8430 replies to this topic

[pink_triangle]

http://www.skysports...7059094,00.html

I agree Micah should be in the England squad but more down to the lack of depth elsewhere. Johnson is a disaster waiting to happen in any big international game.  As for Micah being the best in the world, he certainly doesnt lack confidence but needs a bit of a reality check.

Most random rumour of the day from the sunday times Barton to Man Utd!

[Ed209]

I'm watching the LA Galaxy vs Man City game. Balotelli just did this 28 minutes into the match. The kid's a f**king joker

Edited by Ed209, 25 July 2011 - 01:09 AM.

[The Nal]

A world class arsehole.

[Ed209]

The Nal, on 24 July 2011 - 10:48 PM, said:

A world class arsehole.

True, but it makes great entertainment. Mancini took him straight off and Balotelli was proper pissed at him, totally threw his toys out of the pram. Could have a few ramifications.

[chappiepunk]

My Predictions -

Prem -

1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Spurs
5. Liverpool
6. Arsenal

Relegated -

Swansea
Blackburn
Norwich

[chappiepunk]

The Nal, on 24 July 2011 - 10:48 PM, said:

A world class arsehole.

Agreed, what an absolute idiot

[chappiepunk]

Nice to see alot of people predicting spurs finishing above arsenal (myself included). Its about time we did it, so fingers crossed!

[eFestivals]

Langdale Wolf, on 22 July 2011 - 08:00 PM, said:

Not that I want to tell you you're wrong, or belittle your predictions, but why do you think we'll go down out of interest?

Personally, I think the 3 promoted sides will go straight back down again - none of them have bought anyone decent enough to maintain a survival challenge IMHO.

While every year the general prediction is that the the three promoted teams will go down - often on the basis they've not bought anyone decent enough to stay up with - it's the case that often at least one of the promoted teams stays up. For example, the year that Wolves came up and stayed up just about everyone would have said what you've just said about this year's teams.

So I felt that I had to pick at least one existing team to go down, and of those Wolves must be one of the most likely. A strong reason that I plumped for them tho is that the signings they've made this summer (or at least, the ones I'm aware of) seem to me to be an awful lot of money (for Wolves, anyway) on players that aren't jumping out at me as worth it.

Having said all of that, I'm not hugely confident that the predictions I've made for who will go down will hold true - it's probably the hardest thing of all to predict of anything, with few seeming to get it right any year.

Langdale Wolf, on 22 July 2011 - 08:00 PM, said:

QPR - owners might have cash, but they don't want to know.  Colin won't see much - if any - of the forthcoming Taarabt money.

that's because - if the statement is true - there won't be any Taarabt money.
(I realise you probably wrote that before that statement was made).

Langdale Wolf, on 22 July 2011 - 08:00 PM, said:

Norwich - bought some 'safe' players who will stay with the club should they drop, leaving them in a better position than they were in 12 months ago, but none of them are anywhere near 'proven' PL players.

Swansea - again, they haven't made any worthwhile additions, and bear in mind that we've taken their first choice keeper who kept 25 clean sheets last season, they need to strengthen and quickly.

I know that there is still over a month until the end of the window, but if I was a fan of any of those sides, I would be fearing the worst.  Still, none of them should be finacially f**ked should they drop.

Much the same could have been said about Wolves they year they finally managed to stay up!

[eFestivals]

Langdale Wolf, on 22 July 2011 - 09:21 PM, said:

Is this just going to be a top 4 thread again?!

It's about football. If you have something to say, then say it.

I simply started this thread with some predictions, to give it some starting content. The only prediction I've made that I care about - even tho I know it'll be wildly wrong - is the Aldershot one.

[Benj]

eFestivals, on 25 July 2011 - 08:32 AM, said:

It's about football. If you have something to say, then say it.

He's right though, it is the same as in the real world, no one gives a f**k about your football team (as in yours as a collective whole, not just yours as in you, as in Aldershot!), people do give a toss about what happens at the top though and any other newsworthy event that occurs. Its the same in all sports.

If you want to have a discussion about Wolves, or Aldershot or Everton, your best bet would be to do it on a club specific board. Its obvious that people will only chat about the same old crap that Sky Sports news bangs on about, as that's all the majority have an interest in as a whole.

I could bang on about how Ross Barcley, the best prospect to come out of the Everton academy since a certain fat kid, is looking ace in pre season and fully recovered from his injury but none of you will give a toss, until he's linked with a bog money move to the top.

This will be a top 4 thread in the main and good for it I reckon, I really don't want to hear from a Wigan fan about how they are going to struggle against Stoke as one of their full backs is injured! Sad but true. I go to an Everton baord to talk about Everton, here to talk about big stories in the game and try to wind up some RS

Edited by Benj, 25 July 2011 - 08:53 AM.

[The Nal]

Easy there Patrice.....

[Langdale Wolf]

eFestivals, on 25 July 2011 - 08:23 AM, said:

While every year the general prediction is that the the three promoted teams will go down - often on the basis they've not bought anyone decent enough to stay up with - it's the case that often at least one of the promoted teams stays up. For example, the year that Wolves came up and stayed up just about everyone would have said what you've just said about this year's teams.

So I felt that I had to pick at least one existing team to go down, and of those Wolves must be one of the most likely. A strong reason that I plumped for them tho is that the signings they've made this summer (or at least, the ones I'm aware of) seem to me to be an awful lot of money (for Wolves, anyway) on players that aren't jumping out at me as worth it.

Having said all of that, I'm not hugely confident that the predictions I've made for who will go down will hold true - it's probably the hardest thing of all to predict of anything, with few seeming to get it right any year.



that's because - if the statement is true - there won't be any Taarabt money.
(I realise you probably wrote that before that statement was made).




Much the same could have been said about Wolves they year they finally managed to stay up!

But we got Kevin Doyle in the first summer we came up which was quite a coup for a newly promoted side. I don't think any of this year's newly promoted sides have a player of the same calibre.

It might not mean anything - Blackpool showed that you don't need a big name to get points in this league (I know they went down, but the points tally they accrued probably would have kept them up most years).

We really need to stop conceding sloppy goals late on, so by bringing in Johnson, I'm confident we can do that.

You mention the 'big money' we've paid - rumours are that we paid a hell of a lot less for RJ and Jamie O'Hara than was originally thought - dunno how true it is, but Moxey is a very good negotiator so who knows? Both are terrific signings IMHO.

It'll be a long, hard season but I don't see us being in the thick of the relegation battle this time.

[The Nal]

Langdale Wolf, on 25 July 2011 - 09:48 AM, said:

It'll be a long, hard season but I don't see us being in the thick of the relegation battle this time.

I dont think so either. The experience of you lot giving away really silly goals last season will help. Shouldn't happen again, not on the same scale anyway.

They were comical, some of them.

Edited by The Nal, 25 July 2011 - 10:30 AM.

[ralph250]

Langdale Wolf, on 25 July 2011 - 09:48 AM, said:

It'll be a long, hard season but I don't see us being in the thick of the relegation battle this time.

Think you'll stay up fine. Not sure I'd go as far to say you'll be clear and dry with games to go, but think you have enough to get safe. Couple years experience in the prem now & Johnson's a great signing for you imo. He missed Dann at Birmingham last year, but them two were pretty miserly 2009/10, and last year it was having the worst attack that cost them, not the defence. Fullbacks positions could be improved imo, but Fletcher ended the year strongly, and hopefully Doyle can score more frequently for you next year. Jarvis faded slightly as the season progressed but played excellently at times, and might actually have Kightly available this season too, which will give options (Hunt on the left etc). Long-time out though, and pretty untested at this level, but nice to think he could get back up to speed.

Will De Vries replace Hennessey? and who's going to partner Johnson? Stearman or Berra?

At present, I'd agree the three promoted clubs look pretty vulnerable. Wigan losing N'zogbia will be a blow if they don't replace adequately. Blackburn will probably struggle. Think will be interesting how Bolton do. Still got likes of Lee, Petrov, Muamba etc so should probably be fine, but Davies another year older, and no Sturridge or Elmander this year. Holden was arguably their best player for me last year but not sure when he's back. Cahill's entering the last year of his contract and Bolton hardly flush with cash so can see them pretty desperate to sell as the transfer window closes. Their position will get weaker as the window approaches, and wouldn't surprise me if Arsenal's bid for Jagielka was a bluff to Bolton to drive the price down. Wenger would've known the bid would get rejected, but perhaps panics Bolton a bit. Think Wenger is meant to be a big fan of Jagielka, and he's probably better on the deck than Cahill which Wenger obviously likes, but 29 in August. Not sure I see Wenger spending the kind of figures required for a short-term option, especially given Wengers reluctance to offer over 30's more than 1 year extensions. Cahill's only 25 so potentially far more long-term gain.

But yeah, think Wolves may still be down there but I'd fancy them to stay up over Blackburn, Wigan and the 3 promoted teams (subject to some shrewd buys from those clubs).

[the_hedge]

Injuries will be the key to a team like Wolves staying up. If they keep their main players fit they will be fine. Bolton will be ok with Coyle in charge, I've been really impressed by him since he arrived in the Prem.

[TheGayTent]

the_hedge, on 25 July 2011 - 01:02 PM, said:

Injuries will be the key to a team like Wolves staying up. If they keep their main players fit they will be fine. Bolton will be ok with Coyle in charge, I've been really impressed by him since he arrived in the Prem.

Don't doubt Coyle's ability if given the right tools, do doubt Gartside's resolve to give him the necessary tools though...

[ralph250]

Think it's too early for me to do predictions yet, whilst everyone still to move in the transfer window.

Quite surprised 8/10 of you have United as favourites though. I probably wouldn't go against that grain, but huge amounts of unknowns heading into this season so surprised we're being backed to that degree.

Lost huge amounts of experience in VDS, Scholes, Neville, O'Shea, Brown and Hargreaves this summer, and whilst I'm delighted with the acquisitions of De Gea, Young and Jones so far, I'm not sure I could say we're stronger than last year. Neville, Brown and Hargreaves didn't play much, but whilst Scholes was winding down, I think his absence will be felt a fair bit.

Young is an improvement to the squad. Far stronger option to come in for Nani/Valencia than Obertan and Bebe, but questionable whether he's really an improvement on our first XI. Perhaps more comfortable on the left than the others. Good quality to come in when required to start and could be a great option off the bench when not.

Jones is a prospect but not really an improvement on the fist XI yet either. Not going to usurp Rio and Vidic this season. Probably better potential than O'Shea and Brown whose minutes he'll take to a degree this season, but doesn't have anywhere near their experience.

and De Gea whilst the keeper I wanted, is unlikely to outperform VDS who for me was the best performing keeper in Europe last year. Could count the number of mistakes VDS made on one hand last year. De Gea's only 20 which is nothing for a keeper, and doesn't speak English so going to be some initial communication problems. And whilst he's got decent big game experience behind him already - won the Europa cup and Super cup with Atletico & the u21 championships with Spain - he wouldn't have faced the exposure he'll get at United. He's comes across as quite a cool composed character, but at his age, mistakes are going to be expected and just hope he's got a strong enough head on him to shut them out. A few early bad games and the media will get on his back like they did with Bebe. Equally the premiership holds a different footballing culture to Spain. He's going to be tested far more with aerial balls than he would've been used to in Spain. He's got two great defenders in front of him to help with that (Rio and Vidic when playing together didn't concede any goals from headers last year), but then their aerial dominance was helped by their understanding with VDS. Might take time to build that with De Gea.

I think he has the potential by in the top 3 keepers in the world, but whether it'll take a couple of seasons for us to really get the benefit remains to be seen. How he settles in Manchester? How he adapts to the English game etc? It's a risky signing, but the potential pay-off makes it worth it imo.

But outside of that, Welbeck and Cleverley look to be staying at the club this year as opposed to going out on loan again, and Jones was satisfied by Fergie that he'd get enough gametime to sign for us over his other options, so looks likely Fergie is looking to give minutes this season to Jones 19, De Gea 20, Welbeck 20, Rafael and Fabio both just turned 21 this month, Cleverley 21, Smalling 21, Macheda (if he doesn't go on loan) 19. Possibility that Fergie may look to give a few minutes to Pogba and Morrison this year, both only 18.

Hernandez, Evans and Anderson are only 23, with the former with just one season in the prem behind him and the latter had pretty much two years of his development written off after a leg break and cruciate already in his career. Nani 24.

Still got a lot of experience and strong core players with Vidic, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen etc. Valencia's 25, Young 26, but fair possibility we could be playing a fair few games with half a team made up of u21s this year. Rio's gametime will be managed to protect his back, and so an injury to Evra, and we're looking at a backline of Vidic plus four u21s.

Smalling and Hernandez have had superb starts to their Utd careers, but we're yet to see how they react when they suffer a loss in form, or if Hernandez gets 2nd season syndrome. We're yet to see how Giggs responds to the crowd reaction I'm expecting he'll receive (doubt it'll affect him too unduly but never know). We're currently pretty short in midfield (with Fletchers illness, an injury to Carrick would really concern me), whilst overloaded in forwards. Macheda will probably go out on loan I'd guess and Diouf will probably be sold or loaned. Rooney and Hernandez probable first choice, but Welbeck will need games for his development, Owen is meant to have been promised more gametime, and Berba (presuming he stays) will play his fair share. Probably going to mean more juggling for Fergie which might mean less time together for Rooney and Hernandez when they're probably our strongest forward line.

Remains to be seen whether we do any more business in the window (I think we probably will), but currently I'd say there's a fair few unknowns heading into the season, or areas where an injury or two could put us under a lot of pressure. Not been much more excited heading into a season than this one though.

Edited by ralph250, 25 July 2011 - 04:16 PM.

[eFestivals]

ralph250, on 25 July 2011 - 04:12 PM, said:

Might take time to build that with De Gea.

I guess it's lucky for him that there's a transfer window nowadays. I'm not sure he'd have got that time in the past with Fergie - after all, he's the man with little patience for goalies, and a liking for changing them pretty sharpish but not doing any better via that change.

ralph250, on 25 July 2011 - 04:12 PM, said:

I think he has the potential by in the top 3 keepers in the world, but whether it'll take a couple of seasons for us to really get the benefit remains to be seen. How he settles in Manchester? How he adapts to the English game etc? It's a risky signing, but the potential pay-off makes it worth it imo.

he's definitely your potential weak link going into the next season - but as you say, it depends how he adapts. He will be the difference between something or nothing for you next season.

ralph250, on 25 July 2011 - 04:12 PM, said:

so looks likely Fergie is looking to give minutes this season to Jones 19

he's not going to have too much choice is he?

You've lost some of the back-ups, and I reckon Rio is going to be lucky to play 15 games at most.

[ralph250]

TheGayTent, on 25 July 2011 - 02:15 PM, said:

Don't doubt Coyle's ability if given the right tools, do doubt Gartside's resolve to give him the necessary tools though...

Yep, this what I'm getting at really. I like Coyle but Elmander scored 10 league goals last year and went on a bosman, and Sturridge scored 8 prem goals and his loan expired. Over a third of their prem goals last year and no incoming money for either of them, and with Cahill in his final year, they'll probably be lucky to get more than £13-14m presuming they sell, which isn't a huge amount if needing to split those funds between a new centre back and forward. Davies is 34 now, and has only hit double figures for league goals once in his 8 years at Bolton, and as I said, I'm not sure when Holden's back. Jussi is another year older aswell which can catch up on a keeper.

If Gartside backs Coyle with additional funds plus the proceeds if Cahill goes, then he'll probably be fine, but if not then could be in trouble slightly. Midfield should be enough that they'll be alright but not a lot of goals in the team at present. Month to go yet though, and might be able to get Sturridge on loan again which will help.

[ralph250]

eFestivals, on 25 July 2011 - 04:31 PM, said:

I guess it's lucky for him that there's a transfer window nowadays. I'm not sure he'd have got that time in the past with Fergie - after all, he's the man with little patience for goalies, and a liking for changing them pretty sharpish but not doing any better via that change.


he's definitely your potential weak link going into the next season - but as you say, it depends how he adapts. He will be the difference between something or nothing for you next season.


he's not going to have too much choice is he?

You've lost some of the back-ups, and I reckon Rio is going to be lucky to play 15 games at most.

Fergie will give De Gea time. Obviously he'll be hoping that he can come in and make an immediate impact but he would've been fully aware there's a slight long-term strategy when bringing him in and that at his age he's not going to be complete; he's shown too much faith to pay £17-18m on a 20 yr old keeper to discard him after the first mistake. Might take him out of the firing line for a bit if does makes a few mistakes, but the objective will be for De Gea to be our keeper for the next 5-10 years and we don't really have an experienced option to come in either. Lindegaard's looked fine from what I've seen but only has experience in the Danish and Norwegian leagues, bit older mind.

De Gea has huge amounts going for him though. Great shotstopper, composed and comfortable with the ball, strong distribution. He's not got the eccentricity of someone like Barthez either which I think Fergie will prefer. The technical abilities all there, the mentality appears to be there, it's just the things experience teaches though. He'll face different tests in the prem to the primera, so decision making may be uncertain, when to come and claim and when to stay on your line, and that'll be compounded with the language barrier. Obvious Fergie wants him to bulk up a little bit to be able to deal with the additional physicality.
----
Unless Rio's back problems come back, he'll play more than 15 times imo. He seemed to get over it last year, and made 29 starts in all comps, which is fair amount better than the 21 he made the year before when it was really giving him gip. He'll still walk into the team whenever he's fit and available though I'd have thought. Jones will get games, but still got Smalling and Evans too.