Ursusarctos - Since the '80s, I believe only First Division/ PL teams have won the FA Cup, even though several finals in that time featured one lower division team. In the '70s (most recently), several teams from the old Second Division won it by beating First Division opposition.
But I have no idea whether two lower division sides have ever met in the final. When were the last FA Cup finals featuring two lower division teams (if ever)? And (to pull a craigy!) what FA Cup finals do you remember as the most exciting, and why? What was the worst (by any measure)? What two teams would you like to see meet in a "dream" Cup final (from any division)?
Bobby – Some assorted FA Cup trivia and facts. Since the advent of the League in1888/89 there has never been a final with two teams from the lower flights. The last time there were three lower flight teams in the semis was back in 1908 - Newcastle out of Fulham, Southampton and Wolves. Wolves beat Newcastle 3-1 in the Final.
This season's semi finalists have all won the Cup but with exception of WBA their successes all came before WW11. 1912 Barnsley beat WBA 1-0 in a replay: 1927 Cardiff beat Arsenal 1-0; 1939 Portsmouth beat Wolves 4-1. And in 1931 WBA beat Birmingham 2-1 and became the last team to win promotion and the FA Cup in the same season.
It has been thirty-three years since the last time we had a Final without Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham or Everton. (West Ham vs. Fulham 1975)
Best final in my memory was Chelsea vs. Leeds in 1970 that went to replay. In 1990 Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United 3-3 was memorable as were the two Liverpool – Everton finals of the 80s.
Three stinkers – last season’s Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United, 2005 Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United; 1996 Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool. As for dream finals I don’t think you can preordain a great final. You just have to take what happens and hope for a great game.
Ringo - Dundee are no Queen of the South.
Bobby – Apparently there was a mix up and Dundee thought they were supposed to play like Queens rather than playing Queens.
Neophyte - Barcelona loses to Villarreal. Barca has looked weak and less than the invincible side lately. How much of a hangover do clubs suffer from Champions league play (deep play like winning it all), Domestic cups, League cup, International friendlies, FIFA club cups that seem to follow when a club has success in interclub play? Barca seems to have the skilled players they could possibly want but lack the destroying presence in midfield or on the backline. Your thoughts?
Bobby – There should not be any hangover for great teams – nothing out of the normal anyway. Barcelona was in a fantastic position after beating Arsenal a couple of seasons ago but since then it looks to me as if they lost the hunger for more silverware. I don’t agree that a ball winner in the midfield is their problem – from the games I have seen not having the ball is hardly their problem.
Atleti - I think I'll go mad if Atleti don't secure a Champions spot.
Bobby – Have you ever thought that you might also go mad if they do?
Atleti - Racing Santander are this season's Cinderella story. They're #5 with 44 points...equal to my beloved, underachieving hijos de p-uta. Oh, and tell the boys on the FSR, it's not pronounced Racing...it's 'RAH-Sing'.
Bobby – You are spot on, Santander has flown under everyone’s radar this season. Only a handful of teams have scored less goals but only the top two have conceded more. In terms of pronunciation I seem to remember that they were advised some time ago that in Argentina 'RAH-Sing' but for Spain “Racing” but I could be wrong. The solution, I guess, is to refer to Santander.
Gunner4 - I've been watching and listening to you over the years and you seems not to have any faith in Arsenal. Two years ago when they were up against the might of Real Madrid your comment on the show was "Real is gonna blew them away" and what happen, it was Real that got blown away.
Last week against the might Milan you were kinds 50/50 but based on your comments you were leaning on the side of a Milan victory and we all know what happened. I think Arsenal's bad patch is behind them now, yesterday they played a very good game but Wigan's strategy was to at least get a point. I think if the pitch was better the results would have been different.
Oh, I should tell you that all of North America's media houses prefer Man U, but I think Arsenal is surprising somebody this year. I'll look forward to your comments from the might cold Winnipeg.
Bobby – Gunner, are you taking lessons from Henry14? I picked Arsenal to knock Real Madrid out that season just like I picked Juventus the season before, Bayern Munich the season after and Roma this season. Four for four with picks going against Real Madrid. (I keep all my notes).
What’s more there is a name for what you did in placing quotes around "Real is gonna blew them away" – it is called making things up.
The phrase is one that I rarely if ever use and I would certainly not use it while commenting on the Champions League knock out stage – I have too much respect for the game and the teams to deal with it in such an off-handed way.
I picked Milan to beat Arsenal before the first leg was played but acknowledged that 0-0 was a good result and if Arsenal scored it could make it very interesting. What Arsenal vs. Real Madrid, Milan and Wigan has to do with Manchester United is beyond me.
Maoze_Reading - The article on the ACL injuries is quite interesting but I am still not very clear on what is being referred to as a "portable grass system". What I am assuming is that the fields were basically re-sodded?
I know there are some other options such as giant trays with grass growing in them that can be placed over an existing surface, over field turf for example, but this doesn't seem to be what they are referring to. I know in the NFL it is not uncommon for a field to be resurfaced during the course of a season, even multiple times. Is resurfacing a pitch during the season a common practice in Europe?
Bobby – I am almost certain that the article refers to the natural grass systems that are rolled in and out. They are used on top of artificial surfaces when the original surface is considered unacceptable or in situations when a field has not taken. Years ago re-sodding during a season would have been a non-starter but the technology and science is at the point where it is not uncommon. However, from time to time things don’t work out and you get a situation like the one at Stamford Bridge two or three seasons ago when the players played a game on what amounted to sand and soil.
Thierry_Henry – 1. Do you see the MLS dropping the salary cap in a few years to come? I think the talent is eroding now, especially some players going to Scandinavia and Fulham.
2. What do you think about EPL teams loaning players to other EPL teams. When Liverpool played Bolton, one player was prevented from facing Liverpool, because of a clause in his contract. Unfortunately I don't recall his name. Now, this is unfair to Everton, who will have to face a full strength Bolton. Could this practice result in abuse by big teams lending so many players out?
3. Scottish commentator, Roddy Forsyth, from BBC said that may be the reason Scotland have a hard time qualifying for major tournaments recently is because of the weather that is too cold, and many Scottish kids do not feel like going out to practice. What's your opinion on this?
Bobby –1. The salary cap will not be dropped although the cap will be increased. They have to be.
2. It is Premiership rule now that you cannot play a loaned player against the team that owns the registration. In this case it was Danny Guthrie. The loan system has operated in many continental leagues for years without an issue so I don’t think it should become one in England.
3. Mr. Forsyth’s comments may make sense if Scotland’s climate had suddenly changed and the issue of kids leisure activities was unique to Scotland. All developed countries are facing the same situation of kids spending more time with video games and computers than actually playing sport and getting exercise. My understanding is that more indoor facilities are being planned and built in Scotland but that will not necessarily motivate kids to get out and play.
4Everton - When will more Americans start playing in Spain, Italy, or France?? Hopefully, Michael Bradley does not sign on for Fulham (joking...sort of). I think England has been hurt by the majority of its squad playing in one league. The Americans seem to be falling into the same pattern.
Bobby – A simplistic but true answer - when Spanish, French and Italian clubs believe that the players being produced can help their teams. If England has been hurt by the majority of its squad playing in one league why is Italy the world champions?
Ursusarctos - To summarize verbal's question: Should all three of Carra, Skrtel and Agger be healthy and available, how do you see the LFC CB situation taking shape next year (and if re-signed, how would Hyypiä fit in)?
Bobby – I think you have to give Skrtel a little bit more time to see if he maintains his form. Hyypia is a back up next season at best – as he is this season. Carragher is a fine defender and is solid at full back and in central defense. However, he is brutal coming forward from full back and gives Liverpool nothing when they attack. Good teams need width from their full backs and Carragher does not offer that. If everyone’s fit I go for Carragher and Agger and sign a new right back ……and a left back while they are at it.
MasMaz - What do you think Arsenal's weakness is? I believe it is their lack of width and crossing ability. On Sunday they played with two towering strikers and I can't recall more than 2 or 3 crosses into the box. On a torn up rugby pitch and with 2 strikers over 6'3" Arsenal should have peppered the box with crosses. Truly ridiculous strategy, I love Wenger but come on it was so obvious.
Bobby – Under Wenger Arsenal have never had width from midfield and have always relied on their full backs coming forward. So on that basis every side since 1996 has had the same problem. There is no such thing as a perfect team – every team has some weakness. I think you are taking one game and drawing very broad conclusions from it.
Aldoray - Quick question If a team qualifies for Europe through a domestic cup competition and get relegated do they still get to play in Europe the following season although they are no longer in the top flight?
Bobby – Yes.
Redfan2000 - What's your take on the likely top 4 and the final bottom three in the BPL at this stage in proceedings?
Bobby – My pre-season picks were 1. Chelsea, 2. Manchester United and 3. Arsenal. Relegated Derby County, Fulham and Wigan. I’m not changing my picks but I will say that Wigan and United are giving me cause for concern.
Jahmikes - I’m an Arsenal fan but I’ve noticed the partnership between midfield Gerrard and striker Torres, is this the Premiereship Ronaldhino and Eto’o before the CL Cup?
And your opinion on Robinho being nothing special. I don’t agree because wouldn’t you say he played an integral role in the Copa America title, Madrid's title last yr, he terrorized defenders going down the left and slipping balls to players in and around the box.
Also this year Madrid started dropping points when he wasn’t on the field, I think because he doesn’t play up to starship celebrity status he becomes overlooked.
Bobby – Interesting that you would pick Ronaldinho and Eto’o when Henry and Pires was more effective over a longer period of time. I think it is a bit early to start celebrating Gerrard and Torres as a great partnership – a hot streak yes, a long term partnership - we will have to wait and see.
Real Madrid won last season’s title on the back of Casillas and Van Nistelrooy. My recollection is that we hardly saw Robinho until the second half of the season so I don’t know how much terrorizing he actually did. Fun to watch but he’s soft defensively and if I understood what “doesn’t play up to starship celebrity status” actually means I would probably disagree with that as well.
Frenchking2012 - Do you rate Senderos? I’ve always been a fan and thought that he always was unfairly criticized. He sadly is a player that needs confidence, but if he plays well in one or two games he seems then raise up his game.
I’m thinking of the run of games that led to the FA Cup Final where he was chosen ahead of Campbell or same thing in the Champions league run of 2006. If he only he didn’t have to face Drogba twice a year, he would be a great defender. Plus he is a young kid, a central defender can go up to play until his mid thirties, so I think that in a few years he will be a great player. Plus do you see a player like Fabregas, not 21 yet, beating O’Leary’s record of games?
Bobby – I think he will come good eventually but I don’t know if Arsenal can live through his maturation process. There are just some players that when they make mistakes they make really costly ones and I think Senderos falls into that category. Will Fabregas beat O’Leary’s record of games played ? – perhaps? probably, maybe? but does it matter. The point is to win games and trophies not to play the most games.
Zuco2 - Will you have some predictions for the upcoming international friendlies on March 26th? France vs. England ; Spain vs. Italy; Scotland vs. Croatia.
Bobby – I guess if I told you that I knew there were international friendlies but had no idea who is scheduled to play each other that would tell you how important I think these games are. When they start awarding trophies and medals based on friendly results is the day that I will pay real attention to the scores. The individual performances and how a team plays together is important – the score means nothing.
Foxcube - This would be a huge task to ask of you if you wouldn't mind. Could you please summarize and contrast the tactics/playing styles of the remaining 8 CL teams? Three or four lines for each team perhaps, if that is possible in your opinion. I'll have my notebook ready. Thanks.
Bobby – You are correct – it would be a huge task.
Venti_vidi-vici - Enjoyed reading the article in the Telegraph about the Teves contract and his link to Kia Joorabchian. Man Utd showed their creativity in the transfer market last season, asking Everton to bench Tim Howard as part of the agreement transferring him permanently to Goodison Park.
Moyes admitted it, then realized it was illegal, retracted his admission, Man Utd won the match partly due to the reserve keepers errors after being down 0-2, but the FA found nothing wrong because a team is allowed to bench their in-form starting keeper in favor of a kid who has never played an EPL match in his life for no apparent reason. Is it conceivable that Man Utd agreed to hand the Hammers three priceless points at Old Trafford and possibly keep them in the EPL and the associated financial windfall, as part of the Teves transfer deal?
A slick way to pay for Teves, without having to include Joorabchian. Coincidentally the winning goal was obviously scored by Teves. (I admit I see conspiracies everywhere).
Bobby – Conceivable yes but likely – no. Back to your grassy knoll.
Henry14 - On the report you made a really ridiculous statement that the pitch at Wigan is okay be real man. Clubs play 60+ game on pitches that are nice and you expect them to adjust to a pub of a pitch.
l watched the game thrice and on the Adebayor , Van Persie and Bedter strikes the ball took bubbles. That the problem with pundits as soon as a big club looses to a small club you jump to lick the small club's BLEEP thereby negating that things like a pitch where you cannot play one touch football, and that the referee did not call fouls in the Man Utd game, be rationale for God's sake.
Bobby – Oh Henry14 you give me so much to work with and I thank you for that. The referee is responsible for deciding whether a pitch is playable and so who would you like to give the decision to?
Or how do you intend to define “nice” pitches from “not nice pitches,” “pub” pitches and ultimately "pitches that are deemed unacceptable to Henry14" .
I know it is ridiculous to expect players who are considered professionals at the top of their game to play on anything but the most pristine and perfect surfaces – my expectations are excessive.
During your three viewings of the game did the ball really bubble – it looked muddy but I didn’t see any standing water. And did any other players have a problem or did it just happen to Adebayor, Van Persie and Bedter?
Perhaps we should have groundskeepers who run alongside each player and become responsible for replacing the divots and that way we will always have a perfect surface.
Your last sentence is contradictory unless Manchester United is considered a small team. What’s more the last time I checked the rules you are actually allowed to take more than one touch each time you receive a ball – it’s not cheating to touch the ball a number of times – or should teams taking less touches receive additional points?
JayAlves - What do you think of Ameobi like? Also what’s the chance the title and relegation isn't locked up before the last day and we are watching a situation where Man Utd plays Wigan, Chelsea plays Bolton and Arsenal plays Sunderland. So three teams playing for the title and three teams playing not to get relegated? Too much to ask?
Bobby – When he is fit his lack of consistency is a problem although his various managers at Newcastle have not shown a lot of confidence in him. Three vs. three, title and relegation would a dream finish but I think there is still too far to go to really judge whether there is anything more than a smidgen of a chance of happening.
Craigy_f – 1. Have you ever been interested in football management?
2. Has your corrective surgery helped you when you try for a header?
3. Any thoughts on Bardsley “tackling” Pienaar? And it’s failure to make any noise in the media, particularly given Taylor-Eduardo.
4. Claudio Lopez – a bit more than an Angel? – is this signing a statement of where the MLS is right now?
5. In such a small League (MLS) does the early season suffer (in terms of generating interest) because the Supporters’ Shield isn’t seen as big and a poor first half of the season can still see a team make the play-offs?
6. Do you have any thoughts as to what PL referee you’d want to see more or less of as the PL enters the final stretch?
7. No matter how many replays or different angles of view one employs some decisions come down to opinion – thus any video evidence panel will be subject to harsh criticism and even (perhaps) legal challenges – no matter how it rules on a particular ‘incident’. Thoughts about this?
8. Of course Wembley PLC wants the money and so the FA Cup Semi's are at Wembley - being a tad traditional I'd like to see the SFs elsewhere and keep WEM-BER-LEE! for finals and the NFL - your thoughts (how does this work in the Scottish FA Cup?)
9. Is Bradley performing well enough in Holland to warrant a move to a more high profile league?
Bobby – 1. No.
2. I have not played since the eye surgery but I will let you know once the snow clears. I’m also hoping that my left foot has improved.
3. Didn’t see the tackle.
4. Lopez is older than Angel and much of his effectiveness came from his pace and playing right up on the last defender and timing his run. When he played with Crespo for Argentina they could be terrifying for any defense not concentrating for ninety minutes. If he still has some of his explosive pace he is going to give MLS defenses (and assistant referees) fits.
5. I think that is good point – it seems to take a while for real interest to take hold. Or I might be due to the European leagues overshadowing MLS during the early going.
6. Never pay any attention to who the referee is going to be unless there is some history with the appointment.
7. Absolutely spot on and the point I have been making throughout the video replay debate in respect to fouls. The proponents come at the issue on the basis that video replays will provide clear evidence on which to rule. In reality all it will do is to allow us to disagree in slow motion.
8. I don’t have a particular problem with Wembley for the semis although I do see your point. As corrected by Ringo the vast majority of the Scottish semi finals over the last number of years have taken place at Hampden.
9. I was impressed with him last summer at the under 20s (his play and leadership) and his scoring record is sure to attract interest. I have not seen him play for Heerenveen this season.
LGB - Kind of like the tree falling in the forest and if no one is around, does the tree make a sound?) If Cardiff plays West Brom in the FA Cup final, will there be anyone who cares? Also if Liverpool does secure passage through, is it still subjective to say the PL is the best league in the world?
Bobby – Maybe you won’t care but millions of other fans will. Define “best”. As I have said before – arguing about what constitutes the “best” league in the world is a waste of time and effort. It is all down to marketing and individual taste.
OranjeSpur - I've been out of the loop for the past few weeks so sorry if you addressed this already.
I think the IFAB is on the right track with the video review and retrospective punishments for diving and such. For a few years I've been debating with friends that FIFA, UEFA, and FA's need to set up review panels of 8-12 people comprised of former players, refs and manager types.
Each week 3 are randomly selected and they can review claims from the previous week. Aussie Rules Football holds Tribunal's for players to contest punishments and the like. What I'm looking for is something that has real consequence for players who cheat the game we love.
I would propose that all card challenges go through the review panel as well as 2 submitals, per team - per game, and any submitals made by the 4th official that may have been missed during the run of play.
Players can be punished for diving, improper conduct, or a missed harsh fouls. Teams make their case to the panel and the panel decides within 48 hours. I believe such a panel would cause a quick drop in simulations when players start missing games due to a retrospective review along with the increasingly high level of poor sportmanship and conduct. I don't want to see a 5th "video" official as I feel leave it to the teams to start policing themselves.
I believe the fans will make enough noise on the teams that don't take the opportunity to submit diving or improper conduct actions for review. Your, or anyone else's, thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Bobby – You don’t want a 5th official but you want to create a monstrosity of a review system? You are having a laugh aren’t you?
Neophyte - What a difference a game makes, especially in the case of Reading. They go from, "2nd year jinx." To..."Steve Coppell is a great manager." I am a Coppell fan. I don't know how he does it. They don't score goals...Hanhemann faces more shots on goal and has more saves (and I think allowed more goals) than any other keeper. If Reading finish in the top ten should he get the Manager of the Year award? How does a club like Reading start with roster changes?
Bobby – Top ten next year but not this one. As for roster changes Reading probably starts where all other teams start – trying to fix problem areas.
Tiberius0070 - Who do you think will be the new manager for Chelsea in the summer?
Bobby – As I said a number of times before it depends who is available. As every week goes by and the number of clubs who can legitimately hope to win something becomes smaller and smaller and you begin to see who might be fired or cut loose.
Mancini after the Liverpool loss creates an opening at Inter, Barcelona and Real Madrid spots might become available and Milan might decide it is time for a change. Ranieri might not get another year at Juventus. I feel that this summer is going to see a big managerial turnover.
MasMaz - Wenger should have signed Beckham. Arsenal NEED him badly. I am sure there is some clause in his contract that says if a major Prem team want him he can sign on loan.
Bobby – And how did you come to decide what is and what is not in Beckham’s contract? Why would you sign someone then loan him out and not be able to use until four months into your season? If Wenger wanted to sign him he would have got there before the Galaxy.
Ringo - Don't you think Gretna where done for even before a ball was kicked? The league forcing them to travel almost a hundred miles to Motherwell for home games meant they were playing with one foot tied behind their backs right from the start. I'm sure they could have handled the non Old Firm games at their 2,500 capacity stadium with no problems , instead of having to play a whole season of away games, and in front of nonexistent crowds lately at Fir Park ,when the pitch is even playable that is. The owner's illness hasn't helped, but at least they might have stood a chance.
Bobby – It was always going to be tough on Gretna – home field or not. But they knew the rules. Inverness CT suffered through longer trips to Aberdeen for part of a season when they were promoted.
Henry14 - Do you think BLEEP is using the media to put pressure on Hicks although l feel a billionaire will need more than a demonstration and a news paper article to leave a $200m investment and do you think he is being treated fairly by the media and the reds fans?
Bobby –How is the media putting pressure on Hicks to any greater extent than the fans have for the last few months? Fairness has nothing to do with it – it is, what it is. He’s a big boy who took over Liverpool hoping to make a bundle of money. If you are talking about fairness how about the fans who are footing the bill for his greed?
ReggaeGunner - Who would you consider on their day the best free kick taker out of the lot? Zidane, Henry, Beckham, Pirlo, Juninho, C.Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerrard, Mihajlovic, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, Nakamura, Totti.
Bobby – Good question. Lampard and Gerrard should not be on that list – not in the same class. You are going to have to place the free kick for me before I make a choice…..and the positioning of the wall….and the height of the players…..and did the referee march off a full ten yards?
To add what Bobby said about managers its domino's. The key domino's being the Special one and the first high quality club that goes shopping.
"MILAN, March 11 (Reuters) - Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini said on Tuesday he wanted to leave the club at the end of the season."
Potential clubs: Inter, AC, Chelsea, Barcelona and Liverpool? you could maybe ad Real considering they will fire a coach for winning the league so no ones job is ever safe. Thats only the very cream of the cop too. If the Atleti coach is as half bad as Atleti says add them maybe West Ham, Benfica..? don't know enough of the manager situations everywhere to add anymore.
Start the musical chairs when the music stops you might not have a job though.
Also I wasn't serious about the Shola question, I've been watching too much I'm on Setanta.
Bobby, why do you so often refuse to take a position when readers ask you questions? You hedge an awful lot for a pundit, like in ReggaeGunner's question at the end of Speakers' Cornerr #75. He asked you a very simple question "who is the best free kick taker out of the lot?..." Your answer is snarky: "Lampard and Gerrard should not be on that list - ...." (you do seem to enjoy taking shots at those two quite often) if not Gerrard or Lampard, then at least tell us which one you like the best? if you can't possibly name one, why not name your top 3. you go on to place ridiculous conditions in order to answer the question, "place the free kick for me...positioning of the wall...height of the players...did the referee march off a full ten yards...." Are you kidding me with that? You are a pundit that clearly knows alot about football, is this question really that hard to answer? why don't you just answer the question?????
I have bias but I think Mihajlovic was the best free kick taker. He still was better than 90% of free kick takers in his last couple of years at Inter.
RE best FA Cup finals: the second of those '80s LFC-Everton finals will always stay with me- not only Rushie's late heroics, but the extra emotional impact of the day as well.
I did not see the '90 Palace-United final you mention- as Ringo reminded recently, TV access to matches in those days was very difficult this side of the Atlantic. Time to go to Youtube, I guess.
Funny how two of the stinker finals you list are from the last three years- chance, recency bias, or a change in how (some) teams approach a domestic cup final?
RE LFC CBs: so (more or less) status quo at CB next year as at the start of this season (with Agger healthy)- and Skrtel waiting in the wings. Occam's razor strikes again!
Now we can debate who might best fit at FB for LFC next year, and who might be available and affordable ...
RE Hicks (reply to Henry14): you said in part, "If you are talking about fairness how about the fans who are footing the bill for [Hicks'] greed?"
Thank you for stating the point. Whether you or others agree or not with the concerns I raise about the potential consequences of the LBO for LFC, it can be frustrating that a proper discussion never seems to get going- even if to prove me wrong! You've raised the issue before, but the topic is too dry and numeric for most tastes, I guess- but not any less important or football-related for all that.
Ah, but some day you may have the joy of posting here to announce the arrival of your new twins: a boy named Alby, and a girl called Celeste. And all will be well with the world.
Ursusarctos - Re Stinkers. The same thought crossed my mind as I listed them. Maybe top-of-mind or the increase in expectation caused by and endless overhyping. But I don't think so. I went over the list of finals and I think the only one two that I did not catch (live or on tape) over the last 40+ years were 87 and 2000. I really can't say that there were any real stinkers that I can remember prior to the 90s.
RINGO - morning
Zola - a joy to watch. And by all accounts a bit o####ent.
I don't share the vain hope of some blues that you'll collapse and 3rd is attainable this year
I do think that the game will be more like the other league game than the League Cup shambles..
BOBBY -
Ta for the answers (if you see the tackle you would understand my consternation)
"disagree in slow motion" that was very good.
What is your take on two clubs with three first choice CB's - LFC and EFC?
VIDIC15
Who would you start at CB for LFC next season?
BLUESTUFF
LESCOTT till 2012! Brilliant business!
Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, Pienaar, Gravesen, Yakubu, Johnson, Anichebe, Gosling, Wessels, Rodwell.
If we go 451 and 'be patient' we'll lose. Get amongst them, use our width, ruffle their feathers
and feed the yak and we;ll be in a with a shout.
UEFA - note the welcome that Italian fans get in Liverpool...they will not be herded around by riot-geared police...they will be made welcome in the city of culture...one or two may even have a 'mugging' story to take back to Tuscany.
BAYERN - can cruise to the QFs
Getafe Benfica - you fancy Spain
Hamburg V Bayer - Bayer - just
PSV - gotta be fancied, not out of Spurs reach with an early goal.
Marseille mostly a cruise (perhaps)
3CB
If a team like Liverpool can't work out how to keep three CB's happy for a aeason they need a good kicking.
As the pundits quite commonly refrain, "It's a problem most clubs would love to have!"
sonofmex - Have you noticed that the best teams have two, three or four players lined up before a free kick close to the goal? Some of it is to fuel doubt and confusion but mostly it is because certain players excel when a free kick is in a certain position. It is rare nowadays to find a good team with one player who takes all the free kicks from all possible positions in and around the penalty area. What I was trying to point out was that the question was a good one but there are so many variables that have to be taken into consideration if you are to debate who is the "best".
Bobby - You don’t want a 5th official but you want to create a monstrosity of a review system? You are having a laugh aren’t you?
Not at all and I'll say that you're completely missing the point. A 5th video official is just another official that can be ridiculed and dismissed by fans, players, managers,and pundunts. A review panel would have more weight and allow teams to submit the complaints. The only way the game we love is going to restore order and sportsmanship is to have the team involved in the process. I'm having a laugh that you can understand that - a monstrosity of a review system may not be ideal or what everyone wants to see but if its going to allow the teams to call out cheaters and suspend them for a game or two then I'm all for it. Hey set up the panel how ever you want - once the video gets infront of them and they see Zokora, Lumpy, and co dropping like rocks with no contact the decisions will be quick and swift I beleive.
I thought the US had ample opportunity to bury Cuba in the first 15 minutes but just didn't finish the chances. Adu's goal was a bit of a fluke but it was not undeserved after that rocket he launched hit the post in the first few minutes. Altidore in the first half and I believe it was Findley in the second half both got lovely through balls but put their shots directly in to the Cuban keeper. Altidore looked a bit lethargic and could have done much better with the chances he was given. Hopefully he didn't pick up a serious knock as he did not return for the second half. I thought Dax McCarty made a good showing of himself.
The second yellow given to Cuba's #9 was a very harsh decision by the ref imo.
OranjeSpur - You were serious. And so I will be as well. Let's say 80 games a weekend in England , average of 4 cards a game, 2 "submitals" per game per team plus 4th official let's say 2 issues. That's 10 per game times 80 games - gives 800 issues. Ten minutes an issue is 8,000 minutes or 133 hours. That doesn't include the time for teams to "make their case." And you will have responses back in 48 hours. No appeals, no disputes, video evidence clears up any problems - dream on. And you don't think this would be ridiculed? I also disagree with a 5th official but not nearly as much as your 1984 solution.
Last edited by BobbyMcMahon on March 12th at 7:10 AM.
Bobby I agree with the premise to your response to my comment about Beckham and Arsenal. However...
Following your line of thinking why would you sign a player who, as we saw last year would leave the team at critical times, and presumably for a long stretch for the Euros, and other national team games, likely coming back sore and carrying the same recurring injuries. What is the difference? None, besides some FIFA by-laws tying the hands of the club teams regarding national team games.
In fact one could argue that the Galaxy would do more for the league and team by allowing one of their players to play in the highest profile league for a bit.
As far as I can tell nobody knows what is in Beckham's contract.
Bobby, additionally, I agree I am nearly as reactionary as Atleti, however my opinion about Arsenal it terms of width and crossing is based on nearly constant observation over the past 5 years.
Henry provided plenty of width on the left as Freddie did on the right. Pires could put in a cross and a corner as could Henry.
Why not? There is nearly less conflict with the MLS and European football calendar than with the international calendar. Seems a good way to defray some wage issues.
The basis for this belief is that a player like Beckham can sit on the bench and come on with 15 minutes and a have huge impact. Nil-Nil at 80 minutes, imagine Beckham coming on and dropping balls on Bendtner and Adebayor.
I'll shut-up now, I don't want to take H14's spot as Bobby's arch-nemesis.
Bobby-The FA Cup Final question was posted with tongue-in-cheek. I will, of course, be watching the game no matter who is in it.
As for the definition of "best", I found two:
1. To get the better of; defeat; beat: "He(LGB) easily bested his opponent(Craigy) in hand-to-hand combat. She(atleti) bested me in many arguments."
2. League that gets four respresentatives into the last eight of the Champions League: "Liverpool, the clear favorites, joined Arsenal, Chelsea and United in the quarterfinal draw of the Champions League."
Does that help?
Last edited by LetsGoBuffalo on March 12th at 7:58 AM.
Morning peeps: Phew what a missive! Not much sleep last night I guess Bobby.
Zola was amazing to watch. He would make a good ambassador in the game perhaps one day to replace Splatter or SPlatini!
I cannot see what all the fuss is about LFC having 4 half decent CBs. It was and remains Rafa's intention to have high quality cover in case of injury and Agger is a case in point, who has been sorely missed.
Only time will tell if Skrtel will make the grade, as will be the case with Babel. Babel has promise but if he can't get his head around the big games he will miss much.
Torres is amazing! If he scores another 14 he hits the magical 40. He has 9 BPL games left including trips to Arsenal, Utd and Spurs, plus the CL games which might ammount to 5 more. I think he will get maybe 33, but who knows based on the last 6 weeks?
I think that of all our players last night, Reina was outstanding. He played a near perfect game for a goalkeeper and while the media focussed on what Ibrahimovic and Cruz missed, the plain fact is that Pepe Reina made several great saves to deny the Inter pair and he deserves all the applause he gets this week.
I was a bit *issed with TSN who bought the tv rights for the game and then showed it at 11pm last night. Thanks heavens for Steve Hunter.
Last edited by redfan2000 on March 12th at 8:26 AM.
Do you have any math resources? We are trying to figure out the probability of all four EPL teams missing each other in the UCL QF’s. I come up with 22.6% for all EPL teams to miss each other. 4/7 to miss in the first match drawn, then 3/5 in the second, 2/3 in the third, then the last would be a lock.
Each EPL team has about a 43% chance of being drawn against another EPL team. If two EPL team draw each other there’s a 20% chance the other two will meet, so I guess it’s a 9% chance they’ll be two all EPL QF’s, right?
It’s been a while since I’ve done probability, so I was wondering if there was anything published. On top of conspiracy theories, I am also a big fan of statistics (except goal scoring rate/ratio!)
PS. Maradona should make the list of best freekick takers, and top the list in the inside 25 yds right side and center categories, wall at 10 yds +/- 1 yard, 4-6 man wall, keeper between 6-2 and 6-8.
For the free-taker debate if were taking consistency out of the equation (yes I know that might be the most important factor) then its Ronaldo. Talk about a free kick that when on target is impossible to stop.
Taped the game yesterday and Inter really are snake bitten in Europe. They had a bunch of great chances and possession before Torres put them away and not only couldn't they finish they managed to go a man down in the process. I think a change of coach makes sense for them as they need a shakeup.
Whatever the odds are VVV the last thing I want to see is Arsenal draw another Prem team. Liverpool Chelsea rematch #3 they deserve each other! Barcelona vs Man U! lets see if Fergie can clog up the midfield against a real attacking team and Arsenal Roma! back and forth action. That leaves the two 'weakest' teams against each other which could be pretty exciting also.
First of all I would like to congratulate all the Liverpool fans and VVV (who lives vicariously through you) on Liverpool's CL win over Inter.
I would like to say I am gutted, but the truth of the matter is that I am not. As you all know I have not been a fan of Mancini's ways. And I was actually happy to hear he and the club will part ways.
I am looking forward to see who Moratti will appoint as our next manager. Early rumors obviously point to the Special One. However, other names being thrown are Lippi, Prandelli (manager of Fiorentina) and Benitez.
I don’t think Benitez will leave Liverpool any time soon. Lippi does not have a good relationship with the club.
I also think Ancelotti will be moving on from AC Milan, so he will also be available.
Regardless, I think it will be a choice between Mourinho, Prandelli and Ancelotti. I believe Moratti will first go after Mourinho. If he can’t get him he will then secure either Prandelli or Ancelotti. And even though it would be great to have Mourinho at the club I think Prandelli or Ancelotti would do much more for the club in terms of the big picture such as reestablishing a youth system.
What do you all think? Do any of you know if Mourinho had any impact on setting up a youth system at Porto or Chelsea?
History is there to learn from and yet so often we see history repeat itself. Is ay that because I reckon Mourhinho could well replace Ranieri at the old lady. I cannot see him going to Inter. AC yes but not Inter. If he were to go to Spain Real Madrid is a poison challice to a successful manager, so Barcelona is my pick.
With the likelihood of Rijkaard, Ancelotti, Mancini, Schuster, Ranieri and Mourhino to name but a few who will be looking for a job, (and not forgetting Grant being cut loose and Chelsea on the look out) it looks like a real managerial circus will unfold come the end of May.
Could Schuster go across to Atleti and replace Aguirre? That would be an interesting move! If Real cut him loose he could easily stay in Spain me thinks, but Schalke might also be looking for a coach so maybe he would go there?
Speculation, is and will continue to be rife on all this.
Next up is Reading at home before we go and assault Old Trafford. Can we keep winning I wonder?
Roberto Carlos in his prime was no slouch when it came to free kicks.
Side note: I actually saw R.C. put a member of the wall out of the match when the defender bravely (foolishly)stuck his chest out to stop the ball. The thud was so loud that I think it must have stopped the poor guys heart.
There are Uefa cup games today and were mostly all interested in talking about the game yesterday and the CL draw which I don't even know when it is.
The Uefa cup truly is a 2nd tier cup for the fans of those teams and no one else. I usually tune in for the final as it is a final but it truly takes a clash of some heavy weights to get me interested otherwise. PSV vs Spuds might be the closest thing to that considering PSV are top of the Dutch league but I honestly don't care. Everton Fiorentina is 4 vs 4 but after the first round scoreline my interest is as much as checking the final score maybe the highlights if I remember to tune in tonight nothing more. Wow I didn't even realize that Sporting tied Bolton in the first leg. Maybe I'll try to make a point of getting interested next round.
Bobby at the risk of sounding like some of the other complainers who whine that you didn't answer thier questions. . . you didn't answer my question!!!;-)
So i will post it again.
Do you feel the AC Milan loss in the champions league was a blessing in disguise, because they are too old, and too injury depleted to compete on two fronts, and they should right now just focus on that fourth champions league spot?
why do you think Mourinho would not opt for Inter? I'm pretty sure Moratti will really put his money down to bring in Mourinho. He really wants European glory so he will focus on recruiting someone with CL/UEFA cup experience. So the top three names are Benitez, Ancelotti and Mourinho. I stick by my earlier prediction. 1st choice will be Mourinho. If not, Ancelotti or Prandelli.
if Rijkaard is available, i think he will replace Ancelotti at AC Milan.
I think Mancini is headed to Chelsea.
What would be a shock would be to see Wenger take over Barcelona. I doubt it will happen after all the work he put in at Arsenal, but it would be a great appointment for Barca. Which brings up an interesting question. If Wenger moves on, who do you think would be the next manager at Arsenal? I bet Mourinho would want that job as he thinks there is no pressure to perform...
If Schuster is let go, taking on Atleti would be a nice f$ck u to Real.
RF: "Could Schuster go across to Atleti and replace Aguirre?"
The chances of that happening are slim to none. Schuster can go back to Getafe where he is worshipped...although, now Getafe supporters have warmed up to Laudrup.
Anyway, many names have been tossed around for the Atleti job-- Schuster was not one of them.
I have fond memories of the 1996 Man United-Liverpool FA Cup Final, as it was one of the first English matches I ever saw on television. Games weren't widely available back then, and I watched it every time it was replayed. I thought it was a good match, but I was 13 at the time so maybe today I would have a different opinion.
Also, regarding Arsenal's lack of width over the years, couldn't Ljungberg, Pires and even Wiltord be considered wide midfield players? In their primes, they contributed 10-20 goals a season and set up many more for some title-winning teams.
Verbal.....I forgot all about Maclaren and Big Sam. I reckon Big Sam could wind up at West 'am if Curbs gets the boot.
I cannot see whinger leaving the Arse Ciao. Ranieri likes London as does Jose. I said it once before, 'never say never'.
yes time is a major requirement but i feel something needs to be done. The game is falling apart and a lot of the big matches are becoming unwatchable in the EPL.
Not that you believe in it but i'll try tossing the bone once more - What would you propose? do you agree or disagree that the game is losing it's class?
