Hodgson confident his big problem is to be remedied

Despite Quakers' array of former Premiership talent, 'what you see is what you get' hasn't always been the case during a campaign littered with inconsistency.

Frustrated, Hodgson last week set about the task of pinpointing Quakers' downfall by viewing recent games on video.

And, on the eve of last week's 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town, Hodgson concluded that games have been decided by the tempo at which his team have played this season.

Hodgson's theory at Field Mill a day later was substantiated by a hard-working display which warranted more than just the point they had to settle for after Rhys Day's injury-time equaliser.

This afternoon Hodgson will seek a similar response from his players when they entertain Rushden and Diamonds at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

"There has been a doubt for me in the last six or seven games because I've not known what I'm going to get," admitted Hodgson.

"After taking the time to look at our game I know exactly what we should expect now.

"I'm sure there are managers up and down the country who are wondering why some things aren't working.

"I asked the lads to set the tempo at Mansfield and they responded to it.

"It's taken some time but we think we've identified the problem.

"We've shown that we can set the tempo and maintain it. Now we have to dictate at home."

Hodgson is confident his side will take another important step towards securing their place in the play-offs against third-bottom Rushden.

Seventh-placed Quakers occupy the final play-off spot, two points above Northampton, who host fifth-top Lincoln this afternoon.

Quakers travel to Lincoln next Saturday before hosting Cheltenham on the final day of the season on May 7.

"I will go to bed on Friday night knowing we will beat Rushden and Diamonds," said Hodgson. "I know we are capable of winning all three games.

"They took everything on board for the Mansfield game and we were extremely unlucky not to come away with all three points.

"If we approach the Rushden game with the same kind of attitude we will be three points better off on Saturday night."

Matthew Bates, on-loan from Middlesbrough, will make his home debut this afternoon. The defender returned to training on Thursday after a virus.

Watched by the Teessiders' head of recruitment, Don Mackay, the 18-year-old impressed in his first professional league start at Mansfield last week.

Bates has made two late substitute appearances - against Manchester City and Blackburn - for the Boro this season.

"Matthew has played in the Premiership so he was expected to stand out," said Hodgson.

"Middlesbrough are watching him all the time so we have the bonus of knowing that he has to perform."

Alun Armstrong is a major doubt for Quakers after pulling up in training on Thursday with a tight calf.

Akpo Sodje and Craig Russell are on standby if the former Middlesbrough striker fails to recover in time.

Matty Appleby will continue in midfield after recovering from a thigh strain, while skipper Neil Maddison returns to the squad after a back problem.

However, Joe Kendrick is ruled out after picking up a calf injury in training this week.

Defender Matt Clarke serves the final game of a two-match ban.

Bishop Auckland-born defender Phil Gulliver will start for Rushden as Rob Gier starts a two-match ban after his sending off in the 4-2 win over Boston seven days ago.

On-loan nine-goal striker Billy Sharp plays his last game before returning to Sheffield United.

Third-bottom Rushden have not won on their League Two travels since October and are six points clear of safety.

But, given Quakers' notoriously poor record against the 'lesser' sides this season, a home victory may not be the certainty many would anticipate.

Hodgson's men have lost to relegation-elects Cambridge and Kidderminster recently.

"A couple of weeks ago that might have concerned me, but it doesn't anymore," said Hodgson.

"If the penny has dropped with the players then we know what the script is.