League Two Rovers v Walsall

[Rockford's Love Child]

It is surprising there is no match thread this late in the week. Perhaps we have all been distracted by the transfer shenanigans ?

This is a very important game, with Walsall sitting just above us in the table and in very good form. They have got some decent players this season including the prolific Danny Johnson and, for all his weaknesses, Manny Monthe. However, their biggest asset is surely MIke Flynn who has been very successful at this level. The match will no doubt be given additional spice by the Matt saga.

In terms of our selection, there are rumours that Mumbongo might not be available due to involvement with the Sweden development squad, in which case we would either have to change shape or play Burton up front (I would prefer the former). It seems unlikely that Walker will start, but if he does he will probably replace Merrie if we stick with a 442.

I think the gate will be about 6,000, with 6-700 from the Midlands.

We could do with three points from this one.

 

[bigmart]

I think this will be a tough game as they are bang in form, we really could do with a win but a draw more likely

 

[Keith Hill (Bolton)]

A couple of injuries could be really serious with our bench so lightweight!

Have we even got enough to put on the bench? Ha!

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Gale force winds forecast for tomorrow afternoon, so it could be a bit of a lottery.

 

[Keith Hill (Bolton)]

Gale force winds forecast for tomorrow afternoon, so it could be a bit of a lottery.

And a cold northerly to make it really freezing as it goes dark!

 

[Sparky]

The strong winds could make it interesting for Hewlet coming for any crosses. Could be a few nerves for his first proper game for us. Despite the visitors good form a win for us will see us overtake them. As RLC points out they have some real quality at this level. Manny knows what he is doing at this level as does our ex loannee donorvan Daniels. Johnson is a goal poacher and Andy Williams who scored the late penalty winner at Stockport last week is an experienced pro. They have a good blend of some youngsters, but also some real experience.

I’m finding it hard to predict which way this one will go. The boos at the end of the Sutton game were more I think frustration after dropping two points in a game we should have won. Hopefully this time we can pick up a win. A defeat and there will likely be more boos and more signs of disappointment

 

[Boz]

If what's reported about Mumbongo is correct, then unless we've gone retro, with a forward signing under wraps to go straight into the line-up tomorrow, Rovers are seriously short up front. Given the figures bandied about for what Crewe paid for Nevitt (not very much), it would have been far cuter to drag the deal out so that Nevitt, who scored the winner in the return fixture, would still be with Rovers for this. Despite all the noise about Matt, there was only a slim chance we'd get him and that became non-existent when Walsall were interested. Those responsible for putting us in a position where only 1 experienced forward is potentially available will have to own that decision if things go wrong in this game. It's not like Hemmings is a Norwood/Vaughan style player, who'd be comfortable playing as a lone striker.

Walsall are a decent side, in a reasonable run of form, featuring a number of ex-Rovers and an astute manager, as others have indicated. They are also another big side and we tend to struggle against those of some stature.

I don't think this is a game for Burton/Taylor to start, because of the opponent's physicality. If there is no other forward to play up front with Hemmings. then we probably have to opt for using either Hawkes/Morris in an advanced no 10 type role. No clues whether Walker is fit enough to be starting, though given his lack of action since October, perhaps not.

Had this match been due to go ahead under good weather conditions then I'd expect Walsall to win. The forecast strong winds could act as a leveller enabling us to get something out of it. If we don't then the fan reaction will be negative.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Despite all the noise about Matt, there was only a slim chance we'd get him and that became non-existent when Walsall were interested.

How do you know ? All the indications are we matched Walsall financially and there is nothing we can do about the personal preferences of the player. The latter applies to any player we try to sign, not just Matt.

Hemmings could have turned us down this time last year. Until you ask the player, you don't know whether or not they will come.

 

[Ian]

I think with the lack of options, the squad being quite thin especially up front, we may struggle in this one. However, we are at home and we got a good result last time we played them so I'm going for a draw.

 

[Boz]

How do you know ? All the indications are we matched Walsall financially and there is nothing we can do about the personal preferences of the player. The latter applies to any player we try to sign, not just Matt.

Hemmings could have turned us down this time last year. Until you ask the player, you don't know whether or not they will come.

It seemed that Forest Green made him available rather than Matt specifically asking for a move. In those circumstances, he would make a move which suited him personally or not move at all, see his contract out and leave in the summer. Both Rovers and Walsall made acceptable bids to the parent club around the same time and it felt inevitable who he'd opt for.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

It seemed that Forest Green made him available rather than Matt specifically asking for a move. In those circumstances, he would make a move which suited him personally or not move at all, see his contract out and leave in the summer. Both Rovers and Walsall made acceptable bids to the parent club around the same time and it felt inevitable who he'd opt for.

If it was so inevitable he would not have had a meeting with the club on Wednesday to discuss the move.

Plus, how do you even know when Walsall's offer came in relative to ours ?

Hemmings was playing at his home town club last season. By the argument you put forward, we should not even have approached him.

 

[ALDO MUSSY]

a 1-0 win with matt getting an own goal on 5 mins then sent off on 10 mins aahhhhhhhhhh my brain works in all good ways

 

[Boz]

Don’t know what it’s been like overnight in Birkenhead, but with the current weather conditions is there any danger the game will be called off?

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Don’t know what it’s been like overnight in Birkenhead, but with the current weather conditions is there any danger the game will be called off?

I would not have thought so. The strong winds are not due until this afternoon and the pitch will be fine.

 

[Higgy 2]

If what's reported about Mumbongo is correct, then unless we've gone retro, with a forward signing under wraps to go straight into the line-up tomorrow, Rovers are seriously short up front. Given the figures bandied about for what Crewe paid for Nevitt (not very much), it would have been far cuter to drag the deal out so that Nevitt, who scored the winner in the return fixture, would still be with Rovers for this. Despite all the noise about Matt, there was only a slim chance we'd get him and that became non-existent when Walsall were interested. Those responsible for putting us in a position where only 1 experienced forward is potentially available will have to own that decision if things go wrong in this game. It's not like Hemmings is a Norwood/Vaughan style player, who'd be comfortable playing as a lone striker.

Walsall are a decent side, in a reasonable run of form, featuring a number of ex-Rovers and an astute manager, as others have indicated. They are also another big side and we tend to struggle against those of some stature.

I don't think this is a game for Burton/Taylor to start, because of the opponent's physicality. If there is no other forward to play up front with Hemmings. then we probably have to opt for using either Hawkes/Morris in an advanced no 10 type role. No clues whether Walker is fit enough to be starting, though given his lack of action since October, perhaps not.

Had this match been due to go ahead under good weather conditions then I'd expect Walsall to win. The forecast strong winds could act as a leveller enabling us to get something out of it. If we don't then the fan reaction will be negative.

 

[Higgy 2]

Slim pickings for the forward role. IF Burton got a start he may surprise us and get under the skins of the CBs and cause a few problems/win a couple of free kicks.
Can u derstand the logic playing Hawkes as an advanced no. 10. If so maybe Merrie could play in front of Bristow out left and give Walker a start. I'd prefer that, alternatively stick McAlear in Merries place. Merrie out left would strengthen the midfield defensively.
It will be interesting to see how Micky views it.

 

[Ian]

OK, nothing too crazy with the line up. Hewelt straight in goal, Mumbongo partners Hemmings. Walker on bench.

 

[Sparky]

Hopefully mumbongo can contribute something and play more than a half.

A big day for hewlet

 

[ADD]

Hopefully mumbongo can contribute something and play more than a half.

A big day for hewlet

Would like to see Burton get 30 minutes minimum.
Sure Hewlet will be fine and we will have better distribution also.

 

[Boz]

It’s good that Mumbongo has come through whatever he was doing with Sweden fit enough to start. Think it will be much harder for Burton to make an impact in this game than Crewe, where Micky didn’t give him any time at all. Hewelt we’ll see, though so far the wind not got up too strongly. 4 ex Rovers in the Saddlers starting xi.