Lush Vlad

I think he'll go unchanged and despite really wanting to see more of Isak and ASM. It's probably the right call.

Our head office is up in Ashton, just outside Manchester. Plenty of City fans work there and have said he's been miles off his best this season, when called upon.

I have flip flopped on him a few times. I loved him for a good while. Even when it seemed unfashionable to do so on here. Then it got to the point where I didn't want him to play for us again. I think it was after the daft, brainless red card for two yellows against Spurs. He returned to a bit of form under Howe and looked to be really working to fit into the system. It might of been a case of the ol 'absence makes the heart grow fonder.' But I wanted him starting earlier this season and thought we were missing him at one point. But I don't think he was ever right for what Howe is trying to build in midfield and if he is on £80k a week. Then those wages can certainly be put to good use on a better and younger player.

Balogun has been quality for them of late, I read? Was casual as fuck with the finish.

It was like Sunday league at the end there. Absolute carnage

Napoli have been my Serie A club for a while. Probably mainly because sky blue is my favourite colour and also Gomorrah Maybe the Benitez connection, too. Helps that the atmosphere always looks wild and they’ve been class of late. Proper glory hunter, me.

Osimhen’s goal was fucking outrageous.

Addressed the lack of options and depth with the Gordon and Ashby signings. Still think CM was the area that needed improvement the most. So it would be a bit disappointing if we didn’t get someone in there. But probably done until the summer now. I suppose ASM getting back to form and fitness, plus Gordon coming in. Means Joelinton/Willock can go back into CM. Plus with Shelvey coming back and Anderson as back up. They might think we are covered, for now.

No idea if he is any good or not. But all for the squad getting a bit younger and improving the depth.

Watched the last 20 of the Fulham-Sunderland game. As the cliche goes, proper cup tie.

Just to play devil’s advocate. Trossard is 6 years older, had 6-18 months left on his contract depending on what was believed with his extension and of course he isn’t English. So no daft premium to pay. Gordon only signed a decent £45k a week 5 year contract only last year, didn’t he. I suppose he was also pushing to leave, mind. Would have rather had Trossard. But I can see why Howe would want Gordon and thinks he can fit the system. Plus Arsenal are a more attractive club to join at this stage.

Would you rather have a face like an arse or a weasel?

There was an Everton fan on Twitter. Who was genuinely suggesting Howe would leave to take the Everton job. As he is such a big fan

We are rock solid with that XI and with better finishing. We’ll kill the tie off and would have had a few more points on the board of late and all. But then on the flip side of that. We have been mainly awful in front of goal for what, 5 games now? At what point does it become not being able to rely on the players to score. As opposed to just an off day in front of goal? Southampton will have to try and score a goal at some point. So Isak and/or ASM will be really dangerous here. I’m not sure he changes it. But I can see the argument for both sides.

You’ve never seen him have an awful first touch where he is stood really stiff and square on? And just looking like he is finding the whole thing awkward? He’s even let it run under his foot a few times with nobody near him. You can hear the ground get a bit restless, whilst also laughing when it happens We even position Botman and Schar in a way to mitigate him having to try any fancy passes. But, TBF, he has been pretty decent when he has gone a touch longer to the flanks. It has been something that has been highlighted most of his career. It’s not as bad as people make out and I don’t even see it as an issue for the way we play. But it’s obviously a slight flaw in his game and clear to see.

He does have a really awkward first touch and is poor under any sort of pressure. He doesn’t take daft risks, though. He’ll just punt it off if nothing is on and he is getting closed down. His quick throws and roll outs are quality. We almost always go long off goal kicks and they are fine. When he gets a pass back, he’ll usually look for Schar or Botman and let them sort it. But he can even play the odd diagonal out to Trippier and they’re often spot on. I do think his touch and kicking/passing is below average for a keeper at this level. But considering he is world class at everything else. Who the fuck cares? You can count on one hand the mistakes he’s made this season. Come to think of it, I can’t really think of any?!

I was only half watching the game in a pub. But Hennessey looked like he should have done better with all of the goals. The first and third in particular.

Good game, this. You feel like Man U will get one or two more on the break. But Forest have had a good go so far.

I thought he was outstanding last night. Maybe MOTM. He was popping up all over and dragging Salisu with him. Who had the unenviable task of man marking him wherever he went. His passing in the first half was shambolic at times and it was really frustrating. But as always, he ran himself into the ground and the final ball and decision making was there for once.

I noticed him more defensively than usual. But he lacks any composure in the final third. Different players. But both he and Longstaff are great in this system until they get anywhere near the box.

It might just be because of the ridiculously high bar he has set. But I thought he was below his usual standards. Probably being harsh and expecting too much, mind. As his numbers were good and Ol Don on commentary was constantly praising him. I thought Schar, Pope, Almiron and Trippier were all more deserving of MOTM.

Yes. Think it would be perfect for this game. As they will have to attack at some point. So we’ll get plenty of space. But I think it will be unchanged.

“6ft 6 maybe” His own words to a couple of mates that know him. Looks as tall as Burn, mind.

He seems half a yard slower than before the WC and his touch has been poor the last two games. He had some great moments against Leicester and Fulham. But overall, since the return after the break. I feel like he has been well below his best. The service to him hasn’t been great. But when we have been getting it in good areas. He’s been stood still a lot of the time and not attacking the box like you’d expect.

Petition for Nick Pope to be the next actual pope.