One of the best things about the City game is that it’s over. We weren’t expecting anything and we didn’t get anything. It feels odd to be nonplussed by a 5-1 defeat. But, ne’er mind.

Another plus point from it is that we don’t have to visit Maine-Eastlands-Etihad Road again this season, that can wait until next year. Hark at that optimism. Yes, they’re still to come to Carra but half of it is out the way at least, eh? Continue reading

Talk about contrast. QPR followed by Man City, granted they’re both in the money but still. Going from keeping an eye on Shaun Derry to David Silva is the proverbial chalk and cheese.

I quite like going into a game thinking but not worrying, “meh we’re expected to be battered.” I don’t like that we could get battered but because we’ve effectively got a free hit. May as well swing, if we miss there’s no wicket lost. Continue reading

With Coo-Pee-Arr in town, it seems like it could be a good chance to find a bit of rhythm and momentum again. We’ve been playing well in fits and starts, not the flowing destruction of before. Obviously the quality of the opposition has been higher than what the squad Sir Paul’s designed is used to.

Warnock’s lot on the other hand ain’t Arsenal. He seems to have put together a side that is a dead-cert to get you of Division One on Championship Manager 01/02. They are clearly focusing on forming a squad that will keep them up this season – and why shouldn’t they? Whereas we seem to have accrued a squad that will give staying up a good go but if we don’t we’re going to be short odds to return straight away.

QPR will probably stay up, especially as rumour has it they’re in talks with Dale Winton to come in and supervise their January spending spree. Something tells me it won’t be calculated. They’re going at this Premier League lark like the money men they now are and it’s the polar opposite to our approach. They’ll sign enough to stay up.

All this doesn’t mean I’m expecting a walk in the park. Derision of their signings aside, Joey Barton is better than his reputation allows him credit for and him being suspended creates something of a dent for them. SWP has the pace that renders our defence to quivering wrecks, although thankfully his final ball is often a dubious one. Faurlin is arguably better than them both.

We can’t afford the costly errors we’re so fond of either, not against the teams we’re battling with in lower mid-table. Annoying as they may be, I’d rather see them against the likes of Arsenal than provide gifts to immediately around us.

Three points would not only go down well, it feel bit necessary.