Pre-Burton Albion Blog announcement.

I won't be posting a pre-match Blog prior to our second leg in the League Cup semi final at the Pirelli Stadium.

Comment.

 

No disrespect whatsoever to our hosts but I'm certain Pep would have loved to have used this game not only to rest key players ahead of important F.A. Cup 4th round & Premier League games but also to give more of the EDS and other youth players, likewise, a run out as first-teamers.

However, a big fly in that ointment is, strangely, something to be proud of but has prevented our manager from doing so; that being our EDS's game away at the Stadium of Light just 24-hours earlier to face a largely first team Sunderland side in the quarter final of the EFL Trophy. Although I'm sure proud himself, I think it's also irritated him a little as we wish Paul Harsley and his young side all the very best for tonight!

So...good luck to anyone wishing to guess the team that'll face the Brewers tomorrow evening and if anyone DOES guess the first 11 correctly there should be some sort of prize given by the club!

The first team.

 

I thought it was a rather lackluster first half performance from City in the first half last Sunday but I was very disappointed in the home side who, I thought, would be really up for the fight in between managers and with a new one due to be announced within a couple of hours of the final whistle. Thankfully we stepped it up a little in the second and looked more fluid. Playing in 2nd gear for the most part; 3-0 was a decent result and the 2nd & 3rd goals were well worked.

After a serious blip that dented our league campaign quite badly followed by an amazing performance and terrific result against our biggest title rival...and THEN two high-scoring cup games to say the very least; I think our lads look like they're 'going through the motions' a little at the moment. I get that in some ways.

Yeah, we were professional enough to dispatch Huddersfield last Sunday; the Wolves home game turned into a training session after they went down to 10-men early on and the players must be looking at this week as time to draw breath ahead of what's to come. Some players may well be appreciating the unofficial "break" but a lot will thrive on stiff competition and momentum gathering, which is lacking a little in a way at the moment, I think.

I just hope, then, that they're 'up for it' when the time comes...because those times are definitely coming. Burnley at home in the F.A. Cup, as I've said, and then some divvy in the F.A. decided it would be a good idea to-then send us up to Newcastle United in the league a little over 75-hours later! A bit of a rest after that of around 4-1/2 days before we play 2 consecutive Sundays against Arsenal & Chelsea...and all before the Champions League starts up again! Talk about famine & feast...

Good luck!

All the very best to whoever lines up for the first team tomorrow and whoever attends the game, supporting either team, in the return leg that stands at 9-0 for us.

And c'mon EDS for tonight too!