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League Two Rovers (1) v Carlisle (0)

Ian

Ian

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Well after the huge disappointment on Wednesday, this game has now become massive for Rovers. A crazy thing to be saying just after Xmas but that is the situation we are in. Rovers play bottom club Carlisle on Saturday hoping for three valuable and somewhat rare points given Rovers recent form.

A defeat to Carlisle would put them just one point behind us. Carlisle have scored three more goals than us, which isn't difficult considering we are the worst scoring team in the division on 16 goals. They have shipped five more so their defence continues to be problematic. Recent results for The Cumbrians include a valiant 3-2 defeat to high flying Crewe, a 2-1 win against Accrington and a really good point (0-0) away at Port Vale. It seems they still have some fight in them which is more than I can say for Tranmere at the moment.

Carlisle's recent defeat to Crewe were they conceded two injury time goals lined up as follows:

-----------Breeze------------
--Barclay-Lavelle-Mellish--
Neal-Biggins-Harper-Sadi
-----Ellis- Adu-Adjei-------
--------Armstrong---------

I have a feeling Adkins might start tinkering again for this match as he has been unsuccessful in the last few games. Just when we need a goal Josh Hawkes seems to have gone missing after a few rare appearances. Will he bring Dennis back into the side in place or to partner Saunders in a desperate attempt to find a goal or two from somewhere? In midfield, will he stick with Finley, Jennings and Solomon or will Khan or Walker (if fit) get a shout in the middle?
 
Unless our so called strikers start putting away their chances, the result will be pretty easy to call. As it stands, it’s got defeat all over it but I’m going with my heart here and saying a tight 1-0 win as I can’t begin to wrap my head around another loss to a team below us.
 
I will wait to get over the spineless performance and the agony I felt after the defeat against Morecambe before thinking about this game. At the moment the best I can hope for is a dull, drab 0-0.
 
After Morecambe’s win yesterday, Carlisle replaced them at the foot of the table. So this gives TRFC the potential to make some unwanted history. If we fail again on Saturday, as looks likely, we will have lost to the bottom club in the EFL twice in consecutive matches. And all this in the first four days of 2025. Happy New Year!
 
Carlisle are spending big and signed Embleton today from Blackpool giving him a 3 and a half year deal. That’s what we’re up against in terms of finance.

I expect some changes although I thought the same after Barrow and we only brought in Davies. I’d start Dennis and Hawkes but that won’t happen. Walker could have started but after the ridiculous decision to bring him on yesterday when the game was lost I assume he’s out for a while.

I’d like 4-4-2 especially at home but who knows. If we lose tomorrow then it’ll be as toxic as it has been this season
 
Not sure if true but apparently Carlisle have sold approx 1,200 tickets so far
 
Interesting Sparky. They are fighting and I’m sure will come to Prenton Park fairly confident of getting a result. Will we show the same fight?
 
Ian said:
Interesting Sparky. They are fighting and I’m sure will come to Prenton Park fairly confident of getting a result. Will we show the same fight?
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Interesting indeed. Like us, many of their fans are unhappy with the manager and if we go in front then their fans will make their voices heard against Williamson.

However unlike us, they might be buoyed by their recent signings which may give them some hope and their manager a bit more time.
 
The fact is only McGee, Davies and Jennings are automatic choices, everyone else has been left out at some point. Clearly we have a squad the manager is not happy with. You could include Finley, I certainly would have him in every week but I suspect he hasn't had many options since his return so you never know.
 
Stickman said:
Pretty much confirmed on their ‘X’ account. Sold out initial allocation (1000) and been given 200 more.
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They won't go down, the buy out has not be rewarded but it would be remarkable if they don't pull clear. We should survive as we have full notice of our weakness, whether we have the wherewithal to respond is a worry. Harrogate and Stanley look most possible if I ignore my own negativity.
 
Having just taken the dog for a walk round the block I was reminded that temperatures are fairly low so there could be some chance of a frozen pitch on Saturday.

Really don’t want 2 of our 3 home games over Xmas postponed
 
Sparky said:
Having just taken the dog for a walk round the block I was reminded that temperatures are fairly low so there could be some chance of a frozen pitch on Saturday.

Really don’t want 2 of our 3 home games over Xmas postponed
Click to expand...
We really need the game to ho ahead and to get a win but sadly I can only see an away win
 
They should have the old frost covers on, as well as the pitch lights on, down the kop end. Hopefully.
If the board don't want it on however..........

Anywho, below -5 degrees, and not getting high enough during the morning, it will be off.
Or the snow might be a factor, tho the forecast says not.
But you never know......
Someone might leave the sprinklers on overnight.......
Just saying.
 
The game will be on the forecast isn't to get too cod now, in the meantime they have made another signing this time from Gateshead
 
bigmart said:
The game will be on the forecast isn't to get too cod now, in the meantime they have made another signing this time from Gateshead
Click to expand...
That’s 3 new midfielders they have brought in. Could be interesting if up against Finlay, Solomon and Morris….
 
Sparky said:
That’s 3 new midfielders they have brought in. Could be interesting if up against Finlay, Solomon and Morris….
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You'd hope Khan starts with Finley, although totting up maybe an issue. Put Morris wide in front of Norman. Bring Wood back at least he whips balls in. And put Sol up with Jenno.
Our right flank created nothing last time and our left flank was porous. Attack is the best way to defend
 
dollar'sbloke said:
You'd hope Khan starts with Finley, although totting up maybe an issue. Put Morris wide in front of Norman. Bring Wood back at least he whips balls in. And put Sol up with Jenno.
Our right flank created nothing last time and our left flank was porous. Attack is the best way to defend
Click to expand...
All of those changes make complete sense so probably won't happen
 
How did Khan play when he came on? Haven’t looked at the match footage and the poor club commentary on the game didn’t mention him much.

I think it’s probably better that we play Carlisle before all their glitzy new signings are bedded in. Embleton looked good when on loan at Grimsby but doesn’t seemed to have starred at Blackpool, so may take a bit to settle. I would still make them favourites to win.
 
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