Reading@Pompey- 10/28/06 - Pre/During/Post Match

[olegunnar]

This is hardly unexpected. This was a hellish run of games and taking the 4 points from the first two (Man U / West Ham away) maybe raised a lot of expectations. This team is not expected to challenge for a champions league place they are trying to avoid relegation.

We have to be realistic here and realise that Reading is probably going to lose and draw more games than they win this season.

If we still can't win or play effectively against Tottenham, Charlton, Fulham matches that are approaching then maybe we can start getting concerned. Sitting at 10th place in the table after that fantastic start I am more than content.

[foleyts]

I agree. If Reading is still having problems the games following next week then we should start to worry. There are some injuries and we arent like Chelsea that have better reserves than most teams have starters.

[mschofield]

Oh great, bring reason and common sense into the debate. Can't you see we're suffering a crisis here?
Clearly, something drastic is needed. maybe a beheading at practice...

Obviously the calmer heads are correct. Reading cannot be upset to be sitting 10th. Thisw loss bothered much more than Arse, because while Pompey is a very expensive team, I thought Reading had a good chance to take something from this game, but couldn't find the gear.
I'm not sure that Harper and Sids, alone, against the top sides, are enough, or as much as we can give. I dont' think the fault lies in them, though, they're being overrun by good attacking teams, or at the least pinned back, and therefore not getting into our attack enough. I've read several positive game reports on Bikey playing a DM role in CLeague games. He has to control himself on the field, but he's clearly got game, and I want to see a lot more of him. If he's not capable of playing without cards, Gun can play the same role, though not with as much pace.
I'm beginning to think that 2 strikers is a luxury we can't afford in the very tough road match. Maybe a 4-5-1 in some of these would give harps and sids a bit more freedom to get into the attack.
I also think that Little has earned a start, and that's probably at the expense of Convey (Seol will slide to the left). I don't think Convey has played bad, in any way, but Seol has been better (though Seol needs a rest, you can see him dragging half the time).

[prvev]

I'm beginning to think that 2 strikers is a luxury we can't afford in the very tough road match. Maybe a 4-5-1 in some of these would give harps and sids a bit more freedom to get into the attack.
I also think that Little has earned a start, and that's probably at the expense of Convey (Seol will slide to the left). I don't think Convey has played bad, in any way, but Seol has been better (though Seol needs a rest, you can see him dragging half the time).

So, perhaps...

--------------------Marcus---------------------

Murty----------Sonko-----Ivar------------Shorey

---------------------Bikey------------------------

-------------Sidwell--------Harper----------------

Little-----------------------------------------Seol

---------------------Doyle------------------------

For 'Pool. Assuming Murty is ready, of course. If not, I guess you either have to put De La Cruz there or move Bikey there and put Gunnarsson at D-mid. And you could put Oster in Harper's place as well.

But make Bikey promise to not mess up. Because he won't if he promises not to..right?

[mschofield]

So, perhaps...

--------------------Marcus---------------------

Murty----------Sonko-----Ivar------------Shorey

---------------------Bikey------------------------

-------------Sidwell--------Harper----------------

Little-----------------------------------------Seol

---------------------Doyle------------------------

For 'Pool. Assuming Murty is ready, of course. If not, I guess you either have to put De La Cruz there or move Bikey there and put Gunnarsson at D-mid. And you could put Oster in Harper's place as well.

But make Bikey promise to not mess up. Because he won't if he promises not to..right?
I really like that lineup. Seol doesn't create width the way Convey does, but his shot is fierce, and Reading can't afford to leave goals on the bench. We don't need to beat (or even tie) pool, but we've got to stop the bleeding of goals.