Often Partisan

GAMEDAY: Home to Bristol City

It’s the battle of #bcfc today, with Bristol City travelling up the M5 to face Blues at St Andrew’s.

Bristol City

The Robins could have a new-look defence face Birmingham City with the loan additions of Leicester City centre-back Liam Moore along with Nathan Baker. They will help shore up a defence that has kept one clean sheet in six games in all competitions this season.

Steve Cotterill’s men lie in 20th place having taken five points from their initial five games and will be hoping that they can improve their form lest they fall into the early season relegation mixer.

Blues

New signing Shane Lowry is said to be behind on fitness and will likely not feature in this game. There are no early injury concerns to report with Stephen Gleeson returned to fitness and as such Gary Rowett likely has a full squad to choose from. He may choose to mix up the squad a little due to five players returning from international duty and the rapid succession of games over the next few weeks.

This will be a game that Blues will be looking to get maximum return from if they are to continue their early season form. With Clayton Donaldson in fine fettle up front and potential attacking midfield threats of David Cotterill, Demarai Gray, and Jon Toral behind him – not to mention Andy Shinnie and Jacques Maghoma Blues look a formidable in the opposition half.

Ref

Mark Brown will take charge of the game. He has been in the middle for seven games so far this season, showing 12 yellow cards. His last game involving Blues was the end-of-season clash with Bolton, with goalscorer Robert Tesche being the only player on Blues side to be booked that day.

Suspension Watch

2 Yellow Cards: David Davis and Maikel Kieftenbeld

1 Yellow Card: Tomasz Kuszczak,  Clayton Donaldson, Jonathan Spector and Demarai Gray.

The cutoff date for 5 yellow cards to attract a suspension is November 30, 2015
The cutoff date for 10 yellow cards to attract a suspension is April 9, 2016

Pre-Match

Often Partisan is working in partnership with Bordesley Labour Club this season. They are based ten minutes away from St Andrew’s on Whitmore Road in Small Heath and have welcomed Blues fans over a number of years on match days.

Food will be available at Bordesley Labour Club on Saturday. Burgers are £2.00, Hot Dogs Dogs and  Hot Pies all at £2.00; plus a special deal on a Burger and pint of Carling for £4.00. Football will be shown on the Big Screen before and after match.  Everyone is welcome.

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51 Responses to “GAMEDAY: Home to Bristol City”

  • Dave Mann says:

    Should be a good game today with a bit of drizzle in the air so looking forward to it and a few goals to boot .. 3-1 with the usual starting line up I would think then changes second half , a win sets it up nicely for forest Tuesday then Ipswich Friday so bring it on! Kro

  • StaffsBlue says:

    No reason why we can’t get a good win today. I’m going 3-1 Blues.

  • Hvala Obafemi says:

    Really looking forward to today as it’s my 7 year old’s rite of passage – his first match. If it’s anything like mine it’ll be a nice little 2-0, so fingers crossed for a repeat. Latchford and Hatton have long gone, so how about Donaldson and Toral as the goalscorers? KRO

  • Shirley Blue says:

    Moore and Baker coming in is going to improve them defensively so I don’t see us scoring 3. I think we are going to have to keep a clean sheet to win this game so I am going for a gritty, hard fought 1-0 win. At MK Dons we improved significantly when Toral went off, Gray went into the middle and Maghoma went on the left. It may have crossed his mind to start with that.

  • Dave Mann says:

    That’s very true Shirley Blue but I think he will do that if it’s tight and we’re not winning .. Gray moving inside and maghoma on the left looked very good against Mk dons , food for thought ! Kro

  • Waycoolblue says:

    2-0 Blues Gray & Toral the scores

  • Mitchell says:

    Forget the new CH pairing of Baker and Moore for Bristol City. Just run the wings ragged. Pull them all over the place with Gray and Cotterill the absolute pivotal threats today. Donaldson will take care of the error riddled Baker. Fancy a Caddis penalty winner today.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    Well what do I know. I thought it would be a tight game and 1-0. It was anything but helped by the early goals which meant Bristol City had to throw men forward which left us loads of space to break out. They played three at the back which gave us plenty of room wide and we played higher up the pitch than usual.
    Just a few mentions for players who don’t usually get one. Grounds was excellent and deserved his goal. Also Klefdenbeld who really gets stuck in but has class too. It was never a penalty but who cares.
    Very pleased and proud to see us 4th. How much it us punching above our weight or we actually have a good side and a very good manager maybe too early to tell but I am starting to feel it is the latter. I expected a win today and thoroughly enjoyed the game.

    • BhamCityJulian says:

      I had a great view of it and it was the certainly a penalty. My friend who’s a ref at four levels below the FL agreed too. We all thought Donaldo was offside for his second
      M

  • StaffsBlue says:

    I always thought we could win by 2 clear goals, but must admit, I didn’t think we’d score 4. The midfielders have won us the points so far this season, but if Donaldson can go on a bit of a run now, I can’t see many teams stopping us scoring. Just need that little bit extra at the back.. we still get bullied a bit in the air. Other than that, we’re playing like a top 6 team. Well done all.

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Another exciting game full of attacking intent. I still think Spector is a little lightweight at centre back.
    As for Bristol City they really have to sort their defence out. But I take my hat off to their number 15 Luke Freeman who gave the best midfield performance from the opposition since Fabbrini’s for Millwall.

  • Andrew says:

    great win today as the boys produced a very capable performance and picked up yet another home win. but we are woeful at the back! if we can keep outscoring opposition its fine but if the goals dry up expect to see some long runs of losing games.

    • Shirley Blue says:

      Not sure that’s fair. Their first goal was a very good move with a great through ball behind us. The fact we went 2-0 up early meant they threw caution to the wind and threw men forward. It wasn’t like our keeper was having to make save after save. Ok they kept coming back at us but I always felt we were going to get all three points. Forest will be a tough test though but we don’t need to fear anyone.

  • Dave Mann says:

    Morning all, feeling rather chipper after a very good game at stans yesterday, that first half was as good as we’ve played under Gary Rowett , looked dangerous every time we went forward and Donaldson scoring is hat trick was just what the doctor ordered though I was a bit worried that at 2-1 Caddis let him take the penalty , don’t think that went down to well with the bench but it was taken with ease and ended a stunning first half , second half again was entertaining with Luke freeman for them looking very good , defensively we had our moments but besides that two goals kuszczak hardly had a save to make and now it’s seven unbeaten this season, fourth in the league 11 points from 5 games and a game in hand … Are the playoffs a bridge to far for us ? .. At the moment we’re playing as good as anybody in this championship so for me it’s a possibility as long as we keep this form going , bring on Forest minus Tesche .. Never mind we’ve got Majic mike who gets better and better … We look a good side ladies and gents a good side !! Kro

    • BhamCityJulian says:

      TBH I think Gary will have told off Morrison for not stopping Caddis give the penalty to Donaldson. We can all understand the sentiment and they could point to Clayton being a penalty taker before BCFC but they are professionals; it’s no a park kick about

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    Great game, but we have to sort out that defence. The brawn of Lowry might be all that’s missing and it might appear to be a harsh on Spector but so be it. Caddis and Grounds are both for me to easily outwitted by pace but going forwards they were great with Grounds best offensive display.

    I do think that while there was plenty of energy the BCFC are lacking in quality all over so to throw big money at one particular position is wasteful

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    EDIT
    Great game, but we have to sort out that defence. The brawn of Lowry might be all that’s missing and it might appear to be a harsh on Spector but so be it. Caddis and Grounds are both for me too easily outwitted by pace but going forwards they were great with Grounds best offensive display.
    I do think that while there was plenty of energy the other BCFC are lacking in quality all over so to throw big money at one particular position is wasteful

    • Dave Mann says:

      Sorry Julian but to say we’re lacking in quality all over the pitch is way off the mark .. We looked quality from midfield to up front .. Ok the defence is not great but look where we are in the league!! KRO

      • Dave Mann says:

        Sorry Julian if you meant Bristol city. Sorry pal. Kro

      • StaffsBlue says:

        Although Ayling’s defence-splitting pass was excellent, I thought both Morrison and Spector were slow to react to the near post ball for the first goal. For the second, any defender worth his salt would have headed that lobbed cross away before the striker got near it. But those were the only dodgy moments in an otherwise outstanding team performance. I think we’re one player short of being serious play off contenders (at least.) Get that big dominant, good-in-the-air centre back and there won’t be many teams who will stop us.

        • zxcv says:

          I couldn`t agree more and that’s why I said it got to be worth throwing as much money as we can at the best C/H we can get as it could like you say be the difference. We would indeed take some stopping with a Liam Daish type of c/h on board.

          I love the job Gary is doing but I think its beginning to get to Morrison and effecting his game and as much as Spector is trying his best he is just not that commanding figure we need. It really could be the last piece of the jigsaw and who knows what we could achieve so I say come on BIHL give Gary a few million to complete the job and the rewards could be Ginormous.

          • StaffsBlue says:

            Our system is stopping and beating the good, footballing sides. They’re not playing through us like they were the past few seasons. But, we are coming unstuck, to a certain extent, against the teams who lump it in to a big tough target man. Unfortunately, this is where we tend to lose goals.. maybe not always on the first ball, but often on the second (especially late on when teams are chasing the game.) So a big tough b*****d is what we need, maybe not every match, but definitely against those type of tactics.

  • Mitchell says:

    This is worth a moments thought. 4 weeks ago if we were asked if we would settle for end of season in 4 th place-100% of us would scream yes. However as of today would we settle for 4th? -I am not so sure. QPR,Hull,Derby and Burnley not so fearful now, especially with Brighton top and us close behind. What a diff. a month makes. I suddenly just fancy a top two slot.

    • Dave Mann says:

      Let’s not get to carried away Mitchell but as fans are entitled to there opinions I find it rather sad that some fans still get rather picky and still slate the defence even in scoring 4 goals , staying unbeaten and lying 4th in the championship .. Yes there’s a worry there but if we can carry on out scoring the opposition I don’t really give a toss to be honest .. No money to buy expensive players but we’re proving that’s not always the way to go .. A great manager and team spirit is worth a lot more and that’s the case with the super Blue boys, get in there !! Kro

    • Bluey says:

      A bit concerned you and others are getting carried away with the good start.I simply cannot see us in the automatic promotion positions and even the play-offs are a stretch too far.I would settle for a solid mid-table position this season.Hopefully new owners will eventually take over and if GR is still with us he can invest in some quality ready for a promotion push in the next 2 or 3 years.

  • DoctorD says:

    I predict fourth. You heard it here first.

  • Dave Mann says:

    I would shake your hand off with that bet DoctorD. Kro

  • Mitchell says:

    What I will be eternally thankful to GR is my newly found joy on Saturday evenings. Under LC most of his tenure brought about a dampness,sad and to be honest a time to hide away and not be able to smile period that affected Saturday nights. Even family celebrations (usually) on sat.evenings took some inner strength to be jolly! Over the top-well yes but true bluenoses know exactly where I am coming from. Enjoy the time whilst we can and hopefully months to come.

  • Dave Mann says:

    I know exactly where your coming from Mitchell , us who care do let it get to us because it’s what we spend a part of our life doing and it’s in breed in us .. Other fans say are well never mind but we’re get on with it any way .. Not knocking that attitude but it just shows the difference in fans way of life towards being a bluenose .. Ime not so bad as I use to be but it still pisses me off and gets me down when we struggle , it does not ruin my way of living but I care and ime proud to say that . Kro

  • Richard Granfield says:

    Just to compare this seasons start of 11 points from 5 games, it took until November and 15 games last season to exceed this seasons points total.
    Rowett is installing great confidence into the players and and an unbeaten run of 8 league games including 5 wins and a settled X1 only adds to that confidence.

  • Kford bluenose says:

    There’ll be joys and sorrows too. Let’s get carried away with the moment and we can all save the pessimism for when it is warranted. Shame for the vile, their scummy fans actually found their voices for a minute or so after going two nil up even if they are nicking our tunes!!!!!

  • Mark H says:

    Another great win for us. I like what Rowett is doing at Blues, one game at a time, he is boosting confidence throughout the club. I think the next two games will be massive for us, both will be tough games, and I would be happy with two points, but I believe we could get all six. Just think, this time last year, it took LC 14 games to get this points haul, that’s a real tribute to Rowett. KRO.

  • Shirley Blue says:

    We are joint top scorers in the Championship with QPR and Ipswich having played a game less than both of them. Two real testers coming up with Forest and Ipswich though. I will settle for the unbeaten record being intact after those two games.

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    Come January if the play-offs are as realistic as they are today and Gary wants reinforcements I am sure a bit more of the £13m will be available

  • AussieBlue says:

    Prefect weekend! Blues win; my good mate and drinking partner here is a Brighton supporter and they win; The Foxes beat the Vile after they were 2-0 up and it’s been 25 degrees and clear skies here – Spring has spring. All I need now is a good hard shag and that’ll cap of a great weekend.

  • BhamCityJulian says:

    Just heard the B6 score! I switched off at 2-0. What a great start to the day.

  • Raymondo says:

    Another positive display with a bit of defensive frailty but I am sure that will improve as the players gell together. What a shame that lot ovger the exoressway couldn’t emulate it. Their manager feels “gutted”. Hope he does on the 22nd as well! K R O.

    • RichardM says:

      Always thought the Villa took a massive gamble on Sherwood (a manager with very little experience or track record, but much hype and mates in the London media). He got lucky last season, joined just at the right time as Villa enjoyed a relatively easy home path to the FA Cup Final and Benteke got fit again and started scoring goals. I think he’s in the process of being “found out” this season. A couple more results like yesterday and defeat to Blues in the Cup and I think the P45 might be in the post.

      Ask yourself this question – who woud you rather have s manager, Gary Rowett or Tim Sherwood?

  • Dave Mann says:

    It’s a wet Monday but a happy one with our great victory and viles great defeat.. Roll on tomorrow night and another performance like Saturday will do for me then the live Friday night against Ipswich .. Bit pissed it was moved from Saturday as I was going but not now .. Though I will keep or my vocal cords in tact for total abuse at vile park next Tuesday week … We can even afford to give them a two goal lead and still beat the dead heads .. Can’t wait! Kro

  • Carl71 says:

    Well i went to Ashton Gate (see top) missed the lot !!

  • AdamTrueBlue says:

    A quote from Bristol Citys web site
    ‘It was clear that Birmingham possessed some talented individuals,’

    source http://ww.bcfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/?matchid=3832957&tcmuri=2515413

    Kro


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