Boz
Member
- Joined
- 30 Sep 2005
- Messages
- 8,939
- Player
- Iain Hume
Last season's first competitive Cheshire derby in a long while saw a comfortable 2-0 win for Rovers, featuring a quality finish from James Norwood, who's banned for this one. Our opponents had been on a good run, with a string of clean sheets but it all went horribly wrong as they conceded 5 to Lincoln last time out. Former full-back Evan Horwood is on their books, while assistant manager Ian Sharps spent a number of years at PP.
The starting point for team selection would be the xi who won so well at Dover. However, Maynard is on international duty for St Kitts, so there is an enforced change there. Given both Jennings' are long-term absentees, short of drafting Mitch Duggan into midfield, it looks like the formation will change. Up to now, Micky has opted for a 4312 starting line-up, but I'm unsure with the personnel available. If we were to go that way, a recall for Louis Almond on the cards? Currently a 442 would be a better fit.
The big question is whether the new recruits will start. Neither Mangan nor Dawson have been regular starters at their previous clubs. Andy has been with us for longer, the management have had time to assess and work on his fitness and my inclination is that he'll be in the side to take the field on Saturday. Adam is harder to call, as a winger, full fitness is more important and if that's not confirmed, my preference would be starting with Stephenson or even Mekki wide, using Dawson as an option off the bench.
Prediction:at the start of the week, Chester had only sold 425 tickets. With a pay on the day option available, expecting them to at least double that, but they're not going to bring the numbers of last season. Even since Micky's arrival our home support has only edged up a little and I can't see a crowd above the upper end of 6k. As for the result, either Rovers narrow win or a draw
The starting point for team selection would be the xi who won so well at Dover. However, Maynard is on international duty for St Kitts, so there is an enforced change there. Given both Jennings' are long-term absentees, short of drafting Mitch Duggan into midfield, it looks like the formation will change. Up to now, Micky has opted for a 4312 starting line-up, but I'm unsure with the personnel available. If we were to go that way, a recall for Louis Almond on the cards? Currently a 442 would be a better fit.
The big question is whether the new recruits will start. Neither Mangan nor Dawson have been regular starters at their previous clubs. Andy has been with us for longer, the management have had time to assess and work on his fitness and my inclination is that he'll be in the side to take the field on Saturday. Adam is harder to call, as a winger, full fitness is more important and if that's not confirmed, my preference would be starting with Stephenson or even Mekki wide, using Dawson as an option off the bench.
Prediction:at the start of the week, Chester had only sold 425 tickets. With a pay on the day option available, expecting them to at least double that, but they're not going to bring the numbers of last season. Even since Micky's arrival our home support has only edged up a little and I can't see a crowd above the upper end of 6k. As for the result, either Rovers narrow win or a draw