The Run Up to the World Cup

[Thomas]

Everyone is focused on the run up to the World Cup, however, Forest will effectively have a whole new mini season to get themselves out of trouble. A six week 'pre-season' and a 24 game 'season'. No promoted team has ever had this before. It's a chance to work on the fitness and the shape of the team and assess the squad. Then, after a couple of games we'll have a chance to add to the squad. This all means that we have EVERY chance of staying up.

A very positive way to look at it, as others have mentioned this strategy as well.

I hope to f*** during that stupid world cup break they put all their heads down and f***ing graft harder than they’ve ever grafted in their lives. Imagine the team we have all on the same wavelength? MGW Brennan and Dennis bombing forward like their life’s depended on it, Cooper needs to work his magic like he did last season.

Let’s hope he’s still here in November


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[Mr RayReardon]

It wouldn’t shock me if your correct.

I would say we’d be as good as down if you are correct as well.

I don't think there's any doubt in that

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[Malwood]

I unfortunately think we'll be going into January with only one more point than we have now. And quite possibly none. The cost of failing to beat rubbish teams is that there's only good teams after that.

 

[Omar Devone Little]

Everyone is focused on the run up to the World Cup, however, Forest will effectively have a whole new mini season to get themselves out of trouble. A six week 'pre-season' and a 24 game 'season'. No promoted team has ever had this before. It's a chance to work on the fitness and the shape of the team and assess the squad.

That would be great if we didn't have a large chunk of the squad actually at the World Cup.

To my knowledge Williams, Brennan, Hennessey, Kouyate, Freuler, Lodi and possibly Henderson all will be there. Outside chance of Niakhate getting called up too.

 

[Trents]

Is it safe to write the first 2 matches off?

It would seem not

 

[Lincs_Red]

Be happy with 4 points out of the next three games before the break, 6 would be fantastic.


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[Berkshire Red]

I unfortunately think we'll be going into January with only one more point than we have now. And quite possibly none. The cost of failing to beat rubbish teams is that there's only good teams after that.

It's a funny old game, Saint.

 

[Rzar]

Be happy with 4 points out of the next three games before the break, 6 would be fantastic.


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4 would be fantastic as well mate.

If we go unbeaten against Brentford & Palace then it’s a successful first half of the season for me.

We will keep getting better and growing as the season goes on, first few months were always going to be rocky.

 

[Ashley]

Also agree that 4 points from the next 3 games would be excellent. Will put us right in the mix going into the World Cup break.

 

[valspoodle]

Of course, a result like yesterday always gives optimism way beyond common sense estimates, but I thought we would get four points before the World Cup break and that looks very pessimistic now, given that the game against Liverpool must boost team morale to a high level.

So, I'm hoping for a much more comfortable League position come the break. I'm sure all the other teams in the battle at the bottom will be trying hard, too, so just to be in the mix will satisfy me until Christmas.

 

[Project Zeus]

We've got a free hit at frustrating Arsenal on Sunday, followed by two very winnable home games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.

Four points from that would be great; I might be getting carried away, but six points is very possible.

It would be a hell of a tonic going into the World Cup break out of the bottom three.

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[Trents]

Hopefully both Brentford and Palace continue their recent poor form. I think going into the World Cup off the bottom would be a decent return.

 

[MaxiRobriguez]

That would be great if we didn't have a large chunk of the squad actually at the World Cup.

To my knowledge Williams, Brennan, Hennessey, Kouyate, Freuler, Lodi and possibly Henderson all will be there. Outside chance of Niakhate getting called up too.

That's not a huge amount.

Still allows Mangala and LOB to work on their box to box roles in the team and how to play into Dennis, MGW, Awoniyi etc. Still allows us to get Bade up to speed with the language. Still allows us to figure out what we want Biancone to be.

If Niakhate isn't fit it gives him chance to effectively have a pre-season and build up fitness ahead of January return. Same for Richards if he isn't completely dead.

When you have so many new players having 14 games to see what works and what doesn't and then a break to drill in any changes before going again could be invaluable.

Not to mention most other clubs will have more internationals than us anyway.

 

[Timothy Pope]

When are squads for the WC confirmed? When will we know what players we will be going?

 

[Rzar]

That's not a huge amount.

Still allows Mangala and LOB to work on their box to box roles in the team and how to play into Dennis, MGW, Awoniyi etc. Still allows us to get Bade up to speed with the language. Still allows us to figure out what we want Biancone to be.

If Niakhate isn't fit it gives him chance to effectively have a pre-season and build up fitness ahead of January return. Same for Richards if he isn't completely dead.

When you have so many new players having 14 games to see what works and what doesn't and then a break to drill in any changes before going again could be invaluable.

Not to mention most other clubs will have more internationals than us anyway.

We play Man Utd & Chelsea after the break - their entire squads will be away.

 

[Rzar]

Wouldn't be surprised if we spend the break in Greece.

It was reported in pre-season that we would have a friendly with Oly during the break.

 

[Captain Sinister]

I'm taking a moral stance and bouycotting the World Cup.
That'll teach the f***ers!

 

[Stocky Red]

We've got a free hit at frustrating Arsenal on Sunday, followed by two very winnable home games against Brentford and Crystal Palace.

Four points from that would be great; I might be getting carried away, but six points is very possible.

It would be a hell of a tonic going into the World Cup break out of the bottom three.

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I was quite optimistic Saturday morning for some reason (a mood that was elevated having spent 3 hours in the Cross Keys ahead of the game.) Continuing the theme I see Arsenal are way at PSV Thursday evening where they're going to need to play a half decent side.

Perversely we probably have as much chance picking up points on 'free hits' (Brighton, West Ham, Liverpool) than we do against bottom half sides where the onus and pressure is on us to force the issue (Bournemouth, Fulham, Wolves, Leicester etc., etc.) epecially at home. We might think those games are winnable, but so do the opposition...

 

[Irish Red]

I'm taking a moral stance and bouycotting the World Cup.
That'll teach the f***ers!

Ditto. The Irish made the clever moral decision to play shite the qualies on purpose to avoid having to play, thus avoiding sanction.

 

[Mr RayReardon]

Wouldn't be surprised if we spend the break in Greece.

It was reported in pre-season that we would have a friendly with Oly during the break.

They were going to Dubai. All booked in to train at my school!

I can confirm, they've backed out of Dubai now and are heading to Greece. Absolutely gutted!!!

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[congo_red_49]

Still allows Mangala and LOB to work on their box to box roles in the team and how to play into Dennis, MGW, Awoniyi etc. Still allows us to get Bade up to speed with the language. Still allows us to figure out what we want Biancone to be.

They need to get to the bottom of LOB's ailment first. He's been hit quite badly, from what I've heard, lost all his stamina.

 

[Trents]

So 7 points, off the bottom and a cup win. I think most would have taken that.

 

[Rzar]

7 points was an excellent return really, but more encouraging for me was the performances. We have added an attacking threat back to our game with our defensive solidity that we added in the games prior

 

[valspoodle]

Dar, far better results and performances than I would have guessed.

Looking at the table and realising the quality of performances in both the League and the Cup games, makes me look forward to the rest of the season, instead of going back and cowering under the bedclothes.