Thursday 22nd & Saturday 24th August

[Alfie]

 

[Alfie]

 

[Alfie]

 

[JJ1990]

The stoppable force meets the moveable object in Crewe v Swindon. Going to be a scrappy, ugly game between 2 seemingly awful teams. Bell is going to have to make changes to both the team and shape.

He needs to go to a 3 at the back, although good luck picking 3 CBs from the ones he's got available. In fact, good luck picking an XI from what he's got.

I'd go 3-4-2-1:

Marschall
Knight-Lebel, Demetriou, Connolly
Billington, Sanders, Breckin, Conway
Lankester, Holicek
Hemmings

I'd happily take a draw at this point and I'd imagine Swindon fans would as well.

 

[Son of Cod]

Notts away, like a fair amout of our support it's a real shame I won't be at this as we've had some fun trips there recently. Even the defeat last August was a decent day out in the sun.

Could go any way this, however I think we're in a better position than we were this time last year to get a result off Notts. Both teams will be looking to get the ball down and play which potentially plays into the hands of either team. Notts seem like a decent team for us to be playing off the back of playing some nice stuff at the weekend.

If JDS and Rose are back in contention for starting places then Artell has a nice selection problem to solve as the front three of Vernam, Wilson and Barrington caused problems against Cheltenham.

 

[クレイグ]

Can see Bromley beating us. 2-0 them. Lovely stuff.

 

[Son of Cod]

Can see Bromley beating us. 2-0 them. Lovely stuff.

These Bromley wins are happening too early into matches for my liking. I'm eagerly anticipating the first team to lose to a good old Cheek (89) 1-0er.

 

[spireite]

These Bromley wins are happening too early into matches for my liking. I'm eagerly anticipating the first team to lose to a good old Cheek (89) 1-0er.

They've not even strengthened have they. It's just a typical modern Bromley team. You have to respect them even a little in spite of yourself.

 

[spireite]

I do fancy us to put Salford away here. I expect them to come and frustrate and we might have to be patient, we do have the players to come up with something though. We have to be looking to turn this place into a fortress. Plus fuck Salford, hope we stuff em.

 

[jacobncfc]

Notts away, like a fair amout of our support it's a real shame I won't be at this as we've had some fun trips there recently. Even the defeat last August was a decent day out in the sun.

Could go any way this, however I think we're in a better position than we were this time last year to get a result off Notts. Both teams will be looking to get the ball down and play which potentially plays into the hands of either team. Notts seem like a decent team for us to be playing off the back of playing some nice stuff at the weekend.

If JDS and Rose are back in contention for starting places then Artell has a nice selection problem to solve as the front three of Vernam, Wilson and Barrington caused problems against Cheltenham.

I always fancy us against anyone who’s going to try and play the same way as us. Early days this year but our general vibe the last two or three is that we can be beaten relatively easily (bar that one year we went mad), outfought and outmuscled, but we’re incredibly difficult to outpass.

We unsurprisingly looked a far better team for the last half an hour today when we got Palmer, Robertson and Tsaroulla out on the pitch. Not sure which ones will be ready to start on Thursday, probably the latter two, but improves us no end.

We can’t start with the Chicksen/Scott left side again, just offers nothing other than work rate and makes it too easy to double and triple up on Jones down the other side.

 

[LS Bantam]

I do fancy us to put Salford away here. I expect them to come and frustrate and we might have to be patient, we do have the players to come up with something though. We have to be looking to turn this place into a fortress. Plus fuck Salford, hope we stuff em.

They offered little yesterday going forward all bit were strong in defence. Curtis Tilt refereed the game from the back - goes down, free kick, sly pulls/kicks, play on Mr Tilt, carry on.
Look out for their players dropping to the floor from nowhere roughly every 15 minutes so the rest can all come across for a drink and a breather.

 

[Optipez]

Really don't know what to think about us v Grimsby. We have potential and with key players coming back to fitness we have no excuses. But, I'm just not convinced Maynard is going to get the best out of them and we'll continue to drop points.

 

[Son of Cod]

They've not even strengthened have they. It's just a typical modern Bromley team. You have to respect them even a little in spite of yourself.

They're one of those sides that I've never really heard of any of their signings anyway so I've never really got much of an idea of whether or not they've strengthened but yep you're right you kind of have to give them credit, incredibly well ran club.

I always fancy us against anyone who’s going to try and play the same way as us. Early days this year but our general vibe the last two or three is that we can be beaten relatively easily (bar that one year we went mad), outfought and outmuscled, but we’re incredibly difficult to outpass.

We unsurprisingly looked a far better team for the last half an hour today when we got Palmer, Robertson and Tsaroulla out on the pitch. Not sure which ones will be ready to start on Thursday, probably the latter two, but improves us no end.

We can’t start with the Chicksen/Scott left side again, just offers nothing other than work rate and makes it too easy to double and triple up on Jones down the other side.

Yeah, there's undoubtedly a big risk of danger of going toe to toe with you at your own game. We did that to a certain extent in that mad match at BP last season but how much of that result was down to us trying to pass or the likes of Clifton and Green running around like burning headless chickens or just the overall ridiculousness of the match is hard to say. We looked good on the ball and direct on Saturday for about half the match though which was encouraging.

Are we likely to see any of Palmer, Robertson or Tsaroulla starting on Thursday?

 

[jacobncfc]

They're one of those sides that I've never really heard of any of their signings anyway so I've never really got much of an idea of whether or not they've strengthened but yep you're right you kind of have to give them credit, incredibly well ran club.

Yeah, there's undoubtedly a big risk of danger of going toe to toe with you at your own game. We did that to a certain extent in that mad match at BP last season but how much of that result was down to us trying to pass or the likes of Clifton and Green running around like burning headless chickens or just the overall ridiculousness of the match is hard to say. We looked good on the ball and direct on Saturday for about half the match though which was encouraging.

Are we likely to see any of Palmer, Robertson or Tsaroulla starting on Thursday?

Robertson almost definitely I’d say, he just picked up a knock in one of the friendlies but has been around for most of pre-season. Tsaroulla missed all the friendlies and Palmer has obviously been out for ages, so they’ll probably get the last half an hour again. I think Kellan Gordon might be back for this one as well, although Macari is excellent at right back anyway (assuming we play a four again) so less of an issue.

 

[OneDecentLester]

They offered little yesterday going forward all bit were strong in defence. Curtis Tilt refereed the game from the back - goes down, free kick, sly pulls/kicks, play on Mr Tilt, carry on.
Look out for their players dropping to the floor from nowhere roughly every 15 minutes so the rest can all come across for a drink and a breather.

We’ve been more than used to those antics for the last 6 years so will look forward to it

 

[Carver]

After MK Dons dreadful start I hope that we could look to get at least a point there.

 

[Kauto Star]

We’ve been more than used to those antics for the last 6 years so will look forward to it

We always struggle to overcome teams that come to Valley Parade with those antics.

One of the worst, surprisingly, was Doncaster 2 years ago on the opening day of the that season. That also ended 0-0

 

[Gi Dalor]

Can see Bromley beating us. 2-0 them. Lovely stuff.

Watched them on Saturday

If we can get crosses into the box, then we could score a few. They have weaknesses we should be able to exploit. Trouble is, i worry it may the same the other way round. Direct through the middle, Cheek turning our defenders inside out.
I fancy us winning by 2 or 3 goals actually, but make no mistake, Bromley don't have any poor players. They're well organised. One of our tougher matches.
They remind me a lot of Steve Evans' Stevenage side from a couple of years ago, but that might be an oversimplification.
An interesting test for both sides, I think.

 

[Scum.]

After MK Dons dreadful start I hope that we could look to get at least a point there.

Nah, this will be the game we turn it on. 5-0.

 

[DippyDon]

After MK Dons dreadful start I hope that we could look to get at least a point there.

We just need to learn how to score from our numerous chances by the sound of Saturday (and the evidence of the first game). Once we do that, we'll rocket up the league

 

[Carver]

Nah, this will be the game we turn it on. 5-0.

That's possible but I don't think you will unless our keeper decides to have one of his occasional nightmare performances.

But you know now that Winkleman has left your club I can see it quickly deteriorate as he was the founder and only one who really cared about MK Dons. I can't see these Kuwait owners giving a shit about some dead little plastic club that will soon cease to exist.

I mean who did your fans even support before MK Dons were created? You can all go back to supporting Arsenal and Chelsea.

 

[OneDecentLester]

Watched them on Saturday

If we can get crosses into the box, then we could score a few. They have weaknesses we should be able to exploit. Trouble is, i worry it may the same the other way round. Direct through the middle, Cheek turning our defenders inside out.
I fancy us winning by 2 or 3 goals actually, but make no mistake, Bromley don't have any poor players. They're well organised. One of our tougher matches.
They remind me a lot of Steve Evans' Stevenage side from a couple of years ago, but that might be an oversimplification.
An interesting test for both sides, I think.

I said at the start of the season they’ll surprise a lot of people this year. It’s the classic ‘Small club from non league must be shit’ approach from some that will catch people out. They’re organised, they’ve got pace and they’ve got a proven goalscorer. Their biggest trait though… absolute masters of the dark arts, horrid. They’ll be more than fine this year.

 

[Scum.]

That's possible but I don't think you will unless our keeper decides to have one of his occasional nightmare performances.

But you know now that Winkleman has left your club I can see it quickly deteriorate as he was the founder and only one who really cared about MK Dons. I can't see these Kuwait owners giving a shit about some dead little plastic club that will soon cease to exist.

I mean who did your fans even support before MK Dons were created? You can all go back to supporting Arsenal and Chelsea.

I mean, given we were founded in 2004 (and Wimbledon FC moved to Milton Keynes in 2003), if you were 10 then and went to your first game, you would be 30/31 now. Hell, some kids don't even go to their first game until they are like 15, so you could extend that to 35/36 year olds.

Anyone over that age I agree is likely a fucking lunatic for supporting us and should be derided. I am however not, so you should praise me (and Dippy who is also not) for supporting our local club. Realistically most of our fans (and STH) are under 35/36 too...

 

[jacobncfc]

I said at the start of the season they’ll surprise a lot of people this year. It’s the classic ‘Small club from non league must be shit’ approach from some that will catch people out. They’re organised, they’ve got pace and they’ve got a proven goalscorer. Their biggest trait though… absolute masters of the dark arts, horrid. They’ll be more than fine this year.

There was a noticeable discrepancy in the predictions for Bromley. Everyone had them to go down or go close apart from anyone who’s been in the NL the last few years haha.

 

[DippyDon]

I mean, given we were founded in 2004 (and Wimbledon FC moved to Milton Keynes in 2003), if you were 10 then and went to your first game, you would be 30/31 now. Hell, some kids don't even go to their first game until they are like 15, so you could extend that to 35/36 year olds.

Anyone over that age I agree is likely a fucking lunatic for supporting us and should be derided. I am however not, so you should praise me (and Dippy who is also not) for supporting our local club. Realistically most of our fans (and STH) are under 35/36 too...

Caveat, more people than you'd think actually followed the club up the M1, I don't think they should be derided but they are most definitely lunatics.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Need to win in our second home game of the season to secure our first victory of the season.

Should win if we can start with with a couple of the subs from Sunday.

 

[EnglishRed]

Crewe v Swindon. An early relegation six pointer.

 

[joethegill]

Glad we've got a free week before another monster trip to Fleetwood. I wasn't sure how they'd fare this season but they've started pretty well and I'd probably take a point. No idea on team news at this point - hopefully a couple of the 7 first teamers currently injured will be available and we'll have a stronger squad that the one that featured at Morecambe this weekend.

We're two for two but we haven't been massively convincing in either. Can look at that in a couple of different ways - it's good to win when not playing at our best, or it suggests we've got a bit lucky so far. Time will tell on that one.

 

[CFC91]

There was a noticeable discrepancy in the predictions for Bromley. Everyone had them to go down or go close apart from anyone who’s been in the NL the last few years haha.

We know what is coming that is why

I saw the Bradford fan above saying they struggle against teams who have a few antics, they'll enjoy Bromley. Was nearly a riot at the end of one of our games against them. They know exactly what they are doing, and they are pretty good at it. Andy Woodman has them all finely tuned

 

[Scum.]

Caveat, more people than you'd think actually followed the club up the M1, I don't think they should be derided but they are most definitely lunatics.

And the ones that didn’t (AKA AFCW) aren’t lunatics but probably should be derided?