Home Match Build-Up 30/11/2024 - Championship: Oxford United vs Millwall

[Northstandboy]

Match Referee: Anthony Backhouse - STATS
Kassam Stadium
Saturday 30th Nov 2024 @ 12:30 -

 

[Sarge]

After more than a few games where we've looked second- best, I fancy the start of an unbeaten run is due, starting this Saturday with a convincing 3-1 home win , Harris and a brace from Scarlett

plus late cameo appearances from Marcelino and Goodwin

 

[Osleroad]

Think we'll be lucky to get a point - end our losing streak at least!

 

[holdsteady]

I don't really get where the Millwall is an easy game is coming from, second in the last 6 form table to a team that we didn't get close to last night and 8th in the table, said elsewhere that them away at Portsmouth is a very interesting one for us, we certainly don't want to be getting less points from the same opposition that Portsmouth so you ideally want Millwall to win but if they win comfortably then you start to get a bit nervous given our form and the gap between us and the better teams in this league.

So you would think pray for a Millwall win tonight and then be happy with draw on Saturday, but because of our recent form and our dog s**t away record that's not helping the overall picture that much, so in isolation a draw might be a good result but the next two away games then become massive, we can't continue with away record barely helping our league position if the home form tails off as its the only thing that has made us competitive this season.

 

[Osleroad]

Thing is we can't afford passengers in the squad for development as much as we thought we could if they aren't even getting on the pitch and giving us something extra. Every player as we can see in our opponents is pretty much quality. Our increased revenue shd mean we can up the budget from FFP side of things but let's hope we can hang in there.

 

[Sarge]

fuckinghell Ive just noticed who the referee is for saturdays game!

He's officiated 2 previous OUFC matches ( including the very recent home game v Middlesborough) both of them ended with the same scoreline!

Law of averages has to apply, doesn't it?

 

[holdsteady]

fuckinghell Ive just noticed who the referee is for saturdays game!

He's officiated 2 previous OUFC matches ( including the very recent home game v Middlesborough) both of them ended with the same scoreline!

Law of averages has to apply, doesn't it?

Wouldn't the law of averages mean we lose 6-2 again?

 

[Sarge]

Wouldn't the law of averages mean we lose 6-2 again?

i really hope not - wouldnt the law of averages equate to metaphorical lightening not striking for a third time ( as it already has twice)?


law of averages definition-
the supposed principle that future events are likely to turn out so that they balance any past deviation from a presumed average.

-as in its Oxford's turn to win convincingly with Smith refereeing

 

[holdsteady]

i really hope not - wouldnt the law of averages equate to metaphorical lightening not striking for a third time ( as it already has twice)?


law of averages definition-
the supposed principle that future events are likely to turn out so that they balance any past deviation from a presumed average.

-as in its Oxford's turn to win convincingly with Smith refereeing

Aah, well at least i have learnt something today.

 

[Manorlounger]

I would think that the biggest hurdle will be the mental status of everyone. We have to believe we can get a win, the players have to go out knowing they can win. Coming on the back of two comprehensive losses, this game has to be a turning point. Moore back in defence, Brannagan, if not fully match fit then very nearly, Phillips back, Kioso back(?) and options for midfield changes. Second hurdle is the tight turn around time. Saturday/Tuesday/Saturday - players should be fit enough, if the mindset is right and the stats boys and girls have got us set up for the opposition, well, let's see. The Loungers will be there - SSU front row is usually an active zone(!) Mrs L will have hold of my kiddy reins and we'll be fired up from breakfast at F&B's. (they don't serve breakfast but we'll do the next best thing!)

 

[Northstandboy]

fuckinghell Ive just noticed who the referee is for saturdays game!

He's officiated 2 previous OUFC matches ( including the very recent home game v Middlesborough) both of them ended with the same scoreline!

Law of averages has to apply, doesn't it?

Ref updated, Anthony Backhouse. Reff'd the Watford game.

 

[Paul Cannell]

Prediction's a joke.
Pfft! The opposition score
Just goes up to nine.

 

[BicesterU]

Another game we're probably second favourites for, but we'll keep battling and hopefully can earn a point. Although I'd take stealing one, to be honest!

Be interesting to see what the team is. If Phillips and Shemmy can start, I hope we get to see Tyler back in the middle with Idris. And I wouldn't mind seeing Cam at the base of the midfield three as Millwall seem to be happy to let the teams they play have possession.

Cumming
Kioso Moore Brown Leigh
Brannagan
Goodrham El-Mizouni
Phillips Scarlett Placheta

 

[Sarge]

Ref updated, Anthony Backhouse. Reff'd the Watford game.

will it change again before Saturday? - asking for a friend

 

[n1]

I thought Owen Dale showed glimpses last night of how he could be a useful player this season. His ball retention, work rate, and game management were good. When we play away from home and are up against it those are really critical assets. He's always up for the fight and is an experienced player - so decent in game decision making.

Yes, he's a league one player who will never be a consistent attacking threat + poor final product, but thought last night was the kind of game he should start to ensure that we're as solid as we can be to take us later into the game with a closer scoreline.

Food for thought.

 

[oufc1991]

The most important thing is we score first imo as fans we would be saying this team has just conceded 9 ( nine ) goals in two games if we score first the fans will get on their players backs

So let’s score first get some confidence get the ball moving accurately and with a bit of pace some nice movement off the ball we can do it we’ve shown we can do it so let’s go out on Saturday have a bit of fire in our belly’s and f*****g do it

As for the fans we need to be loud and proud singing for 90+mins get behind the boys and let’s bring home the points together

Up the f*****g yellows

 

[holdsteady]

I thought Owen Dale showed glimpses last night of how he could be a useful player this season. His ball retention, work rate, and game management were good. When we play away from home and are up against it those are really critical assets. He's always up for the fight and is an experienced player - so decent in game decision making.

Yes, he's a league one player who will never be a consistent attacking threat + poor final product, but thought last night was the kind of game he should start to ensure that we're as solid as we can be to take us later into the game with a closer scoreline.

Food for thought.

They had eased up a lot, hard to judge to much against a side who had won and were saving themselves for Friday night, for me his lack of pace and attacking ability at this level will get exploited against a team who are really going at you, he gives them nothing to worry about. But we do need to make as much use of whatever assets we have, especially till January and hopefully strengthen a bit, so if we can get something out of a player then we need to.

 

[Mad Dog]

 

[maidenheadox]

Their form is excellent. I'll hang on to the facts that they're still probably a step down in class from Boro and Shef U, and they've not scored more than once in a match since September. If their defence can have a bad day at the office or Scarlett can convert a couple of half chances then it's winnable.

 

[Mad Dog]

This could also work, considering the form Millwall are in, and our recent form, we need to be solid and stop the rot:

 

[Theox07]

So many people overreacting we’ve played Sheffield United away who are top and Watford who hasn’t lost a home game since March and Middlesbrough who are scoring for fun , we’ve just come up and people expecting results against these teams absolutely crazy and blaming players who have got us in the championship

 

[holdsteady]

This could also work, considering the form Millwall are in, and our recent form, we need to be solid and stop the rot:

View attachment 23760

I like this but would be tempted to take Goodrham out as he looks a bit leggy, first season at this level at his age and he has played a hell of a lot of minutes, plus having him as a sub to come on for the last half hour might give us a bit of impetus then.

 

[Swaby39]

So many people overreacting we’ve played Sheffield United away who are top and Watford who hasn’t lost a home game since March and Middlesbrough who are scoring for fun , we’ve just come up and people expecting results against these teams absolutely crazy and blaming players who have got us in the championship

It’s not the results people are necessarily expecting, it’s signs of hope in the performances and I don’t think we’re doing anything particularly well across the thirds. It’s not bed wetting to say that’s what’s in front of us. It’s also not a bad day at the office we could easily overlook, it’s numerous games in succession. We’ve totally lost our way defensively which was at least enabling us to get draws and remain in games if we didn’t concede early. If we at least played that way and went down to the better, overpowering side in the end then we’d all accept that. The ball is reaching Jamie Cumming far too often and we’re lucky he’s as competent as he is.

 

[Berliner]

will it change again before Saturday? - asking for a friend

Let's hope not, you awarded him an 8 in the past, which for you is one step down from fellating him...

 

[Sarge]

Let's hope not, you awarded him an 8 in the past, which for you is one step down from fellating him...

fair comment - I think

 

[Isle of Wight Yellow]

I was impressed with Placheta, Scarlett, Phillips and El-Mizouni. Depending on fitness, I’d be tempted to start:

Cumming
Ter Avest Moore Brown Leigh
McEachran
Brannagan El-Mizouni
Phillips Scarlett Placheta​

I’m actually pretty confident that, if that team is fully fit and showing a bit of form, at home, we could be competitive.

 

[Morris Oxford]

On the whole our support has been excellent this season home and away. We need to keep it up, we can make a difference.

I think for the majority of fans expectations for the season were realistic. Survival.

Other clubs fans such as Cardiff, QPR, Portsmouth will have greater expectations and thus put greater stress and anxiety onto their players if things are not going well. This is where we as a fan base can make a difference, stick with Des and stick with players.

 

[Scotchegg]

If Kioso is fit to play, I'd start with him as Ter Avest has looked good going forward but I think we lose a little defensive positioning with him at times.

Moore comes back in for Long, but he was poor against 'Boro and Brown was poor last night so both need to get back to their best ASAP.

I'd also be inclined to give Tyler a rest even if baby's not ready just yet. He has struggled a bit lately and I worry that things might just be too much for him at the moment. He's still young and we may just need to protect him a little.

And I'd play Harris and Scarlett. Harris almost plays a no.10 role anyway and can do the leg work that he's so good at, leaving Scarlett to play higher up where he's also at his most dangerous.

Cumming
Kioso Moore Brown Leigh
Vaulks Brannagan
Phillips Harris Placheta
Scarlett

 

[Carpy]

I was impressed with Placheta, Scarlett, Phillips and El-Mizouni. Depending on fitness, I’d be tempted to start:

Cumming
Ter Avest Moore Brown Leigh
McEachran
Brannagan El-Mizouni
Phillips Scarlett Placheta​

I’m actually pretty confident that, if that team is fully fit and showing a bit of form, at home, we could be competitive.

Agree with this completely.

Midfield 3 is the way to go at the moment in my opinion, think RR has been dreadful recently and Goodrham is a bit of a luxury in the form we are in, start with 3 players that give you a chance of winning, or at least, competing in the midfield battle and let your wingers be the providers for Scarlett.

Plus, both Cam and El Miz can shoot.

 

[Oxymoron]

Millwall have been dire away from The Den, failing to beat Hull, QPR and Cardiff on their travels with their only away victory courtesy of a stoppage time goal at Swansea having been outplayed for most of the game. If they get anything tonight it will be because Pompey are even more dire at Fratton Park!

They have only scored twice in the first half of their away games and are prone to conceding early and late, so a good start is key to winning although our usual determination to play to the end should see us garner something from the game if we don't.