18 games unbeaten v Please keep Argyle out the top 3 (Northampton v Rovers)

[EricSabin]

Big big game for both sides this weekend, I'm praying we win promotion and the league Saturday, however I'm not sure it'll be just yet. Will be our toughest game in months this I think, although that may help us raise our game. Heart says we'll nick it 1-0, Oxford will draw at Crawley and we'll be champions

 

[miagsygas]

You guys are winning the league anyways, delay it a week would ya?

Managed to get a ticket for this one after it had sold out, got pretty lucky. Don't fancy our chances though, would definitely take a point. Big game, looking forward to it

 

[Gashead]

Very big game.

Part of me says given our away records against the 'top sides' (aside from Ox and Plymouth), I'd take a point if other results went our way a little bit. Even if they don't a point isn't the end of the world. But another part of me says Northampton are there for the taking a little bit, whilst they have the unbeaten record they have dropped points unexpectedly (Cambridge, Mansfield, Notts, nearly vs. Stevenage). Like to think that given our overall form we can at least be competitive up there. Not sure if Northampton needing a win for promotion is a good thing or a bad thing to be honest...

Whatever happens Northampton will be the undisputed champions of this division, so if they could delay promotion for a week that'd be great As long as we're not played off the park a la Portsmouth away then I don't think any result is particularly damaging in the long term, would like at least a point though.

Crawley can draw with Oxford as a compromise, how about that?

 

[EricSabin]

Very big game.

Part of me says given our away records against the 'top sides' (aside from Ox and Plymouth), I'd take a point if other results went our way a little bit. Even if they don't a point isn't the end of the world. But another part of me says Northampton are there for the taking a little bit, whilst they have the unbeaten record they have dropped points unexpectedly (Cambridge, Mansfield, Notts, nearly vs. Stevenage). Like to think that given our overall form we can at least be competitive up there. Not sure if Northampton needing a win for promotion is a good thing or a bad thing to be honest...

Whatever happens Northampton will be the undisputed champions of this division, so if they could delay promotion for a week that'd be great As long as we're not played off the park a la Portsmouth away then I don't think any result is particularly damaging in the long term, would like at least a point though.

Crawley can draw with Oxford as a compromise, how about that?

I think us needing a win for promotion/possibly the league is bad for you, it's been clear we're gonna win the league for ages now. Think the players will raise their game as a result and put in a good showing. Think you'll be competitive with Taylor up top, he'll certainly get chances with our 2 centre halves not being the most mobile, so I reckon you'll look to exploit that. I do think we'll win with the raised stakes at our end, and I hope it's a good game and we're all on the pitch celebrating at the end.

And if we draw I'd rather Oxford win, because we'll be less likely to win the league at Exeter next week when I'm in Munich!!

 

[EricSabin]

Also, quick one for any travelling Bristol Rovers fans, when we win the league Saturday feel free to indulge in celebratory gin bombs with us in the stadium bar

 

[Centenary Gas]

I think your fans may well be right in saying we are the opponents that might bring out the best in you, it was the case at Portsmouth and Carlisle.

I would bite your hand off now for 4 points from our next two, leaving us with 75 points with 4 easy (on paper) games left. Win on Saturday and I'm going to go out on a limb and say we are going up.

 

[Gashead]

I think your fans may well be right in saying we are the opponents that might bring out the best in you, it was the case at Portsmouth and Carlisle.

I would bite your hand off now for 4 points from our next two, leaving us with 75 points with 4 easy (on paper) games left. Win on Saturday and I'm going to go out on a limb and say we are going up.

I wouldn't necessarily call Exeter an easy game. I'm still not convinced re: the last three games until relegation is confirmed for the bottom two. I'm a bit of a pessimist mind

Agree with you on the last point though.

 

[OUFC Dan]

Home win please, enjoy the league title, everyone's happy

Except Rovers, but sod them

 

[Nelza82]

Think we need a game like this as we've been in limbo for a while now and playing against teams with nothing really to play for.

Should be good!

 

[miagsygas]

Seen a lot of Northampton fans saying they are happy playing a "better team" as they've struggled a tad lately playing teams who sit in, however that is exactly what we do in our away games for atleast the first half. Can't see DC doing any different for this game as it would be prudent to try and frustrate Northampton, although they do have the quality to take a one off chance that other teams may not take.

Kind of viewing this game as a free hit anyways. Coming back with anything will be a bonus, with the rest of our games in the more "winnable" column a point or three here would just be a bonus.

 

[Nelza82]

I think it is more that we have been coasting a little bit so we'd expect our team to raise their game against better opposition.

It will be interesting to see what our starting line up is as Richards is clearly not match fit, Collins has been off the boil since Cheltenham gate - and also looks like he will return to Shrewsbury in the Summer. I'd hope we revert back to our successful 4231 formation.

 

[Gashead]

I think it is more that we have been coasting a little bit so we'd expect our team to raise their game against better opposition.

It will be interesting to see what our starting line up is as Richards is clearly not match fit, Collins has been off the boil since Cheltenham gate - and also looks like he will return to Shrewsbury in the Summer. I'd hope we revert back to our successful 4231 formation.

It probably depends if the dropping of points recently has been down to complacency or nerves. If its the former, I'm a bit worried you'll come out all guns blazing. If its the latter, I expect it to be an even bigger problem with a decent crowd and the pressure of potential promotion.

 

[EricSabin]

It probably depends if the dropping of points recently has been down to complacency or nerves. If its the former, I'm a bit worried you'll come out all guns blazing. If its the latter, I expect it to be an even bigger problem with a decent crowd and the pressure of potential promotion.

Most probably because of complacency, unconsciously. We've been sold out at Sixfields since before Christmas, and won a lot of high pressure games this year

 

[GasAttacK]

Northampton have been a long way clear of the chasing pack for some time and now have a 14 point lead with just 6 games to play. I can't see them suffering from nerves. Realistically they don't need another point to secure the title, it's already won.

They're deserving champions, they have the best home record in league 2, the best away record in league 2 and are currently on an incredible 18 match unbeaten run dating back to before Christmas. Oh, and if that wasn't enough they're also the top scorers in league 2.

Our home for has been superb of late but our away form hasn't been quite as hot as it was earlier in the season, losing 4 of our last 6 on the road and winning just 2.

It's a great shame Sinclair and Mansell are out injured because we'd have really benefited from having at least one of those available for this game. Don't think they're far away but will no doubt need a couple of games to get up to speed.

As others have said I think most Rovers fans are looking at this one as a free hit and if we get anything out of it that's just a bonus. Needless to say I'd be delighted with a draw.

 

[Gashead]

As others have said I think most Rovers fans are looking at this one as a free hit and if we get anything out of it that's just a bonus. Needless to say I'd be delighted with a draw.

Ultimately having thought about it I think we have to see it like this, fans will hopefully add to the atmosphere which I'm sure will be very good. Give it our best shot and see how it goes - as you say they're so many points clear for a reason.

P.S There were whispers Sincs may be fit, unsure if he'd be selected though after so long out.

 

[Nelza82]

It's the same ref as we had for our cup replay v MK Dons.

Quite frankly he is ridiculously poor, should make it fun. I'm sure he will give a few penalties and send a few off so he is centre stage.

 

[LordJord]

Absolutely gutted to say that two eggs will be missing this one. One of my best mates is getting married tomorrow, he could have been more considerate in picking the date, draw please so I can see us go up at Exeter!

 

[Nelza82]

It's okay though two eggs as Ian has the ST again surely?!

 

[LordJord]

It's okay though two eggs as Ian has the ST again surely?!

He most certainly does! Standard procedure now.

 

[EricSabin]

So buzzing for this one. TEYN.

 

[ThisTinpotLeague]

TEYN. WILDER. WILDER. TEYN. TEYN. WILDER.

Look at me getting involved in Cobblers chants.

 

[Nelza82]

Pretty sure we will win this one 7-0.

 

[EricSabin]

Pretty sure we will win this one 7-0.

At least.

 

[ThisTinpotLeague]

Pretty sure we will win this one 7-0.

Thanks for letting me know in advance, makes our day a lot more enjoyable. The Cobblers, a great bunch of lads.

 

[Bs14gas]

As all rovers tickets gone now for the beamback. Probably bollocks,but says live stream.

 

[EricSabin]

Hell of an atmosphere

 

[EricSabin]

Champions as it stands. Quality game, both teams playing football and creating chances. Rovers fans have gone ever so slightly quiet...

 

[StagsForLife]

Will the trophy be lifted today?

 

[BRFC_Gas]

As all rovers tickets gone now for the beamback. Probably bollocks,but says live stream.

This doesn't work but there is a live feed on facebook from someone at the Mem, shit so far but we are a 2nd half team....

 

[BRFC_Gas]

Great character to come from 2 down to the league leaders away from home, well done gas!