How it might look

[brightonr]

Prior to Southampton, we probably needed a minimum of 6 wins. Always thought that Southampton, Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Reading and Newcastle were the ones we needed to win. Shouldn't really have been a problem for us bearing in mind the players we have at our disposal, although what went on up until then, made it seem almost impossible.

Thing is, if we don't beat Villa, we not only make life more difficult for ourselves in terms of a points total, but allow them a bit of breathing space. So, though not necessarily a must win, would be far better to go for it than to have to beat Arsenal, Everton or Liverpool. Winning all those 6 games would mean that there is no pressure on us to win any of the more difficult ones.

Think we should get at them from the off, just like we did against Sunderland. They are very frail defensively and we need to exploit that to our maximum advantage.

[Del]

A draw is a good result. Let's not forget that Villa are under very similar pressure ot us, and their fans will almost demand they win their "winnable" matches, and one against a rival releation side at home, should be one they win..... they've lost to against Saints, Wigan among others so not a great record. Therefore a draw would not only be good for us, it would possibly be seen as a poor result for them, which could affect their fans / team going into their next matches....

[MYU]

Prior to Southampton, we probably needed a minimum of 6 wins. Always thought that Southampton, Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Reading and Newcastle were the ones we needed to win. Shouldn't really have been a problem for us bearing in mind the players we have at our disposal, although what went on up until then, made it seem almost impossible.

Thing is, if we don't beat Villa, we not only make life more difficult for ourselves in terms of a points total, but allow them a bit of breathing space. So, though not necessarily a must win, would be far better to go for it than to have to beat Arsenal, Everton or Liverpool. Winning all those 6 games would mean that there is no pressure on us to win any of the more difficult ones.

Think we should get at them from the off, just like we did against Sunderland. They are very frail defensively and we need to exploit that to our maximum advantage.

Very good post and if we can keep our flow going, think we can beat Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool.

As you said it's not over if we lose to Villa, but it allows them to breath and puts double pressure on us. This game could decide both clubs fate!

[Del]

Prior to Southampton, we probably needed a minimum of 6 wins. Always thought that Southampton, Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Reading and Newcastle were the ones we needed to win. Shouldn't really have been a problem for us bearing in mind the players we have at our disposal, although what went on up until then, made it seem almost impossible.

Thing is, if we don't beat Villa, we not only make life more difficult for ourselves in terms of a points total, but allow them a bit of breathing space. So, though not necessarily a must win, would be far better to go for it than to have to beat Arsenal, Everton or Liverpool. Winning all those 6 games would mean that there is no pressure on us to win any of the more difficult ones.

Think we should get at them from the off, just like we did against Sunderland. They are very frail defensively and we need to exploit that to our maximum advantage.

I agree about going at them as per posts above. Their defence is their weak point.... we need to exploit it.

[Del]

I actually hope that both Wigan and Villa are still at risk of going down when it comes to their last game on the final day.... it could well be a draw and they both drop 2 crucial points at the death allowing possibly us if we're not clear, or others to leapfrog them both..... talk about a nail biting finale for them both.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the bottom 3 was Reading, Wigan and Sunderland. Or Reading, Sunderland and Southampton.

[silvercue]

a must not lose for me

Agree and mentioned in many threads. Looking at the fixtures coming up a draw is not that bad. stopping them getting three is vital. Think Harry will see it like this too and go back to 4-2-3-1

[brightonr]

I actually hope that both Wigan and Villa are still at risk of going down when it comes to their last game on the final day.... it could well be a draw and they both drop 2 crucial points at the death allowing possibly us if we're not clear, or others to leapfrog them both..... talk about a nail biting finale for them both.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the bottom 3 was Reading, Wigan and Sunderland. Or Reading, Sunderland and Southampton.

If you'd said that a couple of weeks ago, the men in white coats would have come calling.

[stainrodisalegend]

Prior to Southampton, we probably needed a minimum of 6 wins. Always thought that Southampton, Sunderland, Villa, Wigan, Reading and Newcastle were the ones we needed to win. Shouldn't really have been a problem for us bearing in mind the players we have at our disposal, although what went on up until then, made it seem almost impossible.

Thing is, if we don't beat Villa, we not only make life more difficult for ourselves in terms of a points total, but allow them a bit of breathing space. So, though not necessarily a must win, would be far better to go for it than to have to beat Arsenal, Everton or Liverpool. Winning all those 6 games would mean that there is no pressure on us to win any of the more difficult ones.

Think we should get at them from the off, just like we did against Sunderland. They are very frail defensively and we need to exploit that to our maximum advantage.

But "going for it" is not a zero sum game. We are weak in the middle of the park. Throw too much forward and we might well concede. Wd you be prepared to "go for it" at the fairly high risk of coming away with nothing? You might be right, I might be wrong, and these are the very difficult juggling acts Harry has to decide on. I just think we have to be careful about being too gung ho, particularly in the first half where a couple of times this season we have been too open and the game is all over after about half an hour. Lots on here were talking up the chances of us winning at Swansea. That didn't go so well.

[acricketer]

My take on Saturday..a bit pessimistic but not disastrous.

[Del]

If you'd said that a couple of weeks ago, the men in white coats would have come calling.

I know.

I just think the us, Villa and Wigan have goals in us at the moment and therefore the ability to hurt teams. Of the 3, i feel we have the most solid defence though as both Wigan and Villa can be very inconsistent and equally lose badly as win well.

Of the others, Reading are doomed imo, Sunderland are on a very slippery slope and look devoid of ideas and very little threat as well as ropey at the back so will struggle for points and Southampton are stuggling to win games, no matter how "pretty" their play looks they don't score many and the longer it goes on, the pressure could build and affect them.....

[Del]

But "going for it" is not a zero sum game. We are weak in the middle of the park. Throw too much forward and we might well concede. Wd you be prepared to "go for it" at the fairly high risk of coming away with nothing? You might be right, I might be wrong, and these are the very difficult juggling acts Harry has to decide on. I just think we have to be careful about being too gung ho, particularly in the first half where a couple of times this season we have been too open and the game is all over after about half an hour. Lots on here were talking up the chances of us winning at Swansea. That didn't go so well.

I know what you mean, but Swansea and Villa this season are two completley different beasts tbf.

All i'd say is bear in mind they are weak not only at the back, but midfield also which also has kids in it..... Their attack is very good, but midfield and defence are there for dominating. I think we should be cautios though and try to keep tight for 20 mins to assess them and silence the crown and then go at them more.

[acricketer]

Another couple of back to back wins for us and a couple of losses for others will make it itchy bum time for a few above us.

[Del]

Another couple of back to back wins for us and a couple of losses for others will make it itchy bum time for a few above us.

I think it already is for some tbf.

The Saints and Sunderland fans are not optimistic at all.

[DouDou_87]

I think we'd be too open if we went with the 4-4-2 from Saturday. It was an extremely attacking team but it worked as Sunderland were quite defensive.

Villa will be going for the win and with the big home support I think we'd be better off keeping it very very tight with a 4-3-2-1. Frustrate them and look to use Hoilett and Remy's pace on the break.

It seems the general consensus is that a draw would be a good result but a loss would be very damaging, so on that basis we should go with a more solid set up.

[stainrodisalegend]

I know what you mean, but Swansea and Villa this season are two completley different beasts tbf.

All i'd say is bear in mind they are weak not only at the back, but midfield also which also has kids in it..... Their attack is very good, but midfield and defence are there for dominating. I think we should be cautios though and try to keep tight for 20 mins to assess them and silence the crown and then go at them more.

That's certainly true. But even against a v poor Sunderland at home we let in a goal on the counter. Wd we have come back from that away with 35,000 hostile fans against us? Maybe I'm being too cautious but I just fear some fans (not you Del) are expecting us to run when we've only just learned to walk. But wd be very, very happy for everyone on Saturday afternoon to bring this post back up and remind me that I clearly know nothing about football after a storming Rs win!