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!
I'm dialing in from the Crowne Plaza in lovely downtown Denver, Colorado this weekend. After a bit of a drought, I'm looking forward to joining you this morning for all the good stuff, starting with United's visit to Villa Park followed by the full slate of 3pm GMT matches and finally the resurgent Liverpool. I'll look forward to the pleasure of your company.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 12:48 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!
393 Comments:
Right then, here are the teams for this afternoon's vital clash:
Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Hogg, Bannan, Downing, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Guzan, Delfouneso, Osbourne, Lichaj, Herd, Lowry, Johnson.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani, Hernandez, Berbatov.
Subs: Amos, Smalling, Fabio Da Silva, O'Shea, Obertan, Macheda, Gibson.
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)
United have a great record at Villa Park. I'm sure that UWS and MUR will be hoping for more of the same.
Good morning everyone. Manchester United must fancy their chances at Villa Park as they have an excellent record against Villa. I would not be surprised to see Chicharito chip in with a few goals today. It will be interesting to see how the two veteran keepers perform today.
Villa are a bit makeshift today with Gabby Ag up front alone and some new names in midfield for me - Hogg and Bannon.
Good morning BD. I see you are up bright and early at Denver. How is your trip? I went to Denver once, in 1988. it is a beautiful city.
Morning, MUR! I'm getting a true appreciation of your dedication to the cause this morning. It's 5:42 am Central time for me. Ouch!
I've had a great trip. I had one presentation on Thursday and another yesterday afternoon. Now I can relax and enjoy the company of friends for the rest of the weekend. I had a couple of beers with an old Feltwell J.H.S. friend Susan Dauber, who works for the educational foundation The Spencer Foundation, yesterday.
ESPN 2 is mute at the moment, but they have shown the lineups. Villa have a really inexperienced group of subs, so I would think that they are in trouble if the starters are not successful on the pitch.
A moment of silence now Armistice Day, which is marked tomorrow.
I am really pleased that you are enjoying your trip. The name sounds familiar.
I agree with you - everything is right for an easy United win today.
The match kicks off on a crisp sunny day at Villa Park.
So, United to get us underway here.
Don Fabio is in the crowd ahead of his announcement of the squad for the upcoming friendly.
United had a promising move before the Villa defense cleared . Villa seem content to defend and counter through the speedy Ashely Young
Richard Dunne made a hash of that clearance but he got away with it.
I understand that Andy Carroll is expected to be in the squad for the friendly against France.
Dangerous cross over from my boy Nani but young Mark Albrighton was tracking back well.
Chicharito was just offside after some great movement.
I expect Carroll in the squad as well. He's untested at that level but I always think that there is room for an in-form Premiership striker.
Leeds old boy Gary McAllister is assisting Jerry Houllier for Villa.
Rio is upset at the assistant after Gabby pushed him and was not called.
Rio's not happy as the linesman doesn't call the push on the back there.
I notice that Gary is ever the intrepid Scot, wearing shorts on what is likely a fairly chilly day.
Neil Warnock is down injured after a stray boot from Nani catches him on the head. It seemed unintentional.
Warnock is down now after a clash with Nani.
I am surprised that the pitch has been watered despite the tradition as it has been raining the past two weeks in the UK.
I believe that this is Stephen Warnock. To be fair, I'd like to see the evil Neil Warnock kicked in the head any given day.
I hope it gets the rain out of its system. I'll be in London for a couple of weeks at the holidays visiting the family.
A promising move after a promising pass from Barry Bannon to Stuart Downing as the latter forces a corner that is cleared. James Collins holds his jaw.
James Collins never shrinks from a challenge, does he?
More pressure by Villa before United break. Drac misses an easy chance, But Freidel did well to narrow the angle.
Oh dear - Collins gave the ball away and United were off to the races. Drac unfortunately couldn't find the net. He hasn't scored since that hat-trick against Liverpool.
Young Barry Bannon is booked for a poor challenge on Chicharito.
Chicharito is looking lively as he has put Drac and Park through for scoring opportunities.
The new boy Barry Bannon picks up an early yellow.
Bannon commits another foul.Nani takes the free kick and Wes Brown shoots just wide . That would have been a collector's item had he scored.
Bannon is riding his luck as he has another nibble.
Chicharito is flagged offside.
The Orange has never been much of a goal threat.
Villa fans howling for a card after Chicharito isn't booked for knocking the ball into the net.
This match will be a learning experience for Bannon and Hogg in the center of the Villa midfield. Bannon seems to be off to a difficult start.
Mid-way through the first half and Villa have a corner.
Villa put on some pressure after the corner.United clear and Dunne gets away with some poor control.
Villa took a short corner, and despite pressure , have not really threatened the United defense.
Neither goalkeeper has been busy, tbf.
Neither keeper has made a save, but it seems as if Villa are one mistake away from conceding a goal as they have lived dangerously on a few occasions.
I agree - Dunne has looked particularly shaky.
Roon, like yourself, is out west. However, he is in Oregon.
VDS makes a routine save from Ashley Young, the first of the match.
United win a free kick as Park is fouled.
Gabby Ag finally produces a decent save from VDS after Vidic had missed the header.
A great idea by United as Nani passes out left to Evra from the free kick, But nobody was in the area to score from Evra's pass.
Evra is down injured after it seems like Luke Young was trying to start a fight with Chicharito.
Oh - snapshot from Carrick but well wide in the end.
Carrick shoots well wide after a long ball from Rio was headed down to Chicharito.
Wes Brown defends well against Stuart Downing as Cap is in attendance.
Good pressure from United now toward the end of the half.
A disappointing cross from Chicharito ends a promising United move.
Downing wins a corner off of Rio.
Oh - a deflected shot by Downing could have gone anywhere but it fizzes wide.
Oh - Dunne might have scored from the corner there. Should have done better.
That was the best chance of the match as Downing sees his shot deflected just wide for a corner. Dunne heads straight to VDS from the corner as United are now living dangerously.
A scary patch for United fans here as Villa try to punk them at the end of the half. Two minutes of added time to come.
Downing does well to beat Wes Brown,but his shot goes out for a throw-in. Two minutes of stoppage time.
Downing wins a corner as it should be halftime.Dunne heads wide from long range off the corner.
Dunne with another free header from a corner. He's giving Vidic something to think about.
Now it is halftime and 0-0 at Villa Park. SAF will be expecting a better performance from United in the second half.
Half-time: If you were watching the mid-week Manc derby, you'll be fairly goal starved at this point.
I did watch the mid-week derby. I thought we should have won that match. I was expecting more from Citeh.
The second half is underway.
As it stands, United are three points back on Chelski on 25 points. Villa are up into sixth and the last theoretical Europa League spot on 17 points.
Villa get us underway in the second half.
Good move through Albrighton but he only had Gabby Ag to aim at with his cross.
That was a chance for Villa after Albrighton shot wide due to confusion in the United defense.
Nani's gone down for a spot of treatment. The ref is not very sympathetic.
And Nani is down again. The Villa fans think he's made a meal of it but Nani's not happy at Warnock at all.
And Nani has found his way into the book with his mouth. Shame that.
I think Nani is booked for too much protesting.
The cross from Park was straight too Freidel after a great pass from Drac.
Bloody hell - how did Albrighton miss that header? United living dangerously now.
Villa attack Immediately and Albrighton heads wide after a fantastic cross from Downing. He should have scored.
I hate to say it, but Nani has had a poor day and needs to be replaced right about now.
Now Nani is guilty of failing to control a routine pass.
I agree BD. United have options on the bench.
Hogg's only experience was five league matches on loan at Darlington, other than the reserves.
Now Evra is flagged offside.At this point a 1-0 victory for United will be considered a success.
Stephen Warnock heads out for a corner, not Neil.
I'm shocked that this one is still 0-0.
The corner from Nani is headed clear, and Collins blocks from Drac.Dunne blocks from Nani, then Albrighton fouls Evra.
Great free kick oppo here after Albrighton hacks down Evra just outside the D.
Chicharito is going to be booked here for a late challenge after that attack broke down.
Nani and Evra line up to take the free kick . The wall blocks from Nani and United pile on the pressure. The move ends with Chicharito booked for a foul on Warnock.
Fletcher is receiving treatment for blood on his face and changes his shirt.
Interesting - Fletcher has come back out with a blank shirt on.
Fletch fouls Ashley Young as Villa have a free kick on the left.
Luke Young was booked for a foul on Nani.
Wes Brown concedes a corner after great work from Albrighton , Bannon, and Downing.
Oh - another mad scramble in the United box! It came off the underside of the bar from Collins' header and VDS was beaten all ends up.
Another great run from the impressive Albrighton ends with a pop straight at VDS.
OOOH - Gabby Ag off the bar! How did that not go in?!
WOW!!! what a let off fro United as Collins' header came off the bar after another great pass from Downing. Now Gabby shoots off the post after being put through by Ashley Young.
United are fortunate not to be trailing in this match as Obertan and Macheda are about to come on.
PENALTY TO VILLA! Wes Brown is yellow carded. Wow!
Villa get a penalty as Wes Brown is called for a foul on Ashley Young.
Ashley Young to take.....
1-0! Good penalty
1-0 Villa as Ashley Young sends VDS the wrong way from the penalty spot.
To be honest, Villa deserve their lead after hitting the bar and the post minutes earlier.
Sorry, mate, but that did seem to be coming. I'm surprised that Fergie hasn't freshened things up yet with only 18 minutes to play.
Here they come - Drac and Chicharito off and Obertan and Macheda on. Fergie must not be happy with his strikers.
Macheda is on for Drac and Obertan is on for Chicharito.
GOAL! Albrighton finishes off a great move for #2. Macheda gave the ball away there. And Villa were off the races.
Now 2-0 to Villa as Albrighton scores at the far post Villa broke through Ashley Young and he put Downing through for a fantastic cross to Albrighton.
Bad day at the office for Fletch. He's off for more treatment now.
I agree BD as it all started with a sloppy pass from Macheda and a fantastic break form Villa.
This should be the end of United's twenty five game unbeaten run and their first loss at Villa Park since the opening day of the 1995-1996 season when they lost 3-1. That prompted Alan Hansen to say you win nothing with kids.
Oh - blocked off the line from Ferdinand from the corner!
United win a corner after Rio's shot was headed off the line by Albrighton.
Now Nani wins a corner.
The corner is headed clear.
GOAL! Macheda with a rocket into the top right corner after a lovely back flick from Fletch.
2-1! Game on!
GOAL!!! Now United pull it back to 2-1 after a thunderous shot from Macheda lands in the top corner giving Freidel no chance. That makes up for his earlier error.
Macheda has now scored twice in his brief career against Villa. Both times were off the bench.
Inside the last ten minutes now.
Evra wins a corner for United.
That was a shocking corner from Nani.
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
2-2! Vidic with a great header at the back post!
To be fair to Nani, that cross was inch perfect for the goal. Can United win it now!?
YES!!!
NOW 2-2- AS WE COME BACK FROM WHAT SEEMED AN IMPOSSIBLE POSITION AS VIDIC HEADS IN A CROSS FROM NANI.
Smalling is on and stuck straight up front.
Can United win this?
SAF is going for the win.
Albrighton is coming off for an American kid Eric Lichaj. Good chance to look at him.
Lichaj is on from Albrighton, who receives a standing ovation.
Obertan makes a great run, but is stopped by a last ditch tackle.
Hogg is replaced by Herd as one young debutant replaces another.
Five minutes of stoppage time as Obertan shoots high and wide.
Oh - Obertan had a chance there but big Brad did well.
Nani tries to win it but it flies well wide.
Freidel does well to deny Obertan as United win a corner.The corner is not properly cleared, then Nani shoots wide.
Lichaj could not put in the cross due to a poor ball from Delfonso after what seemed a promising break.
Obertan scuffs one but it's deflected out for a corner. Friedel punches out well.
Freidel punches clear from the corner.
downing wins a corner in the final seconds.
That's it - a sixth away draw for United but they'll be happy with the way that they rallied to rescue a point after Macheda and Obertan came on.
United head clear as the ref blows for full time. Another draw as United come from two down to draw 2-2. It is now 26 matches unbeaten and Undefeated at Villa Park since 1995. However, that is too many draws for United.
I will be in and out as I have some errands to run.
Hi Guys,
I watched the match upstairs
There was an XBOX sleepover in my living room.
I just stayed in my bed.
Again, very disappointed with United's performance!
Good comeback but the performance and one point is not good enough
There is a very early goal I think... Big Nose squeals!!
Wolves 0 Bolton 1
OG the scorer
I'm back after a refreshing shower to enjoy the usual 3 pm GMT kickoffs.
Morning, UWS! Good to have you on board.
Morning Bob
I am not a happy chappy.
Where are Leeds playing... hopefully away!!!
Unfortunately, we're at Elland Road today, not the most happy hunting ground for us lately. It's Calamity James' Bristol City against us. Hopefully David will help us by tossing a couple in the net.
Our lineup: Schmeichel, Connolly, Bruce, O'Brien, McCartney, Kilkenny, Howson, Johnson, Snoddy, Somma, Gradel.
It looks like all the teams playing at home midweek have another home game this weekend. Wonder why?
18 home goals conceded by Leeds... yikes
Still scoreless so far
I've got a nice stream up for SS:
http://livesocceruk.yolasite.com/
Gareth Bale gives Spurs the lead
http://www.justin.tv/humber1#/w/549419216/2
I have this link for as a backup
Spurs score as Alan McInally is commenting on the match. Gareth Bale again. He's on fire!
Cheers, mate!
Leicester take the lead against white hot Derby
Cardiff are already bloody 0-2 - can that be right?
Twenty minutes gone and we seem to be all over these mugs. Still 0-0 at ER.
I'm struggling to keep SS up today. And yes, I know that that's what she said, UWS.
James Hayter shoots into the roof of the net as Doncaster take the lead at Portsmouth.
Penalty at Shite Fart. Sounds like Pavs has been upended by Robbo.
Bugger - the Blades have taken the lead at Millwall. My two least favorite teams in the Championship there.
Oh - Pavs has struck the penalty wide!
Goran Lovre's right-footed shot gives Barnsley a 1-0 lead at Ipswich.
We've dropped to ninth now on the strength of Doncaster's 0-2 lead.
Own goal at Portman Road and Ipswich are 0-2 down!
Burnley and Watford are locked at 1-1.
I am back from walking Shadow
Cardiff are three up
My link is still going strong
Blimey - 0-3 Cardiff!
How's everything at your end, UWS?
Not bad.
Busy as ever.
right now we are engulfed in fallen leaves!
Kathy has been busy with Thomas and colleges. He isn't sure where he is going. He just played an Exceptional Seniors showcase. Some coaches came by to watch
He is looking at Castleton in VT and Westfield in MA
I don't know how we are going to pay for it!
I saw my first flurries of the season...here in Denver! It's been really mild in Western NY.
Cambridge take the lead at Kettering
First flurries... we had an inch and half last Monday!!
Are those two colleges privates? Better save up the pennies, mate!
Kenny Miller has missed a pen. Rangers already 2-0 up.
Hello UWS and BD. I am back. Took my wife to the grocery store and my oldest daughter is off for b us ride to a concert rehearsal. The concert is this evening.She had to audiion for a middle school regional orchestra.
FSC show the ball in the net at Eastlands but is called off for offside or handball
Spurs double their lead
Just as I arrive Tevez has a goal disallowed for offside.
Pavs has added a second goal after his penalty miss. 2-0 Spurs.
Oh - and my boy Tevez has attempted a hand of God goal at Eastlands.
welcome back MUR
Are you as annoyed as me?
Shame that. My boy Tev is still locked with two others on 7 goals.
As you said, Rangers are easily winning today
Both Glasgow clubs lost midweek!
It was handball,not offside. I think the goal should have been allowed.
No, they are state schools but we would be out of staters
I am. We went two goals down due to sluggish play. We have had far too many draws this season.
Somehow we've leapt up to 7th now. I wonder what's changed? I can't see that any goals were scored against our rivals. Oh, I see now. Coventry have conceded at Palace.
MORE draws than wins!
Jerome wins a corner off of Boateng for Birmingham.
Can't you find an Uncle Charlie living somewhere in Vermont or Mass?
As well as bad defending... nothing going forward.
United are at point they were in the mid 'naughties'
In years past, the likes of Phil Neville and O'Shea were part players but they were starters in those years.
I feel the same now.... a lot of the starters for the last few weeks should be bit players
Send that lad over to Fredonia!!
Wish I could!
My dad was born in Whitehall NY which is near the border... does that count!
I agree UWS. we need more players to do their part.
Incredible scoreline at London Road where Charlton now lead 4-0 against Peterborough. Therry Racon, Jackson and Lee Martin with the goals.
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