If our central defense returns to form, I'd feel much more optimistic, even without Olise and Eze. Guehhi and Andersen were so dependable for so long, and Mitchell solid during his good spells, even strong teams could be drawn. Often either Guaita or Johnstone kept us alive in games where we were being battered.

Lately though, even with a speed & skill upgrade at right back, we look shaky, suspect, and vulnerable.

What makes you think Roy will be in charge?

Very much in our hands, and we have a little big of a gap.

I'd extend a further game to say that our next 8 are critical. IMO We need to be at our target points tally by then.

and dare I say it, we need a return to Royball of old. Keeping it tight and trying to pinch points where we can (as opposed to being open at the back and having nothing up top).

Chelsea - Draw
Everton - Draw
Burnley - Win
Spurs - Lose
Luton - Win
Newcastle - Lose
Forest - Draw
Bournemouth - Draw

That would be nice, but I suspect not very likely.

If Everton win their appeal and no points are deducted from them or Forest for their 22/23 faults then FFP rules should be torn up. Simple as that.

Everton can't score at the moment so I could see that being 0-0. Luton just lost at home to the worst team in the league. Burnley are still a bit naïve despite playing some good football. Newcastle are awful away from home. Spurs is me playing silly buggers, but who knows.

I am possibly (probably) being optimistic, but even with Roy in charge these are not crazy predictions.

Same old,same old Roy.Excuses excuses,excuses!!

Me thinks,following last night's defeat,that should we follow up with defeats against both Everton and hapless Burnley,then we are in big trouble and have the Championship in view.