Pre-season 2023

Fuck knows. I guess a push off the ball ?

Didn't think we were awful. Looks like a higher press. No idea what the goal was disallowed for but a decent set piece. We need another striker to cover for "Biscuits" Awoniyi.

To be fair, Chris wood looked ok for a few mins.

I think Taiwo is suspended, not injured.

Saw the last 20 and yeah, we looked alright. Very neat in midfield, some clever balls. Could have scored. Couple of Worrall ricks at the back though.

I think it's a bit of both. He did his ankle against Leeds. Not really sure how red cards work in friendlies ....

Taiwo is injured.

McKenna scored a fine goal. Cheating Jerry bastards.

Anyway we looked meh.

We desperately need some dynamism.

The bloke we were linked with Stuttgard decimated the undead. I wouldn’t mind him filling in for Taiwo biscuits for cheese.

Scarpa didn’t get minutes. What a fucking waste.

Chicago: Bored.

Scarpa is in danger of becoming the new Carvalho; seen as the Messiah by a section of our fans based on the flimsiest of evidence, while the manager (who sees him in training every day) “unaccountably” opts not to pick him very often.

Who are you leaving out to accommodate him, Chic? MGW?

We have a problem now of a few players that it’s very difficult to judge whether they should be in the 25 - Scarpa, Biancone, Richards for example. It’s a bit of a gamble to put any of them in at this stage really given how little they’ve featured last season or in pre-season.

TBF, he was the Brazilian POTY last season. Bit more pedigree than Carvalho.

My point is this: it’s pre season. Why isn’t he getting a run out to see what he can do. We have shown nothing with our regulars so give some of the others a bit of a spin. Also Gustavo has the ability to keep the ball and pass. Might be something we could have aspired to in pre-season games. Unless he is injured and then I apologise.

Chicago: Not knowing Nowt.

I'm unusually with Chicago. I'd like to see him in the MGW for 70 minutes in a couple of games. Let's see what he's got.

I think it’s pretty obvious Cooper doesn’t think he’s going to be useful. How many recent examples are there of Brazilians who left their league at 29 and had an impact in a top league?

I don’t think you can fit him in if we continue to play 5 at the back. Ideally he gets enough minutes off the bench in the first few games to show that he can be useful but if I was betting at this stage I’d guess he won’t be here this time next season.

I just bought a Scarpa shirt so I can remember him for his infectious smile and translating skills.

Chicago: Loyal.