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[Mama Smurf]

I've just realised, it's the African Cup of Nations next year so teams like Chelsea pretty much have to buy in certain positions.

Up front at the moment they have Drogba, Kalou and Shevchenko, and the first two will be there with the Ivory Coast. Now the dates next season are January 20th to February 10th, which if it had been this season would have covered 6 matches. Now of course, teams who go out early will send their players back, but the Ivory Coast are a good side and have a good chance of going all the way.

You don't want to be playing with Shevchenko as the lone frontman for 6 games, particularly if he's still playing like he has this season. Even if his form improves you can't risk it, what if he's injured? They'd be left with no one. So Chelsea will definitely either buy a striker or recall Crespo from his loan. Of course, they could buy in January rather than in the summer, but that's risking it, you never know who's going to be available.

Arsenal will also lose Eboue and Toure. Eboue's not so bad, Hoyte can cover, but I don't think anyone's going to claim Djourou/Senderos won't weaken the Arsenal backline considerably in comparison to Toure being there.

 

[Cornballer]

Don't Chelsea have anyone else up front? I'm surprised how shallow their forward pool is.

Toure is a big loss for Arsenal - particularly with Gallas being injured or mentally AWOL most of the season. I've been ok with Djourou's performances this season, but Senderos hasn't returned to his pre-injury form.

Somewhat shocking stats courtesy of Arsenal blogger Goodplaya.

Our attack (or lack of it) has been rightly savaged this season. But our defending has been equally, if not more, shocking. Forget the 33 goals we have conceded. Instead look at the mere 11 clean sheets (the lowest in the division) and the fact we have conceded first in 20 out of 35 league games. That’s as bad as Watford.

Granted we have had injuries and the fact we have only scored during the first half in 14 of our 35 games tells it’s own story. But with Jens, Kolo and Gallas (who was admitteldy injured), you have three players who went 40+ league games without defeat not so long ago.

The frustrating thing is that when we have scored first we have won 13 out of 14 games, with only Micheal Essien’s howitzer at the Bridge denying us a perfect record. For me, while the attack have at times been poor, they have shown massive character too to at least get five wins and seven draws from losing positions.

 

[Mama Smurf]

11 clean sheets isn't the lowest in the division. Tottenham only have 5 and I'm pretty certain if I go through the rest of the league I'll find others.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Here we are...Arsenal are 8th in the clean sheet table, equal with Villa, Charlton and Portsmouth.

Wigan, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Watford, Blackburn, Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham and Tottenham have less.

Didn't he question that when writing it? I mean, almost a third of the league games being a cleansheet is the worst? That's not gonna happen.

 

[Cornballer]

I'm surprised he was that far off with the stat. Strange.

 

[Osorio]

Hunter Freeman is making the Marvell Wynne trade look better and better, eh? How did Altidore play last night?

He played very well on the ball despite being double teamed almost the entire game. He seems to be built for this league as he has the strength to compete with defenders that are 10 years older than him or more. Often during the game he'll make space for himself and made excellent shots on goal. His finishing could be better but as I said before, hopefully Angel can teach him a few things. Either way, it's amazing what this kid shows every game at 17 years old.

 

[Cornballer]

Thanks for the update, Osorio. I think there are a number of people with RBNY right now that can help Altidore develop, including Arena, Reyna, Angel, etc... Here's an article about how they're trying to protect him from the hype. Interesting comparisons made to Adu.

Here's a bunch of photos of the new Bank of Montreal Field (home of Toronto) FC before their home opener tomorrow. Let's hope they can at least score a goal against KC. It's a nice looking stadium.

 

[Wes]

So shall we call who we think the other two teams who will be relegated from the Premiership will be? Only 3 games to go and all. (You don't have to go into as much caluclated depth as I did. I was just very bored!! )


Current Table
15 Fulham 35 -19 36
16 Wigan 35 -19 35
17 Sheff Utd 35 -20 35
--------------------------------
18 Charlton 35 -21 33
19 West Ham 35 -30 32



The run in:



Fulham
Arsenal -- Away
Liverpool -- Home
Middlesborough -- Away

Wigan
West Ham -- Home
Middlesborough -- Home
Sheffield United -- Away

Sheffield United
Watford -- Home
Aston Villa -- Away
Wigan -- Home

Charlton
Blackburn -- Away
Tottenham -- Home
Liverpool -- Away

West Ham
Wigan -- Away
Bolton -- Home
Manchester United -- Away



My Predictions



Fulham
Arsenal -- Draw
Liverpool -- Draw
Middlesborough -- Loss by two

Wigan
West Ham -- Loss by one
Middlesborough -- Draw
Sheffield United -- Loss by two

Sheffield United
Watford -- Loss by one
Aston Villa -- Draw
Wigan -- Win by two

Charlton
Blackburn -- Win by one
Tottenham -- Draw
Liverpool -- Loss by two

West Ham
Wigan -- Win by one
Bolton -- Draw
Manchester United -- Loss by two



My final table


15 Sheff Utd -19 39
16 Charlton -20 38
17 Fulham -21 38
--------------------------------
18 Wigan -22 36
19 West Ham -31 36


I think Sheffield United have got easiest run in so will stay up. They're quite good at home and their two home matches are against weak opposotion.

West Ham need to beat both Wigan and Bolton and I think Bolton will pin them back. They can't expect to get anythign at Old Trafford.

I'm relying on a belated "new manager" effect to hit Fulham and to keep them up. Think they're Italian striker may be their hero in the end.

Wigan are on such a huge slump, I just see it continuing into the relegation zone.



You lot will probably all disagree with me but that's the way I see it. Can't wait for the vultures to circle around West Ham's squad during the summer

 

[Cornballer]

I think I'd probably go with Charlton and West Ham. They're both already behind on points, and they've got a tough run-in.

 

[hadareud]

I think this is what it's going to look like in the end:

15 Wigan 42
16 Sheff Utd 39
17 Fulham 37
--------------------------------
18 Charlton 36
19 West Ham 35

I'd like to see West Ham stay up and Fulham go down, but it's not going to happen I think.

However - Wigan v West Ham tomorrow will be the deciding game I think. Should West Ham get a win, everything is wide open.

edit: just remembered Cornballer's Americans. Sorry about that :lol
I'm sure they would find a new home though.

 

[Wes]

Sunderland keep scraping these wins, gone back to top of the table! Tommorow is going to be a tense day for all leagues!

 

[Mama Smurf]

Hey hey hey! What's with all the Mama Smurf style posts? How long am I going to have to make my posts now to keep my status as this topic's longest post poster?!

So inconsiderate...

Sunderland have basically secured promotion. They have one game left against bottom of the table, already relegated Luton and the only teeny tiny problem is that it's away. They should still walk it though.

They could even be promoted this weekend if Derby lose to Crystal Palace. Even a draw would effectively promote them, as Derby would then be 3 points behind with 8 goals to make up in one game.

 

[Cornballer]

edit: just remembered Cornballer's Americans. Sorry about that :lol
I'm sure they would find a new home though.

Come on! :lol

 

[psycho_snake]

Hey hey hey! What's with all the Mama Smurf style posts? How long am I going to have to make my posts now to keep my status as this topic's longest post poster?!

So inconsiderate...

Sunderland have basically secured promotion. They have one game left against bottom of the table, already relegated Luton and the only teeny tiny problem is that it's away. They should still walk it though.

They could even be promoted this weekend if Derby lose to Crystal Palace. Even a draw would effectively promote them, as Derby would then be 3 points behind with 8 goals to make up in one game.

:lol someone sounds jealous

Im glad to see Sunderland almost promoted. Promotion is almost guaranteed, un;ess they manage to **** up against Luton. You've got to give keane a lot of credit for what he's done. This is his first job and he managed to turn sunderland from chapionship strugglers to the team at the top. Next season is going to be a real test for him. Sunderland did shite the last time they were in the premiership and they were at the top of the championship when they got promoted. He was saying that the main cause for making sunderland a successful team by making everyone happy and to an extent I agree, but he needs to bring in some quality players to give Sunderland a gopod chance of staying up. Luckily for him he's got good connections, so he should be able to bring in some decent players.

 

[psycho_snake]

There is an interesting rumour about allardyce telling the bolton chairman that he's going to leave bolton at the end of the season. Its going to be bad for bolton if that happens. I could understand why he would leave. He's done all that he can with bolton. He's isnt given much money to spend on players and without higher funds to spend in the transfer market he isnt going to be able to break into the top 4.

 

[celestial body]

Man U:VDS, Evra, Heinze, Brown, O'Shea, OGS, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Smith.
Ronaldo is on the bench he took a knock in training.

 

[Blablurn]

Italian newspapers claim that Luca Toni is coming to Bayern! Nice one!

Hopefully we're getting Robben as well.

 

[Lakitu]

 

[Zapages]

Man U don't freakin choke now... Chelsea is 2-1 against Bolton. We are loosing 1-0... Come on don't choke....

 

[hadareud]

can't believe this

It may be down to Arsenal to end this farce

 

[Mama Smurf]

You can believe it hadareud, you know United's chances of winning this game were always lower than the chance of a draw or loss. Stay strong, do not abandon the stats!

I hope the results stay the same, this is gonna get too exciting.

 

[hadareud]

:lol

I know. I also only put 1.50 on United accordingly.

 

[Zapages]

HELL YEAH!!! GO BOLTON!!!! Nice equalizer....

Oh Come one Man U>>>>: ... I can't believe they are now losing by 2 goals.

 

[hadareud]

I'm off to a great start betting wise :lol

 

[Batongen]

:lol :lol What's with this drama, first Bolton scores an equalizer and then fernandez scores an absolutely cracker for Everton. This is football!

 

[ElyrionX]

With the exception of Heinze, our entire defense is worthless.

 

[Zapages]

I'm off to a great start betting wise :lol

:lol From the looks of it... Bolton can save Man U... Come on Bolton... You can do it!!!!

 

[hadareud]

great piece of goalkeeping

 

[Zapages]

Man U got one back!!! Now its up to over crippled defense to hold and our forwards to do their job and get another goal back!!!

 

[hadareud]

Phil Nevill :lol

"how can you win league when referees and opposition players are paid off by Manchester United. And Bolton parked bus all afternoon" - Mourinho

 

[Shinobi]

:lol :lol :lol @ Phil Neville...couldn't have happened to a nicer twat.

 

[Zapages]

Phil Nevill :lol

"how can you win league when referees and opposition players are paid off by Manchester United. And Bolton parked bus all afternoon" - Mourinho

That was great man... That's exactly what he'll say!! :lol

 

[hadareud]

wow.

Everything could be over for Chelsea today

 

[Zapages]

ROONEY!!!!!

 

[Zapages]

wow.

Everything could be over for Chelsea today

That's how it should be... Plus I'm like the only Man U supporter in group of friends... Most of them are Chelsea with couple Arsenal fans.

 

[scorcho]

that goal was pure class by Rooney. perfect ball control and balance to avoid the tackle, retain possession, and then thread the ball between another defender and the keeper. yow.

 

[Shinobi]

You know Chelsea's gonna get their last minute winner...they always do.

The ebb and flow of today has been incredible though...both sets of fans are being put through the ringer, experiencing the entire gaumet of emotions. It's incredible to see.

 

[scorcho]

c.ronaldo should've had that

 

[hadareud]

You know Chelsea's gonna get their last minute winner...they always do.

The ebb and flow of today has been incredible though...both sets of fans are being put through the ringer, experiencing the entire gaumet of emotions. It's incredible to see.

they usually do. Not long to go now though

 

[hadareud]

game over. Chelsea have ****ed it up.

Congratulations Man Utd blablablabla.

Bring on next season, Arsenal for the quadruple.

 

[Shinobi]

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol Best Saturday morning in years...Bolton holds Chelsea, Man U goes up 4-2 thanks to some guy I've never seen before. Eat it Jose.

 

[hadareud]

yeah it was great fun. The up and down ending with bitter tears for Chelsea.

It can't get much better than that. Apart from Manchester United not being the other team of course.

 

[ElyrionX]

Truly the stuff of champions.

 

[Zapages]

yeah it was great fun. The up and down ending with bitter tears for Chelsea.

It can't get much better than that. Apart from Manchester United not being the other team of course.

What's with the Man U hate...

Anyway, we won!!! Hopefully we can will it all!!!

 

[jerrymaguire]

thanks phil. :lol :lol :lol

good goal by eagles too.

 

[hadareud]

What's with the Man U hate...

Anyway, we won!!! Hopefully we can will it all!!!

:lol

I'm not a Manchester United hater.

 

[psycho_snake]

Phil Neville was the hero today.

 

[Shinobi]

Truly the stuff of champions.

Seriously. If I was a Man U fan I'd be ****ing chuffed.

45 minutes ago, Chelsea was going to draw level on points. One half played later, it turns into a five point swing. The psychological impact on both clubs is pratically earth shattering.

No way Man U is throwing this lead away. And no way is Chelsea recovering from this. Man U's got this title on lock. My Arsenal hat is off to them *salutes*.

 

[Sanjay]

absolutely amazing football, both man utd and chelsea kicking off at the same time was a great idea.

indeed Shinobi, chuffed as hell

 

[Mama Smurf]

Deserved victory. Man Utd had at least 4 other chances where they should definitely have scored...Rooney twice, Smith once, Ronaldo once...and a whole crapload of other "just" good chances.

Having said that, Everton are giant **** ups. If you're outside of the top 4 you're almost certainly never going to outplay Man Utd, so you have to grind out victories. And what you certainly don't do is go 2-0 up and gift them two ridiculous goals. They might have lost anyway, we'll never know, but they really screwed up.

Do Chelsea even want to win the league this year? Drawing against an average Newcastle side last weekend, and believe me they barely deserved the draw, now they've drawn with Bolton yet they must have known at one point United were 2-0 down...how much mopre incentive do they need?! And to leave Drogba and Lampard on the bench, both by miles their top scorers this season, they probably have more goals than the rest of the Chelsea squad combined...ridiculous. Obviously they were being rested for the Liverpool game...but why! They're already 1-0 up, they alreayd have a massive chance of going through, therewas no need to rest them.

And now, they've probably cost themselves the league.

Well done to United though, don't know when they're beat.