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!
After a seemingly interminable international break, football is back with a vengeance this weekend. Week 8 in the Premiership has some fascinating match-ups, all capped by the Merseyside Derby on Sunday. Join me for all the action this weekend.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:03 AM
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!
833 Comments:
With no early games in the Premiership and Leeds not playing until 3 pm GMT, I've had the luxury of a Saturday morning lie-in.
Now, I'm all fired up for the regularly scheduled matches. I hope you'll join me this morning. It seems like ages since we had a proper Saturday natter on the footer.
In the two early kick-offs in the Championship, the evil minions at Cardiff City have prevailed over Bristol City. That increases Cardiff's lead over third placed Norwich in second and firmly plants Bristol City on the bottom.
Speaking of the Championship for a moment. my beloved Leeds start at 11th today and I've just noticed that we don't kick off until 12:20. It's an away fixture at Boro. Perhaps there might be a link for that one?
I'm watching the Premiership Preview show on FSC now. Two interesting statistics that they've mentioned about Mick McCarthy's Wolves. They hold two dubious records this season: most fouls in the average match and least number of shots on goal in a match (2). No wonder they're the most despised club in the Prem.
In Liverpool news this morning, supervillains Hicks and Gillett have claimed in the press that the NESV's £300 million takeover of the club is a "swindle" and an "organized conspiracy." Bwaaahaaahaaa!
News from the Emirates as England striker Theo Walcott and Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner return to the Arsenal bench for their clash against Birmingham.
That's the 10 am FSC match. Looking forward to it.
Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov have been chosen to start up front to face a Baggies side good enough to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last month. Rooney will start on the bench where he belongs after that stinker for England in mid-week.
Ledley King is a shock starter and Sandro is handed his full Barclays Premier League debut for Tottenham at Fulham.
Kevin Doyle is included in Wolves' starting line-up for this afternoon's bottom-of-the-table clash with West Ham at Molineux. Tal Ben Haim and Kieron Dyer replace Matthew Upson and Pablo Barrera for the Hammers.
Andy Carroll returns to the Newcastle starting line-up as they host Wigan while Hugo Rodallega is only among the substitutes for the visitors.
Oh - I missed the other Championship early kick-off. In the all Yorkshire clash, Scunthorpe have lost 1-3 at home to Doncaster Rovers.
Andy Carroll returns to the Newcastle starting line-up as they host Wigan while Hugo Rodallega is only among the substitutes for the visitors.
Bolton captain Kevin Davies is fit enough to lead out his side at the Reebok against Stoke while Tony Pulis names the same side for this game that enjoyed a 1-0 home victory over Blackburn before the international break.
Ooh - that is difficult. I've just noticed that United v. WBA is on ESPN2 at 10 am too. Tough one. I may have to switch back and forth.
Good morning BD. I will be watching ESPN2 as United taking on West Brom . It is interesting that Leeds play at the same time as Aston Villa vs Chelski.
Fantastic - I've got a lovely link for Soccer Saturday, so I've got the Full Monty going now. Here it is:
http://www.tvbr.net/
ESPN2 coverage has started at OT. Steve Mac just outside the tunnel talking turkey about Wayne Roon. He agrees with me - the lad should be dropped until he plays himself back into decent form and gets his head right.
Morning, MUR! Since you're about, I'll be watching United v. WBA in your honor. Best of luck to your Red Devilers. Your thoughts about the line-up?
Roon is on the bench. He will be missed(sarcasm). SAF is upset because Dr. Steadman stated that Owen Hargreaves is fit when he really isn't.
A bit fortunate for you lot that WBA's top scorer Peter Odemwinge is out for injury. I don't rate his replacement Fortune.
What on earth is going on with Owen Hargreaves? I can't remember a player who had a longer injury than he has, can you?
If Drac and Chicharito score then Roon will have a tough time making the starting lineup. Stevie Mac thinks Roon will play in the CL match on Tuesday. I will watch Leeds play Middlesborough on the link.
Ooh - that looks good. It sounds as if I might get a link up for the Leeds match at Boro.
United get us underway at Old Trafford. UWS would point out that United are attacking the Stretford End in the first half so they must have lost the toss.
No. The only one I can think of was a blond striker with Leeds in the early part of the decade. I can't think of his name. Surely Hargreaves must retire.
Cheers, mate!
A quick start from the Baggies but it comes to nothing.
We did catch a break as Odemwingie is out with a knee injury. I think Morrison will be their most dangerous player.
The only blond Leeds striker I think remember from that period is Alan Smith, but I don't remember a lengthy injury for him. I'll have to put my thinking cap on to puzzle that one out.
Vidic did well against Fortune as WBA attempted to break with the long ball.
Agreed. Vidic will have to keep a sharp eye on Morrison.
Chicharito earns a free kick here.
Hey Guys
I am back from Rec soccer
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
WEE PEA!!!!!!!
GOAL! Chicharito nets the rebound from the free kick - just what they needed!
1-0!
Now United have a free kick about 25 yards out.GOAL !!! Carson spills the free kick from Nani and Chicarrito score. An early goal for United. Did you see that Roon?
Leeds play the late game today, right?
Morning, UWS! Great timing!!
Scottie Carson must be faulted for bobbling that one back out into the danger area. I hereby revoke his membership in the LUFC Academy!
Good morning UWS. Perfect timing!!!
Sven's Leicester have taken the lead against Hull City. 1-0 at the Walker's. I'll have a Prawn Cocktail one today, ta very much.
Do you have a SS link?
What is the United line up?
Roon not playing?
Yes. Leeds play at 12:20 vs Middlesborough.
Yeah - we're up away to Boro at 12:20 alongside Chelski v. Villa. Looks like there will be a link on-line for that one.
Yeah - it's Drac and Chicharito up front.
Wea Pea is playing in place of Roon,who is on the subs bench.
I just saw the link you left earlier
The United line-up for you, mate:
VDS, Raf, Rio, Vidic, Evra, My Boy Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Old Man Giggsy, Drac, Chicharito
That was better from Carson as he tackles Nani.
Wolves take the lead against West Ham
Cheers
Not Roon or Scholes
The evil Wolves have taken the lead. Sounds like a howler by Rob Green in the West Ham goal. Big surprise there.
The Arse on FSC. Is anyone watching that one? Still nil nil
The United bench: Kusz, Smalling, Scholesy, O'Shea, Macheda, Roon, Gibson
I heard on CNN that United have given free tickets to OT for all the Chilean miners
What was Bob's boy doing.... CROSS IT!!
I'm on ESPN2, but I'll switch over for the goals at the Emirates. I reckon that the Arsenal might have some difficulty breaking the Blues down.
STRUTH!!
How did that stay out!
Oooh - that could have easily been an equalizer. Good last ditch clearance by Raf. Nearly an og, though.
Why wasn't that a corner for the Baggies?
Nani was through and showed some great trickery, then WBA break and Rafael makes a great tackle to prevent a goal. It is a goal kick. We caught a break.
ooh, just wide by Berbatov
Green makes amends for his earlier error with a fingertip save for West Ham.
OOH! Nearly 2-0 as Drac curls a shot just wide.
Good effort on the turn there.
What do you think is going to happen with Rooney?
Is this Van Nistelroy again? SAF just gets rid of him
The Baggies have had some chances!
Btw, that goal takes you lot within two points of Chelski. You'll be looking for some good form from Villa later on. They could give Chelski a decent match.
Stevie Mac claims that SAF is saving him for the CL match. I think your theory might be more accurate, UWS.
Dave in London via text: "Fergie has the guts to do what Fabio Capello didn't... Drop Rooney! Excellent news that Berba and Chicharito start together!"
I agree that the Chilean miners should get free tickets to watch United at OT.
Hard to say what's in store for Roon. SAF has zero tolerance for the off-pitch shenanigans but he's also been a much more intimate mentor for Roon than with Ruud. Beckham might be a better measure of the relationship. The Guardian podcasters were speculating that Roon might get a move to Spain in January but can you imagine a player less suited for Continental life than Roon?
I thought Hargreaves was going to be involved today.
Didn't make the squad
United look very shaky back there
Giggs with a great run.. fouled... just outside!
Absolutely, MUR. Especially "SuperMario Sepulveda. What a champion that lad is. He brought a tear to my eye. Chi chi chi - le le le!
Giggs shoots straight into the wall.
Useless free kick
Almost another for Wee Pea sliding in
The Rio-Vidic partnership does look a wee bit rusty. It will take a while for them to get back on the same wavelength.
Ooh - the ball is fizzed across the six yard box by my boy Nani but Chicharito is inches away from it.
Pompey take the lead against Watford
Not many goals around... is there
I read a link on soccernet that SAF is furious at Dr. Steadman for stating that Hargreaves is fit when he isn't. SAF said that Dr. Steadman needs to shut it and stop talking to the media.
Come on Berbatov... that the bloke from last season... don't start it again
Oh - Drac misses an absolute sitter. Six yards out. Brilliant ball in from Carrick. Misses. Will United rue these missed chances?
That was a chance for Drac as he misses an easy chance.
I hope they don't rue it!!!!
United really need two or three goals by halftime to seal the victory.
Interesting line up for United
Carrick and Anderson.
What has happened to Carrick. A few years back, he was our best player
The Tractor Roys are losing to Coventry at PR
Who is Dr. Steadman - club doc?
Wigan take the lead at Newcastle
Isn't he the famous US surgeon
Bolton take the lead against Stoke
I reckon that playing two holding mids means that SAF has a decent amount of respect for the Baggies. Brunt just wide there. They have had their chances.
Dr. Steadman is a surgeon in Colorado who specializes in doing surgeries on professional athletes.
Bolton have taken the lead against Stoke. I'm glad I don't have to watch that one.
Wigan have scored two quick goals through Charles N'Zogbia.
Wigan double their lead
SO DO UNITED!!!!!
Bob's mate
2-0! My boy Nani!
No Roon, no worries!
GOAL!!! 2-0 United as Drac and Nani tear apart the WBA defense and Nani with the easy finish.
Nice interplay from Nani and Berba
Still 0-0 at the Emirates. The pitch there looks horrible. I wonder why?
N'Zogbia scored both goals for Wigan at his old team
Newcastle now sliding down toward the relegation zone. Could be a long slog for the Magpies.
United had a decent shot for a penalty as Rafael fell in the box. Stevie Mac thought it was a dive.
SCORE A THIRD UNITED!
That was nearly an OG by Rio as he sliced the clearance out for a corner.
Morrison took a short corner,but the header was well wide.
Fulham score against Spurs at LeTiss is talking
Fulham have taken the lead against Spurs just as SS go to Le Tiss. Dempsey set it up. 1-0 there.
Fulham and Untied are the only undefeated teams in the Prem
Spurs tie it up immediately
Pavla
Fulham have drawn sis out of seven matches.
Spurs hit straight back. Van der Vaart set it up with a chip onto the bar that Pavs cleaned up. 1-1 at the Cottage.
Brum have scored at the EM
That was a decent long range effort from Morrison as he combined well with Chris Brunt.
Bloody hell - Zigic has scored for the Blues with a great header. He is a big boy and he's struck gold at the Emirates. 0-1 Brum!
Carrick is making his first EPL start since March.
I am not that comfortable at all.
United have had plenty of chances but so have WBA
Zigic had been playing horribly. Perhaps he is starting to adjust to the pace of the EPL.
Derby have doubled their lead against relegation strugglers PNE.
I agree UWS. We are far from our best today.
Typical UWS. 2-0 up and you're not happy. I'd take a 2-0 lead in the 35th minute against Boro later on.
We are a bit fortunate as It could have been a closer match if WBA had scored from one of their opportunities.
Listen mate... your lot were 4-1 up... what happened?
Nickey Shorey grabs Nani as he struggles against him. A deserved booking.
First yellow card to WBA's Nicky Shorey for hauling back my boy Nani and then having a kick out at him.
You really think the Baggies are going to score five unanswered goals in the second half at Old Trafford?
Zigic with another good chance for Brum. The Arsenal backfour are having trouble handling him.
Hope Giggs is alright
He is done... was there a substitution?
Scott Sinclair has fired the Swans into the lead at Reading.
Giggs walked off injured. Apparently, it is his hamstring. We are temporarily down to ten men. Who will replace Giggs?
Old Man Giggsy's gone off. What happened to him?
United in second right now. Two points behind the Blues and two points ahead of the Blues
Chelsea play at Villa tomorrow and Citeh play at Blackpool
The Arse tie it up with a Nasri Pen
Chicharito picks up another tasty free kick chance as Darren Gibson trots on.
Darren Gibson is on for Giggs.
Chelski and Villa play today at 12:30
Arsenal have equalized from the penalty spot. Thommo thinks that it was a dive. I haven't seen it yet.
I think it was a dive for the Arse
Nasri scored the pen and then picked up a yellow for retaliation.
Chris Brunt is now down injured.
Rangers are losing at home to Motherwell
Nasty kick there from Rio
Ledley King has come off for Spurs. No surprise there.
Two minutes of stoppage time.
Ten goals already in the Premiership. Good number of goals. I'm hoping for more in the second half.
Half-time at Old Trafford. 2-0. SAF will be pleased by his team selection, I reckon.
Halftime and a comfortable 2-0 lead for United. SAF will expect them to play better in the second half.
Half time
More goals in the second half please
BTW, United loss the toss... not attacking the Stretford End in the second half
Half-time at the Emirates as well. I'm hoping to see that penalty decision at some point. Sounds controversial.
Have a look at my 10:01 am post, UWS. I already name-checked you on the coin toss issue.
I solved the mystery of the missing Leeds striker. I was thinking of Michael Bridges. He had to be injured as much as Owen Hargreaves. I always rated him and he surely would have been an England regular. But for injury, He would still be playing today as he is 32 years old.
I HATE TREVOR FRANCIS.
I've just seen the penalty decision at the Emirates. I reckon that it was a foul but that Chamakh was going down too easily.
Good morning Gooner. Stevie Mac is one of the announcers at OT. The match is on ESPN 2.
Morning, Gooner. What are your thoughts about the first half at the Emirates? I hate Trevor Francis, too, btw. I think it's ironic that the more creative players seem to make the most boring pundits while the ones who seemed like dinosaurs are surprisingly knowledgeable when they get on the mic.
Teams back out at Old Trafford with the Baggies kicking off attacking the Stretford End.
The second half begins at OT.
BD, I posted a comment about Michael Bridges at 10:52.
Good bright start from United. Ball over and plenty of spring from Chicharito to earn the corner there.
off the post!
Nearly 3-0 as Vidic heads on to the post after a cross from Nani.
Thanks for clearing that up. You are right about Michael Bridges. Not only did he claim a lot of wages as a injured player but when he finally did get fit again, he returned to Elland Road for several different lower league sides to stick the knife in. We basically got one decent season out of him in which he was our top scorer.
Top of the Championship and QPR are being held 0-0 by Norwich at the interval. Coventry 1-0 up at Ipswich.
2-1 to the Gunners. Chamakh was put through by Wilshere and took his opportunity sharply to roll the ball underneath the keeper.
What was that?! The Baggies have got one back. Is that an own goal!? Oh my!
2-1!
It is an own goal, last touch off Nemanja Vidic. What a calamity! Sorry, lads.
WBA have a free kick just outside the penalty area.BLoody Hell!!! ping pong in the United area as it comes off of Evra for an unfortunate OG after VDS made the initial save.
I knew we would struggle
BUGGER!!
Bugger... I thought Berba was in there!
Oh - Drac was nearly in there but his shot was well blocked out.
I agree. That was comical defending from United. Great defending from the Baggies as Drac attempted to restore a two goal margin.
United need to score a third... they have scored three in each game at OT
West Ham have a pen
Penalty at Molyneux for West Ham. Come on, you Hammers!
Noble steps up...and scores! 1-1.
The Hammers tie it up from the spot
It's all WEST BROM!!
GORDON BENNETT!
VDS DOES A GREEN!
Jesus! What was that from VDS!??????
2-2!
Bloody Hell! 2-2 as Tchoy scores after a blunder from VDS.
Ten minutes gone.. two goals!
What was VDS thinking. CATCH THE BLOODY BALL.
Hull have spoiled Sven's day by equalizing at the Walker's.
Now United a free kick to be taken by Nani.It was easily caught by Carson. Too bad that VDS could not do the same.
Sorry, lads. That is disappointing. Arsenal now up into second on goal difference.
Will Sven choke on some crisps?
Looks like it's Rooney time!
Scholesy and Macheda also up stripping off.
Gibson's going into the book now for tripping up Choi.
Unbelievable. The United defense allowed two WBA defenders to get in behind them from that routine free kick.
Roon is warming up. He is the one player who has been around for both errors between VDS and Green. An interesting coincidence.
This is your fault Bob
We both said it earlier
Ex-ManYoo player Chris Eagles makes it Sheff United 0 Burnley 2 from the penalty spot while Millwall are 1-0 up at Crystal Palace. Theo Robinson the man responsible.
COME ON UNITED!!!
Third time this season we have given away a two goal lead!
Oh - so I bloody dropped a routine cross?!
Yup... you did
Useless by Hernandez... just shoot it right into the defenders legs!
United have been knocked off their stride by those two horrible WBA goals. Come on!
Ipswich are two down
Shoot it Anderson
Carson does well to tip over from Evra. Corner to United.
Free kick chance for United
Nani tripped
COME ON UNITED!!!!
Nani is fouled just outside the penalty area after a great run. Carrick did well to win the ball in midfield.
come United fans... start singing!
My boy Nani is hacked down in full flight there. Good free kick oppo now....
Oh dear....
What was that? That was well over.
ABSOLUTELY HOPELESS!!
The commentator says he could pass it to Gibson.. no way would Nani do that!
Could this be the return of Rooney!
Come off the bench and score the winner!
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