Let's talk about the EFL trophy game v Scunthorpe United

[selby]

  Well that's us in the next round of the FA cup, and now onto the final group game of the EFL trophy and a rare chance to get into the knock out stages needing just a draw to do so.
   The real interest is what team will we be able to field in the game to achieve it. with injuries piling up every game and youth team players on the bench for the FA cup  it looks like those involved yesterday and probably one or two more will be brought in for this game, a great chance for them but shows the weakness of our club set up having no u23s or any older development side beyond the u18s age group, and goes a long way to explain our clubs playing strength depth, and a manager reaping the rewards of other previous managers decisions, and dependency on other teams players in their own development phase and serving no long term gain to our own club.
  Our u18s are a tallented set of players, some very good, more than capable of playing attractive football, and quite a few are at the stage to move up out of academy football so no worries from me that a few in with more experienced players would do the club proud, but another higher development step is needed within the club for the club to maximise the talent pyramid.
  But its not there now and a couple are at the sink or swim point where we possibly see them having to step up considerably in this game, so lots of interest and really lots to be gained as long as we the supporters don't burden them with too much expectation and blame if we don't get a result.   With the injury problems this game for me is a free hit, one to enjoy, made difficult by injuries, and against a side that are no better than any youngsters we field technically, but are more developed physically and play a physical game if todays game is an example. I hope the injuries to our senior players are not what we fear and some can recover to play in this game, success breads success nad we are doing better results wise and I want us to go all out for a win in this game, am confident whoever plays will give their best, and any youngsters will do the club proud.
   How do you see this game?
   Would you be interested to see some youngsters given  game?
   We still need a result of sorts, can we get that point?
   How do you see Scunthorpe with their new manager approaching the game?
   Are you going to the game?
   Would it add interest for you with younger players playing for us that have actually come through our own youth system and your chance to see them in action?
   Now we have actually won an away game, can we keep it going?
   Would you like to see us have a good run in this competition?
   Lots to discuss, lots to be interested in if we do play some younger players, please have your say

[Draytonian III]

Jones,Horton,Blythe,Hansani,R Williams,Hollings,Kuleya should all start, it’s a free hit

[Campsall rover]

We have no game Saturday so would keep, Knoyle, Anderson, Galbraith, Smith, Dodoo, Hiwula in the team.

Give Rowe, and all the others who got injuries today a rest.
Think we should take this seriously as winning is a good habit to get into.

Team i would be tempted to play is.
Jones,
Knoyle, Anderson, Blythe, Horton
Hasani, Smith, Galbraith
One of the U18s, Dodoo, Hiwula

Bench full of U18s
Is Ravenhill available to play. Also is Greaves out on loan and is he available?

[Arsenal Of The North]

Just play the kids. Wrap everyone in bubble wrap until we come back v Lincoln, can’t risk any further injuries.

[Draytonian III]

I think it might see Galbraith play live before any other Rovers fan, I think he’ll get some game time in the upcoming Internationals.
 He’s one of the reasons that the Fleetwood game is postponed

[roversdude]

I think Greaves sustained a long term injury

[selby]

  Hollings brings players into the game in the oppositions half Kuleya is instinctive and can run with the ball good young players, Some supporters saw a glimpse of Faulkner at Wakefield who is a big strong fast defender and with others could do well if given the chance. Others are also capable of good football, but playing too many at once does not do the lads any favours, even Manchester City have found that out.
  Playing a couple or three no problems with misters alongside helping them along, too many or the suggestion of a full team would do no good at all for the young players who are important.  The manager knows that, and it is in his and our interests that their progression is not spoiled. Anyway is it not a rule of the competition that so many players have to be in the previous games squad?
 Some supporters are not interested in the competition, and would be quite happy for us to play a team of youngsters, and would probably be the first on the forum wanting the managers head for picking them if it went wrong and use it as a stick to beat him with.
  I want us to pick the strongest side possible, if it includes some youngsters great, lets see what they have got, but lets have a crack at winning the game and improving.

[The Red Baron]

I think Greaves sustained a long term injury

Greaves is at Redditch. Liam Ravenhill is also out on loan but is injured.

[DRCraig]

Might as well go for it. 2-0 us.

[donnievic]

We have no game Saturday so would keep, Knoyle, Anderson, Galbraith, Smith, Dodoo, Hiwula in the team.

Give Rowe, and all the others who got injuries today a rest.
Think we should take this seriously as winning is a good habit to get into.

Team i would be tempted to play is.
Jones,
Knoyle, Anderson, Blythe, Horton
Hasani, Smith, Galbraith
One of the U18s, Dodoo, Hiwula

Bench full of U18s
Is Ravenhill available to play. Also is Greaves out on loan and is he available?

dont think Galbraith will be available as think he will already be away on international duty,would deffo play Blythe and Horton,think he will rest Rowe and bostock but would play others who are fit

[ColinDouglasHandshake]

Just fail to turn up and forfeit the game would be my suggestion. Can't afford any more injuries.

[roversdude]

Yep I’m going, hoping that we qualify but play as many fringe/youth players as possible.
Think the international lads will have joined up with their respective teams so they are definitely non starters.
Got to admit I know very little about the youth players but agree with Selby, Faulkner had a good game against a very physical Wakefield line up

[steve@dcfd]

Greaves is injured and back with us Ravenhill not sure Galbraith on international duty

Jones
Knoyle Anderson Blythe Horton
    Smith.    Rowe.    Hassani
   Vilca or U18 Dodoo Hiwula

Then all U18 on bench

[TheFunk]

Greaves was on crutches at the last home game.

[albie]

Greaves got a knee injury which ended his loan at Redditch.

Not seen anything to say how long he is out for.

[drfchound]

Just fail to turn up and forfeit the game would be my suggestion. Can't afford any more injuries.

Just fail to turn up and play the game later without any proper punishments.
It worked for Bolton.

[roversdude]

Greaves got a knee injury which ended his loan at Redditch.

Not seen anything to say how long he is out for.

Thought I’d read that

[Bailey Vickerage]

Tough team to predict with all the knocks we suffered from Saturday, think there will be a few young lads in there but wouldn’t play too many as they need experience alongside them.

Jones

Knoyle Anderson Blythe Horton

Smith Hasani

Vilca RoweHiwula

Dodoo

I’d prefer not to play Anderson but with Williams not playing Saturday due to injury and Olowu going off injured we haven’t got no other options. Would also prefer some more experience in midfield (either Rowe or bostock) but Bostock went off injured and Rowe could well be rested, if they’re both fit then play a half each maybe, if not then try get as many minutes as possible for rowe.  Not sure on Vilcas fitness either tbh so he may not be able to play which would then probs mean Dodoo goes out wide and Kuleya may get a chance up top.

[idler]

They are in a very bad position in their league with a very real chance of relegation. They might decide to save a few players for their game on the Saturday that they will be desperate to win. They could also need to play some reserve or youth team players as much as us.

[roversdude]

Think they probably had 3 go off injured too

[selby]

  Their youth system is strong  and have some good younger players  as they have recruited well from other clubs released junior players. Like Saturday it will not be easy and Hill will have had a couple of more days to assess what he has got to work with.
  I think our manager will want to push on again and pick a strong starting line up and will want to introduce a couple later in the game if the situation allows for it, and will also want his front three to show more and see this game as perhaps a chance to do so.
  It's a competitive game and despite what some supporters say about being disaffected with the competition, our manager who has had a tough start to life here from posters on this forum knows he will attract another round of criticism if we now fail to get out of the group stage now we have the advantage to progress against another struggling side.
  On the face of it we are not going to have a much better chance to keep our little run of better results going, and with no match this weekend have a chance to wind it down a bit for the players in the next few days and back on it next week, while hopefully the supporters can look forward to a couple more cup games in two competitions nearing Christmas that is not particularly the norm at this time of the year in recent seasons.

[steve@dcfd]

So reading the latest injuries it does not make good reading 15 players have some kind of injury and will not be risked has Richie wants players available for Lincoln game. Taylor, Okenbirhie and John all had scans last week and they are waiting results. Tommy Rowe got a sore left knee snd won’t be risked tomorrow.

So players that are available are Jones, Knoyle, Anderson Smith Dodoo and Hiwula. Add to the Horton Blythe and Hassani. The U18 squad are training with those players today and some look like playing tomorrow.

[Bailey Vickerage]

Tough team to predict with all the knocks we suffered from Saturday, think there will be a few young lads in there but wouldn’t play too many as they need experience alongside them.

Jones

Knoyle Anderson Blythe Horton

Smith Hasani

Vilca Rowe Hiwula

Dodoo

I’d prefer not to play Anderson but with Williams not playing Saturday due to injury and Olowu going off injured we haven’t got no other options. Would also prefer some more experience in midfield (either Rowe or bostock) but Bostock went off injured and Rowe could well be rested, if they’re both fit then play a half each maybe, if not then try get as many minutes as possible for rowe.  Not sure on Vilcas fitness either tbh so he may not be able to play which would then probs mean Dodoo goes out wide and Kuleya may get a chance up top.

after seeing the latest injury update going into tomorrow, having 12 players out due to injury or not being risked plus the 3 internationals think it will probs be something like

Jones

Knoyle Anderson Blythe Horton

Smith Hasani

Dodoo Hollings Hiwula

Kuleya

[Sammy Chung was King]

It gives an opportunity for a few of the young players, to get some experience and push for a place in the regular squads.
Having said that we could do with winning this game, so pick some experienced guys at the side of them. Like others have said don’t risk players with niggles it isn’t worth it.

[roversdude]

Not convinced we will have the injured gang back for the Lincoln game. Taylor, John and Fej all need another scan yet

[Bessie Red]

Maybe its time to play Ed Williams & Bogle after all we are still paying them!!

[steve@dcfd]

Not convinced we will have the injured gang back for the Lincoln game. Taylor, John and Fej all need another scan yet

I think your right so what are the medical team doing why are they telling the manager they will definitely ready if they are not then they want taking to task it’s going on to long.

[albie]

Maybe its time to play Ed Williams & Bogle after all we are still paying them!!

We should give them a go, given the injuries.

If RW wants to move them on, then this could be a shop window for them.
Bet he doesn't though, too stubborn!

Where is Gardner, is he recovered yet?

[South East Rover]

Just play the kids. Wrap everyone in bubble wrap until we come back v Lincoln, can’t risk any further injuries.

Eligibility criteria for players
For EFL clubs
Minimum of four qualifying outfield players in their starting XI. A qualifying outfield player was one who met any of the following requirements:
Any player who started the previous or following first-team fixture.
Any player who was in the top 10 players at the club who had made the most starting appearances in league and domestic cup competitions that season.
Any player with forty or more first-team appearances in their career.
Any player on loan from a Premier League club or any EFL Category One Academy club.
A club could play any eligible goalkeeper in the competition.

[Colin C No.3]

Just fail to turn up and forfeit the game would be my suggestion. Can't afford any more injuries.

Excellent piece of advice.

Might I add to your most excellent idea that we also stop all training until all the training pitches are relaid as there is something clearly wrong with the number of muscle spasm injuries the squad are picking up.