Forest v Middlesborough Match Thread

This will be a stern test of 'how good we really are' as opposed to 'how good we dream we are'.

Middlesborough have spent a kings ransom this close season and even if they do go up at the first attempt; and stay up say for two season's, will I expect still exceed F.F.P's £39M over 3 seasons limit.

Warburton says that Brit's transfer satisfied all parties including Forest; that may well be so, but I expect him to receive a torrid reception from the home fans.

I foresee Bitt and Patrick Bamford forming a cohesive strike partnership amongst a expensive array of talent signed by Gary Monk.
Garry Monk’s side have spent more than any of their Championship rivals in the summer transfer window, as they look to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

The £15m capture of Britt Assombalonga from Forest was one of six big money investments, all of which have cost Boro in excess of £40m, with Birmingham City defender Ryan Shotton their latest target.
Middlesbrough's former Forest defender Daniel Ayala may return after three games out with an ankle problem, but forward Martin Braithwaite (hamstring) is still sidelined.
As well as former Forest men Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Bamford, they boast the powerful figure of Rudy Gestede – who has posed the Reds plenty of aerial problems in the past.

Middlesborough lost 1-0 away to Wolves on the opening day of the season, this is what Gary had to say about it.

'Garry Monk says that Boro deserved more from Saturday’s defeat against Wolves at Molineux.

Boro lost 1-0 after a mistake from Dani Ayala gifted Wolves with a golden opportunity, in a game that the home side otherwise created very few chances.

“We do feel a bit aggrieved that we didn’t get anything from the game," said Monk.

“We had the best chances by far and two or three clear-cut chances that we should’ve done a little bit better with.

“Unfortunately the goal against came from an individual mistake which you don’t want to happen at any time."

Monk also believes that there are lessons to be learnt from the opening day defeat.

“It’s disappointing not to come with anything but I think there were two lessons learnt today," said the Boro manager.

“In the first half, we made too many simple mistakes with the ball and the second lesson is that how we played in the last 25 minutes, with that urgency and level of intensity, is how you need to start games in the Championship."
From the Middlesborough website.





It will be important not to concede another early goal, hence we need a defence that can tackle and head it and talk too each other.

Chris Cohen is still nursing the knee injury he picked up in the opening game, so hopefully Vaughan is fit to start.

Stephen Henderson may replace Dimitar Evtimov on the bench.



I would like to see Eric Lichja start if Warburton goes with a back four and at some point play Brereton and Cummings up front together.












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