Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 15 Update

Before we get into the hurly burly of another weekend of Premiership Plus football, it's time to take stock of our PPP game. With United back on top this week, it's all change at the top of our league with the Manc boys (with a heavy Nocito factor) back on top. We'll see if that holds up this weekend. Here are the current standings:

1. Man Utd Rules - 28 points
2. Matthew - 26 pts
3. United We Stand - 22 pts
4. Thomas - 21 pts
5. Someone Said - 18 pts
6. Blue Devil - 14 pts
7. The Red Devil FCK1 - 13 pts
8. West Ham Rising - 11 pts
9. Gooner71 - 8 pts
10. AZ Kicker - 7 pts
11. Chelskilad - 5 pts
- Simon Burke - 5 pts

Footie Song Quiz

5 of these questions are dead easy. The others? Not so much. Have a go HERE

2013 Sexy Football Manager's Calendar

Here's an early stocking stuffer idea, lads. Enterprising illustrator James Husbands has put together a calendar for those lovers of "shexy football" everywhere. The 2013 edition features a stripped down version of Roberto Mancini with stategically placed Citeh scarf, a shirtless AVB on horseback and Happy Redknapp riding what looks to be a mechanical hot dog. But my favorite is the "Brokeback Mountain" tableau featuring Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as the amorous couple - it has to be seen to be believed. You can get a preview and purchase the calendar for 10 quid here: http://giftscardspresents.com/accessories/football-s-sexy-managers-2013-calendar.html

Wednesday's OK Too!

We've got another crackerjack day of Premiership footie on offer this afternoon, highlighted by a London derby at the Bridge - Chelski v. Fulham. I'll be racing home from a tedious meeting to enjoy this one in Blue Devil HQ. Join me if you have a chance.

Tuesday in the League

Afternoon, chaps - we've got a couple of interesting encounters in the Prem and a full slate of Championship matches to occupy us today. I'll have my attention firmly focused on Elland Road, where plucky Leeds take on Leicester City. Saturday's heroics against Palace have given me a bit of hope for this one. Come on, you Whites!

Joey is still... how you say?.... a tool massif

So if you thought the Wally with a Brolly had the monopoly on silly inexplicable accents, watch thees outraaaa

ageous Franch accent from Joey Barton. Watch out, he intends to taunt us a second time. CLIQUEZ ICI

How About Some Sunday Footie

Is anyone up for some Sunday Footie? We start with the opening act on ESPN 2 as Brendan Rodgers returns to the Vetch Field; sorry I meant the Liberty Stadium. This is followed by Alan Pardew's return to the Dell; sorry I meant St. Mary's as he should expect a hostile reception as Newcastle have the long journey to the South Coast. We conclude with Spurs vs the Hammers in a tasty London Derby and Chelsea vs Citeh, the main match which airs on FSC. This will be the hated Raffa Benitez's first match in charge of Chelsea as they host Citeh, but we will root for his team despite that as I want Citeh to lose ground in the fight for the EPL title. Also, Chelsea have been heavily criticized by the referees union for falsely being accused of racism and for refusing to apologize over the matter. Just another day in the EPL.

Thanksgiving Weekend Footer

I'm here in Gooner Central this weekend, looking forward to watching a bit of the good stuff with our dad. The weekend's festivities start with high flying West Brom away to Sunderland. United have some shooting practice against QPR with new boss Harry Redknapp installed yesterday and finally Arsenal are away to woeful Villa in the late one. Join us for all the usual LOB coverage.

A "Black Friday" for Sparky

Somehow Mark Hughes survived a few days longer than Roberto Di Matteo and thus didn't win the sack race this season but inevitably he's been made to walk the plank today. His QPR side have been playing like a pub side recently and it's hard to see them surviving the drop. Next in at Loftus Road - Happy Harry Redknapp - that should be fun to watch.

MUR does No Shave Movember Year 2

As part of Prostate Cancer awareness, yours truly has not shaved as part of no shave Movember. Your thoughts

Happy Thanksgiving, LOBers!

Loosen those belts, LOBers, and enjoy the day - Happy Thanksgiving!

Match Day 5 Continued

There is more CL action as Two EPL clubs have must win matches vs teams from the capital. Citeh vs Real from the Spanish capital and The Gunners vs the team from the Vermont capital. It has been an eventful day as RDM has been sacked as Chelsea manager. He did last six days longer than AVB and that is now eight Chelsea managers in just over nine years. I am sure Bob would love to have RDM at ER. Also UEFA has started an investigation against Luiz Adriano of Shakhtar for his disgraceful goal vs Norjdesland. They are considering disciplinary action for what he did. I think a ban would be appropriate. Even the manager apologized for what happened.Come join me as I am on the first day of a five day vacation.

Champions League Gameday 5 Live!

I'm stuck in the office this afternoon doing some last minute grading before I head down to DC for Thanksgiving; however, I'll of course have a peek at Gala v. United. These matches always have a bit extra to them, mainly due to the nutty Turkish fans. Join me for the usual banter from 2:45pm onward.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 12 Update!

I missed most of the weekend's action, sadly, but it was all change in the Premiership as United were bested by pesky Norwich City and Citeh and Arsenal had big wins. That means that all of us bandwagoners who chose Citeh to win the title have shot to the top. At the bottom, Southampton had a big win over QPR and Villa lost. In the Championship, Palace continue at the top and Leicester pounded poor Ipswich. Finally, cartoon villain Luis Suarez is top of the Golden Boot stakes with 10 goals after his brace at the weekend. Here are the current standings:

1. Someone Said - 26 points
2. Blue Devil - 23 pts
- The Red Devil FCK1 - 23 pts
4. West Ham Rising - 21 pts
5. Chelskilad - 15 pts
- Gooner71 - 15 pts
- Simon Burke - 15 pts
8. Matthew - 11 pts
9. Man Utd Rules - 9 pts
- Thomas - 9 pts
11. AZ Kicker - 8 pts
12. United We Stand - 5 pts

The Mighty Red Ants Are Spelling Bee Champs

I posted this photo on Book Face, but wanted to include everyone. I think everyone will get a kick out of this given that we have a certain holiday around the corner.The point of the photo is the spelling , not the mascot! ENJOY!

The Whites travel to the Lions Den

Our Bob is up in Seattle so it is important to provide him with updates. This match is better known for the heavy police presence due to the potential violence between fans or is it due to the fact that Neil Warnock will be arrested if he pretends to put out a football team like he did last week. Why doesn't Captain Birdseye make him walk the plank after the shitty job he has done with the Whites? Come join me for the match on a dodgy link while I chat with a dodgy DSL modem. BLOODY MARVELOUS! Later there is the small matter of an EPL match between Sunderland and Fulham

Here's what you miss when you don't keep track of the Estonian League

Check out the ballboys at the 39 second mark. They'd have gotten to that!

An Early EPL Morning as London is Calling

This round of EPL fixtures starts with the North London Derby at the EM and concludes with United playing at Carrow Road. BD will need to be up early as the Derby kicks off at 4:445 AM PST while I am up early to take Melanie to school, so she can take the bus to a tennis meet.Is anyone else having an early morning?In the words of BD, come join us for the usual banter and nonsense. Hope these teams do as well as the mighty Red Ants!

Midweek Friendly Day

I'm feeling a bit friendly today, how about the rest of you LOB lot? Good thing too, as there is a slate full of international friendly matches today, including England away to Sweden at 2:45 pm where young Raheem Sterling is set to make his debut for the Three Lions. Join me this afternoon for all the usual banter and nonsense, won't you?

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 11 Update

It's time to do that PPP thing again. A little bit of a shuffle at the top as Citeh replaced Chelski in second and Everton, WBA and West Ham continue to exceed expectations. Not a lot of change at the bottom or in the Championship promotion race. However, Liverpool's cartoon villain Luis Suarez is now level with RVP at the top of the Golden Book competition on 8 goals apiece. Here are the current standings:

1. Man Utd Rules - 29 points
2. Matthew - 26 pts
3. United We Stand - 25 pts
4. Thomas - 21 pts
5. Blue Devil - 13 pts
- The Red Devil FCK1 - 13 pts
- West Ham Rising - 13 pts
8. Someone Said - 11 pts
9. Gooner71 - 7 pts
10. AZ Kicker - 5 pts
- Simon Burke - 5 pts
12. Chelskilad - 4 pts

The Savile Controversy Envelopes Auntie Beeb

In case you've been living under a rock, legendary DJ and Top of the Pops presenter Jimmy Savile - who we memorialized here on his death last year - is at the center of a developing child sexual abuse that's rapidly spreading through the BBC this week.

More info here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/oct/22/savile-scandal-bbc-newsnight-allegations?INTCMP=SRCH

Any thoughts on this terrible story?

LOB Mini Reunion South Texas Style

There will be a mini reunion from Wednesday January 2nd through Monday January 7th.The themes are the Third Round of the FA Cup and the South Texas theme. There is an extra bonus for those who arrive on the 2nd as there will be three EPL matches that afternoon. Harlingen will be the host city and McAllen may become a co-host city. BD has stated that he will attend and it looks as if JDLC may participate as well.All LOBers and their families are welcome.The more the merrier. There is lodging at our house. Planned activities include dinner one evening at a BBQ restaurant, lunch or dinner one afternoon or evening at a Mexican restaurant, a trip to McAllen, a BBQ at my place, and FA Cup matches Saturday and Sunday.I am open to suggestions if anyone would like to do something different.I am all ears. This is a start.

Premiership Weekend

Welcome to the weekend, chaps! I admit it - I had a few late nights this week, so I had a lie-in rather than taking in the early offering of Leicester v. Forest (snooze). But I'm up and around now and anxiously looking forward to the 3pm GMT matches, which includes Everton v. Sunderland on FSC as well as Arsenal v. Fulham. Later, we've got United away to Villa. Join me for the usual LOB nonsense.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 15 Update

Before we get into the hurly burly of another crazy Premiership weekend tomorrow, it's high time for a check on our PPP standings. It was all change last weekend with United claiming top spot after their big win against Arsenal, with another goal from RVP who is now out alone as Golden Boot favorite on eight goals. That means it was a big week for MUR and Matthew who are tied at the top. Condolences to AZ Kicker who fell as quickly as Luis Suarez in the box. One more detail - only Matthew, Simon, and UWS are still in with a shot at the League Cup, as they all predicted a Chelski win. Here are the current standings: 

1. Man Utd Rules - 20 points

- Matthew - 29 pts

3. United We Stand - 25 pts

4. Thomas - 23 pts

5. Someone Said - 15 pts

6. Blue Devil - 13 pts

7. The Red Devil - 12 pts

8. AZ Kicker - 9 pts

9. West Ham Rising - 8 pts

10. Gooner71 - 7 pts

11. Simon Burke - 6 pts

12. Chelskilad - 4 pts

RIP Clive Dunn (1920-2012)

Sad news yesterday as "Dad's Army" favorite Clive Dunn died at the age of 92. Enjoy some of these classic Lance-Corporal Jones moments.

Champions League - Gameday 4 Live!

I'm a wee bit tardy getting to this afternoon's festivities after a late night last night with the poll. But I'm here to follow ManYoo v. Braga, as well as the other CL matches, this afternoon. Do drop in for a cuppa, won't you? Cheers!

Election Night Special!

Right, then. I was saddened to find that Jethro Q. Walrus Titty was not listed on the ballot today, but no mind. But no mind. The voting is done; now it's time to sit back and enjoy the "Election Night Special." I'll be bunkered in Blue Devil HQ until the wee hours watching the returns and throwing things at the telly. Won't you join me for a laugh (or cry) or two?

Election Day Footer

Those pesky Europeans are pretending as if there isn't a big event that will keep those of us in the States busy today and have scheduled a full slate of Champions League Gameday 4 and Championship matches today. As usual on a Tuesday, I'll be teaching all afternoon and will be checking in and out during my breaks. Drop by for a cuppa if you have a chance.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November

Happy Guy Fawkes Day, LOBers! Here's one of my favorite images from back in the day with Gooner and me (probably in November 1977) all set to head off to Bonfire Night festivities ready to burn the reactionary Guy in effigy.

Fall back for Sunday Prem Action

There is some Sunday EPL action as we start with a relegation six pointer as Evil QPR host Reading . This is followed by Liverpool vs Newcastle, a mid table match between two teams that qualified for the Europa League. We also have a couple of FA Cup matches as Burton Albion hosts former giant killers, Altrincham and Bob's Argyle travels a couple of hours along the South Coast to face Dorchester. everyone should be well rested and ready for a natter due to that extra hour of kip.

A Big Start to a Saturday

A big match to start the weekend of footie. Arsenal visit Old Trafford trying to forget their last visit here. Both defenses are struggling... each of them conceding 5 goals midweek. Will there be more goals? Hope so... for the team in red!

Join me for this match and the ones to follow

UWS

If It's Friday...

...then Leeds United are playing somewhere. Yes - the coppers have decided again that the best way to deal with our thuggish fans is to isolate us on Friday night. Well, we saw how that went last time around at Hillborough. Tonight - it's Brighton who will be quaking in their boots at the thought of the Yorkshire hordes bearing down on them. I'll be in the office, following it all. Join me if you're around.

Which Band Have You Seen Most Often?

Last Friday night, I was in a car full of lads heading to see RUSH at the local hockey arena in Buffalo and, of course, the talk was mostly of music. At the wheel, The Red Devil came up with a question that I thought I'd share in a thread here on LOB:

"Which band (or artist) have you seen most often?"

I have to admit that I was a bit stumped at first, as I've seen hundreds of bands once and probably a dozen or more on a couple of occasions. However, I've never had one of those Grateful Dead-style experiences of following a band out on a tour, so there didn't seem to be a clear winner. However, after much Hornbyesque pondering on the topic, I did come up with a clear winner - Squeeze. I saw the full band in different incarnations (once with Paul Carrick, another time a reunion gig with Jools Holland at the piano) as well as Difford and Tilbrook on two occasions and just Glenn Tilbrook once. To get you thinking about this, I thought I'd share this rare clip from the late lamented NBC music show "Sunday Night" from the 90s with Squeeze joined by smooth jazzer/host David Sanborn on "Tempted."