Official Football Discussion Thread 2011/12

[TheZig]

I think Liverpool could be fighting for fourth actually, With Fabregras basically confirmed to be on his way out of Arsenal and a Nasri deal edging a deal with City that could mean Liverpool can fight for fourth place fight with Arsenal and Totttenham. Looking at Liverpools form the second part of last season its highly possible they can gain fourth if they go into the new season in that kind of form.

 

[Keith]

1. Chelsea are a unknown factor this season because of the new manager, he will either flop like Big Phil, or be a smash like Carlo was in his debut season, it is also hard to predict as they have pretty much the same squad as last year, which could be a good thing, as at their best they are very relieable and can be a title threat, but like wise at their worse they can lose the plot.

2. It is a shame about Arsenal as they have a lot of talent, and I have a lot of time for their manager, but unless they can sign an experienced centre back, and one or two more good players before the window shuts, then I don't see them having enough, if they do then I think they have a shot at the title as I honestly don't think they are that far behind Utd, Chelsea and City.

3. Yes it was only four or five seasons ago that Reading finished fifth which was excellent, but even since then it has become harder for that sort of team because sides like Spurs, Everton and Villa have etiblished themselfs outside the big four. Speaking of Spurs I do think they have peaked right now, and believe that they will have to reinvest if they are to advance again.

My Final League Table as of now would be:

1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Liverpool
6. Spurs
7. Everton
8. Fulham
9. West Brom
10. Aston Villa
11. Stoke
12. Sunderland
13. Norwich City
14. Newcastle Utd
15. Wolves
16. Bolton
17. Wigan
18. Blackburn
19. Queens Park Rangers
20. Swansea

As for opening day predictions:

Arsenal to beat Newcastle
Villa to get a draw at Fulham (which would be a good point for us on a tricky first away game)
Blackburn and Wolves to draw
QPR to upset Bolton
Chelsea to beat Stoke
Liverpool to edge past Sunderland
Man City to beat Swansea
West Brom to hold the champions to a draw
Wigan and Norwich to finish goaless.

 

[Troy]

I see that the Everton vs. Tottenham has been delayed due to the riots. Shame that it has been delayed but it is the right move to ensure there are no problems.

The first games have started already.

 

[Andrew]

Results so far;

Blackburn 1 - Wolves 1 (39")
Fulham 1 - Aston Villa 0 (HT)
Liverpool 1 - Sunderland 0 (HT)
QPR 0 - Bolton 0 (HT)
Wigan 1 - Norwich 0 (44")
​

 

[Troy]

Wow QPR are having a horrible debut. Currently down 4-0 with ten minutes to go. Shocking debut for them.

 

[Doink]

Wow, QPR were terrible.

 

[TheZig]

^ true haha, Well its Villas-Boas first game in charge of Chelsea, I still can't believe they got rid of Ancellotti.

 

[Troy]

I couldn't believe how bad they were.

Surprised that Liverpoll and Arsenal were bad as well. Should have been easy wins yet they could only manage draws.

Surely Chelsea, Man United and Man City will walk away with wins this round.

 

[TheZig]

Am i the only one who think Sunderland will climb the table this season? Im predicting 6th place, They have improved they're squad brilliantly.

 

[Andrew]

Sunderland are under-rated TheZig, I do see them around 8th-9th.

 

[TheZig]

Well 6th was a bit too far thinking, I agree Andrew most probably 8th. I forgot about Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham

 

[Andrew]

Fuck Arsenal & Liverpool, hate them.

Don't mind Tottenham.

Hrmm, 2 hours til WBA vs ManU, shall I watch and go to sleep at 3am then get up at 7am to prepare for Summerslam...

UGH!

yeah... I'll do that LOL.

 

[Troy]

I am thinking of watching Stoke vs. Chelsea whilst checking the cricket. Don't know if I will stay up for the late game since I want to get up early to watch the end of the golf and watch SummerSlam as well.

 

[Andrew]

Chelsea drew Stoke 0-0

Stoke Keeper played well

 

[Troy]

What is with these big teams failing to win in opening week Liverpool, Arsenal and now Chelsea. Does this mean that the competition is evening out slightly or are they just slow starters?

Man United nearly joined the draw club but managed to win 2-1 in the end. De Gea nearly had an embarrassing debut when he let a shot trickle through his arms allowing WBA to equalise after Rooney put Man United in front.

Man City are up tonight and surely they will start with a convincing win. I still think that 4-0 would be reasonable.