Who to play at this time of year?

[ElstreeBlue]

Tilly says on the website that he'd rather play mid-table teams at this time of year. Presumably the theory that they have nothing to play for.

However, I'm not convinced.

How many times have we seen sides who are more relaxed or playing without fear playing better. We've also seen what's happened to us over the last few years when the pressure's been on. Also, players still have to play for their contracts.

Thoughts anyone?

Does anyone have any stats - whether this involves SUFC or not - to back up whether one is more preferable than the other or no difference?

What would probably be useful would be to see who (out of every team in the division) - with 6 games to go in previous seasons - continued on at the same points per game as they had previously done in the season and who improved/worsened, and what was their position?

Any statos out there willing to provide some figures?

 

[Mr Gilbo]

Personally, I feel that as we have a good record away from home that trips to those near the top of table. They would be the ones under pressure to get the win and we could nick it.

I can see us losing at Crewe tomorrow, but getting something out of Tranmere or Carisle.

 

[Lozzeh]

I agree with tilly,
Bottom are fighting against relegation
Top are fighting for play offs
Middle just want to win for the sake of it

 

[steveo]

Bottom are fighting against relegation
Top are fighting for play offs

Ther eis also the school of tohught that bottom teams are at the bottom cos they are no good and vice versa with the top teams.However, I seem to recall last season when we got a run of games agianst lower teams and a chance to get out of the relegation zone, we blew it badly.

 

[Lozzeh]

Exactly,
Somehow, we always manage to blow it with bottom teams
Especially in the last few seasons we seem to go downhill at the end
Hopefully things dont go that way this year and we keep up our current form

 

[Lester Bangs]

The 3 types of team I hate playing this time of year are:-

1) Already relegated teams - the pressures off and they turn from the worst teams known to man to Brazil '70, its a very strange phenomenon.
2) Teams avoiding relegation, never pretty games and they tend to use 'by any means necessary' tactics to stave off relegation. As a footballing side, Southend find these games very difficult.
3) Teams fighting for promotion, these again are very tough games and Southend seem to have difficulty rising to the big occasion. Anyone remember Yeovil at home a few seasons ago. A horrible day I'm sure you'll agree.

 

[canveyshrimper]

Although not a great fan of the play offs, one of the benefits they have bought is to keep teams "honest" at this time of the season. In theory any club down to 12th could possibly make the play offs, therefore there shouldn't be any easy games against clubs whose players are already on their summer holidays.

The bottom of the table in our division this year is more cut & dried and it would seem that the 4th relegation spot will be between Gillingham & Crewe. So I expect that Crewe will be fighting for their lives today.

 

[Lozzeh]

The 3 types of team I hate playing this time of year are:-

1) Already relegated teams - the pressures off and they turn from the worst teams known to man to Brazil '70, its a very strange phenomenon.
2) Teams avoiding relegation, never pretty games and they tend to use 'by any means necessary' tactics to stave off relegation. As a footballing side, Southend find these games very difficult.
3) Teams fighting for promotion, these again are very tough games and Southend seem to have difficulty rising to the big occasion. Anyone remember Yeovil at home a few seasons ago. A horrible day I'm sure you'll agree.

Doesnt really leave many

 

[Sean 2]

Couldn't give a monkey's who we play,as i said last week i expect to win every game all the way to the Chumpionship.

Bring 'em on.:support:

 

[turkishm]

The way we are playing at the moment, i dont think it matters who we play,we have the beating of any team in this league.