Play Off Run In.

[Bluemike]

With the likeliehood that Hull, Burnley, Middlesbrough & Brighton will take Four of the top Six spots on offer it leaves Two to play for, I believe it will be two from Derby, Town, Sheff Wed, Cardiff & Birmingham so who has the best looking run in ? Who's fixtures would you like the most ? Which of those Four teams have games against teams with nothing to play for ? I have done my own predictions and one thing is certain it is going to be bloody close !!!

Derby

Rotherham (A)
Notts Forest (H)
Cardiff (A)
Hull (H)
Bolton (H)
Charlton (A)
Bristol City (A)
Sheff Wed (H)
Brighton (A)
Ipswich (H)


Cardiff

Ipswich (H)
Reading (A)
Derby (H)
Burnley (A)
Fulham (A)
QPR (H)
Brentford (A)
Bolton (H)
Sheff Wed (A)
Birmingham (H)


Sheff Wed

Notts Forest (A)
Charlton (H)
Huddersfield (A)
Blackburn (H)
Bristol City (A)
Ipswich (H)
MK Dons (H)
Derby (A)
Cardiff (H)
Wolves (A)


Birmingham

Wolves (A)
Fulham (H)
Charlton (A)
Brighton (H)
Reading (A)
Leeds (H)
Burnley (H)
Preston (H)
Huddersfield (A)
Middlesbro (H)
Cardiff (A)


Ipswich

Cardiff (A)
Blackburn (H)
Rotherham (H)
Wolves (A)
Charlton (H)
Brentford (H)
Sheff Wed (A)
Fulham (H)
Middlesbro (A)
MK Dons (H)
Derby (A)


From my perspective I would not like Cardiff's remaining games, they look tough as do Birmingham's. Derby look to have enough winnable games to limp over the line but as we all know they tend to implode. Sheff Wed do look to maybe have the most favourable run in but do have a tricky last Three. As for Town well we have Six very winnable home games and Five very tough away games, the key is PR, if we can do the business there and get maybe Two or Three more points on our travels we have as good a chance as anyone. One thing is for sure it is going to be exciting and will go right down to the final day and with Town at derby, Birmingham at Cardiff and Sheff Wed at Wolves it will be one hell of a final day.

To put myself on the spot I will go for Derby & ...... (no I can't say it) to grab 5th & 6th.

[Charnwood]

As you say Mike our home games all look winnable on paper although for me the worry is that four of the teams ( all in the bottom half of the table 16th and below) are in a relegation battle and can spring surprises like Rotherham did last night winning against Middlesbrough, and that was on the back of them winning at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, making last nights their third consecutive win. (Good old Neil Warnock).

Away from home I can't see us picking up more than a couple of points most likely in our next couple of away games at Cardiff & Wolves.

At best I get us to 71 points which could just scrape us into 6th place or could leave us woefully short.

Last season it took us 78 points plus GD to make the play offs, in 2013 Leicester City secured 6th with just 68 points.

Ps: if you've ever tried to bet on three correct results in the Championship you'll know it's almost impossible to predict. Last night I had Cardiff to beat Leeds Utd on Saturday it was Sheff Wed to beat Rotherham...both obvious picks lost.

[Charnwood]

Having now looked closer at our competition I think it's between us and Sheffield Wednesday who will take 6th place. We have one game in hand and visit their place on 16th April, the outcome of this game could well decide which team makes the play offs.

I can't believe I'll be in America for this fixture as it's one of my regular away games every season, that's really bad planning.

[number 9]

You're right as far as parity in results for the Championship. It does seem that any team can win on a given day. I'm glad I'm not a betting man!

In my opinion, the only way we'll make the play-offs is if we improve our performances and become consistently good until the end of the season. We have been on a decent run albeit our performances have lacked any real quality. I'm not holding my breath, but yes it is possible we'll claim at least the 6th spot. As Bluemike says it will certainly make for an exciting conclusion to the season, and MM deserves a bit of credit for keeping us in contention.

[Bluemike]

Having now looked closer at our competition I think it's between us and Sheffield Wednesday who will take 6th place. We have one game in hand and visit their place on 16th April, the outcome of this game could well decide which team makes the play offs.

I can't believe I'll be in America for this fixture as it's one of my regular away games every season, that's really bad planning.

I completely agree regarding us & Sheff Wed for 6th spot and the game at their place will be massive, however should we spring a surprise somewhere on our travels we can do this.

[itfc76trev]

hmmm final away day at derby sounds like a plan. not been to an away day this season yet

[arana peligrosa]

Still maintain we're simply too inconsistent to properly challenge the play-off positions by end of season and the last three games have done little to alter that opinion. Yes we find ourselves a few places away from the top six but looking at the fixtures presented can see one too many obstacles that may eventually prove costly. I'll quickly analyze each game :

Cardiff (A) - another promotion challenger, decent team, the venue should be the deciding factor - 0 points
Blackburn (H) - have little to play for but one of those team that can prove awkward - 1 point
Rotherham (H) - our tendency to struggle against the lower league sides is a concern, but still hopeful - 3 points
Wolves (A) - another club side with little to play for and with our away record it could go in our favor - 3 points
Charlton (H) - yet one more struggling team in the relegation zone at time of writing, but it should go our way - 3 points
Brentford (H) -still not yet out of relegation danger and will fight to ensure a safety should they remain as they are - 1 point
Sheff Wed (A) - doing well and a decent team right now, I think home advantage will swing it their way - 0 points
Fulham (H) - Hopeful we can get a win over another of the say 'less impressive' club sides this division can offer - 3 points
Middlesbro (A) - Had a fall in recent weeks but may well have got their house in order at time of fixture - 0 points
MK Dons (H) - Last home game of the season and would ideally expect victory in this one - 3 points
Derby (A) - Both teams could either be in the top six positions on the day, or require a win in order to make it. Can envisage a tight, tense affair with both sides tentative and cautious. Draw would seem probable - 1 point

That's 18 points by my math and would take us to 73 for seasons total.

That's five less than last season's sixth placed finish (only achieved on the final day) so once again, just think we'll maybe miss out. Wish I could be more hopeful but content with those evaluations.

[hallamblue]

hmmm final away day at derby sounds like a plan. not been to an away day this season yet

I suspect we will be taking IRO 4k fans for that one , especially if PO is at stake. So buy your tickets as soon as they come out.

[hallamblue]

Ipswich

D Cardiff (A) 1-1
W Blackburn (H) 2-1
W Rotherham (H) 2-0
D Wolves (A) 1-1
W Charlton (H) 2-0
D Brentford (H) 2-2
D Sheff Wed (A) 1-1
D Fulham (H) 0-0
L Middlesbro (A) 2-0
W MK Dons (H) 1-0
D Derby (A) 1-1

Pts 18

[Bluemike]

Still maintain we're simply too inconsistent to properly challenge the play-off positions by end of season and the last three games have done little to alter that opinion. Yes we find ourselves a few places away from the top six but looking at the fixtures presented can see one too many obstacles that may eventually prove costly. I'll quickly analyze each game :

Cardiff (A) - another promotion challenger, decent team, the venue should be the deciding factor - 0 points
Blackburn (H) - have little to play for but one of those team that can prove awkward - 1 point
Rotherham (H) - our tendency to struggle against the lower league sides is a concern, but still hopeful - 3 points
Wolves (A) - another club side with little to play for and with our away record it could go in our favor - 3 points
Charlton (H) - yet one more struggling team in the relegation zone at time of writing, but it should go our way - 3 points
Brentford (H) -still not yet out of relegation danger and will fight to ensure a safety should they remain as they are - 1 point
Sheff Wed (A) - doing well and a decent team right now, I think home advantage will swing it their way - 0 points
Fulham (H) - Hopeful we can get a win over another of the say 'less impressive' club sides this division can offer - 3 points
Middlesbro (A) - Had a fall in recent weeks but may well have got their house in order at time of fixture - 0 points
MK Dons (H) - Last home game of the season and would ideally expect victory in this one - 3 points
Derby (A) - Both teams could either be in the top six positions on the day, or require a win in order to make it. Can envisage a tight, tense affair with both sides tentative and cautious. Draw would seem probable - 1 point

That's 18 points by my math and would take us to 73 for seasons total.

That's five less than last season's sixth placed finish (only achieved on the final day) so once again, just think we'll maybe miss out. Wish I could be more hopeful but content with those evaluations.

To be honest SJ I really dont understand that way of thinking where our inconsistency is concerned, it could be argued over the last Three games we are the most consistent of all the teams vying for that 5th & 6th spot. Taking each team over the last few games backs that up.

Derby 13 points from the last 39 !!!! or 6 from the last 12 which is more recent, recently they have failed to beat QPR, Wolves, MK Dons & Fulham.

Sheff Wed 3 points from the last 15 and NO WIN in 5, recently they have failed to beat Rotherham, QPR & Preston.

Birmingham 7 points from the last 12 and recently have failed to beat Blackburn, QPR, Rotherham & Bristol City

Cardiff 6 points from the last 12 and recently have failed to beat Leeds, Charlton, MK Dons & Rotherham

So the actual fact is that none of the teams going for the top six are any more or any less consistent than we are and we have as good a chance as anyone based on recent form / results. What is also a fact that over the last 3 games we are the most consistent where results are concerned and have gained the most points. So you see stats can be manipulated any way you want to use them. Personally I like to look at the positive spin on things. Win our game in hand and we will be in a good place as the run in approaches.

[arana peligrosa]

It was in reference to the season as a whole, not just recent games we have been involved in. From the opening day at Brentford, up to yesterdays point at Bolton it's been a very changeable season.

Put it another way. Some would argue (and they're essentially right) that to finish in a play-off position (or indeed gain a promotion) you really need to have earned it. Good enough we're in say eighth position and one point off the play-off zone as it is today and the issue that Evans won't spend / McCarthy hasn't been given adequate financial support, has been debated left and right, but on all other levels the team has often disappointed, taken a number of wins we haven't always deserved and some could even go as far as to say we have punched above our weight this season.

Bottom line, and as far as results have gone hitherto this campaign, we have seen poor scores against teams we should ideally be taking maximum points from, the Bristol City games being two prime examples. Two Cup games were essentially forfeited this season also (three if you include the Portsmouth replay game) - and so that all focus can be put on league endeavors. After both those cup games we saw poor scores in the immediate fixtures. Guess trying to put McCarthy's oft-quoted 'we save our best for the league' into some sort of perspective.

I remain resolute in the idea that we aren't good enough for a promotion. Top six would be another fine achievement but unless there are some radical changes by May and a general overall marked improvement regards our tactics, motivation, and defensive lapses you have to realistically accept we'll be occupying another year in the championship league.

[Bluemike]

You finish where you deserve to finish that is definitely correct but the season as a whole has been one of frustration but disappointment I don't think is the correct word at this moment in time. Saturday is a massive game and come 10pm Tuesday night we could be sitting in a very good position which would certainly not be disappointing, of course it could just as easily go the other way, time will tell.

I think there is little doubt we have punched above our weight and that is testament to MM and the boys as to just how much they fight against all the odds for our football club. All the teams above us have spent silly amounts of money to get where they are and on that basis they should bloody well be up the top, there is no doubt we are definitely the "best of the rest", no doubt, just as we were last season.

As for winning games we should not have won, that may be so and it happens to every team in the league not just us. I can also point you to games this season at Brentford, at Forest, and at home to Wolves & Huddersfield to name but Four that we should have won but didn't, so again it levels itself out. We also did ourselves justice at home to Middlesbrough & Derby and mcould well have got something from those games, in fact Konstantopolis made Two cracking saves for Boro which kept them in it before they went on to win so it is not all negatives for sure.

You mention at the end that we are "not good enough for promotion" well that is a different argument altogether and possibly you are right, time will tell, but I remain confident that we are good enough for the play offs which will give us a crack at a most unlikely promotion and should we get there maybe it will be our turn to get the luck that the scum got at their place last season when we had control of the game at HT.

[hallamblue]

what time do you leave tomorrow Mike? car or coach? .....and wot u having for breakfast too??

[Bluemike]

what time do you leave tomorrow Mike? car or coach? .....and wot u having for breakfast too??

Going by car Liz, Julie has not told me what time we are leaving but I expect it will be around 7.30 to allow for a stop and still get us there for around 12.30. As for breakfast hmmmmmm who knows LOL.

[hallamblue]

7.30pm tonight I reckon.....breakfast in Cardiff ...kippers lol

have fun yawl! x

[Bluemike]

7.30pm tonight I reckon.....breakfast in Cardiff ...kippers lol

have fun yawl! x

Actually I would go tonight if we could, I did try to get her to stay in a Premier Inn Tuesday night but she had work Wednesday LOL.

As for Kippers mmmmmm Love 'em.

[marko69]

7.30pm tonight I reckon.....breakfast in Cardiff ...kippers lol

have fun yawl! x

Actually I would go tonight if we could, I did try to get her to stay in a Premier Inn Tuesday night but she had work Wednesday LOL.

As for Kippers mmmmmm Love 'em.

Get that Loon an Arbroath Smokie.

[Bluemike]

7.30pm tonight I reckon.....breakfast in Cardiff ...kippers lol

have fun yawl! x

Actually I would go tonight if we could, I did try to get her to stay in a Premier Inn Tuesday night but she had work Wednesday LOL.

As for Kippers mmmmmm Love 'em.

Get that Loon an Arbroath Smokie.

Now yer talking.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

getting back on track - and away from the kippers, nice as they are - my first observation is that last seasons points required to make the play-offs was on the high side. It will not be that high this season, 74-75 should do it - 74 actually but with our woeful gd it will mean 75 for us.

Like others, I think the top 5 are already more or less there, with just one place up for grabs.
Also like others, I think it will come down to between us and Sheffield Wednesday.
Both teams (and Cardiff as well) are inconsistent, but looking at the remaining fixtures of all 3 I have to say that I like ours best.

[hallamblue]

Problem is Gary , Town historically and even this season, rarely do well against struggling teams. Some thoughts are that our games might be "easier" than those around us are false I think as those teams struggling normally have a do or die mentality and therefore fare oftdn far harder to play against. Just ask Arsenal fans post Swansea game the other week!


Overall the two divisions, PL and CC are interesting and will go to the wire I think.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Problem is Gary , Town historically and even this season, rarely do well against struggling teams. Some thoughts are that our games might be "easier" than those around us are false I think as those teams struggling normally have a do or die mentality and therefore fare oftdn far harder to play against. Just ask Arsenal fans post Swansea game the other week!


Overall the two divisions, PL and CC are interesting and will go to the wire I think.

yes I see where you're coming from, Liz, and as far as I'm concerned I don't think we're going to find any of our remaining games easy.
But that's more to do with the way we're playing.
But as you said, in both leagues there will be plenty of interest right up to the closing day