As the saying goes onwards & upwards, they say form goes out the window in a derby but surely we've enough in us to beat the old enemy. Thoughts & predictions?

Knowing us, this is a game we will loose to Rovers

we will be fav no doubt, but I would never bet on a derby, saying that imo it would take a massive dip in our form for the dobbbins to get near us

Might get shot down for saying this, but with Frank back, I'd rest Ellis for the week. Two home games to follow against Saints and Widnes, and Frank will be very fresh. Give Ellis the week off to recharge the batteries. Mini, Frank, Manu et al have got more than enough about them. Houghton leading the side out in a derby will ensure the leadership and motivation remains at the same intensity.

You maybe right, we have the grunt in the squad to be able to rest players, that's how we got over Easter by rotating, keeps players fresh & ready to go.

Who knows Leeds can't buy a win but managed to turn you over so I live in hope

Just need Jake to reaffirm these sentiments and I'll sleep like a baby all week.

If we prepare for this game just like the rest , The result will take care of itself .

Shorter turnaround for kr too.

I'd be concerned as my half empty glass is starting to look quite full

you'll be hoping for lots of rain then

Whatever team the Dobbins put out next week, they'll be going all out for a win. Especially if they can end our run .
Don't forget they outplayed us for sixty minutes last time.
Hope we approach the game in the same way we would if we were playing a top of the league side.
Anything else could leave us looking silly.

At risk of jinx it, am I right in saying we have a full squad to select from next week? Exciting prospect!

Ours to lose, Play to the level we can and we win. Drop those standards and we lose.. The only team to beat us in over 2 months are bottom of the league so it's all about attitude next week.

Hopefully we'll have it sewn up by half time but no doubt all of rovers' injured players will return from the dead lazarus fashion

aint we playing a team that got beat by Oldham in the challenge cup - just cant remember there name lol

We have to think full season strategy, players that have niggles, players that are feeling a bit jaded should be rested and the coach have faith in the replacements.
Rovers have fewer days to recover and we are full of confidence and showing some grit. We know that with some notables out we can still beat the best teams. There's no disrespect in resting a couple, it's about maximising the squad with an end goal in mind, maintaining the attitude and resilience from 1-35 and playing each game as a cup game.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a full strength side out though.

We all know what these games are like, no matter how well we feel were doing I'm nervous as hell. A bit like waiting for a root canal.
Usually they're close games, form goes out the window. They played very well against us at Easter so they'll take a lot from that. They know we're running hot so they'll come out veins bursting to get amongst us.

Stick to our game plan, few penalties, play rugby, we win.

Get drawn into a war, we lose.

Get into a war..we still win but it's not how we, and I include the coach and fans in that, we'd like to win.
Play smart, play hard and to our strengths from minute one and we've shown we are more than a match for anyone, even in a turgid battle.

Our attitude has altered since we last played the goat herders. We've had some very tough moments and come through. I've always been nervous when we play them but this time less so. If we forget about trying to show who's the hardest and stick to what we've been doing then I think we should do it relatively easy. Who knows if results go our way we might even go one notch higher. I agree with other posters if some players have injuries rest them. Our bench is really performing and it's obvious from what Watts said we've got players busting a gut to get in the starting 17.
I can't wait to get to Newcastle and just see how far we have come

Every one says that but watch the game again and you'll see even though they were winning on the score board for 60 mins KR only out played us for about 20 minutes ,we had a couple of trys chalked off and a couple of sloppy plays cost us another try , one of their trys was an interception while we were attacking in their half .

First derby I'm not nervous about. Fully expect an fc win and if you don't it's an upset in my eyes.

On paper and based on current form we should win comfortably but as we know Magic games especially the Hull derby have a history of freak results and controversial incidents. Not sure what they weather is like but we are the last game on so the pitch may not be great.

I get the argument about rotating players but I'm wary of leaving out Ellis who is our captain and talisman. The rest of the squad are lifted when he plays. Anyway it's only a couple of weeks since he missed a game. Frank has to come back in so Thompson would miss out for me. If Carlos is ready I'd be tempted to put him in the centre and move Fonua back out to the wing.

If Ellis is fit he plays after a 9 day rest. He's one of the best players to play for Hull in the modern era so you don't leave him out.

Correct.