I’m really not sure that I have much to say that’s any different from what I’ve said in the last few weeks, to be honest.
It’s very much the same old, same old, where we just have to keep winning games if we’re to get a play-off place.
Yet we haven’t been achieving those wins and we’ve only got six points from our last five games.
How we’re still in the top six (via goal difference) is somewhat beyond me.
Yet we are where we are and it could definitely be worse.
Unfortunately, this is another Sky game, where I fully expect our poor run of televised games to continue.
The good news is I’ve done my tax returns and have the added bonus where I’m due a few quid back.
Which means, having subscribed for a one week Sky pass, I’ll be able to watch the game.
So what do we know?
Brentford sit in 12th place and their form is a bit better than ours, in having eight points from the last five games. The same as us, they’ve only lost once, so are obviously fairly tough to beat.
Squad-wise, Josh Clarke and Henrik Dalsgaard might be in contention to return tonight while Alan Judge continues to work his way back to full-fitness. Up front Lasse Vibe lasted an hour on Friday on his return from a three-week injury lay-off, so he might be doubtful.
On our part, Gabby is out (again), along with John Terry, Henri Lansbury, Chris Samba and Jonathan Kodjia.
Onomah might be available.
You can see Steve Bruce’s words in the Twitter timeline on the right of the page (or maybe not, as I’m seeing “media can’t be played?).
So I can’t see much changing team-wise, with the only question being will Bruce go with Jedinak as a central defender again after his poor showing in the last game?
We have Elphick available, but will Bruce use him? It might be good timing for him to put himself in the shop window, but I don’t see it, as much as it’s the pragmatic option.
Against my better judgement, I think Grealish will start, as he did at least offer something. I still don’t see that we have the team that suits his play, but there you go.
It seems Hogan will start too, as the manager has been talking about how it’s his time and as much as I’d like him to come good, I just don’t see that either.
Prediction time then and I’m going for the draw, as I really don’t see much else.
Brentford are tough to beat, we don’t look much like scoring and we’re on Sky again, where it seems we never win.
Then add in that they beat us 3-0 last season and I certainly don’t see us winning.
Which all in all sees me a bit depressed and longing for the days where we could strongly expect a win.
I’m tempted to say 0-0, but I’ll go for the 1-1.
good signs grealish and hogan linking well
Hogan nets, but it’s pulled back.
Agree with the comms, he does look sharp and up for it.
Come on son.
brentford look suspect now. funny how football plays out
It’s embarrassing how easy teams pass it through our midfield, when will Tyranosouros Bruce see it!
I’ve been saying similar for ages.
It seems bruce has given up on the midfield altogether.
Even under mon we had a crap midfield except Barry
Got to win this or we can forget top 6
you can see why hogan scored loads for brentford lol they are finishing strongly,
Hourihane can do same job as Whelan & Jedinak on his own. They are to slow!
need a strong second half or shit will hit the fan
good job we are solid at the back lol
onomah does link well with grealish
Was just thinking will be doing well to not concede this half and we did….looking bleak.
oh dear another corner melt down
Rubbish defending again.
1-2 from the set piece.
Not a clue, the whole team, waiting ,out of position, parks stuff. Whelan fuck him off.
i am sorry but the players have give up and are not giving anything near their ability,. we will be lucky to not get hammmered here. let alone beaten
they are enjoying themselves taking the piss out of us
Running riot through the middle, doesn’t he know how to sow it up.
davis coming on but they need to keep hogan on go two up
Bruce out. Dean Smith in. Problem solved. Bruce negative as always. Sets up to avoid defeat and devoid of ideas when losing.
we are a joke at the back. getting worse game by game
Bruce has improved us to a solid mid table championship team and will take us no further. Outdated manager. Time for a change. Bruce out!
Who do we blame Nath, only one person who finds excuse after excuse, I’ve now had enough of his mentality on football , he’s inept of knowing tactical moves. Hope Dr Tony sakes him.
they are finally starting to move and pass and use some imagination and vision . but they are over chasing at times. i blame it on the boogie