chownie20

Harsh to pose the question as they being different qualities. But Macca is a shot stopper and that's what he did.

Its not a cup - its an extension of the league, so all loanees should be fine.

Very harsh I think, although suppose it's a failure for them not making the playoffs.

Did Che get injured???

Quite agree. Morsy in particular. But to be frank if they want to compete then the only players I'd retain are Hladcky, Burgess, Davis, at a push Burns. Hutchinson isn't their player and will cost upwards of £20m I'd imagine. Have to navigate financials carefully if likely to go back down again, and not lose the spirit and togetherness that has got them promoted this season. Tough old ask really.

Acres off.

Fancy Coventry to get something out of this. Although they're playing very much like us...lots of the ball and a bit toothless and open to the counter against the run of play!

McCarthy KWP (60mins only) THB Janny B Manning Charles Rothwell (Brooks on 60mins) Smallbone (60mins only) Sulemana (he killed Leeds last time) Fraser (60mins only) Mara Then for playoffs revert to midfield of Downes/Aribo/Smallbone and forward three of Arma/Adams/Fraser.

I would add to that list Adams and Aribo (now Stuey is out) to be honest

Stick this on, have a beer. Since Cardiff we've had one eye on the playoffs and getting people enough mins but not being dead on their feet. Yes we don't want to erode confidence but also if we lose Adams, Downes or Aribo we are screwed with Stuey out already. Worry about next year when we know what's what, but we still have millions of assets out on loan and can easily assemble a very strong squad to go again in this league. In the Prem it's another challenge and we have strengths and clout there too. But that's for another day. We have to believe we will turn up with our strongest team and fired up. The criticism and negativity is a real shame, although understandable. Any other season we are up automatically (EDIT - before taking our foot off the gas the last few matches) despite the rebuild and churn RM had to inherit, we're still in with a massive shot this year, so let's go and get behind the players and the manager! We've beaten WBA, Leeds and Norwich are not playing great. Let's be positive and stick with it!

Very do'able!

They're playing for auto promotion, not dead rubbers ahead of playoffs.

Brooks midfield?! That's what I wanted to see tried!

Aribo is an asset at this level. He bossed the Ipswich away match and generally holds the ball and makes things happen. I think him, Downes and Brooks would be strong, with Smallbone and Charles alongside Downes if we need to sure up. Russ won't play Brookes midfield tho.

I am very worried about our midfield for the playoffs. Currently we could field Downes/Smallbone/Aribo. Rothwell looks like a hamstring, and we know Stuey is out. Aside from Charles, that leaves us very short of options and game changing energy I think. Could Arma or Brooks play there? An injury to Aribo in the final two games and we are screwed.

Was hoping to see Brooks tried in Steuys role...ahead of a playoff trio of Downes Aribo Brooks, then Arma and Fraser on the wings. Quite attacking though but could bring Charles and Smallbone for Aribo and Brooks if needed solidity.

Looks like the Hull and Coventry vs Ipswich matches might be dead rubbers...that might help Ipswich and mean maybe Leeds are more likely to be in the playoffs. I'd much prefer an Ipswich Norwich semi final, but guess there are no easy wins and you have to be able to beat whoever you come up against.... plus we beat Leeds already!

Ermmm so.... Let's hope for an East Anglian Derby in the playoff semi final I think.... ....

Never fear. We will win the next three. Leeds lose to Boro away and Ipswich lose their two tough away games having not won since Noreich pasted them. We finish second and all is well that ends well.

Assuming we dont go up....I think it's clear we will be without Mccarthy, KWP, THB, Downes, Stuey, Sulemana, Che. Probably also Bednarek. Obviously as well as Downes, Fraser, Brooks and Rothwell are loans. KWP will clearly be a miss but I do feel he has faded as the season has gone on, and Bree is no mug as part of a sllid back 4. Fraser maybe we can get on a free. Jury out on if Rothwell is really a Stuey replacement. Would love to keep Downes but can see him in a promoted Ipswich side! I can't see Perraud, Tall Paul, ABK or Alcaraz wanting to play, so there is potentially some income there. I wouldn't mind seeing Caleta Car back tho. I think we need to buy a Keeper (baz replacement), Center Back or two (THB replacement), Right Back?, Holding Midfield, Box to Box midfield and probably a striker to support Stewart. There seem to be plenty of capable ball playing center backs in this league we could look at. Not sure on Holding Midfield - Bielik? Sunjic? Box to Box Maybe O Hare? Ilias Chair? The Rotheham keeper would be a good shout! Ball winning Holding midfielder will probably be the hardest one to find, would love Downes but can't see it. Feel we need to sign proven players in this league now, and not City's kids. Probably Holding and Box to Box midfield is the biggest area. Anyway, could be all academic as we have a good chance of going up still!!! New GK Manning / Larios / Meghoma Stephens / Bednarek / 2 New CBs Bree / New RB Charles / New Holding Midfield Aribo / Smallbone / New CM / Rothwell? Armstrong / Fraser / SAA / Edozie / Dibling Stewart / Mara / New striker

But they've drawn and lost to Norwich

Well said.

Ipswich have two very tough away games coming up and are not exactly in top form. Albeit they will have had a 2 week break....

After all the "if we win all our games we will go up" narrative, I hadnt quite twigged that that isnt the case, is it? If we win all our matches, and Ipswich/Leicester dont drop any points (Except Leicester losing to us) we are still a point shy? Or have I got that wrong?

Wondered if it may be wise to give Downes a rest for this one, bur equally if you have to win a match you play your key players.