[FOOTBALL] Weekend Football Thread - 16th/17th/18th October 2016

[Weaver]

Friday
Nottingham Forest 3 Birmingham City 1
Cardiff City 2 Bristol City 1

Saturday
Chelsea vs Leicester City - Sky Sports, 12:30
Arsenal vs Swansea City
Bournemouth vs Hull City
Manchester City vs Everton
Stoke vs Sunderland
West Brom vs Spurs
Crystal Palace vs West Ham - BT Sport, 17:30

9 Championship fixtures, with Aston Villa vs Wolves on Sky Sports at 17:30

Sunday
Middlesbrough vs Watford - Sky Sports, 13:30
Southampton vs Burnley - Sky Sports,16:00

Huddersfield vs Sheffield Wednesday - Sky Sports, 12:00

Monday
Liverpool vs Manchester United - Sky Sports, 20:00

[John Arne]

Playing Monday is shit. Will they not think of the "Asian market"?

[niko_cee]

Good for all the returning South Americans though.

Should really give them a good stomping so I anticipate an evening of frustration and 1990s style corner terror.

[Ian]

I don't think I'm even going to see it on Monday. Or not all of it anyway. Might be for the best.

[Raoul Duke]

Big games on Monday ruins MOTD

[phonics]

Mahrez being dropped is the first time a fantasy decision of mine has actually worked. If this run continues, Costa is going to score 7 goals.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Smiffy]

.....

[John]

Quite frankly I just don't like the Hull manager

:D

[phonics]

mahrez being dropped is the first time a fantasy decision of mine has actually worked. If this run continues, costa is going to score 7 goals.

THE COMEBACK STARTS NOW

caps

[igor_balis]

I know you love wearing flat peaks but i fail to see what that has to do with diego costa!!

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Leicester completely forgot how to defend in the Summer.

[CJay]

Leicester have been woeful this season.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That was a nice flick from Chalalalalabah.

[CJay]

That was class. Chalobah has looked really good.

[phonics]

Walcott has scored 2 goals from a combined distance of about 5 yards.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Shindig]

Its probably hard to figure out where Leicester's level is, given how they under-over-achieved in the last 24 months.

[phonics]

What the fuck is that red card? There's 4 players in front of him on the half way line :cab:

[John Arne]

Is Bob Bradley planning to rob a bank after the game?

[Byron]

Lol Mike Phelan

[John Arne]

Walcott :D

[Shindig]

Wow. The Hull result looks great. Sunderland four points from safety already.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Benteke :D

He should never be allowed to take one again.

[Bam]

Martin Atkinson and that silly cunt of a linesman should never be let near a football pitch again.

[John Arne]

What the fuck is that red card? There's 4 players in front of him on the half way line :cab:

Just seen the tackle - for me, I hate those deliberate tackles and I'm glad he got sent off - but yeah, letter of the law, I'm not sure that's a red card, and I don't think 99% of refs would have sent him off.

[phonics]

Just seen the tackle - for me, I hate those deliberate tackles and I'm glad he got sent off - but yeah, letter of the law, I'm not sure that's a red card, and I don't think 99% of refs would have sent him off.

3 match ban for violent conduct as well. Whereas if he was last man it would be a one game ban. It's madness.

[Adamski]

http://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jackie-mcnamara-york-city-football-club-chief-executive-3365442.aspx

Didn't they just sack him as manager? :D

[Danny]

They did. He must have something on the chairman.

[Danny]

Martin Atkinson and that silly cunt of a linesman should never be let near a football pitch again.

That was a joke. Lee Dixon on the US comms was fuming.

[niko_cee]

Are these the worst three teams ever promoted?

[Smiffy]

.....

[Reg]

Fun Basque derby earlier. Worth watching the very good goals: http://www.replayfoot.com/athletic-bilbao-vs-real-sociedad-16-10-2016/

[John Arne]

Mourinho really is an idiot.

Asked about he choice of ref for the game, rather than just say "I'm not here to talk about the ref", he says


“I don’t want to say anything about it,”

And follows it up with...


“I have my view but I understood and I learned, if you want to call it, a lesson by being so many times punished by some words.
“I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance"


He isn't even any good with "MINDGAMES" anymore. He's like one of those wacko's sat in his dark room arguing with himself.

[niko_cee]

No idea what Keith Hackett was up to with his comments.

Then again, does anyone really only support a non-league side? Hopefully Mourinho is proved right and he has a stinker in Liverpool's favour.

[Ian]

He isn't even any good with "MINDGAMES" anymore. He's like one of those wacko's sat in his dark room arguing with himself.

Is anybody actually good at it? None of them ever say anything that doesn't sound like tosh, you just get away with it if you're winning every week.

[John Arne]

Indeed. It's all bollock really. One thing is sure, though - whatever it actually is, Rafa wasn't good at it.

FACHT.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's clearly worked his way into your head.

[John Arne]

It gave me a good laugh, that's for sure.

[GS]

There are few things as tedious in the 'modern game' as this MIND GAMES shite.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37672984

Inter's hardcore 'ultras' called Icardi a "clown" before Sunday's 2-1 home loss to Cagliari - and cheered when he missed a penalty during the match.

lol.

[GS]

We should move anything of historical significance to the north of England and just sink Italy into the sea.

[niko_cee]

€95m isn't it?

There's a certain balance in the world knowing Inter are back to being a complete shambles.

[Shindig]

We could stick the Collesium in Gateshead somewhere. And flood Teesside so the Venice gear gets a run-out. Blackpool gets the leaning tower but, due to a contractor dispute, it's now fully upright.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLp53LmhAYu/

Gahahahahahahahaha.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind; Herrera, Pogba, Fellaini; Rashford, Ibrahimovic, Young

Fellaini :face:

[Gray Fox]

That's Ashley Young nailed on for a dodgy penalty award or to pull a 30 yarder out his ass.

[Raoul Duke]

The previous games under LVG we seemed to do well whacking it at Fellainimania's head, so that's probably the game here, but with added Zlatan and unfortunately minus Mingolet's avant garde approach to claiming crosses.

[niko_cee]

Commence Operation Don't Concede A Corner.

No Lallana is a big miss.

[Spoonsky]

Commence Operation Don't Concede A Corner.

No Lallana is a big miss.

At least we get to see Can the Man (or should it be Jackie Can?).

[Reg]

The previous games under LVG we seemed to do well whacking it at Fellainimania's head, so that's probably the game here, but with added Zlatan and unfortunately minus Mingolet's avant garde approach to claiming crosses.
:D

Interesting lineup from United. If Herrera is holding it's gonna be a big test for him handling all the attacking players buzzing around that area.

[phonics]

Giggs says the most interesting thing to ever come out of his mouth on Fellaini, mentioning that he's nowhere near aggressive enough to be an actual danger at set pieces but he's just so massive that you have to pick him up or he'll do you. Or as I call it, the Yaya Sanogo theory.

[bruhnaldo]

World Clashley Young gonna have a masterclass i feel it :drool:

[Boydy]

My internet connection's seemingly gone to shit. :moop:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

You're not missing much.

[Lewis]

I think we'll all come to love those stupid Paulp Ogba shots from miles out.

[Yevrah]

Given the game is shit and TTH is near dead, I may as well. So, where the fuck did "Paulp Ogba" come from?

[Max Power]

This is always the worst "big game" of the season. Can't remember a genuinely good game between the two sides

[Lewis]

Given the game is shit and TTH is near dead, I may as well. So, where the fuck did "Paulp Ogba" come from?

It's how you pronounce his name.

[phonics]

This game is absolute dirt. They should cancel Monday Night Football for a year in a thai style mourning for the death of the sport.

[Lewis]

United haven't looked this DISCIPLINED since Carlos Queiroz was in charge.

[niko_cee]

At least we get to see Can the Man (or should it be Jackie Can?).

Much as I like Can, and I do, he's a real Rolls Royce of a player (and about as mobile as one), he doesn't suit this Liverpool's style of play. Where one touch passing and quick movement has seen them rise in everyone's esteem this season, he (along with Sturridge) fucking loves a touch or three. Put him in a 'dominant' side and I think he could be class, but he's just a bit ponderous.

Still, could be worse. Survive the first 10-15 minutes of the second half without anything too disastrous or stupid happening, get Lallana on and try to get back to that fast paced style.

Someone's probably going to have to rattle one in from 30 yards before Karius chucks one in.

[Waffdon]

It's something he keeps repeating in a hope that it will eventually stick or become relevant. A bit like his entire existence.

https://vine.co/v/56m33Fd1lPO

[phonics]

'Saido' is awful. Just stands in everyones way. Must be in the blokes contract to turn up against Arsenal twice a year.

[Lewis]

'Zlatan' has been a bit pointless, so 'mon the [shit] Wayne Rooney winner.

[phonics]

This game is bang up for a Coutinho worldie so everyone can praise him while he does owt for the next month.

[phonics]

"It's Rooney Time"

[Boydy]

Much as I like Can, and I do, he's a real Rolls Royce of a player (and about as mobile as one), he doesn't suit this Liverpool's style of play. Where one touch passing and quick movement has seen them rise in everyone's esteem this season, he (along with Sturridge) fucking loves a touch or three. Put him in a 'dominant' side and I think he could be class, but he's just a bit ponderous.

Still, could be worse. Survive the first 10-15 minutes of the second half without anything too disastrous or stupid happening, get Lallana on and try to get back to that fast paced style.

Someone's probably going to have to rattle one in from 30 yards before Karius chucks one in.
This is so spot on about Can. And probably about Sturridge too. Lallana coming on has really changed things.


'Saido' is awful. Just stands in everyones way. Must be in the blokes contract to turn up against Arsenal twice a year.

Do you mean 'Sadio'? He's been brilliant for Liverpool so far this season.

[phonics]

How dare I make a typo. Strike my post from the record!

[Boydy]

I wasn't being a dick, you dick. I was genuinely just checking if you were on about Mané.

[phonics]

I wasn't being a dick, you dick. I was genuinely just checking if you were on about Mané.

:D I disagree with your post. Obvs.

This game is so poor that I'd give Valencia the MOTM for making a sliding tackle.

[Lewis]

Antonio 'Cafu' Valencia.

[Ian]

Sounds like I've missed a proper classic here.

[phonics]

Ander Herrera :D

Genuinely think I would have made the better choice there.

[phonics]

Fellaini kicks a player in the leg. Commits a foul.

"Good pressing by Manchester United"

What?

[Davgooner]

Hahaha. Fucking wank.

[Max Power]

I would have given man of the match to the famous Anfield atmosphere.

What a terrible game of football

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Glad I sacked it off at half time.

[Dquincy]

What a load of wank that was. Mourinho good at ruining/shutting down these games.

[Lewis]

I bet Floyd is drowning in tears after that.

[niko_cee]

That sort of shitfest would usually have ended with a late winner off some wanker's arse (or whilst another was on his) so the clean sheet is a definite win. Particularly considering that they seem to have found the one goalkeeper in the world who looks more of a bombscare than Ming. Oh look who's next, even more men behind the ball set piece big man shitmunchers. At least it won't manage to ruin my dinner.

I'm going to forgive Can for not being fully match fit, but Sturridge is just a bit of a no-hoper. Probably shows just how good a player Suarez was (is) to make him look like some sort of seasoned goal scoring machine. Maybe God did tell him to jack it in. Wish De Gea would fuck off.

[Dark Soldier]

We shut down the all conquering, world beating, unrivalled Scouse attack with beautiful, disciplined football. A glorious night :drool:

[Boydy]

Oh look who's next, even more men behind the ball set piece big man shitmunchers. At least it won't manage to ruin my dinner.


Read that and thought 'must be West Brom'.

:cool:/:moop:

[Kikó]

I thought we were going to get done so the point isn't bad. Zlat didn't really do enough and I would have hooked him for Rooney (as Rooney on the wing was a massive liability).

At least we can come out and attack in the next BPLSBB game.

[Reg]

Liverpool tonnes better without Sturridge. No point having a talented player on if him being there means the rest of the team can't function properly.

De Gea's save from Coutinho was ridiculous. Bailley is seriously impressive for 22.

[Luke Emia]

Well SKY will be foaming at that because it was dogshit. United did a job, we were poor. In part I think it's mentality, we looked a team that just felt United should roll over for us. Can looked massively off the pace. If he's not fit the why is Lucas not starting?

Sturridge is done, right now in that system both Origi and Ings are a better fit I suspect he may well end up going the way of Benteke because Klopp won't keep showing patience with him.

[Raoul Duke]

Zinedine Kilbane should grow a big fuck-off handlebar 'tache.

[niko_cee]

Dunno about Origi. Each time I see him it looks more and more like that spate of good form last season was the exception rather than the rule (which would be his dire form for Lille in that year after we bought him or his generally shithouse performances for Belgium in the summer). Sturridge may not be as bad as we are tarring him, but playing him and forcing both Coutinho and Firmino out of position (less so for Firmino) on the back of that is a bit mad. Not sure even a fully functioning team of the last few league games would have necessarily scored tonight outwith a rangy freak goal. Rooney coming on and being useless for 10 minutes showed just how much work the two advanced fullbacks were doing.

[Boydy]

Where is Ings? Is he still injured?

[niko_cee]

Nah, he's been scoring for fun for the U23s (and missing thousands of chances at the same time). Probably get a game against the Spuds next week.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I bet Floyd is drowning in tears after that.

Not really, as I was watching it with some United supporting m8s who claimed they would win, and I said no he'll shut it down for a dire 0-0, so I was the winner.

[Lewis]

I meant more in the sense that you miss him. Anyway, in other news: Football Manager (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/18/brexit-is-simulated-in-football-manager-2017-and-its-going-to-ma/) is going to include speculative Brexit scenarios, presumably just to annoy people.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The 22 year old me would have missed him, but the 28 year old version really doesn't give two shits.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Smiffy]

.....

[phonics]

I genuinely thought that stuff had come from a parody account. What a stupid game.

[John]

“I always read the party manifestos before a general election,” he says.

Such a Miles line.

[randomlegend]

Ander Herrera :D

Genuinely think I would have made the better choice there.

Herrera played really well, I dunno what you're on here.

[phonics]

Your brothers Liverpool rants are rubbing off on you.

There wasn't a single midfield player on the pitch that deserved a man of the match award. All ten of them were bang average. Couldn't dictate tempo, lost possession and weren't so much breaking up the play as running into each other giving away fouls.

[Reg]

Herrera was really good. What you've described doesn't fit how he played at all.

Agreed that the general quality was quite poor though. Expected more from Liverpool; I think they would have got much further up the pitch earlier had they had Firmino up front pressing.

[phonics]

I'm not sure how saying Ander Herrera wasn't Man of the Match is a controversial statement.

[Reg]

That wasn't the controversial part, but never mind.

[niko_cee]

I didn't really get Herrera as MotM either. Would have given it to any of De Gea (two top class saves), Valencia (tackle on Firmino) or Young (shut down Liverpool's right flank which is a major strength/threat normally). The fact Liverpool's midfield didn't turn up had nothing to do with Herrera.

[Giggles]

The top two here were playing their third to last league games last night and the title still hasd't been decided.

Combined attendance: 864 :nono:

[John Arne]

AFC Champions League semi 2nd leg just kicking off. El Jaish v Al Ain, Al Ain 3-1 up from the first leg.
Omar Abdulrahman leading the line for Al Ain. Romarinho upfront for El Jaish, unfortunately, not that one.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 6' 8" Senegalese...sorry, Qatari keeper for El Jaish throw a few in this evening.

[John Arne]

Ah, Seydou Keita has just rocked up in midfield for Al Jaish, too.

[Adamski]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/oct/18/want-to-know-how-brexit-will-work-play-football-manager?CMP=fb_gu

:D

[Adamski]

Three times is a charm MATE.

[Raoul Duke]

Three times a lady, actually