FT: CARDIFF CITY 0 - 1 STOKE CITY. Match thread

[Michael Morris]

Saturday 12th April, ko 3:00pm

Match Officials:

Referee: MICHAEL SALISBURY
Assistants: Richard West and Derek Eaton
Fourth Official: Scott Tallis

[Der Kaiser]

Horvath

Doesn't matter
Not Goutas
Not Goutas
Doesn't matter

Robertson
Chambers

Davies
Robinson
Alves

Salech

2-1 City


Probably the one that will decide our fate, I do think we'll win but having read Stoke haven't won here in the league since 2007 or any of our last 10 fixtures against eachother that is very much a prediction from my heart, the brain says otherwise.

Robinson simply has to start, I can't believe people are overlooking him it makes no sense whatsoever, what other team in the bottom 3 wouldn't start their top scorer when available? Defensively Goutas needs to be nowhere near the squad and I'd personally prefer Bagan starting over Daland as well but he appears to have blown a bit cold recently, however it absolutely cannot be 5 at the back hopefully even Ronald McDonald will have learnt that from last night. I'll assume Fish and O'Dowda start, right back I can't say I really care I dont think it matters... we'll concede anyway they're all pretty shite at defending. Midfield Robertson should come back in.

We need the first goal, Stoke I imagine will settle for a point as it keeps us at arms length, if they go 1-0 up we know the rest.

[PontBlue]

I'd have Tanner on the Left Wing, Alves right wing with instructions to get in behind and get crosses in for Salech, I'd also play Robinson alongside Salech instead of behind in a 4-4-2 running on to flick on's. Robinson has been totally ineffective in the 10 role.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

I'd have Tanner on the Left Wing, Alves right wing with instructions to get in behind and get crosses in for Salech, I'd also play Robinson alongside Salech instead of behind in a 4-4-2 running on to flick on's. Robinson has been totally ineffective in the 10 role.

I don't think that Tanner has regularly beaten any fullback comprehensively and repeatedly for a long time.

[Mr Soul '68]

I'd have Tanner on the Left Wing, Alves right wing with instructions to get in behind and get crosses in for Salech, I'd also play Robinson alongside Salech instead of behind in a 4-4-2 running on to flick on's. Robinson has been totally ineffective in the 10 role.

I'd have Ashford instead of Tanner. If it's not working out after 60 mins replace Ashford for Tanner or Davies. No playing down the middle, and as you say, attack via the wings. Also stick super sub Meite on for either Salech or Robinson the last 20 minutes.

[Eric the Half a Bee]

I don't think that Tanner has regularly beaten any fullback comprehensively and repeatedly for a long time.

That's not always the game nowadays, though. Plenty of sides play wide midfielders on the opposite side to their strong foot so they can cut inside and shoot for goal. Given Tanner's record, he's marginally better off doing that than crossing into a box with 1 City player in it.

[Tuerto]

That's not always the game nowadays, though. Plenty of sides play wide midfielders on the opposite side to their strong foot so they can cut inside and shoot for goal. Given Tanner's record, he's marginally better off doing that than crossing into a box with 1 City player in it.

And a wide player doesn't have to beat their man, just create half a yard to whip the ball in. Although i don't rate Tanner at all.

[binman]

Shakin Stevens Hovarth in goal

RB chambers I’ve no idea why I’m playing Riza Roulette with defensive picks
CB not Goutas - Dalaand I guess
CB Fish though he strikes me as being as strong as jelly
LB ODowda though he was very poor Tuesday

Play a proper midfield!!

Mannsverk Turnbull Robertson

Stop giving up the midfield

CF Salech and play our top scorer Robinson off him ffs

Id still persevere with Ashford as well he has quick feet and works hard

Alves is better as an impact sub - he disappeared after his goal

Bring on Meite to try and grab an equaliser late on

[Former Labour leader]

I don't think for a minute we will win, despite our recent record v Stoke. Our record in these must win games is pretty lousy.
As far as team goes, Robinson and Robertson must start, even if it means Salach is benched. Think he needs a rest. Only other nailed on starters for me are Alves and ODowda. A number of other foward options for Riza to pull out of his hat.
My prediction
1-1

[Dave Blue]

I'd have Ashford instead of Tanner. If it's not working out after 60 mins replace Ashford for Tanner or Davies. No playing down the middle, and as you say, attack via the wings. Also stick super sub Meite on for either Salech or Robinson the last 20 minutes.

Davies should start.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

I'd have Tanner on the Left Wing, Alves right wing with instructions to get in behind and get crosses in for Salech, I'd also play Robinson alongside Salech instead of behind in a 4-4-2 running on to flick on's. Robinson has been totally ineffective in the 10 role.

He's not a ten, that's why. He's a striker or a very, very attacking winger. Tanner should play on the right, as he can go both ways. If Tanner plays on the left, you nullify O'Dowda to an extent. I'd actually play Ashford and Alves, Ashford makes things happen and not a lot of our players do that. I guess I'd play Robertson and probably Chambers, the back 4 is a complete car crash but O'Dowda, Bagan, Ng and Rino would be my bet; as I have zero faith in Fish, Goutas or Daland.

[Father Dougal]

Who takes our penalties now? Got a feeling we will get a big one on Saturday. Bookmark this.

[Des Parrot]

Who takes our penalties now? Got a feeling we will get a big one on Saturday. Bookmark this.

Only side in the division with a zero conversion rate. Awarded 1, missed 1.

Stoke have scored 5 out of 6

[bobh]

Shakin Stevens Hovarth in goal

RB chambers I’ve no idea why I’m playing Riza Roulette with defensive picks
CB not Goutas - Dalaand I guess
CB Fish though he strikes me as being as strong as jelly
LB ODowda though he was very poor Tuesday

Play a proper midfield!!

Mannsverk Turnbull Robertson

Stop giving up the midfield

CF Salech and play our top scorer Robinson off him ffs

Id still persevere with Ashford as well he has quick feet and works hard

Alves is better as an impact sub - he disappeared after his goal

Bring on Meite to try and grab an equaliser late on

I don't think Alves disappeared as much as identified as a threat and man-marked out of the game

[MOZZER2]

Ref - Michael Salisbury

Reffed us twice so far this season

a 5 nil defeat at Burnley
a 7 nil defeat at Leeds

the omens not looking good !

[goats]

Ref - Michael Salisbury

Reffed us twice so far this season

a 5 nil defeat at Burnley
a 7 nil defeat at Leeds

the omens not looking good !

No, he owes us 12 goals….im off to the bookies now

[Rjk]

are we allowed to say this is a massive game yet?

[The Lone Gunman]

are we allowed to say this is a massive game yet?

It's a Championship contest between two poor sides. Such games are always massive/huge/enormous/critical/vital (delete as applicable).

[splott parker]

It's a Championship contest between two poor sides. Such games are always massive/huge/enormous/critical/vital (delete as applicable).

How many ‘pointer’ though

[The Lone Gunman]

How many ‘pointer’ though

At least eight.

[Tuerto]

At least eight.

Apparently, it's been upgraded to 'Judgement Day' on Sky.

[The Lone Gunman]

Apparently, it's been upgraded to 'Judgement Day' on Sky.

It is astonishingly important as City's next game is Sheffield Utd and we're not allowed to get any points against them. Only teams like QPR, Pompey, Hull and Oxford are allowed to do that.

[splott parker]

Apparently, it's been upgraded to 'Judgement Day' on Sky.

Can I be excused jury service please? I away for a week from tomorrow.

[BLUETIT]

Ref - Michael Salisbury

Reffed us twice so far this season

a 5 nil defeat at Burnley
a 7 nil defeat at Leeds

the omens not looking good !

Weren’t the first 2 at Leeds debatable offsides ?

[The Lone Gunman]

Weren’t the first 2 at Leeds debatable offsides ?

No. Dan James made mincemeat out of our slow defence on both occasions. That's all. The first wasn't even close.