As opposed to WILL we win? in my opinion.
I don’t know.
Last season I was confident that we had a chance against any team we played, even if it meant that we’d scratch out the points by the odd goal.
I could live with it, as teams that do that sort of thing, even sometimes against the run of play, are teams that are often successful.
And we were doing reasonably well, which was fair enough.
Unfortunately, I currently don’t think we look like winning games at all and I worry for us tomorrow.
We look directionless and have no coherence whatsoever.
We’ve even made Jack Grealish look incredibly average, which should be a crime in itself.
And most worrying of all, our defence looks really poor and prone to conceding against any sort of pace.
I called for Bruce’s head in the last post.
Part of me regrets it, to be honest, as it feels like a knee-jerk reaction.
I genuinely would be happier if we were getting results.
But, as much as I think Bruce has improved the team with his attacking signings, so he’s ruined us at the back.
He’s so unbalanced the team, that it’s like they’ve hardly met each other, let alone played together.
Which in the case of a few of them, is probably true.
The perverse thing is that I think Bruce is probably correct, when he says the team will improve over time.
But I don’t believe they’ll do it quick enough, which is what causes me my biggest cconcern.
We quite simply don’t have time and continually dropping points will cost us promotion.
Back to tomorrow then and Bruce has asked for a reaction.
Didn’t he ask for it against Wednesday?
Or was that us fans? I forget.
Do I think he will get one?
Sadly, I’m not convinced he will, at all.
I’ve seen mention quite often lately that the players ought to take some of the blame for our poor start.
It’s a point I can partly see, as the team doesn’t look anything like fluent.
They’re making so many mistakes and giving the ball away far too easily.
But if you consider that one of Bruce’s best points is his man-management, it seems to me that he’s currently not doing a very good job of it.
I’ve suggested before that I’m not convinced that he’s used to having such a competitive squad and I think he’s finding it a problem.
Again, I don’t know, but the simple fact is that I don’t see us having a hope in hell of getting anything tomorrow.
Frankly, it wouldn’t surprise me if we were to be spanked again, although Bruce will probably be even more cautious against a very decent City side, hence keeping the score down.
Let’s get one thing straight.
I want Bruce to win this game.
I’m definitely not in the “Bruce out” at any cost brigade.
I just don’t see it happening.
And if we lose poorly, you have to ask how long the owners can go before they say enough is enough?
I’m going for a 1-3 loss, I’m afraid.
But really hope I’m wrong.
What have things come to?
We ought to be romping this league, yet I’m now expecting us to lose 🙁
That’s just not right, is it?
We will win 1-2 and Bruce save his arse and be here to frustrate us with his out of date tactics and dull excuses for even longer. His management style is strangling a great team on paper and his excuses are offensive… why sign loan players for a season then moan they need time to gel – we obviously haven’t got time.
Bruce out asap.
Badger, no it’s not right at all.
There were times when I thought we didn’t get enough coverage on the TV but now I dread it when we have a live game and, if I had a half decent excuse, I wouldn’t watch it. That’s how bad we’ve gotten.
Our team has no shape and no identity, we just can’t go on like this. I hate to say it but if a loss tomorrow would ensure Bruce’s departure then I wouldn’t mind losing.
Sad days indeed.
Pat agree 100% I would take a loss tomorrow if it meant bruce was out and I have never wished that before 🙁
Here we go again it will be drab as ever under Bruce and not much in it, think he will end up owing Bolasie for his job because I have a feeling he will save it. Hope I’m wrong, change is needed and the players badly need different coaching as there abilities are being wasted.
As much as i want Bruce out a Villa defeat puts me in such a bad mood! I’m praying for a win else my missus will have a horrible weekend!! Can see us winning maybe 3-1. Bruce saved for another week!..
Same here Par 57 , its killing my love to watch the football that Bruce puts out , I never ever thought I’d get like this, what’s more its him treating us fans as idiots,
Every game there’s an excuse from him over the results, Grealish I’m lead to believe is now asking for a move and mad at Bruce saying after the game with Hull it was his last and thought Spurs was where he was going. I can see the player’s have almost given up on him. He has to go for me.
I’m surprised to see no one has really talked about JG’s statement that came out yesterday, talking about his almost move to Spurs. I think it was big of him to be honest about his feelings and think it can only cement the fans’ affection for him. It also goes some way to explain is below par performances. Hopefully now he has his contract tied up (deserved or not), his performances will improve – although I think SB needs to go before we’ll see the best out of him.
Great start! Silly sods booing Jedinak getting off the bus, idiots , its not his fault is it.
this is the sort of stuff infuriates me. its not the fault of players, where they are played. i also don’t think hes been at all bad. others have been less affective in a shaky defence. this sort of booing in only counter productive. stick it to the manager if thats how you feel and if it makes you feel better.
i havent seen the team yet but i hope we play 433
grealish Abraham bolaise
mcginn jedi hourihane
hutton chester axel elmo
Nyland
i think 433 will protect the back line more and the three up front will be more than a handful for any defence. mcginn and hourihane will have to watch the oppoition fullbacks but that doesn’t mean they cant attack. jedi can mop up in front of the defence.
i also covered myself i bet city and sheff wed home double.tonight. watch it be a draw grrrrr
Nyland, Tuanzebe, Chester, Jedinak, Hutton, Bjarnason, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish, Kodjia, Abraham
Subs: Moreira, Bree, Whelan, Adomah, Elmohamady, Bolasie, El Ghazi
4-1-2-1-2?
I’m not sure how we’re going to play, but have little confidence.
I expect goals.
Against.
There is no need to regret wanting Bruce replaced. He has had two years, 100 games and four transfer windows. This is enough time to develop a style of play and cohesive team. Unfortunately, Bruce has not achieved this and must now be relinquished of his duties. No I don’t want us to lose, nor do I want to see us limp along hand to mouth with just enough wins to save Bruce’s job.
The right man can move mountains with this squad. Look at what Warnock did at Cardiff. In fact I reckon he is around the 100 games mark. What a difference the right manager can do. Ideally we want someone young enough to build a dynasty. We live in hope. But I do think it’s over to you Mr Sawiris and Mr Edens. You own our club and we trust you to replace the current mediocrity with a born winner.
Mediocrity? You’re being generous.
Looks like 4 players out of position again. Still if it ain’t broke….oh hold on it’s Bruce who appears to never learn from his mistakes. Can’t see anything other than a home win. 3-1 is my guess, with Bruce reacting to losing by putting on subs around 65th minute despite being 2-0 down after half hour! I really hope it isn’t another Groundhog Day.
two up front will please everybody i guess until we lose then it will be wrong decision, midfield looks like a diamond ?? to me this could be over compromising centre of midfield, we are weak on the width and bristrol like to attack down the sides.
Yep, it looks like a diamond to me too.
Look at the wingers on the bench, yet not one on the pitch, is there?
Shocking.
I wonder what Bruce’s back up plan will be?
He’s hidden it well, hasn’t he?
Unbelievable and looking at that, I’m wondering if Bruce is deliberately trying to get the sack.
i liked your prediction just seen you said same. iunderstand the wingers on bench as they are not fit probably, i do worry tonight with the width and lack of it. i think bruce needs to walk away if he fails to rally the troops tonight. the atmosphere is getting toxic, hardly inspiring the players to play for us. catch you all after the game, hopefully with a win happy days again.
Surely Hogan is fit enough for a sub appearance? He said 2 weeks ago he was fit.
I think Bruce said he was close.
Not that it matters, as I don’t think Bruce rates him much.
I give in, How the hell has Bruce managed to get a reputation of getting teams promoted, he’s lost the plot if you ask me, if he gets a result tonight it will be a miracle.
Grealish and Kodjia supporting and Abraham on point, according to Coms.
Kodjia left, Grealish right.
Not seen any sign yet, but it looks like the middle might be left wide open, to me.
It’s a six man defence and Bristol have a chance, headed off.
Kodjia nets, but it’s disallowed.
Good play then.
Quicker touches.
And City score.
Utter crap defending at first glance.
And poor goalkeeping – not seen anything to suggest we can get anything from this game. In fact I can see another spanking coming along – sad days!
Yep, Nyland was static.
Oh dear 🙁
We’re poor and look like getting nothing already.
Unless there’s a flash of brilliance again.
Abraham just had a chance there, but I don’t think he’d touched the ball before that.
Other than when the goal was disallowed!