I've been away for a few matches now and what a cluster of games they have been. Since the last time I reacted to a league result we have won 2-1 at then league leaders Arsenal, 1-0 at home to Everton, 2-1 away at big rivals Liverpool and then a creditablt 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth. In summary we have played the other three members of the top four and the best side on the game in the past four matches and taken 10 points from a possible 12. I should go away more often!
The run has taken us to the top of the div 1 as we approach the halfway stage. We're two points clear of Bournemouth and have a four point margin to third. Nothing is decided as yet but we have certainly laid decent groundwork for where we want to be. On top of that, this game will be our 7th away match in the first 11 meaning we only have to go on the road four more times in the rest of the season after this one. Matters are definitely in our hands.
However, as we go to Derby it is off the back of extra time in the week so our lads are struggling for fitness. We will need some serious rotation of the starting team to cope with that in this one. We have no injury or suspension but those fitness levels are a concern.
The corresponding fixture finished 1-1 last season before we thumped them 5-0 at Villa Park. Hopefully we can go one better here. The opposition are not without issue themselves as both Jorginho and Perez will be missing for them meaning it may well be one up front for them.
The fitness means our team basically picks itself and hopefully it'll be good enough to come away with something. With the advantage at the top we don't want to let it slip and need to keep the pressure on and try to pull further away from the chasing pack.
This game comes on the back of the manager returning from a 4 day break away after recovering from gastroenteritis.
We prepare for the visit of the current league leaders and the most in form side in FMFA.
Striker injuries has been the theme for this season and yet again we have a missing player up front, luckily he'll only miss 1 game through suspension.
Jorginho is still absent as he hasn't recovered from his injury picked up a couple of game ago.
It does mean that we will likely have to change our formation but it is something we've grown accustomed to and it could be the chance for a fringe player to make themselves the hero.
Saved penalties for a living and reffed for a bit.
Currently run EFLO, CoE and OFMC
Difficult away game for us this as we face the team right above us in the league so a win here would put us second. Something to play for but Bournemouth aren't second by rolling over and losing.
We need to play a good game to get anything from this match let alone a win.
On the player front we have no injuries or suspensions but maybe Manchon is on the cusp of being fully fit for this and will either miss this on be on the bench.
