luton. If we can’t finish the job this weekend, I’d like for us to be in a position where Boro need to be beat us.

I am pretty confident about Saturday and I sure we will get a reaction to the Plymouth game.

We only need a point. Luton have to win. We might be able to exploit that. Plus we played very well in the two games prior to the Plymouth game, so you would expect a better effort this Saturday.

Plus, there is a bit of the revenge factor too. They went up, we stayed where we were. Now we could pretty much send them down.

I wasn't nervous for WBA. I did think we would struggle at the "they are bottom for a reason" Plymouth game and it proved to be the case.

I just knew Plymouth would play well.

Luton have to win. That may prove to be very nervy for them

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Doesn't help that we largely play a 2 in the middle, gaps everywhere against Plymouth.

West Brom we looked compact enough in the middle with Shaef and Grimes working well together to close down space, very similar to Allen and Grimes against Sunderland. In both those games the oppo were fairly passive.

We do seem to struggle against physical teams, in attack and defence! It reminds me of Arsene Wenger's mid era teams that struggled like fuck against teams like Bolton.

In games like this you really do have to win the battle to earn the right to play.

Those Arsenal teams still had the likes of Vieira as a midfield general. There isn’t really a comparable figure in this team.

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

Without being complacent, is it likely that we lose to Plymouth and Luton in the same week?!

We've only won one away game against the current bottom 11 (Oxford) losing 6 of those.

 

[Lamps]

I am pretty confident about Saturday and I sure we will get a reaction to the Plymouth game.

We only need a point. Luton have to win. We might be able to exploit that. Plus we played very well in the two games prior to the Plymouth game, so you would expect a better effort this Saturday.

Plus, there is a bit of the revenge factor too. They went up, we stayed where we were. Now we could pretty much send them down.

I wasn't nervous for WBA. I did think we would struggle at the "they are bottom for a reason" Plymouth game and it proved to be the case.

I just knew Plymouth would play well.

Luton have to win. That may prove to be very nervy for them

This game is just as difficult as it's against a side playing for their survival in the Championship. If Lampard doesn't set us up wrong for our opponents like he did with Plymouth we will have a better chance of getting something from the game.