Match Thread - City v Ipswich

[CyncoedslumdogNational Legend]

It appears that the tinkering days are over with Slade having named a 20 man squad to the players for his first three games. This will consist of the 18 on duty Saturday plus Fabio and possibly Oshilaja. Not in because of fitness concerns are Connolly, Turner & Dikgacoi (when will he ever be fit?).
This obviouly leaves an expensive contingent on the sidelines consisting of Eikrem, Kim, Guerra, Cala & Burgstaller with others out on loan.
One of Russell's biggest jobs will be sorting this lot out.

[Tyrion TannisterGlobal Superstar]

No sympathy for Cala, who has done his best spoilt child impression ever since the end of last season.

Guerrera is a bit of both, I feel sorry for his somewhat unfair sidelining under Ole but his attitude has left something to be desired.

Kim - I've never been as keen on him as some here - tends to be a victim of trying to do too much at the time at the cost of functioning as a proper unit. I'll remember him for his vital role in our promotion, but there's better players all over the pitch now.

Eikrem and Burgstaller are probably best forgotten - horrific panic buys under Ole's tenure probably best forgotten unless they suddenly do something incredible on loan.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

I think it makes sense, as all the players then know where they stand and it will be up to those not in that 20 to prove their worth and fight for a place. If they don't for whatever reason, then, quite rightly, they should be on their way, or out in the cold for the rest of the season.

Just an observation that the five frozen out are all overseas players. Malky's squad was built around home grown players and he did foster a great work ethic. Playes like Taylor, Cowie, Gestede & Conway always did their best, however limited their talent in comparison to the OGS purchases.

Slade is also probably more at home working with British players, but it will be interesting to see how his best XI (that's eleven for Rhys) pans out.

[Slimfrog's Son™Global Superstar]

Looks like, as everyone has pointed out, it will be a case of keeping things simple. And it certainly worked against Forest.

[Tans TacheNational Legend]

3-1 win city

[*** G L O V E S ***National Legend]

http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/team/slades-impact-clear-to-see/

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/team/slades-impact-clear-to-see/

Yes, yes, yes.....that's all very nice, but what about the game against Ipswich......

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

3-1 win city

A tad optimistic, perhaps...........  

City will do well to keep a clean sheet tomorrow, but if they get at Ipswich as they did against Forest and players stay the full 90 minutes, I can see a 1 - 0 or 2 - 0 win.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Interesting Ipswich stats....

....unbeaten in the last eight games, during which time they have drawn with Derby and Forest, both away and perhaps their best results.

Their other games have been against Millwall, Rotherham, Brighton & Blackburn at home (W3, D1) and Wigan & Sheff Wed away (W,D).

Not a bad set of results, but hardly the most difficult run of fixtures for a team in form.

City could well be the trickiest opponents they have faced for a while.....

[CyncoedslumdogNational Legend]

Fabio is a certainty to come back in if he's ok but Gunnar looked as if he limped off on Saturday. It's a very short turnaround and if he's out I think we might see Ralls starting in midfield. I wouldn't want to see Whitts & Daehli starting together. Macheda looked knackered with cramp on Saturday and perhaps we may see him and Jones swap.
Whatever, I'm starting to feel optimistic - sort of.

[glasgowronnieCaptain of Country]

Going for a 2-1 win for Cardiff

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Fabio is a certainty to come back in if he's ok but Gunnar looked as if he limped off on Saturday.  It's a very short turnaround and if he's out I think we might see Ralls starting in midfield. I wouldn't want to see Whitts & Daehli starting together. Macheda looked knackered with cramp on Saturday and perhaps we may see him and Jones swap.
Whatever, I'm starting to feel optimistic - sort of.

...and it's somewhat comforting to have the depth in the squad where enforced changes or the need to rest players can be covered by those of equal quality. Pity that Ole couldn't get the best out of the squad he built.

[Tyrion TannisterGlobal Superstar]

Fabio is a certainty to come back in if he's ok but Gunnar looked as if he limped off on Saturday.  It's a very short turnaround and if he's out I think we might see Ralls starting in midfield. I wouldn't want to see Whitts & Daehli starting together. Macheda looked knackered with cramp on Saturday and perhaps we may see him and Jones swap.
Whatever, I'm starting to feel optimistic - sort of.

...and it's somewhat comforting to have the depth in the squad where enforced changes or the need to rest players can be covered by those of equal quality.  Pity that Ole couldn't get the best out of the squad he built.

Racism and other revelations aside, I've often thought that A conversion of the clubs management leaving Malky as player coach but taking on Ole as director of football would of been a very exciting prospect - gain Ole's eye for squad building, but retain Malkys excellent man management.

Of course, we are yet to see if Slade has an eye for the transfer window, so we might already have both bundled into one...

[Tyrion TannisterGlobal Superstar]

I'm afraid im going to have to let you guys down. I was originally attending the match tonight and also providing some match ratings for you all, but I'll be calling in sick. I can't go give minutes without doubling over in a coughing fit and my temperature is all over the place, so being stuck in close vicinity with other people I can infect in probably freezing temperatures sounds like hell on earth right now.

I know you are all devestated and I can only apologise and promise I will double my efforts in training to return to match fitness ready to represent the forum at the five a side football on Thursday. I'll also hold an extended autograph session afterwards as a further gesture.

[Toast BoyClub Legend]

Racism and other revelations aside, I've often thought that A conversion of the clubs management leaving Malky as player coach but taking on Ole as director of football would of been a ry exciting prospect -

I don't think he would have got a game to be honest Red.

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