By Chris
Notts County come into the game having held their heads high at Anfield having battled for 4-2 defeat in the second half of extra time, having ended the game at 2-2. Rotherham United played on the 28th and enjoyed a game against Aston Villa, where they lost 3-0. The Millers have gotten off well so far in the season and Notts are still looking for their first home with of the season. We here at Pride of Nottingham have taken the time to speak with Miller fan "Ian" and we've asked him a series of 12th questions - Let's get behind the lads on Saturday! COYP!!
Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for?
My name is Ian & live in Rotherham & have been a fan for 42 years.
Last year we met in the cup and you not only managed to get a replay but you brought the game to us at Meadow Lane and played very well. What was your view on this game?
Last years cup replay was one of our performances of the season & we really did "play you off the park" as it were, I hope for more of the same this weekend.
Can you please tell us about your expectations for the new season and how you felt your pre-season went?
I'm not like some Millers fans who are half expecting to run straight through League One & get to the Championship in one go, but it is our long term aim. Mid Table.
Pre-season was good for us, unbeaten on a three game mini scottish tour, then victory v Bolton in our first home friendly, but then home defeats to three Championship clubs, all narrow ones, 2-3 v Middlesbrough, 0-1 v Huddersfield, & 2-3 again v Barnsley, but good experience v Championship opposition!!
Rotherham have a fairly capable side – Have you made any new additions to your squad since our last meeting and how are they settling in?
The squad is OK with competition in most areas. Since last year we've brought in several players, most notably Matt Tubbs from AFC Bournemouth, also, Milsom & Tidser in Midfield, ex Carlisle keeper Collin, right back Brindley, last season at Chesterfield, striker Hylton from Aldershot & Worrall, the ex Bury winger who has been the most impressive of the newbies so far, but they all need time to bed in. The starting line ups so far has mainly been the side that got us promotion.
Four games in, although early days you're showing some very promising signs. Can you give us a basic run down of your last four games?
Last 4 games, OK Right;
10th Aug PNE H 0-0 Tight game with defences on top, could have nicked it but overall fair result
17th Aug Crawley A 2-1 win Should have been more, more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
24th Aug Shrews H 2-2 Outplayed for large parts of the game by a surprisingly good Shrews side, lucky to get a point!!
28th Aug Villa A 0-3 Comfortably beaten by a Villa side that obviously is taking the Capital One Cup seriously as they played virtually their entire 1st team, but not disgraced, & like Notts at Anfield, will have learned an awful lot from the experience.
On Tuesday we faced Liverpool in the Capital One Cup, where we lost 4-2 after ending 90's all square. Did you watch the game on Sky?
Didn't watch the Anfield game as i'm a footy anorak & was at Derby v Brentford!!!
Who do you think will be your highest goal scorer and which three opposition players do you think will contend for the highest goal scorer overall?
Hard to tell who'll be our top scorer as we seem to get just as many goals from midfield compared to the strikers. High hopes though for Kieran Agard in the scorers stakes, along with Lee Frecklington.
League 1 as a whole, I can see Griffiths at Wolves & Sheff Utds new signing Jose Baxter scoring loads!!
We have a fair few injuries/concerns at the moment – Do you look into opposition sides prior to games and do you feel it could be an area the Millers could benefit from?
I'm sure Mr Evans has done his homework on the Pies & is aware of their collective strengths & weaknesses.
What formation and line up do you see being used by Steve Evans on Saturday?
I think we'll pack the midfield (thats where our strengths are) & go for a 4-5-1 formation leaving Alex Revell as a lone striker with players like Agard & Pringle in support.
Can you tell us which players you feel will pose a threat to Notts County?
Watch out for our midfield three of Ben Pringle, Lee Frecklington & Michael O'Connor, if you can nullify their threat you've got a real chance.
Which Notts County players are you most wary about and how would you try to cancel out their game?
The only Notts player that concerns me is Arquin as he scored an absolute screamer in the first Cup tie at NYS last season & he scored at Anfield didn't he?
On the 28th Rotherham lost to Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup, Did you enjoy the clash and how important is the cup games this season?
The Villa tie was a great experience for the players & supporters & we enjoyed it despite the result.
Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Ian for taking the time to answer our questions, I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to him as he has since joined us as Bradthemiller! Nice to have another opposition fan in our midst
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