Rousseau

Goldson wasn't comfortable in the middle. He's doing much better now at RCB. Lafferty has been superb. Two goals but his overall play has been so important.

What a diddy team they are: cheering at every ball that goes out. Embarrassing.

The formation has worked. We're matching them, giving their back-three plenty to think about. The first goal was a slip. You could question McGregor's positioning, but I think he slips too? The second came after SG switched the line-up of our back-three, moving Katic into the middle, Goldson wide right, and Flanagan wide left. However, I don't that that would mess up who picks up who at set-pieces. We've played well, and crucially matched them physically.

Well, is that 3-5-2, or is Tavernier playing RW?

Without any game context, I'd be content with a draw. If it's a last minute equaliser, I'd be delighted. I'd like to see us go for the win, though.

Finishes Wolves 1-1 City.

This has been a wonderful performance from Wolves against City. They've got a really good, tactical coach who knows how to set up a side. I didn't think it was a foul for City's equaliser; I thought the Wolves player got the ball.

Mourinho usually self-destructs in the third season. Is it his third season at Utd, maybe 4th?

Yet, he had a successful period in Europe, and also had a good international career playing in a Euro Championship. I agree he's limited, but those limited qualities can be useful for us. Like I said, a striker doesn't have to score 30 goals a season to be important to the team.

I was surprised at our confidence pre-match to be honest. There is a few Russian sides that play this way, and although they don't score many, they're very difficult to break down. FC Rostov reached the CL a couple of years ago playing this way, frustrating Barcelona, I think. Their mid-block, an almost pentagon shape, is very impressive, and very difficult to break down; they then have three CBs behind. I think we needed two up front, to try to occupy their back-three. And then try to free up space out wide, with Ejaria and Arfield's lateral runs out wide.

Don't jinx it!

Their goal record is actually pretty much, exactly the same. He's not a goalscorer, but he can contribute to the team. He's a willing runner, presser; he'll hold it up; he's versatile, playing up top or wide; he'll help out aerially at set-pieces; he'll chip in with a goal here and there; and, he's got a lot of experience. A striker doesn't need to score goals to be an important cog in the team. Your argument is narrow-minded.

That's a right thick Geordie accent Alice has got, I'm glad of the subtitles...

A striker doesn't need to score goals to be important to the team.

Well, that's the team talk taken care of.

Yes, you're right. Too early, but it is an option - with Barasic, I suppose, though.

Ufa play a back five, don't they? Could we maybe see a match-up? With Wallace coming in with Flanagan going to LCB? McGregor Tavernier - Goldson - Katic - Flanagan - Wallace Ejaria - Jack - Arfield Morelos - Kent/Candeias/Lafferty

Yes, I think you're close, if not spot on. McGregor Tavernier - Goldson - Katic - Flanagan Ejaria - Jack - Arfield Candeias - Morelos - Kent I can see Lafferty coming on for Kent/Candeias for a more direct attacking outlet. I actually think Lafferty will be a good option wide, as a target-man for Tavernier's (and Barasic) crosses.

19:45 Kick-off according to the Ranges site.

Reading about his spells in Europe in the article, I find it hilarious that during Lafferty's spell at Palermo he outscored Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti, two of the best strikers in Serie A today. Mental.

Frustrating; he was a key player. That pitch has to be banned.