Pre-Season & Friendlies 2022/23

[Paplane]

:off: does anyone know if they've got VAR in the cha.pionship this season?

[zicorice]

I hate preseason friendlies but had to go as Mrs and youngest wanted to see a game. I'd give my life for either of them  but draw the line at my Season Ticket!

I thought it was an excellent work out and it was clear we are really moving up a gear. Shape was excellent. Valencia finished 9th in La Liga following a poor run of form in last 5 or 6 games  so a good side and they looked it. The needle that was developed in the game added a bit too,

I think that will be our starting back 5. Cook critics may disagree but he is the glue. So unfussy, reads situations early and I am more convinced than ever he will start v Newcastle. 

OBrien looked a shadow of the player who faced us last season in first half  but really grew in 2nd half. Draws so many fouls-not sure he will quite be ready for 7 days time.

Lingards won me over already-sign me up to Tik-Tok. Friendly or not his 1st touch is incredible and he works his nuts off. When match fit he will be the man to set Brennan and Taiwo away.

Toffolo has a very sweet left boot, but needs games obviously.

Henderson - England's no 1....

Williams- what a talent  but very raw. Left Joe exposed a few times by stepping up a man rather than focusing on the danger behind him. Going to call it early though could end up as poty.
Taiwo: Looked like a really decent player when he came on. 2 lovely balls in for Jonno. 

The usual suspects:

You'll never beat McKenna....Still true.
Joe I reckon hates friendlies too so kicked a few to spice it up a bit. Exposed alot today.
Cook-as per 3rd para.
Colback: Dirty, niggly, nasty, breaking things up all over the shop, very sharp, reading danger, does the sh1t stuff. My Mrs who is a casual observer described him as " that ginger one who always seemed to be involved, he's like an annoying Jack Russell."
Yes he is and he's our annoying Jack Russell. I'd bet my Wembley bucket hat- recently used by Bez of Happy Mondays on stage - that Colback starts at Newcastle.
Surridge: Looked decent  hard to believe he's coming back from a recent groin op. Got high hopes.
Jonno: I swear he's even faster. Took his goal well and his running in behind will be key to our season.

I'm amazed at some stuff I've read about this game. To me it was a good work out and we've shown enough that we will be competitive. The goal conceded was a superb break away when we were on front foot and a flukey interception with a hint of handball on edge of their penalty box ended up in back of our bet a few seconds later-fair play to them.

I do worry about scoring goals, though Lingard Jonno - Taiwo front 3 has potential to be something special ' or not. Time will tell.

Be surprised if there's more than 2 changes from tonight's starting XI if that. OBrien for Yates maybe if he's fit.

Keep the faith. Newcastle will be very tough  but I reckon we will go at West Ham with pace and energy. 

Exciting times.

[McDurban]

I watched on a stream and was generally happy, the team kept shape and played same tactics as last year, so no change on that front.
They created quite a few chances and had Surridge's post nicked left instead of right Forest would have been in a more comfortable position.
Good to see them chase and get the draw.
Lingard impressed, quality player.