0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I can't argue with that Tyke, although I doubt the conditions were any worse, and certainly the playing area would have been better at Oakwell than Blackpool last night, so I don't think any side will be able to claim an advantage on the fitness front on Friday. I would expect us to have a couple of changes up front from last night, Marquis will definitely start in my team as would Coppinger, who seems to save his best for you anyway. There is not a lot between the two sides probably you are more consistent, but at our best we take some stopping, and really we have probably saved our best games for the better sides. Either way I am looking forward to the game, and although I am expecting a close game I am confident we can come out on top.
Tough game last night in demanding conditions , we have definitely got to be concerned about our energy levels going in to a derby game 3 days later .Our game is based on high energy , intensity , pressing and counter attacking so if recent games are still in our legs then it's a worry .That said we've had a number of issues to resolve this season and Stendel has always found a way , this group are tough , resilient , together and extremely hungry to get promoted automatically .If we can get our noses in front then it will be a difficult night for Rovers , defensively we are rock solid and can then play on the counter more effectively .However if Rovers can get themselves in front and play as well as they did at Oakwell in November then the games in our legs may start to take effect .The first goal is huge on friday evening and the key to the whole contest in my opinion .
McCann and Gerrard handed a 1 match ban so will not be in the dig out for this game
I would go for:MarosiBlairButlerAndersonAndrewWhitemanKaneRoweCoppsMarquisWilks
Rovers starting with ‘my’ line up bar Downing in for Anderson. Dingles starting with Donny lad Mowatt.
Quote from: Chris Black come back on March 15, 2019, 02:35:35 pmI would go for:MarosiBlairButlerAndersonAndrewWhitemanKaneRoweCoppsMarquisWilksOne caveat - if Whiteman or Kane is booked, then sub the other for Crawford or Sadlier. Can't afford to be without both HK and BW.
Did not think much of Dingles tonight. Soaked up a lot but otherwise not much happening.
Well it won't live too long in the memory!Thought Rovers just about shaded things though a point was undoubtedly the fair result.I know it's commonplace to try and discredit the opposition in local derbies, make out they're crap, etc, but that double save from the goalkeeper in the first five minutes was unbelievable. Deserves massive credit for that.Not a great game for Marquis, as said elsewhere, and Barnsley kept him very quiet. His decision-making at times left a lot to be desired, but his record speaks for itself and he's going through a tricky patch. He needs folks' support in this moment and not OTT criticism.Their No.12, can't remember his name, was equally as bad with the decision-making. There were a couple of times he clung onto the ball for dear life when he had better options either side, who might have ultimately created a clearer opening.No damage in the result as there's plenty of games left - nothing's decided tonight - and I think both sides will be content with a point.Over to the teams tomorrow now who have all the pressure on them as they're in the chasing pack.
Jim lad, don't finish third with us sixth, that could cost you promotion. I hope you go up automatic,but if we play you in the play offs, the seeds of doubt have been sown, you know that we are more than capable of beating you, and your crowds expectations will be a heavy load for your players to carry after the disappointment of you not going up if you fail automatic, which means you will have to carry this form on right to the end of the season, a very hard ask.
Jim, the team that finishes third will carry the burden of disappointment,expectancy from their supporters, and being able to be relaxed in a three game season starting from scratch again. The reasons so many have failed in the past, the sixth side however are mostly glad to just have another chance, and are mostly the form team going into the game, and more importantly start off on a level playing field once again, when all could have been lost,and hope springs up again. If for instance you end up in the playoffs, and I sincerely hope you don't, you will have come off your good run between now and the end of the season, and knowing your crowd things will not be quite the same atmosphere of confidence and good will to the team and management as you project now.