Well, I’m back and it’s bloody nippy isn’t it?
Straight down to it then and I’m not in the slightest bit optimistic about this game, I can tell you.
I’ve tried to keep the optimism up, but there are just too many things going against us all at the same time, for me to maintain it.
Losing to Ipswich at home, combined with the way we approached the game has pushed me over the edge and it’s not a nice place to be.
But while I’m full of gloom and despondency, so I’m also clinging to the belief that things can surely only get better. Can’t they?
The trouble is, while I do think things will gradually get better, I’m not convinced we’ve bottomed yet. Which is of course worrying when you look at our current league position.
So where does that leave us regarding tonight?
Let’s look at some facts.
We have, on paper, one of the best sides in the league, but we look aimless and don’t seem to play as a team.
We have two of the best strikers in the league and can’t score (although Kodjia’s been away of course).
Hitch mentioned it when he said the oppo’s goalies seem to put on a blinder against us.
And every single mistake we make gets punished.
It’s a situation I’d struggle to wish on our neighbours down the road.
But more worrying is that Barnsley are a better side than Ipswich. So how are we going to beat them?
Well, I haven’t got a clue and we can only hope Steve Bruce, or whoever it is actually comes up with tactics, has.
Bruce intimated that he might drop the 3-5-2 (ahem), which suggests we might go back to four at the back.
I can’t say I’ve watched Barnsley, so don’t know what to think.
The manager’s in a big hole at the moment and frankly, I don’t care how we go about it, but we cannot lose this game tonight. Momentum is already building against Bruce and with us footy fans being what we are, the clamour for his head is only going to increase.
I’m not even convinced a draw will be enough, particularly if it’s combined with another poor performance.
I’ve called for Bruce to be more Gung-ho, but it would appear he doesn’t see things the same way.
That’s his prerogative of course, because he’s the manager, but my opinion is he isn’t doing himself any favours in setting up negatively.
The trouble is, we look really weak when Jedinak isn’t available. Questions have been asked about Lansbury being played deeper and Bjarnason doesn’t seem to be very well rated up to now, although that is probably down to his lack of fitness. Which of course begs the question why he isn’t being introduced gradually.
Ah, what do I know?
I’m going to go for a 1-0 win, but it’s more in hope than anything.
Like I said. I’m worried.
