Travis isn’t that ball controlling midfielder which is their fans concern and I tend to agree either or he’s off anyway

20 touched in 70 mins from a midfielder is abysmal. I'd be going for Trav, too.

Sounds like Bradford will be fielding a rotated team too Alexander added: “I believe we’ve got more than 11 good players. We’ll have to see the physical output from Saturday and the condition of those who played. “But I think we’ve got good players ready to come into the team and help with the performance. “I’m not just going to flog the same 11 week in, week out and not use the squad to its fullest if I can help it. There will perhaps be a couple of changes to the team but I don’t think it will diminish the quality at all.”

Rovers don't feel ready for the long slog ahead, and more like an experiment / work in progress (oh, I remember, it's a project....)... Anyway, I have no idea who plays for the Bantams these days, but I anticipate they will be gunning for a Championship scalp here, and we are well placed to provide that on a plate. Not hearing anything positive coming from our camp, so the sad reality is we have already capitulated and are anticipating an early exit from the league cup (whatever it is called these days). Whatever the score, the faithful will trudge complacently up Livesey Branch Road muttering oaths and pining for the Fjords. Predictions? Buzzing Bantams Bulldoze Bewildered Blues - Rovers 0 (eh, where's the net?) Bratfurt 4 Rovers Resistance Rolled Rather Regretably - Rovers 1 Bradfud 1 - Bantams nick it on Penalties 4-5 Gulf in Class but Rovers win anyway... - Rovers 2 Bradfedup 1 - Tyon brace on 90 and 93 minutes after Bantams lead from 3rd minute.. COYB!

Think they have problems in midfield according to this report: But the numbers told the story - Stoke completed 381 passes to Derby's 125, controlling the game through an industrious midfield. Stoke midfielders Lewis Baker, Bae Junho and Ben Pearson dictated play with composure and bite, while Derby's central trio couldn't match their control. Kenzo Goudmijn was peripheral with just 20 touches in 68 minutes, Liam Thompson was busy but ineffective and captain Ebou Adams showed energy but lacked influence. Carlton Morris's fine finish came from Derby's only truly cohesive move. David Ozoh's introduction after 68 minutes injected some presence as he won key tackles, came away from duels with the ball, and showed why, if he stays fit, he could be a pivotal figure. This wasn't a poor performance, but it was a revealing one. In the Championship, matches are often decided in midfield, and Derby lack proven operators in that area when injuries hit.

1-1, lose on pens. That’s conditional on us playing the team Ismael seems to want to field.

Score predictions folks? 3-0 Rovers.

That’s the weird thing according to their fans they aren’t for a cm they are desperate need of wingers and a right back this one seems a Eustace push

Much better option than playing Hedges. Reported Brum have sold their allocation. Think we'll be lucky to avoid defeat especially if Travis has gone (Derby desperate for midfield reinforcements).

I'd like to see him start really and get a good portion of minutes ready for Saturday. Weirdly Saturday feels like a big game, early days but need to hit the first home game hard and progress from there. West brom game wasn't a true performance of what I think we are capable of. Just need to be more organised going forward and I think cantwell could step up this season (hopefully!)

Play miller RB and push Alebiosu up.

Elvis Costello - Spooky Girlfriend

Yep, we've another exciting game of watching Hedges bomb up and down the wing. I hope their full backs are ready.

Bit of ashame we didn't get Miyoshi in for Birmingham. Would've been destined to score.

Sounds like you will be right on mass changes from Ismaels comments. I cant understand the sense in that personally when we have huge turnover in the team and we need to establish a settled side.

I like the comparison table 🙂 It certainly makes good reading for O'Riordans development Olson also seems to be behind George Pratt in the first team picture seeing as Pratt was involved with the first team during pre season Although this may be because Pratt is a left footed opton, which Ismael seems to like to have available

Olson doesn't seem to get the same hype / attention as Atcheson (came off the bench in the League Cup a couple years ago + a few bench appearances) and Litherland (made the bench 13x last year) - who are 2 and 1 year younger, respectively - but he could be becoming a darkhorse CB prospect after a solid NL loan and now securing a L2 loan. Updating my ramshackle CB trajectory spreadsheet with a few more names: Puts Olson in line with Wharton/Lenihan/AOC/Edwards (and further emphasises O'Riordan's remarkably early start in L1! Although I just realised he first had a couple brief NPL loans that first year + a Scottish Championship loan that second year, so updated slightly. Good to see him starting well with Doncaster)

The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma

Looking forwards to seeing the new lads and the young ones tonight. Particularly Tavares and Montgomery in midfield. Miller, Alebiosu, Mullarky Matthews, Tyjon, Kargbo from the start? Should be good.

Travis not gone but seems very likely to get done this week Koji Miyoshi played the second half for Bochum meaning he lost points for ESC slot meaning mafoumbi needs sold or as some have found needs to make his debut for rovers in a league game to give him enough points so he doesn’t require a slot bar that nothing really new a tentative link to John yeboah but not a credible source

Smith - Baby It’s You

It's on Sky Sports+ 👍

What drugs are you on! a hat trick from Gueye.

You would think a National League team would look at that and have the game on the Wednesday instead so they could pick up an extra few quid from away fans. There are some National League Cup games tomorrow, so its obviously not out of the question

Really enjoying following your progress in this, good stuff! Good luck in the semis, maybe Morten can head this one in 😎