Marzo: Magnificente oppure Malissimo??

[Ollessendro]

(March - magnificent or really bad)

Ciao amici.

From the author of February: fatal or fabulous, comes the next instalment. Last year I posted that February could make or break us (http://www.s24su.com/forum/showthread.php?21817-Febuary-fatal-or-fabulous). I think it is safe to say Micky Adams team failed miserably and the month was
a disaster. A fatal February was a key factor in us getting relegated.

This year February has been pretty fucking fabulous. Sure we lost to the Pigs, but the league table looks great. At the start of the month we’d just lost twice and we’re going into the month pretty much level pegging with Huddersfield and the Pigs. Not only that, but we had to travel to the Sty and McFarland (or whatever the fuck it is called these days). Sure, we lost to the Pigs but got some cracking results. We dispateched Wycombe, got a massive result in West Yorkshire (unexpected imo) and then beat a dirty cynical Preston. We have now bounced back and beat Scunny and sit 5 points clear from 3rd place.

The games come thick and fast in March. It will be a big test for the squad. We’ll need to draw on all resources. I think that all 5 of the strikers could feature and we’ll need to draw on squad players. Hopefully K Mac will be back soon, but others have key rolls to play.

Here are the fixtures:

- Sat 3rd Oldham at home
- Tue 6th Walsall away
- Sat 10th Brentford away
- Tue 6th Colchester away
- Sat 17th Tranmere at home
- Tue 20th Notts C away
- Wed 28th Chesterfield at home
- Sat 31st Hartlepool away

This is a really tricky month. I really don’t like the look of going to Brentford on the Saturday and then over to East Essex/East Anglia on the Tuesday. Notts County will be a difficult game and Hartlepool will not be easy. Just looking at the games individually, with our first team fully fit, I would be fairly confident. But looking above I am nervous.

I think Huddersfield have an easier set of fixtures. They are still a massive concern for me. They have a good squad and proven manager at this level. If they put the pressure on I am worried we might crumble. We are certainly nowhere near home and dry. Even if we win on Saturday and the others fuck up. Being 3 wins away from 2nd would be great, but we can see above that there are a few banana skins. I actually have faith in Wilson and we have a good squad. We are in the driving seat and if we remain calm and play like we can then I think we can still be in 2nd come the end of the month.

I think this season could go down to the wire.

What are people’s expectations for March? Of course I would love us to win all games. We have 8 games and 5 of those are away. But what is realistic? Win our home games, wins at Walsall and Colchester and draws at Notts, Brentford and Hartlepool? Is that too much to ask? Can we go undefeated?

I’ll keep this thread updated with progress (like I did in Feb last year) ……

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

The sheer number of games is the only slight concern, but that can sometimes work in your favour.

On paper they are all games we can win. I suspect Danny will rotate a little though and use his squad.

Playing two games a week all month will be a test but I'm confident we can get a good haul of points from that lot.

 

[shorehamview]

I’ll keep this thread updated with nonsense (like I do with every other thread I've posted, ever.) ……

Sorted that for you Olle. No need for thanks, it's all part of the service.

 

[cooperblade]

I think Huddersfield have an easier set of fixtures. They are still a massive concern for me. They have a good squad and proven manager at this level.

Not sure quite how 'proven' Grayson is. His last 25 games at this level have seen a record of W9 D7 L9. Yes, he has a promotion on his CV but with one of the very biggest clubs to ever play at this level.

I didn't think much to Lee Clark but I'm not convinced that Grayson is any better.

 

[Guisboro Blade]

I think once the Hartlepool game is over it should be a lot clearer as to where we stand. Hopefully we will still be in the driving seat and we should have a better idea as to who the main challenger(s) are to 2nd spot. We start the month with 4 games in 11 days which, as has been mentioned by Ollessendro & Patrick Suffaux, DW will probably need to use a lot the squad. I can't see Willo playing in all 4 so hopefully K Mac won't be far off fitness? Unsure if any of the players are nearing the limit for suspension either? As this could also be a worry with the quick turnaround in games.

I have had a quick look at the other 3 teams (W*******y, Huddersfield & MK Dons) fixtures for March (below) to see how they compare. From the games these 3 have IMO I think that MK Dons could be pushing us for 2nd spot come April. Huddersfield are also a concern as Olle says; although they finish the month with some tricky games & they do have a tendency to draw a lot of games. In regards to the other lot they have a couple of tough away games & also Preston at home who we know won't be easy. I think a lot will depend on how they react to GM being sacked and the new manager (DJ??) coming in.

W*******y

Sat 3rd Rochdale Away
Tue 6th Bury Home
Sat 10th Bournemouth Home
Sat 17th Notts County Away
Tue 20th Walsall Home
Sat 24th Orient Away
Sat 31st Preston Home

Huddersfield

Sat 3rd Bury Away
Tue 6th Hartlepool Home
Sat 10th Rochdale Home
Sat 17th Colchester Away
Tue 20th Chesterfield Away
Sat 24th Charlton Home
Sat 31st Carlisle Away

MK Dons

Sat 3rd Hartlepool Away
Tue 6th Yeovil Home
Sat 10th Exeter Home
Sat 17th Chesterfield Away
Tue 20th Orient Home
Sat 24th Wycombe Away
Tue 27th Carlisle Home
Sat 31st Brentford Home

Looking at our fixtures if we start April on (or within a couple of points of) 80 I think that we will be in an excellent position & well on course for promotion. IMO I think we will win all 3 home games and will also pick up a win at Walsall. As for the other 4 games I think we may lose 1 and draw 3.

 

[raul]

So, everybody has a month of "winnable" games. Looks like injuries/squad strength will be important. Fingers crossed KMac returns before Ched, possibly for ever, is unavailable.

 

[Ollessendro]

So, everybody has a month of "winnable" games. Looks like injuries/squad strength will be important. Fingers crossed KMac returns before Ched, possibly for ever, is unavailable.

Exactly my point me owd welly filling mucker

I think once the Hartlepool game is over it should be a lot clearer as to where we stand. Hopefully we will still be in the driving seat and we should have a better idea as to who the main challenger(s) are to 2nd spot. We start the month with 4 games in 11 days which, as has been mentioned by Ollessendro & Patrick Suffaux, DW will probably need to use a lot the squad. I can't see Willo playing in all 4 so hopefully K Mac won't be far off fitness? Unsure if any of the players are nearing the limit for suspension either? As this could also be a worry with the quick turnaround in games.

I have had a quick look at the other 3 teams (W*******y, Huddersfield & MK Dons) fixtures for March (below) to see how they compare. From the games these 3 have IMO I think that MK Dons could be pushing us for 2nd spot come April. Huddersfield are also a concern as Olle says; although they finish the month with some tricky games & they do have a tendency to draw a lot of games. In regards to the other lot they have a couple of tough away games & also Preston at home who we know won't be easy. I think a lot will depend on how they react to GM being sacked and the new manager (DJ??) coming in.

W*******y

Sat 3rd Rochdale Away
Tue 6th Bury Home
Sat 10th Bournemouth Home
Sat 17th Notts County Away
Tue 20th Walsall Home
Sat 24th Orient Away
Sat 31st Preston Home

Huddersfield

Sat 3rd Bury Away
Tue 6th Hartlepool Home
Sat 10th Rochdale Home
Sat 17th Colchester Away
Tue 20th Chesterfield Away
Sat 24th Charlton Home
Sat 31st Carlisle Away

MK Dons

Sat 3rd Hartlepool Away
Tue 6th Yeovil Home
Sat 10th Exeter Home
Sat 17th Chesterfield Away
Tue 20th Orient Home
Sat 24th Wycombe Away
Tue 27th Carlisle Home
Sat 31st Brentford Home

Looking at our fixtures if we start April on (or within a couple of points of) 80 I think that we will be in an excellent position & well on course for promotion. IMO I think we will win all 3 home games and will also pick up a win at Walsall. As for the other 4 games I think we may lose 1 and draw 3.

Thanks Guisboro. Huddersfield have a few tricky games too. Plus they have one less than us (though that is at the beginning of April). I see the terriers as the main threat, as I don't rate MK that highly. Their first team is decent, but sqaud is thin. An injury or too and they'll fall away. I expect them to cement a play off place, but no more (like the Pigs). I am still really concerned about huddersfield though. They've spent money and have a good squad. Grayson has a good record at this level (see below) and if they apply the pressure, I am worried we might crumble. I rated Huddersfield as the best team in the division before the season started and thiought they woukld go up automatically. It is in our hands though. And if we continue to play the way we have been doing and they continue to draw more games than they should, we have nowt to worry about. I am not convinced the latter will happen (Grayson might see to that) and so will concentrate on the former. If we keep clincally dispatching teams at home and picking up points away, then we'll go up. Play like we have for the first 2/3's of the season and we'll get 2nd spot. There's still a lot of football to play, more twists and turns though and it could go down to the wire.

Not sure quite how 'proven' Grayson is. His last 25 games at this level have seen a record of W9 D7 L9. Yes, he has a promotion on his CV but with one of the very biggest clubs to ever play at this level.

I didn't think much to Lee Clark but I'm not convinced that Grayson is any better.

He has taken both teams he has managed out of the god forsaken division. Now admitedly Blackpool was via the play offs, but leads got the automatic spot. They beat Wilson's Swindon to 2nd, when Swindon looked favourites around this stage of the season. I am not saying Grayson is a world beater (he seems tactically limited) but surely you would not argue with his record at this level Coops?

 

[Highbury_Blade]

15 points from March and i would be deliriously happy.

 

[Balham]

He has taken both teams he has managed out of the god forsaken division. Now admitedly Blackpool was via the play offs, but leads got the automatic spot. They beat Wilson's Swindon to 2nd, when Swindon looked favourites around this stage of the season. I am not saying Grayson is a world beater (he seems tactically limited) but surely you would not argue with his record at this level Coops?

Not true. After 33 games of the 08/09 season, Leeds were 2nd, 4 clear of Charlton with a game in hand. Roughly the same position we're in now.

Swindon were 5th, 7 points behind Leeds having played a game fewer.

1 Norwich City 34 22 6 6 70 36 +34 72
2 Leeds United 33 19 10 4 57 27 +30 67
3 Charlton 34 17 12 5 59 38 +21 63
4 Colchester 33 18 8 7 51 34 +17 62
5 Swindon Town 32 16 12 4 53 38 +15 60
6 Huddersfield 33 16 10 7 60 35 +25 58

 

[Ollessendro]

Not true. After 33 games of the 08/09 season, Leeds were 2nd, 4 clear of Charlton with a game in hand. Roughly the same position we're in now.

Swindon were 5th, 7 points behind Leeds having played a game fewer.

Ok, fair do's. Swindon breifly went 2nd (after 40 games) but were never in the driving seat like we are now.

Here are the fixtures:

- Sat 3rd Oldham at home LOST
- Tue 6th Walsall away
- Sat 10th Brentford away
- Tue 6th Colchester away
- Sat 17th Tranmere at home
- Tue 20th Notts C away
- Wed 28th Chesterfield at home
- Sat 31st Hartlepool away

Che disastro! Tanto male!! So we lose the first game. This was the banker before 3 tough away games. Luckily the others did not take advantage, but a tricky tie on Tuesday has been made all the trickier with our threadbare defence looking even patchier. I ac tually think 13 points from the remainder of the fixtures would be very good!

 

[Ollessendro]

Just Ollecising this to piss off some poster(s).

Suddenly March is looking like it might be mal, rather than magnifique. Big game tonight. Here's hoping that the Blades pull something out of the bag (I'd snatch your hand off at a draw now)

 

[Ollessendro]

- Sat 3rd Oldham at home LOST
- Tue 6th Walsall away LOST
- Sat 10th Brentford away WON
- Tue 6th Colchester away DREW
- Sat 17th Tranmere at home
- Tue 20th Notts C away
- Wed 28th Chesterfield at home
- Sat 31st Hartlepool away

So March is going pretty badly. The optimists would argue that we have weathered a mini blip and are back on track after Oldham (and Walsall) but the pessimists would say we are stumbling. I think we are probably somewhere inbetween. We have a winnable home game on Saturday and Collins should be back. Hopefully we can add McDonald to that soon too. I'd bring Collins back straight away, as the defence is not the same without him. K mac might feature in the next 2 games, but I don't think we should risk him. I'd like to see him back as soon as possible, but reckon we might see him back for Chesterfield (barring maybe some sub appeareances). I also worry about his fitness levels.

Looking at our home games they are very winnable. I'd expect us to win both of those. I'd be delighted with a point at Notts County and think we could take all 3 at Hartlepool. That said, I don't think 8 points from the next 4 games would be the end of the world. This could amke things really interesting come the end of the month (see Wednesday and Huddersfield fixtures below).

Sat 17th Notts County Away
Tue 20th Walsall Home
Sat 24th Orient Away
Sat 31st Preston Home

I'd expect the Pigs to get at the very least 8 points from the next 4 games and possibly 10.

Huddersfield
Sat 17th Colchester Away
Tue 20th Chesterfield Away
Sat 24th Charlton Home
Sat 31st Carlisle Away

Huddersfield have some tricky games ahead and could fall away. It will be interesting to see how they do against Colchester, Chesterfield they should beat, Charlton will be very interesting and Carlisle is a tough away game. They could realistically end up with between 4 and 10 points.

I've said many times this season will go down to the wire. There'll be more twists and turns and it will not be decided until late Apruil/early May. The more I look at it the more I think it will be like this.

 

[Ollessendro]

** Bump **

CHE SERATA IERI!!!

March has been a disappointing result so far. No doubt about that. A disasterous start (after impoding against Oldham and then losing by default to Walsall) was followed by a good victory at Brentford. Then a couple of slightly disappointing draws, were followed by a big result last night. If we can get a couple of results in our last 2 games, it may not have been such a bad month after all.

- Sat 3rd Oldham at home LOST
- Tue 6th Walsall away LOST
- Sat 10th Brentford away WON
- Tue 6th Colchester away DREW
- Sat 17th Tranmere at home DREW
- Tue 20th Notts C away WON
- Wed 28th Chesterfield at home ?
- Sat 31st Hartlepool away ?

Wednesday

Sat 3rd Rochdale Away DREW
Tue 6th Bury Home WON
Sat 10th Bournemouth Home WON
Sat 17th Notts County Away WON
Tue 20th Walsall Home DREW
Sat 24th Orient Away ?
Sat 31st Preston Home ?

The Piggies are having a pretty good month. They are still undefeated under Jones (just) and have been doing well. It sounded like a strange game last night, where they could have won easily (lots of chances 1st half) but then got very lucky to get a result at all. Saturday could be a tricky game for them and then the final game against Preston will not be a walk in the park. Still, I expect them to take at least 4 points from the next 2 games and keep the pressure on.

Huddersfield

Sat 3rd Bury Away DREW
Tue 6th Hartlepool Home WON
Sat 10th Rochdale Home DREW
Sat 17th Colchester Away DREW
Tue 20th Chesterfield Away WON
Sat 24th Charlton Home ?
Sat 31st Carlisle Away ?

Huddersfield have not lost either this month, but their curse seems to be that they draw too much. This happened under Clarke and although they are undfeated under Grayson, this has continued. If they win their game in hand though (away at Orient they are in the thick of it). However they have some awful fixtures coming up: Charlton (H), Carlisle (A), Orient (A) and then Pigs (H). Be really interesting to see how they fare in these games, but they may be kicking themselves for throwig away leads at Bury and Stevenage and failing to beat Rochdale. If they are going to do it, it will be the hard way.

I've not included MK Dons, but it will be interesting to see how they get on. Win their game in hand and they are 3 points behind us. Their run in is probably the easiest of the lot and I guess they should not be discounted.

 

[stannyblade]

Games in hand mean nothing though if they dont win them. We should know

 

[BusheyBlade]

Games in hand mean nothing though if they dont win them. We should know

We didn't do so badly out of our games in hand (4 points). It's not winning the other games that has screwed us!

 

[Ollessendro]

** Bump **

(I see this thread has stimulated lots of debate )

The Blades have turned round what was looking like a very bad month. 3 wins have really helped in a strong finish to the month. We're now undefeated in our last 6 games and with us scoring at will in the 2 previous and then showing promotion form and grinding out a resukt yesterday, we finish the month as we started it: in 2nd. Going into the month we were 5 points clear and with a game in hand, but Wednesday have narrowed that gap. So it has been far from a magnificent month for us. They on the other hand have had an excellent month (see below).

- Sat 3rd Oldham at home LOST
- Tue 6th Walsall away LOST
- Sat 10th Brentford away WON
- Tue 6th Colchester away DREW
- Sat 17th Tranmere at home DREW
- Tue 20th Notts C away WON
- Wed 28th Chesterfield at home WON
- Sat 31st Hartlepool away WON

Wednesday

Sat 3rd Rochdale Away DREW
Tue 6th Bury Home WON
Sat 10th Bournemouth Home WON
Sat 17th Notts County Away WON
Tue 20th Walsall Home DREW
Sat 24th Orient Away WON
Sat 31st Preston Home WON

The Piggies have had an excellent month. No doubt about it. Credit to Jones to turning those lumps into the form team. They've really turned the screw on us. They've had some luck (Rochdale missing a late pen and Madine's late equaliser at home to Walsall) but so have we (soft pens in the last 2 games). They have a few testing games (Huddersfield next Sat, Colchester away and Carlisle at home) whilst United have some winnable games. I'd also like to think that Wednesday cannot maintain this form until the end, but that would be naive. I do believe they will drop some points before the end of the season though. I hope it is in the next few games and we can take advantage of that. However I (begrudgingly) take my hat off to Jones. They are undefeated under him, are playing a bit better and look a good, solid and professional outfit. They're not pretty, but very beffective. They will run us to the wire.

Huddersfield

Sat 3rd Bury Away DREW
Tue 6th Hartlepool Home WON
Sat 10th Rochdale Home DREW
Sat 17th Colchester Away DREW
Tue 20th Chesterfield Away WON
Sat 24th Charlton Home WON
Sat 31st Carlisle Away LOST

Huddersfield lose in the final game of the month, ironically after beating league leaders Charlton the week before. However the defeat to Carlisle is no disgrace and did not come as a surprise to me. Carlisile are a good team, very good at home and very much in form. Now Huddersfield know they have to go to Orient and win during the week and then beat the Pigs at home on Sat-di, if they want to get automatic. This could work well for us. The game between 3rd and 4th next Saturday is going to be MASSIVE

As I predicted before MK Dons have fallen away and showed that whilst they are not a bad outfit, they are not contenders for automatic.

I don't think we should forget that on the face of it March has not been a very good month. If you'd said to me at the start (when we were 5 points clear with a game in hand) Wednesday would be breathing down our neck I would have been upset. But then if you take into consideration that we lost McDonald and Collins for several games, did not have a back 4 for one of the games etc then it is not the end of the world. The important thing is we're still 2nd. It is still 'in our hands'. Not only that, but we have a fully fit squad. I am pleased with the way we ended the month. K Mac came back and we scored 9 goals in 2 games. Yesterday proved we'd got steel and we turned an average (yet solid) performance into a victory. My personal opinion is that if we keep a fully fit squad then we can hang onto that 2nd spot.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I said 'd be deliriously happy with15 points, so 14 points is a great return. Of course I didn't think for one minute the grunters would have such an excellent month.

 

[Selly]

It's looking more and more like a case of he who blinks first, ends up in the playoffs.

Of course, Wednesday's next game is a LOT harder than ours...

 

[Ollessendro]

Next 3 games:

United

Bournemouth (H)
Rochdale (A)
Orient (H)

Wednesday

Huddersfield (A)
Oldham (H)
Colchester (A)

There are no reasons why we should not expect us to take 9 points from the next 3 (other than us being Sheffield United). Wednesday's fixtures are much harder. Next Saturday will be a big test for them (especially if Huddersfield beat Orient during the week) and the trip to Colchester will not be easy. It's a shame they are nopt closer to the play offs and their form has dipped slightly since playing us. However at home they have held us and Huddersfield lately. It would be nice if they do us a favour and hold the Piggies (or beat them!).

 

[JohnDenver]

Of course, Wednesday's next game is a LOT harder than ours...

That's what they said when we had County away and they had Wallsall at home.

I think the top and bottom of all this is that if we win our home games and do OKish away from home, then
Wendy will have to do outstandingly well to nick it. A bit like Dirty Leeds on our tail in 2006, as soon as they falter it's curtains for them.

**fingers crossed**

 

[Pinchy]

I've said for weeks: 87 points will get second place. I stand by it.

8 points needed lads. Can we do it? Yes we can!

 

[Guisboro Blade]

The month of March certainly didn't start well with 2 successive defeats; these losses have already been discussed at length on here. After the worst start that probably not 1 of us imagined we have picked up a very healthy return of 14 points from a possible 18. Included in these 6 games were 4 tricky away fixtures where we collected 3 wins & a draw. Credit must go to DW and the whole squad for turning the results around. We have kept 2nd spot and have a 2 point cushion plus a superior GD to the 3rd placed team.

In regards to the 3 challengers identified at the start of the month 2 have surprised me with their results. I did believe that MK Dons would be much closer than they are (Ollessendro did call it that they would fall away); to be 12 points in front of them means they are out of it now. W*******y are doing much better than I expected them to at the start of March. They have done really well to stay unbeaten and they have closed the gap on us that we had over them. Finally Huddersfield have won 3, drew 3 and lost one and we currently sit 8 points clear of them although they do have their game in hand tomorrow.

I did think that if we were around the 80 point mark come 1st April we would be in a good position. We sit on 79 and it is in our hands - still.

The first 3 games in April should hopefully make things even clearer. The early kick off on Saturday at the Galpharm will certainly be interesting. My preference would be a Huddersfield win although a draw wouldn’t be a disaster as long we get 3 points in our game. If W*******y win then I think it might become to much for Huddersfield to close the gap.

As JonDenver says win our home games and do half decent (possibly 4 points?) in the remaining 3 away games then W*******y will need to pretty much win all their games.

Of course one game at a time however

 

[super_pig]

agreed.. one mistake and they're doomed.. i'd rather play brazil atm than carlisle away

 

[Selly]

A Wednesday win would be fatal for Hudds. They would (assuming we beat Bournemouth, and they have beated Orient) by 8 points back from us, 6 from Wendy with 5 games left.

Expecting one of us to slip up that much would be hopeful, both would be near improbable..

 

[Ollessendro]

April: the month that sorts the men from the boys
We move into May and things are really hotting up at the top. It’s exciting and incredibly nerve wracking at the same time. On paper United have the more favourable fixtures (see below) but Wednesday are on playing very well. Huddersfield are yet to be ruled out and if they are still in it come Saturday evening, then they might be in with a chance (as their last 5 games look straight forward).
We should be looking for 9 points from our next 3 games. Simple as. At home against 2 poor teams and away to strugglers Rochdale. The latter may be fighting for their lives, but I am hoping 3000 Blades will cheer United on to victory. Games like this United should win comfortably, by putting in a professional, rock solid performance and taking our chances. Bournemouth have nothing to play for and although Orient could get dragged into the relegation battle, they look safe-ish. Regardless, we should be looking to take these teams apart at home. If we relax and play like we can, then we can dispatch them easily.
United
Bournemouth (H)
Rochdale (A)
Orient (H)
MK Dons (A)
Stevenage (H)
Exeter (A)
The obvious big game is this weekend. This will give a real reflection of how the run in might end up. The Pigs have a straight forward home game and then a couple of tests. Colchester away will not be easy, though they don’t have much to play for and this may affect things. Wednesday also play in form Carlisle at home the same day we travel to MK Dons. That will be an interesting game.
Wednesday
Huddersfield (A)
Oldham (H)
Colchester (A)
Carlisle (H)
Brentford (A)
Wycombe (H)
I don’t think Huddersfield can afford not to win on Saturday. Even then they have to travel all the way to Bournemouth for Easter Monday. Still, they had a good win during the week and have been doing quite well under Grayson in general (still drawing too many games) other than getting beat by Carlisle (no shame). On paper, their games look straight forward after the Pigs (with most of them not looking like they will have anything to play for). But will they still be in it by then?
Huddersfield
Orient (A) WON
Wednesday (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Preston (A)
Scunthorpe (H)
Walsall (A)
Yeovil (H)

 

[Selly]

April: the month that sorts the men from the boys
We move into May...

Do we, what do we need at exeter then?

 

[stannyblade]

Do we, what do we need at exeter then?

Hopefully nothing except enjoy the day as we will be up by then