I think he's been the player of pre-season so far, despite the two clangers. I'm encouraged by his body language out on the pitch at the moment, he seems stronger and I think that has helped. Everything to prove still but I disagree with those that feel he might not have a role here, he would be in my starting 11 either side of Armstrong with Dolan on the other as things stand. 

I think our defence picks itself at the moment with injuries and a lack of options. From the couple of games I've seen Dolan play I would want him to start today and see if he can seize the opportunity. Excited about his potential. I'd give Johnson a go in the middle as on his day he can thread some nice balls to the guys up top. Holtby deep seems to be a thing so I'd like to stick at that for now and see if he can thrive as for me he hasn't hit the level I hoped he would since joining. Looking forward to a competetive match and hopefully Brereton to continue to show his form. 

Fisher

JRC Lenihan Wharton Bell

Travis Holtby Johnson

Brereton Armstrong Dolan

Just looking at what kind of side we might put out if we didn't sign or sell anyone at all (and don't retain Downing). It's potentially not actually that bad in my opinion but, echoing what we've all been saying, it is so clear that an experienced Gk and Cb would go so, so far towards improving us.

Hilton

Nyambe Lenihan Wharton JRC

Travis Evans

Brereton Dack Armstrong 

Gallagher

Subs: Fisher, Williams, Bell, Rothwell, Johnson, Chapman, Buckley, Holtby

Extras: Williams, Carter, Bell, Bennett, Vale... 

7 hours ago, Hoochie Bloochie Mama said:

Too much hate for Elliott. He was 3rd in the assists charts at the club this season and was a fundamental part of the L1 promotion winning team. It's not really his fault if the manager hasn't bought any defenders and so has to play him at FB. 

Haven't seen any hate just that he's not good enough to play for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. 

Should never be a starter let alone captain. I would be looking to move him on ASAP.

I don't like that lineup but all I care about is the result today. Shame no Brereton and how Bennett gets in at Lb I don't know... 

I never thought I'd see Mulgrew start again for us. He was great for us in league 1, not so great in this league. Hopefully he ends his time with us on a high. 

Guess we know how important fans are for football, as our team plays and none of us get the privilege of watching while Sky keep collecting the coin. 

Resume whenever (and however) we can, then take a break then, then start a new season. That then becomes the start date for all seasons moving forwards. Abolish the transfer window worldwide.

That could work? 

6 hours ago, Ossydave said:

Travis can easily do a job on Wazza.

As for the whole Corona debacle, went to asda earlier to get my missus some paracetamol and ibuprofen after giving birth yesterday and the shelves were completely bare. You dickheads. 

Congratulations to you both, same thing happened to us following the birth of our little man last week. ?

I think from memory it was more that people would take him short term. Shows more where we were at that point compared to where we are now in just a couple of months. 

51 minutes ago, K-Hod said:

No, but probably because they didn’t?

They did though. ?

Brereton came on with intent yesterday. He looked determined to at least commit to his actions and looked a lot more decisive. It made a hell of a difference and his pressing of the back line led to one goal and almost another in itself. 

Definitely the best I've seen of him so far. If he can keep this approach and show some confidence and belief in himself then I think he has something to offer us. Down to the lad from here, we could do with him at this point and hopefully he is given a bit of a run at least coming off the bench. If he comes good at all it'll be a huge weight off both him and the club. 

Just now, Bbrovers2288 said:

Yup well done , proves my point brilliantly 

Comedy gold! If we all synchronise at 2300hrs and mentally kiss your feet will you reveal a name and bring back the classic 11o'clocker? ?

I would be inclined to go with the same lineup, JRC for Rothwell if unfit. 

However, a part of me thinks we might benefit from moving Downing back to Lb and putting Johnson in the middle for this one. 

Would love another win but feel we could be in for a draw. 2-2, Armstrong and Holtby to score is my bet. 

I truly believe that this could be a pivotal moment in our season. If we win today and put in another impressive performance (not expecting another 5-0!) rather than limping across the line, I feel we might not look back. 

3-0 Rovers. Armstrong x 2, Rothwell

COYB!!! 

1 hour ago, Blueandwhitemike said:

Smallwood doesn't need replacing, he was already replaced and hasn't played, he should have gone in the summer it's just been delayed.

Nice poem that ?

Downing for me. I doubted his signing and wasn't as convinced by his debut as others were at the time. I was completely wrong, he's been quality so far.

Other contenders if they pick up for the remainder are Travis, Evans and Armstrong. 

Dack misses out due to injury. ?

I've got a feeling that this side can open up the Birmingham defence. Wonder if Buckley will be central with Johnson or out wide with Bennett in the middle?

Fancy Gallagher to score. Shame Tosin isn't fit, he's been right up there as one of our best recently. 

3-1 Rovers. 

Bugger. No Tosin is a worry, hopefully a knock and he will be back soon. We should have enough though. C'mon Rovers!!! 

Dack.

No idea where we would be now if we didn't pick him up when we did. Unbelievable goal tally for someone that isn't an out and out striker and a great player to watch too. Easy one for me. 

Just now, arbitro said:

At the risk of upsetting any purists a couple of incidents pleased me yesterday and allayed some fears for me personally. The first was when Gallagher was assaulted by the Bristol player and a couple of were confrontational to him as he was on the ground. Several Rovers players sprinted over and stood up for their teammate. The other was at half time when there was clearly an incident in the tunnel. Again several players sprinted down the tunnel to support whoever was involved.

When I hear the words 'team spirit' that type of incident encompasses it.

 

I reckon Bradley Johnson being in the team helps, he very much reminds me of a Savage type figure in the team. Tough choice picking the middle 2 now, Travis has to be first choice for me but we have 2 excellent partners in Evans and Johnson (if they can keep it up) now which is fantastic. 

Penalty was an absolute joke, disgusting officiating all the time. 

That's enough now. The rot has well and truly set. We've been spineless since Mowbray took over and things are only getting worse. Times up Tony. 

Jack Vale signs a 4 year deal. Seems worth tying down, good vote of confidence from the club. 

This will be interesting. On paper a very attacking line up tonight with pace on the wings and the experience of DG to lay the ball off.

Could be goals here.