Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Walsall, Tuesday 23rd March, 19:00, FL2

[amsemp]

Thought hard about this one. For me, no disrespect to Dieng (my POTS so far), Macca or Demetriou. But Dieng hasn’t been at the races the last few games and I’m not sure Macca and Demetriou‘s defensive ability is what we need for this game, plus I think two games in three days may be a bit much. It’s a must win game, no question - and Walsall really are there for the taking given the form table. So I would go with a decent attacking lineup. Clifford has to come back into the side. We really can’t afford to not have our leading goal scorer and his threat from set pieces when we’re so desperate for goals. I would go for:

Oxley
Elvis, White, Hobson, Clifford
ANG, Ferguson, Olayinka, Hart
RHF, Akinola
​

Trying to put a slightly more positive spin on it, Col Ewe have Tranmere who we know are a good side. If we beat Walsall and they lose to Tranmere, that takes the gap to 4 points. If it was played next after Walsall, a victory in the most important Essex Derby, probably of all time, would then take us to a point difference. So if we can win this and the game against Col Ewe, we need to pick up more than 1 point more than them in 8 games (as their goal difference is likely to be better). Don‘t underestimate Col Ewe’s free fall at the moment. It‘s definitely doable, but we have to win this game to try and put a run together. Time is running out. Keep the faith Shrimpers ??

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

Lose and the only team we have a realistic hope of catching will be our Essex neighbours.

Barrow are virtually now clear as they have 2 games in hand, Port Vale are now almost clear, although we have a game in hand on them.
If we don't win, then Walsall will be virtually clear as well. With only one team to catch, no matter how bad they are, with games running out, it severely narrows down the odds.

 

[southendkid]

MM will do what he always does, pick 5 at the back and Deme and Alan Mac and if it is a tight game, take off a couple of forwards who are looking to score and replace them with defence minded midfielders and hope he gets a draw or small defeat.

We haven't played 5 at the back in the last 10 matches.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Just added Egbri to the squad for those who might want to pick him

 

[hlane17]

Just added Egbri to the squad for those who might want to pick him

I think we've missed him a lot. His energy and tempo is infectious and he drives the team on, especially carrying the ball well against his wide opponent. If remotely fit, he has to at least make the bench.

 

[Fairport]

If Walsall keep it tight and put ten men behind the ball, which is very possible as a point would be fine for them, then that would be the worst scenario for us. We can't even score against reletivly open teams.

 

[in the know]

Apparantly Elvis was sick again in the warm up, like he was at half time a few weeks back. I dont know how that will affect his availability tomorrow. Something must be causing it.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Apparantly Elvis was sick again in the warm up, like he was at half time a few weeks back. I dont know how that will affect his availability tomorrow. Something must be causing it.

He should probably look at changing his kebab vendor!

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

I dont see enough characters of big games players to get us out of this. The team crumbles under pressure and dont really have anyone who can produce a bit of magic that might settle a dour game. The team has got too used to losing and its hard to break that habit with the same players.

 

[wakes123]

I dont see enough characters of big games players to get us out of this. The team crumbles under pressure and dont really have anyone who can produce a bit of magic that might settle a dour game. The team has got too used to losing and its hard to break that habit with the same players.

Olayinka?

 

[rigsby]

I dont see enough characters of big games players to get us out of this. The team crumbles under pressure and dont really have anyone who can produce a bit of magic that might settle a dour game. The team has got too used to losing and its hard to break that habit with the same players.

I think its more of a case of can't win games. If we could break that habit, then just like Barrow or Stevenage the team has everything else to go on a 3 or 4 wins in a row run.

Tomorrow night will be the start.

 

[amsemp]

Apparantly Elvis was sick again in the warm up, like he was at half time a few weeks back. I dont know how that will affect his availability tomorrow. Something must be causing it.

Messi is known to do this too. He’s been caught plenty of times being sick on the pitch or shortly after he’s come off. There was an article on it which said:

“Former Argentina head coach, Alejandro Sabella, said he thought Messi’s vomiting was caused by nerves and anxiety.

But in Spain they believe it’s due to a medical condition known as chronic sinustis — an affliction that causes inflamed sinuses and mucus build-up which leads to vomiting, especially when exercising.”

Could be something similar?

 

[Barling Magna]

I wonder if they're fans are saying the exact same things?!

Well you need wonder no more. Here are comments from the Walsall forum:

"THE BIGGEST GAME FOR AT LEAST 50 YEARS. I’m torn between a draw and a loss. I remember when we lost to these earlier in the season. They were 46 games without a clean sheet. I can’t see us having improved since that say and they’re in better form."

"Play like we did in the last 2 matches and we win. But we rarely play well against the poorer teams."

"Already nervous. This will be my last tenner on iFollow if we lose, I will have to throw in the towel (he says again). I see only see a nervy 0-0 or a 0-1. SO hope I am wrong. Come on lads, turn this around for us."

"No excuse at all here. Form is all well and good but they are where they are for a reason. Loss or even a draw here and I’ll be backing off. Backing off iFollow subs for the rest of the season. If they’ve chucked in the towel why shouldn’t I?"

"I have gone for a win above but it isn’t with a great deal of confidence. We will be short of defenders and we all know we find it difficult to score goals however they are not very good either and we are due a slice of luck or two. Tyreik Wright is unavailable for this game and Leo vs Grimsby due to being with Ireland Under 21’s."

“Wright wouldn’t have started anyway. Dutton loves his defensive minded 532 formations.”

"No doubt he will start with an ultra defensive line up and formation which breeds negativity straight away. Southend look like they wanted to have a go last game and I reckon they will do so again. So for me we will be on the back foot early doors create absolutely nothing and lose 2-0."

“I have gone for a win. If BD can’t get an attacking game plan to beat these then I think he’ll be gone. LP said he needs the manager to win games. If the next two games produce anything other than two wins he has to give him the bullet.”

 

[Holy Joe]

Be interesting to see how Walsall approach the game. Do they go for a win knowing that 3 points will almost certainly see them safe, or go for a draw prevening us from gaining on them with games running out?

 

[Lincoln Shrimp]

Time to bring back Acquah and Goodship and give Dieng a rest. He's been meandering through the last 2 matches.

Oxley


Demi. White. Hobson. Clifford

Macca. Ferguson.

Akinola Hart

Goodship

Acquah.

Subs: Holmes, Mellis, Olayinka, Cordner, Seadon, Egbri, Hacket-Fairchild

 

[Maldon Shrimper]

As i have said in other threads on the zone MM needs to be offensive and go for the 3 points.Prior to the Tranmere game i was always looking at this game as a likely one for us to collect 3 points,thought we wouldnt get hardly anything from Tranmere Stevenage and Scunny which was correct.We now have a set of games with a bit more conviction we must go for it. Dont think will get much at Morecambe and Exeter but the others look likely we can get something.

 

[greyerfox]

Time to bring back Acquah and Goodship and give Dieng a rest. He's been meandering through the last 2 matches.

Oxley


Demi. White. Hobson. Clifford

Macca. Ferguson.

Akinola Hart

Goodship

Acquah.

Subs: Holmes, Mellis, Olayinka, Cordner, Seadon, Egbri, Hacket-Fairchild

Ah, "meandering". Now there's a word we seldom see on here. Quite apposite to a number of matters about Blues. Are we meandering towards relegation? Or is it faster than that? Still 10 games to go! 30 points at stake!!

 

[in the know]

I can f

Thought hard about this one. For me, no disrespect to Dieng (my POTS so far), Macca or Demetriou. But Dieng hasn’t been at the races the last few games and I’m not sure Macca and Demetriou‘s defensive ability is what we need for this game, plus I think two games in three days may be a bit much. It’s a must win game, no question - and Walsall really are there for the taking given the form table. So I would go with a decent attacking lineup. Clifford has to come back into the side. We really can’t afford to not have our leading goal scorer and his threat from set pieces when we’re so desperate for goals. I would go for:

Oxley
Elvis, White, Hobson, Clifford
ANG, Ferguson, Olayinka, Hart
RHF, Akinola
​

Trying to put a slightly more positive spin on it, Col Ewe have Tranmere who we know are a good side. If we beat Walsall and they lose to Tranmere, that takes the gap to 4 points. If it was played next after Walsall, a victory in the most important Essex Derby, probably of all time, would then take us to a point difference. So if we can win this and the game against Col Ewe, we need to pick up more than 1 point more than them in 8 games (as their goal difference is likely to be better). Don‘t underestimate Col Ewe’s free fall at the moment. It‘s definitely doable, but we have to win this game to try and put a run together. Time is running out. Keep the faith Shrimpers ??

I can sense I may need anaesthetising with alcohol from around 5:30 tomorrow! Could get stressful

 

[gatecrasher]

He has to play Goodship, im notnhis biggest fan but he is a striker, he has scored, he is mobile and can hit a shot. Dieng does not have a strikers movement although he is much better in the air and physical than Acquah. Two up top, Akinola and Reeco on the wings and for the love of god just one DM - Ferguson and then two attack minded mids like Olay and Mellis/Taylor. Not the MM dream that is Demi, Macca and Halford ?

 

[Stuart W]

Thought hard about this one. For me, no disrespect to Dieng (my POTS so far), Macca or Demetriou. But Dieng hasn’t been at the races the last few games and I’m not sure Macca and Demetriou‘s defensive ability is what we need for this game, plus I think two games in three days may be a bit much. It’s a must win game, no question - and Walsall really are there for the taking given the form table. So I would go with a decent attacking lineup. Clifford has to come back into the side. We really can’t afford to not have our leading goal scorer and his threat from set pieces when we’re so desperate for goals. I would go for:

Oxley
Elvis, White, Hobson, Clifford
ANG, Ferguson, Olayinka, Hart
RHF, Akinola
​

Trying to put a slightly more positive spin on it, Col Ewe have Tranmere who we know are a good side. If we beat Walsall and they lose to Tranmere, that takes the gap to 4 points. If it was played next after Walsall, a victory in the most important Essex Derby, probably of all time, would then take us to a point difference. So if we can win this and the game against Col Ewe, we need to pick up more than 1 point more than them in 8 games (as their goal difference is likely to be better). Don‘t underestimate Col Ewe’s free fall at the moment. It‘s definitely doable, but we have to win this game to try and put a run together. Time is running out. Keep the faith Shrimpers ??

Agree with a lot of that, I have applied similar logic.
However, one small thing. Where do Grimsby come into all this?
Three points behind with a game in hand, which if they won would mean we are back in 24th spot.
I am not saying that will happen, but we can't ignore them.