sharpysharps86

I am not a fan of Ismael really. I don't like his general demeanour, and I think there's an unjustified arrogance to him that just doesn't sit well with me. HOWEVER...there is no doubt that the players in the team are putting their all in, whether its for the manager or themselves, I don't really care. There is a team spirit, that much is clear. Of course team spirit and ability are two different things, which is why Rovers are not pushing for the playoffs this year, as I think last season the quality of the squad with Travis, Hyam, Beck, Brittain, etc. was better overall. Although I don't generally like his comments in the media where he calls certain players out (that kind of thing should be kept behind closed doors IMO), I can't argue with him being brutal with the likes of Gueye, De Neve, Kargbo (before he got injured), because these are all players that have been a massive disappointment to me.

If Carter comes back and sees out the rest of the season without another injury I'll be very surprised. Likewise with Wharton.

Bottom 3 looks likely to stay as is for the duration. Forest will grind enough results out, Leeds have an in-form goalscorer, Brentford and Fulham have pulled away. West Ham would need to do some exceptional business in January to have a sniff of survival IMO.

Litherland is filling in at right wing back isn't he? If one of the 3 current CB's gets injured, (always a possibility) we then chuck O'Riordan in and there's no cover for any more injuries or suspensions. Feels a bit thin to me.

Impossible to try and guess who Rovers may or may not go for next month. We don't tend to hear who's coming in until the last minute anyway. However, its clear Gueye is being positioned for a move away, and with Gudjohnsen injured it is absolutely crucial that they bring in a couple of forwards...unless Henriksson suddenly transforms into the next Gyokeres, which seems pretty unlikely! CB cover also a must, and if they intend to move Pickering on then a LWB cover for Hedges as well. De Neve simply cannot be put back into the team in that position, and I think Ismael probably knows that now. With Montgomery, Morishita and Tavares all injured then another CM feels needed too. An injury to Tronstad would be devastating, and its really concerning that we'll be going into next season without him. If Litherland continues to do well then I see less of a need for RWB cover while Alebiosu is away. I'd rather they focussed on more attacking positions. If he (or Alebiosu at AFCON) got injured however, then that changes the landscape. Awkward month ahead, as usual.

Injury cover seems the most likely. Rovers don't do long term plans these days.

The fact that Wednesday haven't won at home yet is scaring me. They came close yesterday against a good Hull side. An injury ravaged Rovers will be seen as a good opportunity for them. I'll go for a 1-1 draw. Baradji. Predicted team: Pears Miller McLoughlin Pratt Litherland Tronstad Baradji Hedges Cantwell Henriksson Ohashi

Great result, just a shame other teams below / around Rovers picked up good results as well. Need to follow this up with a win on Monday though. Injuries are piling up!

Agree with pretty much all that, but I think Miller and McLoughlin fall into the 'ok' category for me just now, same with TGH. There is clear room for improvement. Gudjohnsen is proving to be a good poacher at this level. I like the dynamic of him and Ohashi...they just need support in the way of backup forwards. Morishita has flattered to deceive at times, but I do think he's a decent player. I think Baradji is going to be quality, if he is given a run of games. The major poor signing of the summer has been De Neve, although I didn't exactly have high hopes for him in the first place. Oh and Tavares...who I did actually have hope for, has been woeful. It's imperative that they make some decent signings next month, and not the rag tag recruitment of last January.

Good record up there in recent seasons but I think this one will be a step too far. A draw would be a brilliant result. Suspect it'll be the same team except Hedges in for Pickering. Unless Toth is back (?), in which case him for Pears in goal.

Merry Christmas to you all, and thankyou for everything you folks do to keep us Rovers fans entertained.

He puts the ball in the net more often than anyone else. That's his game, getting into the right place at the right time and after a rough start he's showing he can be a good poacher at this level. Its on the rest of the team to provide good enough service when you have a poacher like that in the side.

Solid win, much needed. Delighted for the players on the pitch. Equally delighted to see the Pacha Out banner again. My dad's birthday today, 76. He has mostly lost his enthusiasm for Rovers thanks to Venkys, but each time they win it still brings some positivity.

Couldn't have asked for a better end to the half. They need to come out and kill the game off early.

Good start! Hope I am proven wrong about todays team!

No its not the same question, stop treating people with such contempt whenever they ask you a question. Every club has a budget, I'm asking what you think Rovers will be....an average let's say. You say you reckon he'll be backed in your opinion and then quickly retract and say 'lets see if he's backed'. Those are two very different statements. Talking in riddles again.

Miller and Pickering as wing backs, woeful. No idea how good Litherland is, and Pratt has done well...but this feels risky shall we say. Millwall to win this one comfortably. 1-3.

I know that. But you reckon he will be backed so I'm curious to know what you think what the budget will be.

How much do you think he will be backed with in the transfer market?

The old Owen Coyle appointment method. That went well.

No idea how reliable a source this is, but that is quite frankly hilarious. What a shambolic appointment.

Honestly, what is it going to take for some of these people to see the reality of the situation. Venky's have dragged this club through the mud and yet there are still people out there that think everything is fine. I can't wrap my head around the idea that there are people out there that think Rovers are better off remaining under their disastrous ownership. It's got nothing to do with fans thinking that the club deserves to be in the prem because they won it once. Those days are long gone even if the club was run well, I think pretty much everyone understands that. I personally would take dropping down to League Two if it meant getting new and proper owners that care about the club. It saddens me deeply that there are supposed Rovers fans out there that think sticking with Venky's is the best option.

Respectfully Chaddy, neither of us are the ones who essentially said 'we will win because we beat them last season' as though there is some sort of magical correlation between the two fixtures 😂. Thinking Rovers will win is one thing, and fair play if that's what you think....but why even mention last season's result when its completely irrelevant, old news. You don't half set yourself up for it sometimes.

Two of the goalscorers on that day are no longer at the club. 5 of the starting 11 are no longer at the club. 3 of which were the back 4. I admire your optimism but saying that we will win this and using last seasons result as the reason is a hell of a reach. Millwall have been a bit hit and miss recently, which gives me some hope.

Rovers 1 - 1 Millwall. Gudjohnsen with the goal. Predicted team: Pears Miller McLoughlin Pratt Hedges Tronstad Baradji Morishita Cantwell Ohashi Gudjohnsen If Hedges still out then I guess swap in Gardner-Hickman for him.