Imagine how goosed we'd be if we had last seasons squad right now and the same number of injuries? Its frightening and would probably leave us relegation threatened

Wharton injury is so bloody disappointing, we just can't get a break at the minute with injuries.

Pretty sure the manager is to blame, he is to be blunt, a prick and it rubs off

Completely understandable. In terms of not playing well the last couple of games, personally think that's more due to the opposition and how they setup, although I'm almost certain we'd have lost both last season. On the flip side we've played better a few times this season and lost, I know which I'd prefer... I'd take a draw if offered it now, I think Bristol is an easier 3 points despite them being above us. We've got the players to cause damage on set pieces today, we all know Raya is susceptible to a flap, execution needs to be much better than the other night though as they were pretty much all poor.

If Brentford are on great form then so are we, in fact slightly better depending on which form table you look at.....

Can't wait for this one, I must say I think the bookies have us way over priced too. So we've got this flat track bully label from certain people. Brentford themselves haven't really beaten anyone who you'd expect to be 'up there' either. Added to that their biggest win is 3-0 (amatuers). They've played the teams we've panned, beat Coventry 2-0, drew 0-0 with Wycombe and even got beat off Preston so that gives a little context. We took 4 points off them last season, when in my opinion they had a better team too let's not forget. I hate to single players out but if Bell starts instead of Douglas its gonna worry me a lot. I'll go for a 1-1 here i think, but its definitely winnable if we're on song and the right players are fit and picked to play....

Sorry but Dolan is literally nothing like Brereton in any way, shape or form! Not saying he's a bad player or anything, just a LOT different.

When's the last time we played and didn't have to sub someone off through injury? Luckily we've just about managed to patch things up so far but we're walking a tightrope. I really hope the Brereton injury isn't A] TOO serious, B] going to impact us too much. We don't have anyone who's a like for like replacement for him and he's been key this season, he has a very unique style of play that defenders hate to play against.

Isn't that the same as Travis? If so terrible news.

Ugly win, exactly what was needed today as it was heading for another Millwall draw, such a rancid team to play against. Well drilled some may say, awful I would argue. Its worth noting that in their previous 5 draws they held Norwich and Reading who are above us and Cardiff who are just behind. I think we'll play much better on Saturday, counter attacking is what we do best and it's harder to do so against plodders like Millwall. Unfortunately we have many more plodder to overcome this season mind.... With the counter attacking mentality of course comes the requirement to defend better too. Very disjointed today and both Warton and Dougy were missed. Ayala isn't suddenly crap he looked very rusty though, but as I said earlier he's gonna stay that way if we don't persevere now and get him match fit. I'd consider giving Holtby a rest at weekend personally and maybe even slotting Downing in, he did well when he came on. Just hope the Brereton injury isn't severe as that could seriously hinder his progression.

Draw probably a fair result at HT. Plenty to play for, good options on the bench. This was always gonna be bloody tough people, calm down a little. I must say I'd put Downing on for Bell though, an average player like Romeo is getting the better of him. Ayala looks rusty but it is what it is, he's gonna need game time if we want him to get back up to speed, a gamble we could do without but Wharton being out left little choice.

Midfield battle will be interesting tonight looking at that line up, hope they don't bully Elliot and Holtby too much! It could go either way I guess but hopefully skill gets the better of brute force on this occasion.

Looks like Pike will make the bench tonight ?

His injury is a low grade hamstring and better than it could have been but he's said in other interviews it'll be weekend at the earliest till he's available for selection

Douglas is out

Well its an old saying about the successful teams being the ones that don't play well and win, or maybe we got a bit lucky today? Dunno. What's different this season for me is that we aren't relying on everyone playing well, nor are we relying on a single player bailing us out. Previously we've seen it where if Dack plays shit we lose etc. The full team/squad are carrying the can. I seriously doubt there's many better squads in the league right now. We've had it rough with injuries but absorbed it, only Norwich have had it worse than us. PNE have had it rough and their lack of depth shows. Who the hell scouted Kaminski? Get him a pay rise and make him chief scout! Millwall are a really really dull team, that's gonna be a tough nut to crack against the draw specialists. Win that and I get a bit giddy.

Finished 1-1. Calamitous mix up at the back gifted Everton an equaliser late on.

Its all just speculative opinions to be honest on if having fans there has influenced Ben's form or not. Until he comes out and admits that himself it'll remain that way. The fans never rounded on him en masse but shouts of "Brereton you're fucking shit" were common, distinctly remember one at Newcastle away in the cup as soon as he came on the pitch. However, a few heckles can't really be blamed. Anyway whats done is done and hopefully everyone moves on from a spell which everyone will admit, including himself, was very underwhelming. My personal opinion is that the manager showing faith with consistent starts is the biggest factor. Pissing about coming off the bench being shunted about in unfamiliar positions wasn't working out at all. I also think current personnel in the team have helped, he seems to have an understanding with Elliott and Rothwell especially. He looks noticeably happier and a Brereton with bags of confidence playing as he is will be a huge asset this season and hopefully many to come. Ironically on the subject of fan influence, I think having fans there right now would have a further positive impact on his development, who wouldn't want their name sang aloud in appreciation?

Not sure you can really compare the Barnsley of last season to this especially when Ismael has only been in charge for like 6 games, 4 of which they've won. Very tough test this, they'll be unpredictable as the manager is still tinkering and experimenting. It'll make a nice change for Mowbray to even be able to pick an unchanged side should he want to as injuries have had their say far too much lately. I think we're at the point now where we probably have 7/8 must start players (increasing when Dack and Travis are back). After that there's not many players that will attract moans and groans if picked. Bennett and Evans obviously out of the equation at this moment in time, Gallagher perhaps not the most popular pick but even he redeemed himself last night. I don't think he'd consider Bell unless of course Douglas picked up an injury between now and Sunday, fingers crossed he doesn't as he played well and looked a bit sharper last time out. I'm calling a 2-0 win. Armstrong right on the stroke of half time, followed by an open game with some squeaky bum moments, Dolan off the bench to notch a second late on.

What a bloody shame nights like tonight he hasn't got the fans singing his name, cos he sure as hell deserves it. And slowly some of the doubters are starting to believe ?

Well I doubt you'll see a more one sided game all season, hard to believe that was 2 teams from the same division. Granted they have some injury issues but so do bloody we. I watched it with Preston commentary and they were very complimentary to Holtby and Brereton and rightly so, nobody can come away with bad marks tonight. I must admit I give Gallagher some grief but he was effective against them tonight and its a shame his goal was chalked off. Preston fans who don't see much of him must think he's a class act after last season as well! Now can we PLEASE not piss about and get a decent run going here?

I'm not sure he's up for it at the moment. His best pal died recently and he must still be in bits

I have a fair few vhs videos of 1995 season including VE day and the victory parade at Ewood etc at my dads, will happily share

Anyone listen?

He was good against Swansea tbf till he came off. I don't think the balance ever looks right without Holtby though if I'm honest, or, eventually Trav