Get Fuzzy - EPL Thread
Okay, Saturday we got Spurs at Bolton really really early. Not getting up for that. Nope. But at 10am we'll have ManU hosting Wolves, and several other games - 3 of them are kinda interesting to me. Note the change in normal weekend start times - everything's an hour later - or something.
Sunday we have Arsenal and City trying to keep pace against promoted sides before the big Chelsea/Liverpool game at 10am.
Then midweek will see the Manchester Derby and Arsenal trying to come away without any broken bones at Wolves.
over 1 year ago
shroomer
158 comments
7 recs |
Comments
Random points of interest:
The “Spurs are flat after a mid-week Champions League tie” bit, could or could not be extended after this match; Aston Villa has one fucking striker left available; what sort of weird Rooney signage will the midweek derby bring?
Oh yeah, Liverpool and Chelsea doesn’t come off as exciting to me as it has been recently.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Hoping for Spurs to be flat. C'mon Notlob.
Did you notice how classy I was last week when I stayed mum over Houllier’s Ireland comments, which eerily echoed my anti-Stevie rant? Damn, I’m classy. Yee-uhh. I read Rooney’s at the Nike Campus in Oregon for the next week – so he prob won’t see the Derby signage. Big game for Liverpool – showing well could prop their confidence up some.
BTW, I figured out why Saturday’s games are an hour later – the UK set their clock’s forward last week, so come Sunday the US clocks will match them up again. Or is it set their clocks back? Hmmmm … anyway, just a one day chronic abnormality.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Bale vs. Inter compilation.
They had absolutely no idea how to play him. Pure exhibition of acceleration and sprint speed.
Also, for you Americans...
apparently Gooch got into it with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in practice.
I know dirkatron will be bothered that he didn’t blow out his knee again, but I hope he beat the shit out of Zlatan.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Notlob - respek. They're 4-6-1 with 18 pts - currently 4th.
Just knocked off Spurs. If Adebayour or Vieira had done what Huddlestone just did [kicked a prone Elmander] they’d be suspended. Let’s see what the FA does.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Hargreaves starts! Hargreaves limps off.
Just noticed this – City after 10 games have scored just 13 goals – they are inept offensively in my mind. Spurs after 11 games have also scored just 13 goals – they are dynamic and dangerous offensively in my mind. Weirdness.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Jeepers, I love Park. Glad he'll be too gassed to play much against us midweek.
"Don't let them do this to you."
I'd bet on him starting actually. I don't think Giggs is back from his injury yet.
His endurance is really quite remarkable so I don’t think he’ll be affected too much. Park pretty much starts all big games anyway.
Last second heroics for The Cottagers
That was exciting.
Also goes to show that all you have to do is go down easy for a free kick and good things can happen.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Nov 6, 2010 11:54 AM CDT reply actions
Ireland actually played well in his limited time.
He’s not to blame. Sorry, shroom.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Nov 6, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
That seems to be their calling card
so far this season.
Not mediocre. Right about average
If Liverpool could cowboy up and win tomorrow ...
the top three teams would be @ 25/23/23 with City just behind at 20 pts. Assuming Arsenal and City win Sunday. A draw would even mostly do the trick.
"Don't let them do this to you."
I'm feeling an Arsenal draw/loss and a Chelsea domination.
Curious to see how Arsenal handle Carroll.
I wish I were that confident.
Newcastle have shown that they respond to lopsided victories with letdowns the following week. Until they prove consistency, I just don’t feel comfortable assuming it.
Still, Carroll could cause problems for Arsenal, especially if paired with Ameobi up front. Hughton has indicated he’ll probably go back to the 4-5-1, though.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Nov 6, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
One good thing
about half the lineup should change, including reintroducing their best player.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 6, 2010 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Team ponytail looking pretty game so far
by Brett Perryman on Nov 7, 2010 7:56 AM CST up reply actions
Sprite is gonna kill you. Clearly you crossed some jinx-encrusted line with that comment.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Nothing but love here.
Wor little Andy did the job today.
Tiote spent the day in Cesc’s pocket. What a win.
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Nov 7, 2010 1:35 PM CST up reply actions
Wouldnt surprise me
Arsenal barely squeaked out a win last week, then a disappointing champions league showing Wednesday.
I haven’t seen if fabregas is going to play or not.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
If you guys get the chance to watch a replay
of Blackpool vs. Everton, watch it.
What a fantatic match full of chances and up and down play. Need to see a replay of why the Harewood goal was disallowed. Good result for the Pool but could have been great had the go ahead goal been allowed.
I watched the 2nd half until I saw that Wolves equalized ManU.
saw both teams score their 2nd goals
"Don't let them do this to you."
Blackpool
They are a terrifically entertaining team.
Not mediocre. Right about average
DJ Campbell drives me up the wall, tho'.
I suspect he’s sacrificing his team game to enhance his transfer value.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Henry is going to try and bring SABR to Liverpool?
I don’t see how it will translate. Should be interesting, I guess.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team.-Lonestarjon
Liverpool
The core “Moneyball” concept translates well to any sport- find and buy undervalued assets. From what I gather, Henry sees Arsenal as a good model of how he wants Liverpool to be run.
"Scared? We're not scared...We do this every day. Scared is being in a prison yard."- Michael Young
x
Henry sees Arsenal as a good model of how he wants Liverpool to be run.
Awesome.
im guessing you say that because it's less competition for top transfers?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I'm saying that because Arsenal have Wenger.
You can say you want Liverpool to be run like Arsenal but you need a genius like Wenger for that to have a chance.
Not very surprising, since
it’s essentially how the Red Sox are run. They have a high payroll and bring in signings, but their idea of how to beat the Yankees is to outdevelop them to make up that extra margin.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 6, 2010 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I know this isnt EPL related
but Kevin Hartman was an absolute beast tonight for FCD. Headed to the conference finals now!
Mavs MoneyBall!!
Dallas Stars Examiner!!
poster formerly known as hinduplaya
Hey, this is the soccer thread
FCD talk is very welcome!
I wasn’t a big Hartman fan when he joined the Hoops, but he’s been excellent this season.
"Scared? We're not scared...We do this every day. Scared is being in a prison yard."- Michael Young
I watched this game. Real nail-biter.
FCD played 3 bunnies across the front ready to break, while all the other players had their heals in their own penalty box thwarting RSL’s offensive blanket. Strange shape for FCD. I thought the early FCD was unfairly disallowed for offsides. Never woulda been called in the EPL. I’m kinda into this FCD playoff run now.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Brek Shea
He’s a freak of nature.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Shea has some nice qualities at 20 yrs old
Seems like he’d be a perfect cheap pickup for a lower table EPL side to develop. Poor man’s Dirk Kuyt?
"Don't let them do this to you."
Nice qualities
Not least among them is his height. Pretty solid ball control as well. His assist on Macarty’s goal was superb. He’s a great target man
Not mediocre. Right about average
Good stuff
Should be a fun match up.
Not mediocre. Right about average
His armband proved he was a Red
Torres, Torres
“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” it said
Torres, Torres
We brought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball, he scores again
Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s #9!
"Scared? We're not scared...We do this every day. Scared is being in a prison yard."- Michael Young
by RCCook on Nov 7, 2010 10:51 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
so question...
played some FIFA 11 over the weekend…have not looked at FM 2011…
i want to get into FM 2011…help convince me!
for what it is worth, in fifa i am starting with leeds united w/ the goal of moving up. i like the fact that in fifa it is different/better than the older versions (ie, you cannot get players on loan or buy them at times because your not a high enough regarded manager, players want to play around better players, etc)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
hmmm
maybe it was just starting out w/ leeds united. their players have zero stamania. like zero. 2 games/week = 90% of players “energy” in the red or completly empty.
so now i am playing w/ FC torino instead. only about 1000x better…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Nov 11, 2010 9:34 AM CST up reply actions
Rafa surprised by Inter issues
Inter Milan boss Rafael Benitez has admitted that the number of problems he has encountered since taking over from Jose Mourinho at the San Siro has surprised him.
Wonder what he was expecting, to just step in and have it on cruise control? It’s not like that was the best roster in the world. Mourinho is just a badass.
Surprise. Rafa blames it on the previous coach.
That team is the most talented in Serie A by a mile. That he can’t get the best out of them like Mourinho did is no surprise…he’s about half as good after all.
I am always amused by the situation Milan is facing.
That would be an epic FIFA team though.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
That City midfield is appalling.
Put Johnson where Milner starts and replace Barry with Milner. There’s no creativity ability whatsoever there.
I jsut don't see why you need three holding midfielders
Yaya Toure isn’t exactly Essien either.
That was yawnstipating.
At least Villa won!
…while nearly giving me heartburn, again.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Was entertaining enough for me.
United played extremely well. Not many clear-cut chances but I enjoyed watching that performance.
Mancini
He should be run out of Manchester on a rail. I understand playing a defensive, conservative approach…after you have a lead. Doing so for the entire match is just cynical. And the Adebayor sub in injury time was just a slap in the face to the fans. I don’t blame Tevez for his exasperation. He has zero support. At one point Milner put in a fantastic cross that soared over Tevez head and there was no one else within 30 yards of the ball. I would be very discouraged if I was a City supporter.
Not mediocre. Right about average
This sounds a lot like something Bill Parcells would say
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has sought to take Adam Johnson down a notch, telling the young England international he’s nowhere near the player he thinks he is and he shouldn’t believe the hype the English media has placed around him.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=841423&sec=england&cc=5901
by Brett Perryman on Nov 13, 2010 6:53 AM CST up reply actions
The way Mancini is treating AJ is worrying, been saying that since August ...
but I’d say the quote you linked sounds more like something a soccer writer would write, since that’s who actually conjured it up. The actual Mancini “quotes” there are identical to the stuff he’s been saying since August, when I first began to worry. Heck, they might BE FROM AUGUST considering what I’ve learned about the crappy Euro soccer press over the last year plus.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Geez
Watched Arsenal’s last 2 games this morning. Should’ve lost both of them. Thank you Fabianski and Velociraptor.
Apparently Lampard had a 'setback' in his recovery.
Still, doesn’t look like Chelsea are missing a beat.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Zhirkov's stepped up big for them.
Essien’s ban would be troublesome but they have Sunderland at home, Birmingham away and Newcastle at home…so no real problem there.
>=|
.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Nov 16, 2010 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
ManU v Villa has been a good match so far.
Villa is looking much better than I expected
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Really thought United had a chance to nick it after the equalizer.
These draws on the road are getting to be ridiculous.
by LiamP on Nov 13, 2010 10:34 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Fuck's sakes.
Another 80+ minute lead given up.
Still, I don’t really mind. This is pretty much a year of transition, and all of Villa’s youngsters are looking great.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
sprite will enjoy this...
Cesc playing fifa
Gael and I are killing everyone on FIFA! The unstoppable couple!
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
yet he still looks older than holland heh
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Nov 14, 2010 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
So, after last week's hack and today's yellow card ...
Cesc Shawcrossgas?
"Don't let them do this to you."
im looking forward to watching highlites
looks like it was an interesting day, i only got to see a bit of the arsenal match
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
speaking of...
wheres the best places for highlights? all i know of is footytube, and sundays fox soccer has a roundup of the weekends games
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
How comprehensive of a show are you looking for?
There’s a show on FSC called Premier League Review Show that does highlights of all games. If you don’t get FSC, I would register at www.fbtz.com and torrent Match of The Day, which is the prominent English highlights show.
premiere league review is what ive seen before
i thought it was pretty good, but I don’t always want to watch the entire show to see the replays i want.
i’ll checkout fbtz and look for match of the day, thanks
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
scratch that, registration has been disabled.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
http://www.matchhighlight.com/
http://www.101greatgoals.com/category/goals/
"Don't let them do this to you."
Off of what I said a week ago,
Kevin Hartman is still an absolute beast. One step away from the championship now!
Mavs MoneyBall!!
Dallas Stars Examiner!!
poster formerly known as hinduplaya
Ibra
Apparently he and Gooch got in a punch-up during training last week. I think I’d got with Onyewu in that one.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Man
From the gentle caress of Pique in the parking lot to Onyewu smacking him around on the training ground, Ibra has to be a little sad about that move on a personal level.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 16, 2010 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
Unfortunately
That’s the most action Onyewu has seen since the World Cup.
Not mediocre. Right about average
When you have a rep like the Matrix
sometimes you get clipped by people defending themselves from an expected hack.
"Don't let them do this to you."
Good stuff
Happy to see Pires back in the EPL.
Not mediocre. Right about average
How do teams aquire players when it's not the transfer window?
Freeagents? I saw something today that united is close to coming to terms with the danish national keeper.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Pires is not currently attached to a club
I think that’s why. I think you can also come to terms with a player that is attached to a club and wait for the transfer window to make it official.
Not mediocre. Right about average
this is what barca did with afelly i believe
"Nice to see you’re capable of posting without using numbers and formulas as a crutch." --- by Josey Wales on Nov 14, 2010 12:42 PM CST
by knockoutking on Nov 18, 2010 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
Alex out for 8 weeks
This makes things interesting.
by LiamP on Nov 16, 2010 3:42 PM CST via mobile reply actions
December
After Birmingham, Newcastle and Everton, they play Tottenham, Man Utd, Arsenal with four of the six and two of those last three on the road. Sort of like the middle of last season, if you’re going to make this a race, it should probably be in the next six weeks. Watch Alex and Terry both be back in time for Man Utd, though. Arsenal will be done with them after that game at least, so they won’t have the prospect of getting smashed in April looming.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 16, 2010 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
Wheeee, Villa sign Robert Pires!
I see this move largely pointless. If it turns out to be more than that, I shall be angry.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Afellay to Barcelona, transfer fee not determined, but pretty much a bargain, it seems.
Doesn’t that kind of crowd their midfield situation for their likely swing at Cesc?
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
I'd say their reserves/academy present more of a problem in terms of overcrowding.
Guys like Thiago Alcantara are starting to press for a first team place.
I still think that Fabregas is viewed as the natural replacement for Xavi. Afellay doesn’t really change anything there.
by LiamP on Nov 17, 2010 10:37 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
as a barca fan i would agree with this statement
there were some rumors/whispers that xavi was going to retire from international competition…
even so, he IS just 30 and IS under contract until 2014-2015…and its not like barca can push him out all things considered (history with the team, from catalonia, national team star, etc etc etc)
that said, i dont see fabregas leaving in the next maybe 2 years unless they get blown away w/ an offer or Wenger leaves arsenal.
"Nice to see you’re capable of posting without using numbers and formulas as a crutch." --- by Josey Wales on Nov 14, 2010 12:42 PM CST
by knockoutking on Nov 17, 2010 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
And Gerrard limps off with a slight leg strain.
I think the Captain Starfish nickname is pretty funny and occasionally apt Liverpool-wise – but SG usually brings a manly, follow-me-boyz performance for England. Props to SG.
Balotelli’s mission in the Italy game was to just create conflict with the nearest Romanian player and/or the ref. What a tool of human bean.
That lineup for Spain today was ridic.
USA won. Don’t know anymore than that tho’. Don’t even know who played.
"Don't let them do this to you."
A bunch of kids
And Robbie Findley. Of course.
I think there was a Jonathan Spector sighting, too.
Not mediocre. Right about average
How big of a talent is that Juan Agudelo
supposed to be?
by Brett Perryman on Nov 17, 2010 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
You know, I can't really say
But I really like the fact that Bradley is already mixing in some young players into the squad.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I'm curious to see if Shea gets more time
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Gerrard
Darren Findley, Liverpool’s director of fitness, posted this on Twitter after the match:
“Unbelievable from all associated with England and English FA with regard to SGs injury. Completely ignored agreement and past history.
Completely amateurish and now we pay for their incompetence. Absolutely disgraceful"
"Scared? We're not scared...We do this every day. Scared is being in a prison yard."- Michael Young
Henry Winter tweet
LINK – decent guy to follow, btw
Evidently Barry limped off, too. Might see some Milner in MF the next week or two @City.
tweet spotted ...
L’Equipe on Barry: “Slow, awkward and subsequently often late in the tackle. What does he actually do?”
He's still England's best option at defensive midfield
Their other choice is, I don’t know, Nigel Reo Coker? Or they can go back to the 4-4-2 with Lampard and Gerrard in the middle that has never worked for them. I still say that Barry’s underrated.
Not mediocre. Right about average
He's like the shitty version of a good Carrick/Hargreaves hybrid.
Decent-at-best distribution, pretty bad tackler.
There’s a reason why people call NRC “Nigel Mediocre” as well.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
x
I still say that Barry’s underrated.
Completely disagree. No creativity in his passing, no pace so he’s frequently late to challenges, mediocre positioning skills. He’s a passable CDM who’s glorified in the England setup because he’s mediocre. In fact, I’d say he’s horrendously overrated.
He’s benefited hugely from Capello’s reluctance to give Carrick a run, the injuries to Hargreaves, Rodwell’s injuries/lack of development and Huddlestone’s injuries.
I thought the reason for Carrick not getting time
has mostly been because he’s been injured. Otherwise I don’t see why he wouldn’t be getting a shot.
Though admittedly, I’m a big fan of Carrick…and pretty much any decent distributing central midfielder
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
"I've had people walk out on me before, but not when I was being so charming."
Carrick
I’m a fan of his, but he’s not really a defensive mid. At least, not in a system with only one defensive mid. His passing is great and he’s great at anticipating and intercepting balls from opposing players. He’s not very strong in the tackle though. He works pretty well in a 4-2-3-1. He was great in Germany in 2006, but he was playing next to Hargreaves. It’s too bad for England that he’s in Fergie’s doghouse.
Not mediocre. Right about average
Gerrard out 4 weeks
And Capello admits Liverpool asked him to play Stevie no more than 60 minutes, which he agreed to.
I’m sure the FA won’t do a damn thing about this, but you know what would be fair? Capello paying LFC an amount equal to 4 weeks of Gerrard’s wages, out of his own pocket.
Either that, or we get rid of Hodgson, and Capello can manage Liverpool the rest of the season for free. Fucking useless mid-week international friendlies…
"Scared? We're not scared...We do this every day. Scared is being in a prison yard."- Michael Young
I just watched part of the first half of England-France
France looked good – free wheelin MF, had some mojo.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 17, 2010 7:58 PM CST up reply actions
In general.
If you compare him to where he was two years ago, the development has been quite staggering.
Yeah
You could see the talent back then, as he would abuse a couple of people and get off an impressive shot here and there, but he has improved consistently and dramatically. The only caveat for me with him is that, as good as he can be with the ball, he still needs to get stronger for the Premier League – particularly if he has aspirations of playing in the middle of the field. Given his age, it seems like that could still happen, but when he plays against guys who are big and good, they can manhandle him.
But he’s really comfortable in tight spaces, he’s fast, and he can start and finish plays.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 17, 2010 8:48 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not sure he really needs to play in the middle in the future. He's not a natural Fabregas replacement, for example.
Fabregas/Song/Wilshere seems to be working just fine so far. If (big if) Ramsey returns to form, then you’re probably OK when Fabregas leaves too.
Once RVP is at full fitness, you’ll have a nice little problem on your hands with your front 3.
I don't really see Nasri in the CM spot, either
Longer term, Wilshere will obviously be a solid part of their midfield, but he’s struggled some lately. With him floundering just a bit and Denilson being Denilson, that third CM spot needs to improve for them to do well here in a key part of the season.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 18, 2010 6:21 AM CST up reply actions
Also
Say what you will about England, but there is one thing that they absolutely must correct: their uniforms. They have the ones that just look like t-shirts with a logo, and these that they had on today looked just like long sleeve undershirts.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 17, 2010 8:51 PM CST up reply actions
They're just
plain white shirts. The cut is what mostly what bugs me, as they don’t look athletic in them.
But, and this is true of at least one of their other current designs, they have number, umbro logo and England shield, all in either blue or red, and it looks like they went to a t-shirt shop with some iron-ons to place, and they just picked a random design.

by Brett Perryman on Nov 18, 2010 6:35 AM CST up reply actions
The shirt
I’m not a fan either, and this is coming from someone who owns a 2002 replica. The lack of red trim is the main thing that bugs me. Where’s the St. George’s Cross? It should be integrated into the shirt in some manner.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I liked the shirt that England had in the world cup
but this one looks like something you’d buy at walmart
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
ok ... 29/29/28/25 at the top of the table?
After this weekend … if Birm can draw sputtering Chelsea at home while Arse beats Spurs … City could regain some lost ground by winning Sunday. Could happen – would be nice if Everton takes points from Sunderland, too, on Monday … although Sunderland has been one of my rooting interests since they have Nedhum.
Sporting Kansas City
Are you kidding me, MLS?
by LiamP on Nov 18, 2010 2:58 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Is it really much worse than the Wizards?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I think the only one of the changes that actually worked is FC Dallas
There is a new expansion team called Vancouver Whitecaps FC.































