What is it that makes away performances differ from home ones?

[wallyback]

I'd be interested from a psychological point of view which of the following has the strongest impact.

Ok tactics may vary, but on a level playing field (Pun intended) teams should play the style to suit the opposition,
Is it

the pitch
the support
the surroundings - condition and or size.
the pre match travel
the shirt colour - if a change of strip is necessary


not where the game in played.

 

[halbpro]

For us the pitch can certainly make a huge difference. With the wide passing game we like to play, being on a small pitch or one with crap turf (like Hull) can really mess up our game. Yes, you can adjust tactics to some extent, but there's only so much you can do.

I think the support probably makes a big difference too, much easier to play in a friendly atmosphere I'd imagine.

 

[kevo]

I was thinking exactly this on Saturday. How could we put in two such different performances against Derby and Forest with the same starting line-up? A lot of it has to do with the oppostion I think. Home teams feel the need to come out and impose themselves and attack in front of their home supporters. So instead of taking the game to their opponents, the away team often find themselves on the back foot and find it difficult to establish themselves in the game.