English Premier League Thread

[castex]

...Because the other two are anything but reliable, from what I've seen. Keane's somersault's aren't as good as Lomano Tresor's, either. In fact, they're crap.

How did Cort lose £6 million in value?

It's Nobby who'll be really missed.

[Spartak]

Keane is in a good run of form imo, and Kanoute was playing well before heading off to the African Nations.

I doubt any of them would want to play benchwarmer to a Hammer.

[Doos]

How did Cort lose £6 million in value?

Because he's shit?

He's been bloody unlucky with injuries. He was awesome in that season before Newcastle bought him. I stuck him in my fantasy league team for the new season and... Oops, its my fault...

[Doos]

Originally posted by Spartak
Keane is in a good run of form imo, and Kanoute was playing well before heading off to the African Nations.

I doubt any of them would want to play benchwarmer to a Hammer.

Maybe a return to the 4-2-4 of Ossie Ardiles? the three of them plus the useless Portugese kid who happened to score the winner vs LFC

[fatboss]

How many times have you seen a player have 1 or 2 outstanding seasons, just BEFORE they get signed by one of the big clubs and then fail to come up with the goods on the big stage?

Stan Collymore, Salif Diao, El Hadji Diouf (getting better), Rio Ferdinand (great World Cup, now mediocre).

The list is endless.

Who has shown these traits in the teams that you support or follow? I'm sure there are plenty!

[fatboss]

Let's get this thread back on the front page. It's gone a bit quiet, mind you so has the Premier League.

A busy few days ahead for the Reds. Man City tomorrow night (sorry Kev, but I hope we show no sentiment and stuff your team!), and then Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Tie of the round tho' has to be Arsenal v Chelsea.

Any thoughts Spartak?

[fatboss]

Well, 4th. place at last, by the skinniest of mathematical equations!

Don't know how long we'll be able to hold on to it though. It seems that 4th place is the 'Runners-up' 1st. place.

Nobody will catch up with the top three, so this season 4th place is going be tougher to nail.

And we've got Newcastle at home on the last day of the season! I can see a bit of Deja Vu coming up! Still a long way to go though, so anything could happen.

By the way, Excellent result for Boro last night. Any Boro fans out there want to revel in another victory against the Moaning Mancs?

There doesn't seem to be anyone on the tfp who is willing to admit to being a Manc fan. Strange that.

It's all gone quiet at the other end of the M62!

[Spartak]

Ok, my thoughts:

FA Cup - first of all, the Manchester derby.. now call me crazy, but I think Citeh might actually stand a chance. Man U has let in an alarming eight (8!) goals in its last three matches. City has proven it can come back, so an early United goal shouldn't sink them, City should also look to exploit Wes Brown, as he has looked shaky in the last few United games.

Arsenal v Chelsea - Arsenal play Chelsea again when the Prem resumes, it should be an interesting affair in both ties, as both games are crucial. I think the Arsenal defence should be able to contain Chelsea, and make life difficult for Mutu, Crespo and Co. While Henry and whoever else really, will most certainly do the business up front for Arsenal. I hope Reyes gets a decent go and a proper start with the first Arsenal XI, the Carling Cup tie didn't really count, imo.

As for the League, starting with Chelsea on the 21st Arsenal go into a difficult home stretch, having to play Man U, Newcastle, Liverpool, the up-beat Charlton and the surging Spurs. I can honestly see their unbeaten streak ending during the last 12 games. Although it will be good if they can get some draws at the very least and not drop too many points, we mustn't blow a points lead during the home stretch like we did last year.

PS: my cable provider decided to show the scinilating matchup of Pompey/Chelsea instead of Man U/Boro so I had to read the live updates on soccernet. I was sure that Man U would mount another miraculous last minute win.. luckily this wasn't to be the case

Also, Michael Owen ends his goal drought! About time, if he carried on I truely think Sven might have overlooked him for Euro 2004!

[jwoody]

Originally posted by fatboss
Well, 4th. place at last, by the skinniest of mathematical equations!

No shit, fatboss. In fact it looks as though Liverpool are above us based on alphabetical order alone. (we're actually one goal behind in goals scored column)

[Vaultboy]

Originally posted by Spartak
Ok, my thoughts:

,<snip>

I agree with you wholeheartedly, Spartak. You're very clued up about your football.

My thoughts:

Manchurian Derby: City could very well take them, i agree. All kevin Keegan's sides have historically been able to score goals, but their ability to concede them has made them poor. I think the game will be a 4-3 result, and it could go either way. United could be stronger if they put Keane as a CB, although Anelka might give him lots of trouble.

London Derby: Chelski have a poor recent record against the GUnners in Cup ties, but that is nothing to go on. I'm a gooner, so I have to back my team. I also think Arsenal are slight favourites becuase of their consistency: Chelski's form is very up-down, but that makes them unpredictable. Whichever way the ersult goes, its bound to be a highly entertaining game, as all encounters between the two London powerhouses are. The back to back Cup/League tie is also pivotal from a psychological point of view. The gunners need to win, since as you mentioned there's a difficult stretch in waiting for the Gunners, one that could see United come back and clinch the title a la 2003

[almostaugust]

As much as i dont like Man Unt, i was very happy to see Paul Scholes get player of the month a little while back. He is, by the average punter, the most underrated player i can think of. The european coaches always see him as the danger man, when man united come to town. Pity he doesnt have style, charisma or a spice girl girlfriend.
Speaking of Man U, Saha has had a top start hasnt he! i guess with that type of service from the likes of Fletcher etc you will get your chances.

[mbchills]

i like Series A more, i love Vieri, and Internazionale,, gave up on Roma :[

[fatboss]

Merseyside Police confirmed this morning that Gerard Houllier received death threats about 3 weeks ago. That was before the FA Cup exit. The note contained details about his daily routine and the layout of his City Centre apartment.

All I can say is there must be some sick fuckers out there who think it's ok to threaten to kill someone just coz your team are playing shite at the moment. I pity the managers of teams who regularly flirt with relegation. Their postmen must be busy boys!!

It's only a game for Christs sake. All great teams have spells of mediocrity. Look at Man Utd. Ferguson was half way out of the door before he landed his first trophy. All this does is make Houlliers position even more secure. Liverpool won't push him out at a time like this.

And Mr. Dalglish won't fill his shoes! I'm sorry, but he walked out on us once. He can't be given the chance to do it again!

[Spartak]

Poor Houllier, I really think he is a good manager, but has been very unlucky, especially this year.... mainly because of injuries at the worst possible times.

[fatboss]

I don't think yesterdays result at the Saints did anything for either Houlliers' or Michael Owens futures at Anfield. What a shocking display! And another missed penalty. I know Niemi is a good keeper, but come on, bang it in the corners for fucks sake!

And Spartak, 10/10 for cheek Mr. Henry. Yoy know what I'm talking about. Still unstoppable though.

Loved the look on Fergusons face after Utd. getting mauled by City. It made the Liverpool result slightly less painful!

[Spartak]

IMO that was the face of his pacemaker struggling to keep his heart beating (he was dying from embarassment you see..).

[fatboss]

Everyone calm down.......Michael Owen is back!!!!

We believe that an Evertonian infiltrated his body and deliberately played shite for a few weeks to try and damage our Champions League assault for next season!

Either that or Houllier has told him if he doesn't start scoring soon, he'll sell his ass to a friend of his who deals in horse meat!

Watch out Wolves, you're next.

Who knows, Emille Heskey might be getting a visit from the horse meat man!