The Championship is never predictable note Sheffield Wednesday losing 1-2 at home to Brentford on Tuesday.
So after looking upwards towards the top 12 after the Aston Villa win; we're now looking downwards again. Some of the more foolish amongst us were even muttering about the top six I remember?
So is Wigan away a 'Must Win Game'? It is certainly a six pointer, as is Blackburn at home on Friday 14th April. One factor in our favour is that Wigan's home form is terrible [w=3, d=5,L=8] and Blackburns away form is worse [w=2, d=3, L=10]. There are 12 games to go after Sat' and I have Forest forecast to win at least 3 of those [all at home] Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich on the final day of the season. An I kidding myself here?
I predict that Wigan will definitely beat Rotherham and Bristol City at home. They have some daunting away games to come however; Newc' and Brighton H.A away, very tough to see them coming away with anything a part from a battering.
Blackburn have terrible away form just like ourselves. It's difficult to see them picking up anything apart from their visit to Burton Albion. Blackburn have just parted company with Owen Coyle and appointed Tony Mowbray in his stead. They're hoping for a new manager bounce to take effect, this should have dissipated by April though. Blackburn have two games in hand so I expect them to finish above Wigan.
So do we need to be throwing the kitchen sink at Wigan on Saturday? no I don't think so, it's more important to stop conceding that one, or extra goal and thus stop losing. We need a Dougie Freedman approach away from home and start to take point's from dour nil-nil draws. That should keep us up.
Apart from the 2012/13 season where 55 points were required to secure safety, since then a max' of 45 points has been enough. There is no correlation between points taken to be Champions and the bottom three. However 12th or median spot has been always around 60 points over the last 5 years. Where the top score is very low [87 in 12/13] signifying a very even division avoiding the drop has been tough [55 points]. That is unlikely this year with the top two on 69/68 points with 14 games to go.
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Wigan Athletic V Forest Match Thread
posted on 25/2/17
Yeah, fair enough. Been back to the future before for Billy Davies and that didn't go well so I wouldn't be inclined to do the same for DF. I want a fresh face that has earned their stripes and has a bit of energy about them.
posted on 25/2/17
The problem isn't the manager but someone who is able to work with the despot and there a very few who can do that.
Billy actually has been the best manager under Fawaz results wise even though I will not defend his antics off the field.
Dougie knew what Fawaz was like, had his hands tied and still pulled rabbits out of hats. With the very small amount of choice there is if managers who will even come to forest, I think we could go a lot worse then letting Dougie have the chance to try and finish what he started.
posted on 25/2/17
The appointment of a new manager has been put on hold until the summer. Also the man offered the CEO role couldn't start until the summer. I'm hoping the two are connected and we will get Rowett and his sidekick when this season has finished
posted on 25/2/17
Would be nice red but Rowett said he wouldn't work for Fawaz and it sounds like he wants the Leicester job.
posted on 25/2/17
What about the Tinkerman?
posted on 26/2/17
What about the Tinkerman?
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We have just got rid of one tinkerman, do not think we need another.
posted on 26/2/17
Playing Zach Clough wide yesterday didn't seem to work. We seriously lacked quality service to Britt and Ben. (I am making my judgements based on the RN commentary).
On the plus side a back five which included a goalkeeper who was fourth choice at the start of the season and CBs who were fourth and fifth choice kept a clean sheet - exemplary.
So next Saturday Pereira in one of the wide positions. Mills, if fit, in for Worrall. And if Mancienne is fit maybe play him in midfield and have just one striker.
Onwards and Upwards
posted on 26/2/17
Don't know if Perreira and Carayol would work well in the same midfield. Neither knows how to track back. I would like to see Clough in the No10 role he had against Villa as he looked tricky there.
posted on 26/2/17
Having just looked at the hi-lights on F.P I think that Carayol did make some effort to track back and cover Penillios. That is probably why he started. Supposedly had his best game of the season.
The less difficult wins will be against those teams languishing in mid table who expected to make the play offs. Any names spring to mind here?
posted on 26/2/17
I think Carayol played Pinillos into trouble a couple of times yesterday, but I'd still give him another game. And I think Pereira does do his share when playing as a winger; he has played as a full back after all. All be it not a very good one. Its all about working together as a pair and developing an understanding. It takes time and patience. These things don't happen overnight.