Hull

[Ted Hughes]

Miles bigger game than Barca imo.

Win it, we are right back on track with a fully fit squad likely to be available for the run in.

With all of our players fit, we are better than any of the teams we have to face, anywhere, & now we don't have a horrible Cup Semi v Arsenal to worry about, we can in theory play our strongest team in every single league game.

Unless we knock out Barca of course, then we have a problem.

The title is there for us to win. We have to win some difficult games, but we probably don't have to win all of them. If Chelsea win every game, they will be doing something almost unique.

Even when Chelsea won titles under Mourinho, they dropped points in the run in, even v teams like Fulham & Birmingham.

They have played the last few games looking like a team fully capable of dropping points again.

The rags were home & dry two seasons ago; they never lose from that position.

Lets get back into the main meal & scoff it down, after the side dishes have all been served.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I hope Hull have a reaction to getting through to the semi final.A negative reaction of course just like City did after winning the Capital One cup.We might need that.

But I agree Ted.It really feels like a must win game to show everyone we are still there as a defeat would suggest we are gone with 4 even tougher away games to come.

[BlueinBosnia]

I hope Hull have a reaction to getting through to the semi final.A negative reaction of course just like City did after winning the Capital One cup.We might need that.

Am I right in thinking that if Sheff Utd beat Hull and Arsenal beat Wigan, Sheffield United cannot play in Europe next season due to being in the Third Tier? Or was that rule overturned a few years back?

[aaron bond]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

[Blue Since 76]

Hull is a must win game for me. Yes, we could come back from 12 points behind with the 3 games in hand, but I think psychologically, with the tough away games, that would be it. It would also take some pressure off Chelsea meaning they'd be less likely to drop points.

Let's start winning again and make Chelsea realise that what they've been saying is about to come true.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

That's where I disagree.Not that I think our defence is good but really the problem is that we are not scoring goals anymore and basically not playing well at all. If we were playing well and scoring it would be very different and the odd mistake wouldn't be an issue.

[aaron bond]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

That's where I disagree.Not that I think our defence is good but really the problem is that we are not scoring goals anymore and basically not playing well at all. If we were playing well and scoring it would be very different and the odd mistake wouldn't be an issue.

I know what you mean, and the disappearance of our attacking threat lately is worrying.

The defence, though, has been a problem all season and Pellegrini seems to have absolutely no clue what to do about it. His inability to recognise this raises serious questions on his ability to manage at the top level. He appears to be horribly one-dimensional and if he continues like this we're likely to underachieve.

[Ted Hughes]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

That's where I disagree.Not that I think our defence is good but really the problem is that we are not scoring goals anymore and basically not playing well at all. If we were playing well and scoring it would be very different and the odd mistake wouldn't be an issue.

This is true, but it would go against the grain for a team with a defence as shitty as ours to win the Premier League. However, just because it doesn't happen very often, doesn't mean it can't.

I also don't go with the idea that there is any proof the Count can't sort out the defence. He is unlikely to do it this season, but I said that in August. From his comments recently, he has a clear plan about how we should defend, & admits that we are only in the process of learning to do it. He also said that we have to learn to do it 'with less defenders'.

That imo, was what Hughes ws trying to do & it's fucking difficult; if one or two get it wrong, you concede a goal. It ultimately got him sacked & Mancini created a team built on defence. But City last season conceded 3 goals v Real Madrid, Villa (4), Ajax, Utd, Southampton, Spurs and Norwich, as well as 2 v Liverpool twice, Ajax, and Everton.

We lost all of those games apart from the draws v Liverpool & Ajax, one a last min wonder goal from Aguero, & one a last min pen.

So far this year, we haven't let in more than 2 in any game & that's only happened in Cup games, except v Cardiff & Swansea, both of which we won. So it's not as if it's some mentalist plan which can never work.

Utd used to play like that years ago, albeit not as well. They used to push forward & pressurise the oppo box & rely on their defenders to stop the oppo strikers when the oppo got away, but they had people like Stam & Ferdinand who were fast as fuck.

We have never really had the right blend of defenders to play that way. If we find the right ones, it will work, but if we don't it won't.

Meanwhile this season, we need to get the attack functioning again. If we do, we can score 4 v anyone, anywhere (including Barcelona).

[Twobob]

Anything we get from Barca is a bonus - we NEED the 3 points from the Hull game

[nottsblue]

Miles bigger game than Barca imo.

Win it, we are right back on track with a fully fit squad likely to be available for the run in.

With all of our players fit, we are better than any of the teams we have to face, anywhere, & now we don't have a horrible Cup Semi v Arsenal to worry about, we can in theory play our strongest team in every single league game.

Unless we knock out Barca of course, then we have a problem.

The title is there for us to win. We have to win some difficult games, but we probably don't have to win all of them. If Chelsea win every game, they will be doing something almost unique.

Even when Chelsea won titles under Mourinho, they dropped points in the run in, even v teams like Fulham & Birmingham.

They have played the last few games looking like a team fully capable of dropping points again.

The rags were home & dry two seasons ago; they never lose from that position.

Lets get back into the main meal & scoff it down, after the side dishes have all been served.

Might be more important. But no way is Hull a bigger game than Barcelona. One is one of the best ever teams and one of the biggest names in world football. The other is a lower ranking Prem team led by a pisscan follower of Bacon.

To be honest, given a choice I'd rather win v Barca than Hull. For me, the Prem has gone. It isn't as if we have been playing well lately and been unlucky. We've been poor. As poor as for a good few years. The goals have dried up and with our remaining fixtures I just don't see us winning Prem. Thats not to say give up but I wouldnt give up on Champs league either. Again given a choice I'd choose winning the Prem over Europe all day long. However, irrespective of Hull result I think we've too much to do, so for that reason, I'd choose to see the glory of the mother of all comebacks. And you never know what might happen then. A favourable draw and we could be in semi. Unlikely I know but given a choice....

[South Stand Balti]

Hull is the bigger game for me too. But MP will pick Demichelis which means we are vulnerable and our front line is misfiring. Another Norwich type away game?

[tc6828]

The defence all season has been the issue but it was until recently, masked by our ability score freely and plentifully. Now that the scoring is drying up, the vulnerability at the back is hurting.

I think we will do well in the league but finish a couple of points short, but with wise changes in the summer, next year will be defining- Looking forward to it already

[Ted Hughes]

Miles bigger game than Barca imo.

Win it, we are right back on track with a fully fit squad likely to be available for the run in.

With all of our players fit, we are better than any of the teams we have to face, anywhere, & now we don't have a horrible Cup Semi v Arsenal to worry about, we can in theory play our strongest team in every single league game.

Unless we knock out Barca of course, then we have a problem.

The title is there for us to win. We have to win some difficult games, but we probably don't have to win all of them. If Chelsea win every game, they will be doing something almost unique.

Even when Chelsea won titles under Mourinho, they dropped points in the run in, even v teams like Fulham & Birmingham.

They have played the last few games looking like a team fully capable of dropping points again.

The rags were home & dry two seasons ago; they never lose from that position.

Lets get back into the main meal & scoff it down, after the side dishes have all been served.

Might be more important. But no way is Hull a bigger game than Barcelona. One is one of the best ever teams and one of the biggest names in world football. The other is a lower ranking Prem team led by a pisscan follower of Bacon.

To be honest, given a choice I'd rather win v Barca than Hull. For me, the Prem has gone. It isn't as if we have been playing well lately and been unlucky. We've been poor. As poor as for a good few years. The goals have dried up and with our remaining fixtures I just don't see us winning Prem. Thats not to say give up but I wouldnt give up on Champs league either. Again given a choice I'd choose winning the Prem over Europe all day long. However, irrespective of Hull result I think we've too much to do, so for that reason, I'd choose to see the glory of the mother of all comebacks. And you never know what might happen then. A favourable draw and we could be in semi. Unlikely I know but given a choice....

If the run in goes anything like most seasons, then City can lose two games & still be in with a decent shout of winning it.

For that to change, Chelsea will have to have a better run in than they have probably ever had.

Their last ten results in all competitions are:

1-0 v Stoke
0-0 v West Ham
1-0 v City
3-0 v Newcastle
1-1 v West Brom
0-2 v City
1-0 v Everton
1-1 v Galatasaray
3-1 v Fulham
4-0 v Spurs

That is at a time when they are 'flying' & have been under absolutely no pressure whatsover. Repeated in the league, it would see them drop 9 points in ten games.

They have to play Villa A, Arsenal h, Palace A, Stoke H, Swansea A, Sunderland, H, Liverpool A, Norwich H & Cardiff A.

Almost all of those teams have caused us problems. Some of them will cause Chelsea problems. The idea that the league has gone is absolute bollocks.

[Saul Goodman]

Obviously Hull is a must-win. Drop points and we prob won't win the league.

Pelle should prioritize this match and his Barca lineup should reflect that

[nottsblue]

Might be more important. But no way is Hull a bigger game than Barcelona. One is one of the best ever teams and one of the biggest names in world football. The other is a lower ranking Prem team led by a pisscan follower of Bacon.

To be honest, given a choice I'd rather win v Barca than Hull. For me, the Prem has gone. It isn't as if we have been playing well lately and been unlucky. We've been poor. As poor as for a good few years. The goals have dried up and with our remaining fixtures I just don't see us winning Prem. Thats not to say give up but I wouldnt give up on Champs league either. Again given a choice I'd choose winning the Prem over Europe all day long. However, irrespective of Hull result I think we've too much to do, so for that reason, I'd choose to see the glory of the mother of all comebacks. And you never know what might happen then. A favourable draw and we could be in semi. Unlikely I know but given a choice....

If the run in goes anything like most seasons, then City can lose two games & still be in with a decent shout of winning it.

For that to change, Chelsea will have to have a better run in than they have probably ever had.

Their last ten results in all competitions are:

1-0 v Stoke
0-0 v West Ham
1-0 v City
3-0 v Newcastle
1-1 v West Brom
0-2 v City
1-0 v Everton
1-1 v Galatasaray
3-1 v Fulham
4-0 v Spurs

That is at a time when they are 'flying' & have been under absolutely no pressure whatsover. Repeated in the league, it would see them drop 9 points in ten games.

They have to play Villa A, Arsenal h, Palace A, Stoke H, Swansea A, Sunderland, H, Liverpool A, Norwich H & Cardiff A.

Almost all of those teams have caused us problems. Some of them will cause Chelsea problems. The idea that the league has gone is absolute bollocks.

But playing the way we are? At this business end of a season momemtum is key. Chelsea have it. Even the dippers have it. We are not even close. Our forwards are doing spot on impressions of Heskey and Akinbiyi and as for the defence. Fuck me. You could write a thesis on MDM and how not to defend. Or Clichy, Richards, Nastasic. Kolarov even, though to be fair he has improved.

I dont doubt for a second all other three teams will drop points but what i do doubt is our ability to snap out of the malaise we seem to be in at the moment and take advantage.

I said at the time that the failure to bring in fresh blood in January would cost us and with hindsight, it looks the case. If we pulled out of signing Mangala for what amounts to chump change for the Sheikh then that is an appalling decision. Him instead of MDM and we would be sitting pretty right now. However, we didnt and we are not. The defence isn't going to magically, all if a sudden, click and get better. In fact i'd bet with MDM we will see more howlers and more dropped points in games we should have won

[bayblue]

If the run in goes anything like most seasons, then City can lose two games & still be in with a decent shout of winning it. For that to change, Chelsea will have to have a better run in than they have probably ever had. Their last ten results in all competitions are: 1-0 v Stoke 0-0 v West Ham 1-0 v City 3-0 v Newcastle 1-1 v West Brom 0-2 v City 1-0 v Everton 1-1 v Galatasaray 3-1 v Fulham 4-0 v Spurs That is at a time when they are 'flying' & have been under absolutely no pressure whatsover. Repeated in the league, it would see them drop 9 points in ten games. They have to play Villa A, Arsenal h, Palace A, Stoke H, Swansea A, Sunderland, H, Liverpool A, Norwich H & Cardiff A. Almost all of those teams have caused us problems. Some of them will cause Chelsea problems. The idea that the league has gone is absolute bollocks.

Spot on. This is all to play for.
Looking at the fixtures you've put up then how good would it be to win it on the last day of the season whilst Chelsea lose to a Cardiff City team featuring Vincent Tan as temporary manager!

[Hutch's Shoulder]

The idea that the league has gone is absolute bollocks.

Correct.

After a day to recover I am feeling better. Driving home from Norwich after winning 6-2 in 2012 we said a pity it's too late. The league was gone then and look what happened. Today we are in a much better position. We are all very aware of our short-comings, but let's not build Chelsea up into invincibles, they are not. Indeed they may not be out main rival even, with dippers free to concentrate on the league.

I would much rather face a four team run in than a two team one from a position behind. We still have a lot of wriggle room.

[dazby]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

What are these same mistakes Aaron?

[getdressedmctavish]

All of us will be delighted if we turn over Barca. But lets face it. If we go there and give a decent display but go out, most sensible people will shrug and say, OK, but lets play like we can and win the league, and worry about the chumps league next season.I will.

[aaron bond]

I love the positivity Ted and we need the management and squad to have that mentality. We cannot lose this game.

But our abysmal defence is a massive issue. Since pre-season, I've given Pellegrini the benefit of the doubt that he can sort the defence, but he's repeatedly demonstrated he cannot. The number of mistakes we've suffered with Nastasic, Garcia and Demichelis playing at the back this season has cost us significantly. We may be able to catch Chelsea in theory, but our final run-in is very tough (whereas Chelsea have got a lot of their tough fixtures out of the way) and apart from the 2-month run in November-December, our performances have been indifferent more often than not.

We're making the same mistakes week-in, week-out and our manager doesn't seem to have a clue what to do about it.

What are these same mistakes Aaron?

Playing Demichelis ever.
Playing Nastasic ever.
Playing a high defensive line with slow defenders.
Persisting with 4 in midfield when there are times we clearly need 5.

It's not as if he hasn't had a chance to resolve these issues, whether tactically or in the transfer windows. He is either so stubborn he refuses to or he doesn't know how to change things.

Our attacking play has been sublime at times this season, but it has been completely at the expense of any defensive organisation, and as we are seeing lately, when the goals dry up, we don't have a strong enough defence to protect us. If he doesn't currently have the exact defensive players he needs to suit his style of play, then he should adapt his tactics slightly until he does so. The way he is just continuing with one method is harming us. He needs to show he can be flexible.