BlackSocksRedTops

Lighten up

With regards to Itten getting lost, I have to disagree. No fans makes this just like all the other games with no fans IMO. There won't be that intensity from the first whistle with fans demanding every lunge and tackle to be 200%. Itten is a smart footballer and I dont think he would let us down if played. I just worry about Alfie letting us down. I can't get it out of my head. He's progressed in this dept. but his idiotic lunge at Tannidice suggests to me that a leopard can never change their spots.

Under 4 hours to go. My coffee cup is already shaking due to nerves/excitement. Making sure my chores are all done as my missus always decides to find me something random to do a minute before kick off. ie. Can you go into the loft and find a box that I've not looked at for 5 years!!

If Duffy plays it throws up a few questions regarding Alfie IMO. Duffy is a carthorse but he likes to be physical and this can be where they can exploit Alfies temperament. He stupidly let himself get involved with Duffy in the last game and could easily have been hooked at HT. We need to exploit Duffy's obvious weaknesses (slow and ponderous) with guile and speed not pure physicality. Could Stevie G throw a curve ball and start with Itten? A physical presence but a more level headed temperament?

And you haven't got near the ball in the last 3 OF games. Go figure Calum

Been like that for the last few days tbh. I hate the time between Xmas and New Year. Feel like I'm tredding water

Already waiting patiently with my Josh Windass life size cardboard cut out and celebratory pyjamas on.

My favourite story/quote of his comes from his time at Rotheram when they were in Division 2. "I promised I would take Rotherham out of the Second Division - and I took them into the Third. The old chairman said, 'Doc, you're a man of your word!"'

Agreed. I never really see their games unless it's an OF game but I did catch the cup final. He was utterly embarrassing

Maybe in Europe but not in the league

I was actually thinking about this earlier. Would Steven Gerrard play deeper and to coax them out, allowing more space for the likes of Roofs, Kent, Aribo, Hagi and Morelos? Its risky

If people are talking like that, you have to wonder if they have ever seen these games before. Celtic could be on a losing streak of 150 matches and I would still fear them getting a result at Ibrox. I hate these games tbh

Definitely out according to Stevie G before the St Mirren game

Agreed. I think Davis and Macgregor can also have a big influence as past title winners

I have to agree Buster. Not feeling confident about this game at all. Too many factors for me. Jack and Arfield missing out is huge. As much as we have been winning, we seem to have lost our playing identity somewhat and are not as fluid as we have been. And they seem to gaining momentum. Saying that, United still created a few chances against their ropey backline. Definitely watching this one from behind the couch...

How does that make him a bigot? Was he not simply sticking up for his team?

Doesnt quite make it into the top 3 drastic kit changes... 1. Brazil dropping their all white strip after the shame of losing the 1950 WC "final". They then went onto adopt their famous yellow shirts from 1954 after a newspaper competition. 2. Aberdeen going from yellow and black stripes to all red and white in 1940. 3.Leeds Utd changing from blue and yellow combinations to all white in 1960. Anyhoo...RIP Doc.

More realistic I think. I would take a draw right now in a heartbeat

He's faster for a start

I think Arlibo is more effective in a wider position than Hagi (see last season's win at the piggery). I like Hagi with space in front of him to utilise his shooting and passing

I prefer Hagi with more of the game in front of him as opoosed to him playing wide or with back to goal. I also like the idea of Aribo occupying their left side with his ball carrying. The weakest part of their team is their defence and we need to exploit that with guile

My team would be as follows: -------Macgregor------ ---Goldson--Balogun--- Tav---------------Borna ----Davis----Kamara--- -----------Hagi--------- Aribo---------------Kent ----------Roofe---------

Sorry guys no actual preview but I thought it would be easier to chat about this game on a new thread as opposed to the tail end of the St Mirren thread. Mods please feel free to merge and rename when it comes

Kamara has been magnificent of late and he and Davis will have to keep tabs on young Turnbull who plays at the top of their new midfield diamond. He's their standout player at the moment IMO

He is also has an important role with Borna in mitigating Frimpong and who ever plays in front