Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call
We've got an early start to the action today, with my beloved Leeds traveling to local rivals Huddersfield for a Yorkshire fling starting at 7:30 am. That's followed directly by Ancelotti's Chelski entertaining Mancini's Citeh at the Bridge. If you're up and about, join me for some LOB banter this morning. Cheers!
343 Comments:
My predictions for the Prem today:
Chelski 2 Citeh 0
Brum 1 Wigan 0
Bolton 1 Wolves 1
Burnley 0 Pompey 0
Stoke 1 Arsenal 2
Grayson's gone with the same side that did the biz against Oldham in mid-week, with the exception of recalling Gary McSheffrey to tuck in behind the front pairing of JB and Becchio.
Hey Bob, I am here but in and out
Good luck this morning
Shame about Charlton being behind and then scoring two late goals including a last minute winner at Southend
The ESPN2 coverage of Chelski v. Citeh has started up with Adrian Healey's thought about the whole JT v. Bridge nonsense.
http://www.justin.tv/vip__tv#r=4T1xzqE~
Great Soccer Saturday Link there
Morning, Dave. You're absolutely right. Charlton scored in the 90th to leapfrog Colchester into third place and narrow the gap with us to three.
Thanks for the SS link, mate!
I just happened to see that BBC America are showing Live Six Nations rugby at 10 o'clock this morning. That is the first time I can remember them showing sport. Why don't they show some footer!!
We've kicked off at Huddersfield. Come on, you Whites!
It's probably a cost issue for BBC America.
1202: TEAMS Chelsea v Man City
Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Malouda, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Joe Cole. Subs: Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira, Kalou, Sturridge, Matic, Alex, Belletti.
Man City: Given, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Zabaleta, De Jong, Barry, Bellamy, Tevez, Adam Johnson. Subs: Taylor, Onuoha, Wright-Phillips, Santa Cruz, Sylvinho, Toure, Ibrahim.
The SS boys are talking about the possibility of Rio missing out on the World Cup. I hope not!
208: And I am just being told that they are planning to play a football match after THE HANDSHAKE (or lack of) which is a nice idea. It'll be good to have something to take our minds off the main event.
The SS panel ALL pick Villa for tomorrow's final!
I hope to see Tevez waggling his bum after scoring a couple this morning. Sorry, Chelskilad - but I always go with Chelski's opponent, as you know.
Rumor
Veteran former Scotland striker Paul Dickov, a free agent after leaving Leicester in January, will join League One title hopefuls Leeds on Monday.
Luciano heads one just over. Ohhh!
Dickov to Leeds? Why?
Have I mentioned that I really like that Citeh away strip? Very snazzy.
Your thoughts about Bridge pulling out of England contention, mate?
Will Wayne shake JT's hand? No!!!
No Hand shake from Bridge
Bugger! Hudderfield have scored! We're 1-0 down.
I don't blame him
There has been a goal... Huddersfield!
Sorry mate
So Pompey get a nine-point deduction for this season. I've also heard that they'll get a twenty point deduction for next season!
I don't blame Bridge either. Fantastic moment there. It looked like he was going to shake his hand for a moment and them - voom - he was by him.
I'm taking the dog out to poop
Let's get it back, lads. Bags of time to go. It was a 2-2 thrilla at Elland Road earlier in the season. More of the same today?
Off for your walkies then.
Snoddy has a pop and the tubby Huddersfield keeper is forced to turn it round the post. We've had a lively start here but we need to convert one of these chances pronto.
And Becchio heads wide of goal from the corner - ooooh!
Bridge being booed now at every touch. That's rather harsh.
Don Fabio in the stands. What must he be thinking about the whole JT v. Bridgy prang.
The heavy wool overcoat has gone but Mancini's still got the lucky Citeh scarf on. It's now late February. How much longer will he be wearing it?
By the way, no lucky Leeds shirt today.
Ohhhh - Snoddy has a free kick tipped over. And from the resulting corner, Kisnorbo puts a header over the top. It's all Leeds at this point but we're still trailing after half an hour.
Richards gives away a dangerous free kick hacking Drogs on the edge of the area.
I am back... did I miss much?
Wayne Bridge is notably marking Anelka rather than JT for this free kick. Short to Lamps who hits one straight at Zaballetta.
Not a lot - how was the dog poopage?
I had to clear the driveway a little too
Oh, by the way.... COME ON CITY!!
This Anthony Pilkington bloke is giving the Leeds back four some real headaches this afternoon. He must be stopped!
Come on Given... have a blinder
We had about two feet in the past couple of days. You?
Adam Johnson to strike this free kick left-footed....
Collected by Hilario.
We had a big storm on Tuesday into Wednesday but then rain. 10 miles west got a foot. It has snowed from yesterday evening and is still snowing.
Good stuff from Joe Cole, cutting back inside and testing Given.
The snow has stopped temporarily here but we're to get more tonight.
I've got a cracking footie trivia question that I got off the Preview show last night. I'm saving it for Monday's blog.
Will we score before half time, Nostradavus?
I'm tipping Chelski for the double now, but I'm hoping that they and United will get knocked out of the CL soon to protect the England players. Arse for the CL for me - Fab and the rest of the Continental crew can get knobbled all they want.
Stoke v. Arsenal - that could be a right old ding dong later on.
Five minutes to play in the first half at Huddersfield. Do you know Huddersfield Town's ground's name, Dave?
Nearly half-time at Huddersfield now.
Ooooh - nasty clash of heads between Drogs, Zabs and Richards.
Half-time now: 1-0 Huddersfield.
We only had that one Snoddy shot on goal in the first half. Not good enough. We've got to stop the rot in the second half. Come on!
Oh - Drogs scoops a sitter over the bar there. Should have scored.
Good morning, I must have slept in a little late.
Morning, ManUtd. Good to have you on board.
Five minutes of the first half left at the Bridge.
GOAL! Joe Cole slides a ball through to Frank Lampard who slots home off the post.
1-0 Chelski!
Thank you. I came just in time for a goal by Lamps.
It seems as though Citeh have defended during the first half based on what little I have seen.
Yeah - that happens. Lamps' 14th goal of the season. Wow!
Bridge the former Chelski and England player in action.
Definitely. Mancini's only playing Tevez up top. Adebayor is injured, so he'll likely go to Santa Cruz in the second half.
Oh yes. A soft goal by Tevez. A scrambled clearance by Citeh. And Tevez helps Man United. I came just in time for the goals.
You woke up at the right time, ManUtd! Tevez with a sneaky equalizer there, beating both center backs and the keeper.
Tevez still helping us despite moving to our local rivals.
A free header for Lescott from that free kick and that might have been a second. Should have done better!
JT's having a word with the officials as he trots off, perhaps about a missed offside call there. Dunno.
All level at halftime. Should be an interesting second half. I thought Chelski would have the advantage.
And that's the half-time whistle at Stamford Bridge. The match really came to life in the last five minutes.
Huddersfield kick off the second half at the Galpharm Stadium.
Terry didn't look too clever when Inter scored their first goal. Hopefully there won't be any similar mishaps this summer.
I agree - JT needs a good partner to keep him in check in the summer. I'm hoping that Rio will be fit to go.
Ooooh - JB puts a header just over the top.
Richard Naylor picks up a yellow card for arguing with the ref.
hi its tom my dads at matts soccer reffing my dad wants to know how leeds are doing
I see Leeds is losing 1-0. They need to win to follow up their victory over Oldham. Local derbies are difficult.
Almost an hour gone at Huddersfield. I'd like to see some changes soon, perhaps Grella on for McSheffrey or Bradley Johnson on for Mickey Doyle.
Good morning Tom. Great to see you on board. Tell your dad we miss him.
Local derbies are difficult. The Terriers always get up for these matches. We had a 2-2 thriller with them at Elland Road earlier in the season.
Morning, Tom! Unfortunately - Leeds are still 1-0 down.
Come on, you Whites!
The terriers are a decent team despite not being in the promotion race or are they. Either way they are competitive.
JB hasn't scored since the middle of January. He's due a goal or two. Come on!
YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jonny Howson with the equalizer for us. It's his third goal of the season. 1-1.
Now - let's win this one!
Huddersfield, despite that goal, are definitely in the mixer for promotion through the play-offs. The only issue that they have is that Swindon, who are just above them, have played two or three games fewer than they have.
Second half kick off at Stamford Bridge now....
So this is a local derby promotion match. Should be a physical fast-paced match.
Nice and Come ON MAN U
That's what it sounds like, for sure. It should go right to the wire.
LEEDS GOAAAAAAL
If Leeds win this would be a fantastic six point week for them. If Norwich win today then yellows would fell the same way about his canaries.
I've got a good friend who teaches at Virginia Tech who is a Huddersfield native. He and I always have a good bit of needle going back and forth before and after these matches.
YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!
Becchio with #2!
That's Luciano's 11th of the season and sixth goal since his come-back from injury last month. He's on a real hot streak, which we need right now.
That brings us level on points with Norwich and two goals behind in GD.
GOAL! Bellamy tucks in Citeh's second goal. This Saturday morning is going bloody brilliantly! Great finish there.
1-2 Citeh!
Any chance that we'll hear from Yellows today?
OH YES!!! What a goal by Bellamy. This week just gets better. Citeh in the lead, I got my income tax refund yesterday, and our classrooms had air conditioning for the first time in three weeks yesterday.
CITY 2 chelski 0
Not sure if we will hear from yellows. I did tell him. He said his work is keeping him really busy, but he does want to join us when his work load decreases.
I'm not sure that Ancelotti is going to be happy with Hilario today. He was beaten for the second time across the goal from tight positions.
Sure - that makes sense. Tell him he's welcome any time.
Twenty minutes to play at Galpharm Stadium now. I wouldn't mind seeing a fresh pair of Neil Kilkenny legs on now to bottle the Terriers up.
Drogba with a wildly ambitious effort on the turn and on the volley.
To complete my week we had the best weather since Thanksgiving. A Carling Cup victory for United tomorrow would complete a great week. Time for celebrations?
Kilkenny was a player with great potential. I think he was in Arsenal's youth system.
JB has a shot blocked. It sounds like we're still pushing for a third goal. Less than fifteen minutes to play now.
Yeah - we did get him from Arsenal's ranks. He's a squad player for the Republic.
SWP on for Adam Johnson now. Double change for Chelski. Sturridge and Belletti on.
Chelski with some interesting substitutions. They definitely need to attack
Gary McSheffrey has come off after supplying two corners for two headed goals. Good shift from him. Brad Johnson on now to do some running for Grayson.
Citeh with a positive. Will Sturridge come back to haunt his former team? I hope not.
I agree, ManUtd. Not sure what Belletti adds at this stage beyond a rocket free kick, which they could also get from Drogs or Lamps.
Leeds seem to be in control. Let's hope it stays this way.
Inside the last ten miinutes at Galpharm. Free kick to Leeds.
Handbags between Tevez and JT.
Belletti might be on to provide extra width. Terry and Tevez clash. Bellamy in the middle . What a surprise.
The little Welshman does like a bit of a scrap, doesn't he?
JT overreacted. Chelski losing their composure? This is how Capello views JT.
Oh, Ivanovic just rescued Chelski there. Bellamy was just about clean through there.
Becchio is booked for "unsporting behavior." He's had a marvelous match so I'll give him that one.
Bugger! 2-2 in the 85th minute. Same score that we suffered at Elland Road. Bugger!
Great block by Given from Drogs. It should be all out attack from Chelski for the remainder of the match.
Back down to 67 points and three back on GD from Norwich.
There's still five minute plus remaining. Too bad, but time for a Leeds winner. Not over yet.
We'll need our usual last second goal now. Come on, lads!
Come on you whites, and just for today come on Citeh.
Twenty minutes left to play at Stamford Bridge. Somehow, this one smells like a 2-2 final result as well.
Nearly into stoppage time at Galpharm now.
Tresor Kandol on for Becchio in the waning minutes...
Not long now until the final whistle. Is there to be another late twist in the tale?
Penalty to Citeh! And Belletti off!
A bit of a soft penalty there. Barry was certainly looking for the contact. Not a lot there.
I am here for a Tevez pen.... YES!!!!!!!!!
Tevez converts a terrific penalty. 1-3 Citeh!
Is that you, Dave or your alter-ego Tom?
Is it still 2-2 for Leeds?
What time is it, Dave?
Just heard it is final... you'll take that
Yeah - 2-2 in stoppage time.
Penalty. Doesn't look like one in the replay . A controversial decision. Had to give a red if he gave a penalty. YES YES . Tevez is really helping United today. 3-1 .Bridge not exactly complaining. Will he and JT shake hands after the match?
Colchester are five behind but have a game in hand
Bridge off for Santa Cruz?
I suppose so. 2-2 it is. Typical local derby result. We could use a Bristol Rovers win against Colchester today.
How about Citeh with a result that will throw the EPL race wide open if this result stands?
Not bloody likely. Bridge substituted now.
Citeh going for four. Ancelotti will have plenty to say in the post match interview.
This win definitely gives Citeh a powerful advantage in the race for fourth. They're now three points ahead of Spurs and four ahead of Pool and Villa.
Bollocks get a red!!
They are down to NINE
Now, it's Bollocks who's been sent off! Second yellow. Nasty challenge there through the back of Tevez.
It seems like Tevez needs a stretcher
Chelski down to nine. Almost like they are conceding the match. Looks like Ancelotti will have plenty to say on Monday too.
Is it safe to say three points in the bag or am I being premature?
I am off again to take Tom to his coaching
Beautiful scoreline as I leave
See you later Dave. Have a good weekend.
You're a bleeding chauffeur this morning, Dave.
Drogs free kick straight at Given. This will be Chelski's first home defeat since Scolari was in charge. Love it.
Five minutes and change to go in this one. It certainly will blow the championship race wide open again.
Some chat last night about how, after today's tricky away match against Stoke, Arsenal have an easy run of matches just as they're getting some of their players back from injury.
I know how Dave feels since my wife doesn't drive and the oldest daughter is only ten.Oh yes. 4-1. Chelski being humiliated at home. Better than beautiful.
1-4 Citeh! "Chelsea have been dismantled." Blues fans heading for the exits now. They've seen enough after Bellamy's second goes in.
Five for Citeh?
Tom is just about old enough to get his permit now. I suspect that he'll take over some of the chauffeuring in years to come.
Penalty to Chelski now! Barry with just a bit of contact on Anelka.
Lamps steps up and....tucks home.
2-4!
Same for Malanie in about five years.
The penalty by Lamps is merely a consolation.
Despite that goal, the 2-4 scoreline will help United out with the GD against Chelski.
We will need to buy another car as we only have one car.
Good to see Chelski put in their place.
Nice new one for you and the missus and the hand-me-down for Malanie?
Yes, indeed. Citeh and Spurs have definitely brightened up the Premiership this season.
That's it - "a sit up and take notice result." Chelski well beaten at the Bridge. Super start to the day's games. I'm off to tidy up and will be back for the 10 am EST kickoffs.
There was a typo. It should be Melanie. We just bought a new car in July. It was our first in 12 years, so only Melanie would get a car in five years. Probably something inexpensive and fuel efficient.
Sorry Bob I need to take off as part of my chauffeur duties. I might be back for part of the late match between Stoke and Arsenal.
No worries, ManUtd. I'll look forward to your company later on this afternoon. I'm settling in for the 10 am kickoffs with SS in the background and Birmingham v. Wigan on the box.
Pretty dull start to this one in the early stages.
Saints are already 0-1 down at home to Walsall.
Newcastle are 1-0 up in their Championship match away to Watford.
Saints have equalized against Walsall now.
Millwall have taken the lead against Jeff Stelling's Hartlepool.
A disallowed goal for Pompey there as SS goes to Charlie Nicholas. Called back for offside.
Wolves are on the front foot at the Reebok Stadium but strong defending from Zat Knight ensures the Trotters keep them out.
Yes! Bristol Rovers have taken the lead against Colchester. That will do nicely!
The Swans have converted an early penalty against Posh.
Mid-way through the first half at St. Andrew's and I've seen more action at the average department curriculum committee meeting, tbf.
Stockport haven't won in yonks but they're suddenly 2-0 up against equally woeful Wycombe.
Pompey have scored! It's that man Piquionne, again. 1-0 to the side in administration.
Bugger - Colchester have leveled it at Bristol Rovers. 1-1 there.
The game is really opening up at the Reebok with both Bolton and Wolves going for the victory. It's end-to-end stuff and surely a goal is on its way soon.
Burnley have found their way through the leaky Pompey defense. 1-1 there.
That was fun. Jeff Stelling has just said that Plymouth have let in a "shipload" of goals and Merse has asked him if he really did say "ship" rather than....
Saints now 3-1 up!
Cameron Jerome has had a couple of chances for Birmingham - one went wide and the other well saved by Chris Kirkland.
Still 0-0 between Oldham and Norwich in the first half.
Barry Robson has converted a penalty for Middlesbrough as they now lead QPR 1-0 at the Riverside.
Carlisle are 1-0 over the Gills.
Nearly half time now in the 3pm EST kick-offs.
Zat Knight opens the scoring for Bolton.
Really dodgy penalty for Brum.
McFadden tucks home easily.
1-0.
At half-time, I'd definitely take these current scorelines, which would mean that with the exception of Charlton, all of the top six sides in L1 would have drawn this weekend.
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