[FOOTBALL] Midweek European Fixtures (13-15 March)

[Reg]

Round of 16 2nd legs. Televised Europa only, full list here. (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2018/matches/index.html#/rd/2000892/2)

19:45 and various BT Sport channels unless stated.

Tuesday
Man Utd (0) v (0) Sevilla
Roma (1) v (2) Shakhtar

Brentford v Cardiff City - Sky

Wednesday
Besiktas (0) v (5) Bayern Munich - 17:00 BTS Showcase
Barcelona (1) v (1) Chelsea

Thursday
Lokomotiv Moscow (0) v (3) Atletico Madrid - 16:00 BTS Showcase
Athletic Bilbao (1) v (3) Marseille - 18:00
Zenit (1) v (2) Leipzig - 18:00
Arsenal (2) v (0) Milan - 20:05
Salzburg (2) v (1) Dortmund - 20:05

http://www.live-footballontv.com

[Kikó]

Very nervous about tonight. Can't help we're going to concede and then all hell will break loose.

[Mazuuurk]

Champions League these days it just seems like you should try to attack away from home and Defend when at home, but all teams still try to do the opposite.


EDIT: yes, I know that's a little backwards but still.

[Lewis]

Fellainimania is going to Run Wild on these foreign mugs.

[phonics]

I've just seen an article saying Busquets thinks that Barca would 'settle for 0-0'

Considering that would put them through I'm not sure it deserves the yellow ticker that SSN is giving it.

[Kikó]

De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young, Fellaini, Matic, Lindard, Sanchez, Martial, Lukaku
Subs: Romero, Darmian, Lindelof, Mata, McTominay, Pogba, Rashford

This team was bollocks - Rashford starts, not Martial.

[Giggles]

How much will they get for Pogba then? Couldn't ask much more than half really.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Fellaini instead of Pogba, love ya Jose.

[Kikó]

Pogba needs to earn his place. He's been swanning about in a mood for a while so fuck him until he grows up.

[Giggles]

Fellaini is to make a point and it's not a bad game to do it in anyway. Aren't this lot shit?

[Kikó]

I'm looking forward to the inevitable penalty shout from either Smalling or Fellaini.

Mata on the bench after the weekend is frustrating.

[Giggles]

Utd look a mess at the back.

[Magic]

Pogba needs to earn his place. He's been swanning about in a mood for a while so fuck him until he grows up.

89 million.

[randomlegend]

Given the prices paid for players since, I think we did alright.

[Magic]

Let's hope McNanaman hocks on some kid so this accent is never heard commentating on football matches again.

[Lewis]

Their actual defence is miraculous, bearing in mind the Macho Man is the only one covering whilst Fellaini wheezes back from losing the last header he is on the pitch to win.

[Magic]

Montella looks like a door to door hoover salesman from the 60s.

[Mazuuurk]

This is a snoozepill. I've got a bunch of Overs bets for tonight so that's nice :moop:

I'm also on Roma to go through so a few goals from them in that would be nice.

[Reg]

Mata on the bench after the weekend is frustrating.
The front five are just wanting to run to the goal in the most direct route possible. There've been so few coherent moves. Any of Mata/Pogba/McTominay would help.

[Max Power]

Not an original take I know, but how have Manchester United spent so much money to be this interminably dull.

[Mazuuurk]

What kind of player is McTominay actually and why is he given so much confidence from Mourinho?

I've seen him play a few times now and I never seem to notice him during the matches at all, but maybe that's not so bad? I dunno.

[Giggles]

What kind of player is McTominay actually and why is he given so much confidence from Mourinho?

I've seen him play a few times now and I never seem to notice him during the matches at all, but maybe that's not so bad? I dunno.

Surely an ego thing. A lot of Mourinhos decisions are.

[Magic]

Lol @ Villa destroying Wolves and then slumping to an embarassing defeat at home against QPR.

[SvN]

McTomminay is Darren Fletcher's regen.

This first half has been up there with the most boring first halves I've ever watched.

[Reg]

What kind of player is McTominay actually and why is he given so much confidence from Mourinho?

I've seen him play a few times now and I never seem to notice him during the matches at all, but maybe that's not so bad? I dunno.
He just seems tidy on the ball, quite good technically and defensively. I imagine Mourinho likes him because he follows instructions and is tall.

[Raoul Duke]

Bailly :drool:

[phonics]

That is a play of the season by Bailly there. What a player.

[Mazuuurk]

McTomminay is Darren Fletcher's regen.

This first half has been up there with the most boring first halves I've ever watched.

Ah ok so he's supposed to be some sort of allround mainly defensive midfielder then. I really can't place him as a player type it's odd.

[Lewis]

Phil Jones was better on corners than Marcus Rashford.

[Foe]

Mctominay only ever passes the ball side ways or backwards.

I don't think I've ever see him do anything remotely attacking. He just sort of exists. I reckon you could plonk any footballer with a decent first touch in there and he'd do the same job.

[John]

That Bailly tackle earlier was bonkers.

[Mazuuurk]

This United team really is ALL physique in one way or another. If it's not being beefy (Lukaku, Matic, Fellaini) it's being pacey only (Rashford) or just generally running around all the time (Lingard).

[Waffdon]

Rashford on all set pieces again I see. What a shambles he is.

[Lewis]

The left Sevilla centre-back has been good tonight. Is he highly rated?

[Mazuuurk]

WHY does Rashford always take free kicks and corners?

It defies all logic.

[Giggles]

Rashford is early Aaron Lennon. Flashes, but a dire final ball.

[Giggles]

Ruh-roh.

[phonics]

WHY does Rashford always take free kicks and corners?

It defies all logic.

I like how he they come in but his accuracy is awful. There's a lot of straightness to the ball that you don't see often.

[John]

Ben Yedder is some player.

[Waffdon]

Beautiful:drool:

[Spoonsky]

Great goal :cool:

[Max Power]

That’s a lovely take and finish.

Bet Jose is gutted he can’t bring Fellaini on now. His only trump card.

[Waffdon]

I like how he they come in but his accuracy is awful. There's a lot of straightness to the ball that you don't see often.

He just hits it as hard as possible, as he does whenever the ball leaves his feet.

[phonics]

My stream literally died 30 seconds previous after all that shite.

[Mazuuurk]

I like how he they come in but his accuracy is awful. There's a lot of straightness to the ball that you don't see often.

Yeah it always seems to go very straight into the stands.

[phonics]

https://m.popkey.co/d09b84/ldW50.gif

[Giggles]

The roflcopter is flying high tonight.

:D

[-james-]

Sevilla are terrible. What is going on. :cab:

[Giggles]

That's the limpest of wrists too.

[John]

What the fuck is Young doing there? Stood and watched that bounce in, the idiot.

[Spoonsky]

Hahahahaha

[Lewis]

My stream died at 0-0.

[Mazuuurk]

Hahaha this is great.

If Mourinho would have just decided to attack a bit for once they would have had this easily.

[Max Power]

To be fair to United, only truly great sides manage to knock out Sevilla in European football...

[Waffdon]

That was his worst corner of the lot :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I just got in. Felt that this was coming.

I also said in the first leg that it was mental Ben Yedder didn't get any time as he'd cause us a lot problems and it seems that was the case.

[Lewis]

Well done mate.

[Mazuuurk]

Montella just played a blinder. Have the rest of the lot kill off 160 minutes then have Ben Yedder come on all fresh and finish it off :cool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That pass by Pogba :cab:

[Max Power]

Im a Pogba fan but he’s looked like a competition winner since coming on.

[John]

Ben Yedder has absolutely murdered that defence since he came on.

[Giggles]

Ben Yedder has absolutely murdered that defence since he came on.

That last effort was beyond shit though.

[Mike]

Good old Jose :D

[phonics]

Getting Ole'd at home in the CL to some 4th placed shite is peak Arsenal. I'm just glad to see it happen to someone else.

[Lewis]

That one is entirely on Mourinho. Probably the worst performance since he took over.

[Giggles]

Souness slaughtering them :drool:

[Waffdon]

Think they’re underestimating Sevilla a little bit. Man Utd obviously the favourites but they’re still a very good side on their day. They are EL kings after all.

N’Zonzi was incredible as was their unpronounceable left centre half.

[CJay]

Souness slaughtering them :drool:

So good.

Mourinho’s stuck at least 5 years in the past. The sooner United move on the better for them.

[Max Power]

https://youtu.be/yPv0Gclfbw0

[Smiffy]

Mctominay only ever passes the ball side ways or backwards.

I don't think I've ever see him do anything remotely attacking. He just sort of exists. I reckon you could plonk any footballer with a decent first touch in there and he'd do the same job.

Carrick has made a career of it.

Now for Barcelona to win in controversy please.

[Giggles]

So good.

Mourinho’s stuck at least 5 years in the past. The sooner United move on the better for them.

He's stuck in the past and stuck up his own hole.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Ferdinand claiming that no one will fear this Sevilla team is a bit mental.

They did win 3 Europa Leagues in a row.

They've not done great in the Champions League but I think that's underestimating them a bit.

[SincereTheRebel]

I think sanchez is the curse

[Kikó]

That's me done with Mourinho. That starting line up was cowardly.

[Adamski]

I don’t really understand how everything went to shit as soon as Pogba came on in a midfield two.

Can anyone help?

[Giggles]

Ferdinand claiming that no one will fear this Sevilla team is a bit mental.

They did win 3 Europa Leagues in a row.

They've not done great in the Champions League but I think that's underestimating them a bit.

Aren't they completely adrift in the Spanish league though too?

[Yevrah]

Ferdinand claiming that no one will fear this Sevilla team is a bit mental.

They did win 3 Europa Leagues in a row.

They've not done great in the Champions League but I think that's underestimating them a bit.

He's surely right though. Mourinho would never have lost to a side like this in years gone by, what's up with him?

[Pen]

Ferdinand claiming that no one will fear this Sevilla team is a bit mental.

They did win 3 Europa Leagues in a row.

They've not done great in the Champions League but I think that's underestimating them a bit.

Let’s not kid ourselves that United should be going through of that tie all day long. And Ferdinand is right. No team that has any aspirations of winning the whole thing should be worried about Sevilla in the slightest. They deserved to go through over the two legs here, but a big part of that is down to two utterly rancid performances from United.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I think we should have beaten them (on paper at least, over the 2 legs they were the better team) but I do think they're a good team.

Realistically no team hoping to win a tournament should fear another team but it just doesn't sit well with me.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I forgot the game was on for its duration, tripling the lol when I logged on here and saw everyone :drool:ing Ben Yedder.

Imagine getting schemed out of the CL by Vincenzo Montella. My dog could outwit him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If you're the BIGGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD with the wing wizard who tinkles the ivories like Ashkenazi, you need to be beating the boys from Seville.

[niko_cee]

lol at United.

Game raising wankers.

[Mike]

I don’t really understand how everything went to shit as soon as Pogba came on in a midfield two.

Can anyone help?

He just isn't very good. It's great!:roflol:

[Dark Soldier]

That's me done with Mourinho. That starting line up was cowardly.

Aye, pretty much.

[Magic]

:drool:

[Kikó]

I don’t really understand how everything went to shit as soon as Pogba came on in a midfield two.

Can anyone help?

He put in one of the most abject displays I've ever seen. Matic wasn't any better. Completely hiding.

[Adramelch]

Aren't they completely adrift in the Spanish league though too?

They're a cup team really. They just manage to occasionally finish in the top 4 as well, but that's more by coincidence than them being good.

[Jimmy Floyd]

They're basically like Chelsea circa 2001. Quite good in flashes and can catch you on their day, but nothing to worry about for a proper outfit.

[Adramelch]

I actually took a look at their league positions, they've only finished in the top 4 once in like the last 8-9 years (and that was last season). I kinda thought they got in once every 3 years or so, when the rest were just worse than them.

[Raoul Duke]

Make no mistake, City/Bayern/Juve/Realcelona would have pulled their pants down

[Adramelch]

It's just not a team you try to narrowly beat. That's their bread and butter.

[-james-]

Sevilla aren't good. City will beat them by at least five goals over two legs if they draw them.

I thought after the first leg that it was all Mourinho PRAGMATISM, and they'd grind out a 1-0 win, but they were proper rank. Sanchez came off worse than anyone. Total fraud.

[Pepe]

The legacy of Moyes keeps looking better every day. :cool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

Sevilla aren't good. City will beat them by at least five goals over two legs if they draw them.

I thought after the first leg that it was all Mourinho PRAGMATISM, and they'd grind out a 1-0 win, but they were proper rank. Sanchez came off worse than anyone. Total fraud.

He's got his contract now, never needs to play well again in his life.

[CJay]

His contribution of 1 goal (a penalty rebound) in 10 games doesn’t seem to be questioned much.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's been absolutely rotten since he signed.

[Lewis]

He was alright in his first few games, and he was good against Chelsea, but it's obviously not enough.

[Boydy]

I like how he they come in but his accuracy is awful. There's a lot of straightness to the ball that you don't see often.


My stream literally died 30 seconds previous after all that shite.

Were you drunk?

[phonics]

973681809916661760

They were shit before I was here, they're shit now I'm here.

[phonics]

On a scale of 1 - 10 how arrogant do you have to be that your reaction to losing a two legged tie to Sevilla is to say 'Alex Ferguson was shit too'.

[Shindig]

Psychology!

[Andy]

Sanchez only ever looks a top player when he plays through the middle. Doesn't effect games enough from the wide positions. Was the same for Arsenal in the first half of the season with Lacazete upfront and the last couple of seasons when Giroud played.

[phonics]

Lost the ball 43 times yesterday. Touched the ball 68. I'm not enjoying it at all.

[Kikó]

Posted this elsewhere:
You rarely win football games if you are dominated in midfield and we often are. Fellaini and Matic are not mobile enough or capable enough to play and dominate a midfield and the result is you have Nzonzi looking like Keane (or any semi capable midfielder - it's the same Fellaini effect when people think he's decent because he always bullied our incapable midfield).

Matic last night was hiding from the ball, I think it was the first where our defence had no one to pass to so Valencia passed to Sevilla. Meanwhile Matic stood behind players avoiding the ball, it happened over and over again. Maybe he was gassed from being the only midfielder in there. The team more than ever needs two centre midfielders who show for the ball and can play forward without also jogging around like a cunt (Pogba).

Not sure this manager can spot one though as he's got a hard on for right footed forwards being played on the left.

[Magic]

Redcafe? :harold:

[SincereTheRebel]

Lost the ball 43 times yesterday. Touched the ball 68. I'm not enjoying it at all.

Your exaggerating this stats?

[Kikó]

Redcafe? :harold:

Yeah red cafe. 🖕🍆

[phonics]

Your exaggerating this stats?

973776601652613121

42 sorry.

[Lewis]

He isn't living up to his billing, and he should be on the right for the sake of the team, but his losing the ball isn't really a big deal when half the time he is isolated and the only one doing anything. He isn't just falling over and wasting it all game (well, he was yesterday).

[SvN]

As much as phonics would like him to be, Sanchez wasn't the problem yesterday. We lost the match in midfield, which was down to poor team selection and tactics.

[Lewis]

It really was inexplicable that midfield. Unless he was resting players for the big Brighton showdown, why wouldn't you - at the vert least - just set-up how you did on Saturday?

[SincereTheRebel]

All of this sounds arsenalesque.

[SincereTheRebel]

973776601652613121

42 sorry.

Damm.

[Kikó]

Attacking creative players will lose the ball.

[SincereTheRebel]

He did lose the ball a lot at arsenal in the final third. It was often enough for a lot of people to notice. That's one of his disadvantages. He makes up for it though, when he does something great. It appears though, for the past year or so for arsenal, and now in a man utd shirt. He hasn't really done anything great for a while now. I thought it was because he was forcing a move, but it sounds like he hasn't found his feet yet.

[Mazuuurk]

He's a bit past it I reckon. He's lost a bit of Pace I think and he doesn't have the style of play where he can adapt the way Aguero has constantly done during his career for instance (remember when he was basically a number 10?). It all reeks a bit of when Henry (or Fabregas) went to Barcelona and it was still Henry and he was still a great player but it wasn't quite as Vavavoomy anymore.

[SincereTheRebel]

He can recover. Its just man utd is somewhat of a sideways step at this point of his career. He really needs to make a step down or make an giant leap up. He would scorch at man city, real madrid and Bayern munich.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Why has everyone latched onto some meaningless stat?

Bill Edgar tweeted earlier that the player who has lost the ball most this year is the decidedly below par, disappointing, not good enough Kevin De Bruyne.

United's issues stem from their manager and main midfielder having clearly fallen out and are dragging the club down along with their massive egos.

[Waffdon]

Giroud away to Barcelona and Fabregas in a two man midfield. Could be ugly.

[SvN]

Hopefully this will cheer me up a bit.

[Magic]

Hope it's at least 7.

[Dquincy]

Chelsea to win it 1-0.

[Giggles]

Didn't take long.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

T-Bone is no De Gea.

[Magic]

:harold:

[Waffdon]

Courtois :D

That’s horrendous

[Giggles]

T-Bone is no De Gea.

Did you want him to get a weak arm to it and still fail to keep it out?

[Magic]

His legs were as wide open as a five dollar whore on national whore day.

[Danny]

Did you want him to get a weak arm to it and still fail to keep it out?

Considering everything else he has done. We can let that one slide

[Magic]

Glen: Chelsea are really up for this!

Yes he said that on 10 minutes...

[SincereTheRebel]

Moses looks more like mario melchiot the more i see him.

[Magic]

Every black guy with dreads has a bit of Mario Melchy in him.











:henn0rz:

[Reg]

Giroud away to Barcelona and Fabregas in a two man midfield. Could be ugly.
Fabregas was fine last time and he's played in a two man midfield numerous times. He's an excellent player and way better than the alternatives.

[Mike]

Hope Suarez scores.

[Reg]

Fabregas was fine last time and he's played in a two man midfield numerous times. He's an excellent player and way better than the alternatives.
I'd like to retract this comment. :D

[Magic]

Messi holy shit :drool:

[mugbull]

Apparently Messi's goal after 2:08 was the fastest he's scored in his career. That's an incredible statistic, given he's scored like 500 times

[Shindig]

Well, we're not getting our coefficients back soon.

[SincereTheRebel]

Apparently Messi's goal after 2:08 was the fastest he's scored in his career. That's an incredible statistic, given he's scored like 500 times

Guess he is one step closer to scoring in every minute of the 90. Another stat for you.

[Bernanke]

Apparently Messi's goal after 2:08 was the fastest he's scored in his career. That's an incredible statistic, given he's scored like 500 times


Guess he is one step closer to scoring in every minute of the 90. Another stat for you.

I'm seeing two separate comments that only Ronaldo and Zlatan have scored in every minute of the 90.

Also:


"There is an article somewhere from guardiola that says that Messi in the beginning is just an observer he sees how the opponents defend and their positioning so when the time comes he tears them apart. That explains why in the beginning he doesn't have many goals"

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've been sorting out my car tax. What's the score?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Giroud away to Barcelona and Fabregas in a two man midfield. Could be ugly.

I saw that and lolled, he's absolutely desperate for the sack. Currently carrying out the managerial equivalent of Gallas scoring own goals. Might have to bring on Morata in goal before Marina finally gets the message, unless of course she's been subject to diplomatic sanctions today.

[-james-]

This and the home game (and the Brighton game) have been the best Chelsea have looked this year. Are Barcelona bobbins? It really has been Messi + friends.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Messi is just missing the first minute now.

Oh and apparently Gerd Muller did it too and Rooney is also missing just one minute (14th).

[Yevrah]

I'm seeing two separate comments that only Ronaldo and Zlatan have scored in every minute of the 90.

Also:

That quote. :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

It sounds like something Graham Hunter would say in a best man speech.

[Yevrah]

And back to Mourinho, why is nobody in the media pointing out that he's lost his magic? Are they scared?

[Magic]

What magic? He's always been shit. People have just sussed out his absolutely shambolic PARK THE BUS tactics.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Conte might murder the ref.

[Giggles]

Should have just kicked the fucking thing.

[Magic]

Looking for it, fucking poof.

[Waffdon]

Barcelona get that.

[Magic]

They will get someone sent off and lose all discipline.

I bet it's Willian.

[Magic]

Willian playing a really fast through ball for a giant lazy slow Frenchman. :harold:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Courtois :drool:

[Magic]

Lol megged twice.

The false hope. :drool:

4 more.

[Reg]

And back to Mourinho, why is nobody in the media pointing out that he's lost his magic? Are they scared?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/mar/14/jose-mourinho-manchester-united-champions-league-methods-no-longer-work

I don't think there will be loads of criticism* because whatever blame you lay at his door, anyone arguing can point to the fact that they're second in the league with a good points total (ahead of more celebrated teams in Spurs and Liverpool).

*I think there should be a fair bit though, given that he's got practically an unlimited budget and one of the world's best players in De Gea.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Reckon the wheels will properly come off now, although Liverpool have helpfully loomed into view in 4th and are due a shit run.

[CJay]

Messi scored his 100th Champions League goal with 266 fewer shots than Ronaldo. :D

[Kikó]

I don't think the wheels will come off but we will shit the bed and grind out until the end of the season. Maybe win the FA cup.

Miguel Delaney is well sourced in his article today which says Mourinho wants four in and 6 out. Easy to forget that we still have a load of shit in that squad*.

*Not that Mourinho's additions have been a massive success.

[CJay]

How do we rank the 8 remaining teams?

Real Madrid
Man City
Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Liverpool
Roma
Sevilla

?

[-james-]

City
=== Power gap ===
Bayern
Juventus
Madrid/Liverpool
Barcelona
=== Power gap ===
Roma
Sevilla

[Lewis]

Manchester United’s exit to Sevilla showed their manager’s methods, built around solidity and defensive control, no longer work against the best teams in Europe.

They did on Saturday (the less said about that last ten years argument the better). If they go out in the same fashion next season then question his approach, but it's more likely that he just fucked it and everyone was bollocks. It does happen.

[CJay]

City
=== Power gap ===
Bayern
Juventus
Madrid/Liverpool
Barcelona
=== Power gap ===
Roma
Sevilla

I still think over two legs Real are the most dangerous side in the competition.

[Reg]

How do we rank the 8 remaining teams?

Real Madrid
Man City
Barcelona
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Liverpool
Roma
Sevilla

?
Man City / Barcelona
Real Madrid
Juventus
Liverpool
Roma
Sevilla

Barcelona are for the most part just a good, solid but unremarkable Champions League team - except Messi, who makes all that other stuff less important.

I haven't seen Bayern this season so not a clue about them.

[Kikó]

City, Barcelona and Madrid are inseparable in my eyes. Then closely followed by Bayern. Juve next. Liverpool, Roma and Sevilla shouldn't be good enough.

[phonics]

In news no-one else cares about Milan began to threaten an in control Arsenal after scoring one only to be immediately countered by Danny Wellbecktaking one of the worst dives of all time to equalise. It's been quite dull.

[Max Power]

I’ve quite enjoyed it. Feel that shocking penalty call may have killed the game though. Only interest is how many of the officials Gattuso will kill.

[phonics]

I’ve quite enjoyed it. Feel that shocking penalty call may have killed the game though. Only interest is how many of the officials Gattuso will kill.

Gattuso looks like 80% of the kebab shop managers around here.

[CJay]

In news no-one else cares about Milan began to threaten an in control Arsenal after scoring one only to be immediately countered by Danny Wellbecktaking one of the worst dives of all time to equalise. It's been quite dull.

What happened there? Did the 5/6th official give it? You must know as a ref when the opposition players protest that vehemently that you've screwed up. Like Ballack chasing after Ovrebo.

[phonics]

Ref didn't point to the spot immediately so I have to assume the bloke that's not allowed to do anything did something.

[Lewis]

I saw loads of idiots seething about Danny Welbeck getting in the England squad earlier, and I reckon it could serve as a decent working definition of a pleb to doubt his place.

[phonics]

Even if he's not the most talented at not falling over his own feet he's very much a big game player.

[Lewis]

Is he our only proven big game player?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Him and Gary Cahill. Fear us.

[Max Power]

Vardy obvs.

[CJay]

Not sure if Dortmund are just terrible, but Salzburg look very capable.

[Reg]

Him and Gary Cahill. Fear us.
No big game Cahill.


The defenders Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill and Michael Keane were left out. Southgate said it was “probably a very difficult call” to drop Cahill, who has captained England. He said the Chelsea defender could win back favour before the World Cup, adding: “I think there are a few players not in this squad who are certainly not out of our mind.”

Jack Butland (Stoke City), Joe Hart (West Ham, on loan from Man City), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley); Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Alfie Mawson (Swansea), Danny Rose (Tottenham), John Stones (Man City), James Tarkowski (Burnley), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham), Kyle Walker (Man City); Dele Alli (Tottenham), Lewis Cook (Bournemouth), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Man Utd), Jake Livermore (West Brom), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Man Utd); Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd).

You could make a decent XI out of that. Front pair of Vardy and Rashford would be fun.

[John]

I like that "probably a very difficult call", as though he's somehow unaware of his own decision making process.

[Ian]

The Sweden goal. :drool:

Good old, inexplicable Danny Welbeck.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dortmund, Lyon and Zenit all tanked in that round. Arsenal will win it easily from here and not be challenged at any point. I said the same about United last year, but two rounds earlier.

[Giggles]

When did Welbeck last play?

[mugbull]

Dortmund, Lyon and Zenit all tanked in that round. Arsenal will win it easily from here and not be challenged at any point. I said the same about United last year, but two rounds earlier.

Atletico Madrid are still in it, and they'll beat Arsenal over two legs 8 out of 10 times.

[Lewis]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43424172


Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew was killed... said the red colour, the number 96 and the rose were all symbols she associated with Hillsborough. Ms Brookes said: "I really do believe it is something to do with Hillsborough".

:harold:

[Boydy]

You didn't say you'd got a job as a t-shirt designer.

[Lewis]

Imagine associating the colour red with the death of your brother. What a life.

[Lewis]

It's trending on the Twitter, and people are actually convinced that Topman have deliberately designed a t-shirt to mock Hillsborough. Then again, George Galloway seems to think James Bond poisoned that Russian bloke to shore up the government, so conspire away.

[Yevrah]

Somebody somewhere in the Topman design hierachy with a fucked up sense of humour will have slipped that one through knowing full well what they were doing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think it's more likely people in the Topman design department think 'Liverpool' is a shade of reddish-brown.

[niko_cee]

You didn't say you'd got a job as a t-shirt designer.

Was just coming here to post this.

:moop:/:D

[Magic]

Will there be armies of Scousers going around destroying Top Man shops now?

[Mazuuurk]

Arsenal have a genuine chance of winning this now I think, if they can avoid Madrid and Madrid do get knocked out by someone else.

Simeones boys would eat Arsenal alive.

[Giggles]

Will there be armies of Scousers going around destroying Top Man shops now?

Topman should take out a two page advert in the Sun appealing for calm.

[Shindig]

Imagine associating the colour red with the death of your brother. What a life.

Every traffic light is a battle.

[phonics]

Topman and C&A and H&M are just going on the internet, ripping off graphics and putting them on shirts these days. This one probably turned up in a search and fell through.

[phonics]

It appears that Danny Wellbeck has BROUGHT SHAME ON ENGLISH FOOTBALL. No really.

https://i.imgur.com/iWg7Que.png

[Kikó]

English players don't dive.

[Magic]

They are the worst. Young, Alli. Cunts.

[Byron]

Remember lads, we're English. Means no diving, stiff upper lip, tea, crumpets and fair play.











:harold:

[Mazuuurk]

I actually thought it didn't look like a Dive, it looked like he tripped on his own foot and that somehow coincided with Rodriguez tapping his shoulder making it all sort of look like he was brought down (and also why it was a relatively "natural" fall I suppose).

But maybe I misread that completely.

[Shindig]

Those are my favourite kind of dives, to be fair. Ravanelli tripping over himself was great.

[Gray Fox]

The English don't give, it's just "expecting the contact."

[Kikó]

City Liverpool :harold:

[CJay]

Quality. We’ll probably get battered.

[Byron]

Good of UEFA to ensure Liverpool don't get a sniff of winning the trophy. They'd be insufferable for the next 96 years (more so than now)

[niko_cee]

What a stitch up.

[Kikó]

Juncker? Putin?

[phonics]

Whens the draw for the real stuff?

Arsenal (ENG)

Atlético Madrid (ESP)
CSKA Moscow (RUS)
Lazio (ITA)
Leipzig (GER)
Marseille (FRA)
Salzburg (AUT)
Sporting CP (POR)

Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid. Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.Anyone but Madrid.

[niko_cee]

First leg at home as well, it really is the shittest draw imaginable.

Probably be decent for the dreaded neutrals.

[Max Power]

Eight different countries in the Europa draw. Nice.

[Gray Fox]

At least the two legs will be entertaining. :sorry:

[Kikó]

City United / Liverpool Everton in the middle as well.

[Gray Fox]

I'll circle that as the week our season falls apart then.

[phonics]

We're off to Moscow.

[phonics]

Madrid and Lazio avoid each other. Balls.

[SincereTheRebel]

You scared or something?

[Lewis]

I fancy Liverpool in that tie (and then they will get lolled off the park by whoever they face afterwards). I would also fancy Arsenal to beat 'Atleti' should they meet them, who aren't as good as they were and won't be able to plan for any of Arsene Wenger's job-saving magic performances, but I am less positive that they will beat the other chumps beforehand.

[Magic]

I'd love to see the underdogs do it (in all the ties).

[Spoonsky]

That's a disappointing draw, not only because it'll be really tough for Liverpool but because it misses the novelty of playing an actual European side. At least that 4-3 was the most fun game of the season.

[phonics]

You'd think Jose would try chill out after the embarrassment this week but he's doubling down. According to Jose, City have a better football heritage than United so what is he supposed to do?

[Lewis]

He means that City have been in a better position than United in recent years, and that he has had to (and will continue to) turn the entire squad over. He's not wrong.

[phonics]

Yeah I mean how is that shower of shite that he spent hundreds of millions of pounds on supposed to beat the mighty Sevilla without another several hundred million.

[Smiffy]

Whilst you'd have hoped for Roma or Sevilla in the draw, I would argue Man City were the next best. We at least stand a chance which is more than I can say if we'd drawn the other three.

I anticipate a Suarez return in the semis tbh. :nodd:

[Lewis]

Yeah I mean how is that shower of shite that he spent hundreds of millions of pounds on supposed to beat the mighty Sevilla without another several hundred million.

They should obviously have won in the week, but a bit of perspective generally wouldn't go amiss (plus his signings have been good).

[phonics]

They should obviously have won in the week, but a bit of perspective generally wouldn't go amiss (plus his signings have been good).

I can take perspective from people who haven't been massive trolling cunts their entire career. Judge him by his own standards.

[-james-]

They should obviously have won in the week, but a bit of perspective generally wouldn't go amiss (plus his signings have been good).

Have they? Looks about a 50% hit rate to me.

[Giggles]

Has he actually made any?

[Lewis]

Victor Lindelof is the least good one, and he's alright, so assessing him depends on whether he was signed to play every week or not (he probably was). Romelu Lukaku has been annoying for half the season, but I don't know. It seems harder to call him a duff signing as I sit here now, when he's had a good month, than it will be next time he misses a sitter. Eric Bailly has had shit luck with injuries but is a colossus; Nemanja Matic is class; Paulp Ogba was looking like a bargain before whatever has gone on; 'Zlatan' was great; and even 'Mikhi' was useful for a year before being [theoretically] upgraded, and that won't be worth considering until next season. Put another way, if you were setting contracts on fire his transfers would be amongst the last ones to go.

[phonics]

I'll give it to him on Bailly, a rather unheralded player and the guys a monster. You do worry if he's too pacy and strong for his own body to cope with though. He's like peak Kolo Toure on roids.

[Lewis]

He apparently wants a centre-back and a left-back in the summer, so imagine how negative he'll be able to be if he actually trusts his defence. :drool:

[phonics]

Has Mourinho ever found a left-back he liked that wasn't Ashley Cole? I swear it's been a problem position for him his entire career.

Didn't he sign Baba Rahman for 30 million quid or something? Does he even still exist?

[Kikó]

He has given Rojo a new deal which is a little baffling. The twats at the back are the only two who's deal is expiring soon.

If Mourinho renews Fellaini's deal then all hope is lost that he's still got it.

[phonics]

I think Rojos a great third/fourth centre back. Seems to get away with two footing people which is always useful.

[Lewis]

He seems to have decent luck with sticking right-footers at left-back with very specific responsibilities, so who is the best defensive right-back available?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Paulo Ferreira.

[phonics]

Paulo Ferreira.

Best job in the world that guy. He is a coach for the Chelsea players on loan. You just hang out on Whatsapp and take free flights to watch them play.

And in answer to your question Lewis. He's playing at centre-back and he's called Dave.

edit: Just remembered, Alan Nyom exists. West Brom are getting relegated and he's 6'5 so he'll fit right in. You could probably bring him and Jonny Evans back for 10 million.

edit2: Alan Nyom is only 6'1. I guess playing against full-backs all day just makes you look like an absolute monster.

https://i.imgur.com/9J0IKJP.png

[Lewis]

I did think about 'Dave', but Chelsea will probably need him to re-build around once everybody famous leaves.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dave is actually a much better centre back than he is a right back, at least in a three.

[Spoonsky]

I listened to Jose's full 12 minutes (while doing homework), quite enjoyed it tbh.