Could Leeds Be Champions?
Later on today, Norwich v. Burnley (snooze) and then the Arsenal v. Citeh FA Cup semi-final.
Join me for all the fun today.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 7:27 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Later on today, Norwich v. Burnley (snooze) and then the Arsenal v. Citeh FA Cup semi-final.
Join me for all the fun today.
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
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371 Comments:
The teams running out at the Brit now:
Stoke: Davies, Batth, Chester, Martins Indi, Smith, Clucas, Cousins, Powell, McClean, Vokes, Gregory. Subs: Butland, Lindsay, Ince, Oakley-Boothe, Campbell, Sorensen, Thompson, Tymon, Collins.
Brentford: Raya, Dalsgaard, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry, Da Silva, Norgaard, Jensen, Mbeumo, Watkins, Benrahma. Subs: Canos, Valencia, Marcondes, Dervisoglu, Jeanvier, Fosu, Baptiste, Daniels, Roerslev Rasmussen.
Referee: Geoff Eltringham.
Good morning, Bob. How are you? Are you still on cloud nine? Did Kate celebrate?
The Potters all but safe and are vastly improved since the arrival of former Northern Ireland manager, Michael O'Neill
Still on Cloud 9. We had a quiet celebration with a nice dinner and a movie.
Not the best of starts. I’m not sure there has been a pass of more than three yards that couldn’t be described as aimless.
Each side with a an Leeds player. Pontus of the Bees marking former teammate,Sam Vokes
Stoke really should be a better side than they are - I don't get it.
Sammy Vokes barely made an impression at Elland Road; I'm not sure that he scored any goals for us during his loan spell.
Of course, Pontus was a player of the year and a real fan favorite. I miss him.
One of the real pickles we'll have this summer is the fate of two of our regulars - Ben White and Jack Harrison - who are both on loan from Citeh. It would be hard to lose them so I hope we can convert them into Leeds players, as we have with Helder Costa after his loan spell ended.
A quarter of an hour gone and nothing really happening for Brentford yet; I'm pleased with that.
Davies called into action for the first time. Good save there.
The Summer Break will be crucial for Leeds to see if their strengthen their squad. Lack of depth may be a problem in the Prem
It's 1-1 between Charlton and Wigan at the Valley. Charlton are our final opponents at Elland Road next Wednesday.
From everything I've heard, Bielsa is loyal to the players who got him there. I expect him to start with the nucleus of the side that has gotten us promoted - that is, Luke Aylng, Liam Cooper, Kal Phillips, Matty Klich, Pablo Hernandez, and Patrick Bamford.
Big question marks on the loan players and on Kiko Casilla, Ilan Meslier may have played himself into the top spot in goal now.
We're at the drinks break, which gives me time to make a cuppa. Back in a tick.
Coming up on the half hour, I'm pretty pleased with proceedings. Brantford in truth only need four points from the remaining two matches. They may be happy to take a point.
Sounds like Meslier should start next season in the Prem despite his youth
Due to Wigan's points deduction, the match at the Valley has become a relegation six pointer.
Bob would take full time by now
The Bees should have had a penalty. Potters guilty of a shirt pull in the box off a Bees free kick
If anything, Stoke have been the more likely in this first half hour of play. Suits me to a tee.
Are you relieved about that penalty decision?
Wahay! Gregory stabs home Stoke's opener!
Leeds and WBA celebrate!
Phew! Yeah - Stoke got a reprieve there. I've seen them given. Now they're in front. 1-0 Potters!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! POTTERS TAKE THE LEAD. DAVID RAYA FUMBLED A LONG RANGE EFFORT FROM SAM CLUCAS AND LEE GREGORY EASILY SCORED WITH A TAP IN
Congratulations, Bob. Just over 45 minutes away from being champions
This couldn't be going more to plan.
The Potters one up at the half and Leeds just 45 minutes away from being Championship Champions
Morning Boys,
I am here as the half time whistle blows. This is a great score right now. Of course, I think I want Brentford to overtake West Brom so I want them to get a point
Wigan have taken the lead at The Valley. at half time
Wigan now lead 1-2 at the Valley. As things stand Wigan now three points clear of the drop zone if you take the points deduction into account and Charlton two points clear of the Hatters and Tigers who play each other at 10. Some key matches in the battle to escape the drop.
Good morning, Dave. Just 45 minutes away. Not sure if Bob wants a draw.
Wigan are now on 60 points. If you deduct the twelve points they would be on 48(good math by me...me smart)
They would be three points clear of the drop.
22nd place Hull host 23rd place Luton....that one should be on Plus! Doesn't look like they have a 3 o'clocker on
Marcelo Bielsa has had a street named after him in the city of Leeds according to Sky Sports
Morning, Dave - how are you, mate.
We are off again at the stadium I drove right past on the way to Old Trafford!
I'm doing well. Supposed to be some hot weather this weekend. Same with you?
The second half is underway from the Brit.
COME ON YOU POTTERS!
Brentford get the ball wide... modern day football in the Championship... opportunity to take a man on one on one... goes backwards!
There was also just one man in the box
I'm guessing that the Brit is about an hour's drive from OT! Is that about right, Dave?
Same here. We're due for some thunderstorms tomorrow. It's gotten more and more tropical over the years. Sometimes it feels like I'm still living in Florida. Should be cool and dry in the summer.
I'm happy with a draw here and Brentford going up with us. We don't need another year of WBA in the Premier League - what's the point of that?
It's hot here every day this time of year. I wonder if your heat is just my breath heading in your general direction
Stoke with a chance of a break...useless pass!
I was wondering if Bob was sympathizing with Slaven ? Any truth to that?
I do want a draw here! Definitely Bees instead of Baggies
Bees manager , Thomas Frank, was probably more than Frank with his players at the half
West Ham big in yesterday virtually saves them for the drop. They are six points a head of Bournemouth and Villa but have a -13 GD compared with -25 and -27 respectively
I'll bet he got frank with the teacups as well, mate.
The only way Bob would take a draw is a last second equalizer with the final whistle blown immediately
Who do you reckon go down, then - the bottom three right now? Watford dragged in?
That would suit me, sure.
The last two spots down to the Hornets, Villa , and Cherries. Hornets out of the drop zone , but may go down due to two matches, vs Citeh and the Gunners
Oh - Vokes should have buried that one for number 2.
Brighton are on the same position as West Ham... they have a -16 GD
So, Norwich are down and it is two from three(Watford, Bournemouth and Villa)
I think it could be Watford and Villa
On 34 points Watford have Man C(h) Arsenal (a)
On 31 points Bournemouth have Southampton(a) Everton(h)
On 31 points Aston Villa Arsena(h) West Ham(a)
OH1 BLOODY SAM VOKES! NICE CROSS FROM JAMES MCCLEAN AND SAM VOKES WIDE WITH A FREE HEADER. Should have gone two up
Haven't you seen this before with Vokes, Bob? Hard to count on him
That's my thinking, too. Cherries might survive?
I'm thinking the same, Dave. Hornets blew it yesterday and tough to have the Gunners and Citeh as the last two matches. The Hornets will need at least three points and tough to see them doing that
I have, mate. He did nowt for us.
Bournemouth had a great second half against Leicester and were the better team against City!
Could they get four points from Soton and Everton...yes
Could Watford lost to City and Arsenal.... yes
OH! Just wide by Josh Da Sila
Bees go just wide from Da Silva but still modern day cross...there were two other players with a tap in chance
Marcondes comes on for Brentford.
I agree. The Cherries should be able to survive. it comes down to them. Villa have it tough too.
Of course the Hornets are going to go down....I pick them every year to go down... EXCEPT THIS YEAR!!
As things stand, it doesn't look like likely that Josh Da Silva will be getting a Silva medal for the Bees
Who do you reckon will go up through the playoffs. WBA are right out of form. I reckon either Forest or Fulham. I'd be happy with either them. Might be fun to see Forest back in the limelight after so long.
It is in the cards.... Hornets replaced by Bees
Based on your comment, Dave the Hornets will go down. Bob picked Villa to go down and will get a point or two for that
I'd like to see Forest.
I do think that whoever finishes third will do a Leeds from last year
Looks like the Shield is staying in Texas this year with MOT.
That's a possibility, Dave. If the Bees and Hornets play each other that would be stinging fixture with plenty of hives
The Baggies remind of Leeds of last year
The Bees remind me of last years Canaries. Very similar.
What a waste Powell has been! He was fantastic for Crewe(?) and scored a worldlie at Wembley
Never did anything at United
I have an odd stat for Bob and Dave. Villa have nearly doubled their points total from their previous Prem season and could still go down. Your thoughts?
Yeah - I can't see the Baggies picking themselves back up now.
He was supposed to be United's next superstar. A major disappointment
Brantford not really pressing here.
How many points did Villa get?
On Wednesday, Melanie's 21st birthday, the Baggies host QPR and the Bees host Barnsley. Should be wins for both the Baggies and Bees
Villa slightly better this season but still not good enough. Would you want any of their players or Norwich's?
I wouldn't mind a bit of Tyrone Mings, especially if we lose Ben White.
I think Villa had seventeen points last time in the Prem. Even if they go down they've shown improvement and are heading in the right direction
I would be careful with Mings . This is his first really good season and really injury prone . Leeds taking a risk if they sign him. I'm thinking of any Canaries or Villa players staying in the Prem
Twenty minutes left and we have our title!
Good Canaries to I would sign:
Todd Cantwell, Buendia, and Tim Krul
Good Villa players to sign:
John McGinn a definite with Trezeguet and Hourihane possibly for depth.
I don't think Villa had a better squad than the Canaries. Either the Canaries underachieved, Villa overachieved, or both. Villa should have been relegated several matches ago, but still in it
21 today(Wednesday)
21 today
She's got the key the door
Never been 21 before
Her father says she can do what she wants
She shouted hippo-ray
For she's a jolly good fellow
She's 21 today
Danny Baath with a really clean block from Olly Watkins. First corner of the entire matc
Nice one Dave. Hopefully she stays safe on her 21st birthday
Atrocious corner... first of the game...almost never came in...just kicked it straight out!
Very English song there... I remember being in England for my 21st... received a key
Of course, I sung it to all three of my boys...all three of them just rolled their eyes!
LOL, Dave! I think Melanie would do the same
Chance for Brantford now.
Bruno Martins Indi "driving " us crazy with a stupid foul near the D
Foul at the top of the box... commentary getting excited about the chance...it will just straight into the box!
They are not allowing the bloke who took the corner to take it.... are they?
The free kick over from Emiliano Marcondes. Bob breathing a sigh of relief
They did let him take it... again.... too much hype for a useless effort
I am rooting for a Brentford goal!!
This one has been far away from being a classic. Bob sensing the lyrics of Freddie Mercury
Jack Butland on the subs bench today. A long way from being in the England squad a few years ago
Adam Davies does well to turn a round a shot from Emiliano Marcondes. Actually would have been wide
Corner taken short by Marcondes to Behnrama and he shoots well over
Short corner...useless shot!
Brentford really look and play like a Premier League team
Useless corners, short corners, wild shots, free kick well over or into the shins of wall
Marcondes took both that awful corner and that free kick that went well over
All the Bees need is a draw here
The Bees throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the Potters. The only problem is that every throw has been landing in the upper deck
Bob smelling a trophy from the Cottage living room, or is it brekkies?
I need to get brekkies ready for my father-in-law. Will be in and out the rest of the match
Useless attempt of a cross again....they just try and kick THROUGH a human body...it is not possible!
Just use a change of pace and make a half a step space and then cross
Foul throw
He threw it and the ball landed outside the field!
So close to the Championship Championship!!!
1990 Liverpool win the league, Leeds win the league....Man Utd win the Cup
I'm just saying
5 added minutes
Ball crosses into the box...not a good one for my book... MODERN DAY
Time for the engravers?
That was a push there
Sounds like a repeat of 1990
The bloke pushed him with two arms...what a stupid thing to do
Brentford's last chance goes a begging and that's about that.
Pontus is losing his mind now.
Oh - so close.
I thought it was a foul but a drop ball
oooh...just wide....saved or deflected
Come on Bees...score... nope
That will do
Brentford had won so many in a row... when it finally opens up for them.... NOWT
Last chance saloon corner now.
another chance of a cross...nope!
Last corner
Bob wondering if the final whistle will ever blow
Campeones, campeones - ole, ole, ole!!!!!
It's over. The Potters win 1-0. Leeds are champs!
comes to nothing
And Stoke are safe and the Baggies are bouncing
Still have to win on the last day
AND LEEDS UNITED ARE CHAMPIONS!!!
cONGRATULATIONS, bOB. tIME FOR MORE CELEBRATIONS
More congratulations to Our Bob
Charlton equalize late vs Wigan
That goal will actually put Charlton ahead of Wigan!
Charlton are up to 48 points
Wigan will be on 46
Many congrats Bob
I'll be back later... probably just for the Semi
TTFN
Fulham could still finish second... THREE nil up already prior to half time
Cottagers would need to win at Wigan on Wednesday, the Baggies to lose at home to QPR, and for the Bees to fail to win vs Barnsley. All three would have to happen.
In a meeting of Neil's , Neil Harris's Evil Cardiff one up at Evil Neil's lads. Cardiff would need a draw to clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday
The Tigers vs Luton is 0-0, leaving both teams in the drop zone behind Wigan on goal difference. If there is a winner then that team moves out of the drop zone
Barnet take the lead in the Conference playoff....they could be promoted having finished ELEVENTH!!
Wigan are in appeal also Wednesday might be docked 5 points!
They need to sort it out before Wednesday
The permutations for the Champions League could be very interesting.
If United can beat West Ham AND Spurs can beat Leicester.. with a 4 goal swing for United.(2-0,2-0-2).. Man U would be ahead of Leicester on GD and would only need a draw to qualify.
If Chelsea lose at Anfield... they would be on 63 points
If United beat West Ham...they would be on 65
If Leicester beat Spurs....they would be on 65
So...if Leicester and United draw...they would be on 66
Chelsea beat Wolves they would be on 66
United and Leicester have much better goal difference
Would both teams just play for a draw?
Luton take a much need lead at Hull
Luton takes the lead at the Tigers and are not out of the drop zone , replaced by Wigan
Today's Premier League match...Naff Norwich vs Boring Burnley.... on NBC...just what the American public wants to see
Luton out of the drop zone, pending Wigan's appeal. Otherwise Luton still in he final drop zone spot behind Charlton on goal difference
Not sure if I'm going to watch that Prem match. Neither team with anything to play for, but pride
Me neither
Did you get my text about the Leeds program starting in less than ten minutes
Starting in a minute
Yes I did. Thanks and I'm turning it on
I'm listening . It should end just in time to feed my father -in-law lunch
I'm tuning into the Burnley v. Norwich match. Not a lot at stake there.
Bloody hell, Norwich! The Canaries are down to nine men and losing 0-1 at home. Sad times in Norfolk.
Oh dear oh dear - now Norwich have suffered an own goal. Really tidy finish there.
0-2
Norwich just want to get back into the dressing room now.
Burnley on the other hand are within a point of both Sheffield Utd and Spurs in 9th. Arsenal drop to 10th.
I am back for the first semi final
Will it be a London derby Final
Will it be a Manchester derby Final
Will it be London v Manchester Final to repeat BOTH semi finals!!
COME ON ARSENAL!!
COME ON UNITED!!
What a Manc derby....with no fans!
United have beaten City THREE TIMES this season
United have beaten Chelsea THREE TIMES this season
United have beaten Arsenal NO TIMES this season
Settling in to enjoy the FA Cup semi now. Here are the teams:
Arsenal: Martinez, Mustafi, Luiz, Tierney, Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Subs: Macey, Holding, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, Smith, Willock, Nelson, Saka.
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy, Gundogan, D Silva, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling.
Subs: Carson, Stones, Zinchenko, B Silva, Rodrigo, Fernandinho, Cancelo, Otamendi, Foden.
Referee: Jon Moss (West Yorkshire).
The Line Ups
Arsenal: Martinez, Mustafi, Luiz, Tierney Bellerin, Cabellos, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Subs: Macey, Holding, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Torreira, Smith, Willock, Nelson, Saka
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy, Gundogan, De Bruyne, D Silva, Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling
Subs: Carson, Stones, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Fernandinho, Cancelo, Otamendi, Foden
Hiya, Dave - how's your day going?
Beat me to it
Teams coming out of the same tunnel... but at different times
Both teams thankfully wearing traditional kits
Ha - I beat you to it for once!
So odd to see an empty Wembley for an occasion like this.
Arsenal beat City in the semi a few years back and beat Chelsea in the Final.....I'll take the first half of that scenario
I really don't think the matches should be played here
It's not a great day out for these players...they're used to it
Both these semis should be played in the midland
The Final if it is all Manc.... Anfield
All London...Wembley
Mix... Villa Park
Both sides have made five changes to the sides that last played in the Premier League.
We are off
COME ON ARSENAL!
Agreed, mate - should have been a neutral ground for both of these matches.
But.. both sides made changes to the last Prem game to rest for this one
Absolutely! Up the Gunners!
Arsenal cannot sit back.
City wearing their new home kits
City bore me to tears....everyone else loves hem.... I guess I'm stupid
Everything's going through KDB early on - he's become almost a traditional #10 for Citeh this season.
GET THE BALL MOVING!!
Ceb loses because he wants to dribble!!
Arsenal need to forward with pace
Oh - Sterling got through to the by-line and delivered a dangerous ball in; cleared out by Sideshow.
Mahrez has a chance to cross now but is blocked out by Maitland-Niles. Arsenal backfour holding up to the pressure so far.
Arsenal defenders nearly pressed the self-destruct button. Phew!
Another mistake at the back... WHY DO THEY DO IT!!!!
It is moronic... why do teams want to pass the ball deep into the corner!!!
Nice of Pep... respecting the FA CUP... wearing faded jeans and a t-shirt for the semi final!!
I HATE HIM SO MUCH
That's Pep's uniform, it seems. Haven't seen him in a suit in yonks.
Gunners finding it impossible to get out of their own half.
I've been dreaming all day about our first match back in the Premier League - wonder who it will be?
Back from diaper duty. Have I missed much?
A mate of mine in Leeds just sent me a picture of a new street that was just dedicated in downtown Leeds - Marcelo Bielsa Way!
I last saw Pep in a suit and tie when he was manager of Barca
Aubam...with a chance...straight a the Ederson
Not a lot, mate. Citeh doing their possession thing. Arsenal struggling to get going.
Oh - best chance yet for Arsenal. Aubama thumped it straight at Ederson.
Just put it low and to the side!!
Nice through ball from Sideshow Bob to Aubama , who is through on goal and shoots straight at Ederson
Arsenal won't get a lot of those chances - they will rue that one.
Thanks for the update
Arsenal STILL just passing it at the back
BLOODY PEP
Way to go naming that street after Bielsa
Everything thinks it is so cultured...It is so MORONIC!!
YES!!!!
ARSENAL TAKE THE LEAD!
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