Football Focus

[Jah Lush]

If Liverpool can continue to show the form that did at the end of last season they will be right up there Otta.

[Mick Mac]

Alan Medic Wrote:

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> 100

oooooh. someone wont be a happy camper.

[Mick Mac]

The Gunners are set to bid ?51m for Luis Suarez. (Sports Direct News)

[Otta]

red devil Wrote:

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> Coutinho looks a good player. The problem

> Liverpool have is holding on to their better

> players i.e. no Champions League...

Yep, he certainly does. Hope to see him have a cracking season.

Mick Mac Wrote:

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> The Gunners are set to bid ?51m for Luis Suarez.

> (Sports Direct News)

When Liverpool bid 21m for Costa, I thought Suarez would go, but as that's not happening I think they'll keep him for now. Rogers has said he won't discuss him again until he's available for selection. Fair enough. Gerrard said he felt sure that he wouldn't be sold to a domestic rival.

[MrBen]

Jah Lush Wrote:

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> It's never friendly against the Scots. Great

> competitive match. We should play them more often.

> Very happy for Lambert who's a quality player.

I was there. Brilliant atmosphere and great to stick two good goals past England at the new Wembley! Gutted to lose the third after leading twice but can't argue with that great goal from Lambert. 25,000 fans came down, over 20,000 in the ground making a huge noise and only 2 arrests (for being drunk). That's an amazing feat so credit to both sets of fans.

Nothing about England scared us. Gerrard looked lazy and ponderous. Rooney played well and credit to him for ignoring the cream donuts sent his way.

[Jah Lush]

Glad you enjoyed your evening MrBen. I was at the Euro '96 game against Scotland when Gazza scored that fantastic goal and the atmosphere was amazing. The Scottish support is always a sight and sound to behold. They never stopped singing and getting behind their team. One of the best experiences I've had at a football match. Certainly the best at an international.

[red devil]

I wish England, like the Scots, would have our own anthem for sporting events, rather than using the dirge that is God Save the Queen. Which reminds me of this Billy Connolly sketch...

 

[red devil]

It's back!

As well as the new footy season, the Friday Caption Contest will hopefully be a regular feature...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/08/15/article-2394545-1B4C3738000005DC-292_636x463.jpg

Are you sure you want me to man-mark Fellaini at corners Gaffer?

[Otta]

I must get a flat top so he can put his pint down.

[red devil]

No, my middle name isn't BJ, thank you very much!

[red devil]

maxxi Wrote:

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> Is it prediction time again yet?

>

> Chelsea for the title, Mans U&C next, then a

> three-way fight between Spurs, Gooners & Liverpool

> - so far so predictable but I fancy Swansea as an

> e/w bet.

>

> Palace, Hull, Norwich to go down.

I'm waiting until the transfer windows closes, but I will make one prediction now...this will be Wenger's last season.

[El Pibe]

To retirement or elsewhere?

[red devil]

Not sure, the crystal ball was a bit cloudy this morning. Maybe managing France after the World Cup, when in typical French in-fighting fashion, a promising team spontaneously combusts...

[Jah Lush]

Hmm... People say that about Wenger at the beginning of every season now. It's getting a bit like every time the Rolling Stones tour and the usual lazy journalists headline "Could This Be The Last Time?" bollocks.

Mind you there's hardly been a flurry of activity in the transfer market so far and with their nearest rivals down the road already spending ?60 million they might be looking a bit envious at our spending. Are Gooners are bit worried about this?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2394585/Arsenal-crisis-brewing-just-11-senior-players-fit-opener-Aston-Villa.html

[El Pibe]

or putting the queen mum prince phillip on your death list.

[red devil]

Jah Lush Wrote:

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> Hmm... People say that about Wenger at the

> beginning of every season now. It's getting a bit

> like every time the Rolling Stones tour and the

> usual lazy journalists headline "Could This Be The

> Last Time?" bollocks.

I'm on a roll Jah after my Fergie prediction last season. I'm actually thinking more along the lines of Arsenal not getting into the Champions League, cue revolting Gooners (pun intended)...

[Otta]

To be fair, no one other than spurs has done a great deal in the transfer market. Coukd ve a good final day...

[red devil]

Man C have gone about their business this season with very little fuss, how it should be done...

[bon3yard]

I suspect its a breeze going about your business when money is no object.

[Jah Lush]

Otta Wrote:

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> To be fair, no one other than spurs has done a

> great deal in the transfer market. Coukd ve a good

> final day...

True. Usually we leave it to the last minute and get off to a bad start. We dropped points in our first three games last season and because Le Arse came so good towards the end of the season, that and those three games at the beginning probably cost us 4th spot. Hopefully, that won't happen this time around.

[red devil]

bon3yard Wrote:

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> I suspect its a breeze going about your business

> when money is no object.

In theory yes (FFP permitting), but I think in City's case it's more to do with the change of manager and/or the board making those funds available. Last year City were hopeless in the transfer window, which showed in the League...

[bon3yard]

Hmm, also dropped points against Liverpool and Everton dint help matters. That game against Anfield where we effectively committed footballing suicide was truly horrible.

[red devil]

Jah Lush Wrote:

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> True. Usually we leave it to the last minute and

> get off to a bad start. We dropped points in our

> first three games last season and because Le Arse

> came so good towards the end of the season, that

> and those three games at the beginning probably

> cost us 4th spot. Hopefully, that won't happen

> this time around.

All dropped points are critical in hindsight. I'd say the home loss to Fulham was the biggie, which in effect undid beating Arsenal...

[Jah Lush]

Yeah, that as well.

[????]

El Pibe Wrote:

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> or putting the queen mum prince phillip on your

> death list.

...now, this reminds me of a conversation I had last night with a couple of forumites

*whitsles innocently