We’re up in the Highlands and have foolishly booked a meal at a restaurant tomorrow night for 6.30pm. Do I slurp the Cullen Skink, wolf down the Venison steak and stuff myself with Cranachan, in the hope of maybe getting to see the game, or relax and catch up on the result later?
It’s a tough decision and, frankly, one that is liable to be made for me 😉
Cullen Skink is to be savoured Martin and Venison induced heartburn is never a good thing...
So enjoy your dinner and leave the anxiety to the rest of us.... at least until it is time for dessert.
Personally I would forgo the Cranachan...
We are away tomorrow with golfing buddies for a couple of rounds up north.
Will be having dinner whilst the match is on so will have to catch up Thursday/Friday which should not be a problem as given the weather forecast there won’t be much golf played!
Just hope there is a Boro win to offset the disappointment of no golf. 😎
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Djed Spence will be available for between £10 million and £12 million during the transfer window.
The right wing-back is attracting interest from lots of clubs. Manchester United are keen, with Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all in the mix.
if the Forest do win promotion you can expect Forest to add their name to the list of clubs interested in Spence.
If United come calling, it seems as though his heart would be set on a switch to Old Trafford.
The question is, can we found a low-cost Mitrovic for £ 10 million for next season? We need another (loan) striker, a new goalkeeper and a left-footed centre-back like Ben Gibson, too.
So we need some money from the transfer as well as some more money from Gibson's pocket. Up the Boro!
I've heard Bayern have been interested in Spence for a while but I suspect Boro will get a better price from an English club and will probably be looking for £15m. I read yesterday that Brentford were keen to sign Spence with the argument that he'd be guaranteed first-team football with them rather than being mainly on the bench with bigger clubs. I suspect Spence will be hoping to stay with Forest if they are promoted but will they be able to match the asking price? Another option could be playing for Boro in the PL!
£10m-£12m sounds like a bargain to me ..... don't get Plato started on this one 😲 !!!
I would have thought that is simply the opening bid price, but BOro must have a reserve on him approaching double that I hope.
Also whatever deal is agreed needs to have bonus payments due for a number of appearances (starting or as substitute), plus bonus if an international call up ensues and again if he is capped, and finally a significant percentage of any sell-on that occurs.....
We’re up in the Highlands and have foolishly booked a meal at a restaurant tomorrow night for 6.30pm. Do I slurp the Cullen Skink, wolf down the Venison steak and stuff myself with Cranachan, in the hope of maybe getting to see the game, or relax and catch up on the result later?
It’s a tough decision and, frankly, one that is liable to be made for me 😉
Cullen Skink is to be savoured Martin and Venison induced heartburn is never a good thing...
So enjoy your dinner and leave the anxiety to the rest of us.... at least until it is time for dessert.
Personally I would forgo the Cranachan...
We’ve pre-empted the Cullen Skink by having it for lunch in the Glenuig Inn today. I’m not really a dessert person so I’ll heed your warning on the Cranachan. I’ll take my time and rely on you guys to bring home the bacon.
It's always jam tomorrow for us, he is our player, therefore he returns to us, and, strangely enough, starts in our First team. All other clubs own their contracted players, and play them. Why are we discussing his departure, because that can only happen if some very rich club bribes us with a very big offer, that's what happens when you own a very good player.
Thanks to AndyR for opening proceedings with another well written starter. If only Boro could hit the mark as readily as do you and OFB.
Keeping Sol Bamba in the starting line up appeals to me for these next couple of games. The last we want is for a mistake at the back before we have secured at least a two goal advantage. Bamba brings that important element of control.
As for getting two goals to start with. Well, I really don't know. Watmore and Coburn probably.
I like the idea of Tav at wing back opposite Jones and then Howson, McGree and Payero to control the middle.
However CW lines up I am sure we will win to heap the pressure on SheffU for their trip to West London on Friday.
We could do with some goals so I will sniff the foam and predict 3-0 to Boro. I hope I haven't jinxed it!
CoB
Just an idea regarding Tav as a wing-back.
Watmore- Balogun
Tav - McGree - Payero - Jones
McNair (Howson)
Bola - Fry (Bamba) - Dijksteel
Daniels
Of course, we won't start like that vs. Cardiff later today. But just as an exciting idea.
Up the Boro!
Just an idea regarding Tav as a wing-back.
Watmore- Balogun
Tav - McGree - Payero - Jones
McNair (Howson)
Bola - Fry (Bamba) - Dijksteel
Daniels
Of course, we won't start like that vs. Cardiff later today. But just as an exciting idea.
Up the Boro!
Crooks in the holding role, two new strikers and a keeper and I really like that side for next season. There’s a lot players there that can look after the ball.
Its not the most physical side but neither are Man City or Liverpool. I think it’s a modern XI.
Just an idea regarding Tav as a wing-back.
Watmore- Balogun
Tav - McGree - Payero - Jones
McNair (Howson)
Bola - Fry (Bamba) - Dijksteel
Daniels
Of course, we won't start like that vs. Cardiff later today. But just as an exciting idea.
Up the Boro!
Crooks in the holding role, two new strikers and a keeper and I really like that side for next season. There’s a lot players there that can look after the ball.
Its not the most physical side but neither are Man City or Liverpool. I think it’s a modern XI.
I agree it is nearly there as a first eleven but I still think we need another talk defensive left footer and a leader on the pitch which we have missed since we lost GL.😎
Just an idea regarding Tav as a wing-back.
Watmore- Balogun
Tav - McGree - Payero - Jones
McNair (Howson)
Bola - Fry (Bamba) - Dijksteel
Daniels
Of course, we won't start like that vs. Cardiff later today. But just as an exciting idea.
Up the Boro!
I think Cardiff is too soon for Payero to start; he hasn't played 90 minutes for about 5 months and he hasn't exactly proved himself yet. I also think that, mentally, he needs to be eased back in because, if not, I suspect he'll go charging into a stupid tackle and get himself injured or sent off.
I do agree that Tav's best role may turn out to be left wing-back. I don't think Bola has the physical presence to play left-side centre back except as emergency cover. I know wikipedia reckons he's 6' tall but I'm not sure I believe it. I think there's a Spinal Tap Stonehenge style measurement in there somewhere.
I suspect the only changes from the Swansea match will be the strikers and possibly Fry coming back in for Bamba. If Fry isn't fit I think there's a chance we'll see Grant Hall because Bamba really struggles when playing more than once a week. Then again, Hugill is almost the perfect striker for Bamba to play against.
If Payero does come good then I think next season's 1st team could look something like
ST1 - ST2
Tav - McGree - Crooks - Payero - Jones
McNair/LCB - Fry - Dijksteel
GK
I would be ok(ish) with Daniels as #1 because he has shown dependability under pressure; bit like Dimi in that respect. I would sort of be ok with getting Balogun back on loan because he has definitely improved but I think there are better options available.
Just an idea regarding Tav as a wing-back.
Watmore- Balogun
Tav - McGree - Payero - Jones
McNair (Howson)
Bola - Fry (Bamba) - Dijksteel
Daniels
Of course, we won't start like that vs. Cardiff later today. But just as an exciting idea.
Up the Boro!
I think Cardiff is too soon for Payero to start; he hasn't played 90 minutes for about 5 months and he hasn't exactly proved himself yet. I also think that, mentally, he needs to be eased back in because, if not, I suspect he'll go charging into a stupid tackle and get himself injured or sent off.
I do agree that Tav's best role may turn out to be left wing-back. I don't think Bola has the physical presence to play left-side centre back except as emergency cover. I know wikipedia reckons he's 6' tall but I'm not sure I believe it. I think there's a Spinal Tap Stonehenge style measurement in there somewhere.
I suspect the only changes from the Swansea match will be the strikers and possibly Fry coming back in for Bamba. If Fry isn't fit I think there's a chance we'll see Grant Hall because Bamba really struggles when playing more than once a week. Then again, Hugill is almost the perfect striker for Bamba to play against.
If Payero does come good then I think next season's 1st team could look something like
ST1 - ST2
Tav - McGree - Crooks - Payero - Jones
McNair/LCB - Fry - Dijksteel
GK
I would be ok(ish) with Daniels as #1 because he has shown dependability under pressure; bit like Dimi in that respect. I would sort of be ok with getting Balogun back on loan because he has definitely improved but I think there are better options available.
I would be inclined to wait until the end of the season before making a final decision on Daniels. He is certainly an improvement on Lumley but we football fans can often over rate players based on just a few performances; another three games without any of Lumley’s antics and we can feel more confident.
Still need a tall left footed centre back, ideally with leadership qualities - oh have I already said that! 😉 😎
@deleriad I think you nailed it in there.
I totally agree we need a left-footed centre-back - Wilder has said this, too - a goalie and two strikers.
I would definately take Balogun for an extra season. And another one as Connolly has not really made the grade. Watmore and Coburn are at best as super subs. Of course Coburn will be 20 years old next season but still very experienced,.
So minimum of four players if nobody leaves from the current crop at Riverside. Up the Boro!
Nottinham Forest's triumph at Fulham yesterday, coupled with Bournemouth's draw at Swansea, means Steve Cooper's side could finish in the top two and end a 23-year top-flight absence if they win their three remaining games - which includes a trip to the second-placed Cherries next Tuesday.
Quite a remarkable season for Forest. They were bottom of the league when we visited them and Chris Hughton was dismissed as a manager back then. They have really played well since and will deserve promotion if the will win at Bournemouth next week. Of course, if Bournemouth does not lose, they will be promoted insted.
We have lost three home matches on the spin now. We need a win tonight to even dream about sixth place finish. Up the Boro!
Sometimes the metrics of players published online appear somewhat dubious and often a mistake is requoted and copied elsewhere. For example, WhoScored state that Bola is 185cm (6' 1") tall and weighs 78kg (12st) but they then claim Matt Crooks is just 183cm (6' 0") and weighs 72kg (11st). I suspect even Spinal Tap would struggle to make Crooks smaller than Bola 😀
I fancy Forest to finish second and that game against Bournemouth next week will be tasty - plus they both have identical goal difference at +30. Amazingly, Bournemouth came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Swansea - which was shades of the Swans game against Reading that ended 4-4 after leading 4-1. Indeed, Boro should have perhaps scored three against Swansea themselves.
Anyway, if Boro do sneak into sixth then I think I'd rather play Bournemouth over Forest as the Cherries have only won one of their last six compared to Forest's five victories from six.
I suppose that almost everyone on exmil's challenge will have done what I did and tipped Boro for a win tonight.
We should win the game, but the fact is that we have to win to keep that flame of hope flickering. So the head and the heart drive us to only one conclusion.
The only question is this: Can our malfunctioning strikers manage to breach the defence of a team whose only ambition will be to thwart us? And in all honesty that's a question that cannot be answered affirmatively with very much confidence on our recent form.
That's it then. The game in a nutshell.
The only other consideration is that if we do manage to get in front then it may be more important for us to press on and get as many goals as possible rather than to manage the game to ensure that we win it. Finishing 6th may come down to goal difference. At the moment we are 4 behind Sheffield and 3 behind Blackburn, so in effect there's an additional point to be played for, and there will be no better opportunity to secure it than tonight.
My foam hands are disintegrating rapidly !
It’s looking more and more unlikely that Boro will make the playoffs after the recent results. Fry should hopefully be back and we need to persevere with Watmore and Coburn up front as a pairing.
OFB
My foam hands are disintegrating rapidly !
It’s looking more and more unlikely that Boro will make the playoffs after the recent results. Fry should hopefully be back and we need to persevere with Watmore and Coburn up front as a pairing.
OFB
Watmore has started the last 3 games and has had 3 shots (1 per game) but only 1 on target, I personally would start with Balogun and Connolly/Sporar with Coburn and Watmore on the bench to come on late as impact subs.
Come on BORO.
I like Watmore against passing sides as his pressing from the front hurries them and increases our chances or turning the ball over high up the field.
I don't think Cardiff are that kind of side and would therefore rather Watmore came on against tired legs later in the game.
I'd probably go with Sporar and Balogun and then replace both with Watmore and Coburn off the bench but there isn't much in it.
I would start with Coburn and Whatmore and hope they get better service. Connoly or Balogun don't deserve to start.
We all know that tonight’s game is a must win - as are the next 2 games, PLUS Sheffield to lose one of their last two games. This would guarantee BORO finishing sixth.
But the odds of these two things happening are extremely unlikely.
If, BORO were to win their last three games and Sheffield won one game and drew the other then it’s unlikely that Boro would achieve an improvement in their goals difference of a minimum SIX goals to edge sixth place. To have any chance of this then BORO need a score tonight of something like 3-0 - again unlikely based on recent results.
So, having said all that , I wouldn’t be surprised at a 0-0 draw.
Philip of Huddersfield
Phillip,
The difference between Sheff U’s GD and ours is only 4. If we win tonight we’re right on their tail.
Naturally they’re favourites but I’m hoping we can get a 2-0 tonight and keep it going for another few days at least.
Starting to get excited with anticipation as it almost feels like a cup tie tonight. I don't think we have to think beyond this evening's game as unless we win tonight it doesn't really matter if we can win the last two games.
As for who should start - well I think Sporar showed a few good touches and attacking passes and maybe the man to unlock the Cardiff defence early doors if he can feed Jones. I also think Coburn may be the best man to get on the end of crosses as he perhaps thinks more like a centre forward compared to the others.
So it would be Sporar and Coburn to start for me with Watmore ready when needed and then Balogun. It also means we have two pairings of youth and experience on the pitch at any time. Connolly I'm afraid doesn't look like he's going to score another goal and wouldn't want to be dependent on him coming good for a vital win.
Teams will be announced soon and will be interested to see if both Tav and Fry are fit to play - otherwise Dijksteel, Bamba and McNair it will be.
Team News: Well it's Balogun and Watmore starting, Tav plays but no Fry
Andy, my logic is that Sheffield currently have a better goal difference of 4 goals. If they win one game by a single goal it becomes plus 5 goals.( it could be more of course)
So, we need to achieve a goal difference of plus 6 over the next three games, to best Sheffield’s minimum of plus 5.
Hence something like 3-0 would be a good start.
Hope , my logic is sound.
Philip
Looking at the team selection tonight like most I’m surprised that Watmore and Balogun are the two strikers to start.
Presumably because Watmore and Balogun are good finishers and also press hard on the opponents defence. I suspect that the tactic to be employed by Wilder is to try and score early goals. Boro need to improve the goal difference as we all know and hopefully if the Boro have a two goal lead by half time then we can withdraw Watmore and put Coburn on.
I agree with Werder that this is like a cup final and at the moment I’ve started to write the preview for Saturdays home game against Stoke. I’ve actually two versions of the introduction at the moment. The first preview is Boro pushing hard for a top six spot. The second preview is alternatively lamenting a poor result tonight and what it would mean to our playoff hopes.
I think everyone knows which one they would prefer to read!
Come On Boro
OFB
Andy, my logic is that Sheffield currently have a better goal difference of 4 goals. If they win one game by a single goal it becomes plus 5 goals.( it could be more of course)
So, we need to achieve a goal difference of plus 6 over the next three games, to best Sheffield’s minimum of plus 5.
Hence something like 3-0 would be a good start.Hope , my logic is sound.
Philip
Ah yes, I see your logic Phillip. Still we have the extra game to close that gap if needed.
Lets hope the Blades only get 1. 2 or 3pts and we get one more!
Andy, my logic is that Sheffield currently have a better goal difference of 4 goals. If they win one game by a single goal it becomes plus 5 goals.( it could be more of course)
So, we need to achieve a goal difference of plus 6 over the next three games, to best Sheffield’s minimum of plus 5.
Hence something like 3-0 would be a good start.Hope , my logic is sound.
Philip
Ah yes, I see your logic Phillip. Still we have the extra game to close that gap if needed.
Lets hope the Blades only get 1. 2 or 3pts and we get one more!
We win by two goals tonight. Blades lose by one goal on Friday. We win by one goal on Saturday and GD is all square in the final match.
Still, the more goals tonight the better.🤞