TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

PRESSURE ON HOME FORM

Now, call me a broken record, but here we are again. Torquay head for Plainmoor after a two week break in league fixtures well aware that three points is need to keep the promotion drive alive. Whilst it is still very much early days, no wins from four away from home and an FA Cup defeat on our travels have no doubt ramped up the pressure on home points. 12 from 12 is perfect so far, and the next opportunity comes on Saturday against promotion rivals Ebbsfleet United.

INJURIES IMPROVING

One of the features of the early season has been a massive injury list. Whilst it can strike at any time, the difference between last season and this is significant. But Paul Wotton confirmed on Thursday that Callum Dolan, Louis Dennis, Sunny-Blu Lo Everton and Dylan Morgan are all available for selection. The strength of the squad will all of a sudden look majorly different with them back in the frame. The difference in the quality that they bring was evident in pre season and early season fixtures, so their return is a welcome boost to a depleted squad until now. They could make a huge difference.

CLEAN SHEET CHALLENGE

Whilst goals win matches, clean sheets at the back also do. That is a key challenge to being able to string results together at home and away. United have conceded two goals in each of the last six games, an unenviable record that frankly has to stop. Also of concern has been the way that a lot of the goals have been conceded, with Paul voicing the hard work that has been going on at the training ground. There is no doubt that we have been more offensive this season, and that has compromised what was a strong defensive record last season. Working out how to defend in and out and of attack is going to be key.

ATTACKING AREAS

13 goals in 4 matches at Plainmoor this season is strong form by anybody’s standards, but it’s how it has been achieved that has been particularly impressive. The open and free flowing style of play has brought chances galore, and the four goals against Slough Town last time out showed how we can mix it, scoring from open play and from set pieces. Being able to score every type of goal is really important. As above, if we can marry that with some clean sheets at the back, we will be onto a good thing.

THE OPPOSITION

Ebbsfleet come to Plainmoor after what could be described as a low key start to the season. 12 points from 8 matches, with 8 goals scored and 7 goals conceded reflect that. But there is no doubt for me that they will be a considerable force in the league and be up there by the end. Make no mistake, this is a big fixture in this league and the winners will be feeling significantly good about themselves. Let’s hope that it is the team wearing Yellow.