2993 replies to this topic

[jme]

indeed.

[concert andy]

Chelski up 1-nil

No possibility for penalites today. Benfica need two goals to win, but down to ten men.

Real up 5-nil on aggregate.

Is it bad I am pulling for Chelski?

[concert andy]

Drama at Stamford Bridge - 10 men Benefica score a goal.

1-1

They score one more and they are through. 87th minute...

[jme]

Is it bad I am pulling for Chelski?

as a Fulham supporter you need to ask this question? yes, it's awful. noone pulls for Chelsea.

[concert andy]

as a Fulham supporter you need to ask this question? yes, it's awful. noone pulls for Chelsea.

But I do not follow La Liga so that is why I was pulling for Chelski. At least it was an English / EPL squad. That was my logic, but it does seem flawed now.

I think Fulham play Chelski soon, and looked it up. I was right, they play Monday. Nice double weekend of fixtures this weekend/early week.

[GoPlastic]

Chelsea with the big goal in injury time...that'll seal it.

[concert andy]

Chelsea with the big goal in injury time...that'll seal it.

They get Barca in Semi's. Don't think anyone can beat them.

[GoPlastic]

They get Barca in Semi's. Don't think anyone can beat them.

i'd be surprised to see anything less than a la Liga final on Bayern's pitch. that said, if Bayern can beat Real Madrid, they may just win the final at home.

[jme]

Bayern are not to be taken lightly.

I'm pulling for Ronaldo

[GoPlastic]

Bayern are not to be taken lightly. I'm pulling for Ronaldo

Mourinho already said he doesn't see Chelsea winning the final. that's how you inspire your former club to show up in your upcoming fixtures. it worries me.

[concert andy]

I want to cause trouble again... I know Man U has not "needed" any more depth to get to this point in the season with Scholes and Giggs. But wouldn't they have better say if they had 13 league goals, or 19 goals in all competitions from ... Clint Dempsey? What about Landon? He played with class during his stay at Everton. When Donovan played he was responsible for most of their goals via assists. They (a stat showed) said that Landon had more long/through balls in his short stay, than any other player on Everton for the entire season.

Just saying that, may be he helps them win a cup game or two and they are going for a double or triple.

[jme]

it's the depth that they had that even allowed them to get this far. If scholesy didn't come back I think the season may have been lost weeks ago... he calmed them right down, and got the goods out of the team.

Landon Donovan is an MLS douche. he's not leaving there until his contract is up, and he'll be past his best. Everton are the kind of side that have to make these loan moves, and it's a perfect fit. For me, he's wasting in the MLS, but he's getting paid very very well, so it suits him.

Dempsey doesn't want to leave London. He's the first name on the team sheet at the cottage. he'd be playing cup games for United, and that just stifles the kids. If he moved to United it would not be good for the USMNT, since he'd sit more than play. He's not a glory hunter either, so there's nothing driving him to sit the bench to win trophies.

What position would Donovan play? Valencia, Young, Nani say he's not needed in the wing. Rooney says they don't need him in the 10 role (like he plays at Fulham) and Berbatov isn't getting any time at the 9, so why would Dempsey?

Also, he's 29, which removes him from the pool of players that United would even consider doing business for. they don't acquire anyone that's older than 27. I believe the only exception in the recent past were Berbatov, and theyway that's gone down leads me to believe an exception won't be made again until SAF leaves.

[concert andy]

it's the depth that they had that even allowed them to get this far. If scholesy didn't come back I think the season may have been lost weeks ago... he calmed them right down, and got the goods out of the team. Landon Donovan is an MLS douche. he's not leaving there until his contract is up, and he'll be past his best. Everton are the kind of side that have to make these loan moves, and it's a perfect fit. For me, he's wasting in the MLS, but he's getting paid very very well, so it suits him. Dempsey doesn't want to leave London. He's the first name on the team sheet at the cottage. he'd be playing cup games for United, and that just stifles the kids. If he moved to United it would not be good for the USMNT, since he'd sit more than play. He's not a glory hunter either, so there's nothing driving him to sit the bench to win trophies. What position would Donovan play? Valencia, Young, Nani say he's not needed in the wing. Rooney says they don't need him in the 10 role (like he plays at Fulham) and Berbatov isn't getting any time at the 9, so why would Dempsey? Also, he's 29, which removes him from the pool of players that United would even consider doing business for. they don't acquire anyone that's older than 27. I believe the only exception in the recent past were Berbatov, and theyway that's gone down leads me to believe an exception won't be made again until SAF leaves.

Nani, yong and Valencia have been hurt for long stretches. So he would have played in thier place.

He would have played in front of Scholes, Giggs and Park.



PS. I am just causing trouble, cause I'd love to see a USMNT player at Man U or one of the big 4 or 5.

[jme]

Nani, yong and Valencia have been hurt for long stretches. So he would have played in thier place. He would have played in front of Scholes, Giggs and Park. PS. I am just causing trouble, cause I'd love to see a USMNT player at Man U or one of the big 4 or 5.

2 of the three have been available for the most part... but again why would he ever be a 4th option.... and no, he would be behind scholes and giggs in the middle.You're talking about all-time legends that have been with ferguson for nearly 20 years. and the way the MFers sit deep at United, he'd have to play the wing or the 9 or 10.

i know you're just joking, but it's hilarious.

There are a couple that have the chops to one day play for an English big team... United was interested in bringing Brek Shea for a trial. Jozy Altidore is playing very well in Holland, and in Europa League. Bradley needs to get out of Italy, and I think he could play in the prem. Holden has been set back so far with that injury and the re-occurence that he may be a step behind at this point. if not for the injuries he was really getting a feel for the English game.

[concert andy]

2 of the three have been available for the most part... but again why would he ever be a 4th option.... and no, he would be behind scholes and giggs in the middle.You're talking about all-time legends that have been with ferguson for nearly 20 years. and the way the MFers sit deep at United, he'd have to play the wing or the 9 or 10. i know you're just joking, but it's hilarious. There are a couple that have the chops to one day play for an English big team... United was interested in bringing Brek Shea for a trial. Jozy Altidore is playing very well in Holland, and in Europa League. Bradley needs to get out of Italy, and I think he could play in the prem. Holden has been set back so far with that injury and the re-occurence that he may be a step behind at this point. if not for the injuries he was really getting a feel for the English game.

Well Scholes was not there most of the season, so if Dempsey was signed Scholes does not come back. Meaning only Giggs in front of him.

I guess my point is that once he got his first run with the injuries he would have cemented himself in the midfield with his 13 goals, and 19 in all competitions.

It will be a long time until a US player plays for EPL squad. And I mean a 35-36 or more week starter for one of the big squads.

[jme]

dempsey doesn't play in Scholes position. and noone is scoring 13/19 goals from a deep sitting midfield spot.

He'd need to be in the ten, as he has played most of this season, and that spot belongs to Wayne Rooney. George Best is about the only player that would replace Rooney's 10. If rooney was more of the out and out striker, I could see someone like Dempsey working behind him, but he comes back into the midfield too often, and gets lost when he's up there on his own.

you say EPL like it doesn't include Bolton or Fulham. Dempsey is the first on the team sheet, and is playing 38 week seasons + cups. Until he was hurt, Holden was pulling the strings there and scouts were always out to see him. If Bradley moved to a mid table team, he'd be the guy. After years at rangers I think Edu would do well in the middle of the park for someone in the middle of the table.

the "big 4" are fielding players who want to play in the ECL. you only get the best of the best at that level, since you need to compete with the Madrid's Bayern's and Barca's of the world. Noone on the USMNT is on that level. Donovan doesn't have the balls to give it show. he'd rather diddle himself in LA

[concert andy]

No one on the USMNT is on that level. Donovan doesn't have the balls to give it show. he'd rather diddle himself in LA

All very true. I do appreciate that Klinsman is at least trying to implement the 1-11 style of players.


....

Funny side note from reading the fantasy cheat web site.

http://www.fantasyfo...weeks-34-to-36/

Bendtner may be a terrible player in real life but he is a decent fantasy option who has a habit of benefiting parasitically from the work of others. Also, Sunderland play Bolton in GW36 so you don’t have to worry about selling them.

[jme]

i like bendtner.. in the right spot he'd be very good, he was just allowed to think he was world class at arsenal, and he just wasn't. I think if he gets a new start somewhere he can be very good.
from the rumors: Danish international Nicklas Bendtner will wait until after Euro 2012 to decide on his future. The 24-year-old forward is on a season-long loan deal at Sunderland from Arsenal and could leave the Gunners for as little as £4m in the summer after falling out of favour.

also, from the rumors today, in relation to yesterday's conversation: Arsenal are preparing a £10m summer swoop for Fulham's American striker Clint Dempsey. The 29-year-old has been in fine form this campaign at Craven Cottage, netting 19 goals.

[concert andy]

i like bendtner.. in the right spot he'd be very good, he was just allowed to think he was world class at arsenal, and he just wasn't. I think if he gets a new start somewhere he can be very good. from the rumors: Danish international Nicklas Bendtner will wait until after Euro 2012 to decide on his future. The 24-year-old forward is on a season-long loan deal at Sunderland from Arsenal and could leave the Gunners for as little as £4m in the summer after falling out of favour. also, from the rumors today, in relation to yesterday's conversation: Arsenal are preparing a £10m summer swoop for Fulham's American striker Clint Dempsey. The 29-year-old has been in fine form this campaign at Craven Cottage, netting 19 goals.

I just thought the Bendtner blurb was funny.

Dempsey will surely leave the Cottagers for the Gunners. Especially if they finish top 4 and can play Champs League. That is his goal. Hence why I was asking about him at Man U.

[jme]

no it is funny. he catches alot of shit, as he should... I just think he's got some more to show.

I've never heard the Champs League goal from him before, I have only heard that he loves London, and was just looking to sign a new contract with Fulham. This is interesting news though.

[concert andy]

http://msn.foxsports...ambition-012712




From 1/27/12.
Fulham star Clint Dempsey has admitted his ambition to play in the Champions League.


The revelation will alert a number of clubs who have been monitoring his contract situation, with his current deal having 18 months remaining before it expires.
Sky Sports sources earlier in January revealed QPR were interested in Dempsey, but his form and Champions League dreams could alert some of Europe's heavyweights.
The 28-year-old underlined his ability during the defeat of Newcastle last weekend by becoming the first American to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.
Dempsey, who reached the Europa League final with Fulham in 2010, continues to strive for success, and he said in The Times: "You should never get content.
"I want to play in the Champions League."
The USA international added: "Nobody thought I would get this far. I want to go as far as I can."

[jme]

interesting indeed... so that's where the contract talk started from the pundits in February. I missed that one.

I guess the contract's got another year to run, or he'd be out on a Bosman come June.

[concert andy]

Interesting turn of events today.

Norwich beating Spurs 2-1
Everton blowing the doors off of Sunderland 4-nil
and Newcastle puching their way into the top 4.

[concert andy]

Interesting facts from ESPN Soccernet Gamecast of Fulham - Chelsea


1. A tight game, as to be expected on one of the smallest pitches in the Premier League.

2. Just 1.7 miles separate these two clubs from each other, but they couldn't be more different. One a small, family club with a modest stadium and ambitions to match, the other a big player in world football, with a big stadium and an eye watering wage bill.

[concert andy]

Murphy went in clumsily but it looked like he got the ball - Fulham players incensed with the referee.

Chelsea penalty and a questionable decision from Clattenberg

Lampard puts penalty away 1-nil

HALF TIME Controversy to end the half and Danny Murphy continues his protests to the referee. Harsh on Fulham, who were the better side for the majority of the half, but Chelsea have the vital opening goal.

[concert andy]

How bad is Liverpool?

Why didnt that start Maxi long before today? 2 goals already less than 20 minutes into the match.

[FellowTraveler]

this was pretty amazing ... little majician

[concert andy]

A little drama at Ewood Park this afternoon.

Penalty on the goalie Alexander Doni for bad tackle of Holliet.

Then the replacement goal Brad Jones comes in cold, and makes the save of the Penalty from Yakubu.

Then 10 minutes later, Yakubu makes it 2-1.

[concert andy]

Drama at Wigan? Wigan 1-nil Man U

[concert andy]

Looks like Villa could get pulled into the relgation battle. I think they stay up but with 6 matches left, 2 of them are against Man U and Spurs, Sure defeats.

While they currently sit 6 points clear it could get dicey if they have a bad loss.

Thoughts?

[James420]

In one post you write Wigan 1-nil Man U

Then the next post you write games against Man U and Spurs are "sure defeats."

Reminds me how the studio analysts were saying Man City had the title wrapped up in January.

[concert andy]

In one post you write Wigan 1-nil Man U Then the next post you write games against Man U and Spurs are "sure defeats." Reminds me how the studio analysts were saying Man City had the title wrapped up in January.

I think any match against the up echelon is a sure loss. Yes there are the Wigan / Man U matches. But in general the top of the table thrashes the bottom.

But you are correct, I do sound like I have no clue like a studio analyst in that context.

[James420]

City is 2-2-2 in their last 6.
Spurs are 1-4-3 in their last 8.

just saying. Some of theses upper echelon teams havent been playing like it as of late.

[GoPlastic]

Looks like Villa could get pulled into the relgation battle. I think they stay up but with 6 matches left, 2 of them are against Man U and Spurs, Sure defeats. While they currently sit 6 points clear it could get dicey if they have a bad loss. Thoughts?

thoughts: Villa has an extra game to play on the rest of the league, the postponed Bolton match. they win that at home, and it puts them 9 points clear of the relegation zone. Sunderland, West Brom, and Norwich are winnable fixtures, especially given that they take West Brom and Norwich on the road, which is where they've played more positive football. United will be angry at Old Trafford this Sunday, i don't expect any points out of that game, though stranger things have happened (see example 1 below). 'Spurs should be battling for Champions League football by May, and will also prove difficult to beat, but who knows what may happen.

the truth is, they're solid in 16th. they'll likely neither go up nor down. QPR's the best of the teams chasing them, but they've got games at Chelsea, Man City and vs Spurs. Wigan has Arsenal and Newcastle. Blackburn, Wigan, Bolton, Wolves all have matches against one another in various forms. VIlla's in fine shape, which is a miracle considering the injury run they've had. they've done more with less than i've seen in some time. they do need a manager, but that's a summertime worry.

example 1:







oh, and let me shorten that for you:

you are correct, I have no clue.

all in good fun.

[concert andy]

I do not have any clue. The only thing I can tell you is who is a good player and who is not. That is the same thing in most sports. I never know or claim to know who is going to win any match/game.

I did not realize they had a match in hand. That does make their survival all that easier. I just saw that they were hovering around that many points for a while, and the relegation clubs have been playing better.


---------



Real point for this response:

Am I a bad person because I said haha, F U, when I read that Rossi tore his ACL again and won't be able to play in the Euro's this summer.

[concert andy]

WOW. Wigan 2 weeks in a row. Man U one week, Arsenal the next.

[jme]

did you see little nancy boy Van Persie refusing to shake hands after the game.

ESPN editors were great. they show Van persie pushing the defender in the back, kicking at his ankles, and some other stupid shit from the game, and then they cut to the Wigan player who went to shake his hand and he wanted none of it.

he's a bitch.

[James420]

Hey Colin, I think Lichaj played pretty well in the face of overwhelming offensive pressure against United the other day. Came up with 2 nice blocks in the final 10. He seems to have secured a starting spot. your thoughts on him recently?

[concert andy]

Hey Colin, I think Lichaj played pretty well in the face of overwhelming offensive pressure against United the other day. Came up with 2 nice blocks in the final 10. He seems to have secured a starting spot. your thoughts on him recently?

Without seeing Colin's response, I assume the only reason he is playing is due to the injuries to Dunne and Warnock.

[jme]

yeah I thought he played very well against Valencia. he's been on a tear of late, and Lichaj did very well.

Also, with the way Rafael has been playing combo with Valencia they cause a lot of problem, and the boy played well.

[GoPlastic]

Hey Colin, I think Lichaj played pretty well in the face of overwhelming offensive pressure against United the other day. Came up with 2 nice blocks in the final 10. He seems to have secured a starting spot. your thoughts on him recently?

firstly, credit where it's due to Wigan - they're hot at the right time, and Roberto Martinez has done a FINE job keeping them up for these past two years (i'm assuming they don't fold to the likes of Bolton/QPR down the stretch), and though they've a game in hand, they're just a point back of Villa now. with Blackburn Rovers and Wolves as their final two games, they certainly seem to control their own destiny with regard to relegation.

Lichaj is coming into his own. he needs to be starting regularly, but Big Eck keeps throwing the same four out. now without Dunne, Warnock and Hutton, he's finally been given a chance to play, and of course he's showing his best. he would've been a regular in the starting XI if not for the tear last summer. he'll be a Villan for a good while.

[jme]

good article on Dempsey, and it's what I think as well... that he'll be marginalized at a major club, he'll regress.

If you're a fan of the USMNT it's best if he plays every week.

http://www.goal.com/...arries-risk-for

[GoPlastic]

OMG look what Joker just posted in another thread:

http://www.gathering...post__p__274028

i'm dying here. dying. he had no idea, i'm sure. but he's just validated my entire existence (in this thread, at least) in a way second only to winning the Trophy a couple summers back.

[jme]

this really goes full circle to be honest.

i search google to find the original, and it takes me to another forum, where I primarily lurk and go for the lulz... the 2+2 poker community.

Which is interesting because that's where the infamous Davino posts epcot lulzy-ness regarding his tripped out drunked out middle PA life between ter, poker, and redneck like house parties. I've been itching to cross post one of the several Davino shit show threads, and now I may have to.

[GoPlastic]

this really goes full circle to be honest. i search google to find the original, and it takes me to another forum, where I primarily lurk and go for the lulz... the 2+2 poker community. Which is interesting because that's where the infamous Davino posts epcot lulzy-ness regarding his tripped out drunked out middle PA life between ter, poker, and redneck like house parties. I've been itching to cross post one of the several Davino shit show threads, and now I may have to.

unbeliveable. Joker's a genius?

[jme]

we've got a game going on now, yeah?

fucking Ribery.

[GoPlastic]

the Germans absolutely need to keep the clean sheet, especially with the lead here.

[jme]

and I want nothing more than an away goal... reading the ESPN commentary it seems that Madrid are playing lots of route 1 football, which REALLY surprises me. long through balls seem to be a theme.

I think they'll push on in the 2nd half. they NEED that goal.

[GoPlastic]

and I want nothing more than an away goal... reading the ESPN commentary it seems that Madrid are playing lots of route 1 football, which REALLY surprises me. long through balls seem to be a theme. I think they'll push on in the 2nd half. they NEED that goal.

agreed - i think they push forward, and get one.

[jme]

and they start by floating long passes to benzema in the wing, who promptly misses a floated cross.

this is not madrid... I'm Morinho is going to wait until 60 minutes, bring on Kaka for Ozil, and then change the entire tactical setup... unless he waits until 70 minutes.

dude is good at this, but there is a gamble at this stage of the tournament.