Middlesbrough, on a miserable run of FOUR home defeats from FIVE in a month. Eight conceded, three scored.
League one, League two, League one, League one...their route to the League cup semi-final.
Wins home and away should in theory be a straightforward formality, walk in the park path to Wembley final. Perhaps further chances for academy products if the opportunity presents itself (which is building a big enough goals margin blowing them away in the first leg).
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1744353738255400961/vid/avc1/1080x1080/9GMmK-Trw21olIyM.mp4?tag=16
Nice to hear my reinforced thoughts echoed by the manager, re. Palmer as a perfectly serveable alternative option up top.
Palmer possesses the qualities to be a constant goal threat in the box, I'd argue zero-in on making moves off the ball from high up the pitch into the box is his biggest asset. Like this -
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1743694227609960448/vid/avc1/1920x1080/_hTBW7YczEObYpLu.mp4?tag=16 or goal against Luton.
Currently limits himself by solely trying to be the passing playmaker from deep (I personally prefer him making those potent third-man runs attacking the box, rather than being static always wanting the ball to feet outside the box).
Leave the (deep) runs, playmaking and connecting responsibilities to Enzo, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku.
In Nkunku' case can do both on and off the ball actions to an exceptional standard, way beyond Palmer' capacity at present. Stupendous difference-maker in that regard.
Damn shame been deprived of his presence in attack for majority of the season thus far.
Next up - 12th place Championship side
posted on 8/1/24
Same squad available from last match.
Petrovic
Gusto Disasi Silva Colwill
Enzo Caicedo
Gallagher Palmer Madling
Broja
Subs - Bettinelli, Mudryk, Gilchrist, Washington, Golding, Williams, Maatsen, Sterling.
posted on 8/1/24
Maybe one or two of Badiashile, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka happen to make the bench...
posted on 8/1/24
u must be happy u got the bye to the final. bet ur hoping fulham can do u a favour so u avoid another final defeat in a domestic league cup to us
posted on 8/1/24
posted on 8/1/24
comment by InBefore (U20589)
posted 5 hours, 28 minutes ago
u must be happy u got the bye to the final. bet ur hoping fulham can do u a favour so u avoid another final defeat in a domestic league cup to us
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Hubris comes before the fall.
posted on 9/1/24
comment by InBefore (U20589)
posted 19 hours, 6 minutes ago
u must be happy u got the bye to the final. bet ur hoping fulham can do u a favour so u avoid another final defeat in a domestic league cup to us
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The smart Chelsea fans know to fear Fulham a lot more than you guys.
You, Spurs & City we almost always turn up for these days, you haven't outplayed us in about four years. Fulham by contrast has all the hallmarks of a typical modern day Chelsea match - all the possession, at least 20 shots with only about 5 on target en route to a 2-0 defeat
posted on 10/1/24
Mf, good morning ?
Could please give us your insight as why ?
1: Our players are not taking their chances?
2: Our 30 man squad is not capable enough to maintain a level of competitiveness to beat a mid table, injury ravaged Championship side.?
posted on 10/1/24
Also Mf, what do you think about the importance of utility players across the squad?
You know , a player with enough experience to hold up more than one position, when the squad faces injury blight ?
Currently, imo we have to many players learning their game on the clock, factor in injuries , part of the game?
Jose was all over this, most of the time he had at least two players in every area who could double up and cover efficiently?
Could this be part of the problem ?