Gundogon has agreed a free transfer to Barcelona. 32 years old but pretty sure City would have kept him around if they could. Another example of players running down contracts.

I actually think Brereton will turn out to be fairly mediocre. La Liga is probably a good move for him as I dont think he would ever be a regular goalscorer in the prem. Our mistake was not accepting any bids in the summer. On the other side, if the club offered him another 5 year deal 2-3 years ago when I thought he was garbage Id have thought why? Seems to be a more common thing now of players refusing to sign contracts. Even happens at top clubs e.g. Pogba, Sterling. They know they can get higher wages if the new club isnt paying a transfer fee, leaving the selling club without much leeway.

This is a sackable performance

We are wank. Apart from 2 or 3 players the rest of the squad is bottom 5 quality. A fluke start to the season got us up there

There's barely any goals in this side. It's unreal that we are so high in the league with such a shit squad and in general poor performances. May as well try Dack upfront and Markanday and Dolan either side. Can't be any worse.

Gareth Bale has just announced his retirement from football (both club and International) on Instagram. Top player in his day who probably doesn't get the credit he deserves. His motivation and physical abilities both seemed to wane over the last couple of years

https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/12783070/dele-alli-besiktas-want-to-send-midfielder-back-to-everton-but-return-unlikely-during-january-transfer-window Besiktas want to cancel Deli Alli loan after hardly playing for them. Everton dont want him back. Amazing how quickly one of the countrys most talented youngsters has fallen into obscurity. Still only 26. Suspect lots of money too early and who else knows what pressures come with that have caused him to loose his appetite for the game.

Admittedly I don't get chance to go to many live games at Ewood, but the last game I watched against Sunderland he was abysmal. No effort, no press, slow passing, gave the ball away constantly and gave away a pen. Got sent off the next game so I'm not his biggest fan. To be honest I don't really rate any of our midfield options. The only solution for me is a complete overhaul in the transfer market.

Wow what an absolute shambles. The start of a Tomasson death spiral....lost my faith in him.

After watching the shambles vs Sunderland, and 4 abject performances out of 5 my enthusiasm is quickly waning. I cant fathom how we've been so crap for long periods and are still 3rd. Despite all the issues, were still in a great place and a few additions in January could cement a play off spot. The top 2 are miles ahead. Out of everyone, Buckleys performance was an abomination the other day. Bad attitude and bad ability. Hes 100% out and back to the U23s for me. Gallagher wasnt much better. Midfield is just trying something different, and two players who might actually run abit. Weve not seen Markanday much, he cant be worse than Hirst. Pretty damning that apart from Hyam, none of the summer transfers are anywhere near the squad. Desperate for some investment in Jan to keep it going. Kaminski Hyam Ayala Wharton Hedges Garrett Travis Pickering Dack Markanday BBD

We've been 2nd best all game. Apart from the GK, CBs and BBD they can all be sold for me. How the fuck are we third??? Awful

Buckley has been woeful. Gives the ball away and plays with 10% effort. A player who thinks he's miles better than he is.

We've been properly shit this half. Forwards haven't had a touch and the midfield has been miles off it. Midfield has to be a focus in January. Said it for ages we don't have enough power or energy in there. That's the weak point of this side.

Unreal game. France did what they did against England, second best for long periods but score their first chance. The extra time was the most frantic I've ever seen. Amazing way for Messi to go out. Bit like an end of an era this world cup as some of the best players to have ever play the game (Messi, Ronaldo and Modric) probably won't be seen on the international stage again.

Burnley looking a class above this season. Some good business in the transfer window as well. Their winger Manuel Benson looks a good find. 7 goals and 4 assists signed from Royal Antwerp.

Wow didn't see that result coming after the last few performances, especially with that starting 11. Jekyll and Hyde team this one. The fact we're still picking up wins rather than draws has kept us in the promotion hunt. We're not as good as the top two but as long as we don't go on a Mowbray spiral and maybe do some business in January the playoffs are definitely possible.

Pleased to see he has gone for the same side as last game. I was convinced he would get nervous and revert back to his defensive 5 at the back.

Back to back hammerings to the dingles and preston is a shocking return. Mega unconvinced by JDT as I think or league position is false. We've been awful for large parts of the season. I don't think we will finish anywhere near the top 6 which is a shame as the league this year is as bad as I can remember. Hope I'm wrong

Same team as last game for me, perhaps Rashford for Saka as hes more of a goal threat. I think if we go 3 at the back we will loose a midfielder which has been key for our good performances. It would be a mistake to loose the midfield battle and hand France large amounts of possession just because were worried about Mbappe. Southgate should have faith in our ability and stick to what has worked. Both sides weakness is defence so I can see a decent scoring game. 3-2. No idea which way.

Selling off/releasing some fringe players (Rankin Costello, Hirst, Dack if hes not going to play) might free up some wage space To me, two areas of improvement are a pacey CF and a hard man in midfield. Still think were too soft. Every top playmaker has always had a midfield general covering behind them. Don't think the other options are too bad. Werent we in for Dembele from Bournemouth in the summer. Did he go anywhere? Doesnt seem to get a game there.

Still looks fit and sharp for a 36 year old. Crazy how long players are staying at their peak these days. Chelsea got rid far too early!

He will want to try and forge a career at club level I imagine as top level club management is where the big money and accolade is. International managers tend to be departure lounge to retirement or failed club bosses. It would amuse me greatly though if he left Turd Moor part way through the season.

I drew Canada in our sweepstake. They played some of the most exciting build up play ive seen, full of pace and direct running. Alfonso Davis is a top class winger/full back. They were absolutely terrible when it came to composure infront of goal. Had Belgium all over the place but couldnt hit a barn door.

Good performance yesterday without ever getting into top gear. Thought the midfield three were the key by dominating the ball but also working hard off it. Next game is where the real tests start. Kanes hold up play and use of the ball was excellent, but he seems to be playing deeper and deeper. There were numerous good crosses accross the 6 yard box in the first 20 minutes and he was no where near. I can see why his goalscoring rate for England has been lower recently. In terms of who's better, hard to tell. Mbappe, Frances best player is better than our best player and can be devastating. Their front three as a whole is flying and they have a strong first 11. However, England have a stronger squad overall in my opinion. We have players on the bench who would be in the France side and can make numerous changes without weakening the side. Bellingham is also better than any of their midfielders. This lads the most talented 19 year old I've seen probably since Rooney.

I was just telling my work colleagues about this. Two proven scumbags, who have been in and out of Jail umpteen times over the last 10 years get caught with bolt cutters and a crowbar breaking into a guys house. Guy chases them away and gives chase in his car. They escape on a stolen motorbike, which results in a crash and injures them (not life threatening). Homeowner is arrested for dangerous driving and causing injury. In the meantime the two scumbags are arrested again in a stolen car and no insurance. Final result, the homeowner, with a pregnant wife is given 22 months in jail. The guy and wife end up terminating the pregnancy as she cant afford to live while he's in jail. The scumbags are given a suspended sentence and no further action. The justice system in this country is utterly wrong. It cannot be easier to live a life of crime than work. The police interviewing the persons involved all had sympathy for the homeowner. It is the judge handing out that sentence who must be held accountable. Utterly flawed. Decisions like this only promote vigilantism and discontent amongst the public. One of the scumbags even said to the camera he doesnt want to work as there are "easier ways" to make money. Completely wrong in every aspect. Sickening.