EFL Cup Rovers v Newcastle

[Ian]

I really don’t think it matters whether we play 4 or 5 at the back. They will punish us wherever we play. My only reservation with 5 at the back is is just a bit too defensive and we’ll be lucky to get 1 shot on target.

 

[ONIGP]

I really don’t think it matters whether we play 4 or 5 at the back. They will punish us wherever we play. My only reservation with 5 at the back is is just a bit too defensive and we’ll be lucky to get 1 shot on target.

Interesting, I was thinking of the 5 being more attacking with JDC and Bristow trying to push forward as wing backs.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

I really don’t think it matters whether we play 4 or 5 at the back. They will punish us wherever we play. My only reservation with 5 at the back is is just a bit too defensive and we’ll be lucky to get 1 shot on target.

I think it matters in terms of the understanding in the defence. We have played a back five in all of pre-season and in every league and cup game bar 45 minutes, so it is risky to change to an unfamiliar system against vastly superior players, particularly with so many youngsters in the defence.

 

[bigmart]

They play a 4 3 3 system, the pace and movement will be what we won't be able to cope with, although they won't be as quick as their current 1st choice line up.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

I think it matters in terms of the understanding in the defence. We have played a back five in all of pre-season and in every league and cup game bar 45 minutes, so it is risky to change to an unfamiliar system against vastly superior players, particularly with so many youngsters in the defence.

If we plan to play 5-3-2 or 3-5-2 this season and have recruited on that basis, then why change? We need the players to get used to the system as soon as possible. This system is flexible, giving us 3, 4 or 5 in midfield, as the situation warrants. I would hope we throw everything at them for the first ten minutes and see what happens. That would make them wary. It’s our best chance. If we sit back and rely on breakaways, I think we’ll get slaughtered. With Clarke and Spearing that might have worked, but not with the players we now have.

 

[bigmart]

11393 sold so far, there are a number of pop up bars to help with the large queues which us a very good idea

 

[Boz]

In response to some of the above remarks about formation, it would have made sense to try out different options in pre-season rather than sticking fairly rigidly to 532, while it makes sense to build a squad that is able to play in more than one way. My concerns of playing with 3 central defenders is that unless well-drilled there’s a danger they get in each other’s way, while it seemed at Newport that the wing-backs switched off on their defensive duties at times. We’re likely to stick with the same formation regardless tonight, so can re-evaluate at full time.

 

[Ian]

With five at the back, we wont use the wing backs. We'll pump it up in the air for Hemmings and the attacks will come to nothing et al Acrington Stanley 1st half.

 

[bigmart]

With five at the back, we wont use the wing backs. We'll pump it up in the air for Hemmings and the attacks will come to nothing et al Acrington Stanley 1st half.

Their centre halves will win virtually everything in the air

 

[bigmart]

Hewelt O'Connor and Nolan for Doohan Lewis and Merrie

 

[Boz]

Pleased Hewelt starts after his efforts in the last round. Disappointed about the line-up otherwise.

 

[ADD]

Hewelt O'Connor and Nolan for Doohan Lewis and Merrie

No surprise re Merrie! Nolan I wasn't expecting. Hewelt will be interesting. He looked good in the last round.

 

[bigmart]

Get in

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

GOOOOAAAAAL! Great move finished by Nevitt! 1-0

We are really up for it tonight, fighting for every ball.

 

[bigmart]

Trippier comes on due to injury

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Newcastle made 10 changes, but now Trippier is on as a sub. No free kicks please!!

 

[bigmart]

1 1 from.a corner Lascelles

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Free kick awarded. Trippier takes. Not cleared and Lascelles equalises. Keep it tight till half-time, lads!

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Good first half. Score is fair. We are really fired up but Hemmings is lucky to still be on the pitch after several fouls and a foot-up challenge on the keeper.

We look dangerous in attack down our right flank but also vulnerable to Newcastle's attacks.

 

[Boz]

Better than I expected from Rovers. Second half a real challenge to stay in the game as the Barcodes likely to introduce some more talent off the bench.