OTF

Diaz out to murder Lascelles.

Has to be a yellow that.

Baptism of fire for Isak, but in a way an iconic way to introduce him to the league.

Whatever you think of the deal at least now we know that any incoming funds or reduction in wages will be put to use in improving the squad. For me Dubravka hasn't been at his best since returning from major injury. I have no qualms with him wanting to leave instead of playing second fiddle to Pope who has hit the ground running. Manure are competing on more fronts so Dubravka will get more game time there as second choice, plus there is the slim possibility of being able to win his place as first choice. He's already 33 years old, and whilst many goal keepers play deep into their 30s even more don't, especially those with injury problems. Pope is 3+ years younger, has fit immediately into the team and looks better than Dubravka - on balance no matter how you look at it we've done a good bit of business in the keeping department. Sure it would be preferable to have more quality in reserve but we're not there yet in terms of squad depth. The money from this can be much more effectively used elsewhere on the pitch.

2022 - Jacob Murphy scored 25 out of a possible 100 points on a very easy novelty promotional game.

He could learn a bit from Wilson about the physical and aerial aspects that he's lacking in currently. Not sure whether he will fill out at all, but if he can strengthen he may be able to make more use of his height also.

Absolutely ridiculous that the biggest clubs can sit on talent like that knowing that they're not going to play much, all within the limits of the financial fairplay system that they brought in to keep protecting their own interests whilst pretending to protect the small clubs who are losing their talent because they can't afford anything else.

I've been hearing some exciting news about a potential takeover.

If we don't sign a central midfielder we will soon find out. I hope we sign someone but also get to see a lot more of Anderson. We know he's got good ball control and attacking instinct but I'd like to see how his pressing and defensive positioning is across a few full games. I hope I'm wrong but Willock seems to work best in a team that counters where he can run into a lot of space, short of that he doesn't create much and isn't a good ball winner who leaves his mark on a match. I think he's best suited to coming off the bench to inject energy. He's also been nutmegged for goals in our last two games.

As much as he has been a twat on numerous occasions he definitely has unique qualities. Mentally I think he was in the best position this season knowing this would be his chance to leave his mark on our project and as such he was willing to adapt his positioning to suit the team, something that he's not been known for previously. He'll still play a key role when he returns, as Howe really trusts and believes in him. By virtue of his playing style he should by rights still have a few seasons where he can play at high premier league standard so I'll be happy when he triggers his extension*. * Until the next time he does something belligerent on-field and I swear that he should never play for us again.

Almiron was an attacking midfielder playing through the middle before he joined us, so I feel like he's still adjusting to playing in that wide role. He's still young looking also. 😉Ultimately I'd prefer a natural winger with better end product but feel like we'll miss that midfield presence more than an upgrade to Almiron, especially as Almiron grafts hard all game. Murphy definitely needs to be upgraded and playing Joelinton there is a contingency if injuries hit that only works if we have more central midfield depth. Ritchie shouldn't get near the team in an ideal world, I hope we can move him on so he can finish his career playing before moving into a lookalikes job as Eddie.

In the final days of the window what position would we all feel the need to strengthen most? I know there has been plenty of talk of winger, but for me we have ASM, Miggy (in good form), Fraser (when not injured) and Murphy* currently, plus Joelinton can also play out wide so could Anderson in a pinch or Ritchie*. In central midfield with Shelvey long term injured we're short on talent (beyond Bruno) when it comes to unlocking defenses. Anderson looks like this is where he is best suited so it would be great if he developed and made his mark. Willock is a bit of an enigma in terms of where he best fits, I personally don't think he particularly suits our style of play as we become more possession oriented. Joelinton, like Bruno, is absolutely vital here driving the tempo for our closing down and an excellent ball winner. Beyond him we're absolutely starved in that role with S. Longstaff* looking pedestrian in terms of winning the ball back and seemingly wanting too much time when on the ball. In attack you could play either Miggy or Fraser through the middle but physically they'd be well any truly lacking the defensive mettle for middle of the field combat. This is therefore when I see us most needing to strengthen now that Isak has signed. Second would be a forward who can also play wide or in an attacking midfield role so there is some crossover and third would be an out and out winger. Defensively I think we're well stocked even with Krafth's long term injury, though there's a huge drop in quality if Trippier is injured.

Just a smidge of a downgrade: Bruno to Longstaff, both in our ability to retain and to regain possession. Also curious that we're still playing Burn at LB given Targett is on the bench, is it loyalty to Burn retaining him in the first 11 or Targett not fully match fit? I'd say it's likely we get a look at Anderson here and that Fraser gets a run. Not having a single centre forward/striker on the bench is concerning.

Trippier is the captain, Lascelles is the team mascot. Apologies Monty.

Fair call, and being part of high tempo pressing play like that will bring good experience for what Howe is beginning to do here.

Quite agressive but his pressures are really low, I guess he's more about shielding the defense than rushing to close down, that's not an issue because Bruno and in particular Joelinton are very active in that regards.

Forest are putting all their eggs in the must survive basket. Should be interesting.

This is Phillip

I wonder if we can peddle Murphy off to a championship side, would much rather Pedro as an option off the bench than him and a few outgoings would clear the funds.

Explains why he made a 180 after a promising start under Rafa.

3-4 weeks is not bad, but it's better represented as 6-8 weeks until reinjury.

Everything we've seen from Howe says that Wood will start.