Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Bolton Wanderers, Saturday 20th February, 15:00, FL2

[Stan33]

Fine weather in Leigh on Sea today and I’m going to pay for the game. Have people been finding phone or laptop works better and how’s the ifollow experience been generally in recent weeks? Cheers.

Perfect no probs since first 2/3 games

 

[superblue24]

It is strangely baffling our attachment with Ranger. I’m amazed he’s back in the fold, let alone dye a starting berth today. In the 2 years since he left Southend he’s been in Sunday league football and at Spalding United. As a ‘striker’ he’s never been prolific. He scored twice in 51 games for Newcastle. Less than 1 in 4 for us when playing against lower league opposition. Usually when released they fall into obscurity, which he has done, yet strangely he’s back at Southend. Bizarre to say the least. Maybe I’m missing something. Although I doubt it’s his character that we want around the place.

If you ever saw him play, that would probably answer your question. Most of the times I saw him, he was a cut above the rest, and that was league one. Yes he will be rusty, but there is a great player in there at this level and given our league position and unattractive proposition to any striker out there with any kind of scoring record, he is the best we can hope for. He is also on a monthly rolling contract, so we're pretty much free to send him on his way any time we feel like he isn't toeing the line.

 

[jackj13]

Just seen Grimsbys game off. A great opportunity to put some pressure on. Wouldn’t me surprised if no Ranger at all but possibly Homes from the off. UTB

 

[Barling Magna]

Fine weather in Leigh on Sea today and I’m going to pay for the game. Have people been finding phone or laptop works better and how’s the ifollow experience been generally in recent weeks? Cheers.

Working fine on my laptop, desktop and phone. Even works on my ancient plasma tv with Fire stick. I've watched every match so far. Lots of problems initially but fine now provided you can put up with that bloomin' Scouser telling me why I love the game.

 

[Rob1920]

Can’t help feeling a bit pessimistic about this one (as usual ?) given Bolton are scoring goals & winning games and I can’t remember us ever beating them. They’ll get at least one, we might be due a rare goal, so personally if offered I’d take a 1-1 draw right now.

 

[leeblue]

Today is one of those rare days where I really really care about the result....let's #$%#ing go you blues

 

[Maldon Shrimper]

Not an easy game we should be set up as hard to beat.Any opportunity that come our way we must take.Would be delighted with a win satisfied with a draw cant afford a lost but it wont be the end of the world.Keep pressure on the clubs around us is the key

 

[Green Wizard]

The longer a winning or losing run goes on the greater the chance of it coming to an end, why not today?

 

[stewart]

Tried to pick a side got as far as the midfield and gave it away , just hope we can get back to winning ways again and make RH the fortress it should be .

 

[bluesfansince1952]

While I am very much looking forward to this game I am also, at the same time, apprehensive. My reason for looking forward to the game is I am anticipating seeing Ricky Holmes in a Southend shirt. I think (and very much hope) he will be in the starting line up.
I am apprehensive as Bolton are bound to be well organised and difficult to play against.
We began January well and then fell away badly, and, we just cannot afford to repeat this in February.
I was heartened by the signings of Ferguson and Mellis as I was of the firm belief that our priority was the strengthening of our midfield. The addition of these two as well as Macca coming back from injury and the imminent return of JO gives us multiple options in the middle of the field.
I would be very much against starting with Macca as it seems he can barely play three consecutive games without picking up an injury (not just with us but during the last six seasons). Starting with him is risking losing him for a protracted period so I would like to see him used off the bench. Taking off KT for him after 60 to 70 mins would seem to be the best way of managing that situation.
Now our midfield looks respectable I fret a little about the defence as both TC and Elvis do not always defend well while JW gives me fits when the opposition have attacking players with pace. Hopefully my fears will be unfounded and we can win today.
1-0 will do me although I do think it is about time someone scored twice in one game for us.
Players in my opinion likeliest to score: SimAk, Dieng and ANG. If we are to believe in fairy tales then maybe Ricky can score twice!
Would love a win but would happily settle for a point as I do not think we can afford to lose.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Can’t help feeling a bit pessimistic about this one (as usual ?) given Bolton are scoring goals & winning games and I can’t remember us ever beating them. They’ll get at least one, we might be due a rare goal, so personally if offered I’d take a 1-1 draw right now.

You weren’t there when we smashed them 5-2 at the Hall then! What a day that was. A repeat is happening today

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/new...ht-hard-lesson-southend-5-bolton-wanderers-2/

 

[hlane17]

A day will come where this new team clicks and we absolutely batter the opposition. Not sure if it's today though... will take a scrappy 1-0 win or a draw at worst

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

You weren’t there when we smashed them 5-2 at the Hall then! What a day that was. A repeat is happening today

And if I remember rightly, Bolton then went on to get promotion and then up into the top division ............. so perhaps a similar result today wouldn't be too bad for either team.

 

[Cricko]

It's actually exciting for once this season to see what the lineup will be.

 

[gatecrasher]

Can’t help feeling a bit pessimistic about this one (as usual ?) given Bolton are scoring goals & winning games and I can’t remember us ever beating them. They’ll get at least one, we might be due a rare goal, so personally if offered I’d take a 1-1 draw right now.

Didnt we beat them when Kyps turned into messi and scored two goals?

 

[ESG]

You weren’t there when we smashed them 5-2 at the Hall then! What a day that was. A repeat is happening today

Gutted to miss that one. It was my sister in laws wedding and I was stuck in deepest and darkest Shepton Mallett listing to the car radio in between trying to be interested proceedings

 

[damien]

Up the blues. 3-2 win, Holmes, Akinola, and Hobson for the shrimpers.

Molesely to make a strangling gesture to the bolton gaffer instead of shaking hands at the end.

 

[tottenham541]

Starting lineup will be very interesting today, as will our bench.

 

[Ayrshire Blue]

Got to get Macca back in for this one!