Let's talk about the Rochdale game

[roversam]

16 games left.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Since start of January we've achieved 2 points per game average (16 from 8 exactly) so all we need to do is maintain that for a play off spot. 4 wins from 6 or 3 wins, 3 draws for each series of 6.

I think above 80 points this year will give a good chance of automatic.

With the next few games we have a chance of getting ahead of the game.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Big few weeks isn't it.  I tend to feel we're in a with a big shout of pushing for it and now is the perfect time to make that run.  With depth in the squad Darren Moore has a great chance to do so, exciting times.

[BillyStubbsTears]

I reckon we need a minimum of 27-28 points from the last 16 games to make the play-offs.

Say W8 D4 L4

Tough but far from impossible.

[IDM]

You would normally expect to reach the play offs with say 75 points.  But with 2 games less this season I reckon 72 may be enough.

Although, as has been pointed out that I usually say,  we can only get 3 points at a time at most.

Win on Saturday and we are 3 points closer to whatever the target needs to be, obviously, but also another win breeds more confidence and boosts goal difference and individual scorers’ stats..

[sha66y]

Every season a team gathers a bit of momentum for one reason or another,
we are normally up there already so have to watch it with a bemused smile, watching them get the results and chasing the pack....

I have a feeling We are probably gonna be that team this season....

We have strengthened...we play good attacking football, we are creating many many chances  and we have a lot of guys who can score,

And those above us know we are not gonna go away....lol
 

[Shawndrfc]

We are on a run of games rest of this month until Wycombe game where we could be knocking out some wins and putting pressure on the teams above us.

I think that Fejiri might get the nod ahead of Cole or Ennis on Saturday and maybe Taylor coming back into the lineup.

I wonder if DM is going to keep a strong rotation with the midfield and forwards rest f the way or if something clicks then we might get a set squad. We do benefit from have alot of plays on the front end who can play multiple positions. Also any news on Copps? Heard it was his ankle but not seen anything from Rovers or Hoden.

[drfchound]

I think that DM said that leaving a Copps out was a tactical move, not because of injury.

[IDM]

That’s what he said - a recent article on the DFP website confirms this.  Can’t copy a link just now.

[RoversAlias]

It would seem Coppinger was left out due to tactical reasons relating to the Tranmere pitch, and he's had an ankle problem. Liam just tweeted saying he's had an injection in it which has seen him right.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I think Ramsey will be chomping at the bit to make his home debut. As he said, he's buzzing, so I imagine he's a sure starter. Can anyone remember such an accomplished debut?

It would be great if we could be comfortable in the game to allow Ramsey & Copps to play in tandem to terrorise Rochdale's defence and put on a real show.

[Alan Southstand]

I was hoping we may get a cameo from our other new boy, Lokilo. I’d prefer if DM held him back for Tuesday, as I can’t make Saturday!

 

[IDM]

Yes, let’s feature the younger players vs Bolton.!

[Campsall rover]

9 Wins 3 Draws & 3 Defeats required 30 more points from last 15 games.
Title form to get in the play offs.
That’s my take on it.

With the new boys in the team this is achievable. 100% it is.
Very tough on paper. But Believe and why not.

[Campsall rover]

9 Wins 3 Draws & 3 Defeats required 30 more points from last 15 games.
Title form to get in the play offs.
That’s my take on it.

With the new boys in the team this is achievable. 100% it is.
Very tough on paper. But Believe and why not.

Missed a game off as we have 16 left so 4 defeats and we still get 74 points. Will that be enough who knows.
It is usually but this season we might need 76/77

[idler]

I think Ramsey will be chomping at the bit to make his home debut. As he said, he's buzzing, so I imagine he's a sure starter. Can anyone remember such an accomplished debut?

It would be great if we could be comfortable in the game to allow Ramsey & Copps to play in tandem to terrorise Rochdale's defence and put on a real show.

Rod Johnson got a hat trick away at Chester on debut and had a great game.
Jason Price also scored two against Barnsley in his when they were doing well.
Happy days and long may they continue.

[IDM]

9 Wins 3 Draws & 3 Defeats required 30 more points from last 15 games.
Title form to get in the play offs.
That’s my take on it.

With the new boys in the team this is achievable. 100% it is.
Very tough on paper. But Believe and why not.

Missed a game off as we have 16 left so 4 defeats and we still get 74 points. Will that be enough who knows.
It is usually but this season we might need 76/77

With two less games 44 not 46.. low 70s for the play offs then..

[Campsall rover]

9 Wins 3 Draws & 3 Defeats required 30 more points from last 15 games.
Title form to get in the play offs.
That’s my take on it.

With the new boys in the team this is achievable. 100% it is.
Very tough on paper. But Believe and why not.

Missed a game off as we have 16 left so 4 defeats and we still get 74 points. Will that be enough who knows.
It is usually but this season we might need 76/77

With two less games 44 not 46.. low 70s for the play offs then..

Not necessarily as the top 6/7 might be very consistent.

Who knows IDM we need a crystal ball.

Right BB your services are required please.

[Draytonian III]

David Jones got a hat trick at Rochdale on his debut, he was part of a very good team until he was “ injured “

[Magicman]

David Jones got a hat trick at Rochdale on his debut, he was part of a very good team until he was “ injured “

please don't get carried away with a loan youngster getting two goals in his first game, we went there last season and the lad never or hardly scored again for us, just see how he does in his next game give him a chance and done hail him as the saviour just yet

[Chris Black come back]

Rochdale have lost 4 of their last 5 away games in League One. In total they have lost 11 of their last 15 games in League One.

[Campsall rover]

Rochdale have lost 4 of their last 5 away games in League One. In total they have lost 11 of their last 15 games in League One.

I know there is no such thing as a must win game when you have 16 to play but i do believe we need to win against both Rochdale and Bolton on Tuesday or realistically our chances will be very severely diminished.

So yes they are pretty much must win games. I am quietly confident we will win both comfortably.
But 1-0 will do for me. Any more than that is just a bonus to help the goal difference which of course at the end of the season could be crucial.

[the vicar]

Rochdale have lost 4 of their last 5 away games in League One. In total they have lost 11 of their last 15 games in League One.

that is the danger as its a banana skin we can and usually lose, I hope we hammer them but it is a dangerous game

[IDM]

Wasn’t a banana skin last season..

[Chris Black come back]

In our last 10 games against Rochdale, we have won three of them - including the 5-0 hammering at home last season.

[selby]

  The only thing that matters is Saturdays game, not history not any games after Saturday, results in past meetings of the teams, or future matches, nothing but this game on Saturday.
  And the only people who can influence the result are the two groups of players, and the management teams, everyone else attending the fixture are only there as witness to anything that happens on the field of play.
  My only hope is that our management and group of players don't make it as complicated as some of our supporters seem to be doing.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

DM's job will be tempering the young lads excitement and hopefully focusing their minds on the hard work required in every game.

Cautious optimism is where we're at.

[Donnywolf]

As long as Rochdale remain "co-operative" we will be aok

3-0

[SydneyRover]

  The only thing that matters is Saturdays game, not history not any games after Saturday, results in past meetings of the teams, or future matches, nothing but this game on Saturday.
  And the only people who can influence the result are the two groups of players, and the management teams, everyone else attending the fixture are only there as witness to anything that happens on the field of play.
  My only hope is that our management and group of players don't make it as complicated as some of our supporters seem to be doing.

Don't underestimate the travelling fans, I can always hear them on Ifollow 

[Donnywolf]

  The only thing that matters is Saturdays game, not history not any games after Saturday, results in past meetings of the teams, or future matches, nothing but this game on Saturday.
  And the only people who can influence the result are the two groups of players, and the management teams, everyone else attending the fixture are only there as witness to anything that happens on the field of play.
  My only hope is that our management and group of players don't make it as complicated as some of our supporters seem to be doing.

I totally agree - or agree 99% anyway

You missed ONLY one other thing that could affect the outcome is the set of Officials we get to oversee the game