Andy McDougall

- Back to 4-3-3, or maybe a 4-2-3-1 if Engels sits alongside McGregor
- Full debut for Araújo
- Schmeichel remains...
- Scales returns
- Tounekti straight back into the team
- Maeda back at centre forward
- No place on the bench for Shin or Balikwisha.

It may have been inevitable, but it would be misguided to celebrate Nancy's departure. It is but another symptom of the failings of those who run this club. Without meaningful structural change, the club will not progress.

Now, my doubt is whether this was a situational thing to get the best out of the McCowan-Maeda combo on the left (i.e. presumably Hatate wouldn't have spent time at left wing back), or is it something Nancy would like to keep doing regardless of who plays on that side?

Then, in possession, McCowan tucked inside to form a midfield diamond (McGregor; Engels, McCowan; Nygren) and Maeda pulled out wide left. There was some flexibility but that was the general pattern. It seemed pretty effective, especially as you get the best of Maeda at both ends.

Rewatching the game from Sunday, one of the fascinating aspects is the positioning of McCowan and Maeda. Out of possession, McCowan tracked back and occupied the left wing back role, while Maeda was in the left-10 position, meaning he was higher up the pitch for counters/pressing

- Hatate presumably injured is a big concern.
- Kenny again is a surprise.
- Persisting with Schmeichel and Ralston is puzzling.
- Bernardo on the bench when McCowan and Nygren start is harsh.
- And how uninspiring is that bench?

- Glad to see Bernardo start
- It is possible to drop Scales!
- Perplexed that Ralston keeps his place when Donovan, JSP and Murray would all be preferrable
- What does Kasper have to do to be dropped?
- Hope Maeda is on the wing with McCowan as one of the inside forwards/10s

Peter Lawwell leaving in characteristic fashion: insulting the fans and lowering the bar for success.

This is the team I'd like to see today. You could perhaps swap around the box midfield, or even play Engels wide right and Yang further forward, but that's the XI that combines form with suitability.

My sort of realistic suggestion/prediction for tonight's team.

I don't think Nancy will make major changes at this stage, but a few adjustments will be necessary. The main doubts being on the flanks and the forward positions.

You wait 28 years for another World Cup then land in a group that is 3/4 the same. Deja vu and leaning heavily into the 98 nostalgia. I'm not against it.

Draw probably a fair result overall in the Lisbon derby, with the real winners being Porto, of course.

YouTube video by Celtic FC Classic Match: Hibernian 1-2 Celtic (27/09/2003) | Larsson Reaches 150 in Style! ⚽️

That kit. Petrov winning a penalty. Maloney assisting Larsson. A MON comeback. Scott Brown goading Bobo Balde into getting sent off...

youtube.com/watch?v=HYsX...

YouTube video by Premier Sports HIGHLIGHTS | Levante 0-2 Athletic Club | Nico Williams beauty as Los Leones triumph

Terrific break and a sensational finish from Nico Williams. #AthleticClub

youtu.be/36TznaUe1kk?...

Great strike from McGregor last night and you've got to enjoy moments like that. At the same time, the overall performance was dire. This group needs a coach.

In Sinisalo's head, he's probably already away.

I think the board got exactly what they wanted today. They sat down (those of them who bothered to turn up), raised their middle fingers at the support and then used the inevitable reaction as an excuse to shut the whole thing down before they could face any questions.

Andy Robertson hanging the Royal Banner upside down like a true republican. Respect.

Yes, last night really happened.

Unreal drama, international football and indeed sport at its finest.

Still can't believe what's happened. 28 years is a long time. Enjoy it.

I wonder if Nancyball might look a bit like this...

I know some have reservations about 3-4-3 / 3-4-2-1, but I think it gives some interesting options and flexibility, while playing to the strengths of some players in the squad (obviously not all and recruitment as ever is key).

(With players fit)

Brother Wilfried and the Nancy Bhoys 😎

Terrible news about Carter-Vickers, but Dane Murray must now be given a run in the team. It is also clear that if Johnston is out again, Donovan is the best option to replace him.

Great to see #SportingCP wearing #SportingCP kits this season...

Visca la terra, visca la llengua, visca el poble! #9dOctubre

Balikwisha assist, hopefully that gives him a boost and he starts to contribute more.

Nae Pasaran.

Sinisalo has to play on Sunday. I'd like to see Murray get a run over Scales as well.

Bernardo v Braga to be like Kühn v Leipzig...

Bernardo starting a European game out of nowhere - is it 2023?

I'm here for it by the way