Let's talk about the Crewe Alexandra game

[selby]

  After they upset the apple cart last season in the play offs, a win would go a little way to make up for the disappointment we endured when they caused a surprise after our first leg result and pipped us on penalties only to revert to their form up to that game and freeze in the final.
  Past history that still hurts and even more reason to get a win next weekend, which will not be easy with both teams looking likely to have decent seasons again, us being  fourth in the division and Crewe just behind us in seventh and an away record of won 2 lost 2  and scoring 4 goals and conceding 4 goals.
  No doubt they will take inspiration from the play off result and play the same way tactically, pressing the ball and disrupting our  rhythm  while looking sharp in front of goal and will look to negate our threat.
   We played well yesterday, the midfield with Broadbent coming to the party with Kelly now looking more used to the pace of league football along with the regulars in there looking far more solid, Olowu's injury the only blot.
 The two full backs looked more confident  and the three up front are a danger in this division to any side, two wins in the week glossing over somewhat the Chesterfield game where we were well beaten, which happens  in a long season, we have probably been spoiled since February, and long may it continue.
  Unusually for a team in the top half Crewe have not got a player in the top twenty goal scorers in the division their goals must be shared out something that is harder to stop than one or two big scorers.
  One to look forward to over the week, and not an easy game in prospect, lots to discuss  and guess work as to who will play in this game, and we can sit back while Crewe play Harrogate Tuesday evening while we have a blank mid week, is this really an advantage? please have your say.

[adamtherover]

Start with ironside and do everything we can to get him on the scoresheet, hes struggling at the mo, and one goal will do him the world of confidence..

[Chris Black come back]

Fairly decent away record in the league. Played four, won two and lost two. They have beaten two poor sides in Bromley and Accrington. Lost to Barrow in opening game and at Newport last away game. In general on a very good run of form in the league, winning five of last six, although most of these were weaker sides.

[roversdude]

Is Kelly on international duty ?

[DearneValleyRover]

Is Kelly on international duty ?

Yes, unfortunately. Hopefully Close won’t replace him. Will Westbrooke and Maxwell be ready? I can’t see a different line up from the Grimsby game other than Kelly

[selby]

 Didn't realise that a good point brought forward.
   When I was younger I would have known every international game when and where and know all the broadcast times on the radio, recognise all the players and the clubs and colours they played for from the cigarette cards every boy collected, and now I put the matches on the TV and on some occasions think who the hell is he, and who does he play for, surely we have not picked someone from other than Arsenal, Manchester United and City and Spurs, Christ he plays for Crystal Palace.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I guess much will depend on Olowu, if he's got over his back spasm. If he has, then Bailey will revert back to midfield with Bradbent and Clifton I imagine. If not, then Close will probably replace Kelly.

It'll be interesting to see if Westbrooke and Maxwell make the bench. From having choices at centre half, we now have a glut of full back options although Sterry and Fleming are likely to start.

We tend to have more success when playing on the break, so will we see us trying to play out from the back to draw Crewe out? Or is it a case of hoping an early goal to force them to come out?

[steve@dcfd]

If Olowu is over his back spasm will GM put him back centre half then move Bailey into the midfield three with Broadbent taking over from Kelly for this one game. As long as Close is not in midfield. Then it’s a straight choice whether to start Billy or Joe up front.

There’s a behind close game on Tuesday against Scunthorpe DFP says so you would suspect Maxwell Westbrooke Emmanuel Senior possibly Close Hurst will get game time with some young lads

[MachoMadness]

I'd be starting Ironside in the hope that he absolutely smashes that d**khead keeper of theirs.

[roversdude]

He’s gone back to Poland MM

[Fal]

This is also on Sky Sports+ for anyone who can’t make it.

[Padge_DRFC]

This is also on Sky Sports+ for anyone who can’t make it.

Good chance by the end of the season a third of our games will have been shown on sky. Wonder what we get paid by Sky v lost revenue from those choosing sky instead of going

[drfchound]

This is also on Sky Sports+ for anyone who can’t make it.

I will be at the match but I thought 3pm Saturday kick offs couldn’t be shown live, or is it something to do with International break weekend.

[Chris Black come back]

League One and League Two games can be shown live during the usually blocked broadcast period of 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday, when there is an international break.

[drfchound]

That was what I guessed CBCB, thanks for confirming.
One to remember if Rovers are away on the next round of international matches.

[Chris Black come back]

Doesn't look like our man Omar Bogle is going to make an appearance. Been out since 7 September with a calf injury.

[Thorney]

Hope grant gets the players in and shows them a re-run of their fans dancing all over our pitch.
Got to be a bigger motivation than any pep talk.

If there is 1 team i would like us to smash 5 past this season it is this lot.

Very unlikely because they are decent to be fair, but 1 can only hope

[IDM]

I’ll take a scrappy 1-0 win as long as we end up with 3 points to get back to 2ppg.

Obviously I’d prefer an entertaining game as we’re coming to this one, but winning is important. 

[Reg of the Rovers]

We're still a bit Jekyll and Hyde at the moment. The team that turned up against Harrogate will lose, the team that turned up at Grimsby first half will win. Once we find that consistency we'll go on a run again, because when we are at our best we're unplayable in Lg2.

I'd avoid Close playing at all costs, these are tidy but big and physical so he needs to be sat on the sides with me. Hard to drop Sharp with his work rate but Ironside does need a run of minutes and to get a goal or two to get him going.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

We can't, and I'm sure we won't, approach this thinking we're after revenge.

Has to be a very pragmatic approach. I heard some 'experts' say this will be a different test against a team who prefers defending with a low block. I think we need the same patience and control we showed at home v Barrow as we can't rely on fast breaks. Quick, accurate passing and crossing without being overelaborate is likely to be the order of the day.

[GazLaz]

We can't, and I'm sure we won't, approach this thinking we're after revenge.

Has to be a very pragmatic approach. I heard some 'experts' say this will be a different test against a team who prefers defending with a low block. I think we need the same patience and control we showed at home v Barrow as we can't rely on fast breaks. Quick, accurate passing and crossing without being overelaborate is likely to be the order of the day.

Crewe are a pretty negative team this season. We need to make sure we use our possession incisively, they will want us to be slow paced and play in front of them.

[Usher wide.]

Play like we did in the first half at Grimsby & we’ll sweep them aside.

[les@donr]

Revenge!

[StocksArmy]

Just another game but, it’s not really is it?!

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Now is the time to find some consistency. Big statement if we back up the last two with a win today.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

COYR.

Should be a good zippy surface. Let's Ave em!

[drfchound]

COYR.

Should be a good zippy surface. Let's Ave em!

Let’s hope we can bungle in a few goals today then.
Maybe George can get one himself.

[Campsall rover]

Big game today.
Yes we have 46 big games I know. But it it important we continue our momentum today.
2 winnable games to follow in Swindon A & Bromley H to follow.
If we can get 9 points then we are seriously motoring.

Just watching Chesterfield v Notts C and they are both very good footballing sides. County still look little brittle at the back and Chelsie are going to miss Dunkley who is out injured for a few games.
Still think these 2 will be in the top 3 this season. Definitely top 5

[Barmby Rover]

GM is not bothered with this game being a revenge one, but I think the fans are. Crewe are playing well, but Rovers can outclass them if they truly turn it on. I think they will do, Rovers to win this one 3-0

[Dougiebulletheader]

Sure Grant was playing it down in his interview...behind closed doors he will want this as much as us..