I hope we lose to teach the Pozzos a lesson. Sacking Silva was a big mistake and now they will learn the hard way.
Gracia's presser has been postponed until tomorrow apparently. Hopefully a sign that he's getting in a few more hours on the training pitch.
Trouser presser? I hope that doesn't mean he's going to look untidy on the sideline tommorw. Why can't we get a manager more like Alan Pardew. He is always immaculately turned out
I think the problems with Janmaat are down to attitude/confidence, as opposed to aptitude. We were warned by the (deluded) geordies when he signed!
This really is a must not loose game against a fairly poor side. I am strangely optimistic about this one as bad as we are this is a Stoke team that got played off the park a couple of weeks ago by Coventry.
I'm expecting a big improvement, but not necessarily a result. Stoke is a tough game. I just want to see the decline arrested, and a sign that the downward momentum is being turned around. What I'd really like to see is the likes of Pereyra justifying their wages when we go forward. It's defensively that the injuries have left us most short. Attack-wise, all through this bad run we've had key attacking players on the field who've created FA. It's time that changed.
We must score the first goal. Rather than attempting to change a game from a losing position for once, throw Okaka, Deeney and Gray on from the start. Show them no respect. Get a goal in the opening 20 mins and take off a striker as required. Why not eh...
If it's a Watford side boosted by new additions (or at least confirmation they're signing and thus adding a bit of positivity), or a surprise return of some of our injured players - then maybe our new coach can get an improved tune out of them, enabling us to grab a point. But if it's the same squad/line-up as the Southampton game, then I can't see anything other than a timid defeat, prob 2 0r 3 nil. That team just isn't good enough. Might not be a popular opinion on here - but I'd still start Holebas ahead of Zeegelaar. Despite the crowd incident the other day, he's still a better defender than our 2-good-games-Dutch-wonder.
This will be a horrible game. Two poor teams frightened of relegation. There is a problem for those of you who expect an instant turn-around with Gracia: His chief task is to coach some defending savvy into the team. This is inevitably going to take time. Stoke is a poor team and so we may nick a win off them - but I doubt it. I would be glad if we got a draw at the moment. It seems a shame nobody seems to be coming in on loan as some of the players really have stopped performing. I wonder, given the cynicism of their game earlier this season, if Stoke target Deeney( if he plays) and, indeed the whole Watford team with some unpleasant player-baiting, especially from that little toe-rag Allen. I agree this is an important six-pointer type game, but we may have to be patient for improvement and hope Watford pick up later in the season; definitely a cliff-hanging scenario and not one I'm looking forward to.
There is something a bit different about the he team this week. They are f******* angry. I get the feeling the altercation with the fans really got to them. Their pride was hurt after the fans took the p1ss with their chants. With this in mind in think we’ve got a good chance of getting a positive result on Wednesday. I’m going to say Watford will win this.
It's one of those double or nothing mentalities though. Win and on reflection it was worth focusing that negative energy. Lose and the whole thing likely blows up completely.
John Moss in charge and Lee Mason as 4th official I’m going for at least 1 red card for us and 1 pen to Stoke. Horrid evening ahead I fear.
I hope this is the case, although we've all looked on at very similar quotes and expressions of fight and frustration and rage from other clubs' players as they were limply being sucked into the great beyond. We have no way of telling which one it actually is, authentic or lip service, so as I say, I hope your judgement is proved right.
Deulofeu swapping Las Ramblas and training with Messi for The Potteries and watching Capoue jog about for 45 mins on a Wednesday. Either he’s absolutely mental or Gino has persuasion powers that literally no one else possesses.
Can Gerard do it on a cold night in Stoke. Aren't Kaboul and Cleverley in full training according to the club - could they play a part? Least you might get something from them which could be useful - until the former gets injured!
Doubled down in the hostel bar whilst the snow comes down outside! Whiskey is my friend right now....the wild weather venturing can wait until tomorrow for now!
JESUS. We are ACTUALLY playing Stoke away on a cold winter night?! I thought my mate was joking. Never in the history of football has a match between two approximately equal teams had such a certain outcome.
Fair point although Burnsy may well be pleasuring himself with the cream of Ireland’s finest barley or sucking on Tennessee’s cornfed teat.
