form leading up to the big one-comparisons

[thejiggingsaint]

I know that its not QUITE the same thing, but in the English FA cup competition its quite normal to see one or both teams that qualify for the final have a drastic drop in league form during the period between the Semi final and Wembley itself.
We "reached" the finals weeks ago and I reckon H&A form should not be taken TOO seriously before we start up our finals campaign

[plumtire]

Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure one or ten WILL!) but in 1997 did we not enter September on the back of a blistering finish in the home and away series. We then went on to SMASH North Melbourne (Carey and all) in the Prelim, only to lose badly to a team unrated at fifth position.
Jigger is close to the money here in saying FORM MEANS NOTHING!

[Superboot]

As you say, it's not quite the same but the situation can be analogous to some extent in that teams that reach the cup final can be in mid-table with no real prospect of going up or down, and so in effect can have little else to play for. We have had the misfortune in a sense of being guaranteed top spot, win or lose. I wonder whether our form would have dropped in the previous two games had we been battling to hold on for a top two finish.

I don't need to remind you, Dave, that although we reached the final we fell in a horrible heap after the first 45 secs!!!

[saintsRrising]

I know that its not QUITE the same thing, but in the English FA cup competition its quite normal to see one or both teams that qualify for the final have a drastic drop in league form during the period between the Semi final and Wembley itself.
We "reached" the finals weeks ago and I reckon H&A form should not be taken TOO seriously before we start up our finals campaign

Tapering

[thejiggingsaint]

Hey Superboot no need to remind me about that! Remember '68? We played West Brom in the final. We'd thrashed them home and away (6-2 at their midden if I'm not mistaken) so had definite form going in to the game.......history shows how relevant THAT was!

[borderbarry]

I believe our form slipped about 5 weeks ago. We just fell in against Sydney, then it took 7 changes to have a better win against Hawthorn. Then the two losses with the normal team back together (nearly).

[SainterK]

I believe our form slipped about 5 weeks ago. We just fell in against Sydney, then it took 7 changes to have a better win against Hawthorn. Then the two losses with the normal team back together (nearly).

When was it that we secured top spot?

[Superboot]

Hey Superboot no need to remind me about that! Remember '68? We played West Brom in the final. We'd thrashed them home and away (6-2 at their midden if I'm not mistaken) so had definite form going in to the game.......history shows how relevant THAT was!

4-0 and 6-2 that season, and then 4-0 again next time around after the Final. Sheeeeesh!!

[Selhurst Saint]

Hey Superboot no need to remind me about that! Remember '68? We played West Brom in the final. We'd thrashed them home and away (6-2 at their midden if I'm not mistaken) so had definite form going in to the game.......history shows how relevant THAT was!

4-0 and 6-2 that season, and then 4-0 again next time around after the Final. Sheeeeesh!!

Did Trebilcock play in any of those games?

[thejiggingsaint]

No Mate, dear old Mike Trebilcock (affectionately known as Three D***s) had departed at the end of 67 I believe. Mike made himself a legend by those two goals in '66 I was there to witness the miracle recovery from two goals down.....it was then that I was convinced that one should NEVER make assumptions/presumtions about anything in sport...and NEVER give up while there is a chance!
Incidentally I remember Palace's brave efforts in the early 90's V Man Utd.
Should have won in the first game!