Saint Pete

I agree about Manning, he has answered some critics I think who said we couldn't possibly play a back 4 with him as left back. Also, a word for James Bree. I don't think it is fluke that our improvement in defence has coincided with him returning to the fold. He is an important part of our back 4 set up now, he is not flashy but is very calm and assured and always seems to be in the right place defensively. Also, pretty good on the ball and has an eye for goal occasionally which is a bonus! Must say, I couldn't understand why he was discarded by previous managers, but credit to Tonda for recognising his qualities.

Agree with that except I would start Fellows instead of Matsuki as long as his fitness is OK after last night. He looked like he was returning to form so would be good to keep his confidence flowing. Also, Larin may start instead of Stewart purely to protect him from potential injury and with another key game coming up v Derby.

I thought Fellows had a decent game last night, does look like he's getting his confidence back in terms of his general wing play, showed up well against that opposition. Just needs to show more composure in shooting positions, but he's still worth his place on that form in my opinion.

Ah OK, thanks. Surprised Charles not starting in that case. Otherwise pretty much as strong as we could be.

No Downes?

I'd totally missed that Roy Hodgson is back as caretaker manager at Bristol City! Came out on top today against mad Nate in his first game. 😁👍 Got to admire his enthusiasm for the game at 78 years old.

Fifa have done their best to make it impossible for the big nations to not make it to the World Cup Finals so that would be some feat if Italy don't make it! 🤣

Italy struggling in playoffs v Bosnia. Down to 10 men, heading for penalties.

Yes, agree they looked good. Asian teams have done very well in World Cups previously (Japan, Korea) so not sure why people think we should roll them over easily when we are missing probably our 3 best players in Kane, Rice, Saka?

Yep, shame Watkins not available as we needed another proper striker if Kane not there, but I think Tuchel probably thought Calvert-Lewin and Solanke were not up to it at this level (rightly) so he tried something different with the false 9 thing. Didn't work out so reckon we will rely on Kane and Watkins in the final squad assuming they are both fit. It's only a friendly so not too bothered, we will be a lot better with Kane, Rice, etc back in the team.

I'm all for trying players but the ones I mentioned have been around for some time and we know enough about them to know they aren't players who will challenge to be in a World Cup winning side. In my opinion of course! Happy to see the likes of Trafford and Livramento getting a chance.

I think Tuchel's done a very decent job as manager so far, but don't really get the selection tonight. I know it's a friendly so experimental, but Spence, Solanke, Henderson, Calvert-Lewin? Surely it's obvious these guys will/should be nowhere near selection for the WC finals squad so why pick them?

Forest 1 up at half time! 😂

Wow, great to see Russell 2.0 doing so well at Chelsea! 😀 And I see Everton now 7th in the as it stands table under Moyes. Wet Spam fans must be so proud of helping hound him out of their club, they are so much better off without him. 🤣🤣

Didn't see the game today but just saw the goals. Shea Charles, wow take a bow son, that was a proper wonder goal! Le Tiss would have been proud of that strike I think iin his heyday. And good to see Fellows with the assist for the 1st, shame he couldn't have scored with the rebound chance at the end. Still feel he could be an important player in the run in if we can get him confident again.