Tactically its an awkward one as the team against Leeds performed so well but it was a totally different sort of game as we knew Leeds would attack all game. Wednesday will probably be a lot more defensive.... That said they need the win more than we do so theyll have to commit players forward eventually - though if the clubs around them lose on Saturday they may aim for a point. It really is all about not conceding the first goal. Thats the most important thing by far. So probably setup same way as Leeds, sit deep, but be ready to break quickly. Think it could be quite a dull game.

I liked JDT a lot as the way we played on our day was brilliant... but I am not sure he really was the real deal even if we had backed him. We did well generally against other mid table sides, but we really struggled against motivated teams at the bottom and the top of the table. We only managed to get back into a game after conceding first once or twice over 20+ games. Those are two stats that persisted so long over his 18 month tenure it really make me question whether he has it in him to properly motivate and organise a team. The way we played sometimes verged on the unhinged with three players overloading the far right channel of the pitch but only one player on his own in central midfield. We'd dominate games without converting chances but end up losing over and over again to very soft goals. If he goes on to make a big impact as a manager in England or the big European leagues fair play. But I wouldn't bet my house on it. If I was a hiring CEO looking through his CV there would be as much to worry me as interest me in his time at Rovers.

Totally agree on this. Leeds smashed us at home earlier this season as we gave them so much room. Total opposite today Think off the back of this Eustace has already beaten JDTs record against top six sides? I dont think JDT won a game against the top six? Could be wrong though. Thought we were tactically and performance wise very very good today, and showed some decent offensive quality in the second half. I feared the worst when we went 343 to start, but it worked superbly.

I think to be honest the tactics have been pretty good and worked well. The issue has been on the half dozen good break opportunities we have had we've missed simple passes in the final third.

Well we have gone 352 which I don't think is a good idea, and Hyam has kept his place. But at least McFadz is not starting. Hyam central rather than him RCB should be better. How on earth we get hold of the ball centre of the park I have no idea. One or both of Dolan or Szmodics is going to have to really help Tronstad and JRC out.

Regarding the Wednesday game just been listening to Arte et Labore podcast and they mentioned that Wednesday despite their position have had top 10 form over the last 25 (!!!) games while we have relegation form in that period. Its got me absolutely cacking it.

Always a risk but I dont think ive ever heard of anyone rest players for 8 days away.

Wednesday is 8 days after so I cant see why we would rest anyone.

Agreed with this... While I'm not against three at the back generally I think it has not worked for us at all, mainly as we cant support the front three adequately so we just let the other side come at us over and over and the defence cant cope. We've limited other sides quite well with the back four Bristol City apart so lets just have confidence in that. Id go Pears Brittain. Carter. Wharton. Chrisene JRC. Tronstad Markanday Szmodics. Dolan Gallagher If we come away with anything it will be incredible.

This is the worst preparation for Leeds, all our defensive confidence up in smoke.

I tend to agree... First half we did okay I thought except two horrendous individual errors which is hard to blame the manager for. But the half time changes were extremely stupid - both in terms of bringing our best defender off and leaving the one having a horror show on, and the change of shape to a back three which totally evaporated our ability to create chances.

Wow....

Ooof that js really really really bad from Hyam. Worst performance since Duffy I think. So bizarre he stayed on.

Wharton coming off was weird. But same was Markanday coming off as he seemed like he was doing okay. Moran offering very little.

Well defensively we look more secure but look even worse going forward. Going three at the back in these circumstances doesn't seem the right call. We should go back to Four at the back...

Thought Wharton was the one defender playing well.... Very bizarre

Total self destruction. Feels like there will be opportunities to get back into the game though. We're playing a high line so need Carter on for Hyam for a bit more pace. As well as Hyam being a total liability.

I think Hedges is one of our few players who I can see stepping up a level like Szmodics and Diaz have in the past. But his injury record is horrendous and he can't settle a run of a games. In terms of all round ability he's got a lot going for him - great workrate, strong, a goal threat, reasonable pace. He rarely does less than a 7/10 performance and the odd one better than that. How we get him to play more than half a dozen games in a row is the problem. Similar to JRC in that regard.

Yeah agree with this. I do wonder how successful he will be with Sweden as he does not have the best squad. Relying on scoring the first goal is not going to be something he can count on. Youd think they will need a more pragmatic approach than JDTs to stay in games against better teams.

I think Buckley will continue to play an important role for us. Hes good in a midfield three and can cover right back too. Just suffering at the moment as we effectively play 442 with Szmods up front with Gallagher. Garrett and Travis are both closer the exit door I would say. Likely both Szmods and Gallagher will leave this summer so the balance of the team could change quite significantly. Could easily end up with JRC, Tronstad and Buckley in a midfield three and more of a proper number 9 leading the line.

Couple of things make me more optimistic 1- Since Eustace has come in we have only conceded two goals twice (Swansea, PNE) limiting very good attacking Ipswich and Southampton sides recently to very few chances. 2- The way we are playing under Eustace is much less energy intensive than JDT. So I expect the performance drop off to be less for a midweek game. Think we should be targeting another point.

Have to say quite fancy us to get a result at Bristol.

Thats harsh imo. Won everything in the air, passed the ball well, did great work coming into midfield tracking his marker, had his man beat all game. I would say hes got quite a rounded game for a Championship defender, his issue is he makes mistakes (did one today) and lacks recovery pace so needs a solid defence to cover for him.

Gallagher won a lot of headers today which he rarely does. Couldnt direct them though. Not exactly sure what Peter Jackson was smoking up in the directors box when he was dreaming up his MOTM. I wonder if a number 9 has ever won one without having a shot all game!