TALKING POINTS

Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell_92

Danny discusses talking points ahead of the replay in London.

UNSCHEDULED & UNWANTED

When you are at home to a bottom half NLS side, you should be hot favourites to progress to the next round, regardless of league form. As it happens, United had to clinch a draw from the jaws of defeat, and give themselves another opportunity in this years famous competition. This replay means the Gulls’ next four Tuesday’s are occupied, in what is becoming an increasingly busy Autumn schedule.

A FULL BENCH

Just four subs, including three outfield players were named on the bench on Saturday, a major problem in any circumstances. In contrast, our lower league visitors were able to name a full seven substitutes. Martin, Hanson, Marshall and Andrews head up the treatment room list, as threadbare Torquay hope for some good news on the injury front. When your 4-man bench consists of a Goalkeeper, two defenders and a loanee, you know you are up against it.

SILENCING THE LOCALS

H&R will be well up for this, make no mistake about that. Club that together with the Gulls’ apparent lack of catering for the visitors at Plainmoor, the fans will want to cause a mini-upset come Tuesday evening. The home side may start slight favourites against a very out-of-form United side. That last 20 minutes does at least show the squad have some fight in them, will they be able to carry that over into Tuesday, that is anyones guess.

NO HIDING

14 games in, and arguably 14 games in which United have been second best over the course of the 90. Unacceptable it most certainly is, and it is up to the XI who take to the pitch at 19.45 to prove themselves and the Yellow Army wrong. A win over a lower league opponent will certainly not right the wrongs of weeks and weeks of disappointment, but it may help to stem the tide. There’s no hiding anymore for these players, the bedding in period has long since passed, it’s time to stand up and be counted.

THE PRIZE

Derby at home is the prize. What more of an incentive do these lads need! Win, and give the Yellow Army a fantastic occasion at Plainmoor!

DE SILVA

Dillon De Silva proved to be one of very few positives in Saturdays draw. He proved to be the difference in that final 15 minutes and baring any anomalies he will get a starting spot in the XI. He’s showing signs that QPR have come up trumps once again.