[Archived] Rovers V Aston Vanilla

[Bobby G]

I am pretty certain at least 2 of Roberts, Andrews, and MGP will not start. If not all 3.

Benni will start.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

To anyone at the ground: watch how the players warm up. The starters almost always get together in a group and the subs are in their own little group. Post when you can see who is where.

[Ozz]

Navigation. Match. Tears. Beer. Sleep.

[DasGelb]

Everton played a 4-5-1 against us...

Far too much is made of systems, it's how you approach the match that counts. I'll be very happy if we go 4-5-1 and attack the game like we did with Wolves.

I expect we'll play more of a 4-4-1-1, with McCarthy playing behind either Roberts or Kalinic.

It`s frustrating. The numbers count for nothing. It`s about how many players we get forward when in possession that determines how attacking/defensive a formation is. Funny that people don`t seem to get this.

[MarkBRFC71]

Let's just hope Pedersen, Andrews and Roberts are all dropped - Hoillet, Benni and Kalinic in. Would perhaps even drop Diouf for Bert.

No doubt Sam will go for the same toss as last week, blinded by us beating a p**s-poor Wolves thanks to two gifted goals!

[Laurence]

Today's team, from the official site:

ROVERS: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen ©, Chimbonda, Diouf, Grella, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Dunn, Di Santo.

Subs: Brown (GK), Emerton, McCarthy, Andrews, Kalinic, Hoilett, Salgado.

[MarkBRFC71]

Here you go:

ROVERS: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen ©, Chimbonda, Diouf, Grella, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Dunn, Di Santo.

4-5-1 again. Pedersen STILL in. No place for Junior?!? Roberts ust be injured as he's not even in the 18?

Gonna struggle today to get anything - hope I'm wrong though.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Interesting. Midfield looks a bit defensive but it depends how far back Dunn is.

[dulwich]

Here you go:

ROVERS: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen ©, Chimbonda, Diouf, Grella, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Dunn, Di Santo.

4-5-1 again. Pedersen STILL in. No place for Junior?!? Roberts ust be injured as he's not even in the 18?

Gonna struggle today to get anything - hope I'm wrong though.

Staggered!!

[bobsterbrfc]

Roberts appears to be the main victim then. Disappointed Junior's not starting!

[Eddie]

Everton played a 4-5-1 against us...

Far too much is made of systems, it's how you approach the match that counts. I'll be very happy if we go 4-5-1 and attack the game like we did with Wolves.

I expect we'll play more of a 4-4-1-1, with McCarthy playing behind either Roberts or Kalinic.

It's also the players that you have and to play a 4-5-1 and have it not be overly defensive you need a bit of pace and quite a bit of creativity and goalscoring threat from midfield, those are two things that we don't have in our squad. I think it's patently obvious to most that 4-4-2 is the system that suits our squad best, that is why our best form has always been when we have done that. I still think the City match was our best performance so far and it was 4-4-2 and when Allardyce came in we had our best run that we've had under him...we were playing 4-4-2. Play 4-4-2 and play Benni, sadly he doesn't do either.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Can't understand that, very defensive line up. If you try and play for a point usually you end up with nothing.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

We don't half have some hysterical people on here, we haven't even kicked off yet. I think this could be interesting for a few reasons. Villa have a superior midfield so it makes sense to put an extra man in there, Nzonzi. Dunn can play just behind Di Santo and still provide defensive cover. Additionally, Di Santo and Dunn could link up well. We also have some quality on the bench with the ability to change the match.

[budha]

It's also the players that you have and to play a 4-5-1 and have it not be overly defensive you need a bit of pace and quite a bit of creativity and goalscoring threat from midfield, those are two things that we don't have in our squad. I think it's patently obvious to most that 4-4-2 is the system that suits our squad best, that is why our best form has always been when we have done that. I still think the City match was our best performance so far and it was 4-4-2 and when Allardyce came in we had our best run that we've had under him...we were playing 4-4-2. Play 4-4-2 and play Benni, sadly he doesn't do either.

We play 4-5-1 to accommodate Dunn. We'd get murdered with him in the middle pair in 4-4-2.

[Bobby G]

Disappointed that Hoilett isnt in.

Look forward to seeing Di Santo actually get a proper run out here.

Surprised at his appearance though.

Hope Dunn's on his game though.

[Eddie]

So we play 4-5-1 so that one of our players can look decent, but so that we still lose?

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

How long til kick off Eddie.

Can't believe the negativity on here. Shameful.

[yellowsubmarine]

Well... a draw i feel be a good result. Waiting to see how Di Santo fares.

Nevertheless, COME ON ROVERS!

[budha]

So we play 4-5-1 so that one of our players can look decent, but so that we still lose?

I'm sure Allardyce will drop Dunn for the greater good as soon as his displays deteriorate. He just can't be dropped atm.

[Balwer]

And if Nelsen goes down? Who is third choice CB? Chimbonda I would guess, with Salgado coming on to play at LB. We miss Zurab's cover with Givet out, although hopefully by the end of the year Jones can fill that role as 4th CB.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Disappointed that Hoilett isn't starting, think he deserves the chance. 4-5-1 again i see, just have to hope Di Santo gets some support from Dunny or from out wide otherwise i can't see us scoring.

Played 4-5-1/4-4-1-1 several times this season and the only time its worked was against Wolves because the lone striker had plenty of support, the rest of the time the striker had no support and we looked toothless.

[Bobby G]

For me its a must not lose game but a win is very important for confidence if we are to lose 3 of the next 4 games against the Top 4, otherwise we will be in the relegation zone and for confidence it will be a harsh reality.

[G Somerset Rover]

A little bit worrying that our first choice striker as Di Santo seems to be now he's fit will be off on his bike come January. I'd have liked to have seen him and benni/kalinic start.

I still don't think we've got the pace or personnel to play 4-5-1 but Sam has gone for it today yet again so let's wait and see. If he gets it wrong though as he did against Everton then there will be quite a few unhappy people with his choice of tactics.

[Bobby G]

What makes you so sure Di Santo will be off in January?

[RibbleValleyRover]

What makes you so sure Di Santo will be off in January?

African cup of nations and Chelsea being unable to buy players. I think its pretty much a cert he will be going back in Jan.