Football : Season 2007/2008

[Saaf_laandon_mo]

Originally Posted by iadom

....I cannot understand sides like Blackburn who are in a safe position in the league putting out a weakened side.

Jim.

They mentioned this on match of the day and the answer was that teams like Blackburn will be looking to qualify into Europe via the premiership as opposed to the FA Cup (which they probably wont win). They will be looking for 6th/7th place in the league, hence why they save their best for the premiership.

I think that whilst we all want to see English clubs in Europe, the ease of which clubs can qualify via the premiership does undermine the FA Cup. I'd rather see only the top 4 qualify for champions leaque (top 2) and UEFA and the rest coming from cup competitions. I think teams like Liverpool give up to easy in the league knowing that 4th will be enough for an attempt at champions league.

[cimt]

FA Cup 4th round.

Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Oldham v Huddersfield Town
Swindon/ Barnet v Fulham/ Bristol Rovers
Wigan v Chelsea
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant & Waterlooville
Southend v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Man Utd v Tottenham/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheff Wed v Preston
Watford vWolves
Peterboroughv Charlton/West Brom
Sheff Utdv West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff

I think that's right, I was in a rush.

[Russ]

hmm, swansea versus the scouse at anfield- ah well, it was good while it lasted.

[TheDaddy]

OMG Sheff Utd v West Ham, we have to beat Man City

[Russ]

Anyone else reckon Man United will return to the top tonight?

[iadom]

Originally Posted by Russ B

Anyone else reckon Man United will return to the top tonight?

[Russ]

Jolly nice of those Gooner gentlemen to fail to beat the mighty Birmingham at home, thus allowing us to leapfrog them.

[Mal]

Did anyone see Nigel Pearson get interviewed? He's Howard Wilkinson mk 2...

Amazing....

Liverpool reveal Klinsmann talks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks says he held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann in November about taking over as manager in case Rafael Benitez left the club. Mixed performances and a row with Hicks and co-owner George Gillett on transfer policy put Benitez's position in doubt.

I am sure Benitez will be over the moon to hear this news, surely it will only be a matter of time before Benitez walks out on Liverpool ?
Maybe it's the idea behind the revelation though ?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ol/7187086.stm

[Russ]

Reports today suggest the Toon are after Swansea's Roberto Martinez as manager. They can shove off, too.

Originally Posted by Russ B

Reports today suggest the Toon are after Swansea's Roberto Martinez as manager. They can shove off, too.

It looks like Keegan may have saved the day for Swansea, or has he ?

Never mind Russ,the beauty of the FA Cup and all that...

[Russ]

Actually I don't mind too much - it's the FA Cup. As odd as that sounds, it's the place where bigger clubs get knocked out by lower league sides. Oh and also where cheating players can get sent off in matches and still take part in the replay.

Still, Martinez has done an excellent job - 3 points clear at the top of Division One isn't so bad, can't wait for the Championship next season

[iadom]

Just looking at the stats from last nights Man City game, one shot on target. Depending on which set of figures you read it appears that our illustrious neighbours have managed less than ten shots on target in their last four games in total. I think United had at least 15 on target in the one game against Newcastle, no wonder the stands at Man City were half empty last night.

[Russ]

Such a deafening silence from the Emirates representatives....

[Cobbydaler]

Scotland are nicking our manager..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/7203463.stm

And we have all those millions to spend on players...