Bristol City 4 : 0 Sheffield Wednesday OMDT

[Lord Snooty]

 

Yes. Really. Apparently this game is going ahead.

Seems sheer lunacy to me . I mean on one hand we have the TV and Radio stations putting out almost hourly warnings telling people not to go out unless necessary. Certainly not to plan on making any long journeys. And yet...its game on. but there we go. Perhaps I have just got used to SAG and SYP declaring everything dangerous. Maybe they have softened us all up. 

But as I look out of the window under the clear and freezing sky at my builder ,O'Reilley, who's fixing my battlement on the west wing I can't help but think the conditions aren't the best for folks to perform in.  He's not moved since dinnertime. 

 

 

Bristol City - V - Wednesday

 

 

All week I've half been hoping this game would be off.  I mean, we've got a few players who are coming back to training and there's that little part that thinks 'We can play this one rearranged at the back end of the season when we've got everyone back, and they're probably in the play offs and resting a few folks and we'll have a better chance of getting the points.'

But then....football rarely works like that. And being Wednesday we'd somehow manage to engineer a balls up. We'd probably end up with us needing the points to stay up and them needing them to make sure of the play offs and it all depending on that one result. 

 

Sod it. Maybe we should get it out of the way. What's the worst that can happen? 

A loss? Well we could lose. A win certainly doesn't seem likely! Our last one on the road was Forest on Boxing day. 

Remarkable as it might seem though, perhaps it's not the certain defeat that many think. Bristol City aren't in the best form of their own lives.

While we have been getting ouor knickers in a twist this week about FFP or Profit and sustainability as it's called these days. And have been back to talking about ticket prices.  Have had the contract renewal fake injury debates growing like wildfire and generally thinking the world is coming to a footballing end .

Even some  fearing  a possible meltdown on a scale the which we haven't seen since....well, last time we played with  no strikers if we go to Bristol and play no strikers......however unlikely that might be. 

We do tend to look for the worst.   But it's always worth remembering that all clubs are like this.  

Despite Bristol being just a point out of the play offs not all is green down in Cider Country. 

You'd think they'd be delighted. But just like us there's always something going on. 

 

Look at their message board.  Here they are, with a chance to get back in the play off places tomorrow and look at some of the thread titles.

 

 

• Protest/Boycott/Direct action.
• Today's tactics- Absolute poo
• Conspiracy theory No. 29...season ticket prices

 

So you see. Ours might seem more f*cked up. But that's just because that's where we cast our gaze. That's where we focus. 

 

I'm not sure what the poo tactics they employ exactly. 

We do know that Johnson has been playing mainly a 4-4-2.

 

What about us? People don't really think Jos would play without strikers again do they? It was just a point he was proving to the chairman about the folly of the Hirst ban situation wasn't it?

 

As it is I think we'll be playing our form forward pairing. Joao and Nuhiu.  Yes. Joao and Nuhiu. Who would have thought that 4 months ago?

In fact Big Atty has been involved with 7 goals in 6 starts since Jos arrived at the club. It seems hard to fathom, but he's actually scored more goals than Rhodes. 

for us this season. I mean, really, if anyone had told you that at any stage of your life you'd have not believed it. But it is, an irrefutable fact.

 

 

Some people will pained beyond belief with that fact. But it's true none the less. 

 

And the thing is, putting aside the arguing about Nuhiu which has raged almost since the first time the lad played. If you ignore the names of the players and just look at what they bring to the team. Look at what you would call the strengths of the two (Nuhiu and Joao) , if your scribbled down the attributes you'd probably get to thinking that as a pairing they actually have he perfect qualities for a tricky away tie. One has a yard of pace, the ability to spin a man and run at people. Create time for a breather with his ability to travel. . Vital for a team who will be playing on the counter attack. The other brings the hold up play. Provides a focal point out ball and has the workrate and defends from the front that you need when you're not going to have as much of the ball. Also both excellent at getting a head to stuff defending our own box at set pieces. 

So yes, ignore the names. Just look at he attributes...maybe (given we also don't have much choice!) the perfect away from home strike partnership!

 

Haven't we got a better photo than that of them Stubbs?

Ahh. Good man. That's better. Thinks look so much magical when they have been stripe-erised.

 

 

Batman and Robin. Piklets and butter.  Pie and peas.  Chips and gravy.  Nuhiu and Joao.

Gods honest truth, it makes perfect sense as I sit here. 

Football isn't about names is it. Not really. Not unless you sign players on the whim or  recommendation of a spotty teenager who plays a lot of 'football manager' inbetween vvwanking sessions in his bedroom. 

No, football is about the sum of the parts. It's about the foils. The complementation of humans beings. Not stats compiled by some boffin.

 

 

Of course. I've said all this. He'll probably mix it up now and play Rhodes up top on his own supported by Abdi or something random!

 

 

Match facts ( Source BBC Sport) 

 

• Bristol City have lost one of their past 12 home league matches against Wednesday (W5 D6), losing 4-1 in November 2004.

Nothing to see here. Move along. Move along. 

 

• Sheffield Wednesday's most recent win at Ashton Gate came in January 2011, winning 3-0 in an FA Cup match.

It's not that long ago. It really isn't. If you grab a toilet roll. And roll it out in front of you till the entire thing has unravelled. And then get a ruler and mark a dot one millimetre in. That toilet roll unfurled  represents the history of Earth and that dot how long mankind has been on Earth. Hardly worth noticing. 

And by that sort of measure. Seven years since we beat them at their place is nothing at all. It really isn't. Do you see?

 

 

 

• Bristol City only lost three of their first 29 matches in all competitions this season - since then, they've lost eight of their past 13 games.

Oooh hello. Hello. What's this? 8 defeats in 13. Maybe this really is a chance for us after all! See. The stars are aligning!

 

• Jos Luhukay is still yet to win an away Championship match with Sheffield Wednesday (P4 W0 D3 L1), with just five goals scored in those four matches (two for, three against).
•  

He's got to break his duck at some stage though hasn't he. I mean, ok there was the exploratory no strikers thing at Millwall. But you know. Maybe he really really didn't think that they could do it.  What if he had played them, and they'd got injured. Or Joao had tweaked his...erm..tweak. We'd have then castigated him for risking the player. Especially if we'd still lost. 

 

Mind. I have spoken to two more chaps since I started this thread who are  convinced that it was all part of a ploy to highlight the stupidity of the George Hirst situation to the chairman.  (The situation where he hasn't been able to play or train. Not the contract thing. That's totally separate in a round about way isn't it.)

 

• Famara Diedhiou has scored five goals in his past seven Championship appearances at Ashton Gate.

A more than useful record. Jos will have to make sure the chaps are fully focused and don't take their foot off the gas, don't go easy oasy and be fooled into a false sense of security  by the Bellydancers stagename this lad is going by.

. 

• Atdhe Nuhiu has had a hand in seven goals in six starts in all competitions under Luhukay (four goals, three assists).

 

See, I knew I wasn't bloody imagining it! 

 

Who else will make the side?

Tom Lees? Well, personally speaking I wouldn't risk him. I wouldn't, honest. Ok, I know we sit precariously above the relegation trapdoor, and yes I know he's our best meat and drink header of a ball.  But I couldn't bear it if he came in and had a set back. Let him have another week I say I'd rather he was 100% sure he was ready to play. Besides I think his aerial ability will be needed against Ipswich and Garner. I know he's not massive but he's got great timing in the leap. Anyway..I'm getting ahead of myself thinking about Dingle Micks boys. 

 

 

 

I'd like to see Pudil carry on back there.  Ok, he gave the penalty away against Villa, but overall I've really been won over by him at centre half. He's made in the last 3 games at least five absolutely brilliant tackles when we looked like being cut open. And I know the argument is that you shouldn't get cut open. But it happens and when it does there's nothing like seeing that perfectly executed ball winning tackle. It's one of the great arts of the game, and if you're an old trump like me, one of the great spectacles of the game. 

 

 

Funnily enough, for all the hammer he gets (and he does get some hammer) I'd like to see Fox at left centre back again.  Wait wait, here me out!

He's not cut out for the LWB role. Ok, it could be argued that no one is in the current crop. But to me he looks more assured at centre back where he's facing the play and less likely to get turned around. I suspect Loovens will start. And I can see why the experience might be looked upon favourably. But as things stand. I'd prefer to see Fox left centre than old Sharpe centre-centre. Besides, Fox' feet are far too big for a full back. Full backs should have little feet. I don't know why. But we all know it to be true. Fox has a centre halves feet. 

 

I suppose much of it depends on what condition Boyd is in.

He played against Villa and Swansea and in both games really had his work cut out. Firstly against the snidey Sn*dgr*ss. and secondly against the rapid Dyer and the marauding Roberts. 

 

 

He also took some hammer. But I think it's worth remembering the lad is playing a new and alien role. A role which can easily see you exposed to 2v1's.

He's having to learn on the job having played the rest of his 16 year career as an attacking wide midfield player!  Lets cut him a bit of slack. He's out there running his balls off for our club because it's a role no one else can play. And he really is running his balls off. Covered twice the ground of any other player on the pitch when we played Villa. That is some running. Ok. He doesn't stop enough crosses. But we've been saying that about all our full backs since Stuart Gray left 3 years ago!

 

I want to see Pelupessy, Reach and Clare in midfield. The energy. The drive. The ratting. 

The Swansea game midfield was....well....actually it was very much like O'Reilly up on my battlement - Stationary!

 

Anyway. Who bloody knows. 

 

 

I've still got half a mind it'll get called off.  All the snow will be cleared. All the fans will get in safely. The game will kick off. 

Then the ref will have to cancel is because of gale force winds and the keepers not being able to get the ball out of their box even from a drop kick. 

Something crackers. It's been a crackers season, where little should surprise us. 

 

If you are one of those  absolute bloody nutters.  hardy and dedicated fans travelling down. Take your  time. Take care and don't take any chances. 

 

COME ON WEDNESDAY 

 

  

[pazowl55]

Think that could well be the line up. Maybe Rhodes for Nuhiu.

[Gresh]

Great OMTD As usual.  I quite like our chances in this game and their not in great form so I'm backing us for a 1 v 2 win.  Make it happen Wednesday.

[@owlstalk]

 

We're ready..

LET'S DANCE

[S36 OWL]

Brilliant work Mi `Lord 

[S36 OWL]

5 minutes ago, @owlstalk said:

 

We're ready..

LET'S DANCE

 

[trumbullowl]

Great OMDT as usual!  Same line up as against Villa and if we get the same performance we'll win this one!

 

THE WEDNESDAY!

[BRADDO]

One of your best Snoots.

[@owlstalk]

Let's DO this...

[legendaryswan]

Butterfield and Fox have to start,otherwise wel have noboddy to blame for the inevitable defeat,and Dave of course 

Hope for once he goes 352 and takes the middle over,no idea why he persists with 5 at the back,we just invite trouble

Edited March 3, 2018 by legendaryswan

[nevthelodgemoorowl]

Good Morning your Lordship, you really need to take this up in the house. Wednesday shafted by Bristol Rovers ( I know it's City, but what's a little insult between the Men of Steel and straw munching apple squashers).  To call the game on 27 hours before kick off as a Blizzard rages and all our armed forces are busied digging things out and rescuing people; While at the same time the Highways agency are telling all forms of media to get the message out "STAY PUT, DO NOT TRAVELL".

 

Serve the little bleeders right if we score a goal, OR PINCH A POINT, OR EVEN SNATCH A VICTORY. Whoops sorry just drifted off into a day dream there for a second or two.

 

Anyway like I keep saying it's football, it's 11 v 11 and as we all know anything can happen. COME ON WEDNESDAY  UTO WAWAW !

[offalyowl]

Great as always snoots and have a funny feeling that you probably have to do this again in a few weeks, even though I don't live in uk but the reports don't sound good so let's hope it is called off so he have a chance to get more players back, think we will Nick it 2-1 

take care all our fans travelling to and from the match and let's hope it's worth all the hassle 

 

uto

[Costello 77]

Good to see you stringing together a bit of form snooty..... that's two on the trot you've got in on time...

FFS.

[Lord Snooty]

4 minutes ago, Costello 77 said:

Good to see you stringing together a bit of form snooty..... that's two on the trot you've got in on time...

FFS.

 

Strung with errors again though.  

It's the late going to press you see,  by the time midnight rolls around I'm half cut. 

[Costello 77]

2 minutes ago, Lord Snooty said:

 

Strung with errors again though.  

It's the late going to press you see,  by the time midnight rolls around I'm half cut. 

Keep up the good work pal.... it's well appreciated.

 

Btw.. I'm working on a book that deals with the relationship between elite sports performance and the relationship with science fiction....

 

I'm talking with Mel and Mick Lyons and I can't get a word in...all they go on about is the no boundary theory....

 

When I asked them about the glory days and wether they'd been reading war of the worlds..or planet of the apes...they asked me if I thought that penalties had anything to do with quantum superposition..

FFS.

 

[ash60s]

A draw with no injuries and all fans safe would be just right, the latter 2 points being the most important

[Orlando_Trustful]

I think a similar game to midweek. We'll have one or two chances but two second half goals will see us off. 

 

2 v 0 

[I'm an Essex Owl]

What?The game is going ahead? What fresh lunacy is this?

 

If it goes ahead 3-1 to them.  Our goal scored by Reach

 

Then again I am pessimistic by nature (saves the inevitable disappointment)

[JanikowskiSWFC]

WE'RE GONNA NICK A 1-0 UP THE OWLS COME ON

[owlmanc]

26 minutes ago, JanikowskiSWFC said:

WE'RE GONNA NICK A 1-0 UP THE OWLS COME ON

Let’s make it 2 wins out of 13 against em