Royals @ University of Nottingham Preview

Royals @ University of Nottingham, 20/02/2016, University Sports Centre, University Park, NG7 2RG. - Follow the match LIVE on Facebook, Twitter (@Worcesterroyals) and Snapchat (worcesterroyals)

After a tough return to football in 2016, the Royals enter their final game of the campaign against the University of Nottingham this Saturday, aiming to add a bit of gloss to what’s been a difficult season.

Coming into the new year Worcester were full of hope and optimism, the possibility of reaching the playoffs was very much a reality, but with two big losses and the injury list building up, things didn’t quite go to plan.

KEYS TO VICTORY

If Worcester want to get back to winning ways they’re going to have sort out the key mistakes which have cost them dearly in their last two matchups. Less turnovers on offense and more turnovers on defense will undoubtedly help improve their fortunes and will be crucial to their success against a Nottingham side who have no problem putting points on the board.

If the offense can return to form it showed before Christmas and against Warwick on Sunday, moving the ball consistently on the majority of drives, that will in turn help the defense try and sustain a powerful Notts run game.

THE OPPONENTS

The University of Nottingham find themselves facing a ‘win and in’ situation with regards to playoffs after another close loss to their cross city rivals NTU. It has been an ‘almost’ sort of season for the green side of the city, suffering single score disappointments in all four of their games against both division front runners.

With these thoughts in mind they will be out to make a statement on Saturday evening and prove to the rest of the division that their record doesn’t reflect their quality on the field.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME?

The Royals left the Moors three weeks ago thinking ‘what went wrong?’ after suffering their biggest loss of the season, and their biggest for two seasons, being shut out 30 - 0. A handful of big plays on the run from the dynamic Nottingham quarterback and several incredible catches from their top receiver helped them move the ball and put them in brilliant scoring positions.

WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN?

Improvements have to be made, the Royals know that, but if they can be implemented then they will be certainly in the game, with have every chance of finishing off their season in the best possible manner.

They will again be the underdogs but Worcester are by no means incapable of turning the tides to claim their first big scalp of the season and spoil the Notts playoff party.