THE BATTLE BEGINS!
HERE WE GO EVERYONE... HERE WE GO!
Blue Devil will be here. UWS will be here. MUR will be there. Gooner will be here
Best of luck all of you for the upcoming season
UWS
posted by United We Stand @ 3:37 PM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Friday, August 13, 2010
HERE WE GO EVERYONE... HERE WE GO!
Blue Devil will be here. UWS will be here. MUR will be there. Gooner will be here
Best of luck all of you for the upcoming season
UWS
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
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718 Comments:
Crikey, Dave - that's an early post. Are you going to be staying up all night listening to 606?
Btw, where are the predictions from the family? Thomas doesn't want to repeat his heroics from the summer?
I'll see you here at 7am tomorrow.
I will join everyone. I am looking forward to it.
I am off to a fast start... just like United!!!
Strictly speaking, Dave, they'll be off to a slow start as they play on Monday. Boom boom!
Right, then. It's going to be an epic weekend. The footie gods could not have planned it better. We start at 7:45 am EST with Spurs v. Citeh (4th v. 5th from last season) on ESPN2. Then we've got the full slate of fixtures at 10 am followed by Chelsea v. West Ham on FSC at 12:30 pm.
And tomorrow, we get going with my Leeds boys away to Forest at 8:30 am EST followed by the big one - Liverpool v. Arsenal (3rd v. 7th from last season) at 11 on FSC.
I've cleared my schedule, the laptop is back and I'm filing from Blue Devil HQ - join me!
ESPN2 have a really scary hunting show on right now. I have to admit, I prefer the bass fishing tips. Wow!
Good morning BD. I think the hunting show just concluded.
Yes - I've got a link up through Justin for Soccer Saturday just as the ESPN2 coverage starts. Magic!
Morning, BD. My apologies if you're a hunter. I think you're required to do some hunting in deepest, darkest Texas, right?
The only bad news today - Max Bretos still has a job at ESPN2. He's alongside Big Red and Robbie Mustoe in the studio.
Bretos repeats the mythology of the Big Four (perhaps expanding to Big Six). Can we really still consider Liverpool a "Big Four" side when they finished 7th?
I'm really looking forward to seeing Mario Balotelli for Citeh. I hope he's straight into the side today.
No, I am not a hunter. My feelings are exactly the same as yours. Lexi, the anti-premiership person is talking about the premiership. How interesting!Lexi is also bad news.
Morning gentlemen
I think the bad news is that bloody Lexi is on the show. He hates all things English... why put him on the show
Joe Hart is starting.
Where will Given go? He has said that he doesn't want to stay
MUR, one of the shows that we love on a Saturday - especially during the 3pm GMT matches (9am your time?) - is Soccer Saturday. It's a panel show that's on Sky TV in the UK during the time that Sky is prevented from showing a live game. Check it out here:
http://www.justin.tv/vip____football#/w/313408672/13
I do not consider Pool a top four side. They need to prove themselves and have to earn that title.
Arsenal could certainly use a keeper - perhaps they can pick up Given if the Schwarzer deal falls through. I cannot believe that they're going into a new season with Flappianski in goal.
Is that link for SS already?
Morning, UWS! How are things in Glenville?
Good morning UWS. I could see Given reuniting with Sparky Hughes at the Cottage if Schwarzer joins the Gunners.
Yep - I'm watching the boys right now. Big Nose, Merse, Charlie Nicholas, etc.
Bob, you made a slight mistake with one of your comments.
At 12:30, Chelsea take on West BROM not West Ham
Aston Villa vs West Ham is the 10 o'clock match on FSC
My mistake - thanks for the correction. Well - that's a first day gimme for Chelski. I was at least hoping for a London derby to test them. Is Chelskilad going to be around today? I still haven't got predictions from him (or from the Nocito boys!).
Again, Max doesn't annoy me that much. He does know what he is talking about
I will turn on that link.
Is it too late to put in predictions? We were going to do it last night but we were invited to the Starks for a swim and bonfire
I find Lexi more annoying. Why do they have him on if he has such a chip on his shoulder about the EPL?
Here are the predictions for Champion:
Chelski - AZ, Blue Devil, Gooner, Simon
United - MUR, Someone, UWS
Arsenal - Blubber Boy
Man Citeh - West Ham Rising
Nah - I'll allow late entries for the kids if they're still interested.
No vuvuzelas at the Lane today - I love it!
Here we go, gentlemen. The beginning of a new season. I'm loving it!
Mancini is not wearing a scarf today!
TOTTENHAM v MAN CITY:
Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Huddlestone, Bale, Crouch, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Kaboul, Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Palacios, Giovani, Bassong.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Wright-Phillips, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Tevez. Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Jo.
WE ARE OFF!!!!
Well spotted, MUR. It's a new fashion statement for a new season.
Spurs straight into it with Crouchie trying one on the turn.
This is what it's all about. The 2010-2011 EPL season has begun!!
There was talk of Crouch going to Liverpool. I am surprised that he is starting
De Jong with some early thuggery. Get the card out, ref!
Crouchie has the first shot in anger of the EPL season. I love this atmosphere. This is what it's all about.
Did you see that Spurs want Gallas!!!
The Beeb does mention that Given could be going to Arsenal
Nice interchange between Tevez and Barry there at the top of the box.
I suppose that Gallas would give Harry some cover for Supercrock Ledley King.
Palacios is also a candidate for first yellow of the season. Gallas to Spurs would be a mistake. The fans would never accept him.
A scary thought
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has developed a taste for rap and R'n'B during his time at White Hart Lane. The 63-year-old said: "I was quite into the song Empire State of Mind that Jay-Z did with Alicia Keys - that was a bit of an anthem for us last season."
I am surprised that SWP is playing for Citeh too. I thought he would be out the door
SWR traps a pass with his chest then Volleys over after a great passing sequence.
I'm hoping that my Golden Boot boy Carlito will get off to a quick start today. MUR and Someone Said have also wisely chosen him. AZ, Simon and UWS have plumped for Rooney. And Blubber and Gooner are keeping the faith with RVP. Will my brother never learn?
Silva caught out by the pace of the Prem. It is faster than the Spanish league
Spurs win a corner.Bale takes the corner and it is eventually cleared.
To be fair to Harry, "Empire State" is a fairly safe choice. I quite liked that one too - I've got a couple of Alicia Keys albums. If he starts wearing the gold fronts and rocking the T Pain in the dressing room, we can all start worrying.
Crouch has had some nice touches and a couple of pops at goal... why didn't he play more than ten minutes during the summer
I agree,UWS. I am surprised Crouchie did not start in South Africa as well.
I don't mind that song either but we're talking Appy Arry
Agreed, guys. Crouchie would start for England for me. His scoring record speaks for itself.
Oh - great save from Hart! Knock down from Crouchie and good volley from Defoe.
HArt makes a world class reflex save . I thought that Spurs were 1-0 up Did Dafoe take that shot?
Lennon actually beats a man, unlike playing for England, crosses for Crouch who knocks it back to Defoe.... FANTASTIC save by England's #1
What does that mean. Because he's a Cockney, he has to have Chaz and Dave going on the team bus?
I've got SS running... brilliant. Thanks mate
Spurs are really off to a quick start. They are definitely making their intentions known. It's as if the new Citeh signings are adjusting to the fast pace of the EPL.
What did Chris K say about England? Was he talking about Fabio not taking his medicine?
Do Citeh really need two defensive mids? I hate that trend.
I agree with Big Nose about Fab... it is Ronaldo all over again. He will be off next season. I hate the Spanish big two
Sorry - I missed that one, UWS. I've got the volume down on SS now.
Huddlestone with a nice hit but saved by Hart
Great volley from Fatty and another top drawer save from Hart. He's keeping Citeh in this one.
A brilliant save from a brilliant long range Huddlestone volley. He really got his weight behind that shot.World class from both players.
I agree - Arsenal need to find a replacement for Cesc this season.
Wow - another great save. Tipped over after a deflection!
Citeh are being pinned back
ooh, what a shot and brilliantly saved again!
Deflected
Another world class save as Hart saves a deflected shot from Benoit .
I always said he should have been in the team in SA. I don't care about experience... he has talent
As the announcer sated, Joe Hart is really show casing his talent. He surely must be England's number one.
I hate Citeh's socks
Well, of course you hate everything Citeh, but what exactly is the problem with the socks?
Cap is witnessing Hart's brilliant performance.
The navy blue looks disgusting as well.
Again, I am not so anti Citeh as you think. I am sure I will be if they start being our title rival.
The socks are just horrible... stripes!!
Nice stuff from Silva but Spurs' defense seems well organized today.
First yellow card to Kompany from going through the back of Defoe.
Ref calls a foul and books Kompany
I would have played on!
Kompany receives a booking for a challenge on Dafoe. The first booking of the season.
Bale takes...but it's straight into Hart's arms.
Fatty kicks SWP in the head there. It wasn't intentional. Shaun was just too quick for him.
Come on fellas... look at those socks!! They are like the Wicked Witch of the East.. where are the ruby shoes?
Well defended by Toure. I thought Bale had him there
Great tracking back from Yaya on Bale there. That's why they bought him.
Ooh, Tev almost in.
There is no way Citeh deserve anything right now
LOL, UWS!
Tevez nearly in there. Citeh seem to be coming back into this one. I think Spurs might rue those missed chances.
I like the look of Kolorov. He's providing some nice width for Citeh in the absence of Bellamy.
Hart foils Defoe once again!
Defoe denied by Hart again
Bale wants a pen
A big penalty shout there after Bale goes down under Richards' challenge. Andre Mariner not impressed.
When does De Jong pick up a yellow?
Again, ref should have played on
ooh, Bale off the post!!
Oh - first Bale off the post and then Lennon follows up and is foiled by Hart. No - it's Kompany blocked by the chest! Wow!
Great run from Carlito feeding Yaya who shoots wide. I have the sneaking suspicion that Citeh might snatch this one.
YaYa with a useless shot
Spurs should be six up!!
Hart saves again!!!
Somehow Hart contrives to save from Defoe again! A breathless start to the Premiership.
WOW!!! Bale's shot srikes the post and Hart with another save from Lennon. Bale's corner is cleared. Teevz breaks and Yaya shoots well wide. This match has everything. Hart with another save. This time from Dafoe. How is it still 0-0?
Chris Kamara thinks it's brilliant too.
Yes he does
I agree with him
Is that the same Special K that napped during a match last season?
Did you see the Carling Cup draw Bob?
Leeds have a home match against Leicester City
The very same. He missed a player getting sent off at Pompey. Classic Chris Kamara.
I missed the nap!
I saw that - I don't fancy that one at all. Couldn't we get Stevenage?
That should be a cracking cup tie unless both sides put out a reserve team lineup.
Oh, I do remember that
Gomes makes an easy save from Yaya. His first of the match and the season.
Great pass to Bale.. why didn't he cross it first time
Wonder if Lexi will call Hart 'world class'?
Lexi is unpredictable. He will spout just about anything even if it doesn't make sense.
Kolorov took a useless long range shot.
The pace seems to have dropped off a bit. Kompany in trouble again with Mariner. A bollocking but no worse.
Spurs wnat an early bath for Kompany. Andre Mariner uses common sense.
Clever free kick launches Lennon but his cross is cleared out.
There are no midweek games this week in the Prem. Every other season starts with a full slate of midweek games the first week
Another big Monday Night game next week
Man Citeh vs Liverpool
There isn't an early game next Saturday. Wonder if ESPN will have a ten o'clocker
One minute of stoppage time. Citeh are so fortunate to be on level terms.
Into one minute of stoppage time, then.
Celtic are 0-1 up at Inverness.
Celtic take the lead at Inverness
That is the match that the best headline of all time came from
Super Cally go ballistic. Celtic are atrocious
At least we can sleep in late next Saturday.
Half time
Good half of football... especially from Joe Hart
Scoreless
The end of a great first half to the season. Sets us up nicely for what's to come.
Halftime and still 0-0. Spurs could have been six up, but for Hart.
I wonder if there is work going on at Bloomfield Road?
Blackpool start with two away games. They have the Arse next week at the Em
Did Roman or Anciloti make up Chelsea's start to the season
West Brom, Wigan and Stoke to start!
I just read all the comments . . . WTH . . . I thought I said Citeh was going to win the title . . . doesn't sound like they are playing like they will.
The panel don't think much of Chelski's chances. "Too old," "lost too many players," etc.
Morning, WHR. Great to have you on board.
More of the fixtures
Manchester United's first Saturday 3 o'clock kick off is at Sunderland on OCTOBER 2
First one at OT is OCTOBER 16
Chelski sure do have an easy start. They hit Stoke for seven and Wigan for eight at the end of the season. West Brom is easy as well. I always prefer some tough matches at the start of the season as an easy schedule gives a team a false sense of security.
Welcome WHR
Hart has been brilliant.
Are you going to be able to be Blowing Bubbles for the next match up on FSC?
Do you think Arsenal have a chance for the league? Quite a few people do.
Good morning WHR. I can't believe UNITED don't have a Saturday fixture until October. That is odd.
That should be fascinating. Who knows what Villa will look like after the chaos of the last week. I hear that Ashley Young and Jamie Milner have one foot out the door.
I don't see Arsenal winning the title. They usually get off to a quick start then falter. I picked them to finish fourth.
As you can tell, I am looking at the league fixtures
The first slate of midweek games is until November 9th and 10th!
I did not pick Villa for a top seven finish. I think Everton can replace them Never discount a team with Davie Moyes in charge.
No chance at all. It's another summer that Arsene hasn't spent money in the right areas. The only improvement is bringing in Chamakh and he's unproven at this level. I watched them quite a bit in the pre-season matches and it's the same old Arsenal unfortunately. Pretty football without the finishing product and lots of holes at the back. Nasri is in good form, though.
They do play West Ham on Saturday 8/28 but it is the late match
The teams are out of the tunnel getting ready to start the second half. The teams kick off.
Teams are out for the second half
How many comments are we going to have today? Almost 150 already and two and half games to go and lots of people aboard... loving it!
The teams are back out and we're set to go in the second half.
Why did SWP take so long... that would have been highway robbery... Dennis Moore
Early chance for SWP but he was too slow to get the shot off. Essou-Kotto got back well.
Dennis Moore, Dennis Moore, riding through the glen....
Hart was checking his gloves as he back for more action.Citeh with an early attack as Benoit makes a great saving tackle on SWP. I think he took one touch too many.
Crouchie tries a wild scissor kick but only manages to kick SWP in the head.
SWP seems to have lost a step. He's just not his normal self. Is he carrying an injury?
I notice that no one picked Villa to finish in the top seven. Well, Someone Said did but then changed his mind before the due date.
Kolorov has been withdrawn and has his leg up in a cooler full of ice now.
Kolorov has a foot in ice. What a shame as he was the one Citeh defender who had a decent half. Who replaced him?
Zabaleta came on for Kolorov at the half.
Thank you,BD.
I could see both sides freshening up their attacks in the second half. How can you keep Adebayor out of the side? And Harry has Keano and Pavs to come on.
Zabaleta did well there against Lennon.
Lennon wins a corner after a great run. Great defending by Zabaletta.
Come on Spurs... you deserve a goal
Better defending from Citeh as they have numbers in the box.
The rain has started to pelt down in London now.
It just started to rain. Now we have an EPL season in progress. This is more like it.
I'd have SWP off now and stick on Adam Johnson. He's off the pace.
What do you make of those socks, lads?
I surprised Johnson wasn't on from the start
Adebayor is warming up. He should have started. The pace is much slower than in the first half.
And now Zabaleta's going into the book. Lennon was off to the races there.
Don't know what you are talking about MY PRETTY!!!
I would have started Johnson as well.
Has Silva done anything today?
David Silva is a master of the tippy tappy football.
Mancini must have given the lads the hair dryer treatment as Citeh are a much different team this half. Crouch heads wide.
There is going to be a goal soon because I have to go to the loo
Keano is warming up as well.
I don't know whether Citeh are playing better or if Spurs have dropped off the pace in the second half.
So here comes Adam Johnson, as ordered by MUR, UWS and Efan Ekoku.
SWP is easily tackled by Benoit. I could see Tevez scoring the first goal . It appears that Johnson is about to replace the useless SWP.
I hope you're right, MUR. I'd love to see Carlito pop one in.
Here comes that change then. SWP off for Johnson.
And Keano and Pavs on for Defoe and Crouchie. Straight swap.
Johnson is replacing SWP.Keano and Pavs are on for Crouchie and Dafoe. A new striking partnership for Spurs.
Ekoku notes that Citeh had no one committed to getting into the box as Silva lined up that cross. I think Mancini's been too defensive in his thinking today. Two defensive mids are unnecessary.
Tim Howard is talking about Jermaine Beckford's entry into the Everton dressing room. Apparently JB likes a bit of a sing-song.
Oh - I thought that was going in as Tevez lined up the shot. Deflected over for a corner.
I agree,BD. If Citeh escape with a 0-0 draw would they consider that a successful result at the Lane?
Oh - Pavs scuffed his shot there. Another good chance. And again. Hasn't found his shooting boots yet.
Hart saves twice from Pavs as Spurs break from Citeh's short corner.
I am back from the loo and taking the dog out
What did I miss?
Johnson shoots well over. He's warming up his shooting boots. A late winner?
I don't know that 0-0 is good for either side. There will be a lot of pressure this season on those top four slots. I wouldn't rule out Everton who are an improved side. Who knows what Liverpool under Hodgson will look like. I just think it's crazy for Mancini to keep all that fire-power in reserve. Roque Santa Cruz didn't even make the squad today!
Just read your comments. I am surprised that the top two were both taken off.
Interesting squad if Spurs keep all four. Reminds me of the '99 United squad. Cole and Yorke and Sheringham and Solskjaer
Hello UWS. I think you missed the substitutions. Johnson on for SWP. Dafoe and Crouchie were replaced by Pavs and Keano.
Citeh don't deserve anything here. If they get the win then that could spur them on for a SERIOUS Title challenge
I agree, UWS. Why not? Ekoku thinks Mancini will be happy with a point. Why?
Lennon makes another nice run, but shoots straight at Hart.
Lennon with his weaker left foot. Straight at Hart.
Now - this might be interesting. Giovanni on for Lennon.
Lennon coming off. He was a lot more dangerous than he was against the US
Dos Santos replaces Lennon.
I think Citeh miss the dynamism of Stephen Ireland. Silva hasn't impressed today.
Dos Santos was through, but his control let him down. I am not so sure about that last substitution.
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