No Penalties Please

[Alan75]

FA Cup Replay - Rovers v Arsenal 8pm kick off.

There’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal, and after Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea and the adverse publicity, Rovers could be the victims of the back lash as the Gunners attempt to lick their wounds and restore some pride.

That said, Rovers themselves should be in similar mood, as they attempt to resurrect their season, after being dumped out of the UEFA Cup last Thursday, by some amateur dramatics and questionable refereeing decisions.

Early team news would suggest that apart from the long term injuries, Rovers have a full squad to choose from, whilst Arsenal have a number of first team regulars out, Henry, Rosicky, Abou Diaby, Hoyte, Walcott and Clichy injured whilst Toure, Adebayor are both suspended.

With the defence once again looking sound, since the return of Nelsen, the result is going to depend on whether Rovers can hit the back of the net, which was their biggest downfall against Leverkusen last Thursday, when they only needed 1 goal to qualify for the next round of the UEFA Cup. The biggest culprit of missed chances, Chris Nonda, managing to bag 2 on Saturday against Portsmouth; the first within a minute of kick-off. Shame he hadn’t put away his chance in the last minute of the Leverkusen game.

With all strikers reporting in fit, the question will be whether Hughes will retain Saturday’s partnership of Nonda and Derbyshire, or bring back Benni McCarthy, who has looked a bit lethargic of late.

There is one thing for sure, if Rovers are to progress into the next round they need to win it in normal time, I dread to consider the thought of going to penalties after Nonda’s powder puff attempt against Portsmouth on Saturday.

The biggest question for the night will be whether those additional 8000 supporters from last Thursday will be back tonight, for what is a must win encounter, if Rovers are to have an outside chance of reaching the first Cup Final at the.New Wembley Stadium