Sunday morning ramble:
We did the difficult bit with 4 tough wins in a row (without Chair) - important wins as others close behind have kept picking up points as well. Now we have 2 relatively "easy" home games - the sort we should win but also the sort we often slip up on so it will be a challenge to win 6 in a row. This is the Championship after all.
Pity about our Covid break which definitely impacted the Stoke performance and result and probably Bournemouth as well. The pleasing thing is that we have since had those 4 wins without really hitting top form so if we can really get going who knows where we can go. Has Blackburn's bubble burst? Monday may tell especially as Boro have made a couple of good signings. Bournemouth are a mystery at the moment and I expect WBA may bounce back now they have their big American striker.
One funny thought that I doubt will happen but what about next season having QPR, Fulham, Chelsea, Brentford, Watford, Spurs, Arsenal, Palace and West Ham all in the PL. Practically half the division and all those local derbies..
Bad news from yesterday was another yellow card for Dickie and I cannot see him avoiding a 2 match ban soon and the real possibility of losing him for another 3 games during the final run in. At least Johansens injury avoided him picking up another booking. It's reaching the point where Warburton might consider resting Dickie for one or two games to avoid losing him for longer later
Jordy on the bench was a surprise as I have not heard of him playing in reserve game or anything to get up to match fitness - not the time to rush him back too quickly as we may need him to cover for Dickie soon.
Dykes has faded badly recently imo and on recent showings certainly is not heading for the PL this window. He actually seems better as a lone striker or maybe it just appears that way as he becomes more the focal point. Charlie and Gray could be a better starting pair at the moment but we have the problem that neither Charlie or Gray can go for the full 90 plus minutes without running out of steam. I can see Armstrong getting on the bench if he does not go on loan again. I can see some middle to low PL table team coming in for Willock as the window closes but I doubt he would go now - why bench warm a relegation team when he can shine in a possible promotion battle.
I think Barbet will see out the season. He appears fully committed and the sort who will want to see things through
Marshall has already proved his worth and congratualtions to the behind the scenes guys for acting quickly to get in adequate cover. It will be an interesting decision for Warburton when Seny returns and again at then of season depending on where we will be playing.