South of the border. A trip away to Stevenage, Tues 29th Oct, 19-45.

[TANGODANCER]

Eager to get back at it, an early thread to a team just three points below us in the league. Stevenage , "sarf" of London, is another place we don't want to be coming home pointless from Tuesday night. . Just hope our tails are up enough from the "Posh" affair to springboard us onwards and upwards . It's still "much of a muchness" in the mid sections of League One, but we need to be making our mark almost now or never if promotion is our goal. With Walsall in the F.A.Cup as our next football before another lot chasing our tail in Stockport away, we need to just concentrate on winning and getting the points. Will I.E have some idea of who is the strongest up-front option, because with nobody really standing out and Dion looking to have lost his edge, it's a bit of a guessing game right now. In short, we're not exactly sharpshooters . Even the injury situation has a look of an enigma unless its a bit of managerial monkey business.

So, ride boldly ride then as southwards we go...



Game is on Sky by the way..!

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Stevenage is north of London, Tango... Think Luton but on the A1(M) rather than the M1.

Curious bunch, these. Many felt it would be a struggle to fill the large hole where Steve Evans used to be, but only yesterday - when his Rotherham side beat Stevenage 2-0 in Yorkshire, after boos had greeted a goalless half-time whistle - did Evans clamber sweatily above his old team.

His replacement as manager is Alex Revell, whom the Boro (no longer their name but still their nickname) seem to use as a palate-cleanser after a strong-taste manager: he previously replaced Graham Westley and was brought back into the coaching staff by Evans, for whom he'd scored two goals in Rotherham's 2014 play-off final win including a lovely 40-yard dipper. Anyway, Revell has been all "evolution not revolution", and has made a decent fist of it.

At home they've beaten Wrexham 1-0, Charlton 1-0 and Barnsley 3-0, but also been turned over by Lincoln (0-1) and, last midweek, Cambridge (0-2). As noted, they neither score nor concede many - only two of their league games has seen both sides score, and they lost each 2-1, at Huddersfield and Posh. So we can expect a tight game, although they have been struggling with injuries and suspensions, so let's see what noise comes out of their camp.

It won't be easy, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't win. 2ppg demands it. And if we do, we go at least 7th, possibly into the playoffs.

[TANGODANCER]

Stevenage is north of London, Tango... Think Luton but on the A1(M) rather than the M1.

Ayte, mixed it up with Steventon on the map, not that I know either.. Sorry.

[TANGODANCER]

Stevenage is north of London, Tango... Think Luton but on the A1(M) rather than the M1.



At home they've beaten Wrexham 1-0, Charlton 1-0 and Barnsley 3-0, but also been turned over by Lincoln (0-1) and, last midweek, Cambridge (0-2). As noted, they neither score nor concede many -

Seems a bit of the norm in this league right now, not the least with us. That early goal is becoming very desirable.

[Worthy4England]

Stevenage is north of London, Tango... Think Luton but on the A1(M) rather than the M1.

Ayte, mixed it up with Steventon on the map, not that I know either.. Sorry.

Darn Sarf, seems like a decent bet TD!

[TANGODANCER]

Re the team: I reckon Charles (in a lesser way) is having a Harry Kane spell. No centre forward type striker will work in today's games unless they have support up front and that isn't happening. Everything seems to depend on a midfield that can react quickly in changing defence into attack, but even that depends on frontal support not pass the parcel or pointless possession. It's frustrating without doubt, but particularly in this league it's the status quo.

Georgia Stanway said, wisely, of the womens game, that "we have inevitably plateaued and teams have learned how to play us. We need something new." I think this nails it. The likes of Kane and Dion need to change their game to suit the occasion and adapt. This, of course, is something for the managers to see and correct. A Bob Dylan moment "The times they are a changing!" The era of the Robert Lewandowski's, and Romelo Lukaki's is becoming historical , El Cid on a white horse doesn't work against bullets behind castle walls.

[Mar]

Re the team: I reckon Charles (in a lesser way) is having a Harry Kane spell. No centre forward type striker will work in today's games unless they have support up front and that isn't happening. Everything seems to depend on a midfield that can react quickly in changing defence into attack, but even that depends on frontal support not pass the parcel or pointless possession. It's frustrating without doubt, but particularly in this league it's the status quo.

Georgia Stanway said, wisely, of the womens game, that "we have inevitably plateaued and teams have learned how to play us. We need something new." I think this nails it. The likes of Kane and Dion need to change their game to suit the occasion and adapt. This, of course, is something for the managers to see and correct. A Bob Dylan moment "The times they are a changing!" The era of the Robert Lewandowski's, and Romelo Lukaki's is becoming historical , El Cid on a white horse doesn't work against bullets behind castle walls.

I understand what you're saying. I think there's definitely more to the modern game than there was say 3 years ago. Feels like the tactic that Guardiola deployed has been figured out despite working for the majority of cases. Just like we saw when the 4-4-2 went out of the window, the new systems that are getting deployed are just relying upon more and more movement.

[TANGODANCER]

Re the team: I reckon Charles (in a lesser way) is having a Harry Kane spell. No centre forward type striker will work in today's games unless they have support up front and that isn't happening. Everything seems to depend on a midfield that can react quickly in changing defence into attack, but even that depends on frontal support not pass the parcel or pointless possession. It's frustrating without doubt, but particularly in this league it's the status quo.

Georgia Stanway said, wisely, of the womens game, that "we have inevitably plateaued and teams have learned how to play us. We need something new." I think this nails it. The likes of Kane and Dion need to change their game to suit the occasion and adapt. This, of course, is something for the managers to see and correct. A Bob Dylan moment "The times they are a changing!" The era of the Robert Lewandowski's, and Romelo Lukaki's is becoming historical , El Cid on a white horse doesn't work against bullets behind castle walls.

I understand what you're saying. I think there's definitely more to the modern game than there was say 3 years ago. Feels like the tactic that Guardiola deployed has been figured out despite working for the majority of cases. Just like we saw when the 4-4-2 went out of the window, the new systems that are getting deployed are just relying upon more and more movement.

Aye, that's about it mate. Change isn't just about one club but the whole game. New broom stuff and it's going to get harder. About the only fair plus is that only eleven can be on the pitch at any on time. The bench is becoming a tactical asset rather than just a numbers subsitute.

[The_Gun]

I’m definitely more excited for this one after our performance on Saturday. Still a game we need to be winning if my positivity is to be maintained.

I’d guess Evatt won’t make too many changes, but I’d personally like to see Lolos be given a start, both as a reward for his vital intervention on the weekend, and to see whether he can bring some much needed incision.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

As Iles notes, a very different tactical proposition. I do wonder though whther Evatt will stick to the front three after its first real vindication on Saturday. Maybe Dion will come in for Vic, both for rotation and as a sign we might not try to play them at their own aerial game.

Lolos - he may get longer tonight as (1) the incumbent 10s tire and (2) he's earned more trust. We could start him on Saturday at Walsall. I suspect it will largely be the same XI tonight and then look to switch up for the Cup - eg Randell, Forrester, perhaps Baxter/Jones if ready. We've still not got much squad depth available – for the three league games since the break we've had two kids among the seven subs.

[The_Gun]

As Iles notes, a very different tactical proposition. I do wonder though whther Evatt will stick to the front three after its first real vindication on Saturday. Maybe Dion will come in for Vic, both for rotation and as a sign we might not try to play them at their own aerial game.

Lolos - he may get longer tonight as (1) the incumbent 10s tire and (2) he's earned more trust. We could start him on Saturday at Walsall. I suspect it will largely be the same XI tonight and then look to switch up for the Cup - eg Randell, Forrester, perhaps Baxter/Jones if ready. We've still not got much squad depth available – for the three league games since the break we've had two kids among the seven subs.

The problem is that Dion doesn’t replicate what we get from Vic, so if we make that change then we’re fundamentally altering something that worked very well on Saturday.

[TANGODANCER]

Lolos - he may get longer tonight as (1) the incumbent 10s tire and (2) he's earned more trust. We could start him on Saturday at Walsall. I suspect it will largely be the same XI tonight and then look to switch up for the Cup - eg Randell, Forrester, perhaps Baxter/Jones if ready. We've still not got much squad depth available – for the three league games since the break we've had two kids among the seven subs.

The problem is that Dion doesn’t replicate what we get from Vic, so if we make that change then we’re fundamentally altering something that worked very well on Saturday.
[/quote]

Accepting they are history, do either replicate what we got from Jerome or Jon Dad ?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

The problem is that Dion doesn’t replicate what we get from Vic, so if we make that change then we’re fundamentally altering something that worked very well on Saturday.

I hear you, but as I say we might change the tactics a little. It's a game of two teams and what works against a front-foot transition opponent like Peter Borough might not work as well against a doughty defensive oppo like Steven Edge.

[Harry Genshaw]

Well I expected a high scoring draw on Saturday and yet we were just a Fergie (Jnr) rant away from a goalless stalemate. Tonight, I expect 1 goal to settle it based on both sides current form. 4-3 it is then.

[BWFC_Insane]

As Iles notes, a very different tactical proposition. I do wonder though whther Evatt will stick to the front three after its first real vindication on Saturday. Maybe Dion will come in for Vic, both for rotation and as a sign we might not try to play them at their own aerial game.

Lolos - he may get longer tonight as (1) the incumbent 10s tire and (2) he's earned more trust. We could start him on Saturday at Walsall. I suspect it will largely be the same XI tonight and then look to switch up for the Cup - eg Randell, Forrester, perhaps Baxter/Jones if ready. We've still not got much squad depth available – for the three league games since the break we've had two kids among the seven subs.

The problem is that Dion doesn’t replicate what we get from Vic, so if we make that change then we’re fundamentally altering something that worked very well on Saturday.

What are we saying worked well? Dion came on and was unplayable. Are we saying hes better off the bench?

[boltonboris]

We looked a better team with Dion on the pitch on Saturday in my opinion. But he was afforded more running space than he'll get tonight.

I'm not sure going with the same shape away from home against these will work out, so expect Lolos to come in for one of McAtee, or Collins

Presumably back to the 3-4-1-2 shape with Lolos as the '1'. As long as it's not Arfield, that's sound with me...

[Mar]

As Iles notes, a very different tactical proposition. I do wonder though whther Evatt will stick to the front three after its first real vindication on Saturday. Maybe Dion will come in for Vic, both for rotation and as a sign we might not try to play them at their own aerial game.

Lolos - he may get longer tonight as (1) the incumbent 10s tire and (2) he's earned more trust. We could start him on Saturday at Walsall. I suspect it will largely be the same XI tonight and then look to switch up for the Cup - eg Randell, Forrester, perhaps Baxter/Jones if ready. We've still not got much squad depth available – for the three league games since the break we've had two kids among the seven subs.

The problem is that Dion doesn’t replicate what we get from Vic, so if we make that change then we’re fundamentally altering something that worked very well on Saturday.

What are we saying worked well? Dion came on and was unplayable. Are we saying hes better off the bench?

Depends on the game. I don't think anyone's particularly thinking Collins/Charles/Adeboyejo are better off the bench, but the gameplan dictates that they'll have more of an impact when things are getting mixed up. It offers us a different dimension. Charles for instance in the last match ended up having a tired Peterborough side to run at. A fully fresh Charles vs a tired Peterborough and it yields better results than a tired Charles vs a tired Peterborough.

If anything i'd be thinking N'lundulu would be better off the bench, likewise JDB, but as far as our current squad goes, not so much.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

We looked a better team with Dion on the pitch on Saturday in my opinion. But he was afforded more running space than he'll get tonight.

I'm not sure going with the same shape away from home against these will work out, so expect Lolos to come in for one of McAtee, or Collins

Presumably back to the 3-4-1-2 shape with Lolos as the '1'. As long as it's not Arfield, that's sound with me...

Dion looked impressive as a 'finisher' – as in a sub brought on to attack a tiring defence. Less impressive as a 'finisher' with his saved penalty and follow-up header... but he definitely has a part to play and I doubt many of us would be sad to see his name on a team-sheet.

Pre-season, Evatt said Lolos could play 9, 10 or 8 - so picking him would give tactical flexibility. Then again, Evatt's also picked McAtee as an 8... thing is, with Dempsey and Thomason out, we haven't got much/any depth in central midfield, so he may just be making lemonade....

[boltonboris]

Yep. I don't think the shape we played on Saturday was necessarily a tactical decision, it was borne out of the fact that we only had 2 central midfielders fit enough to start the match, but obviously it was also something we knew we could 'get away with' against them, as they'd afford us some space.

Having a double pivot is great as long as 1 of your forwards drops into the 10 spot and occupies someone

[TANGODANCER]

More and more, the need is to take pressure off ourselves, and scoring first is the surest was to achieve this. Hit the opposition hard and get a couple of goals and we'll be hunters and not hunted. Nothing is easy now in this league, but if we want to be top enders, get at em from the off. It's a game after all, but winning is the prize. COME ON YOU WHITES.....