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Thread: The Football Thread - 2016/17

  1. #76
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk DD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    Yeah it's still bang on. Even more accurate in fact
    Based on everything I've seen so far, nobody is particular well in front of the rest. Like last season, we were great for a few weeks then got found out. No Plan B. The reality is that I expected little before the start of the season, got my hopes raised immeasurably, and now I'm starting to feel reality again in exactly the same way as I did last October/November. Too many deficiencies.

    If I have to say then which team concerns me the most, who is most likely to win it, then without a shadow of a doubt, based upon everything seen so far, it has to be Liverpool.

    Liverpool have already won at Arsenal and Chelsea and should have won comfortably at Tottenham. United did as United will do and stopped them playing and United will gain a lot of points that way by drawing at better teams. or scraping 1-0 wins. However, Liverpool look exhilerating at times and create an awful lot of chances. Klopp's a genius, I've always said it, and he could well be the thing that makes the difference. He's the best manager in the business right now and marry that with a very decent team and it's only a matter of time.

    Tottenham look great at times but I just have doubts about their mental fragility. I don't have any doubts about Arsenal's mental fragility. It just isn't strong enough. If I had to name the other most serious challenger, it's Chelsea, although I think it may be a year too soon for them.

    United, well I just can't see them flourishing under Mourinho. Pragmatism isn't going to win him the title with this set of players he has. I've never known a United side create so few chances and their ethos is to win things by scoring and entertaining. Luckily for them, they're not out of the race purely because there is no other clear outstanding candidate.

    I've come to a (cowardly, perhaps) conclusion that we have too many things that need addressing to win it this year, not least ending this run of ours that is becoming a huge burden, and that Klopp's work is a year ahead of Pep's. I'd be hugely disappointed if we don't win it within eighteen months but am already accepting that the chances are that Liverpool are going to do it this year.

    Like it or lump it, this Liverpool outfit is the real deal.
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  2. #77
    Moderator Div's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DD View Post
    but am already accepting that the chances are that Liverpool are going to do it this year.

    Like it or lump it, this Liverpool outfit is the real deal.

    This sounds rather like Warrington's year? -

  3. #78
    In The South Stand Paul Newlove's Avatar
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    I thought a couple of years ago when Liverpool went close that was our one chance to win it and it probably wouldn't come around again but last year Leicester blew that theory to bits.
    Don't get me wrong I'm not saying we will win it but it's there for whoever wants it.
    City are still my pick but I've got a sneaky feeling with Wenger in his last year of his contract could Arsenal do it? What a way to go out.

  4. #79
    In The South Stand St Steve's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    Based on what I've seen so far this season I don't see either side as a legitimate title contender. I suppose if Leicester can win it anyone can though

    Liverpool's keeper looked very poor, they don't seem to have a left back at the club and I don't see a prolific goal scorer there
    You were saying

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  5. #80
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk Scouse Don's Avatar
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    We (Liverpool) look great but still have a tendency to leak goals.But whoever finishes above Arsenal will win the league in my opinion.
    Learned comment from The Don

  6. #81
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk DD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Scouse Don View Post
    We (Liverpool) look great but still have a tendency to leak goals.But whoever finishes above Arsenal will win the league in my opinion.
    In that case, three of us will win the league.

    In my opinion, Arsenal are the poorest of the top four by some distance and also lack the mental resilience required.

    City are suffering from the emphasis on the Champions League. Liverpool have had a year to get used to the increase in tempo and the high press that the manager wants, but they are only having to do it once a week, whereas we're new to it and the players aren't fit enough to do it twice in a week. They all looked like they needed to be in bed in the second half on Saturday.

    The lack of European football for Liverpool and Chelsea will give them a massive advantage.

    As things stand, I'd say it'll finish how it currently lies:-

    1 - Liverpool
    2 - Chelsea
    3 - City
    4 - Arsenal
    5 - Spurs
    6 - United
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  7. #82
    In The South Stand Paul Newlove's Avatar
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    I'm pleased that we are top but not that worried about that just yet, I'm enjoying watching us play good football and watching us win.
    After the disappointment of two years ago I will start worrying about the table in April, injuries may play a part and Mane will be missing in January but as I say I'm just enjoying each game at the moment.

  8. #83
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    Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and City all have to feel confident that they can win it. Spurs are drawing too many games and need to break that habit but they are well in the hunt as well, and may benefit from the 2 months with no European football between mid-Dec and mid-Feb, provided they get through their CL group anyway.

    Liverpool's points haul is still the most impressive IMO, simply because they've beaten the side in 2nd away from home, beaten the side in 4th away from home and drawn with the side in 5th away from home. To not have to go to those places later in the season is a huge bonus for them, and having home games against most of the other contenders in the second half of the season could be huge for them. I know alot of Liverpool fans and the feeling of 'same old same old' after the Burnley defeat was hard to ignore. I told a few of them that they had to win enough 'standard' games in order to write that defeat off as a fluke, and I think the players needed it too. They've now done that with the way they won at Swansea and Palace, and the way they've swatted a few teams away at home as well. I'm really impressed with them, but I worry about that goalie. I think he's a good keeper, but he is full of nerves like DDG was in his early days at United.

    The lazy media stuff about their defence is ignoring the fact that they are conceding most of their goals when in complete control of games. When games have been tight and they've had to knuckle down and defend a one goal lead or a point, such as the last 25 minutes at Chelsea, the last 15 at Arsenal and the last 20 at Spurs they did so really well. I think they are a team that defends well when it needs to when the pressure is on, but slackens off when the game is easier and they have a lead. All this stuff about 'this will cost them when they play bigger teams' ignores the fact that they've already played 4 of the other 5 in the Top 6 and it hasn't cost them at all. They will be there in the shake up in April and May for me.

    Newcastle are doing really well as well. Just thought I'd add that in here!

  9. #84
    In The South Stand retro74's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by St Steve View Post
    That's why you're not a pundit. Care to revisit this post after this weekend

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    Ha ha! I was thinking about this post the other day - I knew it would come back to bite you

    Maybe I should be a pundit after all seeing as though I called it spot on very early on in the season - unless you still think that Liverpool are going to win the league?

    Seriously though I thought after the first few games we'd finish with similar points totals. If we'd have had an absolute goal machine we'd have had a chance of challenging though. As good as Ibrahimovic has been he's not ripped teams apart like Ronaldo did

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stephen07 View Post
    Quiet on here with a new season started. Any thoughts?
    The title is going to one of the Manchester clubs IMO

    Chelsea- something is amiss there. Definitely problems behind the scenes, it wouldn't surprise me if Conte doesn't last the season.
    Liverpool- Similar to Saints in the 80s. Score loads but concede loads
    Tottenham- Haven't bought anyone and will struggle at Wembley for their home games. The WHL aura has now gone.
    Arsenal- Will fade away again as usual. Too flakey.

  11. #86
    In The South Stand retro74's Avatar
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    I still think Chelsea will be there are thereabouts with City and hopefully United

    Bakayoko will be an absolute beast for them if he can settle in quickly. David Luiz is like a different player too these days, played very well yesterday

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    Quote Originally Posted by retro74 View Post
    I still think Chelsea will be there are thereabouts with City and hopefully United

    Bakayoko will be an absolute beast for them if he can settle in quickly. David Luiz is like a different player too these days, played very well yesterday
    Agreed. I may have to eat humble pie with regards to Chelsea. To go away (I know its not WHL but it's still away) without Cahill, Costa, Hazard, Fabregas etc and to beat a full strength Spurs side was very impressive.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stephen07 View Post
    Couldn't help but be impressed with Man United again I'm afraid.
    Don't feel the need to apologise Stephen, I think it's great

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    So, what do we all think of the transfer window? As a Utd fan, City signing Sanchez would have been awful so I am glad that didn't come off. Similarly I am glad that Liverpool didn't sign any defenders. VVD would have been a brilliant signing. That's why I am surprised so many are saying they have had a great transfer window. They still haven't signed in the area that they are short in. Oxlaide-Chamberlain will add to an attack that probably didn't need much improvement bearing in mind they are scoring goals for fun even without Lallana and Coutinho.

    Not sure what to make of Chelsea's deals. Drinkwater is a downgrade on Matic and they failed to sign Mahrez who was tipped to go there. Arsenal have had a mare and Spurs signing a 32 yr striker doesn't strike fear in me. Aurier was a very good signing though.

  15. #90
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk Blobbynator's Avatar
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    Very disappointed to have missed on Sanchez to be honest. World class player that would've torn teams apart in this team. Judging by the reports it sounds like it was all agreed but Arsenal were unable to persuade Lemar to join so even more frustrating really. It'll be interesting to see how Sanchez reacts now and whether we go in again in January (I suspect we will) but until then we're probably a striker short. Aguero and Jesus are very good players but if one gets injured we're in a bit of trouble.

    Apart from that it's been a good window, improved the areas that needed improving (full backs although would've liked another one), signed a goalkeeper and Bernado Silva who was really good for Monaco last year. But not signing Sanchez and possibly another centre half could be costly especially in such a tight league where 5 or 6 could realistically win it this year.

    Man Utd look strong although not really tested yet. Chelsea defensively look strong so will be there or thereabouts and if Liverpool can sort the Coutinho situation out I don't think they'll be far away either. Spurs will probably fall short again.
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    Ah, this is back.

    Window thoughts.

    Liverpool - Sorted out their 'what do we do if Mane is injured and we have no pace' problem with Salah and AOC, and looked like they'd sorted out their LB problem with Robertson but Klopp is now amazingly playing Moreno anyway. No CB will prove to be a mistake. They've bought okay but have they bought anyone they couldn't have bought without CL football? I expect they'll be thinking they can get VVD and maybe Lemar in January.

    United - Looking good, they have strength all over the park, but I think re-signing Ibra for Jan or whenever will be huge for them when Lukaku has his dip in form. Lindelhof still hasn't featured and I think he and Bailly will be a good partnership, whilst Matic is obviously a great signing.

    City - Loads of full backs which is important in the style Guardiola likes, but I think they are still one Kompany injury away from being short at CB. Sanchez going there would have made them runaway favourites so I think for the sake of the comp it's probably a good thing.

    The London clubs had a mixed window. Bakayoko will ably replace Matic at Chelsea, but I think them not getting deals over the line this week was more important in terms of Conte feeling miffed than the actual players they didn't get. With him feeling annoyed and Costa still hanging around I think there are issues there. Spurs have strengthened in areas they are already quite strong in, but Llorente is a good back up for Kane. Arsenal, not a good window.

    My own club. Disaster really.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gray77 View Post
    Ah, this is back.

    Window thoughts.

    Liverpool - Sorted out their 'what do we do if Mane is injured and we have no pace' problem with Salah and AOC, and looked like they'd sorted out their LB problem with Robertson but Klopp is now amazingly playing Moreno anyway. No CB will prove to be a mistake. They've bought okay but have they bought anyone they couldn't have bought without CL football? I expect they'll be thinking they can get VVD and maybe Lemar in January.

    United - Looking good, they have strength all over the park, but I think re-signing Ibra for Jan or whenever will be huge for them when Lukaku has his dip in form. Lindelhof still hasn't featured and I think he and Bailly will be a good partnership, whilst Matic is obviously a great signing.

    City - Loads of full backs which is important in the style Guardiola likes, but I think they are still one Kompany injury away from being short at CB. Sanchez going there would have made them runaway favourites so I think for the sake of the comp it's probably a good thing.

    The London clubs had a mixed window. Bakayoko will ably replace Matic at Chelsea, but I think them not getting deals over the line this week was more important in terms of Conte feeling miffed than the actual players they didn't get. With him feeling annoyed and Costa still hanging around I think there are issues there. Spurs have strengthened in areas they are already quite strong in, but Llorente is a good back up for Kane. Arsenal, not a good window.

    My own club. Disaster really.
    I believe that deadline day in Newcastle was referred to simply as "Thursday"

  18. #93
    In The North Stand With All The Old Folk Scouse Don's Avatar
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    I think Klopp may have made a mistake in not signing a centreback but he either will rely on Joe Gomez who is developing well or a deal is in the pipeline for VVD in January?
    Learned comment from The Don

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stephen07 View Post
    If he goes with Gomez and that works out then great, he has seen something in him that perhaps many others haven't. However, if the plan is to wing it and then get VVD in January then it's too big a risk. That is half the season done and if Gomez is not up to it then chances are we'll be out of contention by the January window.
    I think Gomez will be used in bigger games so that Liverpool basically play with a Back 3 with him slotting in as the right sided CB. That seems to be what happened against Arsenal with Lovren on the left and Moreno more as a LWB. In games where Liverpool have all the possession I assume Clyne (when fit) plays the traditional RB role with 2 CBs and Robertson at LB because he is more defensively astute than Moreno. To think of it, I am more defensively astute than Moreno.

    The failure to go after anyone else does make me believe that Liverpool will hope VVD is available in Jan, so splashing £30-40m on someone that then wouldn't be a starter at that point would have been risky. I don't necessarily support that policy because you generally get injuries and suspensions and need players to play alot of games even if they aren't in the ideal starting XI.

    Oxlade-Chamberlain is exactly one of these players. He does not get into CM ahead of Henderson, Can, Lallana or Coutinho when everyone is fit, and is basically 5th or 6th choice for those 3 positions alongside Wijanldum and Milner. But he will play alot of minutes off the bench and also gives them a very valuable alternative if and when Salah or Mane get injured or need a break. He is a good signing, not because he is better than what Liverpool already have, but because he gives them options if he's needed.

    Liverpool were willing to pay £35m for a player who will give them options in positions they are already quite strong in, so I do wonder why they didn't do likewise for a CB given their weaknesses and lack of depth there.

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    Yeah, Ashley screws us again. Doesn't even meet Benitez all Summer, gives his interview to SSN and then gets Newcastle's PR man Bishop to spread the story that Benitez is the cause of negativity at the club, swallowed hole by the likes of Carragher who I thought would know better.

    On the face of it we have enough to survive, but Benitez didn't stake his reputation on surviving. He sees the potential, he sees the fanbase and the passion and thinks our club can be competitive and successful. He was told that his ambitions were realistic, but once promoted our owner has reverted back to 'just do enough' mode. Does he think that this big football club that has been relegated twice in seven years is somehow protected from his appalling policies?!

    Has he not learnt that the club have lost tens of millions of TV money (surely his main interest) because of his inability to back his managers? It is amazing how short-sighted someone can be, especially when you see him recreating mistakes that he's made twice before and led to relegations.

    We have a couple of genuinely quality players in Atsu and Ritchie, a handful of others who are more than good enough to hold their own at PL level in Clark, Lejeune, Murphy, Shelvey and Perez, and loads more who can float between awful and pretty good depending on which week they're playing. We need the first two lads to be good all season, the next five to be consistent and not get banned for stupid things, and we need some of the other bunch to turn up every now and again and we'll get to 40 points. But with an extra £30-40m we could have bought 3 or 4 good players and be looking at being a top half side pushing for something more than just existing.

    Frustrating is not the word. When Rafa walks thousands will walk with him. I don't think the ownership realises how many would have turned their back on the club after the last relegation had it not been for Benitez. We have a man who represents us and we love him. The club also have a man who protects them from the backlash of the fanbase, but they seem to not realise this. We'll get our 40 points, exist to exist, and we'll lose him. And then all hell will break loose next Summer.

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    really is sorry Reacher's Avatar
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    So... De Boer sacked after 4 games. Unreal. They brought in a possession based manager who tried to change a team used to Big Sam's style of play and they have given him 4 games. Ruthless.

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    Who owns Crystal Palace? Is it Americans?

    I think that perma-tanned mobile phone salesman used to own them but I've not seen on the TV for ages

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    This has been quiet for a few weeks now. I hate International breaks, have zero interest in England and never even watched it last night.

    Domestically it is a big test for Utd next week at Liverpool. This game will show me if we have what it takes this season. We have started superbly but haven't really played anyone of note. Liverpool have been spell binding at times going forward and amateurish in defending so who knows what team will turn up this time. It's a perfect game for them to stamp their mark though. I note also that the Kenny Dalglish stand will be opened and mosaics formed etc, just the right atmosphere the fans will love. I think Mourinho will be pragmatic and go there defensively. I would happily take a draw. We have been smashing the smaller teams so if you can draw against the big boys you won't be far away at the end of the season.

    City look great although we said this last year when they won their first ten games I think it was. I do feel though that they are better defensively this year and have actually had quite a few clean sheets. Whoever finishes above them wins the league IMO.

    I also feel Chelsea and Spurs are flying under the radar, picking up wins and no one is talking about them. Outside the Top 6, I have to say Burnley have been magnificent, some great away wins.

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    really is sorry Reacher's Avatar
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    Stephen- The first part of this article is a big reason why I’m not interested in England. There are other reasons which I’ll type at some point but this saves me a lot of typing! Ha

    http://bet.unibet.co.uk/football/pre...r-country-they


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    Default The Football Thread - 2016/17

    Quote Originally Posted by Stephen07 View Post
    Because you're worried about how far United players have to travel and if that will affect them when they come back? Well if the top clubs (including Liverpool so not a pop at United) don't want their players travelling to play for their countries perhaps they should only sign players who aren't good enough to play international football and see how they get on.
    Apologies no, I meant the part about the fans. I should have clarified it better.

    In 96 I was living in London after leaving Uni and went to a few Wembley games as corporate hospitality. The Utd players at the time- Beckham, Scholes, Neville etc were all routinely booed.

    There is a huge North-South divide where England and the press are concerned. A definite Southern bias.

    These are just a couple more reasons. More to follow in time


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