I think some people overstated how good Fylde were in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day. While they did knock the ball round well, we were actually quite pedestrian for periods of that game and allowed them time and space in midfield. In addition, as we went two goals up quite early in the game, they were able to take risks and push both full backs forward which inevitably caused us some problems. It is my feeling that if we keep Rowe quiet we are by far the better side and will win the game. Remarkably, Fylde's second best player, Sam Finley, misses out again through suspension after getting sent off at Maidenhead yesterday.
All of that said, we have had a very heavy schedule which may take its toll on us. Being superstitious, we also seem to perform poorly in front a of a big away crowd, the defeat to Macclesfield exactly a year ago being an obvious example.
I expect we will start with an unchanged team, with Cole on the right of a 442.
Prediction: some infiltration of the home stands by the SWA and a narrow Rovers victory.
