[DIFH]

I see Swindon are fielding a weakened team tonight again - currently 1 each at Colchester.




Are they running scared of anyone or are they just resting 1st teamers.

[BlueLowen]

They are resting players for the playoffs

http://www.bbc.co.uk...otball/32394740

This post has been edited by BlueLowen: 28 April 2015 - 08:14 PM

[Spireite-Karl]

Dave In Footie Heaven, on 28 April 2015 - 07:59 PM, said:

I see Swindon are fielding a weakened team tonight again - currently 1 each at Colchester.




Are they running scared of anyone or are they just resting 1st teamers.

Running scared?? They've long accepted their playoff fate and are the team that's the most prepared for a crack at the playoffs. Their poor form of late means nothing.

[calvin plummers socks]

Spireite-Karl, on 29 April 2015 - 08:27 AM, said:

Running scared?? They've long accepted their playoff fate and are the team that's the most prepared for a crack at the playoffs. Their poor form of late means nothing.

Of course it does- confidence is a big thing in sport

[Spireite-Karl]

calvin plummers socks, on 29 April 2015 - 08:53 AM, said:

Of course it does- confidence is a big thing in sport

Of course confidence is a big thing, but form goes out the window for me for the playoffs. The teams most likely to be affected by confidence is those that creep into the playoffs late (total feel good factor) or on the opposite end teams have just missed out on the automatics and even worse is our case is two sides that have been going hell for leather for the auto’s... i.e. MK and Preston, they have been locking horns for weeks now trying to gain an automatic position and neither have been able to achieve that until the final day of the season, which dumps their defeated rival into the playoffs, that's where your 'confidence' (or lack of it) is most likely going to show imo as they are going to be physically and mentally drained and somehow they have to dust themselves down and go again... Whereas Swindon will be well rested, prepared and fully focused. Of course there’s no science behind this and anything can happen.
The worst thing Swindon have got against them is that statistically second place sides in the playoffs are by far the least likely ones to gain promotion out of all divisions since the playoffs have been going (25 years in their current format) only nine sides have gained promotion by finishing second in the leagues playoffs positions (i.e. Swindon) and only paltry four sides if you take away the last five seasons playoffs (the 2nd placed side has had bit of a spurt in getting promoted recently).

[Spire-Power]

Spireite-Karl, on 29 April 2015 - 10:02 AM, said:

Of course confidence is a big thing, but form goes out the window for me for the playoffs. The teams most likely to be affected by confidence is those that creep into the playoffs late (total feel good factor) or on the opposite end teams have just missed out on the automatics and even worse is our case is two sides that have been going hell for leather for the auto’s... i.e. MK and Preston, they have been locking horns for weeks now trying to gain an automatic position and neither have been able to achieve that until the final day of the season, which dumps their defeated rival into the playoffs, that's where your 'confidence' (or lack of it) is most likely going to show imo as they are going to be physically and mentally drained and somehow they have to dust themselves down and go again... Whereas Swindon will be well rested, prepared and fully focused. Of course there’s no science behind this and anything can happen.
The worst thing Swindon have got against them is that statistically second place sides in the playoffs are by far the least likely ones to gain promotion out of all divisions since the playoffs have been going (25 years in their current format) only nine sides have gained promotion by finishing second in the leagues playoffs positions (i.e. Swindon) and only paltry four sides if you take away the last five seasons playoffs (the 2nd placed side has had bit of a spurt in getting promoted recently).

Another stat that doesnt mean much imo.

[lindo-spireite]

One things for sure, they'll either win the play offs or they won't, eh Karl?

[azul]

Is a wise thing to play weakened teams for so long?

[Spireite-Karl]

lindo-spireite, on 29 April 2015 - 11:10 AM, said:

One things for sure, they'll either win the play offs or they won't, eh Karl?

This is true

[Spireite-Karl]

Spire-Power, on 29 April 2015 - 10:42 AM, said:

Another stat that doesnt mean much imo.

Agreed.

Brentford have the best and worst record in the playoffs. They have made it there a record seven times (shared with Huddersfield), though have managed to lose every single time

[Spireite-Karl]

azul, on 29 April 2015 - 11:39 AM, said:

Is a wise thing to play weakened teams for so long?

That could be a drawback if they can't get any rhythm going in their game, yes.

See what I did there?? They may win the playoffs if resting their players pay off, if not they won't

[brianclose]

Spireite-Karl, on 29 April 2015 - 02:12 PM, said:

That could be a drawback if they can't get any rhythm going in their game, yes.

See what I did there?? They may win the playoffs if resting their players pay off, if not they won't

I would say the optimum rest between games is probably a week, so why they have rested players in the last two games I have no idea (perhaps for the last game this weekend I could understand). I think they are being arrogant and foolish and peeing other clubs off in the process. I cant see how a hiatus of over 2 weeks would help any player to perform better.

[firedodger]

calvin plummers socks, on 29 April 2015 - 08:53 AM, said:

Of course it does- confidence is a big thing in sport

Only as important as match fitness though eh?

[Spireite-Karl]

brianclose, on 29 April 2015 - 02:28 PM, said:

I would say the optimum rest between games is probably a week, so why they have rested players in the last two games I have no idea (perhaps for the last game this weekend I could understand). I think they are being arrogant and foolish and peeing other clubs off in the process. I cant see how a hiatus of over 2 weeks would help any player to perform better.

Tbh I can't argue with that other than to say 'so they don't risk getting injuries/ suspensions', but the peeing off other clubs could well be a valid point depending who've played (I can't recall without looking back).

[calvin plummers socks]

firedodger, on 29 April 2015 - 03:06 PM, said:

Only as important as match fitness though eh?

Stop it