• Nigel Adkins has been given the Tranmere job on a permanent basis signing until the end of the 25/26 season. Continue the discussion here.

League Two Forest Green v Rovers

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Jason Koumas / John Morrissey
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We travel to Nailsworth on Saturday, as we renew acquaintances with our table-topping friends, Forest Green.

The hosts have started impressively under new manager Rob Edwards, and are currently the division's top scorers in addition to heading the table. Talented ex-Rover Kaine Wilson was a bit part player last season under Mark Cooper, but seems to be a key figure this time round, along with familiar names such as Jamille Matt and Nicky Cadden.

Micky has confirmed that Joe Murphy is still unavailable due to concussion, but I think Doohan would have started this game anyway following impressive performances in the last two matches. I think we will field an unchanged team, albeit with Morris and Foley asked to sit a bit deeper when we are out of possession to form an effective five man midfield. It is interesting that Micky mentioned Maynard scored two goals in a practice game this week, in addition to his goals against Leeds, and he seems to be in decent form if called upon.

I think this will be an entertaining affair and I am looking forward to it. We are in good shape at the moment, and I fancy us to get a result.
 

bigmart

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I think we will revert to a back 3, this will be a very difficult game against a team that is flying, I would take a draw bit think they will win 2 0
 

Sparky

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Like Mart I’d take a point and agree that Micky May revert back to 5 at the back. This will be possibly the biggest challenge our excellent in form defence will have faced so far.
 
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Yes, with FGR playing a back three, Micky might want to match them up.
 
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As usual MM will adapt the team according to how the opposition's line up, tactics, shape and formation. I expect a change to a back five with one up top.
I would also take a draw, but this will probably end up as a home win!
 
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Alan King, Barry Dyson
I can't read Micky's mind, so I'm not going to try to suggest a team. I don't see any point in many changes, although Maynard has done little wrong since joining and may get a recall. How he would fit in with Nevitt, I don't know.

However, I'm upbeat after what is only our second spell of back-to-back wins since Sunderland. FGR are one of the best teams in League Two, but they have played a lot of poor sides and lost at home to Port Vale, so are not unbeatable. We are capable of frustrating this free-scoring side and if we can, we can grab a win.
 

Boz

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I've been surprised that FGR have started so well, always a risk with a coach untried at this level, though their Rob Edwards has more of a football pedigree than his namesake who managed Rovers. They do have a proven striker in Jamille Matt, while Matt Stevens, who was out of favour under the previous management has come back in and bagged a few goals. There are a few names I recognise from the current squad, but a number are unfamiliar. It is still a relatively young side.

My inclination is also that Micky will revert to a back 3. There may be a need to shuffle the pack a bit elsewhere to give us fresh legs, though it would be a surprise to see many changes and wouldn't expect Maynard to start. Hard game to call, but not expecting us to keep a clean sheet.
 
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wonder if Dale Vince will lose his energy business was on TV last night moaning,it could affect them big time
 

Ian

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I think we'll do OK here. They have been scoring a lot of goals but we have a mean defence so as long as we can keep it tight at the back, we have a chance and confidence should be up from the last two games.
 
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I still think Micky might start with four at the back tomorrow. A crucial factor in last week's performance was the relationship in the wide areas between Cogley and MacManaman, and MacDonald and Hawkes, and we lose that if we play a back five.

I would worry that five at the back would invite FGR on to us, and we could get a repeat of the Rochdale game.
 

Boz

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It could be argued that 5 at the back has helped us to get something from trips to Vale and Swindle, while if Macdonald remains fit, he is a better option on the left than Morris, who struggled with the defensive side of the wing-back role. I’m not keen on it for home games, for reasons illustrated by the first half v Hartlepool. It will be interesting to see how Micky sets us up.
 

ADD

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I hope we stick with 4 at the back. As RLC says the return of MacDonald makes a massive difference to how MM can approach the game.
That said I think there is a good chance he will switch back to a back 5 - he hinted in his press conference he may do so in fact.
Going to be a good test this one - win this or even get a "good draw" by which I mean we play well and match them toe to toe and this bodes well for the next phase of the season.
Going with a 2-1 win... I know optimistic or what!
 

Boz

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Interesting. That extends to the bench, so we're still without a sub keeper.
 

Boz

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Sounds like the hosts started brighter and an early YC for Hawkes.
 
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