The next 3 league games are critical

[MJG]

I'm going to stick to my guns about starting well. Last season 5 of the top 6 after 13 games finished in top 6.

Over last 5 seasons after 13 games, 18 of the 30 teams in those top 6 positions finished in top 6 after 46 games. using that stat (and I know just using that word winds some of you up) if you are in top 6 after 13 games there is a 60% chance you will be there at the end.

And yes anyone can beat anyone else, but we all can all have a guess at who is or isn't going to be strongest.

[FulhamStu]

Totally agree a good start is very important.  Winning becomes a habit as does losing.  Brighton were not really fancied last season but a good early set of results built confidence and they bought in some really good additions through the season.  Keeping our defence strong is for me more critical than our ability to score lots of goals.  A porous defence absolutely kills you and this has been our no1 problem.

[MJG]

Totally agree a good start is very important.  Winning becomes a habit as does losing.  Brighton were not really fancied last season but a good early set of results built confidence and they bought in some really good additions through the season.  Keeping our defence strong is for me more critical than our ability to score lots of goals.  A porous defence absolutely kills you and this has been our no1 problem.

Brighton in first 13 games got 29 points.
In the next 33 got 60. Still a good return but allowed them some wiggle room result wise.

[Northern Cottager]

We will beat Preston. They're a good solid side but if we break with speed we will win. Blackburn are in turmoil and don't seem to have much of a plan or optimism internally. Leeds are unpredictable but we should beat them. All in all, we could win all 3!

[Lighthouse]

Last week we were talking about mid table and some talked about relegation again. One good game and suddenly we should beat Preston and Leeds away. One game at a time and don't get really down or really up. This is Fulham and predictions are fun but anything can happen. We have no right and we really shouldn't win away to anybody.

[westcliff white]

first ten games are crucial for me, if after ten games you have between 25 and 30 points you an really set yourself up (even 21-25 means you have a great chance of promotion), for that to happen August is a crucial month

[fulhamben]

Last week we were talking about mid table and some talked about relegation again. One good game and suddenly we should beat Preston and Leeds away. One game at a time and don't get really down or really up. This is Fulham and predictions are fun but anything can happen. We have no right and we really shouldn't win away to anybody.

We went all talking like that Lighthouse. Some of us namely me, were arguing till we are blue in the face that our first 11 is far superior to anything we have had in years

[toshes mate]

I am looking for us to play out August unbeaten.  Blackburn is a game which will give us a more enlightened picture of the potential of the current squad since I thought they looked better than us when we played them last season at Craven Cottage under Symons.  Overall I'd expect us to achieve at least ten points in August be on target for promotion chances. 

[Whitesideup]

G

I am looking for us to play out August unbeaten.  Blackburn is a game which will give us a more enlightened picture of the potential of the current squad since I thought they looked better than us when we played them last season at Craven Cottage under Symons.  Overall I'd expect us to achieve at least ten points in August be on target for promotion chances. 

Good point, well made. Yes, last year didn't we sneak a 2-1 win much against the run of play? I was surprised to see Blackburn's form falter as I thought they put in one of the better performances we saw at the Cottage. Look to be in disarray at teh moment, but who knows? That form could easily change back again. A couple of others have made the point; we need to stay focussed and maintain a high level of performance. We can't afford to think "it's only Blackburn". And for me SJ looks like the kind of manager who will be demanding and expecting focussed, hard-working performances. Onwards.....

[fulhamben]

August? Critical?



nah

I think they are. If you looked at say the next ten games and ranked those teams against our next ten fixtures you will see that its now we need to pick up points which we will clearly  find harder to get.

History shows  that you start well in this league and you will be around that area come end of the season. Top 6 after a dozen games and you are pretty much set for the season. Otherwise catch up time.

Let's behoves, every game is critical. If you lose or draw, it's points that you will never be able to make up. Yes you might go on to finish above others, but those points, from that game will be gone forever

Of course every game is. But you have to also look at each game and opponent in context of how good they are.
All I say is look at our games up to and including Barnsley away. 12 games. and then look at next 12. Now no team is easy, but tell me you dont think these are the games to build up points IF top six is the target.

mate I've got us down to win first 12, i really do. I think our best 11 is up there and it will get stronger.

10 more to beat tigs record. coyws