Boz
Member
- Joined
- 30 Sep 2005
- Messages
- 8,933
- Player
- Iain Hume
Bit of a wait since our last home game, the Cup defeat to Cheltenham. That was followed by the poor 2nd half at Exeter. Les talked about a back to basics approach and has had a couple of weeks off to work with the squad and hopefully come up with some solutions to our current difficulties. Although the absence of a clinical finisher remains a problem.
It seems a lifetime since Dale was tearing the Franchise apart in a 4-2 win, with a penalty apiece and both sides reduced to 10 men. Our home form against them has been patchy, while they are on a good run at present.
Along with the long-term absentee, OFW, o/s has Devaney and Enoch as doubts. Zoum isn't mentioned, but he's well off the starting line-up, so this may not indicate he's fit. Think Martin will be the bigger loss here. Robbie Weir is available again after suspension.
I'm unsure that there is a great deal to gain by way of changing the line-up. At the back, there is McChrystal, but given Ash has been playing better that Goodi recently, it would be harsh to drop Taylor. While we do need more forward movement from the full-backs (time to revive the Weir at right-back option?), can't see Les changing either. Further forward, expect a recall for Weir, but perhaps Joss will stay in the side at the expense of McGurk. Subject to any injuries picked up during the week, would expect at least 9 of the Exeter losers to keep their places.
Prediction: Franchise don't bring that many away and coupled with the time of year and iffy weather forecast, can't see them bringing many more than 100. Rovers recent poor form and performance doesn't make this an attractive fixture for home support, so will do well to scrape 4k.
Really can't see us getting anything of of this one; 0-2.
It seems a lifetime since Dale was tearing the Franchise apart in a 4-2 win, with a penalty apiece and both sides reduced to 10 men. Our home form against them has been patchy, while they are on a good run at present.
Along with the long-term absentee, OFW, o/s has Devaney and Enoch as doubts. Zoum isn't mentioned, but he's well off the starting line-up, so this may not indicate he's fit. Think Martin will be the bigger loss here. Robbie Weir is available again after suspension.
I'm unsure that there is a great deal to gain by way of changing the line-up. At the back, there is McChrystal, but given Ash has been playing better that Goodi recently, it would be harsh to drop Taylor. While we do need more forward movement from the full-backs (time to revive the Weir at right-back option?), can't see Les changing either. Further forward, expect a recall for Weir, but perhaps Joss will stay in the side at the expense of McGurk. Subject to any injuries picked up during the week, would expect at least 9 of the Exeter losers to keep their places.
Prediction: Franchise don't bring that many away and coupled with the time of year and iffy weather forecast, can't see them bringing many more than 100. Rovers recent poor form and performance doesn't make this an attractive fixture for home support, so will do well to scrape 4k.
Really can't see us getting anything of of this one; 0-2.