Football 2011-2012

[eFestivals]

just seen Lawro's predictions. He has a 1-1 for Utd/L'pool tomorrow.

Not sure about that one. While Utd have been off the boil lately, if they're going to get it back on and make any sort of reasonable title challenge then this is the game where they'll start to fire I reckon.

Having said that, I still can't really make up my mind how it'll go, but if I had to plump for anything then I'd go for Utd winning by at least two goals.

[eFestivals]

PS: "Kermit & Miss Piggy" have made their prediction for that match too.

They've predicted a score of 27-35.

[kaosmark2]

Another misleading quote I have heard a few times the last few days is the world cup is an easier tournament than the euros. I would agree that the group phase at the world cup is easier, however the extra knockout round tends to filter out some of the medicore sides. You only have to look at the finalists to see only the world elite teams make world cup finals.

[strummer77]

just seen Lawro's predictions. He has a 1-1 for Utd/L'pool tomorrow.

Not sure about that one. While Utd have been off the boil lately, if they're going to get it back on and make any sort of reasonable title challenge then this is the game where they'll start to fire I reckon.

Having said that, I still can't really make up my mind how it'll go, but if I had to plump for anything then I'd go for Utd winning by at least two goals.

[kaosmark2]

He always goes for draws in big games. I think United will win comfortably but then who knows. Could depend on whether we get 'prove a point' Suarez or 'lose his head' Suarez.

[The Nal]

Secondly, the match-fixing scandal in Italy and corresponding decline of major Italian teams. Italian football has always been the most defensive minded of the big leagues, but the Italian teams haven't been the force to be reckoned with, and I suspect that they hung on to their older defenders longer than they would have because they didn't have the money to buy new ones, and give them dedicated, Italian style coaching.

[kaosmark2]

Its not so much the match fixing, (that happens every 10 years in Italy), as it is the danger at games now. A policeman was killed at the Sicilian derby a few years ago. All games were postponed indefinitely. Then a fan was shot dead during a riot on a motorway on the way to a game shortly after. Parents just don't bring their kids to the games anymore as a result, coupled with a lot of racism, most of which was directed at Balotelli, means the fans who go now and fill the 30% of the stadiums are mainly gangs of young men.

I was at a game in the San Siro shortly after that mess and there was a unsettled atmosphere. Felt a little dangerous. Rugby is the big winner. Italy played the All Blacks in the San Siro last year and they're playing their homes games in the Stadio Olimpico now.

Italians always seem to be able to keep defenders playing well into their 30s though. Maldini was nearly 41 when he retired after 25 seasons in the first team! When Milan played Arsenal in the Champions League, think he was 39 at the time, he was still the best player on the pitch.

And Nesta is still incredible. His defensive performance in the Nou Camp earlier this season was as good a performance I've seen from a defender in a few years.

Regarding Maldini, some people just really have it all don't they?! 900 games for Milan, 126 games for Italy, 7 leagues, played in 8 European Cup finals, won 5 European Cups of which he lifted 4, never suffered a series injury, retired at 41 looking like hes been modelling Armani for his entire life and not getting kicked about by players. The bastard.

Oh, and hes married to a Venezuelan supermodel too.

Roll of the dice isn't it? Poor old Luke Chadwick.

[strummer77]

Was about to say. Almost always 1-1 as well isn't it?

[thetime]

in a season of 8-2 and 6-1 it's an even more boring choice.

[The Nal]

Not to the punishing extent of the last scandal. Juve got relegated by it!

[kaosmark2]

Yep. Any game involving the bigger clubs in the league is normally 1-1.

To be fair that isn't usually that uncommon but in a season of 8-2 and 6-1 it's an even more boring choice.

[thetime]

Ill turn my attention to Marco Van Basten then so, purely for footballing reasons.

Seriously, what a player.

[strummer77]

Very much so.

Lawro's not respecting us as a big club though with a 1-1 at Spurs! Still, I'd be delighted if we pulled that off. I think we've got a chance, but not a huge one.

http://www.myfootbal...ns_2011-12.html

Quite interesting, even though his predictions leave Spurs 5th, they'd be on pretty much the same points. Wolves on 39 points and already safe as well!

Edited February 10, 2012 by strummer77

[kaosmark2]

I suppose points tallys for each position are slightly exaggerated if you do it on a game by game basis.

For example you would have City down to win pretty much all of their games as favourites, and Blackburn down as to lose pretty much every one. The odd upset changes that.

Although actually with his 1-1 draw tendency I'd be surprised if in his league Man City/United etc have even lost a game!

[kaosmark2]

Just saw the news that Best has been ruled out for the season. I reckon our chances of nicking a Champs Lge spot have just gone up

[kaosmark2]

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/02/10/SOCCER_England_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=soccer&BID=165

"I haven't got a big ego. There have been cleverer boys about than me who haven't had the opportunities I've had."

'Arry reckons he hasn't got a big ego.....

[Ed209]

Someone managed to get this onto Reed (who screen all ads apparently)

http://www.reed.co.u...quired/21171278

Edited February 11, 2012 by Ed209

[kaosmark2]

Someone managed to get this onto Reed (who screen all ads apparently)

http://www.reed.co.u...quired/21171278

[strummer77]

Someone managed to get this onto Reed (who screen all ads apparently)

http://www.reed.co.u...quired/21171278

[Kowalski]

It's good to see Suarez has learnt from his time off. The man is a repulsive stain.

He's rapidly catching up on Terry as the biggest c**t in the EPL.

[lost]

I'm starting to wonder if he's trying to engineer a move to Spain, eye gouging and high on Parker last week, now this. Problem is Dalglish just keeps backing him.

[strummer77]

just hope no controversy comes from this. I'm sure someone will find something though!

Edited February 11, 2012 by strummer77

[pink_triangle]

I disagree strummer, its clear they don't like each other but its a situation that needs diffusing. I thought Liverpool handed the situation originally but thought once things calmed down they would reflect.and move on. I didn't understand kenny bringing the ban up last week. Regarding the handshake Suarez was silly to give evra the chance to take the moral high ground today. I assume it was discussed before, so maybe its a sign man u are a bit cleverer from a corporate view.

[strummer77]

I disagree strummer, its clear they don't like each other but its a situation that needs diffusing. I thought Liverpool handed the situation originally but thought once things calmed down they would reflect.and move on. I didn't understand kenny bringing the ban up last week. Regarding the handshake Suarez was silly to give evra the chance to take the moral high ground today. I assume it was discussed before, so maybe its a sign man u are a bit cleverer from a corporate view.

Edited February 11, 2012 by strummer77

[joe1990]

i cant say im a massive Liverpool fan, but Luis Suarez in my eyes is an absolute nightmare, after he reserved his 8 match ban he came on the pitch at Anfield last week (for the last 20mins or so) and he kicked a player clean in the chest (witch he could of easily got a red for) then today he refused to shake Patrice evera's hand after the horrific racial abused he suffered at O.T just over a month by Mr Suarez

what a horrible and spiteful "man" he's showing up his club and a man in Dalglish who's trying to stick by him over all the allegations and stunts. but its just showing him up because he's defending a man that's quit obviously a very nasty and

cynical person.

he's making a fool of Liverpool FC and to our country, because we don't stand for rubbish like that here and he thinks he can do and say as he pleases. i hope he rots .