On Saturday we face a foe with similarities to the one we encountered on Day 1 at Bradford, a team fancied for promotion.
We know a little more about their relative strength than we did about Bradford, because they have played some League 2 matches and have the same number of points as us, and the same goal difference, but are one rung higher because they have scored 3 goals more (and have conceded 3 goals more). However they have played 3 of their games away.
At this juncture, relative strength is not a easy thing to assess. Their away win is a credit which we cannot equal, but it was achieved against Crawley who scored their only 2 goals of the campaign in that match. Hartlepool, who are a place above Crawley (22nd) was another of their beaten opponents and the third was Colchester currently in 18th place, beaten at home by 3-2. Their two draws were vs Grimsby (1-1) and Crewe (2-2), both away from home.
It would be difficult to argue that they have had tough opening fixtures and you could surmise that they do not have a good defensive record especially taking account of the stats of their opponents, most of whom struggle to score goals and concede them more readily than most.
So I am tempted to conclude that we face a team who may be weaker defensively than those we have encountered previously. However, in their most recent match, faced with Crewe whose results so far see them in the play-off positions, they performed creditably well and seemingly deserved their draw.
However, based on their overall record thus far, I am going to back Rovers for a win - 0-2 (Miller/Rowe).
DPL v Northampton Town
posted on 29/8/22
Donaldo, It is the first time I've really looked at our prediction scores. As always, thanks for all the work, especially after saying I do not want to work to predict crowds! However, I did predict 2-1 for the Salford game.
posted on 29/8/22
Yes you did Micky - it will be corrected next time with your total now reading 33 - the joint leader - and the overall total, 133. Sorry.
posted on 30/8/22
Crowd prediction is ok with me, it just adds to the fun. It probably makes more work for you though Donaldo ⚽
posted on 30/8/22
We could have the number of times Lee Tomlin falls over and draws a foul!
posted on 30/8/22
If we did want something extra then may be our shots on goal, fouls or %possession might be something to consider.
posted on 30/8/22
Just seen the team for tonight - could be Jones will get plenty of opportunity to show how good he is!!!
Not sure who is going to play the roles of Clayton and Tomlin.
If it is a disaster by halftime, I may switch over to a Premier League game. Just received a special offer to stream some games for $1.99 a month for a limited time. I thought if I watch one game a month it was worth it. However on Saturday it will always be Rovers for the 15:00 games.
posted on 30/8/22
Watched the whole game - not very exciting. Could have been different if Kuleya, or Taylor on the rebound. and scored early on.
I thought Jones' shot stopping and coming quickly off his line when needed was good, but one crazy roll-out and one poor short pass out, could have been disastrous.
Way too many mistakes in defence that would be bad in a league game. Seaman and Maxwell made several early on, but improved during the game. I thought when Hurst and Molyneaux came on at halftime we would win easily, but it made little difference.
Anyway, still in with a good chance to progress.
posted on 30/8/22
Thanks Micky.
posted on 31/8/22
I'll just add both our GKs need to improve their kicking. While I'll say Jones was a little better than Mitchell in that most did not go straight into touch, but many were over hit. They are on their home ground, and so they should understand the speed of the turf, and the effect of winds, if any. Maybe I'm being too critical, but both have enough time to practice - and maybe watch others GKs.
posted on 31/8/22
Having seen the highlights it was surprising how little talent was visible from the PL U21s. Rovers were seemingly dominant, but once they got the ball into danger areas, their efforts to score were half-hearted, a bit like a practice game when no one wanted to risk injury.
Jones made a penalty save! But he palmed a ball over the bar which he should have caught comfortably and there were two examples of near disastrous mistakes in distribution. Let’s hope that it is not too late to develop the confidence which a modern keeper needs to do his job effectively.
Kuleya seemed to be unable to muster a proper shot when allowed the opportunity.
So, overall, there was no one amongst the “reserves” who looked ready for League duty.