roverstillidie
Member
- Joined
- 3 Apr 2007
- Messages
- 1,345
- Player
- Goodison
So the new season is finally upon us, any thoughts or predictions for the season/this match?
I think any success this season will largley depend on how well Rowe, Power and Atkinson perform in midfield as I can't see Wallace returning any time soon and his abscence was a key problem last season. If we can get Koumas fit again that will make a big difference, as he would give those three players some much needed experience. To have any chance of promotion we also need two strikers getting at least 30 goals between them - as Yeovil demonstrated last season (in Lowe we have one striker capable of doing this, much depends on if Stockton, JLAA and Sodje will step up a level). Keeping the squad fit will also play a key role as injuries were another major cause of our demise last season, and our squad size (perhaps Ronnie will need to change a winning team now and again).
After the start last season anything is possible, but I hope expectations aren't too high as several key performers from last season have gone or got older (Gibson, Zoom, Robinson, Cassidy, Palmer).
My prediction for the end of the season is 8th.
As for the match against Walsall, I would anticipate this line up:
OFW/Loanee Keeper
Holmes Taylor Foster (Goodison if not fit) Horwood
Bell-Baggie Power Atkinson Robinson
Lowe JLAA.
If OFW isn't fit I hope Ronnie plays Mooney as I don't see the point in having a back up goalkeeper who you aren't willing to play when he's needed. However Ronnie has made suggestions about signing a random loan keeper which would be disappointing if that happens, as I feel Mooney should be given a go if OFW is unfit and in the JPT.
I think any success this season will largley depend on how well Rowe, Power and Atkinson perform in midfield as I can't see Wallace returning any time soon and his abscence was a key problem last season. If we can get Koumas fit again that will make a big difference, as he would give those three players some much needed experience. To have any chance of promotion we also need two strikers getting at least 30 goals between them - as Yeovil demonstrated last season (in Lowe we have one striker capable of doing this, much depends on if Stockton, JLAA and Sodje will step up a level). Keeping the squad fit will also play a key role as injuries were another major cause of our demise last season, and our squad size (perhaps Ronnie will need to change a winning team now and again).
After the start last season anything is possible, but I hope expectations aren't too high as several key performers from last season have gone or got older (Gibson, Zoom, Robinson, Cassidy, Palmer).
My prediction for the end of the season is 8th.
As for the match against Walsall, I would anticipate this line up:
OFW/Loanee Keeper
Holmes Taylor Foster (Goodison if not fit) Horwood
Bell-Baggie Power Atkinson Robinson
Lowe JLAA.
If OFW isn't fit I hope Ronnie plays Mooney as I don't see the point in having a back up goalkeeper who you aren't willing to play when he's needed. However Ronnie has made suggestions about signing a random loan keeper which would be disappointing if that happens, as I feel Mooney should be given a go if OFW is unfit and in the JPT.