@original-fat-bob I admire your continued optimism OFB. 🤣🤣
However, I just do not see Boro scoring three goals against a tight organised Coventry defence
I would be happy, although very nervous, with a one - nil win and three points. Our home form has been shocking, and to my mind, November could be a defining moment for Mr Carrick. We need wins at home. We need points on the table.
I also feel that Robins might have enough tactical nouse to nullify any threat that we might pose. Our recent record against them under Robins is below average only picked up 10 points from 7 games and of course he out thought MC in the playoffs. The last time we scored more than one goal against them was in 2021. Last season they beat us twice and scored 3 in both games. As alluded to on the Norwich thread we have had a couple of high scoring games against them a 4-4 home draw under big Jack and a 4-3 away win with a Slaven hat trick in 1988.
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Is there anything we can do to make the preview writers list more visible for everyone? ...
@werdemouth, is it possible for you to put a link to the list in a prominent place?
Just as the teams line up for Newcastle v Arsenal, I will stick my neck out. A thundering performance by Boro and a very welcome 1-0 home win today against Coventry. I know it goes against all recent form between the teams and in the light of some recent disappointments, but I just have a feeling for 1-0.
Time will tell
I'll stick my neck out as well. Celebrating high scoring results against Coventry covered in the thread above, 5-0 to Boro to take over 5th spot from WBA 🙄 ...
@powmillnaemore - I'll have a pint of what you're drinking, Powmill!
(He says, sheepishly drinking a mug of tea before setting off for the match. Might get in another 15 minutes of Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal though...).
Well the rumour about RvDB were true he is replaced by Clarke and Doak by Jones, Ayling back in instead of Dijksteel. RvDB and Doak not in the squad. ☹️😎
So a couple of absentees from the squad RVDB and no Okie Dokie !
And a Diasborian absentee - me!
Couldn’t do it at the end even after getting ready. Spirit was willing but the flesh was weak.
KEEP GOING YOU FOOL !
OFB
What does Dijksteel have to do to keep his place in the team ?!! Excellent game last match but dropped for today. Longer term he’s got to be a better option than Ayling.
Dont think van den Berg will be a significant miss with Clarke deputising but I do think we’ll miss Doak today but hope Jones can play as he did when he first appeared on the scene.
Feel a bit uneasy about today’s result as Coventry have been a bit of a bogey team for Boro recently and have a much more experienced manager.
So, I’ll be delighted with a one goal advantage.
Philip of Huddersfield
@original-fat-bob. So sorry to hear that, hopefully you will soon be 100% and able to get to the next home game; in the meantime you will no doubt be able to watch at home like a number of us and hoping for a Boro3 albeit the team news and three changes is concerning. Settled teams usually do better. IJ needs to step up today, please. 😎
Team News: So as KP and OFB mentioned no Doak in the squad and Rav also missing so Jones and Clarke step in with Ayling also returning for the unlucky Dijksteel. Let's see how much Boro miss the pace of Doak and indeed Dijksteel down the right today.
Just been playing Risk with my son - I was playing Red but unfortunately got annihilated pretty quickly as I kept rolling one's and he also seemed to get a six - hope my failure at world domination is not a sign for today 🤔
So Doak has a bit of a tight hamstring son is rested as a precaution and RvdB has injured his knee in training so hopeful both injuries are not too serious.
Coventry goal disallowed for offside in the second minute!
HH sent off in the 22nd minute for a second yellow. CJ:
It started with a heavy touch from Hackney. He then lunged into a challenge as Thomas-Assante looked to nip in for it. He gets the ball first, no doubt about that, but catches the player after and the ref was quick to blow.
🙁
HH sent off in the 22nd minute for a second yellow. CJ:
It started with a heavy touch from Hackney. He then lunged into a challenge as Thomas-Assante looked to nip in for it. He gets the ball first, no doubt about that, but catches the player after and the ref was quick to blow.
🙁
BBC live commentary:
It's the first dismissal of Hackney's career. That'll dent the division's best disciplinary record.
CJ in the 25th minute:
Howson is on for Azaz. As Boro make the sub, the Boro fans make clear what they think about referee Thomas Bramall.
HH sent off in the 22nd minute for a second yellow. CJ:
It started with a heavy touch from Hackney. He then lunged into a challenge as Thomas-Assante looked to nip in for it. He gets the ball first, no doubt about that, but catches the player after and the ref was quick to blow.
🙁
20 minutes later, the inevitable happens: the Sky Blues score. 🙁 0-1...
Hackney deserved to go. Why stay and argue shows immaturity. Boro Could have had a penna first half.
OFB
Now let’s see what a tactician Carrick is.
We need pace second half drop Ayling bring on Dijksteel and run at them.
lets play 2 up front and bring lath on for our left back and play three at the back
OFB
@original-fat-bob - What we've seen in the first half would only have stressed you out.
Nightmare half for Boro and Hackney in particular. Even before his sending off Hackney almost let Coventry in three times in the first 12 minutes as Boro stuttered and never got going. Both yellows came from failures to keep the ball. So Boro have a mountain to climb and another Coventry goal will settle it. Since going down to 10 our play has improved and Howson looks as though he has never been away. Our only hope is to keep a lively Coventry at bay and sneak a point via some fresh-legged subs. It's a very long shot.
Well Boro made a slow start and Hackney looked off it today with his timing and passing and so it proved to be as his mistimed tackle saw his second yellow after picking up his first for taking his man down after initially miscontrolling the ball. It looks like a long way back after going behind with ten men and don't expect much as with no Doak it appears Boro lack their usual danger down the right with Jones not really at his best. Would take a point but don't expect to get it. Boro will need Latte Lath and Dijksteel's pace pretty soon
@original-fat-bob. I agree but I don’t see it happening. 😎
Not a situation and score I expected to find when I logged in to see the scores....
I suppose that's put the hex on my prediction of 5 goals.
@powmillnaemore A not unreasonable assumption powmill.
They only need to shut up shop and Boro won't get through. It's a funny old game, is this one of the easier games someone mentioned?
UTB,
John
No changes at half-time. CJ after 55 minutes:
'You're not fit to referee'
Thomas Bramall not endearing himself to Boro supporters.
Coventry corner is taken as Ayling is bundled to the floor by a Coventry player. Boro clear it, but he then pulls it back and orders a re-take, despite the Coventry offence. Luckily, Boro clear the second as well, but that's baffling refereeing. Boro fans understandably fuming with Bramall, already angered by the red card decision.
Obviously changes are needed to personnel and tactics. Is Carrick the man for this?
The fact that I raise the question implies what my answer is.
👎☹️Philip of Huddersfield