The start of the season is finally almost upon us as Nottingham Forest head to Newcastle United on Saturday for the long awaited Premier League return.
Ahead of the big game, Garibaldi Red Podcast host Matt Davies sat down to answer your questions on team selection, transfers and more.
Any news on MGW, Cornet, Plea, Bowler, or even likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles?
Cornet is still possible I would imagine, but Newcastle would be favourites if they really go for him. Hard for Forest to compete with them financially. I know they got Lingard ahead of West Ham but don't see that happening all the time. I've only seen the reports on Bowler coming back into the picture. Could be a good long term project as a back up and then you loan out Mighten, but don't see him being a regular.
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Maitland Niles seems to be out of the picture doesn't he. I still think Forest are one light in midfield but would suspect they either wait on Garner till late in the window or go big for someone like Sangare, who is a very good player. I think they still need a real defensive midfielder in there. Obviously Mangala can do that but he looks more of a ball carrier. Will comment on MGW shortly in another question.
Any updates on potential outgoings? Silva is close to leaving but is there any news on DaCosta, Lolley, Arter etc?
Silva leaving in January was basically all agreed for him to go to Aris but then the deal fell through. Don't see him being a factor at all so it's a question of finding a taker. Dijon were mentioned last week and I think he might well be the next out the door (this has now happened).
The Lolley situation surprises me as you would think he could have played in friendlies and a loan could have been arranged quietly. Not sure on Arter. He did well at Notts. Is that his level? Who is going to take him without Forest paying a lot of his wages, so not sure what Forest gain other than letting a player get away to play some games.
What do you think is Forest's strongest eleven going into the first game?
At Newcastle, I think I would play Henderson, Worrall, Cook, McKenna, Williams, O'Brien, Yates or Colback, Toffolo, Lingard, Johnson, Surridge. Longer term, Niakhate, Richards, Mangala and Awoniyi come in with two or three more signings possible.
When will Gibbs-White be joining the team?
I'm not sure he will now. Ask me a week ago and I was very confident but the injury to Raul Jimenez is a real problem. Speaking to people over the summer, MGW would be happy to come to Forest, but Wolves want a huge price to fund other moves.
They really need a striker now, but Bruno Lage is a big fan of MGW. Will Wolves sell another attacking option when their main striker is out early on. Not sure? Jimenez says he'll only miss a couple of games, but it's also been reported he'll miss eight. Forest might have to wait till late in the window and then test Wolves with a bid. Every player has a price, but also a price limit and £30m is a lot! Not sure you can go that high.
Any idea about who will start in CM? Will Yates be fit?
Steve Cooper said a couple of weeks for Yates. It's a real shame as he'd worked really hard in the summer to come back in peak condition for pre-season. I think he recognises he's not the most gifted player in the squad so was doing all he could to get ready. At Newcastle, I would say it's O'Brien and Colback unless Mangala is amazing in training this week. I keep forgetting Cafu, but if he couldn't get a start in the Championship then I don't see him starting in the Premier League. A good man for the bench though.
Do you think Orel will start at Newcastle?
I would say no, Mangala won't start, but only basing that off previous experience, not anything that I've heard. He'd have to be exceptional in training this week to throw him in at Newcastle. I'd go with O'Brien and Colback if Yates isn't fit. Don't think Colback will be a first choice this season, but he's an experienced player in a team that is very new with very little Premier League experience. I expect Forest to struggle in the early games to be honest, before picking up from the Bournemouth game.
How many more signings can you see Forest making?
I can see three more coming in. Left-back, central midfielder and a forward - striker or 10. The one big surprise though has been the scale of ambition the owners have shown. I felt they needed seven or eight signings before Samba and Grabban went, but it's become clear they need more than that, especially with five subs now. Look at mid-table clubs like Villa, Wolves and Southampton. They all have top class players like Coutinho, Neves and Ward-Prowse. Forest need that level of player to make sure they aren't rooted at the bottom, especially with a hard start.
What do you think the score will be on Saturday?
Heart says 1-1 v Newcastle, head says 2-1 or 2-0 to Newcastle. Like I've said earlier in this, I don't think Forest will start well, but will be fine in the end.
Any news of a shirt sponsor since turning down Boxt?
I heard they were close to shaking hands on a deal a few weeks ago but nothing has been confirmed since. It's not a case that they don't have offers, it's a case of agreeing on one which provides the most money and is the best partner for the club. Personally I'd like to see it done this week. Would be odd if they have no sponsor in the Premier League first game. It will also cost them money the longer it goes on.
What will the score be against Newcastle? Have your say in the comments section below
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