A Busy Day in English Footer
It's another busy, busy day in English footer. Just as the weather seems to be turning toward spring here in WNY, we're turning the corner into the final lap of the season with ten matches left in the Premiership and nine left in the Championship. We start early, as usual, with another police-assisted kick-off between Leeds and neighbors Huddersfield at 8:30 EST. Everton and Citeh kick off a few minutes later on ESPN2. Then we have the usual 3pm GMT kick-offs (at 11am EST) including another match-up between ideological bedfellows Swansea and Arsenal. Finally, United have a bit of shooting practice against hapless and managerless Reading in the late one at 1:30pm EST. Join me for a busy day.
736 Comments:
It's the return of Simon Grayson to Elland Road. Here is the team news:
Leeds: Kenny, Byram, Peltier, Lees, Warnock, Green, Tonge, Austin, Varney, Diouf, Habibou. Subs: Ashdown, Pearce, White, Brown, Norris, Dawson.
Huddersfield: Smithies; Dixon, Gerrard, P. Clarke (c), Hunt; Gobern, Norwood, Ward, Clayton, Danns; Vaughan. Subs: Bennett, Woods, Scannell, Novak, Wallace, Robinson, Beckford.
No room for JB in the starting line-up - poetic justice?
Morning Bob
Good luck today in the Yorkshire derby!
Chalton's match has a link but not Leeds!
There's a link for the other police-assisted early morning kickoff in London between Charlton and Millwall, but no love for Yorkshire. I'm dialing up a link for SS instead.
Everton v Man City (1245 GMT)
Everton drop captain Phil Neville and striker Nikica Jelavic to the bench following last Saturday's home humiliation against Wigan in the FA Cup so Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe start. Goalkeeper Tim Howard is out with a back injury - Jan Mucha continues to deputise.
Manchester City will be missing key man Yaya Toure, who is suffering with a migraine. Samir Nasri is left on the bench, so James Milner and Javi Garcia come into the midfield. England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was rested for the 5-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley, returns and the fourth change sees Matija Nastasic come in to the defence.
Glad to see Yaya not playing
Glad to see that HB is playing
Morning, UWS - actually I'm starting with Football Focus - makes me feel like the old days. Lawro and Robbie in the studio, but they're doing a feature on Paulo DiCanio now.
Team news out of Goodison:
Everton: Mucha, Baines, Gibson, Heitinga, Mirallas, Distin, Osman, Pienaar, Coleman, Fellaini, Anichebe.
Subs: Springthorpe, Oviedo, Jelavic, Naismith, Neville, Barkley, Duffy.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, K Toure, Nastasic, Kolarov, Garcia, Silva, Milner, Barry, Tevez, Dzeko
Subs: Pantilimon, Razak, Nasri, Sinclair, Lescott, Clichy, Lopes
Referee: Lee Probert
No matches beyond tomorrow until the Friday WC qualifiers - I may go into withdrawal!
I know what you mean!
I have SS on
Sorry there is no Leeds link
Did you put money on the Cheltenham Gold Cup!!
Bobs Worth was the winner... you numpty!!
ESPN's NBA is almost over!
ESPN get going
Nice tribute to Tony Gubba now...
Good morning lads.
COME ON YOU TOFFEES!
I should have put a few Bob on that horse, eh?
Morning MUR
Wish I had the Gubba tribute on.
Hopefully there is a video of it on the Beeb at sometime
Morning, MUR - Leeds and Huddersfield have kicked off and the coverage of Everton v. Citeh has started on ESPN2.
Morning gentlemen. COYB!
John Motson saying that Tony was "a proper bloke."
Jelavic on the bench, thinking about his misdeeds.
Citeh have a terrible record vs Everton. Long may that continue. Everton is still upset over the way the Lescott transfer was conducted.
Morning, Someone - here's hoping for a romping win for the Toffees this morning. I'm sure my Red Devil buddies will share that view, if only for expediency's sake.
Morning SS
COYB indeed!!
Timmy's still laid up with a dodgy back.
Good morning Someone. Will be there to support your Toffees.IS the tribute on the SS link?
I am watching ESPN2. Why is there a link for the SE London Derby instead of the W Yorkshire Derby. What makes one better than the other?
No Rodwell for City. Best 15 million Everton received.
No, Bob was watching Football Focus
This has not been good two week for United with the Real and Chelsea results. United cannot lose any ground this weekend. The league is still not over!
Bob would call me a nervous nelly but he also said United had the game won last Sunday
Macca back to join us after conducting the draw for the CL and EL quarters
The Beeb better show it on a clip!
GET INVOLVED
Tom: "RIP Tony Gubba."
Ramone Charles: "Great tribute to Tony Gubba on BBC Football. R.I.P #Ledge."
Dave: "Lovely tribute to Tony Gubba on Football Focus."
I agree UWS. I hope to be Reading about a Man United victory today.
Why is Macca such a bigwig?
He was a so so international player
He was so so for Liverpool
He was lucky to be on one Real European Cup victory
Everton coming out to the usual "Z Cars" theme - fantastic!
boom boom
My neck got sunburned yesterday. Anything to show I'm bleedin' red!
Baines and Silva arm and arm in the tunnel. Awww.
The Tony Gubba tribute was on the Football Focus link.
No such hot weather up here, MUR - still snow on the ground here in Fred-town.
No such hot weather up here, MUR - still snow on the ground here in Fred-town.
To ad to Someone's statement, Lescott is not playing either. I was surprised McDermott was sacked. I read that Reading players and fans do not want Paolo to be their next gaffer!
I haven't heard anybody mention what MUR mentioned last week after the FA Cup draw
Sixth will not make Europe
The loser of the Cup Final will get it
I am not sure if I agree with that rule. When it used to be their individual competition of Cup Winners Cup, the runners up should go but since it is the same competition, the league teams should go
The're off from Goodison!
COME ON YOU TOFFEES!
Are Everton attacking their preferred direction for the first half
UEFA is trying to gets teams to try and take the cup competitions more seriously! I am not sure if that has been the case.
Come on Everton... go for it!
Still no goals in the Championship as Everton kickoff with Citeh.
What if the loser of the Cup Final is already in the CL?
Did the Championship matches kick off at the bottom of the hour?
It actually wasn't too hot. There was a nice breeze blowing that made it feel comfortable. That would explain why I didn't notice the sunburn until we got home.
That's when the league spot gets it
Very much Leeds with the upper hand
They did,UWS. Also, I think that means the two Liverpool clubs are out of the running for the EL. It's between the three London clubs.
That's what I like to hear - yes, the two Champ matches kicked off at 12:30 GMT.
Correct, UWS. Then 6th and in some cases 7th place would go to the EL
LUFC Academy fouls Baines between the corner flag and the box.The free kick from Baines is headed out by Kolo for a corner that is cleared away
So the Europa League slots will go to:
* 5th place in Prem
* League Cup winner - Swansea
* FA Cup winner (unless in CL)
* FA Cup loser (unless in CL)
Is that right?
Hair Bear with a naughty foul on Milner. He's doing what he didn't do last week and that's getting stuck in there!
Strong challenge by Hair Bear gets him a yellow and another ban.
Fellaini out for the next two matches with that yellow.
You are correct, BD! SPOT ON!
He will miss the first two matches after the international break
Everton get another chance at a free kick. Baines for sure.
Horrible free kick from Gibson into the wall, but Coleman wins a corner off of Zsaba.
In that case, I think the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool can breathe easy - I expect a United v. Chelski final.
Hart forced to punch out a cross from Baines after the corner was headed away
Really starting to think Fellaini wants to be anywhere but Goodison right now.
Former Red Devil Darren Gibson not really impressing so far.
United vs Chleski final. They replay on April Fools Day at the same time that Leeds kicked off today?
I heard Milner learned that fouling behavior at ER!Naughty on Osman ER style!
Mirallis was onside. Crap.
Too shallow on the free kick from Baines - they have to take better advantage
Mirallas has the ball in the net but it's ruled offside. On the replay, he looks on to me.
Osman getting pummeled out there, no calls.
No - that's what Jamie picked up at Villa Park.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
BUGGER! A spectacular goal by Mirallis disallowed for offside . He liked level to me. Horrible decision by the linesman.
Bugger.. that should have counted!!
Coleman making some decent crosses early. Impressive.
Apparently the Everton suits aren't happy with Citeh fans standing up.
Citeh fans told by the tannoy to remain seated or leave the stadium! I hope they follow through on that
Does the replay at SB start at the same time that Leeds kicked off the first half this morning? IF so and it is televised then I will be able to watch the first half before I go to work.
Lots of fouling but no scoring at Elland Road. Come on, you Whites!
No goals in the Championship matches. I guess it's to be expected as they are hotly contested derbies.
The same at Goodison as at ER and probably true at the Valley too!
I think Darren Gibson scored the winner in this fixture last season.
Everton really bossing this one - good signs.
Replay showed Mirallis was clearly onside. Bugger.
Everton have been passing around the ball very well but the final ball has been atrocious
I remember Gibson scoring.. Rio sent a thank you tweet
Hair Bear will not be available for Everton after today until the weekend of the Cup semis!
They have not been able to finish for weeks, that's one reason why Jelavic is benched.
I heard Rio even sends a tweet when he farts!
Mucha collected well there from a tricky Silva free kick.
Rio should be a bird because he tweets so often!
Boom boom, MUR - nice one!
Tev straight at Mucha
Did you know that the two clubs met on this date in the top-flight 101 years ago - City won 4-0 at their then-Hyde Road ground.
Mucha with an adequate save on a distant Tevez shot. He looks confident out there, staying on his line well.
Ta, BD! and TA, UWS !
Oh - Dzeko had a chance there. Shot straight at Mucha.
Huddersfield have been decent .... knock it off Terriers
Citeh starting to have some chances... knock it off too
Jerko straight at Mucha a, then great tackle by Hietinga on Jerko, now Jerko again at Mucha. Citeh starting to control this match
Tuesday, March 26th should be a cracking day of WC footie - during my Spring Break. I may not even get out of my robe that day.
I think Citeh used to be called Hyde United! I know these teams have met many years an quite often! Were they called Hyde United due to their Jekyll and Hyde performances or because they were on to a hiding?
Pienaar has gone in the book and it is into the wall by Kolorov.
Austin, Varney and Habibou have all been booked within the first half hour of the Yorkshire Derby. I think Rudy Austin gets a yellow just for getting out of bed in the morning.
That was naughty by Barry. No action? I think he knew what he was doing.
The match at ER sounds a lot like this one!
Kolorox gets booked for a two point take down on Osman.
I will be working that day, Bob. I got dressed the days of the footie matches. No robe as it was similar to the summer weather you would get in Fred Town. Also I had lots of errands and chores during Spring Break.
Oh - Baines found Hair Bear at the back post but it was a tame effort by his standards.
Kolorov has been booked.
You're a better man than I, MUR.
Macca says he's practically in the crowd. Not the smartest idea for a former Pool and Citeh player at Goodison
There are going to be some sendings off in the second half of this one.
Great shot of Ian and Macca up in the gantry.
GOAL! Osman - that flew off his boot!
1-0 Toffees!
YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
1-0 TOFFEES WHAT A CURLER IN THE TOP CORNER!
YES!!!!
NICE GOAL!!
Outside of the left boot - pick that one out, Joe!
Leon Osman with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Great pass from Coleman. 1-0 good guys.
Hart didn't move!!'
Come Toffees... keep going at them!
Half-time at Elland Road - 0-0. Sigh....
good facts about the EL matches
18 or 20 odd thou for the Chelsea and Spurs matches
47 in Newcastle
The goal came out of nothing, but Kolorov backed off of Coleman and he passed to Osman for that spectacular goal. Hart had no chance due to the flight of the ball.
Should have been 2 nil
Aniche be has a cross headed out by Kolorov for a corner.It is cleared.
Classic Newcastle player with the keeper!
Halftime and 0-0 in both Championship matches.
Everton going to need another one. City giving Coleman a lot of space, and he's making them pay. Best I've seen from him.
GET THE BALL OVER!!
Mirallis went down too easily in the box. Never a pen.
Mirallis slipped in the box, untouched. Raining in Liverpool.
I am definitely not a better man, Bob! Just too warm for a robe and too many errands to run. Otherwise , I would have done the same. I appreciate your kind remarks!
OH! Over from Anichebe from close range as they have dominated the first half.
Anichebe with a strong turnaround shot in the box, but fires a bit high. Nice spin move.
BBOM BOOM IAN! I would like to sate that Kolorov is laying off the hot mustard!
Oh - great strike from distance by Tev. Just wide of Mucha and the post.
Decent effort from Tev not far wide.
I am surprised reading is not playing in this match as so many players have gone into the book!
Decent strike by Tevez goes a bit wide, a warning that City can hit back at anytime. One goal lead not enough.
A sunshower at Goodison!
David Platt not happy!
Jerko heads over from a long Citeh possession.
Oh - Dzeko misstimed his header. Should have buried that one.
Dzecko a bit over the bar.
The Everton tannoy has done better than the Citeh players this half.
Citeh are getting ripped apart down the left side.
Mirallis heads one that's deflected for a corner. A bit back and forth late in the half.
Header from Mirallis comes off of Kolo for a corner after a poor punch from Hart.The corner is cleared.
Correct, Bob. Everton may regret only scoring once this half as Citeh cannot play any worse in the second half.
Two minutes of stoppage time. Almost time for toast with Texas jelly that we purchased at the Livestock Show.
Can the Tannoy kick out Citeh players too or just fans?
Texas jelly? Describe please.....
Silva booked. A lot of yellow in the first half.
Silva booked for a foul from behind on Coleman. The only thing he's done the first half.
Hair Bear booked for a foul on Nastatsic on the free kick and it's 1-0 at the half.
45 to go. Home team up, can they hold the lead?
Half-time at Goodison - the home side go in one up - could and should have been more.
Half time... so far so good!
Of course, I have said that often recently... the second half has been a different story!!
I haven't tried any, but I think it's basically jelly made locally.Not sure if it tastes different than other jellies.Elizabeth was curious and bought a jar of the grape jelly.
Off for walkies!
Leeds United blankie in full effect now - come on!
BUGGGGERRRRRR!
Neil Danns has scored for Hudders.
0-1 (sigh)
Elizabeth bought the jelly while I was Melanie at the rides.I t is actually blackberry jelly made using ingredients of the Rio Grande Valley.It is rather scrumptious!
The LUFC mojo defnitely not working this morning.
Sorry Bob.
TIME FOR A COMEBACK YOU WHITES!
Perhaps the blackberry jelly will do the trick.
Second half just about underway. Come on you Blues. Hold the lead, would not hurt to get another goal or two.
I am back just as they kick off
Oh dear....just saw the score from ER
SACK WARNY
An argument between Platt and Mancini? Ian thinks it's okay, but the owners may not be amused as the second half is underway
Some Migraine!
Kolorov's shot just landed in my front yard.
I've been saying that for a year. Perhaps Evil Neil will get his walking papers in the summer?
Now Ian and Macca feuding over whether the effort from Kolorov found Row Q or . They agree on Z
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
1-1 AT ER!
YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!
An almost immediate response to Neil's two substitutions. Aidy White has come on and scored!
1-1!
Aidy white with the goal for the Whites! I told you the blackberry jelly would do it!
Only Aidy's second goal of the season, but an important one. Now let's go on and win it!
Eat some more of those preserves, MUR - it seems to be doing the trick.
Jermaine Easter has given Millwall the lead at the Valley. A fortnight too early, IMHO!
Yes... Leeds tie it up
Evil Millwall have scored away at Charlton - Jermaine Easter with the goal.
I ate quite a bit ,so I think there should be at least two more Leeds goals . It is designed to clog up Terriers!
A fortnight too early for the scorer?
Heitinga doing positive things today. Good clearances.
Motherwell defeated Hibs 4-1 yesterday to stay in second.Does that have any significance? Have Celtic already clinched the SPL title?
Rangers 0-0 at Elgin City at half-time.
Only three SPL matches remaining? No split this year?
Only three SPL matches remaining? No split this year?
Coleman could not get a grip on a sweet give and o by Baines. COYB!
There is a split. Celtic pretty much have it clinched. Not sure what the magic number is though.
Everton playing as if they are going to make Citeh work for anything they will get
Shane Lowry has put Millwall two goals up at the Valley?
Oh - Nastasic should have got on to that flicked on corner at the back post.
Nastasic nearly got a leg on after a corner. Close. Going to be a stressful second half for me.
Thanks Someone. You mentioned that you would watch Celtic vs Hibs on April 6th.IS that the last match before the split?
Hart cleared for dear life then Javi Garcia heads out for a corner that is wasted due to a stupid foul by Anichebe on Hart
Yes, it's the last match before the split. The SPL likes to confound me with their silly ways.
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