Match Thread WBA v The Mighty Blades

[Not_a_Cheat]

So the big games are coming thick and fast now, this afternoon with the trip to West Bromich Albion. Arguably the best side to visit BDBL this season, well in that 2nd half at least...

However our lads should be reasonably fresh, and if we play to our best standard there is every chance we could get 'something' today, depending on how the football Gods are feeling....

Anyway....

Any team news?

A return to the same starting line up v Villa?

Assuming injuries permit?

Bash clearly immediately returning?

Dowell, Duffy, McGoldrick, Madine and Hogan are the surely the ones on where the dilemma is on how to slot them into 2 or 3 positions? I confused myself there...

Well we can only hope for a little bit of luck, and whatever the result this evening, it will not decide the end of season fate...

But a win would be a nice statement. 2-2 for me though, and I think that would be an excellent point....

Safe journey all

UTB

 

[Rusty view]

Real tough decisions for the gaffer considering how we've performed without bash and joc.

I really liked what Madine brought to the team so personally I'd have Sharp and Madine up top.

At the back bring back JOC.

But what do i know. It's fantastic having these issues.

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

The truth is we'll either play well and draw or play badly and lose.

History has shown us time and time again that we are incapable of winning these matches. We've never won a match away away to a promotion rival under Wilder.

When push comes to shove we crumble every single time.

 

[Stretch]

I have to say that I am feeling very confident about this match. They have some great players, as do we, but we also seem to be performing so well as a unit now.

I really fancy us to do the business. 3-1 Blades. Sharp, Fleck and Madine.

COYRAWW

 

[Stretch]

The truth is we'll either play well and draw or play badly and lose.

History has shown us time and time again that we are incapable of winning these matches. We've never won a match away away to a promotion rival under Wilder.

When push comes to shove we crumble every single time.

Ah, what a welcome ray of sunshine you are.

FFS.

 

[Snowman]

Loyse

 

[Ainsley Harriott]

I’m nervous for it. I’m of the ‘never change a winning side’ mentality but the Reading game was as good as won in the first minute. We didn’t need the big guns as it were. Got to play the strongest possible XI tonight. That includes Madine.

 

[Chali 2na]

I've got a very bad feeling about this game.

I predict an admirable performances followed by a late WBA winner unfortunately.

Hope the lads going are more confident, as I'd probabaly spend the whole game chewing my nails

 

[South Bucks]

Just setting off on hopefully a happy 16 hour trip, just hope we're positive and don't get done on set pieces / headers.

 

[Revolution]

We won't win this.

 

[Canterbury Blade]

Just setting off on hopefully a happy 16 hour trip, just hope we're positive and don't get done on set pieces / headers.

16 hours!! I’ve just got the 0725 and won’t be back in Canterbury til gone midnight! You Northerners have it easy!! Hopefully catch up later, though our pre match warm up is out in Lye and Stourbridge trying two microbreweries, a micropub and the obligatory superfood that is Bathams Best!

 

[fintious maximus]

I think it’ll be an excellent game with both teams going for it. Blades to win 2-1

 

[Rob86]

Not massively confident as I can see them being our bogey team. I said the same about Boro. Basically, fuck knows what will happen.

Usual line up then with Dowell, Madine, Sharp for me

 

[nopigfansintown]

3-2 Blades. Last minute winner.

 

[lakedistblade]

We are closely matched but in the last few games the random aspect of the rub of the green late goals decisions mistakes etc has favoured Baggies. Time for this to even out and for the ref live on sky to show he is not a homer. Late penalty for Blades. We win 2-1 , Norwich draw and we go top ! Yes glass is 51% full

 

[Broomhall Blade]

The truth is we'll either play well and draw or play badly and lose.

History has shown us time and time again that we are incapable of winning these matches. We've never won a match away away to a promotion rival under Wilder.

When push comes to shove we crumble every single time.

I think WBA will have to much for us I'm afraid.
Lets face it they have by far the best squad on paper. They have under achieved at the moment, but look like they are starting to get their act together. Add to the fact they are also getting injured players back.
Still my tip to win the league at 11/2
I would snap their arm off if they offered me a draw now.
For some reason I'm really not looking forward to watching this, maybe the Villa game disappointment is still playing on me, that was a horrible feeling not felt like that for a long time after a game.

 

[lakedistblade]

Worth remembering that win lose or draw there is still more than a quarter of this season left to play. Lot of twists and turns between 60 points and 90 for promotion. No need for doom and gloom if we lose.

 

[S8blade]

So here comes the run of big games which will decide where we end up and how good we are! Its a case of who blinks first between the four of us at the top, today i expect leeds to win easily to Bolton, Millwall to give Norwich a game but Norwich win, and as for us fook knows lol.....if we play like we did for 80 mins at villa we will give wba a good game but you never know with united...nervous yes..confident ..quietly..UTB ⚔

 

[spongebobblade]

They are fantastic away from home but at the Hawthorns have won 2 of the last 9 home games (both against Wigan, league and cup). Not sure if this is down to a counter attacking style of play or the pressure of the home crowd but there’s no reason we can’t get a result.

 

[Canterbury Blade]

15 minutes to kill... Wetherspoons at St Pancras. I predict a good day. ...

 

[bertieblade]

They were not impressive against a very weak QPR, their manager is concerned about their bad home form and has written in the local paper to request patience from the supporters. They are feeling the pressure, whilst Wilder team are just enjoying their football, we had our match of misfortune against Villa.

 

[sufcboy95]

This will be our toughest game of the season so far. I’d certainly take a point

 

[knowsnowt]

Someone shit in a sink for me.

 

[Mesut Özil's Lawnmower]

Had a dream last night we went up, based on that we’re obviously gonna win today and I’m not in the least bit nervous ......

 

[snootyfenooty]

I have to say that I am feeling very confident about this match. They have some great players, as do we, but we also seem to be performing so well as a unit now.

I really fancy us to do the business. 3-1 Blades. Sharp, Fleck and Madine.

COYRAWW

Quite Stretch. There's some on this thread saying it's OK if we lose, there's still plenty of games left. There's another lot saying it's OK to lose on the pigs thread for the same reason. Sorry it's not, we need to win them both or at least get a result. And for the reasons you say, which seem to have been overlooked, we probably will.

 

[Ricky]

Anyone questioning whether Basham and JOC (if fit) should come back in is a big fat moron.

We have a terrible record in games like this and it's about time we won one of them. But we couldn't even win at Villa so we can't expect to win this one.

I expect us to be the better team and within touching distance of winning then they'll score from nothing to make sure we don't.

I predicted 2-2 for Norwich and Villa and will predict the same today. I'd take that too, like most silly arrogant deluded Blades.

Line up wise, Madine and Dowell to start again. Go direct if needed, but their CBs are very good in the air.

 

[Sheffsteel]

I’ve watched a few West Brom games recently including the full 90 mins of their last match against QPR.
They’ve not impressed at all and don’t look any where near a top 2 side.
They really remind me of Aston Villa, loads of top individuals players but don’t gel properly as team.

Potentially West Brom are the best team in this league and I agree they are currently underperforming.
If West Brom play any where near their best then it’s going to be tough but they aren’t currently playing near their best
And rely on star quality from their strikers to get them out of trouble.

Logic suggest it should be a draw or if WBA play well, then a home win.
But West Broms good luck (dodgy ref decisions and last minute goals) can’t last and we’re are due an away win.
So I’ve a feeling the Blades will win, 1-2 or possibly even a 1-3 scoreline.

 

[SUFC Guy]

Hendo

Baldock Bash Egan JOC Stevens

Norwood Fleck
Duffy


Madine Sharp

If possible and if job done then get Norwood off (if he hasn't been booked) as soon as.

Norwood is so important to this side. If he has a free kick just outside of the box on the right then I almost expect it to be a goal with the way he whips em in

Madine deserves a start after the last game. A brace and all round great performance from a player that's not very mobile at all.

He could be the much needed ingredient for our final push.

UTMB

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Since we unveiled the new bus and wireless-charging became a reality for the players heading to away games, we’ve not won. Need to halt this curse before there’s any opportunity for me to post any more on this topic, so extra pressure to pick up a win today.

If everyone’s fit to play I think we’ll play our line-up for the Villa game. First trip to the Hawthorns, and I have a terrible record for games in Birmingham – yet to see any win from trips to Villa, Birmingham, Walsall. Great omens.

 

[Luke1993]

Dowell, madine, sharp up top for me. If Baldock is fit he plays, if not, freeman. We might have to defend a bit so hopefully he's on it. If joc is fit he plays with enda Lwb. If not enda goes Lcb (no problem with that) with Johnson at Lwb. That could be a problem for us, especially if we do have to defend quite a bit. Although he's a decent outlet with his pace. He will need to have a worldie today if he does play, which I believe he can. Head 2-2 heart 1-2.