We have Cardiff (A) WestBrom (H) Sheffield Wed (A) Wigan (H) and Reading (A).
This season, we lost to Barnsley (A) and Forest (H) so we need to make up those points in games we would normally expect to draw/lose in.
I'm struggling to see us getting many points from these next 5 fixtures bar Wigan. We're currently 4 points off Leeds and 2 off second and I think this will potentially grow during these next 5 fixtures. I'm basing that on predicting we'll pick up 4, maybe 5 points from these 5 games.
Be interested in hearing where others think we'll be at.
IMO we can and will take 8-9 pts from that lot. Also reckon the top 2 will drop points, especially Charlton who will start sinking like a stone any second now
77 percent possession yet scalped on the day while the team is still learning their way should be pretty telling. Some difficult fixtures, but we have the talent and I think they have the confidence which is the key. This isn't Man City away kind of fixtures.
No point in forecasting, it never works out the way it is expected. Just worry about the next game, which is the most important.
I don't think any of the teams in the list have been impressive enough to be rated so highly. Wins should always be the aim.
It is pretty incredible what a single loss can do to the mood of this forum. Suddenly we're basically relegation fodder.
My preseason target was 16 - 20 points at the ten game stage to have us 6th or 2nd and I'd expect us to get similar to what Statto said, 8 to 9 points from those games, 7 would be the lowest you really want and 6 would be below par.
We'll definitely finish top 6 but to come into the top 2 we have to get the 1-0 wins and that worries me with our team. Can we win ugly when necessary ? Defence needs to grow as a unit...
Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2019, 11:45:56 PM
I don't think any of the teams in the list have been impressive enough to be rated so highly. Wins should always be the aim.
It is pretty incredible what a single loss can do to the mood of this forum. Suddenly we're basically relegation fodder.
Whilst I agree, the mood can change, I don't see how anything I've posted would suggest we're relegation fodder. It was more of a concern to finishing top 2 than anywhere near bottom.... Regarding teams and being impressive enough, I didn't think Forest or Barnsley had shown anything too impressive either but they still beat us.
Quote from: The Rock on August 24, 2019, 11:16:05 PM
77 percent possession yet scalped on the day while the team is still learning their way should be pretty telling. Some difficult fixtures, but we have the talent and I think they have the confidence which is the key. This isn't Man City away kind of fixtures.
Did anyone sense a bit of cockiness? 77% possession but all that matters is the result in the Sunday papers today. As MJG has pointed out in the past going to take a few weeks of bettering the results of those above us to repair the damage of yesterday.
Not sure what Arter meant this week by saying "Don't know what deal you think you have but the only way I can stay next season is getting promotion"?
Does that mean ---- Its the only way you can afford me?
Pure, unadulterated, fast, goal scoring football Fulham. ----- Lets be avin you.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on August 24, 2019, 11:39:44 PM
No point in forecasting, it never works out the way it is expected. Just worry about the next game, which is the most important.
Yes,one game at a time,and never worry what the likes of Leeds and co are doing,its what we do that counts...
Things can change quickly.
Leeds sit top on 13 points after 5 games, just as they sat top last year after 5 games on 13 points.
Then last season they picked up just 6 points in next 5.
The table is starting to take shape and over next 5 we will see the real challengers find their way.
Norwich were 18th at 5 games and 5th at 10. Lots still to play off.
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 24, 2019, 10:41:17 PM
We have Cardiff (A) WestBrom (H) Sheffield Wed (A) Wigan (H) and Reading (A).
This season, we lost to Barnsley (A) and Forest (H) so we need to make up those points in games we would normally expect to draw/lose in.
I'm struggling to see us getting many points from these next 5 fixtures bar Wigan. We're currently 4 points off Leeds and 2 off second and I think this will potentially grow during these next 5 fixtures. I'm basing that on predicting we'll pick up 4, maybe 5 points from these 5 games.
Be interested in hearing where others think we'll be at.
5 points from 5 games? You really don't rate this squad at all huh? You don't think Fulham are a better side than all of those teams? Hell, even if we win 2 games that's already 6 points.
The Mantra has to be one game at a time and I always say this every season.
Interestingly I think we have a little of the same problem the Slav tactics had the season we got promoted. The team need to gel and teams will hassle our defence while we continue to play out from the back, and if they get the lead then they will sit and say bring it on and hope to keep us out. The first goal is critical in any game but the way we play maybe more so, as the other team then has to ty and score which then opens them up.
Parker was right as are many on here, you can't start a game slowley. Ream said as much also.
Quote from: SuffolkWhite on August 25, 2019, 08:57:46 AM
The Mantra has to be one game at a time and I always say this every season.
Interestingly I think we have a little of the same problem the Slav tactics had the season we got promoted. The team need to gel and teams will hassle our defence while we continue to play out from the back, and if they get the lead then they will sit and say bring it on and hope to keep us out. The first goal is critical in any game but the way we play maybe more so, as the other team then has to ty and score which then opens them up.
Parker was right as are many on here, you can't start a game slowly. Ream said as much also.
Agree with this and also the notion that SP is seeing the negatives as early as he sees the positives. One game at a time please.
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 25, 2019, 07:31:11 AM
Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2019, 11:45:56 PM
I don't think any of the teams in the list have been impressive enough to be rated so highly. Wins should always be the aim.
It is pretty incredible what a single loss can do to the mood of this forum. Suddenly we're basically relegation fodder.
Whilst I agree, the mood can change, I don't see how anything I've posted would suggest we're relegation fodder. It was more of a concern to finishing top 2 than anywhere near bottom.... Regarding teams and being impressive enough, I didn't think Forest or Barnsley had shown anything too impressive either but they still beat us.
Do you think this Forest team and Barnsley were unbeatable teams going in to it? From your estimations we'll win against Wigan and not be able to beat any of Cardiff (who just drew 0-0 to Blackburn who were deemed relegation fodder after our game), West Brom (who lost and drew to the same Millwall that was apparently too dire to be counted for us), Sheffield Wednesday (who also lost to the oh so dire Millwall) and Reading who have been blowing hot and cold this season.
There are no insurmountable teams in this division.
Quote from: Tabby on August 25, 2019, 10:27:43 AM
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 25, 2019, 07:31:11 AM
Quote from: Tabby on August 24, 2019, 11:45:56 PM
I don't think any of the teams in the list have been impressive enough to be rated so highly. Wins should always be the aim.
It is pretty incredible what a single loss can do to the mood of this forum. Suddenly we're basically relegation fodder.
Whilst I agree, the mood can change, I don't see how anything I've posted would suggest we're relegation fodder. It was more of a concern to finishing top 2 than anywhere near bottom.... Regarding teams and being impressive enough, I didn't think Forest or Barnsley had shown anything too impressive either but they still beat us.
Do you think this Forest team and Barnsley were unbeatable teams going in to it? From your estimations we'll win against Wigan and not be able to beat any of Cardiff (who just drew 0-0 to Blackburn who were deemed relegation fodder after our game), West Brom (who lost and drew to the same Millwall that was apparently too dire to be counted for us), Sheffield Wednesday (who also lost to the oh so dire Millwall) and Reading who have been blowing hot and cold this season.
There are no insurmountable teams in this division.
I'm unsure who you're Arguing with. I expect us to not be beaten by Barnsley and Forest, to at least pick up points if our aim is to be top 2. I never slagged Millwall off and said they'd be a challenging fixture or at least respected, most pretty much every team in this division. Reading have impressed me this year and have some form so I expect them to be difficult and Cardiff/Wednesday are never easy fixtures. I'd give these teams as much respect as say Forest and after being beaten by them at home, I'm extending the respect. It was awesome to win three on the bounce and MJG makes a good point here and in another post, the next 5 games will start to shape the table, but it still doesn't lie, we can be an unplayable team or a team extremely vulnerable. Having beaten 3 sides which we should be doing anyway, and getting none from 2 fixtures we should be winning, I don't think it's disrespectful to give the next 5 fixtures some respect. I rate this team, and squad, but I was always nervous for Parker, we have one of the most expensive squads and expectations are through the roof, but we do need better results especially at home and especially against teams who will fighting top 6.
Leeds will sink like a stone in the 2nd half of the season
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 25, 2019, 11:20:53 AM
I'm unsure who you're Arguing with. I expect us to not be beaten by Barnsley and Forest, to at least pick up points if our aim is to be top 2. I never slagged Millwall off and said they'd be a challenging fixture or at least respected, most pretty much every team in this division. Reading have impressed me this year and have some form so I expect them to be difficult and Cardiff/Wednesday are never easy fixtures. I'd give these teams as much respect as say Forest and after being beaten by them at home, I'm extending the respect. It was awesome to win three on the bounce and MJG makes a good point here and in another post, the next 5 games will start to shape the table, but it still doesn't lie, we can be an unplayable team or a team extremely vulnerable. Having beaten 3 sides which we should be doing anyway, and getting none from 2 fixtures we should be winning, I don't think it's disrespectful to give the next 5 fixtures some respect. I rate this team, and squad, but I was always nervous for Parker, we have one of the most expensive squads and expectations are through the roof, but we do need better results especially at home and especially against teams who will fighting top 6.
You're vastly overrating these teams if you have a hard time seeing any more than a draw, or maybe 2 out of those 4 games, which you do by your own admission.
Do you think it is reasonable to expect to lose 3 out of 4 games against Forest on yesterday's display?
Quote from: Tabby on August 25, 2019, 11:41:24 AM
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 25, 2019, 11:20:53 AM
I'm unsure who you're Arguing with. I expect us to not be beaten by Barnsley and Forest, to at least pick up points if our aim is to be top 2. I never slagged Millwall off and said they'd be a challenging fixture or at least respected, most pretty much every team in this division. Reading have impressed me this year and have some form so I expect them to be difficult and Cardiff/Wednesday are never easy fixtures. I'd give these teams as much respect as say Forest and after being beaten by them at home, I'm extending the respect. It was awesome to win three on the bounce and MJG makes a good point here and in another post, the next 5 games will start to shape the table, but it still doesn't lie, we can be an unplayable team or a team extremely vulnerable. Having beaten 3 sides which we should be doing anyway, and getting none from 2 fixtures we should be winning, I don't think it's disrespectful to give the next 5 fixtures some respect. I rate this team, and squad, but I was always nervous for Parker, we have one of the most expensive squads and expectations are through the roof, but we do need better results especially at home and especially against teams who will fighting top 6.
You're vastly overrating these teams if you have a hard time seeing any more than a draw, or maybe 2 out of those 4 games, which you do by your own admission.
Do you think it is reasonable to expect to lose 3 out of 4 games against Forest on yesterday's display?
Overrating them, or underrating us, maybe? We'll soon see. I don't think its out of the realm of possibility to lose 3 of those games based on Barnsley and Forest. We could well turn over all 5 and play like we did with Millwall, we're more than capable. Im just concerned about consistency for a top 2 team is all.
So first fixture of the 5 is a draw. Takes us 3 points from both first, second and third. Pending results today we could be out of playoffs and 6 points from top 2/3. Could we at the very least admit we've had a poor start from our relatively ok on paper fixtures? I'm still very concerned to be honest.
The next match is the only one that counts, which happens to be West Bromwich Albion at home. We must just concentrate on that one to win three points, no other match is of concern, just the next one. Forecasting is guess work for dreamers, just worry about the next match, because it's too late when that comes and goes.
Not at all worried about "the gap" from other teams until at least March. Would just concentrate on our own performance until then. Reckon we are about 2 pts off where we want to be if the target is automatic promotion.
Drawing away to Cardiff is more than acceptable.
Quote from: Statto on August 31, 2019, 02:14:31 PM
Not at all worried about "the gap" from other teams until at least March. Would just concentrate on our own performance until then. Reckon we are about 2 pts off where we want to be if the target is automatic promotion.
Drawing away to Cardiff is more than acceptable.
agree on that... Mine was ten points from these six games to be on target for 6th and 12 for 2nd.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on August 24, 2019, 11:39:44 PM
No point in forecasting, it never works out the way it is expected. Just worry about the next game, which is the most important.
That is right, until we demonstrate that we are a free scoring force with a rock solid defence instead of a talented outfit with a pretty style of play anything can happen from one game to another.
Full concentration now on the West Brom game in two weeks time.
Fair enough. I subscribe to the one game at a time philosophy but I do think it's important to not allow teams to pull away early doors and get momentum. We'll see but with upcoming fixtures I think the gap will grow and that's a problem.
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 31, 2019, 02:33:23 PM
Fair enough. I subscribe to the one game at a time philosophy but I do think it's important to not allow teams to pull away early doors and get momentum. We'll see but with upcoming fixtures I think the gap will grow and that's a problem.
I agree with what you are saying, but as you know, it's all the more reason why we should concentrate on the next game, WBA will be no picnic. Stats and forecasts count for nothing when that whistle blows at ko.
I didn't see anyone forecast that we would have a player sent off at last nights game, where were all the self styled experts then, which proves there is no such thing as a Crystal Ball to see the future, a bit of fun maybe, but never take it seriously, you win points on the pitch, not by reading stats or looking into a crystal ball.
There is only one table I bother about and that is the final table. So far as progress is concerned we need to be up there at two points a game or better by May and so you start worrying when your remaining games multiplied by three cannot help you to reach that points per game ratio. At the moment we can still achieve 2.8 points per game ...
Quote from: toshes mate on August 31, 2019, 03:59:32 PM
There is only one table I bother about and that is the final table. So far as progress is concerned we need to be up there at two points a game or better by May and so you start worrying when your remaining games multiplied by three cannot help you to reach that points per game ratio. At the moment we can still achieve 2.8 points per game ...
2.8 points per game will always be a little ore difficult if we lose or draw the next game, so we need 3 points from West Brom.
Well there you are, 6th after six games and on what I consider at least par for the opposition we have played. Yes 18 would be brilliant, 14 great, 12 good, but it's ten and in the mix this early on. Still lots to do but it's a solid start with potential to improve.
Quote from: The Rock on August 24, 2019, 11:16:05 PM
77 percent possession yet scalped on the day while the team is still learning their way should be pretty telling. Some difficult fixtures, but we have the talent and I think they have the confidence which is the key. This isn't Man City away kind of fixtures.
If FFC wants to continue to play the 'possession' game (77% loss/69% draw), then they had better come up with plans/plays/ways to attack much better in the forward third and create real scoring chances. It almost seems as though teams are just backing off letting FFC accumulate possession time with no real threats involved. Very frustrating. One point secured in last two games when 6 should have been the expectation.
Quote from: One Martin Thomas on August 25, 2019, 07:25:01 AM
We'll definitely finish top 6
Really? I don't see this as "definite".
Quote from: MJG on August 31, 2019, 05:20:36 PM
Well there you are, 6th after six games and on what I consider at least par for the opposition we have played. Yes 18 would be brilliant, 14 great, 12 good, but it's ten and in the mix this early on. Still lots to do but it's a solid start with potential to improve.
I'm kinda with you but this hasn't been a solid start at all. I'll grant you think we're on par but we'll have to agree to disagree on that too considering the fixtures on paper.
Quote from: FFC1987 on August 31, 2019, 01:35:52 PM
'm still very concerned to be honest.
Slightly OTT... Not the start we were all expecting but as others have said on here, we are most definitely in the mix. This team will click. Just a matter of time now :54:
Quote from: FFC1987 on September 01, 2019, 12:07:58 AM
Quote from: MJG on August 31, 2019, 05:20:36 PM
Well there you are, 6th after six games and on what I consider at least par for the opposition we have played. Yes 18 would be brilliant, 14 great, 12 good, but it's ten and in the mix this early on. Still lots to do but it's a solid start with potential to improve.
I'm kinda with you but this hasn't been a solid start at all. I'll grant you think we're on par but we'll have to agree to disagree on that too considering the fixtures on paper.
see I look at games like Barnsley as one on paper yes we should win three points. They are seen as being a bottom half side and my way of looking at the overall picture is that againt the bottom half of the table we should average 1.8 pts per game over the season to be 6th. So if we beat them at home we will be just below what's required. Againt another team a win and draw gives us four from that. So that's 7 from 4 games. Hence we are close to target. I play the big picture if you like and try not to panic every game things go wrong.
I think it has been a reasonable start but not brilliant, we haven´t played any of the other 7 teams in the top 8 yet so we need to make a lot of improvements if we are seriously going to contend with getting in the play offs and yes I know we have only played 6 games!
Quote from: WindyCity on August 31, 2019, 05:37:30 PM
Quote from: The Rock on August 24, 2019, 11:16:05 PM
77 percent possession yet scalped on the day while the team is still learning their way should be pretty telling. Some difficult fixtures, but we have the talent and I think they have the confidence which is the key. This isn't Man City away kind of fixtures.
If FFC wants to continue to play the 'possession' game (77% loss/69% draw), then they had better come up with plans/plays/ways to attack much better in the forward third and create real scoring chances. It almost seems as though teams are just backing off letting FFC accumulate possession time with no real threats involved. Very frustrating. One point secured in last two games when 6 should have been the expectation.
I agree with any synopsis that suggests our possession game is composed of flawed logic because we are not creating convertible chances from our attacks but are still shipping cheap goals at the other end albeit in much reduced number from last term.
My worry is that the tactics of our opponents have majorly influenced the outcomes of our matches so far, rather than our tactics dominating them into submission. I am still looking for a more learned approach to tactics from our coaching staff. Jokanovic's flaw - last season - was in not being able to create a team out of misfits in the squad in the shorter term. Parker has much better fits in the squad but his tactics are simply not carefully enough thought through, IMO. He is learning on the job and I am believing he is a quick learner and I hope that is true. I think he needs to focus on individual positional play which supports movement and cover by being composed and calm at all times.
Some good and fair points made in this topic. I personally think when you consider the fact fact we've got pretty much half a new team starting, Knockeart, Cav, Arter, Sess, and bear in mind that Arter and Knockeart didn't have preseason with us, Sess obviously a kid just starting out for the first team, 'plus' Mawson's injury nightmares last season, amongst other team issues from that time, it's all in all a solid start.
I believe the performances will get better and that we have an excellent chance of getting at least nine points from these fixtures. As for league competitors, I just can't see Swansea lasting, I mean surely after two seasons of selling your best players, after being a dreadful premier league team anyway, and yes, I do remember how bad they were that season, I just can't believe they've suddenly unearthed an amazing championship team. They only side I fear are Leeds, and that's purely because of their manager, who in my opinion is the best in the league. But, that being said, Leeds don't have a great amount of goals in them, Bamford needs ten chances for a goal and unless the arsenal lad is the real deal they will struggle to consistently put teams away in games. So I'm still confident that we can, & will win this league. Either way, if we don't, I think we've underachieved, unless injuries become a genuine excuse.
COYW
Quote from: Singding on September 01, 2019, 11:22:55 AM
it's all in all a solid start.
A solid start implies above average. I wouldn't say FFC's start has been above average. I would probably rate it as average, to slightly below average. I really believe points have been left on the table. And could be important come seasons' end. All the games count, regardless when they're played. Still not satisfied with our offensive attack. Save one game, it really has been hard scoring goals. And the defense is still very leaky in my opinion, even though there have been a few games with only one for two on target shots allowed. Sadly, those few chances resulted in goals against.
I do think FFC can be in the promotion mix, but this team really needs to pick things up on both offense and defense. This team can be and should be much better than we've seen so far. COYW!!!
Another home game, another draw.....Not looking pleasant. Afraid to say it but I don't think Scotty was ready for this task. This squad absolutely has to be doing better.
We can no longer do anything about today, the draw will stand, I am only interested in the next match, v Wednesday. Not the one after, just the Wednesday game. The next one is the most important. Do not look any further than the next game, as we can only win one at a time. So let's relax and wait for the team to bring back three points from Hillsborough.
Quote from: FFC1987 on September 14, 2019, 02:55:35 PM
Another home game, another draw.....Not looking pleasant. Afraid to say it but I don't think Scotty was ready for this task. This squad absolutely has to be doing better.
In recent years, one thing that's consistently worked out worse for us than having a poor manager is sacking him and having a new manager
Quote from: Statto on September 15, 2019, 12:07:09 AM
Quote from: FFC1987 on September 14, 2019, 02:55:35 PM
Another home game, another draw.....Not looking pleasant. Afraid to say it but I don't think Scotty was ready for this task. This squad absolutely has to be doing better.
In recent years, one thing that's consistently worked out worse for us than having a poor manager is sacking him and having a new manager
I'm not advocating sacking Scott, I just think with hindsight, he could be the wrong appointment. I've done a longer post on why in the Scott thread, but the long and short is, love the way he conducts himself, love the way he wants us to play but the results just haven't been good enough so we'll have to see by Xmas. As someone else mentioned, one game at a time but prior games have been poor really so a lot could be rising on this next game.
Another fixture, another toothless draw. Not looking good at all. 3 points from last 4 and I don't see it changing much. Sad really. Currently 12th, 5 points from automatic, 3 points from playoffs. Not good enough, no where near good enough.
2 games on and 6 points. Much, much better. 4th, one point off automatic, 2 points from top, and in with a massive pack of teams fighting for playoff positions. Next 3 games could really set us on a path for top 2 with Charlton, Luton and Stoke! Onwards and upwards.
So good to be back in the top six and obviously in the promotion race but wow it is all so tight, just four points separating the ten top teams.
The six pointer against Charlton on Saturday is going to be exciting, a win could just take us to the top of the table if other results went our way.
Very happy about the progress. Wigan & Reading, yes poor sides relatively, but you can only beat what is in front of you and part of why they looked so poor was how we played. Genuinely think the introduction of Stef Jo cannot be underestimated. He makes us more dynamic & links us from defence to attack in transition a lot quicker. For me he should now be a regular starter. You can only play one of Arter or Harrison Reed together in the same midfield, no matter how good both may be. Overall we are starting to see instances of quicker transition, movement, switching of play etc - and whilst it's not perfect, it is recognisably getting progressively better. We need to maintain the improvement & not revert to the over slow & too deliberate stuff. Whilst I've had criticism for Parker and how we played until the last couple of games, I've also sustained that I enjoy possession football played correctly and wanted SP to succeed. Things are going the right way. COYW!!
