Ipswich Town [H]

[Sheffsteel]

Last season we always tended to start fast and look impressive first half.
Then in the later stages of the 2nd half we’d look tired and unless we’d built a big lead were holding on.

I’ve noticed that this season Wilder has changed our approach.
We often play the 1st half in 2nd gear playing a nice solid game conserving energy of the big push in the 2nd half.
Then we up the tempo and go for after half time, this approach to games has served us well so far.

I wonder if Wilder will send the team out to steam roll Ipswich first half and go at them all guns blazing.
Or will he deliberately hold back, see what they’ve got 1st half, then go all guns blazing 2nd half.
I reckon we’ll try to kill the game off by half time, like we did away at Hull.

 

[S64 Blade]

On a side note, does anyone else kinda wish that it wasn't a sell out and it was just the run-of-the-mill 24/25k going to be there. Making the game feel as routine as we need it to be?!

Plenty on here are whinging about it being a sell out.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Ipswich are 21st in the away from table based on the last 10;

 

[Brian Deane]

When's this happening ? Is it an important game ?

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Personally, I'd start with the same XI as against Hull. Sharp to replace Washington on the bench.

Agreed - that team v Hull, playing that way, was lovely to watch.

The big issues are, will CW bring Basham back in for Crainie and change Hogan for Sharp.

UTB

 

[Houston_Blade]

I would not drop Cranie TBH

Last home game (hopefully) I’d give Basham a start if he’s fully fit due to the fantastic season he’s had. This would be a sentimental decision though and not based on the ability of Cranie.

Up front I think we can go either Hogan or Madine and switch after 60 mins if required.

I think Sharp will be on the bench whatever his fitness levels, again for sentiments sake.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Last home game (hopefully) I’d give Basham a start if he’s fully fit due to the fantastic season he’s had. This would be a sentimental decision though and not based on the ability of Cranie.

Up front I think we can go either Hogan or Madine and switch after 60 mins if required.

I think Sharp will be on the bench whatever his fitness levels, again for sentiments sake.

Think there’s a good case for Basham anyway if we’re expecting to have more possession. Cranie’s done a fine job, but going forward Basham remains the better option in my opinion.

Sentiment won’t come into Wilder’s thinking. If Sharp isn’t fit there’s no point wasting a space on the bench for him. I actually think though that he’ll be fit enough to start.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

Did Hogan contribute to any of the three goals on Saturday ?

yes he did contribute by being the mobile front man - not the generally static front man that we launch long balls to and HOPE to support.
UTB

Yep. Would need to see it again, but as I recall it one reason Dids had a completely free header for the first was because others, including Hogan, dragged defenders with them.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Agreed - that team v Hull, playing that way, was lovely to watch.

The big issues are, will CW bring Basham back in for Crainie and change Hogan for Sharp.

UTB

Bash would provide more of an attacking threat than Crainie but Crainie is probably a better defender - maybe start with him and look to bring Bash on if required.

Same goes for bringing Sharp on. I certainly wouldn't risk him from the start.

Don't know why I'm so nervous about the game

 

[Topplayersleave]

If the defence is packed the direct route to Madine probably won't work. Fleck has to pick the ball up and drive towards them creating panic.

Subtlety and Intricacy is often needed to get through. That move that saw Fleck almost score at Hull after McGoldrick's backheel is what's needed to unlock a team who sit back

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Bash would provide more of an attacking threat than Crainie but Crainie is probably a better defender - maybe start with him and look to bring Bash on if required.

Same goes for bringing Sharp on. I certainly wouldn't risk him from the start.

Don't know why I'm so nervous about the game

Repeat after me - C R A N I E

 

[Mouth of the South]

Repeat after me - C R A N I E

Haha - apologies. The excitement must be getting to me

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Bash would provide more of an attacking threat than Crainie but Crainie is probably a better defender - maybe start with him and look to bring Bash on if required.

Same goes for bringing Sharp on. I certainly wouldn't risk him from the start.

Don't know why I'm so nervous about the game

Yep, sounds about right. I'd play Cranie, but CW doesn't do sentiment so half expect Bash to come back in. Agree with Billy.

As for nerves - it's the past that dictates how some Blades feel, which I fully get and understand.

For me, CW is just different - he has a management style for football that just works. If you could bottle it, you'd be a millionaire.

I know Norwich have to blow it for the title - but something just tells me we'll do that as well.

Keep the faith

UTB

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Repeat after me - C R A N I E

Altogether now...

“A C and an R and an A and an N
An I and an E, and no more to see
How many times – just one I
His name is Martin...Cranie”

 

[Houston_Blade]

Think there’s a good case for Basham anyway if we’re expecting to have more possession. Cranie’s done a fine job, but going forward Basham remains the better option in my opinion.

Sentiment won’t come into Wilder’s thinking. If Sharp isn’t fit there’s no point wasting a space on the bench for him. I actually think though that he’ll be fit enough to start.

Not sure on Cranie as a forward player v Basham, there is very little between them. I think both given a full season in the same position they'd pretty much do the same. Cranie has had limited games this season and has set 1 goal up with a great byline cross and played numerous balls to full backs in the lead up to chances/goals.

There's a rizla paper between them in my view. Both would/will be cult heroes here.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Not sure on Cranie as a forward player v Basham, there is very little between them. I think both given a full season in the same position they'd pretty much do the same. Cranie has had limited games this season and has set 1 goal up with a great byline cross and played numerous balls to full backs in the lead up to chances/goals.

There's a rizla paper between them in my view. Both would/will be cult heroes here.

I see what your saying, but Basham’s additional goal threat pushes him ahead in my view.