Last 3 games, we've lost to Palace at home, and Southampton away. Yet people still think a result at Hull is a given? Baffling....
We can't pick and choose what matches we turn up for. Results aren't even a given when we think we should 'turn up.'
This the aspect of the proposition that terrifies me. We have under-performed during several "Hull" type games this season, resulting in losses and draws which have left us where we are now. Most recently the Palace and Southampton games stick out - granted both are better teams than Hull, but we played like turbo gash in both and couldn't even manage to snatch a draw in either game. Go back to January and we have a 1-1 draw with WBA in which we gave a turgid second half display, and a 1-1 at Stoke where we only got the point due to Baines scoring a pen in injury time.
Sunderland at Goodison on Boxing Day ring any bells? 0-0 at Palace in November? How about Norwich, Cardiff and WBA in August? My point is, we are taking a risk if we bet everything on getting a result against Hull. What if we have a player sent off, like Howard v Sunderland? Or we score a freak own goal a la Southampton? By choosing to let City win, we are assuming the mantle of a club that "deserves" to win against a certain type of team ie Hull - and the season shows that we DON'T always beat those clubs.
A couple of results stand out, looking back at our season:
- Two points from six against WBA;
- One from six against Palace;
- One from six against Spurs;
- One from six against the RS.
Home wins against WBA and Palace should be automatic. Had we achieved them this season we'd be five points better off than we are.... but they AREN'T automatic, and nor is a favourable result against Hull.
If we want European competition, we need to do better in our home games against the teams who are directly competing with us for European spots.
If we roll over against City, we are putting EVERYTHING on a result against Hull, and tempting fate in the process. It worries me.
Having said that, I have immense sympathy for every bluenose who is facing the possible prospect of living in Liverpool with the RS as champions. Don't envy your position one little bit.