Football 2013-2014

[Bobs]

No doubt spain were smiling when they were drawn against Switzerland in the last world cup as well! To be honest I don't think either new Zealand or burkino faso will qualify.

[kaosmark2]

At the beginning of the season Hull were my 2nd favs to go down, but they're doing well so far. Cardiff potential meddling could cause problems, but without that I find it hard to see.

I can't see Norwich staying down there for long, I think the signings they made are good players, they've had a slightly difficult fixture list, and Bassong being back should help them defensively. I'm surprised Van Wolfswinkel hasn't got more yet, but I think he'll still be a decent striker, and when they get a bit more freedom they'll be able to score.

Fulham look to me like they have too much quality to go down, but before today they weren't gelling at all.

I see Stoke drawing their way to safety as they have in so many seasons before. I like Arnautovic, I think he's a good player and will start to get goals and assists as the season goes on.

[pink_triangle]

I didn't say it'd be a piss easy group, just the 'easiest' group.

Who would you rather play? Brazil or Switzerland? It's a no brainer, well unless you're wanting absolutely no pressure on England!

Both teams have an alright chance, by no means are Mexico a good nation now, and only two USA goals in the last minute got them to this stage! And Burkina Faso will go to Algeria with a lead so anything is possible!

Sunderland will go imo. Hiring Di Canio was a bold move, and he kept them up

[Bobs]

Sometimes being in the same group as the strongest side works in your favour as it pushes you into the other half for the knockout. Interestingly Tim vickery thinks the group could be just as much a factor as the teams. He thinks England would be better facing a stronger team in group (i think) H, than a weaker one in some of the other groups.

Doesn't matter how Mexico got there, if they win the play off they start the world cup on 0 points like everyone else. Scraping through doesn't mean Mexico aren't a good nation, just as failing to qualify for euro 2012 didn't mean Belgium were not good. Teams can have bad runs, but better to peak in the tournament than qualifying.

I'm not sure Di canio kept sunderland up or if it was wigan. Don't think there was any improvement in terms of points per game when he took over.

[LondonTom]

West Ham, no doubt they have good individuals, but they just don't look like a good team to me!

[eFestivals]

so arsenal/dortmund tonight ... am really looking forwards to it (and not just because I'm guaranteed a good picture cos it's on ITV )

[thetime]

so arsenal/dortmund tonight ... am really looking forwards to it (and not just because I'm guaranteed a good picture cos it's on ITV )

[strummer77]

Ferguson releases book and criticises those he doesn't like shocker.

Edited October 22, 2013 by strummer77

[The Nal]

Ferguson releases book and criticises those he doesn't like shocker.

Edited October 22, 2013 by The Nal

[5co77ie]

voted the best goal of the Premiership era already apparently

Edited October 22, 2013 by 5co77ie

[thetime]

voted the best goal of the Premiership era already apparently

[kaosmark2]

Prefer the Arsenal's first goal myself.

[strummer77]

Really interesting stuff.

Presser and live updates here as people read it and get the juicy info!

Edited October 22, 2013 by strummer77

[thetime]

Isn't it everything we already knew? He fell out with Beckham and Rooney, doesn't like Benitez, quite likes Mourinho and hates Keane?

Keane on telly tonight might be fun.

Edited October 22, 2013 by thetime

[kaosmark2]

What did you expect? That his been in a sexual relationship with rafa all these years.

[The Nal]

Isn't it everything we already knew? He fell out with Beckham and Rooney, doesn't like Benitez, quite likes Mourinho and hates Keane?

Keane on telly tonight might be fun.

[strummer77]

What did you expect? That his been in a sexual relationship with rafa all these years.

[strummer77]

It is but its nice to get an updated opinion from the man.

Seems a few LFC fans are riled up by him saying Gerrard isn't "a top, top player".

Nice parting shot!

[The Nal]

He wouldn't be saying that had he succeeded in 2005

Edited October 22, 2013 by The Nal

[pink_triangle]

The fergie book doesn't interest me. While he was a great manager, I never found his views on the game particularly interesting. It sounds like a lot of tittle tattle which is part of the industry that doesn't interest me. At the end of the day its an excuse to print money and man utd fans will lap it up regardless of quality, I suppose at least he hasn't released it in his 20s like most of the golden generation.

Football books are by their nature normally dull, on the topic of man utd, the giggs one takes boring to a new level.

[The Nal]

The fergie book doesn't interest me. While he was a great manager, I never found his views on the game particularly interesting. It sounds like a lot of tittle tattle which is part of the industry that doesn't interest me. At the end of the day its an excuse to print money and man utd fans will lap it up regardless of quality, I suppose at least he hasn't released it in his 20s like most of the golden generation.

Football books are by their nature normally dull, on the topic of man utd, the giggs one takes boring to a new level.

[strangetown]

Will be interesting to see if Chiles can get anything out of Keane tonight. Doubt it very much. Only bit of the book I haven't heard about is confirmation that it was allegedly Cesc who aimed the pizza slices at Fergie which probably made his ghost transfer to Old Tratford this summer an absolute non-starter.

Cazorla on the bench tonight with Rosicky starting so fingers crossed for a good game and another 3 points for us.

[thetime]

Klopp next arsenal manager? Next season?

[pink_triangle]

When it comes to professionalism, Im very much of the opinion that what happens in the workplace should stay in the workplace.

[thetime]

When it comes to professionalism, Im very much of the opinion that what happens in the workplace should stay in the workplace.