Let's talk about the Southend game

[selby]

  A game people might think an easy game, against a team we scored seven  goals against in the fixture at Southend, and have struggled all season to get away from the relegation positions, so it is easy for us to think it will be a given.
  It will not, recently although not winning too many they are proving much more difficult to beat, drawing games earlier in the season they were getting beaten in, and we need to get a result, therefore playing the game and not the occasion, being patient and taking what chances we create being important.
  Will we have new recruits? possibly not for this fixture, most of us are able to pick probably nine players if fit, who would be the other two? more of a lottery, especially after the good display at Sunderland.
    So, Would you make changes?
    Are you expecting transfer news before this game?
    can we get back in the mix for a top six finish?
  Lots to discuss about this game, please have your say.

[IDM]

We are so solid at the back we just need more going forward..

I can see Copps starting, but who to leave out.?

James looked a real threat in that advanced position and Gomes was very good.

We do need more options to change the game.  Hopefully Sadlier will be allowed back, and like him or not, Bingham too.

But yes, or would be good to have at least one incoming player even if only on the bench.

Southend will be no pushovers that’s for sure.

[Campsall rover]

Yes we need to be focused. Just because we got 7 in the away fixture doesn’t make this game a given.
If we are at it from the start, get an early lead & get the 2nd before half time then i would fancy a 3 or 4 hopefully nil win.

Another clean sheet would be good. If we keep getting them then without stating the obvious we only need 1 to win.
Until we get that elusive goal scorer then 1 goal is the number we are likely to get in the majority of matches.
Scoring 3/4 goals is going to be a a fairly rare event.

[Jonathan]

Assuming no incomings ahead of this game, I think I’d probably revert to the line up that started the Coventry game. James back to full back, Sadlier in on the left and Copps in the number 10. Gomes did well breaking from midfield last night though, and Taylor was massively frustrating with the number of times he wasted good openings with the ball, so whether there might be a temptation to tinker with those positions I’m not sure. On balance I think we benefit from Taylor’s pace in a home game where we need to stretch them. I just wish he’d get his head up a bit more.

[Colin C No.3]

Agree with most of that Jono, especially Taylor not looking to pick out a pass in the final third. I wish he’d drive into the box more with the ball, with his quick feet there’s always that possibility of him being brought down in the box.

We can’t lose this one after last night’s gutsy performance surely. But yes, we need more creativity than we were able to show last night so Copps & Sadler will hopefully start.

[selby]

  Taylor could be playing with an injury the last few games, and has been clattered around the legs quite a few times. It was a hard game physically last night, and a couple might not be 100% fit.
  Sadlier could be one who returns, but with an head injury I would think caution would be required, and leave it to the medical experts.
   Coppinger gives us that bit extra going forward, Blair gives us pace and cover in more than one area, and it would not surprise me if there is a roll reversal  with Taylor on the bench, and Matty starting.
  So my pick would be Coppinger for Gomes, Taylor if 100% fit , but Blair as the wide right man if not.

[Alan Southstand]

Let’s be fair, we can’t make too many changes and this is exactly when you need to call on strength in depth.

Why should Gomes lose out when he put in a tremendous shift last night? It would be very unfair in my view. Maybe Sadlier could come back in, but that depends on his concussion. He would then replace James who drops back to his normal berth.

Taylor, for all the frustration with him, would also keep his shirt, if 100%.

Fingers crossed for a signing, or three next week.

[Chris Black come back]

1-0 would be a good result. Imagine they will refuse to come out and be exposed so we will have to work through them, which we have proved quite poor at doing this season. Am sure we will gradually wear them down but if they keep eleven men on pitch this is going to be tough.

[Chris Black come back]

They have only won twice in the league this season...and both have been away from home! Including their most recent game before this afternoon, which was victory away at Accrington.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

3 points will do very nicely. Don't really care how we get them and I hope the players apply themselves just the same as they did at Sunderland.

[the vicar]

We could have 3 missing for this game but I hope not with Taylor, Whiteman, and Sadlier concussion

[Colemans Left Hook]

Tom Hopper has been sold (as in cash and lolly ) to Lincoln
"During a three-year stint with Scunthorpe Hopper scored 23 goals, before leaving to join Southend United, scoring 10 times in 30 appearances."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51224156

another gone  16th January was Simon Cox [Southend - Western Sydney Wanderers] Free
who used to be a very good player

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51132943


and wait for it

On 29 August 2019, Robinson joined League Two side Colchester United on loan until January 2020.[63] He scored his first goal for "U's" in their 3–2 EFL Trophy win against Gillingham on 3 September.[64] After a relatively successful start to the campaign for Robinson, the loan deal was extended until the end of the 2019–20 season on 14 January 2020

So on paper it seems Southend are aiming to score "Nil" at best and depending on Rovers own goals  (a cunning plan)

[Padge_DRFC]

Cameron John out Coppinger in. James left back.

[Barmby Rover]

If we don't win this one. with a depleted first team then somebody needs to take a serious look at themselves. It SHOULD be the second easiest game of the season.

[sedwardsdrfc]

Cameron John out Coppinger in. James left back.

That's what i'd go with as well. If Sadlier can play he's good to be able to bring on if needed.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

DM reporting that everyone is fit for tomorrow's game including Sadlier.

Who starts, Ennis or Cole or both?

[IDM]

Tough call.. Ennis is not long back form injury, so does he get a rest on the bench..?

Can’t be playing young players too often can we.?(Bolton)

[dickos1]

Put ennis back in his proper position

Simples

[IDM]

In place of.?

[bpoolrover]

Can be more positive now must be first time this season we have selection dilemmas, let’s get a couple of more in and have a good go at top 6

[sha66y]

A walk in the park, easy 3 goals.... squad seriously puffed up and for once feeling we have someone who will be on the end of a lot of opportunities created....Copps must be close to creaming

[IDM]

Hope the players don’t think this will be a walk in the park.!

[selby]

  To all you who think it will be easy, could I remind you of the next ten easy games we had just before Christmas someone on this forum posted about. 
  Well said IDM

[drfchound]

I keep saying it, there are no easy games.

On the selection issues, bring it on, you can’t have too many good players in your squad.
It is up to the manager to play who he thinks is right against the opposition any particular week.

[sha66y]

Maybe 4 then........... don’t underestimate the power of positivity...

[Dutch Uncle]

Not for the first time we are playing a team that has found some form - they are unbeaten in 4 and had no game since 18 January. We all need to take the game very seriously.

[ravenrover]

A great problem to have but .......
The defence speaks for itself with just a debate over John or James at LB
Now fit the rest into the team.
Do we stick with the same 4 2 3 1 formation or do we now change, if we change then to what?
Who and how would you play on Tuesday?

[selby]

  RR, I don't think that signing a player at mid day before an important game would alter a managers thinking about a starting line up for that game injuries allowing that is.
  I would hope we get to the position in the game so as we could ease him into the game in the second half, without him feeling too much under pressure.

[Donnybax]

5-0 Donny

[Barmby Rover]

4-0 , I just hope Cole gets a game, even if it is off the bench, and he scores.