Chelsea v Forest, 2023-09-02.
Really got no idea what's going to happen here. Sterling is looking red hot, so I'm expecting him to terrorise us and score. But I expect a positive reaction after the midweek game. Felipe to come back into the team perhaps? Danilo and Mangala injured, so expect changes in midfield. Seems unlikely Santos plays after an underwhelming performance midweek.
Think I'm going 1-1. It's about time we got a point away after two good performances.
I don’t think Santos is eligible.
Santos can’t play against his home club anyway. Given the injuries, I wonder if Ndidi will start (if he signs of course). I think he’s match fit.
I'd imagine it's more about getting up to speed tactically rather than being match-fit. I'm sure someone will be along shortly with examples to disprove, but I can't recall Cooper throwing new signings straight in before they've done a few training sessions and attended team meetings.
Chris Wood?
He might not have much choice on this occasion.
Depends if he's brave/foolish enough to play Yates and Kouyate with MGW behind Awoniyi and Elanga/Johnson.
Still can't believe that we go into the first international break having played once at home and three times away (even if you ignore the difficulty of the away games). I'm sure in previous seasons teams have started with an even split of home and away games. And i realise it's not just us - there are 6 (plus Luton but that's self-inflicted) but still...
Get Shelvey into the midfield.
(Aside, there's been sod all links with him going anywhere which is concerning).
Bit passive aggressive Jim
He's an aging player on a big screw who's been frozen out after a pretty public show of dissent. Are you really that surprised there aren't clubs queueing around the Main Stand car park?
On a wider point, this is the danger of spending lots of money on the wages of once-shiny, 30-plus Premier League spent forces. If it doesn't work out (see also: Arter, H) you're going to really struggle to find a club further down the pyramid in a position - or with a desire - to relieve you of the player.
We've got 25 mins to midday to sign and register him to be eligible for Chelsea.... I'd say it's unlikely.
Think Sangare is going to happen, thus no Ndidi. Least I hope so.
All pretty good and exciting, with a definite increase in quality...that will come too late to positively impact the chelski game. I fear a loss.
I'm also slightly concerned that in january, when 2023 AFCON happens, that we might be down to the ball boys.
Yeah he’s fucked us again.
The troll will never learn.
Donny is on LTLF. The world has gone mad.
Danilo, Mangala injured. Probably play with seven right backs again. At least they don’t have Reese James.
Chicago: Pffft.
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a match thread title before but… oof.
