Half-time

[IWOODLOVETT]

Well we’ve just started the second half actually - Birmingham being the only team we have faced twice.

We are now recognised as THE team to beat and we will face a whole “new” set of determined opponents each week who will be set up to grab a point or three. The Burnley fixture will become the mini-cup final in the eyes of rival players, coaches and fans from now on. Our game plan - strengths and weaknesses will be analysed, picked over and highlighted by coaches, journalists and tv pundits till the cows come home. It happens to all the top teams.

In the Premier League it is different because of the ‘top six’ theory - seven if you now include Newcastle. Up there money talks and becomes all powerful - the rest can’t compete.

The Championship is different ‘any team can beat anyone’ is often said about this league. From January onwards owners get twitchy, desperate to get to the Prem. riches. Some will bet the ranch and recruit new staff, players and managers. The two automatic promotion opportunities represent the golden nuggets and clubs will be desperate to not let the halftime leaders get away, because it means only a 1 in 4 chance of glory.

From now on we will see some “new” opponents, new managers, new players and new tactics. Batten down the hatches boys and girls it’s going to be a fun ride. The question is are we a second half team?

[Tricky Trevor]

Strange season when two of the top 6 bin their manager. Watford haven’t significantly improved under Bilic, who knows whether Norwich will. Baggies have made a top pick in Corboran but should be too far behind to trouble the top 2. We are looking superb and squad depth should see us over injuries or suspensions. An extra striker would be a bonus but not a necessity.

[Loyal Supporter]

Well we’ve just started the second half actually - Birmingham being the only team we have faced twice.

We are now recognised as THE team to beat and we will face a whole “new” set of determined opponents each week who will be set up to grab a point or three. The Burnley fixture will become the mini-cup final in the eyes of rival players, coaches and fans from now on. Our game plan - strengths and weaknesses will be analysed, picked over and highlighted by coaches, journalists and tv pundits till the cows come home. It happens to all the top teams.

In the Premier League it is different because of the ‘top six’ theory - seven if you now include Newcastle. Up there money talks and becomes all powerful - the rest can’t compete.

The Championship is different ‘any team can beat anyone’ is often said about this league. From January onwards owners get twitchy, desperate to get to the Prem. riches. Some will bet the ranch and recruit new staff, players and managers. The two automatic promotion opportunities represent the golden nuggets and clubs will be desperate to not let the halftime leaders get away, because it means only a 1 in 4 chance of glory.

From now on we will see some “new” opponents, new managers, new players and new tactics. Batten down the hatches boys and girls it’s going to be a fun ride. The question is are we a second half team?

We will be seeing the same teams, all intent on getting a point or all three points from every game.
These teams analyse every opponent, have tactics that look to exploit weaknesses. Every chairman wants success, 21 managers have been replaced in the Championship in the last 12 months and the transfer window opens soon, so basically, what is the point of your post?

[IanMcL]

Coventry and WBA are the teams to watch. Coventry minus O'Hare may be different, of course.

[claretandy]

The thing is, if you watch us close enough, we adapt our tactics slightly depending on the opposition. You no longer have opposition managers saying, "we know what Burnley do". We target their weaknesses, like Roberts and Benson doubling up on their defensively vulnerable left-wing back, in other games it's Cullen pushing further forward.

[Coeus]

The thing is, if you watch us close enough, we adapt our tactics slightly depending on the opposition. You no longer have opposition managers saying, "we know what Burnley do". We target their weaknesses, like Roberts and Benson doubling up on their defensively vulnerable left-wing back, in other games it's Cullen pushing further forward.

Agree with this. Not only do we have a plan A we also have plenty of options, not only in starting 11 but from the bench imo. Opposition teams will struggle unless they put their will on the game. Even as fans ( well me anyway) don’t have much idea of the system going to be used prior to kick off. After over 50 years a claret it’s one of the most enjoyable periods for me and long May it continue. Being really greedy would like two additions in the window to shore up options on injuries, suspension and loss of form. UTC

[arise_sir_charge]

Of course this could work both ways, we could be seen as a “free hit” and teams get on the front foot because they have nothing to lose as they are fully expected to lose. That could be magic for us.

Similarly we could become the game that teams write off and where they choose to rest their important players in favour of more winnable games against lesser opposition.

Then again it could carry on exactly as it has with teams trying to combat us but struggling to get near.

[Notsosuperstevedavis]

Its harder for the oppo to exert their influence on the game with 20-30% possession.
I also feel like we’ve improved from those early games where teams were nicking a goal on the break.

[Joe14]

Thread title is mis leading.

Bring back pie & peas or pie & chips.

[4midable]

Thread title is mis leading.

Bring back pie & peas or pie & chips.

Used to love pie and peas back int day ont turf