Talk Football Here... - Part 1

[Mike]

Anyone going to watch the United - Burton game tonight?

Should be a brilliant game.

[Jay]

Yeah i am really it should be a easy win for us but its the fa cup

[Dan_]

I'll be watching, United had better put a strong side out this time. 0-0 last time.Go on Burton!

[Tanser_Man]

I can see it being a cricket score, either way its payday for Burton.

[scoobydo]

My team sunderland sre still getting nowhere:bawling::bawling:

[Mike]

Originally posted by scoobydo
My team sunderland sre still getting nowhere:bawling::bawling:

I think the championship is the best place for your team in all honesty, don't get me wrong last season you were brilliant and totally deserved promotion to the premiership but overall you only have a few players who are good enough for the premiership, its no ones fault your struggling though its just a case of attracting big name players to the club and thats going to be very hard when trying to compete against the big name clubs.

[sol]

does anyone think West Brom will survive the drop again this season??

[Dan_]

I think they might do if the teams near the bottom don't go on a good run.

Stevenage are meant to be signing ex-Leicester striker Jon Stevenson. This is him:http://www.cambridgecityfc.com/images/Reports/1stTeam04_05/CrawleyFAT05_02_05/Crawley1.jpg

[BigSister]

cool hair:joker:

[Mike]

Originally posted by sol
does anyone think West Brom will survive the drop again this season??

Strong chance, they have been playing alot better over the past couple of months.

They even won at Wigan last weekend which is a tough place to go to.

[BigSister]

I think they will survive well i hope so* crosses fingers*

[sol]

o god, Plymouth are playing Crewe tomorrow, if we lose or even draw im not going to be a happy bunny :mad:
if we lose or draw i think we will be relegated, it is now essential that we beat the teams below us :conf:

[InTheHood]

WBA have never been the same since Richard Sneekes left.

Hey, do Argyle have any Dutchmen playing these days?

[Z]

I'm looking forward to the Dons v DDU game today. Send the Tangerines down to Division 1 with their little friends Dundee. ^_^

[BB-Rocks]

I'm a celtic fan:thumbs:

[Dan_]

We lost 1-0 to Southport, they are bottom we were 3rd, absolute disgrace:mad:

[sol]

yesssssssssss

Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Plymouth Argyle :bigsmile: :hello:

i think Crewe have gone now, we needed that win :wink:

[Mike]

Oldham 2-0 Gillingham, very dissapointed with that result.

We just can't seem to win away from home.

[BigSister]

*hugs for Dan*
1-0 though:thumbs:

[Jay]

Aldershot 3-1 Halifax Great win for us all i need now is Man Utd to beat
Liverpool then its been a great weekend for me

[BigSister]

good result for me2 jamie

[Red Moon]

Southend Utd drew nil-nil and lost the top spot in Division 1. :o(

Well done to the rock solid defense that help the team achieve it's 10 game with out defeat. :o)

[SMC]

Big up Hull City..3-0 against Stoke yesterday..round of applause for the fantastic Boaz Myhill who saved two penalties for the Tigers..

[InTheHood]

SC Heerenveen 0-0 Sparta Rotterdam :rolleyes:

Middlesbrough 2-3 Wigan :rolleyes:

Hopefully Chelsea will win today, as Charlton have a way of capitulating come end of season, and they still need 3 or more wins.

Also The Glory Hunters hope to win against The Bin Dippers. I expect it to be a very dull game.

Ajax is currently behind to FC Twente Enschede, 2 to 1. I expect Feyenoord to win quite comfortably against Roda Kerkrade, and home wins too for NEC Nijmegen versus ADO Den Haag, and FC Utrecht against NAC of Breda.

[Siouxsie]

The black cats won at last :laugh::laugh:

[InTheHood]

Rio Ferdinand with a last minute winner.

van der Sar keeps a clean sheet :hello:

Van Nistelroij wasn't so much in the game, but it is a win for the Dutch lads :thumbs:

[Mike]

Lol totally against the run of play and they win, makes me laugh..

Good goal from Rio.

[InTheHood]

It probably was against the run of play, but Liverpool are so dull to watch, they deserve little more.

Shabby Alonso overhits everything, and although Liverpool's defensive record is very good, they don't have a top drawer striker. Cisse is in and out, Crouch is a giraffe, Morientes is not the player he was.

I feel sorry for Jan Kromkamp, he only played for a few seconds before they conceded. He is a good player, better than Finnan, and will be a very good player for them.

[CharlotteSometimes]

There's no 'probably' about it, manure were thoroughly humiliated on their own ground. Their crown hasn't just slipped, it's fallen off and sunk into the abyss. We're clearly massively superior to them now, and they'll be looking at UEFA Cup football for the foreseeable future. Liverpool were dull to watch a manager ago, but that's not the case under Rafa at all.

Alonso is the most accurate passer of the ball in Europe, but actually watching the games is necessary to appreciate that point, of course. The striker situation will be sorted out in the summer. Owen will be falling over himself to return to Anfield, Cisse's days in a red shirt are numbered, and Mellor will no doubt prove the talent we've only glimpsed so far with his spell on loan at Wigan. Le Tallec is also playing well on loan this season, and there are few strikers in the Premiership at the moment that could match Pongolle's ability - his lack of height in the box is his only real flaw.

Kromkamp is nowhere near Finnan's standard at the moment. A handful of international caps and some experience of playing in a weak league makes that pretty obvious. Whether he proves worthy of a regular start at some point in the future remains to be seen, but he's got quite some way to go yet.

Liverpool are building, manure are crumbling. And it's a pleasure to see. :bouncy:

[Jay]

Great win for us against Liverpool and what a header by rio in the last minute

[Mike]

Can't believe Rio has scored 3 goals this season, usually he can't hit a barn door..

[Jay]

Yeah i no he scored no goals in 4 years then suddenly he has got 3 in 8

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by jamie2cool

Great win for us against Liverpool and what a header by rio in the last minute

LOL! A 'great win' would be 3 - 0 or something, not a last-ditch fluke gifted to you by a dodgy substitute. The fact that the only voices that could be heard inside the ground throughout the match were Scouse says it all, really.

[Jay]

It don't matter if it was a fluke or not or if it was in the first minute or the last minute the point is we got the 3 points

[CharlotteSometimes]

The term 'great win' isn't flexible. 'We fluked that by the skin of our teeth' would be a far more accurate description. Being outplayed on your own ground by your biggest rivals is nothing to be proud of, and regardless of the result, the bragging rights from that match went home on a coach along the East Lancs Road.

[Jay]

It was a great win beating a Liverpool team who had gone 12 games with out loosing

[CharlotteSometimes]

Okay Jamie, but I prefer Carlos Queiroz' post-match comments, which were frankly hilarious:

"We knew that by giving them the apparent control of the game we were able to create more space to find the right moments to damage them." (Ceefax North West, page 391).

So they weren't played off the park at all really, they were just pretending. :bouncy:

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by jamie2cool
It don't matter if it was a fluke or not or if it was in the first minute or the last minute the point is we got the 3 points

Exactly. And it's what great sides are made of, getting 3 points when they don't play that well.

It had nothing to do with Liverpool playing well, they didn't, both teams were pretty poor.

Liverpool did it in the 80's, when they were a good footballing side, Arsenal and the famous 1-0's in the 90's, Utd in the 90's, and Chelsea seem to be doing it these days sometimes too.

Don;t let any bitter fans stop you enjoying the 3 points :wink:

[InTheHood]

Barcelona beat Alaves 2-0, another penalty for Barca, this time Ronaldinho missed.

Great game between Sociedad and Bilbao, 3-3! Aduritz got his 1st 2 Bilbao goals in his second spell at the club.

Luca Toni got 2 more for Fiorentina. 21 in 21 this season!! What a record. He'll probably move on in the summer, Bayern Munich were interested, we shall see.

Anyone watching African Nations cup?

Francileudo Santos scored a great hat-trick for Tunisia against Zambia! Zambia led 1-0, and Guinea won 2-0 against South Africa.

Nigeria v Ghana today as well as Zimbabwe v Senegal.

A whole host of sides could win this tournament, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt.

Been entertaining so far, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast would make a great final.

[InTheHood]

Hey.....Man City fan, whoever you were.....:joker:

Everton have joined the race for Samaras....only 8 days to hold onto him :bored:

If he goes, we'll be left with rubbish up front :bored:

14/15 million Euros, and no-one to spend it on :bored:

[InTheHood]

Abel Xavier sacked by Boro. Amazes me how Rio, Mutu and the 2 kids at the Youth World Cup get less, and 3 of those 4 were guilty admissions.

Gary Neville in trouble for celebrating in front of Liverpool fans. Bit of a silly thing to do, but when people are chanting rude things about your wife, understandable. Gerrard did it against Everton, Ronaldo did it v Everton. Not clever but can understand the delight.

Reto Ziegler called back from loan at Hamburg, only to be loaned out to Wigan.

Fiorentina sign Ajax keeper Bogdan Labont

A few more I have C&P'd

Newcastle will appoint a director of football to operate above Graeme Souness if he refuses to resign in the next 24 hours. (News of the World)

Roy Keane will be asked to make another international comeback by Ireland boss Steve Staunton. (News of the World)

Bolton have ruled out a permanent move for Japan midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, who is on loan. (Various)

Blackburn want on-loan Arsenal midfielder David Bentley on a full-time contract.(News of the World)

Manchester United's injury-hit striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been offered a new £2m deal. (Various)

Man City's Robbie Fowler is visiting a top German specialist to save his career. (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has been given six months to clean up his act or face the boot. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has rejected a £4.5m move to struggling Middlesbrough and will be rewarded with a new contract. (Sunday Mirror)

Middlesbrough have made an inquiry after Barcelona's out of contract utility man Gabri. (News of the World)

Newcastle's injury-plagued midfielder Kieron Dyer could return to first-team action next month. (The People)

Crystal Palace are set to make a bid for Birmingham's Aussie winger Stan Laziridis. (Various)

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a summer swoop for Bordeaux's 21-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh. (News of the World)

Aston Villa are the subject of a takeover bid by Norwegian businessman Peter Vidmar. (Sunday Mirror)

Norwich are keen to sign Coventry City's 23-year-old striker Gary McSheffrey. (The People)

Portsmouth want to sign Senegal defender Souleymane Diawara from French club Sochaux. (The People)

Blackburn's 35-year-old Turkish midfielder Tugay has been offered the chance to finish his career at Gulf State club Qatar SC. (The People)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is planning a £1.8m move for Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown. (The People)

Charlton are considering a move for unsettled Aston Villa left-back JLloyd Samuel. (The People)

Everton want to sign Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka on loan for the rest of the season. (The People)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Premiership rivals midfielder Kieran Richardson is not for sale. (Sunday Express)

Blackburn are set to offer a six-month contract to Uruguayan midfielder Gonzalo de los Santos. (Daily Star)

Bolton midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha could leave the Reebok at the end of the season to play in Qatar. (Daily Star)

[Legend]

:bawling::bawling::bawling::bawling: absolutely guttered about that yesterday.

Stupid ****in rio :mad: lol. Man u always win in the last minute. Couldn't belive it.

:mad: lol.

[Jay]

Originally posted by Legend
:bawling::bawling::bawling::bawling: absolutely guttered about that yesterday.

Stupid ****** rio :mad: lol. Man u always win in the last minute. Couldn't belive it.

:mad: lol.

Yeah i no Ant i thought it was going to be 0-0 then all of a sudden Rio pops up and gives us 3 points

[Legend]

Yeah well i mean use did need those 3 points after your DEFEAT by Man City :xyxwave:

[Jay]

You nearly won it just a shame your best chance fell to Cisse

[Z]

On the plus side...

Aberdeen 1-1 Dundee Utd.

I'm thinking of investing in a time machine so I know whether or not to turn up at games. It sucks, because we go on a run of drawing, then a great win against a good team, then back to the boring medium with losses sprinkled here and there.

We need a good winning run!

[Mike]

Do you go to many games Ziola? i'm guessing you have a season ticket...

[Z]

Of course I do! ^_^

Have been going regularly for 5 years. Went to most games for a year before that. Before that, I just went to the occasional cup tie. So I've been watching pro footie for about 7/8 years? Probably around the age of 6 or 7. In that time I haven't ever been entertained as much as I was the time Aberdeen came from 2-0 down against Motherwell last season, and drew 2-2. Darren Mackie just back from injury, scores a wicked goal + then a penalty.

Other than that, no outstanding memories really. I go to about 1/4 of all away games in a season. Normally the games against Dundee United (and when they were in the SPL, Dundee). Sometimes went to Hearts/Hibs.

Never ever been to Celtic or Rangers because my dad won't let me. Really violent atmosphere down there, I've never fancied going.

[sol]

Plymouth are "spending" one of two games in hand tomorrow evening.
They are playing Leicester, restarting the game that was abandoned down at Home Park due to a flooded pitch, if anyone has seen the table recently, you will know that this is a very important game for Plymouth, when the game was abandoned we were winning 1-0 at half-time :mad:
Lets hope we can go do the same tomorrow - wish the Pilgrims luck :thumbs: - they'll need it :laugh:

[InTheHood]

Sol, looks like Plymouth may sign Odejayi from Cheltenham :spin:

Martin Latka of Slavia Praha is on trial at Boro. One of the best young players in Czech Republic :spin:

Arsenal want Ronald Zubar. Just amazes me it's taken this long for someone to make a serious attempt to sign him, as the boy is quality.

[sol]

Originally posted by InTheHood
Sol, looks like Plymouth may sign Odejayi from Cheltenham :spin:

Martin Latka of Slavia Praha is on trial at Boro. One of the best young players in Czech Republic :spin:

Arsenal want Ronald Zubar. Just amazes me it's taken this long for someone to make a serious attempt to sign him, as the boy is quality.

sorry, transfers is never an aspect of football im hot on - who is this guy? any good? what position?
oh and in response to your question, inthehood, i dont know if Plymouth have any players from Holland? not sure, most are English :thumbs:

[InTheHood]

Odejayi is a striker. Age 23 7 goals in 28, hardly a great record for League 2, but 270,000 apparently

Just looked at squad, no Dutch players. An Icelandic, Swede, Hungarian, Portuguese and 3 French.

Odejayi is English.

[sol]

Originally posted by InTheHood
Odejayi is a striker. Age 23 7 goals in 28, hardly a great record for League 2, but 270,000 apparently

Just looked at squad, no Dutch players. An Icelandic, Swede, Hungarian, Portuguese and 3 French.

Odejayi is English.

well atleast hes a striker - if we can win at Leicester tomorrow then we will go 16th, well clear of the relegation zone :dance:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by InTheHood

Exactly. And it's what great sides are made of, getting 3 points when they don't play that well.

It had nothing to do with Liverpool playing well, they didn't, both teams were pretty poor.

Except that they aren't a great side any more.

Liverpool played them off the park, so if they didn't play well, what does that say about the home team?

[EugeneSully]

oooo this is interesting!! Nice to see some footie goss squeezed into the forum.... (Sorry I have nothing to say about football, I was just saying this is a good idea)

From Steph

[Dan_]

Stevenage signed Adam Miller from QPR today :hello:

[Mike]

West Ham 2-1 Fulham

Tomas Repka got a great farewell.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by sol

well atleast hes a striker - if we can win at Leicester tomorrow then we will go 16th, well clear of the relegation zone :dance:

Leicester are struggling this year, very strange.

Will be a tough match.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes


Except that they aren't a great side any more.

Liverpool played them off the park, so if they didn't play well, what does that say about the home team?

van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Heinze, Ronaldo, Rooney, van Nistelroij....pretty good base. And with Gattuso, Ballack and Diarra all lined up......

It tells me it was one match, Liverpool were poor, United were poor and it also tells me that Serie A and La Liga are well ahead of EPL, as they always have been in the last 20 years.

Oh and Chelsea are by far the best team in England, which isn't neccesarily good for the game, but it's up to the rest to catch up.

In other news, Beto has left Sporting Club of Lisbon for Bordeaux, and Benfica have signed Academica's skilful striker Marcel on loan for the remainder of the season.

Nigeria beat Ghana 1-0 in African Cup, along with Senegal beating Zimbabwe 2-0.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by EugeneSully
oooo this is interesting!! Nice to see some footie goss squeezed into the forum.... (Sorry I have nothing to say about football, I was just saying this is a good idea)

From Steph

:xyxwave:

Maybe you should take up football as an interest :shocked:

From Hoodie :wink:

[InTheHood]

Almost forgot, Tottenham have joined the running to sign Nigel de Jong. He is a great player and will do well in England.

Chelsea also want Feyenoord Trio, Jonathan De Guzman, Dirk Kuijt and Salomon Kalou.....just to strengthen :spin:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by InTheHood

van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Heinze, Ronaldo, Rooney, van Nistelroij....pretty good base. And with Gattuso, Ballack and Diarra all lined up......

It tells me it was one match, Liverpool were poor, United were poor
Oh and Chelsea are by far the best team in England, which isn't neccesarily good for the game, but it's up to the rest to catch up.

One midfield player, with no central midfield at all doesn't seem like much of a base to me. Keane's absence from the team has affected them as much as Vierra's has Arsenal. Vidic is in no way proven, Evra has had a shocking start in the Premiership so far, Ferdinand is as much of a liability as he is an asset, and Heinze is out for the rest of the season. Ballack has said he doesn't want to play here, and I doubt anyone other than Chelski would be prepared to pay either the transfer fee or his wages, anyway.

Liverpool weren't poor at all. The finishing was bad, but a team that dominates a game, especially away from home against supposedly one of the best teams in Europe, quite clealy has not played poorly at all. It may make manure fans sleep easier to suggest that there wasn't much in it, but they were out-played at home by the team they see as their biggest rivals. Yes, they took the three points. But they were well beaten as a team, and they know it.

It's hardly surprising, given that the only thing stopping them from cherry-picking the world's best talent is that a few have morals and have refused the offer of huge wage packets to sit on the bench or play for the reserves.

[Slartibartfast]

It's all about who puts the ball in the back of the net, and on this occasion it was Man Utd. How I tired of hearing that from my arsenal supporting mates after last seasons FA Cup final (and even then that was only on penalties).

But Liverpool were poor overall. They had a vastly superior midfield, and yet Gerrard and Alonso were keep relatively quiet by a makeshift central midfield featuring Giggsy, a winger and O'Shea, a player who no-one knows where he should play. Even when O'Shea came off at half-time, the three man midfield still coped well. The problem I have is that Man Utd should not be a team who have a midfield who can "cope" with teams. We should have a midfield which teams are **** scared of.

Looking at the lineup at kick-off, I honestly expected Liverpool to give us the whipping that the scousers have longed for. Thankfully, due to Utd's hard work and Liverpools rubbish forward line, it didn't happen. With the team Liverpool had out compared to the Utd team, and with Liverpools dominance of possession in the game, Liverpool should have won the game and they know it.

As a "manure" fan, I'm sleeping easy with our three points in the bag. The troubled sleepers should be the scousers, who had a better team, dominated the game and still couldn't win.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast

It's all about who puts the ball in the back of the net, and on this occasion it was Man Utd. How I tired of hearing that from my arsenal supporting mates after last seasons FA Cup final (and even then that was only on penalties).

But Liverpool were poor overall. They had a vastly superior midfield, and yet Gerrard and Alonso were keep relatively quiet by a makeshift central midfield featuring Giggsy, a winger and O'Shea, a player who no-one knows where he should play. Even when O'Shea came off at half-time, the three man midfield still coped well. The problem I have is that Man Utd should not be a team who have a midfield who can "cope" with teams. We should have a midfield which teams are **** scared of.

Looking at the lineup at kick-off, I honestly expected Liverpool to give us the whipping that the scousers have longed for. Thankfully, due to Utd's hard work and Liverpools rubbish forward line, it didn't happen. With the team Liverpool had out compared to the Utd team, and with Liverpools dominance of possession in the game, Liverpool should have won the game and they know it.

As a "manure" fan, I'm sleeping easy with our three points in the bag. The troubled sleepers should be the scousers, who had a better team, dominated the game and still couldn't win.

Vidic and Evra will prove excellent buys and United will buy 2 quality midfielders in the summer. Still the 2nd best team in England, no doubt.

[Z]

..And Aberdeen still have no money. Yay.

[Dan_]

We drew 1-1 with Woking, sounds like we were well and truly robbed. Stamp scored for us after great build up play from Miller and Gregory but one of our ex-players Craig MCallister scored on a breakaway :mad:

[Mike]

Wigan go through in extra time against Arsenal.

Jason Roberts is a right handful, hes having a great season.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast

But Liverpool were poor overall.

with Liverpools dominance of possession in the game, Liverpool should have won the game and they know it.

No further comment needed. :thumbs:

[InTheHood]

Wigan :hello:

[InTheHood]

Heerenveen have signed 18 year old American kid, Michael Bradley.

He looks a decent prospect. Saw him play twice for the Metrostars in 2005, a central midfielder :thumbs:

[SMC]

Originally posted by InTheHood
Heerenveen have signed 18 year old American kid, Michael Bradley.

He looks a decent prospect. Saw him play twice for the Metrostars in 2005, a central midfielder :thumbs:

wow..the MLS is a poor league, bit of a risk if you ask me

[Z]

The league is poor but you can find some really good players there.

[InTheHood]

MLS is poor, but some good youngsters right now.

18 years of age with a small fee is not too much risk.

Unfortunately, we don't have money like all the big teams, well we have around 10 million Euros which is only because Huntelaar was sold to Ajax.

[InTheHood]

Man Utd must find £12M to land Osasuna kid Raul

The buyout clause of Osasuna midfielder Raul Garcia has been increased from £10 million to £12 million.

Osasuna confirmed the increase yesterday, which came after Raul completed his 20th pro game for the club on the weekend.

The 19 year-old is tied to Osasuna until 2009 and has Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona all keeping tabs on his progress this season.

United chief scout Martin Ferguson was again in Spain on Sunday to watch Raul play against Villarreal at the Madrigal

-----------------------------------

Raul Garcia is a super player. Only 19. I was sure he was going to Real Madrid, but now, who knows.

[sol]

Plymouth 1 Leicester 0 :dance:

Look at the table now:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/table/default.stm

well clear of the relegation zone :thumbs:

[InTheHood]

Nice draw for Holland :dance:

[Slartibartfast]

England have got such an easy group, ggrrrr, I hate the england national side. Some awkward games cos of the travelling but no real quality opposition.

And we (Northern Ireland) are stuck with Spain, Sweden and Denmark!! :bored: Looks like another euro tournament where I'll have to support a team other than my home country. The dutch look likely to qualify and they're always one of my fave teams.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast

The dutch look likely to qualify and they're always one of my fave teams.

:thumbs:

Good luck against Sweden, Denmark and Spain. Not a nice draw that one :bored:

[Slartibartfast]

I'll be putting a smallish bet on Holland in the 2006 WC this summer, so your boys had better do good Inthehood!

Only problem I have is that, aside from Northern Ireland, my two world cup favourites are usually the dutch and the argies, and they're in the same group! I'll go for the dutch, as the argentina side is bit of a shambles at the moment, their coach doesn't seem too sure what his best team or his best players are.

C'mon Holland!!!

[James]

Nice easy draw for Scotland. :wink:

France, Italy, Ukraine, Lithuania, Georgia and the Faroe Islands.

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast
I'll be putting a smallish bet on Holland in the 2006 WC this summer, so your boys had better do good Inthehood!

Only problem I have is that, aside from Northern Ireland, my two world cup favourites are usually the dutch and the argies, and they're in the same group! I'll go for the dutch, as the argentina side is bit of a shambles at the moment, their coach doesn't seem too sure what his best team or his best players are.

C'mon Holland!!!

Dangerous!!!!!!

It's a case of which players disrupt the team this time!

Not to mention the group is :mad: Argentina are main rivals, but Ivory Coast are a very good side, possibly the best in Africa right now, and Serbia are no mugs, they beat Spain to qualification.

[Slartibartfast]

Ivory Coast and Serbia Montenegro had great qualifying campaigns and I'd forgotten they were in holland's group. :shocked:

Still, I'll stick with holland cos I lost 30 quid on them in euro 2004 so they owe me!

[InTheHood]

Well, we got a favourable draw for Euro 2008, as UEFA/FIFA owed us one :dance:

I dread the group, the two that go through could go quite far, although Portugal are likely to await one of the qualifiers :blush2:

[Razmataz]

BREAKING NEWS.

Fowler Back at Liverpool

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by Gladders_16
BREAKING NEWS.

Fowler Back at Liverpool

:joker: Big step forward :joker:

[InTheHood]

Nigel de Jong on way to Hamburger SV to link up with van der Vaart :thumbs:

[InTheHood]

West Ham and Portsmouth hope to sign Pele, although this is a Portuguese version, a defender.

Birmingham want Swede Max Von Schlebrugge.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Gladders_16

BREAKING NEWS.

Fowler Back at Liverpool

Thanks very much for posting that. It's been whispered about here for the last few months now, but everyone thought it was pretty unlikely. But it's superb news - nobody ever wanted him to go in the first place. He's lost pace as a result of some very nasty injuries that would've caused many others to retire, but he's proved even in the last few weeks that he's still got the ability. Seeing that headline on our home page brought a tear to my eye. Robbie Fowler - the most natural goalscorer in the history of the Premiership, back where he belongs. It's a shame he wasn't here a tad earlier to play his part last weekend, but it's an absolute pleasure to know that I'll be able to watch Robbie from The Kop in a red shirt again very soon. I'm almost hoping for a draw on Sunday now, simply because it would mean a replay at Anfield.

WELCOME HOME, GOD!!! :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy:



EDIT: In all the excitement, I forgot he's cup-tied. :bored:

[InTheHood]

Edit: Original Poster noticed their error.

Ziola - Aberdeen sign Neil MacFarlane from Hearts. Any views on the signing?

[Dan_]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
Originally posted by Gladders_16

BREAKING NEWS.

Fowler Back at Liverpool

Thanks very much for posting that. It's been whispered about here for the last few months now, but everyone thought it was pretty unlikely. But it's superb news - nobody ever wanted him to go in the first place. He's lost pace as a result of some very nasty injuries that would've caused many others to retire, but he's proved even in the last few weeks that he's still got the ability. Seeing that headline on our home page brought a tear to my eye. Robbie Fowler - the most natural goalscorer in the history of the Premiership, back where he belongs. It's a shame he wasn't here a tad earlier to play his part last weekend, but it's an absolute pleasure to know that I'll be able to watch Robbie from The Kop in a red shirt again very soon. I'm almost hoping for a draw on Sunday now, simply because it would mean a replay at Anfield.

WELCOME HOME, GOD!!! :bouncy: :bouncy: :bouncy:



EDIT: In all the excitement, I forgot he's cup-tied. :bored:

God is back :hello:. He showed in the last couple of weeks that he can finish and he can still play a good role at the club. I've still got the picture of him holding the FA cup and a Fowler scarf, they are coming back out of the loft.

I'm shocked but happy, welcome back Robbie :dance:

[InTheHood]

Liverpool are poised to follow up the capture of Robbie Fowler with the signing of Deportivo La Coruna winger Victor.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has made no secret of his desire to bring in a winger during the January transfer window and had been linked with a host of names.

Benitez has seen moves for Atletico Madrid's Luciano Galletti and Benfica's Simao Sabrosa hit the rocks, prompting the Spaniard to switch his attentions across La Primera to Depor.

The Reds are close to striking an accord with Depor and Victor has not made the trip to Madrid for the weekend clash with Atletico.

Victor, who has recently returned to fitness following a thigh injury, is expected to head to Merseyside on Sunday to discuss terms and undergo a medical.

A three-and-a-half-year deal is set to be put on the table and Benitez will hope to wrap up the transfer before the window slams shut on Tuesday.

Victor has class in abundance, having turned out for Real Madrid in the past, and Benitez will hope the 29-year-old can add some attacking thrust to his side.

[InTheHood]

Heerenveen sign Jakub Poulsen from Esbjerg

[InTheHood]

Heerenveen travel to RBC Roosendaal today.

They are bottom with 0 wins and just 5 draws from 21 games this season, and we beat them 2-0 at Abe Lenstra stadium this season already.

Why am I having bad thoughts? :sad:

Boro travel to Coventry in FA Cup. Schwarzer is back in goal, with the erratic Bradley Jones out.

Again, bad thoughts....:sad:

[Dan_]

Coventry won 6-1 last week so they will be very confident.

Anyone going to watching the Cheltenham vs Newcastle game in a couple of hours?

Stevenage are playing Tamworth away today, they were distracted with the FA Cup but seem to be doing better now they are out of it, we are pretty poor away from home this season but we have signed 4 new players in the transfer window, I really hope we can win today.

[InTheHood]

Boro lost 0-7 the other week, and confidence is low :sleep:

Will watch Cheltenham, think Newcastle will win 3-0, but would hope Cheltenham give them a good game.

[Mike]

I'll definately be watching the Cheltenham v Newcastle game, should be a good one.

I love FA Cup weekend, no doubt there will be an upset somewhere over the weekend.

[InTheHood]

Yes, Middlesbrough will score.

[Dan_]

I'm going for Cheltenham 1-1 Newcastle, Stevenage got a draw with them a few years back and so can Chelts.

[Red Moon]

Southend beat Swindon 2 - nil last night :hello:

With goals from Luke Guttridge and Mark Gower we went back to the top of the League One!

And with Colchester not playing again until 4th going to be there for the week!

[InTheHood]

Boro drew 1-1. Will take that considering how bad been playing lately.

Heerenveen kick off 6.30

:joker: @ Sunderland (sorry scooby)

[BB-Rocks]

Celtic drew 3 each with Dundee!!:mad: They jsut scored right at the end!

[Siouxsie]

Got beat by Brentford utter rubbish out of the cup final :sad::sad::sad::sad:

[InTheHood]

RBC 0-2 SC Heerenveen :bouncy: (Bruggink and Hansson) :bouncy:

[sol]

Originally posted by scooby
Got beat by Brentford utter rubbish out of the cup final :sad::sad::sad::sad:

did they! Last i saw it was 1-1, what was the final score scoobs?

[BigSister]

it was 2-1 to Brentford Sol

[sol]

Originally posted by BigSister
it was 2-1 to Brentford Sol

well done Brentford, how embarassing Sunderland :blush:


If Plymouth had beaten Wolves in the last round, they would be playing Man U tomorrow :mad:

[Siouxsie]

so embarrasing i have to go to work and listen to all the mags (Newcastle supporters) slagging us black cats off (Think i will support the black and whiters next season lol:rolleyes::rolleyes::shocked::shocked::shocked:

[InTheHood]

:sad: Samaras was dropped from Heerenveen squad tonight, after we accepted a £6m bid from Man City :sad:

Good Luck in Manchester Georgios :sad:

So that's about £17m Euros to spend in 2 days, not gonna happen. Hopefully it will be an active summer :thumbs: :spin:

[Jay]

Not a good day for me one of my teams Aldershot were beaten 5-1

[Z]

Dons 2 Killie 2.

And yet again, we should have won. :mad:

Brilliant goal from Nicholson, sheer class. First time I've ever spilt a drink over a goal!! Lol!

Anderson's goal was decent as well. Soft penalty they got, but their second was good. *sigh*

Should have scored at the end, Smith cleared 5 players before hitting the ball into the keeper's hands. Ah well.

[InTheHood]

Man Utd opening up Wolves at will. Vidic is super on the ball. Just wait until he gets used to pace in England.

Samaras deal to Man City is almost done :sad:

[CharlotteSometimes]

F.A. Cup 5th. Round Draw


Preston/C. Palace vs. Coventry/M'brough

Newcastle vs. Southampton

Aston Villa vs. Man City

Everton/Chelski vs. Colchester

Charlton vs. Brentford

Liverpool vs. Man Utd.

Bolton vs. West Ham

Stoke vs. Reading/Birmingham



That will do us nicely! :bouncy:

[InTheHood]

Liverpool v Man Utd had to happen, I thought it would after last week, and it has.

Middlesbrough, if they get through replay, away again!

[Slartibartfast]

Sweet, a 5th round tie with the Pool!!! I'd have preferred it to be the final but Utd have a decent record at Anfield, and these are the kinds of game that make the FA Cup!! Another chance to play Liverpool in the season just gives me another chance to rub our inevitable victory in their faces :devil:

Bring it on!!!!!:spin:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Boasting pre-match about the likely result is something I'm always wary of. But suffice to say that realists know which is the better team, and that's the eleven who will be wearing red shirts at 12.30pm on February 18th. Personally, I'd have preferred a tougher draw, such as Villa, Bolton, or Man. City.

[BigSister]

as most of you know Accrington won 3-1

[jrc]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast
Sweet, a 5th round tie with the Pool!!! I'd have preferred it to be the final but Utd have a decent record at Anfield, and these are the kinds of game that make the FA Cup!! Another chance to play Liverpool in the season just gives me another chance to rub our inevitable victory in their faces :devil:

Bring it on!!!!!:spin:
You may have beaten us in the league, but rest assured, Liverpool will be the team in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup, not United.

[InTheHood]

Whilst you all try and earn bragging rights in Europes 3rd league with your big clubs, my poor Heerenveen, in Europes 7th League, have pulled off a major signing today.

Mark De Vries on loan from Leicester :sad: :bored: :blush:

[sol]

Plymouth v Southampton :shocked:

[Razmataz]

Joey Barton :nono:

He got booed....a great way to install confidence i predict we might lose this game...I know he slashed his loyalty but seriously you need to keep the confidence in him.:thumbs:

C'MON CITY.

[InTheHood]

At HT

:joker: @ Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd :joker: Two losing, 1 being held by 3rd bottom team with 10 men.

Without Chelsea, the EPL isn't very good this year is it :joker:

Nobody wants 2nd/3rd etc :joker:

Expect they will all come back and claim something, but someone please challenge Chelsea next year :blush:

[Razmataz]

Manchester City...:tongue:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Souness has finally been sacked by Newcastle. Inevitable perhaps, but who will replace him? They've spent a serious amount of cash recently, and that sort of investment doesn't fit with an internal promotion. Still, Shearer as player manager doesn't seem too outrageous an idea.

[Slartibartfast]

Shearer would probably give the club the lift it desperately needs, but I'm not sure if he's allowed to manage. As fas as I know, if a manager resigns or sacks, anyone can be elected to fill in as a stop gap but only for a maximum of 8 weeks (i think). After that, any new manager should have the required managing and coaching qualifications. I'm not sure how it works with a player/manager though.

On a side note, what a night of awful defending from the "top" teams we witnessed on wednesday night. Defensive mistakes from englands "top" defenders; Rio, Campbell, Brown and Terry (did his usual "I'm a goalkeeper" routine in the box and got away with it again) and a defensive slip up from Liverpool as well. Provided great football entertainment and the 4-3 Blackburn v Utd game which I watched was one of the best games I watched in ages despite the crappy result for us.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Chelski vs. Liverpool tomorrow, 4pm. Any predictions? We've been a little patchy of late. We dominated manure but failed to make our constant pressure count, and should've taken Birmingham apart, playing against ten men for an hour. But Chelski are like Arsenal under George Graham at the moment - they play extremely dull and passionless football. Stop Robben and you've eliminated most of their drive in one go, as so much of their attacking play is down to him. But this is one of those matches, similar to a derby, in which current form doesn't seem to come into it. Not so long ago, Chelski were a frightening prospect, but that's certainly not the case this season. We're one of the few teams that know how to nullify them, and the midfield battle generally goes our way. They have probably the world's greatest goalie at the moment, and their attack is certainly more potent than ours right now. Still, they're not likely to get as many scoring opportunities against us as they would when playing most other teams. I can't see there being many goals, but I'll go for Liverpool winning either 1 - 0 or 2 - 1 (Gerrard & Fowler).

[Jay]

I think Liverpool will get a point against Chelsea can't see them beating Chelsea not at Stamford bridge anyway

[Slartibartfast]

A point at best for Liverpool. It'll be the usual domination of midfield from Liverpool but with their poor forward line they'll struggle to score against Chelski's very tight defence. Maybe Fowler will make the difference for them up front, but honestly I can't see it. 1-0 Chelsea

[Dan_]

I think it will be a tight game, the last couple of times that we have played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge it's been a 0-0 draw so I'll go for another draw but 1-1 this time with Duff scoring for Chelsea and a goal from Garica for Liverpool.

Stevenage won 2-1 against Aldershot yesterday and it was a really good game, I'm suprised that Aldershot are as low down as 14th as they played some good stuff at times and it was a tight game. Good result for us though.

[Jay]

Originally posted by BB fernzy
I think it will be a tight game, the last couple of times that we have played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge it's been a 0-0 draw so I'll go for another draw but 1-1 this time with Duff scoring for Chelsea and a goal from Garica for Liverpool.

Stevenage won 2-1 against Aldershot yesterday and it was a really good game, I'm suprised that Aldershot are as low down as 14th as they played some good stuff at times and it was a tight game. Good result for us though.

Yeah i was surprised how well we reacted after going a goal down against Stevenage

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by BB fernzy

I think it will be a tight game, the last couple of times that we have played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge it's been a 0-0 draw so I'll go for another draw but 1-1 this time with Duff scoring for Chelsea and a goal from Garica for Liverpool.

I'm only listening to the game on the radio at the moment, but much the same as in our last few matches, we've been the better team yet failed to put our chances away and then suffered a sucker-punch. I'm very surprised that GOD didn't even travel with the rest of the team. I wasn't too fussed to see Warnock start in a match as big as this, I'd rather Hamann (who's not even in the squad today) was in the centre instead of Sissoko, and would've preferred to see Garcia start the game rather than being on the bench.

[Dan_]

Riise off Garcia on, bit of an odd change and Riise'se gone off sulking.

I'm not sure about Crouch being the main striker on his own, would much rather have Fowler up there with him.

[CharlotteSometimes]

It's awkward when you're listening on the radio and can't see what's going on, but I can scarcely remember hearing Kewell's name mentioned throughout the first half. Perhaps he would've been a better option for the substitution.

[Dan_]

2-0 down and Reina sent off, not a good day.

[James]

Liverpool played well until Chelsea scored. Chelsea dominated the second half.

Scottish Cup yesterday... Hibs beating us 3-0. Dear-oh-dear.

[Mike]

What happend to your lot yesterday James? i know Hibs are a pretty decent team now but 3-0 at Ibrox was shocking.

[James]

Missed chances in the first half, and then in the second couldn't defend at all.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by BB fernzy

2-0 down and Reina sent off, not a good day.

From the radio commentary, it was blatant play-acting from Robben that led to Reina's sending off. John Aldridge was going absolutely nuts about it in fact, and he noted how much a part of Chelski's game that sort thing has become. Apparently, John Terry threw himself on the floor earlier on in a challenge with Garcia, of all people. As it was a straight red card, there'll be no opportunity for us to appeal against what seems to have been an incorrect decision, and we'll not have Reina available for three games now. It would be nice to think that the F.A. will take action against Robben for unsporting conduct or whatever, but it's highly unlikely to happen. We deserved at least a draw from this match.

Rafa has just been saying in his after-match interview that he needs to rush off to hospital now to visit Robben, as he's obviously seriously injured. At least that managed to put a smile back on my face.

[Mike]

Great result for us, got to admit we were totally out played in the first half but second half came out and gave a first class performance. As far as the Reina sending off goes yes Robben was definately play acting but what the hell was Reina making that sort of tackle for, i mean the ball was running out of play yet he still took Gudjohnsen clean out.

[CharlotteSometimes]

I won't get to see that until MOTD2 is on later tonight, but he wasn't penalised for the Gudjohnsen incident. I've just heard Terry being interviewed on the radio (I think by Sky Sports) and he was cracking on as though it had been a walkover - until it was pointed out to him that we were the better team in the first half. It would've been nice if he'd had the decency to admit that his team were lucky to take the three points.

[InTheHood]

Liverpool were better team first half, but didn't come out in the 2nd. They need 2 new strikers in the summer, to replace the plums they have at the moment. Crouch will never score enough goals, Cisse is pants, Fowler we'll see, Morientes doesn't suit the English game, they are completely toothless up front. 1 shot on target in 2 games @ Chelsea and Manchester United, is not good enough for wannabee champions.

Reina was a complete fool and deserved to go, Robben was moaning all game and made the most of Reina's stupidity. I'm also sick of seeing the likes of Kewell, Xabi Alosno and Terry trying to get players booked/sent off every game.

Chelsea have a good squad, Liverpool.....well, they have been very lucky with injuries, I don't think they have too many, so we can't talk about their squad, but stay injury free and they will fight to the end for 2nd.

I'm not sure who they gave MOM too, but any of Chelsea backline could have got it, Crespo did well enough, and had a perfectly good goal chalked off (2nd disallowed goal)

For me, between Gallas and Carvalho.........i'll give it Gallas as he scored too (What were 6 Liverpool defenders doing going for the same ball!!!!! 6?!!?!?!?!)

Heerenveen won 3-0 :colour: Nilsson got a treble :spin2:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Crouch has proved that he is capable of scoring at his previous clubs, but he's done little to justify his signing for me. He should be an ideal target man, but he's not done anything worthwhile in that capacity so far. I don't want Cisse at Liverpool. He's never impressed me in any game I've seen, and regardless of his record in the French league, he's simply not good enough for a club of our stature. Pongolle and Mellor are far more attractive striking options for me, and I think letting them both go out on loan was poor judgement. Is there another Premiership team that has as many players loaned out to clubs in the same league as us? I certainly can't think of any.

Well we know that you're biased and tend to over-egg the pudding, and as all of the various pundits with a wealth of experience suggest otherwise, I think I'll pay more heed to their verdict on the situation. I think I'll wait and see the highlights as far as Kewell and Alonso are concerned too, as it's not an aspect of their game that I've ever seen before. Had you said Sissoko, I'd be inclined to agree - he could give Van Nistelhorse a run for his money in the diving department. But that's never been the Liverpool way, the fans don't like it, and it will be drummed into him sooner rather than later.

Of course they have a good squad - with the amount of cash they've spent it would be ridiculous if they didn't. As for our squad, we spent much of the summer investing in prospects, and many were signed specifically to play in the reserves and prove their worth. We're not there yet, but with two or three quality additions, we'll be a match for Chelski (as we have been already for several years, although lacking the necessary quality in the final third of the pitch) and head and shoulders above both Arsenal and manure. Liverpool, manure and Arsenal are going through transitions at the moment. The difference is that we're in the ascendancy, whilst manure and Arsenal are in decline. If Henry leaves for Barcelona in the summer, Arsenal will be lucky to attain a UEFA Cup place. And Ferguson's forays into the transfer market have been mostly disastrous in recent years. I can't see him being bankrolled too heavily in the summer, and he'd be wiser to retire then before things get any worse, which seems inevitable.

[James]

I thought the referee had no option to show red despite Robben's melodramatics. I think there is some edict that if a player raises his hands to another's neck or above it's automatic red?

Apparently Liverpool can appeal at straight red for violent conduct but I don't think it would be too wise considering the goalkeeper's yellow for the clattering challenge also.

Many ex-player pundits comment on how they would like the game to be refereed rather than how it is refereed.

[Siouxsie]

well dont think ive got owt else to say about Sunderland except CRAP!!!!:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::m ad:

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes

Well we know that you're biased and tend to over-egg the pudding, and as all of the various pundits with a wealth of experience suggest otherwise, I think I'll pay more heed to their verdict on the situation. I think I'll wait and see the highlights as far as Kewell and Alonso are concerned too, as it's not an aspect of their game that I've ever seen before. Had you said Sissoko, I'd be inclined to agree - he could give Van Nistelhorse a run for his money in the diving department. But that's never been the Liverpool way, the fans don't like it, and it will be drummed into him sooner rather than later.



Well, I prefer to watch 90 minutes, rather than listen on a radio or listen to the pundits, and make my own decision about a game, but each to their own :spin2:

[InTheHood]

Originally posted by James
Many ex-player pundits comment on how they would like the game to be refereed rather than how it is refereed.

I rarely appreciate a pundit, because they are generally biased.

Hansen, Lawrenson and Phil Thompson are so pro Liverpool, when they play bad, they are still brilliant.

Frank McLintock is very Pro Arsenal

Le Tissier loves his Southampton of course

Charlie Nicholas is very Pro Celtic

Alan McInally loves his Villa

Peter Reid doing Everton v Man City was a disaster

I remember when Clive Allen was on a few years back. Every week he'd go mad if Tottenham got a throw in against them, and then Alan Mullery, who was seething when Fulham weren't winning.

Pundits in the main are hopeless at best. Andy Gray is the man, no-one else comes close. He says it how it is "Liverpool won't win the Premier League with the strikers they have" Spot On

He also doesn't talk about his Everton days, Tyler usually brings that up, Gray laughs and moves on.........if Gray talks, you listen, because the guy knows what he's talking about.

None of the BBC rubbish pundits or the rubbish on Soccer Saturday (Although Stelling is a genius)

[Slartibartfast]

Great game yesterday between Chelski and the Pool, and I was quite happy to see Chelski winning as I'm basically resigned to the fact that Chelski have the league and we're playing for second place now. And I was close enough in my predictions, liverpool dominated in midfield but simply couldn't score. Something like 10 attempts and 1 on target! I predicted the score wrongly though as I thought liverpool were decent defensively but seeing the poor zonal marking on that corner has proved otherwise. And didn't Crespo score a perfectly good goal which was ruled offside (I can't really complain too much considering the shocking decision in our favour for Saha's goal on saturday).

Reina had to go for raising his hand to another player, but Robben should be ashamed of himself for his pathetic reaction. Benitez was very funny in his post match interview though.

And I had to comment on this:

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
We're not there yet, but with two or three quality additions, we'll be a match for Chelski (as we have been already for several years, although lacking the necessary quality in the final third of the pitch) and head and shoulders above both Arsenal and manure. Liverpool, manure and Arsenal are going through transitions at the moment. The difference is that we're in the ascendancy, whilst manure and Arsenal are in decline.

So with two or three quality additions you'll be there! You could say the same for the two teams you mention that are in apparent decline! I can't say much for Arsenal but if Man Utd get two or three quality additions, we'll be sorted! We have a brilliant forward line, a tight defence (ignoring the last two games, lol), a lot of young players coming through and really we're only lacking a top quality midfield. We beat Liverpool and Chelsea this season with a makeshft midfield so imagine what we'd be like with an actual proper midfield made up of actual proper midfield players instead of forwards and defenders!

[Jay]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
Crouch has proved that he is capable of scoring at his previous clubs, but he's done little to justify his signing for me. He should be an ideal target man, but he's not done anything worthwhile in that capacity so far. I don't want Cisse at Liverpool. He's never impressed me in any game I've seen, and regardless of his record in the French league, he's simply not good enough for a club of our stature. Pongolle and Mellor are far more attractive striking options for me, and I think letting them both go out on loan was poor judgement. Is there another Premiership team that has as many players loaned out to clubs in the same league as us? I certainly can't think of any.

Well we know that you're biased and tend to over-egg the pudding, and as all of the various pundits with a wealth of experience suggest otherwise, I think I'll pay more heed to their verdict on the situation. I think I'll wait and see the highlights as far as Kewell and Alonso are concerned too, as it's not an aspect of their game that I've ever seen before. Had you said Sissoko, I'd be inclined to agree - he could give Van Nistelhorse a run for his money in the diving department. But that's never been the Liverpool way, the fans don't like it, and it will be drummed into him sooner rather than later.

Of course they have a good squad - with the amount of cash they've spent it would be ridiculous if they didn't. As for our squad, we spent much of the summer investing in prospects, and many were signed specifically to play in the reserves and prove their worth. We're not there yet, but with two or three quality additions, we'll be a match for Chelski (as we have been already for several years, although lacking the necessary quality in the final third of the pitch) and head and shoulders above both Arsenal and manure. Liverpool, manure and Arsenal are going through transitions at the moment. The difference is that we're in the ascendancy, whilst manure and Arsenal are in decline. If Henry leaves for Barcelona in the summer, Arsenal will be lucky to attain a UEFA Cup place. And Ferguson's forays into the transfer market have been mostly disastrous in recent years. I can't see him being bankrolled too heavily in the summer, and he'd be wiser to retire then before things get any worse, which seems inevitable.

I disagree i think Cisse is liverpools best striker the problem is Rafa keeps him on the bench or plays him on the right of midfield which isn't his position, before he broke his leg last season he was the star of the liverpool team along with Steven Gerrard.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by James

I thought the referee had no option to show red despite Robben's melodramatics. I think there is some edict that if a player raises his hands to another's neck or above it's automatic red?

Apparently Liverpool can appeal at straight red for violent conduct but I don't think it would be too wise considering the goalkeeper's yellow for the clattering challenge also.

Many ex-player pundits comment on how they would like the game to be refereed rather than how it is refereed.

Indeed there is, but there's a hell of a difference between what happened yesterday and an attempted stranglehold. Everything is open to interpretation, as much as the eternal handball / ball-to-hand debate.

We are indeed making an appeal, which is a wise decision given the consequences of the referee's erroneous decision. Reina did not receive a yellow for his (legitimate) tackle on Gudjohnsen - it was a straight red for the non-existent Robben fiasco. Gudjohnsen also got away with a blatant handball during this incident, and it's clear from the replay that Reina got the ball rather than the man, and that Gudjohnsen was already going to ground and pulled Reina down on top of him.

I don't see what your point is here. I doubt you'd find many either inside or outside the game that think blatant cheating should be accepted or excused. In this instance, they would've liked the referee to have made the correct decision, but he didn't - which covers both sides of your comment. It's like saying most victims of robbery would prefer to have not been robbed in the first place.



Originally posted by InTheHood

Well, I prefer to watch 90 minutes, rather than listen on a radio or listen to the pundits, and make my own decision about a game, but each to their own :spin2:

And so do I, but I'm not mug enough to put a minimum of £34 per. month into Murdoch's pocket for the privilege, or stand around in a dodgy pub for two hours on a Sunday afternoon when I have other commitments elsewhere. If that means waiting until the following day to see the game in full, then so be it. And I actually prefer to attend the matches, rather than sitting in an armchair at home like some. I'll be in the queue at Anfield first thing on Thursday morning to get my F.A. Cup ticket, and then again on Wednesday 22nd. for the Benfica match in the Champions' League (not a competition you're too familiar with, I know).

Attempts at smugness are never wise, particularly when you seriously underestimate your opponent. Meh, perhaps you enjoy having egg on your face?



Originally posted by InTheHood

Hansen, Lawrenson and Phil Thompson are so pro Liverpool, when they play bad, they are still brilliant.

Andy Gray is the man, no-one else comes close.

Neither Hanson nor Lawrenson are biased - most Liverpool fans refer to Lawrenson as a manure fan, in fact.

Andy Gray is one of the most biased pundits I've ever seen. His petty anti-Liverpool prejudice couldn't be more blatant.



Originally posted by Slartibartfast

So with two or three quality additions you'll be there! You could say the same for the two teams you mention that are in apparent decline! I can't say much for Arsenal but if Man Utd get two or three quality additions, we'll be sorted! We have a brilliant forward line, a tight defence (ignoring the last two games, lol), a lot of young players coming through and really we're only lacking a top quality midfield. We beat Liverpool and Chelsea this season with a makeshft midfield so imagine what we'd be like with an actual proper midfield made up of actual proper midfield players instead of forwards and defenders!

I could be silly and make asinine 'your team is crap' comments, such is the mutual dislike between rival supporters of both teams. But much to my chagrin, I'll respond honestly and maturely to your comments. It's been said numerous times of late that if you were to graft your attacking players onto our midfield and defence, then we'd be unstoppable. I've little argument with that strange yet telling point of view. We need someone on the right of midfield so that Gerrard can concentrate on playing in the centre, where he's at his most effective. We were inches away from bringing in Victor from Deportivo in the January transfer window, for £2 million on a 3.5 year contract. But Deportivo's chairman refused to pay money that was owed to the player, expecting us to foot the bill. We of course refused, and Victor will be out of contract in the summer, allowing us to renew our interest and save £2 million. We clearly need proven goal scorers on board too, which will without doubt be addressed at the end of the season. What the manager has in mind for Pongolle & Mellor at that point will influence whether one or two strikers are brought in, as will the amount we receive for Cisse and the Fowler situation. And Owen returning is still a very realistic possibility.

Arsenal need to reinforce in many departments, and the limited cash flow they have available due to relatively small gate receipts and the investment in their new stadium isn't going to cover that. They never replaced Vieira, and Henry isn't replaceable full stop. Their own chairman has already publicly questioned the viability of keeping the likes of Ljungberg and Pires at the club. It's hard to see any light at the end of that particular tunnel at the moment.

Your defence isn't that solid. Neville is a decent stalwart, and Heinze I'd welcome at Anfield. Ferdinand is a liability in any team, and seeing his name on the team sheet whenever we meet is a bonus, as he makes at least one major gaffe in every game he plays. There's nothing else there defensively that's any better than in six or eight other Premiership squads. Your midfield is poor, Giggs and Scholes are well past their best, and only Ronaldo shines from the rest. You need to bring in four or five top-notch players, central midfielders of that ilk don't come cheap, and you need two. It wasn't your makeshift midfield that gave you the three points against us, it was our lack of decent striking options.

[Slartibartfast]

I'm grateful, despite your chagrin, for the mature and honest comments you made, it's refreshing to have a civilised conversation with a liverpool fan on an online forum without it denigrating into abuse. Although the constant mispelling of my team's name does grate a little :tongue:

Liverpools midfield with our defence and forward line, now there's a team. Hell, give us Gerrard and I'd be happy! If he played for any other club, I'd like to think that Fergie would have been out already and bought him years ago. Perfect replacement for Keano.

I disagree with a few of your comments about Utd. Ferdinand, despite some early season difficulties, has gone from strength to strength. The screw up against Blackburn was a noticeable lapse from this, but he had actually been playing very well in midfield in the game up to that point. Our defence has generally been good this season, despite the fact that our player of the season last year, Heinze, has been missing and Neville missed a good chunk of the start. (And I know how hard it was for a Pool fan to say anything halfway complimentary about Neville, so kudos for that!)

Your completely correct about our current midfield problems, and I agree we need at least two top quality central midfielders. My main problem was that, having learnt that Scholes was to miss the rest of the season, Fergie didn't bring in a midfielder in the january transfer window. Alan Smith is not a midfielder, neither is O'Shea. Fletcher shows some promise but can't be expected to run Utd's midfield all season. Park is actually one of of our best players now and I'd play him every week, definately ahead of that waste of space Ronaldo. I'm surprised you marked him out specially for praise, cos I just don't like the little pratt. At best, he should be used as a sub in games where we need an injection of attacking impetus towards the end. At least until he learns to pass the ball, shoot properly (yes two great goals at the weekend but it's just doesn't happen enough for my liking) and stop being an annoying little w*****.

Have to say, I'm enjoying these long football posts, it's better, more intelligent, more objective stuff than I get on the football forums I normally peruse.

I just hope it stays as objective and civilised when we stuff you in the cup!!!! (sorry, just couldn't resist a little bit of friendly banter!!!) :wink:

[Dan_]

I can see Arsenal fading away for the next few years if they continue in their current state because they have far too many young players and it will take a good while before they reach their peak, I really would not blame Henry if he went and without him Arsenal are no better than a lot of the sides in the Prem. I saw an amazing stat that in the games that Henry has scored in for Arsenal they have only gone on to lose 12 of them and won something like a 112. In a few years if they keep hold of the talented youngsters then they will be a very good side once again but until then they will just rely on Henry to dig them out of trouble. Hmmm if only Liverpool had him then we would be at a whole new level.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Slartibartfast:

That's polite really, given how we generally refer to your team around here. :bigsmile:

I seriously have no time for Ferdinand. I think the fee you paid for him was ludicrous, and I'm not fussed on seeing him in an England shirt, either. Heinze is a class act, without a doubt. I despise Neville with every bone in my body, but can't deny his ability as a footballer. I read a comment he made not too long ago, which softened my opinion towards him ... a little. He basically said that he doesn't hate all Scousers, but his issue with Liverpool stemmed from growing up in Manchester and realising that all of his friends were Liverpool supporters. I feel the same way about the number of your team's shirts that used to be about (mainly over the water on the Wirral), but you're as likely to see Arsenal shirts as anything else lately.

Do you really think that Scholes can still cut it? He's certainly lost a few yards in recent seasons, and hasn't been able to find the back of the net in a while either, though he was a constant threat in the past. I don't think anyone will ever see the best of Smith unless there's a Leeds shirt on his back. O'Shea is a decent utility player though. I was surprised to see Neville allowed to leave actually, and you certainly could've done with him this season. I haven't seen too much of Park yet, and still have doubts whether he's there as a player that was really wanted, or as a ploy to interest the Asian market. Ronaldo is extremely annoying with his ballet dancing antics on the ball, but he's extremely quick and can fly through most teams before they can get anywhere near him. He is greedy as you say, but his potential is incredible.

I never like to make predictions about games in advance, as I've said here before. I'm very superstitious about that. My prediction earlier in this thread prior to yesterday's game doesn't bother me too much though, as I think we gave a good account of ourselves other than for the slip-ups that led to the goals and the lack of bite up front. But I don't think we have much to fear against you, and would be as confident even if you were at full strength. I was at Cardiff a few years ago, and from then on, the intensity has never been anything like the same.

[Dan_]

I reckon it would be a nightmare having Rio in your side because he obviously has ability but he's so casual and just seems to stroll through games when you want someone to come in and assert himself on a game and get stuck into a centre forward, he just seems to lack a bit of passion too. I'm beggining to rate his brother ahead of him simply because he looks more passionate and a lot less casual.Neville and Heinze are very decent full backs but if they are injured then they are missed big time. Evra looks awful, I actually rated him when he was at Monaco but he does not look good enough at this level and why Ferguson still play Silvestre is beyond me, he's
been so poor this season.

Scholes used to be one of the best playmakers in the world imo but he's lost that cutting edge to his game and the goals seemed to have dried up and without that he's a bit of a passenger. Smith's quite a decent striker but not a midfielder, Fletcher and O'Shea are capable of playing well at times but are not really upto it. I like Park and Ronaldo, both look very capable players and I can see them being the wing pairing for United for a few years to come. Opinion on Ronaldo seems pretty split but I have always rated him, one of Stevenages players seems to model his game on Ronaldo and is class so perhaps that's why I like Ronaldo too.

[Mike]

Just off to stamford bridge now for the Chelsea v Everton cup replay.

I will let everyone know how the game was when i get back tonight. Its live on BBC 1 for anyone who didn't know.

[Jay]

Yeah ill be watching it should be a great game

[Mike]

Just got back from the Chelsea game, another good win for us.

Everton were very poor from defence to attack.

[Jay]

Yeah they were poor i was happy to see wright phillips play and what
a game he had hope to see him start more games

[Mike]

Yeah SWP was brilliant, alot of people around where i sat were saying he should play more often and i totally agree.

[Jay]

I hope he did enough tonight to show Jose what a player he is

[sol]

Plymouth have just signed French stiker Vicent Pericard

LINK: http://www.pafc.premiumtv.co.uk

This looks like a good signing, he came from Portsmouth which means he should be half-decent :thumbs:

[Screwmedoo]

Really looking forward to tommorows match....not:sad:

[CharlotteSometimes]

Nice one Middlesbrough, thrashing Chelski 3 - 0. :thumbs: I can't wait to see the highlights later, and Mourinho's excuses in tomorrow's papers. :bouncy:

[Red Moon]

Big thank you to Huddersfield.... well done Boys

Southend Utd Rule Division One :colour::colour::colour::colour:

[Dan_]

Stevenage beat Morecambe 1-0 today, cracking goal from Jon Nurse and we are now 3rd :thumbs:

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
Nice one Middlesbrough, thrashing Chelski 3 - 0. :thumbs: I can't wait to see the highlights later, and Mourinho's excuses in tomorrow's papers. :bouncy:

And the highlights were well worth watching :thumbs:

[Jay]

Great win for one of my teams 3-1 away at portsmouth my other team Aldershot play York tommorow

[Siouxsie]

just given up watching the black cats getting beat yet again

:shocked:

[Jay]

My other team Aldershot got beat today 3-2 away York

[Kore]

cant believe chelsea lost 3-0 tho, heehee :spin:

[Z]

The Dons beat Heart of Midlithuania yesterday! Giantkillers we be! :hello:

[Siouxsie]

think it ended in a draw for sunderland

[Dan_]

Not a bad result for Sunderland there Scooby.

[Siouxsie]

mmm we are still crap

[Mike]

Sunderland got a decent result, Tottenham are a top team now what with all the players Martin Jol has brought in.

[James]

Bah. 1-0 defeat in the Old Firm game today.

[BB-Rocks]

I was at it:hello:

[BigSister]

*thumbs up* for Stevenage Dan we won 1-0:hello:

[Z]

S'not Ranger's week is it? Being THRASHED by the Dons 2-0? :P


Kidding James, I don't wish to evoke yer wrath!

[Jay]

I watched the West Ham game tonight and they played some really good football they really surprised me

[Mike]

I cant stand West Ham, got to admit they did play really well though.

The list of injured players goes on and on for Steve Bruce so it must be pretty difficult for him.

[Jay]

Yeah but Birmingham still had some quality players out there tonight i suppose they are lacking confidence

[Dan_]

Liverpool vs Arsenal tonight, should be a good game.

[Jay]

Yeah i agree it should be a great game i think Liverpool will win

[BigSister]

yeah me2 Jamie

[CharlotteSometimes]

Well, that was a result that will give us a massive confidence boost, and a little breathing space. We're still not potent enough, and Arsenal are certainly not at their best right now. But it was a well-deserved three points for us, particularly in light of the fact that Lehman was given man of the match by Sky Sports. :thumbs:

[Jay]

yeah Liverpool fully deserved the 3 points they dominated the game from start to finish

[Mike]

I actually started to wonder if Thiery Henry was playing he hardly touched the ball at all.

[Kore]

arsenal were poor. liverpool dominated imo. knew liverpool was gonna win.:eureka:

cardiff city drew 3-3 with luton! lol! we was 3-1 behind at one point. not a bad result for us. luton are 2 places behind us so a draw is good enuff for me.:bouncy:

[Jay]

Not a very good day for me

Liverpool 1-0 Man Utd
Aldershot 1-1 Burton

[Mike]

What a horrible injury to Alan Smith and what shocked me even more was there was Liverpool supporters booing him, no matter what the rivalry its not nice to see someone get badly injured.

[Jay]

Yeah it was horrible not only has he got a broken leg but he has also dislocated his ankle

[Dan_]

He's going to be out for a long time with that injury, I wish him well in his recovery.

[BigSister]

ouch *cringes*
Accrington won 3-1 last night but meh for Stevenage

[Dan_]

Yep throwing away a 2 goal lead was crap, Daggers just about managed to keep us from scoring again though. Canvey on tuesday, need a win.

[BigSister]

I hate Daggers so grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Morcambe for us Monday live on sky

[Dan_]

Beat them please :bigsmile:

[BigSister]

lol for whose sake Dan mine or yours:thumbs:

[Dan_]

Both :thumbs:

[BigSister]

Thought so. :dance:

[Mike]

News on Alan Smith.

Alan Smith has successfully undergone surgery on the horrific injury he picked up against Liverpool.

The Manchester United ace sustained a broken leg and dislocated ankle in trying to block a free kick from John Arne Riise in Liverpool's 1-0 win at Anfield.

Smith has been ruled out for the rest of the season and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

United revealed Smith underwent surgery on Sunday and that he will stay in hospital for a couple of days.

"The operation was a success," said a United spokesman.

"Alan will remain in hospital for a couple of days, and the leg will be in plaster for several weeks.

"Everybody connected with the club is wishing Alan well for a speedy recovery."

[Jay]

Im glad the operation went well Gary Linekar said it was not as bad as everyone first thought i wish him well

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Mike

What a horrible injury to Alan Smith and what shocked me even more was there was Liverpool supporters booing him, no matter what the rivalry its not nice to see someone get badly injured.

There's not even a shred of accuracy in that comment. The entire ground stood and applauded him as he was stretchered off the pitch. I was listening to local radio on my mobile as we left Anfield, and even one of manure's fans (surprisingly an authentic manchunian, rather than the typical cockney) called in to give us credit for that. The only player that received any boos was Neville, which was inevitable, and thoroughly deserved. Wayne ‘no medals’ Rooney got the obligatory ‘You fat b******’ chants whenever he came near the Kop, but again, richly deserved. We even stood and applauded Van der Sar as he took his position in front of The Kop for the second half.

We're the most respected supporters in the Premiership because of our sense of fair play and honesty. Your lot, meanwhile, are despised by the rest of the country for being just the opposite. But we really shouldn't be too surprised, as this is typical manure fantasy of the armchair glory seekers. A fan of any other team would've just been honest and acknowledged the respectful ovation Smith received from us. Why not just admit that you were outclassed, outplayed, and are now out of the cup to a far superior team? We beat you fair and square, and it’s time to recognise that your days in the sun are now over. Football belongs to Liverpool – your lot have had it on loan for a while, but now we’re taking back what’s rightfully ours. So convincing was our performance, there’s not really even any need to point out the exceptionally biased referee, Ferguson’s pre-match comments which ensured that was always going to be the case, and the fact that your team spent more time trying to influence the referee than they did actually playing football. Or the clear penalty we were denied when Giggs took Kewell down inside the box.

I’ve just rewound the video of the match back too, and there’s no booing to be heard at all. John Motson notes during BBC’s commentary that Smith received an ovation from both sets of supporters. The booing started after he’d left the pitch, and that was because the fourth official held up the board showing 7 minutes, when it should’ve been no more than 5. I’ve been all over the net looking for any evidence to support your fanciful allegation, and found none other than on Sky Sports’ forums. But there are claims there of an ‘Are you watching Georgie Best?’ chant that the mancs themselves never heard, and similarly supposed Hillsborough jibes that none of our fans heard.

There’s even a ludicrous claim that Riise deliberately stamped on Smith after he went down, and also a mention of the half-eaten burger that was thrown at Neville. That must’ve really hurt – poor bloke was probably expecting cake on his birthday, after all. No mention of Ronaldo escaping what should’ve been a straight red for blatantly and deliberately elbowing Sissoko in the face off the ball after manure had been incorrectly awarded a free kick shortly before Smith went down, of course. And no mention of the fact that the Police made their first arrest of the day from manure’s section of the lower Anfield Road stand before there was even 15 minutes on the clock, either. But there’s also a thread in the Liverpool section there, started by a manure fan to acknowledge our fans’ reaction to Smith’s injury, and also another started by a Liverpool fan in the manure section wishing Smith good luck and a speedy recovery. And the first players to visit the treatment room after the game to check on Smith’s condition were Cisse and Kewell.

But everything else aside, the last word belongs to Ferguson on this occasion – ‘We lost the game because our squad isn’t tall enough’. :laugh:

[Mike]

Must have been booing for something else then because i definately heard some boo's at some point, don't blame you for sticking up for your club i know for a fact i would do exactly the same its natural.

[CharlotteSometimes]

Well I was there, and if I'd heard boos then I would've said so. I didn't agree with the chants Neville received for example, and played no part in them. He deserved boos without doubt, but to bring his family into the taunting was deplorable. Every team will have its share of idiots, no matter how enlightened the majority have become over the years. But they're thankfully very much in the minority nowadays.

[Dan_]

All I could hear was clapping when Smith was being carried off.

Man United really need to sort that midfield of their's out it must have been frustrating for their fans to watch them get dominated and outplayed by Liverpool once again, this time we got the goal we deserved. The only thing they can win now is the Carling Cup, a competition Fergie always put his reserves out for in the past, it does not look good for them this season.

Quite pleased with the draw in the FA Cup, even though Birmingham have been a bit of a bogey team the last couple of seasons I can see us getting the win. Hopefully a Chelsea vs Liverpool final.

[Mike]

Accrington Stanley 2 - 0 Morecambe

Another good performance from your team Rebecca.

[SMC]

Arsenal - Madrid tomorrow baybee

[BigSister]

Thanks Mike:bouncy:

[Jay]

Great win and a great performance by Accrington

[BigSister]

:blush: thanks Jamie:blush:

[Mike]

Real Madrid 0 - 1 Arsenal

Well done to Arsenal it was an excellent performance.

Man of the match has to be Cesc Fabregas, what an amazing game he had in centre midfield.

[Dan_]

Madrid were very poor but full credit to Arsenal with a weak team they put in a good performcnace and become the first English side to win at the Bernabeu.

Not happy with the Liverpool result but I think we can still go through, Anfield is always a hard place to come but Benfica may sit back and look to steal it.

Stevenage won 3-0 against Canvey tonight, goals from Maamria, Louis and Boyd and we finally beat Canvey, they have been our bogey team in the past. I'm very pleased with the result.

[Mike]

Well done to Stevenage Dan on another good result.

I agree with what your saying about Liverpool your more than capable of winning it at Anfield.

[Dan_]

Yep 10 points from the last 12, hopefully getting some good form together and then we can move away from the sides below us and get into the play-offs as quick as possible. Good to see us getting 3 goals and keeping a clean sheet even though we had a central midfielder at right back from half time.

[BigSister]

Told you Dan:hello:

[Dan_]

Yep you did lol, we had to beat them sometime and I'm glad it was tonight because the 3 points were vital.

[Jay]

Well my team Aldershot lost again 2-1 away at Hereford, and a great win for Arsenal

[CharlotteSometimes]

Originally posted by Mike

I agree with what your saying about Liverpool your more than capable of winning it at Anfield.

Obviously I want us to turn things around at home, and I'll still be at the match. But if they manage to score at Anfield, we'll need to score three. That's not something I can see us doing at any point for the rest of this season. As soon as they started spouting the stats (we've played them three times, beaten them each time and then gone on to lift the cup) it made me nervous.

Nando was superb last Saturday, and even though he didn't score, his ball control was a joy to watch. I was amazed when he was taken off rather than Crouch. I was hoping he'd build on that last night, but he drew yet another blank. God put himself about well, but in truth he had very little service throughout the game.

I don't think there's a better manager than Rafa around at the moment, but he makes some baffling team selections at times. If Stevie G was in need of a break, then the home games against Man City and Charlton were surely the best options for that. Benfica are a poor team, and we should've made the second leg a formality last night. Starting the game with your team's engine warming the subs' bench was a bizarre strategy under the circumstances.

[Navajo]

Well done The Gunners 1.0 over Real Madrid
80.000 crowd wow thats a lot of pies at half time isn't it?

[Mike]

Just got this from a footie forum i post on.

Two of United’s injured stars were at Anfield to support their team mates on Saturday, quite literally.

Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea were missing from the Reds’ fifth Round FA Cup tie with Liverpool, and instead opted to watch the game from the away end.

Accompanied by team mate Phil Bardsley the players stood amongst United’s 6,200 away following, going largely unrecognised for most of the match.

After the game United supporters were kept inside Anfield whilst the roads surrounding the stadium were cleared of home fans. It was at this point that they were spotted by fans around them.

“It took a while for word to go round that some of the players were in the away end,” said ManUtd.com columnist Face In The Crowd, who witnessed the post match events.

“It was once the stadium was empty and fans sat down that they began to be recognised. A few people asked for autographs – which they happily signed – and others took pictures of them with their mobile phones.”

Rio was ruled out of the game with a tight hamstring, sustained in training, whilst John O’Shea had not fully recovered from a rib injury. But the pair still had a contribution to make.

“As fans waited to be let out of the ground a chant went up from United fans of ‘Rio, Rio, give us a song,’” says Face In The Crowd.

“Rio then chanted ‘U-ni-ted!’ and everyone joined in. Next it was O’Shea’s turn and he chanted ‘Red Army!’ which everyone joined in with too. It’s not often that you get players going in the away end, let alone starting chants.”

Ferdinand and O’Shea aren’t the first United players to watch a match from the away end, however. In October 2000 Gary Neville and David Beckham sat amongst travelling Reds at Filbert Street and watched their team mates beat Leicester City 3-0.

[Dan_]

Good to see premiership players going in with the fans rather than sitting in the exec boxes.

Chelsea vs Barca should be a great game tonight, I think it will be really tricky for Chelsea seeing as Barcelona are coming off the back of a big win other Betis who are still a decent side. I'm going for a draw though, proably a tight 1-1 with goals from Ronaldinho and Lampard.

[SMC]

Probably yeah, Can't see Barca winning at the Bridge but i can see Chelsea scoring tonight, Barcelona's defence is nothing short of average and i think Robben/Cole etc will have a feild day

[Dan_]

Yer Barca's full back's, Silvinho and Oleguer don't really convince me, Cole and Robben will proably be the key players for them tonight. If they can get at them from the start then they could win.

It's a shame that Essien is suspended for Chelsea as Barca's central midfield does not look at it's best either with no Xavi and Motta's not exactly world class.

[SMC]

Red Card - Asier Del Horno

Stupid decision,

[Dan_]

Might be a struggle second half for them now, not sure it should have been a red card.

[cc100]

Chelsea 1 Barca 2 at the moment.

Its going to be very difficult for Chelsea in the second leg now, but I think they can do it.

But I think Loverpool are going to win the trophy again.

[sol]

sorry to change the subject but i was pleased that Plymouth beat Coventry on Saturday, i thought we'd get thrashed :spin:

[Jay]

Chelsea were so unlucky tonight Del Horno didn't deserve to get a red card and Joe Cole had to go off because of the red card and i felt that spoiled the game but its not all over yet

[CharlotteSometimes]

Very surprised at the results tonight - I was expecting four away wins. I'm dying to see the red card (?) incident. I was listening to Talk Sport while I was in the bath, and they were going at it hammer and tongs during half time over whether it should've been a red or yellow. Barca had Chelski in their pockets before the red card anyway, it seems. They're the best team in the world right now, and Chelski are far too arrogant to take that on board and adapt their game accordingly. Should be a interesting match, when I get to see it tomorrow.

[Mike]

Just got back from stamford bridge and have to admit Barca are a great team to watch however why do they cheat so much? i tell you now if someone like Graham Poll was refereeing the game he would have just laughed at Messi and the other Barcelona players trying to get Del Horno sent off, i'm going to try and stop blasting our refs now because compared to most other countries their first class. Its very sad when you see a player of Messi's ability rolling around like hes been shot and then once the red card was dished out he was up and running again.

[Jay]

Good result for Rangers tonight 2-2 against Villareal i think they can still win it but i cant see them going to spain and getting a result

[SMC]

Originally posted by Mike
Just got back from stamford bridge and have to admit Barca are a great team to watch however why do they cheat so much? i tell you now if someone like Graham Poll was refereeing the game he would have just laughed at Messi and the other Barcelona players trying to get Del Horno sent off, i'm going to try and stop blasting our refs now because compared to most other countries their first class. Its very sad when you see a player of Messi's ability rolling around like hes been shot and then once the red card was dished out he was up and running again.

I agree, though what goes around comes around..have you forgot about Robbens play acting during there game against Liverpool?

[cc100]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
Very surprised at the results tonight - I was expecting four away wins. I'm dying to see the red card (?) incident. I was listening to Talk Sport while I was in the bath, and they were going at it hammer and tongs during half time over whether it should've been a red or yellow. Barca had Chelski in their pockets before the red card anyway, it seems. They're the best team in the world right now, and Chelski are far too arrogant to take that on board and adapt their game accordingly. Should be a interesting match, when I get to see it tomorrow.

I was listening to TalkSport too.

It was never a red card. It did change the game in the long run, because the Chelsea players were inevitably going to get tired covering extra ground to cover for the extra man.

It will be tough in the Nou Camp, but Ive a feeling Chelsea may sneak it.

[Jay]

Great result for us today 2-0 against Morcambe

[BigSister]

and:elephant:from me too Jamie:bigsmile:

[Jay]

Anyone see the England game we played really well

[ThaGazBoi]

Saw highlights on AOL.

[BigSister]

Urguary(sp) were dirty lol did you see the guy who pushed the ref he should have been sent off

[Jay]

Yeah they were a dirty team i think the ref didn't send him off because it was a friendly if it was a world cup match then he would have probably been sent off but what a performance by Joe Cole man of the match for me and fully deserved his goal

[Kore]

i was lookin forward to watching england on bbc but bbc wales swapped it with some crappy programme.

burn bbc wales!:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[BigSister]

lol Kore. Yeah jamie prob it was a friendly but even so he should have been sent off. Yeah Joe cole was great butI missed Crouches goal was doing my presenation and my mum didnt tell me

[Mike]

Joe Cole was our best player by a mile, i was so happy for him when he scored in stoppage time.

[BigSister]

yeah me2 Mike I was like woooooooo:wavey:

[sol]

England did very well to come back like that, when Joe Cole scored the winner, at first, i though he'd missed then i heard the crowd go "yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa" then i was like "oh we've scored" :laugh:

[Dan_]

Good win by England last night, we seem to be scoring goals in the second half now and are able to come back from a goal down which is pleasing.

What would everyone's squad for the world cup be?(with everyone fit)

Mine:

Goalkeepers-Paul Robinson, David James and Rob Green

Defenders-Luke Young, Gary Neville, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge.

Midfielders-David Beckham, Sean Wright-Phillips, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Kevin Nolan, Joe Cole and Jermain Jenas.

Forwards-Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

[BigSister]

Yep agree with that squad Dan dont think Kevin Nolan will be going though same with Luke Young
Agree with the 4 strikers though:xyxwave:

[Red Moon]

Well Done to the boys at Southend United another great win away from home to keep us top of Division 1!

[BigSister]

another win for Accrington and:spin2: for Stevenage in the play offs still

[Dan_]

Title almost your's I would say Rebecca, we play Exeter away on tuesday, really need to win that one.

[BigSister]

Win, Win and win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:
Sorry but grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr:tongue:
We play Aldershot away on Tuesday *crosses fingers*

[Dan_]

Have you got to play many more teams in the top 8?