Pre-season 2023/24

[pauliewalnuts]

You'll never sing that
You'll never sing that
Champions of the Taronfa
You'll never sing that!

[ldavfc4eva]

Another win, good one at that.

We are crying out for another striker though, Cam ain’t there just yet

[AV84]

So based on all the preseason games it feels like we're spoiled for choice in midfield, have decisions to make in defence, and are praying Watkins and Martinez can play 60 matches each this season.

[Risso]

We need another forward, Archer’s not the answer as back up.

[pauliewalnuts]

We need another forward, Archer’s not the answer as back up.

He might be, but I don't want us banking on it.

[CT Villan]

Archer's movement is excellent, he just has no end-product (yet).

That was the Coutinho show and long may it continue. Kamara and Dougie great. Buendia did well also.

[dorsetvillian]

Archer just needs minutes, which he will get this season.

[PaulWinch again]

Another win. Good stuff.

[dorsetvillian]

Bailey definitely won't be in the starting 11 at Newcastle. Torres also looked out of position at left back. Apart from that another composed performance.

[OCD]

Being very harsh on Archer. He had one half chance where he was on his own and surrounded by about 3 defenders. And he made one run where he would have been onside if it had been released and through because of their high line, but he would have looked offside to whoever it was on the ball.

I think he will develop as the season goes on with chances to start against weaker opposition, then he can grow into the role more.

[Exeter 77]

Much more solid with a specialist left back. The almost instant impact from Tielemans, Coutinho and Philogene when they came on was impressive as was Buendia's finish.

[pauliewalnuts]

Buendia's run for his goal was excellent, diagonal, full pelt, out of nowhere, and Coutinho did brilliantly to find him.

[Smithy]

Given the premier league advertising event in the US, I think this is the highest quality set of sides we've ever played in pre-season, and the results and performances - on the whole - have been excellent.  Fingers crossed we can carry this form into next weekend and beyond.

As for who will start against Newcastle, Christ knows. Barring Martinez, Oli, McGinn and Mings, it could be anyone else.  Brilliant to have so many genuine choices in the squad!

[nordenvillain]

Really impressed with Coutinho, Philogene and Tielemans when they came on.

Plus Buendia

I thought we looked better balanced when Pau went off and Digne came on. He's undoubtedly a good player, but I think Pau will need more minutes to justify a starting place at present. Flat back 4 for me next week at Newcastle, might be different line up v Everton.

[Exeter 77]

I'd like to see Cam Archer stay more central in the way Ollie Watkins has begun to do.