Episode 119: Cautious Optimism?

Travis, Score, Ola, and Jordan return to discuss the Blues season-to-date after two more wins and clean sheets away to Bournemouth and West Ham. The high powered attack, rapid Conte-like transitions and long-term role of Enzo are dissected, followed up by diving into what is and is not working with the defense so far.

Travis, Jordan, Score, and Ola return for their first episode of the new season to discuss what is and is not working with the new manager plus the biggest positives & negatives over the last 3 matches. The hosts also discuss if the nature of the first 3 matches could be predictive of how the season will continue to play out and then give their verdicts if Maresca has convinced them more or less than before.

Travis Flock is joined by long time friend of the show, Tyler Wickham, to discuss the 2024/2025 preseason to date. The hosts discuss the roles being used in the squad, the build up structure, the manager and personnel and how they will fit the roles in buildup, and their expectations for the 2024/2025 season.

As the first episode in this series, Ola breaks down his assessment of the club.

Score, Ola, and Travis review the last series of matches from Wolves to Man City and give a state of the club discussion. The trends from these matches give reasons for cautious optimism, but there are still concerning patterns that the hosts discuss for the club going forward. Key changes in personnel and tactics are highlighted and discussed as a large reason for the turnaround.

Ola, Score, and Travis breakdown a crushing and comprehensive defeat away to Liverpool. The lack of defense, overall system, and managerial selections are analyzed, plus the wider context regarding the entire season and duration of the new ownership. The hosts are left wondering if this project can truly turn the corner.

The Balanced Blues Brothers crew are back to review the 1-0 home win over Fulham. The positives and negatives are discussed, and the hosts collectively celebrate the win and improvements, but are cautious to get ahead of ourselves as fans and think the issues are solved.

The Balanced Blues Brothers are proud to bring on Stew Flaherty on to the show to discuss the Boro 1-0 Chelsea result from the first leg of the Carling Cup Semifinal. Stew has extensive experience in coaching at college and professional levels, and brings his perspective as a Boro supporter to breakdown the shocking first leg win. This match only raised more questions regarding the Chelsea squad, and Travis and Stew are here to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the match, how Carrick outclassed Pochettino, how Boro did not sit back as many are suggesting, and how Chelsea are in trouble for the second leg given how poorly they played from a comprehensive standpoint.

Travis F., Score, and Ola cover the thrilling 4-4 draw against City at the Bridge. The comeback nature of the win, standout performances, and larger implications of the win are discussed.

The full Balanced Blues crew is back to breakdown a tale of two halves and 4-1 victory for the Blues away to Burnley. The contrasting nature of the 2 halves, regression to the mean rest of season, continual underlying match data, and standout performances are discussed, with opinions having a noticeable variation between the hosts. A preview towards the next match against Arsenal is also provided to listeners.