Doncaster match thread

I hope they put in a performance that is befitting of Stephen Darby who's name will surely ring out from the stands this weekend.

 

Doncaster away is a very difficult away day even with a squad that is in the top 6.

I would be very happy with 1 point out of this, if we lose and we still play a good game, again it's small progress and I'm sure Hopkin will move us forward either way.

HOWEVER AS FOR MY PREDICTION.... SOD IT, I AM FEELING A LITTLE NEGATIVE BUT I'M GONNA PREDICT NOTHING BUT POSITIVITY !!

Hopkin will get his first 3 points on the board and we'll manage to get a victory over Doncaster.

Doncaster 1 - 2 Bradford

COME ON CITY!!!!!!!

 

In the immortal words of every manager ever to lose a game (or six), we go again...

Team News

No returnees from injury, and no casualties from the last game. Unless we sign anyone this week, I would expect our line-up to be unchanged. Hopkin unlikely to change his formation, and I don't believe we have any better options in those positions.

Opinion

I don't think Scannell works as a wing back, but on his day, he's one of our better players. I would personally consider dropping Payne, though I know that would be very controversial. Nothing personal, I think he's talented, but in the way Hopkin sets up, I'm not sure he's very effective. The 3 at the back have looked shaky in spells over the last few games, but again, we have limited options. The O'Briens should keep their place after the last game without question. Doyle needs to work on his positioning, and a goal scorer is needed desperately.

Referee: TBC

Form: Doncaster Rovers (WWLDLD) Bradford City (LLLLWL)

Venue: Keepmoat Stadium

Bookies Favourite: Home Win (4/5)

In other news, I came across the following article whilst discussing chants with a Middlesbrough fan at work:

https://metro.co.uk/2015/04/06/has-he-got-any-sauce-bradford-city-fans-produce-hilarious-pie-chant-5137093/

...the thing that got me is that it was the Doncaster game a few years back, and we took 2,400 fans, beating them 3-0. How times have changed. We've sold 700 tickets for Saturday's game thus far, and most will be happy with a draw after recent form. I'm not jumping on the #EdinOut bandwagon just yet, but this is certainly depressing.

 

...just realised that in the time it took me to write that, another thread has been created! Typical. Please merge.

 

I'm hoping that DH has started to settle now. A bit of time to look at how the opposition play, and build confidence and understanding in our side.

Reckon we can squeeze a draw out of this.

 

2-2 backs against the wall draw.

 

Player wise promised so much more preseason and yet haven't lived up to the hype. Have to hope that the continuing DH factor helps the lads hit the straps and nick us a quality result. After all, there has to be more to us than what we have seen so far! So for me, any win to '0' would be settling.

 

Where are we going to find 2 goals from?

 

2 own goals.

 

Haha I'd take that!

 

I've been predicting our next win will be Coventry at home at the end of October.

 

Get Doyle playing on the shoulder of the last defender and he will score goals. We need a partner for him who can hold the ball up and get flick ons.

 

I'm expecting the unexpected.

An away win.

 

Still don't get some fans wanting Payne dropped. Madness, best player we have and the only one who looks remotely like scoring from open play

 

We’ve conceded 5 goals in Hopkin’s first 2 games, so I’m going for a further 2 conceded here.

We might nick one, depending how shite Donny’s defence is.

Predicting 2-0 or 2-1 unfortunately.

 

There's no doubting his talent. I just don't believe he's very effective in the formation that Hopkin uses, especially when we're playing Ball as well. Try someone else, see what happens.

I would also argue that the reason he's the only one who looks like scoring is because he would much rather take a shot on than pass - saw too much of this on Saturday. Not always a bad thing, especially when everyone else looks too afraid to take a shot on.