A Boxing Day Spectacular
A full round of Boxing Day fixtures begins with a relegation London Derby between Fulham and West Ham United at Craven Cottage. The highlight of this fixture is that both managers are one or two losses away from the sack during this holiday period. Hopefully, everyone at LOB is having a less stressful holiday period than Messrs. Hughes and Grant. The Highlight of the 10 AM matches is the two matches between the Manchester clubs and the northeast clubs as United hosts Sunderland and Newcastle hosts Man Citeh. Finally, we conclude with Aston Villa vs Spurs. Come join us for a busy part of the EPL season.
posted by manunitedrules @ 12:17 AM
324 Comments:
Morning, MUR - thanks for posting the thread! I'm really looking forward to the early match, which is even earlier than usual with a noon GMT kickoff here in Blighty. You'll need a strong cup of coffee to get yourself up for that one.
Fulham v. West Ham is a real relegation dogfight with two managers - Sparky and the Undertaker - with their jobs very much on the line. With Steve McClaren out of a job at Wolfsburg, they'll be looking over their shoulders and wondering when the former England boss will be brought in.
Only two casualties to the weather in the Premiership today:
Blackpool v. Liverpool
Everton v. Brum
So the Merseysiders will have to busy themselves with cleaning up from yesterday's Christmas dos and re-heating the left-overs.
Good afternoon BD. I am loking forward to the early match . I do not believe it is televised, so I will look for a link. The coffee is brewing as it is 33 degrees in Harlingen this morning after a balmy week.
GOAL! Fulham take full advantage of some sluggish early defending from the Hammers. Aaron Hughes with a free header in the 10th minute.
1-0 Cottagers!
It's a shame because the Hammers were looking lively, particularly Carlton Cole, in the early going but there's a reason that they're bottom at Christmas and it's that worst defense in the league that's to blame. Where are you WHR?
I finally found a link , but missed the goal.
It is still 1-0, but I am listening to bloody Efan this early in the morning. It is perfect weather for a nice strong cup of coffee. Hughes and Grant do not appear to be cold.
That was a decent shot by Davies that was always rising. I forgot to mention that Clint Dempsey should take some long range efforts after scoring against Greenie in the World Cup.
I don't mean to sound critical, but I have not been impressed. One can tell why these two sides are struggling.
Shame about having to listen to Efan. We've got Alan Smith doing the color on Sky here.
GOAL! Bit of a calamity in the Fulham defense there and a deflection allows Carlton Cole to slide in his second goal of the season, a priceless equalizer for the Hammers on 36 minutes.
1-1!
GOAL !!! 1-2 HAMMERS AS PIQUIONNE SCORES FROM CLOSE RANGE. I'M FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES. ADIOS HUGHES.
GOAL! Just as I was saying to my dad that I hadn't seen much from Piquionne, he's popped up unmarked at the back post to steer a volley home.
1-2 right on the stroke of half time!
I agree with you, MUR. This would certainly be curtains for Sparky if Fulham were to lose to their cross town rivals today.
Halftime and 1-2 to the Hammers. I will be back as the missus wants to buy towels on sale at Sears. Freddie will be pleased.
Eddie Johnson is on for Clint Dempsey. The wife is at JC Penney, not Sears, on a brisk morning by Harlingen standards.
The Hammers still lead at the Cottage. Damien Duff came on a s a sub for someone, but I am not sure. I am Surprised to see Freddie Sears starting for the Hammers.
The evil QPR have taken the lead against Swansea and It is Pompey 0 Millwall 0.
Morning Gentlemen
Happy Boxing Day!
I am ready for a football feast!
Come you Hammers!
I haven't bothered finding a link for the match but I did find a Soccer Saturday link
QPR are beating Swansea 1-0
Some Argy-bargy there. 22 men bust up and two sent off
This would be a big win for WH
Good morning UWS. The Hammers nearly scored twice in a minute. First Hangeland tackled Cole, then Sears shot just wide.
I want the Hammers to win.
Cricket Update
4th Test Day 1
Australia 98 all out
England 157 for 0
So, by Christmas wish for this weekend
United to easily beat Sunderland
Newcastle to stuff Citeh
Arsenal and Chelsea draw or an Arsenal win
Leeds to beat Leicester too
Where's my bloody link, gentlemen?
I mean, Happy Boxing Day!
Snowed in Columbus, GA yesterday.
Crazee
Tim Cahill is going to Qatar for the Asian Championships... Everton are really going to miss him!!
Morning John
Happy Boxing Day
I'm not watching the match. I have the panel talking!
We are expecting our first snow of the year today into tomorrow
Bugger Millwall have scored at Fratton Park
Morning John. Now 1-3 Hammers as Cole gets his second. Surely Sparky Hughes will get sacked this evening.
YES!!!!!!!!!
West Ham extend their lead
Hopeless Carton Cole with the goal
Ipswich vs Watford has been called off!
I think Derby vs Doncaster has been postponed as well.
Eddie Johnson missed a great chance for Fulham as he volleyed over from close range.
I have really been pleases with Blackpool's performances this season and they are safely in 10th place right now but is their pitch going to be the ruin of them
With today's match against the other Pool called off, they have had THREE home games postponed so far!!
Leeds vs Pompey at Elland Road on Tuesday. I am sure that BD and UWS will have plenty to say about that match.
Sounds like a much needed three points coming our way. The Mendittos have had a difficult Christmas. Our youngest was diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome on December 17th. She was hospitalized for three days and her full recovery will take weeks. We were fortunate to catch it early -- otherwise there can be severe complications.
Wow John!!
The Nocitos all send our positive thoughts your way!
Very pleased you caught it early
I am sorry to hear that John. I wish your daughter the best. She will be in our thoughts.
Three minutes of stoppage time as the Hammers will be level on points with Fulham and Wigan and one point ahead of Wolves.
West Ham have won away for the first time this season. They are off the bottom
The Hammers win 1-3 at the Cottage and are off the bottom of the table as they secure their first away win of the season.
West Ham have jumped up to 18th level with Fulham on 16 points
Yikes... West Ham's first away win since the opening match of LAST season at Wolves
Some halftime scores in the Championship. QPR 1 Swansea 0
Pompey 0 Millwall 1
Morning, UWS and WHR. A fabulous win for the Hammers then, which lifts them off the bottom.
I'm really sorry to hear about Kat's illness, John. I hope this win at least gives you a bit of Boxing Day cheer.
UWS , you must be looking forward to Leeds vs Pompey on Tuesday.
Hey Bob
How was your Christmas?
I did get your Skpye messages
Not really... I don't want either team to lose
Soccer Saturday funnies going on
Merson is classic with his murdering of names!!
Looking at United's fixtures over the holiday period... LET'S WIN THEM ALL
Today
Sunderland H
Tuesday
Birmingham A
New Years Day
West Brom A
1/4
Stoke H
Having a marvelous Christmas over here with the family. We did up a right feast yesterday and have plenty of Boxing Day leftovers to come.
The only thing I want is three points away to Leicester this afternoon. It's coming right up.
Hello gents . I want three points vs Sunderland and hope Leeds get three points at the Crisps Stadium.
QPR lead Swansea 3-0.
Pompey have tied it up against Millwall through a David Nugent Header. It is now 1-1 at Fratton Park.
I just got back from the store
COME ON UNITED!!!
QPR have increased their lead to 4-0.
Welcome back UWS. I ran a similar errand a few minutes ago. Did you see that Pompey are now level?
COME ON UNITED!!!
Glad to hear that!
United's line up
VDS
Evra
Rio
Vidic
Rafael
Anderson
Giggs
Park
Carrick
Berbatov
Rooney
On the bench
Kusz
Neville
Smalling
Gibson
Hernandez
Macheda
Tiago
Bebe
NOT A STRONG BENCH!
QPR have defeated Swansea 4-0 and Pompey have drawn 1-1 with Millwall. Both scores are finals.
WE're off at OT
COME ON UNITED!!!!
I've had some Walker's Crisps for lunch today so I'm hoping that the Leeds will be munching on Leicester in similar fashion this afternoon. It's all about to start.
The match is underway at OT.
Best undefeated start to the season on United's history!!
Morning gentlemen. Disappointed in Everton being cancelled, watching Man. U./Sunderland on FSC.
Not happy with the start
Good morning Someone.
Goal already in the Prem
Barry scores for Citeh
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
BERBATOV!!!!!!
Made by Roon
SS are behind FSC!!
YESSSS!!!! Goal !! Drac scores with a header at the far post off a great cross from Roon.
1-0 United.
That was a fast start.
I was hoping for a fast start because we nearly lost to Sunderland last year at OT, but were saved thanks to Rio's brother.
Tevez makes it 2-0 for Man City.
Looks like another unhappy return to OT for Brucie.
Hull City have taken the lead away to Sheffield United. Roon nearly scores as he chips the keeper.
ooh , very close by Roon!!!!
ooh, Berba rattles the post!!
GET A SECOND!
Morning, Someone. And congrats to the Mancs. United and Citeh currently sitting pretty #s 1 and 2 respectively at the top of the Prem. Drac on 12 goals, Tevez close behind on 11.
Nearly 2-0 as Drac rattles the post.
Busy feeding the dog... missed Tev's goal!
Wigan take the lead at Molineux
According to Merson earlier, if Wolves lose they are relegated
That's right #1 and #2 in the league... that was my prediction!!!
United really should score a hatful today
Leicester started the better at Crisps
That is why you are first place in the LOB prediction table.
I still can't believe Rooney hasn't scored in open play since March
OOH... Anderson hits the woodwork
COME ON UNITED!!
OOH Now Anderson rattles the bar.
I've lost control of the television but have found a good stream of Celtic/St Johnstone. No score.
Post is helping Sunderland from being down by 2 or 3.
Bristol City take the lead against Reading
We should be 3-0 ahead. We are putting on quite a show. I am pleased.
COME ON UNITED!!!
Callie lead St. Mirren 1-0
United are all over them... get a second goal!
Gordon saves easily from Roon after another great attack from United.
ooh, Berbatov off the side netting
Giggs is playing brilliantly!
Merson says it is the Harlem Globe Trotters
The shot from Drac goes into the side netting.
ooh
Now Giggs goes very close!!
Ex United player Bardsley is booked for a nasty challenge on Drac and Gordon saves well from Giggs.
Gordon easily catches the United corner.
These misses better not come back to bite us
Wigan are now 0-2 up at Molineaux.
Leeds take the lead!!!
Max Gradel with the goal!
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Max, you beauty! Gradel scores his seventh and our opening goal at the Walkers. We're on our way.
0-1!
Wigan are two up at Molineux
I agree UWS. I would feel more comfortable if we were up by two or three goals.
United man Cleverley with Wigan's goal
Cardiff have taken the lead against Coventry
Well done Leeds. That is now three in two games for Gradel. If the Whites win he should get a bag of crisps.
Remember, Untied were dominated at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season in a scoreless match
FSC just jumped ahead a tick
Sunderland starting to get some possession
COME ON UNITED!
I do remember that. We were drawing a lot of matches at that time and were not playing well. We nearly lost to Sunderland at OT last year.
COME ON UNITED!!!
We have taken our foot of the pedal.
Barnsley have taken the lead against Burnley and Rangers have taken the lead at Motherwell.
Celtic not finishing their chances, what else is new?
Reading tie it up against Bristol C
United have gone off the boil... COME ON
I just read the first comment of the thread.
I didn't hear that Wally in a Brolley has been canned
Leeds enjoying lots of possession
Is Walley in a Brolley Steve McLaren?
yup
COME ON MAN U
COME ON MAN U
COME ON MAN U
Rangers two up at Motherwell
Thanks UWS. Sounds like an appropriate and accurate nickname.
COME ON UNITED YOU SHOULD BE TRYING FOR TWO!!!
That's what they called him after the loss at Wembley to Croatia
I think it was Wally and his brolley
We need a second before half
He sure was clueless as England manager. The inmates were running the asylum.
That was decent effort from Anderson. That's more like it.
Roon almost plays in Anderson
Bardsley makes a great tackle on Anderson to prevent a second United goal.
Bolton take the against WBA
Matty Taylor
Bardsley clears the Giggs corner. United will attempt another corner.Gordon punches away then Roon shoots tamely at Gordon.
Reading take the lead against Bristol City. The lead 2-1. Wycombe have taken the lead against Hereford.
Come on United
Sunderland doing some attacking
Corner...very dangerous but cleared
DON'T GIVE THEM ANYTHING TO HOLD ON TO FOR TEH SECOND HALF
one added minute
Zenden takes the corner for Sunderland. Now Roon counters , but Gordon gathers the ball. One minute of stoppage time.
Bolton up 1-0 on West Brom. The Wanderers are the surprise of the season so far.
Giggs wastes a chance for the cross and that's it
Great start but not happy with the scoreline!
Halftime and United lead 1-0, but it should have been much more. We need to do better in the second half.
United have won 13 out of the last 14 Boxing Day fixtures
I can't remember exactly the one we didn't. I think we got hammered once. Was it at Sunderland?
I am not sure. We once lost 1-4 at home to QPR. Was that Boxing Day or New Years Day?
My apologies to the Wally with the Brolly. I had read that he was expecting to get the sack after Wolfsburg got knocked out of the cup by a lower division side, but the club has given him the vote of confidence at least for the immediate future.
Halftime in Glasgow, scoreless.
Hull City now lead 0-2 at Bramall Lane and Hartlepool take the lead at Huddersfield.
Some other SPL scores :
Callie 1 St. Mirren 1
Hibs 1 Aberdeen 1
I hope leads have a Boxing Day feast by munching on some crisps to celebrate a victory.
That Huddersfield v. Hartlepool match is the only surviving fixture in L1 today.
Thanks for that, MUR. I'm hoping so too. Make mine Smoky Bacon today.
In 18 years of Premier League football, United have won 15 games, drawn 2 and lost just once. Take away the first two years of the Premier League and it becomes played 16, won 15, lost 1. A very impressive statistic. That one defeat came in 2002 against Middlesbrough. Maybe the way the fixtures come out has often been kind to United but scoring 3 or more goals in 11 of the 18 Boxing Day fixtures is mightily impressive.
I knew it was in the Northeast
I think we lost that one 4-1
I saw that match. We were horrible that day. I think we were undefeated the rest of the season as we pipped the Gunners for the title.
Tomorrow The Gunners host Chelski. That should be a cracker.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has laid down a colourfully expressed challenge to his players: do they have the cojones, the "balls", to win a 19th championship for the Old Trafford club.
Full story: Sunday Times
The second half is underway. What a quote by SAF!
Sunderland started the same in the first half
Sunderland have an early second half opportunity as Gyan shoots high and wide from a narrow angle.
Drac wins a corner after being closed down by three Sunderland players.
United go backwards from the corner.
About to get underway in Glasgow. Celtic need some goals to maintain a glimpse of the title with an Old Firm match next weekend.
COME ON UNITED.!!! YOU ARE LETTING SUNDERLAND PLAY TOO MUCH FOOTBALL.
Zenden wins a corner for Sunderland.United clear.
Stoke have taken the lead at Blackburn.
COME ON UNITED.
I am not happy right now
Vidic heads straight at Gordon from the corner taken by Giggs.
Motherwell get a goal back against Rangers
I feel exactly the same UWS.
Shoot Roon!!
He does set up Anderson but blocked
morning from sleeting NC chaps!
Strewth, how on earth is there still anything for Sunderland to play for? United taking the black cats and shaking them by the throat. United is in complete control and cruising.
Gradel is a hero for Leeds this year. May that lead last and be built upon.
Leicester started the second better
Good morning Gooner. Hope you are enjoying your vacation in N.C. Tomorrow you have a big match against Chelsea.
Morning Steve
Robert Huth scored for Stoke with a header off of a corner.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
BERBATOV!!!!!
Defected but who cares!!!
YESSS!!!! 2-0 United as Drac score a deflected goal.
A brace for Berbatov gives Man. U. some breathing room.
Off Anton..like last year but it is Berba's in my book
2nd for Drac, easy, easy, easy.
That was inevitable. Congrats, LOB Mancs.
It deflected off of Anton. He helped us last year with a last minute og.
I think Drac should be credited with the goal.
That could have been a hat-trick for Drac as his shot was blocked.
anything our United can do... so can Bob's
TWO NIL!!
Steve are you excited about the match to be played tomorrow?
YESSSSSSS!!!!!! Snoddy, you beauty!
Sounds like an absolute cracker as Snoddy hits one with the outside of his left boot from the acutest of angles.
Leeds 0-2 up! MOT!!!
Morning, Gooner! Hope you're surviving the East Coast weather.
Well done Leeds! Rangers have regained a two goal at Motherwell as they lead 1-3.
Yeah,I'm watching this one but already getting ready for the big match for us. No less a luminary than Warren Barton has predicted that a loss kills our season and queues up the predatory Spanish clubs to rob Cesc and Nasri in particular and everyone in general.
Giggs is replaced by Macheda after putting in an excellent shift, Darren Gibson replaces Anderson who had a good performance as well.
Burnley are 1-2 up at Barnsley after trailing at halftime.
Which United players were not alive when Giggs debuted?
Rangers are now running riot as they lead 1-4 at Motherwell. Someone must really be hoping for a Celtic goal at this point.
I would guess the twins and Macheda
David Meyler replaces the ineffective Darren Bent.
I'd like to see Celtic complete a few passes in a row at this point.
Come on United... get another
ooh, what a turn and shot by Berbatov!!
I would say the same players. I was about to say Ben Amos, but I think he was in diapers at that time.
Drac Blasted a shot at Gordon after a great turn.
I wonder what side Fergie will send out on Tuesday at St. Andrews?
Surely Nani will play. What about Hernandez?
Rafael looks hurt from a rough challenge
Rafael is down injured. What card will be issued?
Post a Comment
<< Home