Association Football in The British Isles

[Johnp]

OT, there's been a freak amount of away wins so far (with the obvs. exc. of the Whiteheart espiode) - even Wolves last night.

[Nick Ink]

My second team, Brighton & Hove Albion, shared 8 goals last night.

[Wally]

What?!? No mention of Burnley and relegation? I'm unsuprisingly expecting a difficult season ahead, but an enjoyable one nonetheless, with a few nice results hereand there. Probably not tonight though.

At the top of the league I'm rooting for Arsenal this year, and hoing Chelsea and Liverpool struggle as much as possible. I'm thinking that Rooney will step up this year, and because of  this Owen will shoot himself into the World Cup squad.  I'll be holding out hope for Villa to continue there good run over the pass few seasons, but like everyone and their dog think they're going to slip a little.

[Chet]

Good start tonight, Wally!

[Wally]

Ha! I was just coming to post that!

[Chet]

Haha, nice one, Wally! NICE ONE.

[Wally]

Holy fuck! Ha!

[Chet]

I'm happy for you. Always good to see the little guy win.

Also, gives me some ammunition against all the man utd fans that were giving me grief after last night.

[Nick Ink]

Yes, brilliant result. Well done Burnley and nice one Wally.

Man U really do look a bit crap without Ronaldo and Tevez. Last season, when they had all four on the pitch, they just ran riot and it didn't matter if they conceded. Now, that sparkle has gone. Berbatove has always been very overrated and Owen has lost it. I think Ferguson will sign another striker.

[Chet]

They should push the boat out and get Ribery in. Not a striker, but an ideal replacement for Ronaldo.

I think this season is the best chance Arsenal have had in a while. They have a brilliant defence now, Vermaelen looks incredible, and going foward they have so many options. The only thing I think they are missing is an out and out goal scorer, and someone with real dig in midfield. Song looks good in that defensive midfield role, but he doesn't seem like the kind of player that will grab the game by the scruff of the neck when they are getting hassled by Bolton or whoever and struggling.

[Nick Ink]

They should push the boat out and get Ribery in. Not a striker, but an ideal replacement for Ronaldo.

I think this season is the best chance Arsenal have had in a while. They have a brilliant defence now, Vermaelen looks incredible, and going foward they have so many options. The only thing I think they are missing is an out and out goal scorer, and someone with real dig in midfield. Song looks good in that defensive midfield role, but he doesn't seem like the kind of player that will grab the game by the scruff of the neck when they are getting hassled by Bolton or whoever and struggling.

I really agree with everything you say Chet, except I think Van Persie and Eduardo = goals, goals, goals. It's hilarious that all the punduts were saying how shite their defence was pre-season. Speaking of the holding midfielder, they were being rumoured to re-sign Viera for a while, weren't they?

Overall, I still think Chelsea have a kind of unbeatable look about them this season - that spine of Cech-Terry-Lampard-Drogba is the best in the world.

[Chet]

They should push the boat out and get Ribery in. Not a striker, but an ideal replacement for Ronaldo.

I think this season is the best chance Arsenal have had in a while. They have a brilliant defence now, Vermaelen looks incredible, and going foward they have so many options. The only thing I think they are missing is an out and out goal scorer, and someone with real dig in midfield. Song looks good in that defensive midfield role, but he doesn't seem like the kind of player that will grab the game by the scruff of the neck when they are getting hassled by Bolton or whoever and struggling.

I really agree with everything you say Chet, except I think Van Persie and Eduardo = goals, goals, goals. It's hilarious that all the punduts were saying how shite their defence was pre-season. Speaking of the holding midfielder, they were being rumoured to re-sign Viera for a while, weren't they?

Overall, I still think Chelsea have a kind of unbeatable look about them this season - that spine of Cech-Terry-Lampard-Drogba is the best in the world.

Yeah, just saying they could maybe do with a proper poacher or a real world class all round striker.

I think Arshavin will be up there competing for player of the year in his first full season. Big game player. Although he did absolutely nothing against us.

Who's gonna be first to get the sack? I'm going for Phil Brown or Mark Hughes.

[Nick Ink]

Good choices. A cheeky bet would be Benitez.

[Nick Ink]

So down the pub tomorrow, and not without some trepidation, to see West Ham v Tottenham, but as regards today's games the feeling in my water points towards big, big wins for Man City and Arsenal and another struggle for Man Utd. North of the border, it has to be a first win of the season for the Mighty Ton at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

I would offer my thoughts on the Scottish Third Division clash between Queen's Park and Albion Rovers U2 have ruined that

[Chet]

You know what, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that today will be the day when Man City's mercernaries struggle a little bit. I predict a narrow win or a draw. Mick McCarthy is canny like that. I'm gonna say Man Utd will win comfortably at Wigan.

Celtic will bounce back from the disappointment midweek with an absolute spanking of St Johnstone, it's a long time since we handed out some good old fashioned humpings, and I think today will be the first of many this season. Though I really shouldn't make predictions about Celtic.

[Nick Ink]

You know what, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that today will be the day when Man City's mercernaries struggle a little bit. I predict a narrow win or a draw. Mick McCarthy is canny like that. I'm gonna say Man Utd will win comfortably at Wigan.

Celtic will bounce back from the disappointment midweek with an absolute spanking of St Johnstone, it's a long time since we handed out some good old fashioned humpings, and I think today will be the first of many this season. Though I really shouldn't make predictions about Celtic.

A brave prediction. First home game, parading their galacticos, oozing with confidence, and all this against Wolves.

As for Celtic, I predict a tussle with Rangers for the title. What do you think?

[Chet]

I am really am convinced that Man City are gonna come undone, it's just a matter of time.


We will have the league wrapped up by Christmas. Walter Smith will be "mutually consented" (Rangers never fire managers) 

[Nick Ink]

I am really am convinced that Man City are gonna come undone, it's just a matter of time.

No, I agree. I just think it will be a few months in, after the dust has settled, people like Tevez and Santa Cruz start getting fed up with being on the bench, and all the time they're still not in the top 4. I hope you're right, but I think it will be a good start for them. I think they're going to be a bit of a sunny weather team.

[Chet]

Well, looks like my predictions were pretty spot on. 

[Nick Ink]

Well, looks like my predictions were pretty spot on. 

Word for word!   

[Chet]

I should be a gambler really.

I don't really want to say it, but I'm feeling a 2-1 victory for Spurs tomorrow.

[Thermofusion]

Watched the Hull-Bolton match on this Fox soccer channel I'm getting at my new place. Hull is likable! Altidore, bitches! Maybe I'll try to sorta halfway follow Premier League this year.

[Chet]

Hull are worth rooting for just because Jimmy Bullard is one of the most likeable guys in sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC2Ady-WfMA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP-QqjnY7Jk

[Andrew_TSKS]

Also because of:

[Nick Ink]

Shocking news today for West Ham and all of football really. Calum Davenport was stabbed in both legs last night and is in a serious condition in hospital. There's a chance he might have his leg amputated. Sounds like he was standing in to protect his siter from some baddies.

Also, there's a story in the Mirror this morning that Dean Ashton is finished and will retire from football soon. He faces experimental surgery just to relieve the constant pain in his deteriorating ankle, and has been warned he'll end up in a wheelchair if he plays again.

All we need now is a drubbing by Tottenham and it will truly be a black Sunday for the Hammers.