v Watford (h) 23/12/23

[Mike Graham]

WTF 🤬

Sammy Szmodics out due to being fatigued.

He has looked knackered for the last few games.

[philipl]

Hyam starts.

[roversfan99]

There was a clear opportunity at 2 down with 10 men at Southampton to take him off, as well as in recent home games where Tomasson has chose not to so I do wonder if this could have been managed better.

Cant see us offering much threat in his absence.

[arbitro]

It's a feeble excuse for Szmodics not to play - I bet Ismael is delighted that the Championship top scored is out. They have just had a week between games, I could understand it if he had been left out when we have had Saturday, midweek, Saturday games but not now. 

[rigger]

12 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

There was a clear opportunity at 2 down with 10 men at Southampton to take him off, as well as in recent home games where Tomasson has chose not to so I do wonder if this could have been managed better.

Cant see us offering much threat in his absence.

I can still see Markanday filling the number 10 role.

[davulsukur]

Szmodics not playing is a big blow.

Be interesting to see how we line up now. Assume it would be Ennis/Leonard up front with Sigurdsson or Moran in behind.

I forgot that Brittain is also unavailable, might have to start Markanday but as he struggles to get off the bench these days, I'd be surprised.

[roversfan99]

I hope not but I think he will play Garrett instead, which is a monumental downgrade. Id either stick Travis next to Wharton ahead of Tronstad but neither are naturals when expected to go further forward. The alternative is trying to get Moran in his natural position but the only option out wide would be Markanday. 

There is also another unnamed doubt. I wonder if its a centre back with Hyam getting minutes.

[Miller11]

I’d throw Gilsenan in tomorrow.

[simongarnerisgod]

szmodics must be shattered,he`s not type to duck out of not playing,could this be telelovic time or will the real ennis be released

[rigger]

3 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

I hope not but I think he will play Garrett instead, which is a monumental downgrade. Id either stick Travis next to Wharton ahead of Tronstad but neither are naturals when expected to go further forward. The alternative is trying to get Moran in his natural position but the only option out wide would be Markanday. 

There is also another unnamed doubt. I wonder if its a centre back with Hyam getting minutes.

Markanday is poor out wide. He is more dangerous through the middle of the forward line similar to Szmodic

[roversfan99]

12 minutes ago, rigger said:

Markanday is poor out wide. He is more dangerous through the middle of the forward line similar to Szmodic

He has never from memory played through the middle.

[MarkBRFC]

I think Travis for Szmodics and have more of a midfield 3 tomorrow.

Maybe Wharton a bit further forward.

[Mattyblue]

Sammie’s ‘levels’ have looked like they’ve dropped a little in recent games. No surprise as he’s run himself ragged game after game for months.

Never ideal with this stretched squad but a 10 day break before Huddersfield may do him/us good.

[rigger]

4 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

He has never from memory played through the middle.

When playing for the U23s he always looked most dangerous when he drifted inside. I suspect the reason he hasn't been picked in his best position, is because there are other players already filling that position. 

[Miller11]

Last minute preparations are still ongoing for tomorrow, please do come and see us at the Fanzone tomorrow.

We Are The Rovers, BRFCS & 4,000 holes, Her Game Too, Rovers Chat, Proud Rovers and Rovers SAS will all be there to meet supporters and let you know what we’re up to over the coming months.

Tomorrow’s theme is Blue and White Christmas, and we have some freebies along that theme that should help you get in the festive spirit and ready for the match!

If you missed your chance to complete the safe standing consultation questionnaire we will have some paper forms(!!!) you can complete. We’re also hoping to sign up some new members and our gift membership packs are also available, and BRFCS have some exclusive merch on sale.

We’re also going to be joined by Me To A Tee, a Blackburn based vintage designer and sportswear retailer who will have some select items on sale and some interesting Rovers and local items to take a look at.

The playlist is also in… it’s an eclectic mix spanning 1956-now. Some of the featured artists will be in the crowd and there’s several tracks with Blackburn and Rovers significance.  Bit of heavy rock, some ska, electro, post punk, pure pop, hip-hop, pure nostalgia, and a few Christmas classics!

Food wise there are the usual burger vans, plus stalls selling bratwursts, jacket potatoes and curries. Plenty of beer and mulled wine too!

Drag a friend or family member down, it certainly beats last minute shopping!

[roversfan99]

22 minutes ago, rigger said:

When playing for the U23s he always looked most dangerous when he drifted inside. I suspect the reason he hasn't been picked in his best position, is because there are other players already filling that position. 

There has never been any suggestion that either the club nor he has seen him as a number 10.

He is a typical modern day wide man, likes to cut in. Hes just not very good.

[tomphil]

Szmods has been looking increasingly knackered for weeks and as i and many said on here there should have been a lot of fresh legs started at Saints.

JDT leaves a lot to be desired with things like this.

Hopefully Ennis pulls his finger out the 45 mins he might get a run out !

[rigger]

4 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

There has never been any suggestion that either the club nor he has seen him as a number 10.

He is a typical modern day wide man, likes to cut in. Hes just not very good.

I am giving my opinion on what I have seen. I might be right or wrong, but it is my opinion. What are you basing your opinion on ?

Edited December 22, 2023 by rigger

[martonrover]

…….and tomorrow’s match is brought to you in association with the number zero.

[joey_big_nose]

48 minutes ago, MarkBRFC said:

I think Travis for Szmodics and have more of a midfield 3 tomorrow.

Maybe Wharton a bit further forward.

Yeah without Szmodics we could go for a proper 433 which will suit Travis.

I guess team could be

                        Leo

Hill.     Carter.      Hyam.   Pickering

     Travis.   Tronstad.   Wharton

Markanday    Ennis.    Sigurdsson 

 

Not the most fearsome forward line...

[roversfan99]

19 minutes ago, rigger said:

I am giving my opinion on what I have seen. I might be right or wrong, but it is my opinion. What are you basing your opinion on ?

Hes never played there before, and the type of player is (left footed, likes to start wide cut in) suits the modern winger role.

Ultimately either way, his biggest issue is a lack of ability.

[rigger]

3 minutes ago, roversfan99 said:

Hes never played there before, and the type of player is (left footed, likes to start wide cut in) suits the modern winger role.

Ultimately either way, his biggest issue is a lack of ability.

He hasn't got a lack of ability. I would say he lacks pace, and an ability to play as a winger. He makes good central positional moves, and has a good shot. I would say shooting is one our biggest let-downs.

[Mercer]

Needless to say, SS will be a huge miss.

Surely, surely, surely, the match at Southampton should have been his rest when there was an almost certainty about the outcome.

I just hope Rovers aren't 'protecting' him in advance of an imminent sale when the window opens.  Nothing would surprise given how our club is, IMO, so appallingly run and bereft of ambition.

Sadly, Watford to win without the inspirational SS.  I really think we will struggle tomorrow.

Edited December 22, 2023 by Mercer

[levi]

5 minutes ago, Mercer said:

Needless to say, SS will be a huge miss.

Surely, surely, surely, the match at Southampton should have been his rest when there was an almost certainty about the outcome.

I just hope Rovers aren't 'protecting' him in advance of an imminent sale when the window opens.  Nothing would surprise given how our club is, IMO, so appallingly run and bereft of ambition.

Sadly, Watford to win without the inspirational SS.  I really think we will struggle tomorrow.

I don't think thomasson would go along with saying something like that to protect him for a sale tbh

[Gav]

9 minutes ago, Mercer said:

I just hope Rovers aren't 'protecting' him in advance of an imminent sale when the window opens.  Nothing would surprise given how our club is, IMO, so appallingly run and bereft of ambition.

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