Brighton vs Forest - (Friday Night, 7.45pm, Live on Sky)

[Costello]

Quite why Sky have selected this one to get the season underway I'm not sure. Stage is all set for Forest to spoil any sort of early season optimism that may otherwise threaten to build at Albion.

Our starting XI is looking solid enough, but we have a worrying lack of depth in the wide areas and the supply line in general. First goal will invevitably be crucial, as it always is with us.

Stockdale

Bruno - Greer - Dunk - Bong

March - Kayal - Stephens - LuaLua

Baldock - Hemed

Yeah, you're seeing it right, an old school 4-4-2 formation which we've played all of pre-season in one of our numerous attempts to solve the lack of goals.

Bruno appears to be first choice at RB still, though I'd fear for him against the threat of Antonio - would rather see Rosenior start. Zamora may have a slim chance of making the bench but probably won't feature as he's not had a pre-season.

 

[markwwfc1992]

I like those names in defence, Bruno, Greer, Dunk and Bong

2-1 Brighton

 

[Costello]

Excellent innit? Especially with Dunk and Bong you almost want to be able to hear a pinball machine noise as each player attempts and fails to clear the ball from our area..

 

[Dazza]

1-1

 

[M Dogg]

Forest 3-1

Team will be:

DDV

Lichaj
Mills
Hobbs
Fox

Lansbury
Mancienne
Tesche

Ward
Blackstock
Antonio


Buzzing. Early train from work booked back up to Nottingham, straight to the pub for the new season! YOU REDS!

 

[TractorBoys]

Hilarious selection for the first TV game. Nevertheless, THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK.

No idea about the scoreline, probably a drab 1-1. I'll be watching though, a welcome return to a new season.

TB

 

[Aaron-Bcfc]

Looking forward to this purely because it's the first game back. Looking forward to seeing how Baldock gets on this season; still think he'll struggle to hit any more than 10 in this division

 

[Ciderhead]

Two sides expected to be around midtable, the sort us promoted clubs will be looking to compete favourably with if we're going to stay clear of the relegation battle. Will be an interesting benchmark for the season to come.

I'm a fan of Baldock, and do think he can be successful in the Championship if he stays clear of injuries and is played to his strengths. Not sure that's likely to happen at Brighton though. Seemed a strange move at the time because he doesn't really suit playing in a front 3. He's better playing off someone, making intelligent runs off the shoulders of the defenders. Certainly not a lone front man and not at his best shoved out on the wing either.

It's a shame for him. Didn't work out for him at West Ham as he's the exact opposite of an Allarydyce type player and then he was in a truly awful side in his season here at this level. Do think in the right team he's capable of getting 20 goals. Hopefully it works out for him this year, seems a good, intelligent bloke off the pitch as well

 

[Aaron-Bcfc]

Two sides expected to be around midtable, the sort us promoted clubs will be looking to compete favourably with if we're going to stay clear of the relegation battle. Will be an interesting benchmark for the season to come.

I'm a fan of Baldock, and do think he can be successful in the Championship if he stays clear of injuries and is played to his strengths. Not sure that's likely to happen at Brighton though. Seemed a strange move at the time because he doesn't really suit playing in a front 3. He's better playing off someone, making intelligent runs off the shoulders of the defenders. Certainly not a lone front man and not at his best shoved out on the wing either.

It's a shame for him. Didn't work out for him at West Ham as he's the exact opposite of an Allarydyce type player and then he was in a truly awful side in his season here at this level. Do think in the right team he's capable of getting 20 goals. Hopefully it works out for him this year, seems a good, intelligent bloke off the pitch as well

I just don't think he's clinical enough, needs 3 or 4 good chances to put 1 away. Steven Davies managed 13 for us in that relegation season and 6 of Baldocks 10 goals were penalties

 

[Ciderhead]

I just don't think he's clinical enough, needs 3 or 4 good chances to put 1 away. Steven Davies managed 13 for us in that relegation season and 6 of Baldocks 10 goals were penalties

His finishing could be improved, but I do think that was overstated in his time here, particularly in his last season. Yeah he missed the odd one on one but he still managed 25 goals!

He can be a bit of a confidence player. Goes through a patch where he struggles in front of goal but then he'll get one or two and go through a purple patch where he never looks like missing. I think that just takes a bit more experience and time being played in his best position

 

[Aaron-Bcfc]

His finishing could be improved, but I do think that was overstated in his time here, particularly in his last season. Yeah he missed the odd one on one but he still managed 25 goals!

He can be a bit of a confidence player. Goes through a patch where he struggles in front of goal but then he'll get one or two and go through a purple patch where he never looks like missing. I think that just takes a bit more experience and time being played in his best position

Yeah that's a fair statement mate. In the first half of our league one season though he really was costing us points with his finishing it was that bad, then second half credit to him he did hit a good period of form and his conversion rate definitely improved.

Stil doubt him at this level but wouldn't mind being proved wrong, as you say a good bloke and I didn't blame him for leaving.

 

[Ciderhead]

Well he starts in a front 2 tonight

 

[BetterCallSaul]

Draw please

 

[JJH]

Both teams hit the post already.

Lively start.

 

[JJ1532]

Good game so far. More open than I expected, been some good chances for both sides.

 

[TractorBoys]

Both teams hit the post already.

Lively start.

Good game so far. More open than I expected, been some good chances for both sides.

^^^^^ These two are absolutely loving it. Fair play to 'em.

 

[markwwfc1992]

zzzzzz

 

[JJ1532]

I think, considering the 2 teams, it's been a decent enough watch thus far.

Brighton have had enough chances to be winning 1/2-0. Forest are a threat on the counter, but don't look up to much, no surprise when you hear the exact limitations they are under with their embargo.

 

[JJH]

^^^^^ These two are absolutely loving it. Fair play to 'em.

I've missed football man!

 

[JJ1532]

zzzzzz

What were you expecting out of interest?

 

[JJH]

And there we have it, the first goal of the Championship season.

Tidy finish, shouldn't have been allowed to get the shot off although.

 

[Saddlerrad]

Well deserved lead for Brighton, Forest haven't really come out the traps yet. With Freedman in charge and an embargo in place I can see a real struggle for them this season.

 

[PrestonCha]

Forest were very poor. Their players looked absolutely fucked. Very sluggish & devoid of any creativity.

Brighton looked decent enough, nowt special. Very energetic, and in Lua Lua they've got themselves a cracking player.

 

[JJ1532]

Pretty comfy for BHA all in all. Every time I see Tyler Walker, he looks like a really talented and promising player. Forest might need him this season.

 

[Ciderhead]

Two sides expected to be around midtable, the sort us promoted clubs will be looking to compete favourably with if we're going to stay clear of the relegation battle. Will be an interesting benchmark for the season to come.

Well that was reassuring

 

[markwwfc1992]

What were you expecting out of interest?

Nothing much, the opening games are usually cagey like this to be honest. 1-0 is a fair result, and a good start for Brighton.

 

[BCFC David]

Brighton look much improved on last season, Forest looked a little laboured and lacked ideas.

Footballs back

 

[Costello]

Football is indeed back.

Nothing particularly thrilling for the cameras but a very solid start to the season. Thought we looked functional and very organised but still showed a fair amount going forward, certainly far more promising than this time last season. Bong looks a good addition at LB, strong as an ox and barely gave Ward a sniff. Also hugely encouraged by how much of a grip Kayal & Stephens had on the game in the midfield two, bodes well for continuing 4-4-2 formation.

As for the goal, Kaz will do that now and then - just hope we can bring in some more quality in the wide and attacking midfield areas, as the two starting wingers are literally all we have. If we can continue to add more of a cutting edge to our play then I think we'll be in for a much better season. Very early days though of course.

Forest fans were a good laugh with the mutual love for Zamora, also very respectful of the minute's applause in memory of Don Lock.

 

[City169]

March looked decent in spells but thought he needed to pick out better options at times

 

[Costello]

Yeah, he's got huge potential and saw plenty of the ball in dangerous areas but definitely needs to show a little more composure when he does get beyond the full-back. Missed most of last season with injury so is still feeling his way back - when/if he does start finding the right option consistently we'll have quite a player on our hands. Really hoping it's the season he makes a genuine mark on the division.