MIDDLESBROUGH - A REALLY GOOD TEST :
Middlesbrough will be a really good test for us . #
They are a steady team who I expect will finish mid table. # They play with 2 good wingbacks one of whom is Ryan Giles who played for us - and who we know can be pretty useful going forward. Also they play with a lone striker and a good advanced midfielder behind him .
Both are looking to receive the ball on the deck and are not a serious aerial threat.
# Like us they are a ball playing team and not a hoof ball one. That is why I find this game interesting - since it will be decided on which team will play better on the day. # One if their strengths is that they are “a steady team” - meaning that their manager Chris Wilder does not chop and change the players . One can almost be certain who their starting 11 would be.
This is a strong point because everyone knows what to expect from their teammates… their movement and where and how they like to receive the ball. # Like us they are not at their best on set pieces - attacking or defending . They are not a team of giants .
# They score more goals than us (who doesn’t) - but they are not as good as us defensively. # I am certain that this is not a 0-0 draw type of game. I believe that either team will win by the odd goal ….though a score draw is on the cards.
# We desperately need a win in order to notch points and I hope that Morison will pick his best attacking team . Holding back and playing safety first ….is not for us at the minute. # Like most fans - I am reserving my judgement on our team and Steve Morison till after 12 games.
Our 12th game is vs Wigan on 8th October . The 4 games we have are Middlesbrough , Huddersfield , Burnley and Wigan . Three ‘easier’ ones and one tough one . Of course this is ‘on paper’ and on present form .
We should be looking for at least 6 points . I dread any less .
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