I continue to push the positive line, that we will get into the playoffs, even if we get mullered tonight. So I was looking at the respective teams, man for man, to assess if we are as up to scratch now as we were back in 2014, based on form going into the playoffs not just the final itsself. My personal assessment is:
Goalie – Lee Grant v. Scott Carson Gotta give it to Carson every time
Right Back – Andre Wisdom v. Andre Wisdom. He must have learned something in four years so I’ll give a marginal yes to the wisdom of today
Centre Back – Richard Keogh v. Richard Keogh/Alex Pearce. Over the course of that season, Keogh was way better than he is currently and better than Alex Pearce in that last 5% AP just can’t give IMO
Centre Back – Jake Buxton v. Curtis Davis. God bless Bucko, but CD EVERY time
Left Back – Craig Forsyth v. Chris Baird. On today’s form Bairdy, but I’m looking at the Forsyth of 2014. CF gets the nod, just, despite Baird’s versatility
Midfield – Jeff Hendrick v. Joe Ledley – No touching Jeff IMO
Midfield – George Thorne v. Tom Huddlestone. At 2014 levels, GT
Midfield – Will Hughes v. Bradley Johnson – Willy all the way
Forward – Johnny Russell v. Andy Weimann. Despite Johnny's exciting style, I’m giving this marginally to Andreas
Forward – Jamie Ward v. Matej Vydra. Ahem….
Chris Martin v. David Nugent. Based on form of the time, Martin, although he didn’t spark in the final and Ted is a ‘big game’ player
So its marginal, pretty much confirmed by our relatively similar position. The big difference though, not evident from the 11 v. 11, is that we don't 'click' as a team like we did then, it was enthralling to watch sometimes that season
Any opinions?
