EPL - FIRST DAY WOOOOOOO
Unfortunately, the most interesting matchup on Saturday occurs at 6:30am. I'll be recording that one. TV lineup will be the first post below. Rec this up.
almost 2 years ago
LiamP
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TV lineup
SATURDAY
6:30am CST – Spurs vs. City (ESPN2)
9:00am CST – Villa vs. West Ham (FSC)
9:00am CST – Everton vs. Blackburn (FSCP)
11:30am CST – West Brom vs. Chelsea (FSC)
1:30am CST – Fulham vs. Bolton (FSC)
SUNDAY
10:00am CST – Liverpool vs. Arsenal (FSC)
MONDAY
2:00pm CST – United vs. Newcastle (ESPN2)
I’m pumped y’all.
City @ Spurs
Miracle the score is still 0-0 at halftime. Joe Hart you rule, dude. Micah Richards was pushed and cajoled during preseason to improve his form – didn’t work – Bale is disemboweling him. Zaba’s warming up. SWP was just marking time so AJ could play the 2nd half after Failbio Capello played him the whole game vs Hungary – jerk. Adebayour will replace either Tevez or Silva you’d think – fitness reasons.
We look about like I figured – new guys kinda nervy, the weak guys still weak. This group has like 2 practice days together. Bleah – any point we take here will feel like burglary.
Been a really good game so far.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Second half less dramatic
City haven’t produced much so far, Bale and Lennon haven’t been as good with their delivery.
As I say this, Tevez’s shot is deflected heavily and barely sneaks past the right post, spurs break down the pitch from the City corner and Hart makes two more pretty solid saves.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Not knowing how things will go
This seems like the best result. Two of a possible three points between two contenders.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 14, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Spurs looked incredibly impressive
Bale and Modric were probably standouts, but it’s amazing they didn’t score.
Joe Hart is pretty good at football.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
watched a little of Everton - bleah, they looked rusty
watched a little of Villa – Milner started – West Ham looked horrible, so not sure how good Villa look – hard to say when you’re playing against pylons
Blackpool! holy crap
Can understand why you lot want Milner now given the Yaya-DeJong-Barry midfield you played today.
Would assume Milner slots in for Barry to add some creativity.
bingo
It’s starting to appear that Mancini favors the 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 – the formation relying on Kolarov and Boateng to maraud the touchlines from end to end in order to provide width. Gotta believe swapping Barry for Milner really enhances that – or NDJ for Milner on occasion. Boateng has an infected cut on his knee and Kolarov was soaking his ankle in an ice bucket by halftime today. So the plan is on hold until [hopefully] Liverpool.
[btw, ch 82153 is an awesome sop feed for the Chelsea game]
bleah was the right word
had some solid chances, but were pretty mediocre most of the game. Luckily, though, they are nearly healthy and will hopefully avoid getting off to a slow start, which really plagued them last year.
Mavs MoneyBall!!
Dallas Stars Examiner!!
poster formerly known as hinduplaya
and Wolves dominating possession to the tune of 66%
Stoke only allowed 2 shots so far—neither on goal. Excellent start for us.
Blackpool up 3-0 vs Wigan at halftime
I know it’s just Wigan, but still—I thought Blackpool didn’t have anyone who could score in the Premier League.
Poor Roberto Martinez
Mavs MoneyBall!!
Dallas Stars Examiner!!
poster formerly known as hinduplaya
Gotta scared of them if you support a team on the bubble like I do
Not terrified or anything, but they’re not an automatic relegation like the pundits say.
"We are no longer a ride at Six Flags, we are in contention to do some things that will make our lives complete. I have been waiting for this for a long time." - Chuck Morgan
"There is a LSB party at my place when the Rangers make the playoffs" - TagDon'tTweet
Most interesting news of the past couple of days....
Wenger signs contract until 2014
Good for the EPL and absolutely vital for Arsenal.
No. Just saw that he called it "stupid"
What was his reasoning?
by LiamP on Aug 14, 2010 4:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
from what I gathered ...
IHO, it devalues exiting players and cheats selling clubs of income – or something
This just in
Chelsea>West Brom. That is all.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
Talked with Brett about this a week ago.
If Essien somehow manages to only miss a minimal amount of time, this race isn’t going to be as close as people think.
by LiamP on Aug 14, 2010 5:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Essien was great today
I think the race will be close because it’s hard to play consistently great football over a full EPL+CL schedule and injuries will take their toll…
…but yeah, my favorite player being back and in form (and not having WC wear and tear) made the first day of the EPL quite pleasing…
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 15, 2010 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Chelsea
West Brom suck, but that was an absolute pearing, as thedirkatron would say.
Yossi in blue just didn’t look right, but I imagine you may be feeling the same about Cole in red.
And I really feel right now for my buddy who supports West Ham- looking like another long season for them. Grant’s a good manager, but Zola wasn’t the problem there. Hopefully Roy gets off to a better start tomorrow.
It was a bit odd, no?
I still can’t picture Cole in Scouser Red.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 15, 2010 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Clichy off the line! [he's so good - I worship him]
Then Joe Cole gets a red! [I missed the first 40 mins – got here just in time for the drama]
Is this the ref we all complained about last season? Especially the Liverpool @ City draw?
yeah - not complaining about the call - just wondering if that's the same guy
Looks like that new defender Koz is okay after all, right?
Joe Cole = MVP alright
At least the transfer window is still open, but Arsenal is probably going to have to play Song in central defense now. Depressing turn of events.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 10:53 AM CDT reply actions
Phew
He looked like ht might not survive the day on the planet, much less play again when they had him on the stretcher
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I just heard Woy Hodgeson speak for the first time during the halftime show.
Sounds just like Paul McCartney. Eerie.
0-1 Liverpool - Arsenal will equalize surely
then I can put one of these wienie little needling posts up after the game ends in a tie
On the field now?
Torres, Gerrard, Van Persie, Nasri…but some of them aren’t really at full strength.
Liverpool by a bit
at home and with Fabregas out. It is pretty much a toss-up when those two play, though.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Good luck without Mascherano gents.
Pretty evident today how important he is for Liverpool.
I'm sure Liverpool are sick about the ending
but they have to feel pretty good about the fact that Arsenal hardly even tested them in a full half down a goal, up a man, and with all of those attacking players out there.
From Arsenal’s perspective, I continue to hope that Wenger doesn’t see Nasri as the potential replacement in Cesc’s spot next season. They aren’t dangerous through the middle without Fabregas – which is a pretty big problem when dribbling or breaking through the middle ordinarily accounts for about 75% of their offense. Nasri in that spot doesn’t cut it. He’s really skilled, and he may indeed have a breakout year. But I don’t think that he can be the primary trigger man.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 12:06 PM CDT reply actions
The thing is ...
Cesc is such a talent that nobody can replace him. Nasri might be the best choice in the end. It’s kinda of like City’s situation with Bellamy. Can’t replace talent like that in an even swap.
No, he's not
Nasri, I mean, and at least in my opinion.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
x
I continue to hope that Wenger doesn’t see Nasri as the potential replacement in Cesc’s spot next season.
I’m not sure he does. I think he prays that Ramsey can recover and rediscover his form pre-injury, because that version of Ramsey is your best choice.
Also, I’m not sure what Liverpool can take out of this. Mascherano has one foot out the door and he was by far the best player on the pitch today. Conversely, Arsenal didn’t have Fabregas or (for the most part) RVP.
What Liverpool takes away
Their main takeaway I think is hopefulness about N’Gog. He looked like a capable striker for once. It’s pretty clear that they aren’t going to be able to rely on Torres for 90 minutes week after week, so that would be a huge development for them. On the other side of the ledger, Joe Cole did fuck-all for 45 minutes and then got sent off in a fit of frustration. That’s not good.
Liverpool did a lot to strengthen their squad depth this summer, which should have them back in the hunt for the 4th CL spot. Anything more than that I probably out of their reach, though, particularly if Mascherano is out the door.
Arsenal showed that they are quite ordinary without Fabregas. But we knew that already.
Not mediocre. Right about average
I'm not sure that he does, either
I’m just not certain that he doesn’t. Ramsey is certainly the key midfield guy long term if he can rebound, but no one knows whether he will. And the only way that he can hope to find a replacement from the outside is
Agreed on Mascherano, was just trying to be the least bit gracious since they did a good job collectively of defending.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
to finish that sentence, the only way they can fill the hole from the outside is to pay full value, and even if he gets full value for Fabregas and their finances continue to be positive, I would believe that Wenger will pay more than he thinks is fair value (which is inetivably below full value) even for that key position when I see it.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 15, 2010 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Just got back from the pub
Like you said, Brett, not a bad result today. The late goal sucked, but Reina was in a bad position, and I don’t think he could see the ball well in the sun. He makes mistakes like that about once every 4-5 years, so I’m not worried.
Very pleased with Mascherano, Agger, Jovanovic, and, of course, N’gog- that goal was about as brilliant a shot as I’ve ever seen him score. Hopefully he’ll keep it up. I thought the red on Cole was harsh (but admittedly, I’m biased) but the team did well to stifle the Gunners afterwards.
Considering how little actual match practice most of the first team had coming into the match, and that it took a fluky goal for Arsenal to get the draw, I’ll take today’s result, and hope we smack City around next Monday.
If Boateng and Kolarov get fit in time ...
you guys could face …
.——————-Hart
Boateng – Kolo – Kompany – Kolarov
-——————NDJ
-———Yaya – Barry [Milner?]
-——————Silva
-————-Tevez – Balotelli [Ade?]
This could be a good match.
Silva
You have no idea how much it annoys me that he signed with City. Rafa chased after him for years- another case of our former chairman, Rick Parry, dicking around and not getting a deal done.
I hope our current chairman, Cook, hasn't dicked around and missed out on Milner.
Silva was a complete surprise – evidently he’s a Mancini fav – pursued him years ago while w/Inter Milan. Silva said he signed quick because City was ultra-aggressive toward signing him and that he wanted to go someplace where he could experience a different culture. Kinda reminds me of a Steve Nash-type personality … and, for that matter, talent, distribution-wise. heh
x
Silva said he signed quick because City was ultra-aggressive
$.
and that he wanted to go someplace where he could experience a different culture.
$$$.
my understanding was that there were similar offers
Barca or Real – can’t remember which – location location location had something to do with it
Shroom
Ain’t nobody choosing Manchester over Valencia, Barcelona or Madrid…particularly not a Spaniard.
If Real or Barca wanted him, they would’ve gotten him. The only 2 guys Valencia refused to sell this summer were Banega (rightly so) and Mata.
by LiamP on Aug 15, 2010 6:10 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but it's a question of whether or not you believe him.
Manchester is a miserable pit of dreariness compared to those 3 places in Spain.
There's a vibe ...
put everything he’s said with what Mancini has said and with the date he signed and with the experience he had @ the WC and with his background and with his experience @ can’t-cut-paychex Valencia, etc. – you kinda get why, the money being similar, he might prefer to smell what the Sheik is cooking.
I'd rather eat in Barcelona, personally...
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 16, 2010 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
link for those looking for a team
Uni watch’s kicking off the EPL
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.
Don't get my hopes up twitter...
Shay Given to Arsenal is deal done, according to Warren Barton on US tv (played with Shay for years).
wonder if Wenger got him on the cheap
taking advantage of the very 25-man rule nuance he recently ranted about – heh
I don't believe it
Seems like too good of a result
by Brett Perryman on Aug 16, 2010 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
By the way
I heard him say that right after that game in their studio. He did seem pretty convinced. Said that “his sources in England” said that it was done.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 16, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
am i the only barca fan on LSB?
:(
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.
I don't really have a Spanish team
I do have an English, Scottish, French, Dutch, and MLS club, but haven’t ever latched on to a specific club in any of the other leagues.
Barca is fun to watch, though.
see thats why i like them
i really only have a La Liga team but i love watching them play (and its hard to not enjoy watching messi play no matter what team/format in which he is playing lol)
havent really picked an EPL team, although i am tempted to go w/ man city (yeayeayea)
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 Aug 16, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I used to be a Barca fan in the days of Kluivert and Cocu
Started following them after I found Holland so fun to watch in the 98 World Cup. But after they left, I didn’t really like many of their players anymore, so I drifted away. In the past few years, I’ve taken up following Atletico Madrid, but I don’t follow them as closely as I follow my teams in the MLS, EPL, Serie A, and Portuguese league.
I used to like Barca
But they’ve gotten too big and pompous for my tastes. Now I really don’t have a La Liga team
What's the rumpus?
PSV
That’s my Dutch club, mostly because my friend who got me into soccer is a big Holland and PSV fan, and I got to see them a fair bit in the Champions League.
So who else does everyone root for outside of the EPL?
Lyon are my French club; Celtic in the SPL, and FC Dallas in MLS. I also have a small attachment to Sporting (Lisbon) and Panathinaikos, since I did a save with each of them in Football Manager ’08, just to try out a couple of the mid-tier European leagues.
Blackburn Rovers
Borrussia Dortmund
AC Milan
Bordeaux
PSV
Independiente
And I blame Footy Manager for hooking me on these different teams. But I’ve been following them since the late 90’s so I’m sufficiently emotionally invested in all of them, to varying degrees
What's the rumpus?
Chelsea
Barcelona
AS Roma
Boca Jrs
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 17, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Wolverhampton
Benfica
AC Milan
Celtic
Paris-St. Germain
Atletico Madrid
Bayern Munich
Ajax
Atlas
FC Dallas
Valencia
Hamburg (only because of Ruud)
I ain’t rootin’ for no frenchies or eye-talians.
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 5:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hamburg because of Elia
Hup Holland Hup
by Martijn1309 on Aug 23, 2010 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Paul Scholes
Absolutely amazing performance so far today.
by LiamP on Aug 16, 2010 3:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Ozil to Madrid, Bellamy to Cardiff City and the Milner deal is now official.
Blah, really wanted Ozil at Arsenal.
and evidently they were going to basically burn him for the champ league on wed
if they didnt get how much they wanted
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 Aug 17, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
1 year left on the deal. Selling team had no leverage.
With Real interested, no one but Barca had much of a chance.
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 11:18 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He'll need some development still, no?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 17, 2010 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose some
on a team like Real Madrid, but he seems like he has such a good command of things.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2010 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't understand it.
They signed Di Maria for a shit-ton of money and wisely bought Canales, who looks like the next young Spanish star. Add that to Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema, Leon and Kaka (injured right now) and when does he get time in the squad to actually develop?
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 5:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
thats what i was wondering
when will he get playing time on that team
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
do they loan him out?
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 Aug 18, 2010 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
interesting
wonder what happens with neymar, as in if hegets loaned out (back to santos?)
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 Aug 18, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Seriously.
Milner cost 16 mil and Stephen Ireland.
Ozil, albeit with a limited shortlist, and not quite developed (arguably), cost 15 mil.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Actually, Ozil cost 15mm euros.
After conversion that’s like 12.4mm GBP…so, even worse.
Of course, they’re two completely different situations but it’s hilarious nonetheless.
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 5:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
milner
also had other benefits since hes english + that crazy rule
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 Aug 18, 2010 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
C'mon Dynamo Kiev?
"Ajax last season recorded a loss of 21 million euros because of missing out on the group stage of the Champions League achievement. We cannot afford the same loss rate and will be forced to sell, and top players are not excluded."
Bet City would love to put Van der Wiel at LB so Boateng could play in the middle more.
God, I'd love to poach some guys from that club.
Selling Christian Eriksen alone could negate that loss.
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 12:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's OK...I understand
You’re discombobulated as a result of Bellamy’s departure.
by LiamP on Aug 17, 2010 1:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Go Cardiff! I've got a natural rooting interest in the Championship now. I'm even Steven.
oooooooooo – Young Boys has hit the post and now just scored on Spurs. hmmmmm …
2-0 after 13 minutes
Spurs finding that Europe’s a different animal- and that first step’s often a doozy…
What a rollercoaster. 3-2 now after Pav spanked one home.
Spurs are looking pretty comfy going home if this score stands.
Yeah, they'll get through now
Those were some kind of big goals.
by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
3-0 - what was that about losing out on 21M euros?
a 3-1 result is recoverable at home, but geez, gotta get it going Spurs
Monday's match
It’s looking like Boateng is iffy and Kolarov won’t play. You’re looking at Richards, Zaba or maybe even Lescott covering the RB/LB. Advantage Liverpool. Milner will probably play tho’ – can’t hurt City’s cause. Would be nice if Boateng can at least get healthy by then.
Question to the both of you:
Who am I, as a fan of Chelsea (or ManU or Arsenal), more afraid of in 3 years.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 17, 2010 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions
nobody answered you - but ...
I think the answer lies in what RC mentioned below – will Liverpool spend like a mid-table team? Or will they match City in the chase for the big names over the next 3 years as they fill holes?
The official site now sez Boateng will miss Liverpool.
And Kolarov is out with “damaged” ankle ligaments. arrrrgh
The two difference-making signings, IMO, were these two badazz fullbacks who could maraud the sidelines offensively as well as defend competently. One begins the season with an infected cut and the other, most probably, will play at limping effectiveness the entire upcoming campaign, but not until he’s off his crutches come October or some such nonsense. So so screwed. With Bridge out with turf toe you might even see Gareth Barry start at LB against Liverpool. Sheesh – back to hoping for a fighting draw while we lick our wounds. Now just hope the Europa qualifier doesn’t go bad like it did for Spurs in their CL qualifier.
City match
Looks like we’ll be without Agger. Hodgson said today that Agger is still dealing with post-concussion effects from the ball he took to the face in the Arsenal match.
And we have a Europa qualifier tomorrow too- Masch is also out for that with a slight calf strain, but could play Monday.
I thought you guys might punt the Europa league
The schedule for the Europa league becomes tougher than the CL and I doubt it’s a priority for you guys.
As I’m typing this, Villa name a 2nd string squad against Rapid Vienna.
by LiamP on Aug 19, 2010 11:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
today's lineup
Hart, Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Lescott, Barry, De Jong, Y Toure, Silva, Adebayor, Tevez
Wow. No quit there.
Hope you guys make it far in that competition.
by LiamP on Aug 19, 2010 1:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
btw
here’s a short video of City training in Romania yesterday – playing some half-field. Adam picks out the upper 90 early on and Balo rings one off the crossbar toward the end. It’s amazing how much the pros talk on the field.
Europa League
A little redemption for Cole today- just fed a fantastic through ball to Babel, who scored right before the halftime whistle.
Watching the match on LFC’s website feed- apparently the British also run commercials for personal injury lawyers…
what do you think happens w/ the ownership stuff?
think those chinese guys end up w/ it?
im hoping they buy the debt and make sure hicks doesnt make a profit.
screw tom hicks.
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 Aug 18, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Not sure
From what I’ve read of the proposed ownership groups, the Chinese seem like the best option, but I’d still like to know who’s backing that bid.
As long as the new ownership is willing to build a new stadium, finance a proper transfer budget, and generally stay out of the manager’s way, I’ll be happy.
That said- I will admit that I’m not totally thrilled by Hodgson’s taste in transfer targets thus far. It seems like he’s targeting England, Scandinavia, and Holland almost exclusively, which was his M.O. at Fulham. Not that I didn’t like the Cole and Wilson signings, but Poulsen, Brad Jones, and the rumors of Konchesky as our new LB seem more like signings a mid-table club makes, and I’d like to think our ambitions are a little higher than that.
you think torres is there long term (say in 3 years?)
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 Aug 18, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Depends
I think if the team gets new ownership soon, and can start winning trophies again, he’ll stay.
LFC news
Huang officially pulled out of the bidding for the club today. No idea who else is still in the mix, but this whole affair is giving me more tired head than the Rangers’ sale.
In other LFC news, looks like Aquilani’s going on loan back to Italy, Inter is interested in Kuyt, and the club may or may not have made a bid for PSV striker Ola Toivonen. Hopefully Roy has a couple more targets lined up- our midfield hasn’t exactly looked very creative thus far, which begs the question as to why Aquilani isn’t in his plans this season…
Yeah
What’s up with that? I understand he was disappointing, but this is a quick hook, no?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 21, 2010 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Hell if I know
I don’t get it either, unless Hodgson has another signing lined up. We really need another creator CM- Gerrard and Cole both play a free role, and none of Mascherano, Lucas, or Poulsen are capable of playing the Xabi Alonso role.
Not that I expected much this summer- and I’m glad we’ve kept Gerrard, Torres, and Masch- but so far, our two biggest signings (Jovanovic and Cole) were both free transfers. Aside from that, we’ve spent 5 million on Poulsen, and signed a handful of promising youngsters. It’s almost like we’re the Rangers under Hicks- oh, yeah… :(
3 man midfield with Wilshere in the middle I hope.
Much more intriguing to me.
by LiamP on Aug 18, 2010 12:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
has anyone read "the damned united"
the book that the movie is loosely based upon?
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.
Not yet
I’ve seen the film, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I have a couple other soccer books I’m trying to read first, but it’s on my list.
I have Damned Utd in my DVR queue and waiting to watch it.
I’d like a list of some of these soccer books you or anyone else have read. I’d love to add some of those to my already bursting at the seams reading list.
What's the rumpus?
id be interested in this too
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 Aug 19, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Soccer books
The two I’d recommend starting with are Soccernomics, by Simon Kuper & Stefan Szymanski, and Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, by Jonathan Wilson.
I’ve also read Wilson’s book on Eastern European football, Behind the Curtain, which I also greatly enjoyed. I’m currently reading Kuper’s book on soccer & politics, Football Against the Enemy.
A few others I liked:
- How Football Explains the World, by Franklin Foer
- Brilliant Orange, by David Winner
- White Angels: Beckham, Real Madrid, and the New Football, by John Carlin
The next one I want to read is Declan Hill’s book The Fix, which investigates match-fixing; then I’ll probably read The Damned United.
What about Bloody Confused?
I saw a list of books at epl talk.
http://www.epltalk.com/ultimate-guide-football-books
Brilliant orange and inventing the pyramid looked good too.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I hit half price books last week and couldnt find a single one of the titles
might just do a big amazon purchase
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Rovers changing hands
Well it looks as though Blackburn’s going to be bought out by the Indian billionaire. Changing of the guard as the Jack Walker Trust will finally divest themselves from the club and move on to what they’d rather be doing, which is infighting and lawsuits. Although the Walker legacy will be a distant memory, I’m kind of glad the Trust is leaving. Since Jack died, the Trust wanted nothing to do with the club but because of the strict bylaws written in by Jack they couldn’t off-load it to the first bidder.
What is funny, though, is the absolute hysterics Blackburn residents and fans are putting themselves through with the promised transfer kitty as well as the promised Ewood Park and area revitalization plans. So long being the poor and mediocre resident of the Premiership has made any promise of a cash injection seem like a choir of angels delivering the baby Jesus. I’m happy there’ll be more money to be had in the transfer markets and I trust BFS to make astute buys, but the thinking that 100 million pounds being made available right off the top is a bit pie in the sky. All’s I want is to be at a level of Everton where they have enough money to support their academy and enough money every window to make one or two impact buys. Anything more than that is just gravy.
What's the rumpus?
It's the thought that what's going on with City will be the norm with rich foreign investors.
Whereas it’s really the extreme exception.
Not sure Sam Allardyce is the man I’d trust 100mm to anyway.
by LiamP on Aug 19, 2010 10:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
To be fair
The prospective owner threw out the 100 million pound figure. However, I believe he meant within a 5 year span instead of before August 31.
As for what Sam can do with 100 mill, I agree he’s best at buying on a shoestring budget ( less than 10 million). Anything more and it gets iffy. If 10 million is made available for each transfer window, I think he could do well. Hell I just want a striker, a holding mid (get Andrews the fuck off the field!) and a playmaker since I hate El Hadj and Dunny can’t stay healthy.
And yeah, I’m sure pies would be bought in bulk.
What's the rumpus?
More bad news for Arsenal. Frimpong out 9 months
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Gallas to Spurs!
Oh this is delicious.
by LiamP on Aug 19, 2010 2:40 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, he wasn't going to feature but, with no depth, it's a pretty big blow.
Hopefully they sign Squillaci
And I Gallas going to Spurs is going to be fun. I hate him
I imagine he'll get an Adebayor^3 type reaction at the Emirates during the derby.
Looking forward to that.
by LiamP on Aug 19, 2010 6:01 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I bitch and moan about losing our new FB's right off the bat ...
while you guys are cruising from the start without RVP and Cesc available. Maybe I should shut up, eh?
This is Blackpool we're talking about
“The Tangerines” A route was to be expected.
Was hoping Cesc would get some run in the 2nd half but it’s not worth it right now.
And that’s 4.
And RVP! Actually Tevez and Silva aren't up to full-game fitness yet, either.
I’m watching Stoke/Spurs, hoping for a Dulapian equalizer before FT arrives.
Cardiff is up 1-0, Bellamy scoreless so far, fyi for Z.
btw, it doesn't look like ruining Aaron Ramsey's career ...
has slowed down Ryan Shawcross’ hacktacularness any.
Stoke just got peared by the ref.
The ball was probably over the line, and the defender caught the ball with both elbows as he saved the point blank shot – and the ref is standing RIGHT THERE with a perfect view. Travesty – there’s 2 points gifted to Spurs in the race for 4th place.
Goal line technology.
I can’t figure out why it hasn’t been implemented yet.
they completely were robbed
perfect example of the need for goal line tech.
and the second goal by bale, that was pretty
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Soooo....
If Blackpool beats Wigan 4-0. And Arsenal beats Blackpool 6-0. What happens when Chelsea plays Wigan?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
Liam would go ape over a draw.
I hope it’s tied late so I can imagine him on his knees praying as extra time winds down.
Fucking transitive property.
How does it work?
by Past A Diving Michael Young on Aug 21, 2010 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
nooooooooooooooooooooo
BERLIN — Germany defender Jerome Boateng is out of next month’s opening Euro 2012 qualifiers with a knee injury – aggravated by a clumsy air stewardess, he revealed on Saturday.
With Germany facing Belgium in Brussels on September 3 and Azerbaijan in Cologne on September 7, Boateng has been sidelined for the next month, partly because of a bizarre accident on a flight from Copenhagen.
The Manchester City defender must wait at least another month for his debut in the English Premier League since his 12.5 million transfer from Hamburg – because of an accident with an airplane’s drinks trolley.
He injured his knee in Germany’s 2-2 draw against Denmark in a friendly on August 11 and then had the injury aggravated when a stewardess ran her drinks trolley into Boateng’s knee by accident on the flight home.
“It’s annoying. I imagined my start at Manchester City to be quite different, of course,” said the 22-year-old on the website Sport1.
wow
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 Aug 23, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
I've decided to attempt to become a Real Madrid fan.
If you’re gonna wear the black hat among soccer fanz, you might as well go full thrust.
I like Ozil, could be fun watching him deal to Higuan and Ronaldo … and Kaka and Xabi … and … etc etc
What makes you think you'll get to watch him play?
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 21, 2010 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I know it's a BS rumor on a dodgy website ...
but if Real offered to swap City Adebayour for Benzema, City should jump on that hard, right?
Yes
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 21, 2010 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Oezil played the first 60 mins today - game still going on - score 1-1 in a friendly.
Oezil had a beautiful feed to send DiMaria in 1v1 on the goalie, but Angel shot wide. Other than that he just did his job okay – coupla nice turns, nothing flashy.
Oh my god you were being serious about this Real thing.
You suck so hard.
Ha - yep - I'm gonna try anyway. I listened all year to the Guardian podcast.
They have this La Liga correspondent in Spain named Sid Lowe who calls in every show to discuss Spanish football. He’s really interesting to listen to and it’s kinda made me want to invest some rooting interest in the league this season. Following Oezil and Canales might be fun. Iker is a great goalie. I hate Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos so much it hurtz, but I don’t much like Adebayour either and that hasn’t killed my City interest.
My first impression of Real today is … we need more players.
this makes me sad.
really shroom? real madrid?
:(
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 Aug 23, 2010 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
fuckmourinho.
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 Aug 23, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Rooney out vs. Fulham
This weekend is set up to be one giant cockpunch.
Pretty dismal after the first half-hour.
Things could’ve been different if Carew made that penalty, considering how Newcastle withdrew a little after that first goal by United, but they got shit pelted at them afterwards.
Villa’s defence was pretty much a sieve, their midfield wasn’t all that shiny going bad either (not surprising, considering Young/Petrov/Ireland/Albrington can hardly be described as tenacious). Still, probably need a few more games to see how Ireland fits into running things at the centre of that midfield, and they obviously could do with Gabby Agbonlahor coming back too.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Gonna be an interesting week in the Midlands...
But yeah, the team they have isn’t quite at where they’d like it to be. I think they’re a little short on depth at the back too, and Emile Heskey is obviously fucking worthless, so when Carew is off and there’s no Agbonlahor, that team probably isn’t scoring.
They probably finish a little lower than last season, depends how well Ireland’s ability to create replaces the versatility Milner gave them.
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Why don't middling teams just attach a terrier-like midfielder onto Scholes' ankle
and play 10 v 10 against ManU? It would probably improve their chances.
Wouldn't that just open up space for everyone else?
And sure, if that’s successful and theoretically you take Scholes’ service out of a game, seems like you’d get United players capitalizing elsewhere.
I guess relatively…
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
yeah, that's the argument
The awkwardness of 10 v 10 against the effectiveness of Scholes bossing midfield box to box.
Sure, but who gives a shit?
They had it in hand with the penalty, and some seriously slack defending let in their 2nd.
It’s ridiculously early so it’s not something to get overly upset about but it’s still not a good result considering the circumstances.
Saw that last 30
Pretty crazy. I would have been livid if ManU won 3-2.
If Brad Pitt is playing Beane who do you want playing you?
JD: Eddie Guardado.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 22, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh, I really don't like United's uniforms this season.
Actually, it feels quite retro, which is cool, but…
Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.
Arsenal sign Squillaci
Needed more Frenchmen obviously.
by LiamP on Aug 22, 2010 6:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Did indeed.
The interviewer was an idiot.
by LiamP on Aug 22, 2010 10:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
My pops and I
are both pretty big Liverpool fans and were wanting to fly out to catch a game at some point in the future. Would any of you know how to go about getting tickets? I’ve done some research but it seems pretty tricky to get for sure tickets for a match in the future…
Hup Holland Hup
Www.redandwhitekop.com
Register there and ask. Don’t mention you’re from the US.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 11:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
LFC tickets
You can also apply through the supporters’ clubs- we have a chapter that meets at the Londoner in Uptown.
Hearing that Barca have made a £12 million plus Hleb and Caceres bid for Mascherano, who is reportedly neither in the lineup or on the bench today. I’ve seen a couple possible lineups- both have Torres and Agger starting.
yeah saw that on Masch
I’m also hoping Kuyt is convinced to stay, although i can’t imagine a move to Inter that worthwhile for him
can’t wait to watch this game….i recorded it and am going to watch as soon as i get home.
Hup Holland Hup
by Martijn1309 on Aug 23, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
interesting that hes on "strike"
what options does the team have regarding him now?
…also have to wonder how “injured” he was for the europa league stuff now, since that means he is still eligible for other European club competitions
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 Aug 23, 2010 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
i think he's gone
i wouldnt mind letting him go to Barca and bringing back Hleb inreturn. Whatever happens looks like its gonna be Lucas (sigh) for the time being
Hup Holland Hup
Yeah
I’m hearing that too- Sky Sports & Soccernet both reporting that he’s refusing to play, but I haven’t seen any confirmation from club sources yet, and he did miss the Europa League match Thursday with a minor injury, so it could be nothing more than that.
btw - here's a dang handy link I found at the Blue Moon forum
you just pick a team on the left and you get a decent list of articles and blog entries from their newsbot about the team you selected
LFC lineup
Starters: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Kuyt, Gerrard, Lucas, Jovanovic, Ngog, Torres
Subs: Jones, Babel, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Poulsen, Pacheco
Looks like a 4-4-2 with Torres and Ngog up front.
What in the hell is Mancini playing at?
This is a horrifically negative formation to play at home. Liverpool are going with a 4-4-2 with Lucas in a holding role by himself and Mancini’s not even going to exploit it.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 1:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
some thoughts
having Ade off the field means we’re gonna be 11 v 11 instead of 11 v 10 + Ade standing around looking bemused
Silva has not played that great, so swapping AJ for him is a step up from the past coupla games
Richards is a PK waiting to happen, so all the tracking back is welcome
Lescott should be okay defensively, but his wingback O stinks to high heaven – AJ and Milner should be able to cover LW better to make up for it
Silva and Ade are on the bench, but no Balo
When Mancini took over the team last winter he spent a few weeks throwing out different line-ups while doing eval – could be a little of that going on with all the new meat to start the season.
I wondered how he would handle Milner and Barry – he just starts ’em both! ha – a little team politics there possibly.
Hodgson on Masch pre-match
Heard that he said on the Sky broadcast that Masch isn’t playing because “his mind isn’t right.”
Game over.
Liverpool post-Mascherano look to be pretty toothless so far.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 3:19 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
So
Can everyone that said everything was going to be better with a good old English manager like Roy kindly shove it up their fucking ass?
Christ, I’m embarrassed to watch this club right now.
Even so.
Those mongoloid supporters of yours shouldn’t be chanting Rafa’s name. Terrible lack of class.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 3:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I take that back
Could’ve been City fans…can’t tell.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 3:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Rafa chants
Paul Tomkins, an LFC blogger (he’s pretty much the Liverpool version of Newberg) got confirmation today that it was the City fans chanting Rafa’s name.
During hafltime at the Blue Moon forum
I saw a good post saying that Liverpool were missing the time-and-space killing workrate they had under Rafa. Lower table teams will hustle their heads off against City and give us trouble, just like last season. It’s the top teams we always look great against because we have so much less ball pressure to overcome. Weird that.
Yeah
It just irritates me to hear the announcers and the press keep on with the “Liverpool just needed a proper English manager to come in and get rid of the negative defensive tactics,” when Hodgson was one of the few EPL managers who may have been just as defensive as Benitez. And never mind that English managers have won jack shit.
Hodgson’s a good guy, and we had a couple of tough matches to start out, but so far, I haven’t seen anything to convince me we’re at all improved from last season.
i avoided this thread all week, so i could watch the game fresh
man, liverpool looked like crap
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Gourcuff to Lyon.
I assume for some cut rate due to his WC disaster.
Lyon are pretty devastating when it comes to transfers.
by LiamP on Aug 23, 2010 5:09 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Sweet!
Soccernet says 22 million euros.
I liked the Briand signing too- he and Gourcuff are both pretty good on Football Manager.
I’m in my 10th season of my Lyon save on FM2010- they’re a fun team to play. Lots of talented youngsters, Ligue 1 is good enough to attract a fair amount of talent, and they can become a force in Europe with the right transfers. Soccernomics does a good job of laying out their transfer philosophy, and I’ve tried to adhere to it as much as possible on the game- yeah, there’s a lot of roster turnover, but I’ve made some serious bank, and won 2 Champions League titles in addition to a ton of domestic hardware.
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