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!
It's a cracking week in the Champions League, with the penultimate set of group matches. Up today - Citeh at Napoli and the FSC match with United hosting Benfica. Join me from 2:45 EST to follow the wild swings in fortunes.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 1:58 PM
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!
420 Comments:
I'm enjoying a lovely bowl of soup with the preview show on FSC.
In the earlier kick-off in Moscow, Lille have scored a vital and impressive away win through a hilarious own goal and a Joe Cole assisted tap in. 0-2 there. It gives Lille 5pts ahead of their last match, even with both Moscow and Trabzonspor ahead of Trabs match with Inter. They'll then be hoping that Inter will pull out a win away from home, which will leave second spot open to the last round of matches next month.
Hello BD. How have you been? They just posted the United lineup and I am not too pleased as Young and Drac start up front with Fletch in midfield. I hope that won't come back to haunt us.
FSC are favoring us with the Group C match up of United v. Benfica, which has lots of romance and history attached to it. However, I'm more interested in Group B and especially Napoli's match with Citeh - the key fixture for second spot in the group. I'm hoping to latch on to a link for this match to follow on the laptop.
Hiya, MUR - welcome!
Yes, the shocker in the case of United is that they're without Rooney who picked up a knock in the warm-up.
Stourbridge vs Plymouth kicked off seven minutes ago and it is 0-0. The last thing Argyle wanted was an extra trip in midweek to a small non league ground.An Argyle loss to the Southern Premier League side(7th tier in the pyramid) would be a huge humiliation. A win means an unnecessary cup run.
Napoli vs Citeh is on at 7PM this evening. The problem is that you would already know the result. My interest is United vs Benfica even though both ties are interesting.
There are two Championship matches this evening :
Birmingham vs Burnley and
Coventry vs Evil Cardiff
Here are the line-ups out of my home town of Naples tonight:
Napoli - De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Dossena, Lavezzi, Hamsik, Cavani. Subs: Rosati, Grava, Mascara, Santana, Dzemalli, Fernandez, Pandev.
Citeh - Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Toure, Milner, Balotelli, Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Johnson, Savic, Aguero, Barry, Nasri, Clichy.
My father-in-law's family is of Neopolitan descent . Rather interesting. Will you be rooting for Napoli?
At first look, it seems as if the Napoli coach has blinked by playing it safe with only the Uruguayan hotshot Cavani up front whilst Mancini has gone with an attacking front pairing and plenty of firepower off the bench. Both sides really need a win tonight but it's probably more of a must-win for Napoli.
No - my Neapolitan roots just have to do with my family being stationed there at the point of my birth. I don't remember it and haven't been back since. I always root for the English teams in the CL.
You're spot on about the Argyle - they have no need for an annoying Cup run right now. They must focus on league form.
Turning our attention to the match at hand on FSC, here are the teams:
Manchester United: De Gea; Fabio, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Valencia, Young, Nani; Berbatov.
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Hernandez, R Da Silva, Gibson.
Benfica: Artur Moraes, Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Emerson, Witsel, Javi Garcia, Bruno Cesar, Aimar, Rodrigo Moreno, Gaitan.
Substitutes: Eduardo, Amorim, Cardozo, Nolito, Nelson Oliveira, Matic, Miguel Vitor.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
It seems like a no win situation because they don't need a cup run, but a loss to a side from the seventh tier of the pyramid would be humiliating.
I am wondering why Park and Chicharito are on the bench. They should start. Benfica are unbeaten this season and United would be wise not to take them lightly.
Here's the link for the Citeh match if you care to follow it:
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/93653/1/watch-napoli-vs-manchester-city.html
The teams are in the tunnel at OT.
I agree with you - far too defensive from Fergie again. Teams coming out on the pitch now.
I think I will follow the link. Thanks, BD.
Fantastic atmosphere in the San Paulo Stadium in Naples.
The match kicks off from OT.
I suppose I'll be hoping for Burnley and Coventry wins tonight in the Championship.
I agree. The Neopolitans are fanatical tonight.
Kick-off time! Come on you Mancs!
The match kicks off from BD's home town.
It's marvelous to hear Martin Tyler and Butch Wilkins commentating on the Citeh match.
Luisao is called for a foul on Ashley Young.
A horrible free kick from Ashley Young. Go clean Nani's boots.
Early free kick opportunity for United but it's knocked far too long.
Bloody hell!
BLOODY HELL !!! BENFICA HAVE TAKEN THE LEAS THROUGH A PHIL JONES OG ON THEIR FIRST ATTACK!
The worst possible start for United.
A horrible moment for Phil Jones as the cross comes in and rockets off the defender's shin into the net.
0-1 Benfica - sorry, mate.
Bayern Munich have taken the lead vs Villarreal and Real Madrid have taken the lead vs Dinamo Zagreb. These are meaningless matches as both Dynamo and Villarreal have already been eliminated from Europe.
Another Benfica chance and Bruno Cesar shoots just wide.
Will Benfica park the bus now. That goal has real implications for the group, placing Benfica on top of the pops in Group C.
Birmingham have taken the lead vs Burnley.
It sure does. Phil Jones could have done better as the cross was really harmless.
More bad news - Beausejour has scored for Brum in the second minute with the Blues launching up to 8th because of it.
Balo shoots just wide as Yaya did about a minute ago as Citeh have done all the early attacking. A Napoli loss would resign your hometown team to the Europa League.
It's true about those Bayern and Real matches - nothing really at stake. Both sides have qualified and are likely to top their groups.
BLOODY HELL! REAL MADRID LEAD DYNAMO ZAGREB 3-0 IN THE NINTH MINUTE.HAVE DYNAMO GIVEN UP KNOWING THEY HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED FROM EUROPE.
More bad news for United as Basle have taken the lead at Otelul Gallati.
A chance for Napoli as Cavani shoots wide when playing a one-two with Lavezzi
Crikey! Benzema, Callejon and Higuain all on the scoresheet for Real in hte opening ten minutes. They're not messing about.
Martin and Ray are raving about the pizza in Napoli. I'd love to have a slice!
I will definitely be in on that Neopolitan pizza.
Just got home.... not a happy chappy
United have been pathetic as UWS will not be pleased to see United playing so poorly after a long day at work.
Oh - Dossena plays a lovely ball in Lavezzi is inches away from connecting with it.
Nani with a free kick chance
What is up with United?
Hello UWS! we are trailing 1-0 thanks to a clumsy OG by Phil Jones. We have been pathetic.
Afternoon, UWS. Sorry about the scoreline.
Straight at the third post
Nani has been hacked down unceremoniously and now has a chance to hit one from distance. Straight down the keeper's throat.
Nani straight to the keeper from the free kick.
United could be in trouble... Basel are two up
We have been pathetic since the Chelsea game...what is going on????
Citeh are really under the cosh now. Hart tips one over from Inler.
GOAL! Cavani scores from the corner!
Napoli 1-0 up!
Does that put Basel level on points with United?
My link went out I missed the goal.
Struth.. Benfica could have scored there from that break
On the replay it looks like it's an own goal from Kolarov maybe. Wow!
The Mancs are both in trouble early doors.
Inter take the lead in Trbzonspor
Napoli have scored against Citeh
Just wide by Cavani as Citeh are under the cosh.
Young with a chance but a weak shot
COME ON MAN U
COME ON MAN U
COME ON MAN U
Basel are level with United on 8 points but on inferior GD if that makesa difference. +1 GD to United's +3.
Better from United as Drac forces a save from the Benfica keeper.
The replay shows that Cavani got the last touch on the goal from the corner. It was poor defending from Kolorov.
The table shows United are in third on the BBC.. why?
Aronica goes down theatrically after that Citeh foul.
If you want to follow the Citeh match as well, UWS, it's here.
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/93653/1/watch-napoli-vs-manchester-city.html
Real are four up
cheers
Is it possibly based on head to head match-ups rather than GD?
I am not sure . Goal difference is the tie tie breaker as United and Basel drew.
Head to head is the first tie breaker, but United and Basel drew, so it is goal difference.
Bayern lead Villarreal 2-0 and Trabzonspor have tied it up vs Inter . it is now 1-1.
Bayern are two up
Maybe they're just alphabetizing on the table on the telly.
A halftime score In an FA Cup First round replay is Stourbrdige 0 Plymouth 0.
Inter have been pegged back
Wow - Trabs have equalized against Inter. I didn't expect that.
Useless by Valencia
David Silva with the first real chance for Citeh and he slices his shot badly wide.
Silva shoots miles wide for Citeh as Bruno Cesar fouls Ashley Young.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
BERBATOV!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOAL! Drac! Why doesn't Ferg play him more often?
1-1!
Great header Dimi!!!
YESSS!!!! DRAC TIES IT UP FOR UNITED WITH A HEADER FROM A CROSS FROM ASHLEY YOUNG OFF THE SHORT FREE KICK,.
My boy Nani with a delightful cross over and Berbatov with an excellent header into the corner.
ooh, Young should have put United ahead!
Then Benfica break!!!
OH!!! ASHLEY YOUNG SHOULD HAVE SCORED AS HE HAD JUST THE KEEPER TO BEAT THEN DE GEA SAVES SUPERBLY.
Wow - chances at both ends for Young and then Aimar! The game has really come to life!
Let's hear some praise for Nani for that cross, UWS?
The Benfica keeper catches a cross with Drac lurking.
Citeh are slowly creeping back into this match now at Napoli.
Why did Fletch get booked?
That was a shocking decision as the ref was conned. A benfica player fell after minimal contact that got Evra booked.Disgraceful!
GOAL! Balo! Why always him!
1-1!
Sorry it was Fletch that was booked . It was minimal contact.
CITEH TIE IT UP!
A tap in by Crazy Boy
Great cross over by Dzeko followed by a poor clearance. Silva rifled the shot at the keeper and Balo finished off the rebound.
GOAL!!! 1-1 AS BALOS CORES WITH A TAP IN. iT WAS A POOR CLEARANCE , THAN THE KEPPER SAVED FROM SILVA AND BALO TAPPED IN.
I am still not liking the table right now
United are top but a loss next round in Switzerland and we're off
Even a win might not be enough if we lose next game
Mehmet Ozil has added a 4th goal for Real. Zagreb have folded.
Garay goes down too easily again. The ref needs to be stronger and put a stop to the play acting.
Just over from Cavani from long range . A decent effort and great run.
Keeper in the book for time wasting
Artur, the Benfica keeper , is booked for time wasting.
A citeh cross is deflected for a corner.
Basel are three up
United only beat them 2 nil
We could be in trouble with Basel!
Great pass by Young to Berbatov... just has shot blocked
Basel have taken a 0-3 lead at Otelul Galati
Lovely ball through from Young to Berbs, shot deflected out for a corner.
Our last match in Basel is a must win match for United.
Oh - Citeh nearly in again.
Aimar shoots tamely at De Gea
If United win here then the group could end up with a three way tie with 11... who would go through?
They would have each played each other
I think De Sanctis saved from Kolorov.
STAY ON SIDE!!!
HE WAS
It would come down to goal difference as that would be the next tie breaker.
Half time... we need a goal and a win!
Half-time at OT. You lot need some goals in the second half. I think they'll come.
Halftime and 1-1 at OT as Kompany headed over form the corner.
Into stoppage time at BD's hometown.
One minute of stoppage time at Napoli.
And now half-time at the San Paulo. I'm off to dream about a slice of Neapolitan pizza.
Halftime and 1-1 from Napoli
Are you going down to DC for Thanksgiving Bob?
Half-time in the Championship:
Brum 1 Burnley 0
Coventry 0 Evil Cardiff 0
No - I'll be up here doing a potluck Thanksgiving with friends. I'll be heading down to D.C. for a conference and then sharing Gooner's big 5.0 next week.
UWS,I have an answer to your question regarding a United draw vs Benfica and a draw at Basel and assuming that Benfica will defeat Galati next week. It all depends. the goal differences are :
United +4
Benfica +3
Basel +2
If Benfica win by two or more goals vs Galati then they would have a better goal difference than United and if Basel can increase their margin by two or more in the second half then they would have a better goal difference than United. I think you would agree with me that it means that United need a win next week and a win tonight would definitely help.
We will do Thanksgiving at my house on Thursday with a friend coming over then up to my in-laws for Thanksgiving on Friday. What are you doing for Thanksgiving , UWS?
BLOODY HELL STOURBRIDGE HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD VS PLYMOUTH IN A FIRST ROUND FA CUP REPLAY. BOB WILL NOT BE PLEASED OR WILL HE KNOWING ARGYLE CAN CONCENTRATE ON THE LEAGUE.
THE SECOND HALF KICKS OFF FROM OT
COME ON UNITED . WIN THIS MATCH!
tHE TEAMS ARE COMING OUT OF THE TUNNEL IN nAPOLI.
No - I'm okay with that. The Cup is a distraction for Argyle.
Ashley Young was flagged offside when he wasn't.
United attacking the Stretford End in the second half - I'm sure the faithful will be able to suck one or two into the net.
Great run down the left by Nani and a shocking finish from Ashley Young.
a shot goes straight to De Gea
The second half kicks off from Napoli.
I answered UWS' question about the tie breakers in group C at 3:41. It is a dead even group and we basically need to win tonight at OT.
United have a corner.Young takes it short to NAni and his cross is punched clear by Artur.
Drac had a shot blocked from a Nani cross and Aimar commits a clumsy challenge just outside the box.
GOAL! Cavani has struck again!
2-1 Napoli!
BLOODY HELL! CAVANI HAS GIVEN NAPOLI A 2-1 LEAD WITH HIS SECOND OF THE MATCH.A GREAT FINISH
I am back from an errand... still 1-1.
Citeh are behind again
Citeh are in trouble if they lose this match.
Citeh will have to dig themselves out of this one again. Mancini will have to roll the dice in a moment and throw on Aguero.
HOW DID FABIO MISS THERE!!!
Oh - Fabio was in there but his cheeky chip is saved.
That was another chance as Fabio shot straight at Artur when he should have scored.
Inler shoots wide with a decent effort.
Real are FIVE UP
Villareal get a goal back in Munich
Sure enough - Mancini has his subs up and getting warm.
Just read your Thanksgiving comments
Just a quite time with the family
More goals as Burnley have tied it up at St. Andrews
evil Cardiff have taken the lead at Coventry
Real Madrid now lead Dynamo Zagreb 5-0.
That's a great way to spend Thanksgiving .
Good and bad news from the Championship. Burnley have leveled it against Brum, whilst Evil Cardiff have taken the lead at Coventry.
Balo is booked for throwing a tantrum after being called for a foul.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FLETCHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stourbridge now lead Plymouth 2-0. I think BD will be content with that score.
YES! Fletch!
GET ANOTHER ONE!!!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! 2-1 UNITED WITH FLETCH SCORING THE GOAL.
That is a really vital goal as that puts United in control of Group C if they can win tonight.
BLOODY HELL!!
IT'S DESMOND!!
WHERE WAS THE DEFENDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bloody hell! Benfica have equalized!
What was DeGea playing at there?
BLOODY HELL!!! 2-2 AS AIMAR SCORES MINUTES AFTER UNITED TOOK THE LEAD THANKS TO HORRIBLE DEFENDING.
Coming up on the hour mark and we're about to see some changes at the San Paulo. Two subs for Napoli to begin with.
We're not going to qualify!!
Young just offside!
Ball's in the net again but this time Drac is ruled offside.
Oh - Nani goes down in the box but nothing doing.
Dzeko was claiming a foul in the box and David Silva picks up a card for pressing the point.
Goals in the FA Cup
Aldershot 2 Maidenhead 0
Gillingham 1 Bournemouth 1
Oxford 1 Redbridge 0
Southend 1 Preston 0
Grimsby 1 Port Vale 0
Stourbridge 2 Plymouth 0
Wrexham 1 Cambridge 0
The offside was a marginal call and only 1:21 between the goals as De Gea was way too lax with the clearance.
Benfica have a better head to head now because of away goals rule
ALSO Basel scored THREE at Old Trafford!
Coventry have tied it up vs Evil Cardiff. BD will be pleased.
Coventry have tied it up against Cardiff
I guess on head to head it would come down to goals scored or away goals and I think we may be in third place with that tie breaker. We badly need a win tonight.
Very pleased with that. It keeps Evil Cardiff in third but I'd love to see them drop points against inferior opposition.
I don't really want to see Coventry go down. They were a top division team for a long time
Right now... United are just not that good!
20 to go
Real Madrid now lead Dynamo Zagreb 6-0.
I agree. United need to do better if they want to qualify for the knockout rounds of the CL.
Another chance for Benfica... I am worried!!!
Butch Wilkins is surprised that we haven't seen Aguero yet and I am too. What's Roberto waiting for?
Looks as if Nasri will be the first off the bench.
United's movement and passing is too pedestrian
AFC Wimbledon have taken the lead at Scunny in the FA Cup.
Lavezzi beats Kompany and Hart saves well .
BRING ON HERNANDEZ!!
Hart with a nice save too keep Citeh close
Bayern get another one
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