James

This isn't a pre-match thread, more of a mini-fantasy football competition. The objective is to accurately name the Starting XI plus 7 subs for both Newcastle United and Manchester United next summer, plus the formation, final score, plus the first goalscorer. Deadline is 23:59 on 30th June. Any edited posts after that run the risk of you not being entered if I haven't got you on spreadsheet. I'm locking this thread until I've made the first few posts to explain the rules as well and as clearly as I can.

Yet they haven't denied Newcastle's bid.

It will be results on the pitch that will make or break the kit anyhow.

Babayaro was signed on 1st January iirc. One of the least panicked signing in the last four years.

Fat sam has withdrawn his Blackburn application. Clearly trying to save face. Expect another dose of the Sam Allardyce Promotional Propaganda during his next TV appearance.

Alan Thompson is an Under 16 coach.

Silly for him to leave to be honest. He is only doing as well as he does because of Rooney and Tevez in front of him.

James Milner

I think Croatia have the tournament tied up to be honest.

Portugal are all style, no substance at the end of the day. Only three players, Ronaldo, Deco, Carvalho are currently good enough to be playing at this level. Simao and Bosingwa are complete horseshit.

Find it hard to believe that we'd have an agreement sorted during that dark month.

Don't know if there is a double whoosh going on?

According to the English press........ Purchased more than 2 million euros in Le Havre, Blueberry will commit to 3 years with Newcastle against 6 million, according to the English press. It was a secret polichinelle, midfielder Didier PSG Digard (21 years, 16 Ligue 1 matches this season) left the capital only a year after his arrival. A sum that Paris should not refuse because according to Le Parisien on Tuesday, the leaders of PSG have an envelope that 15 million euros to do their shopping in the market for transfers.

FYP

According to the English press........

Says who?

Ignore the attempt at irony in the final line. What benefit is there from having Taylor and Milner playing so many games for the U21s? For the U21's to qualify for Tournaments and for others around them to learn off their experiences. It benefits the players in questions boosting their responsibility and leadership skills. I think they have sapped all the experience they can get from it in the 50+ caps the pair share, while they both played in the last tournament. Plus allowing them to use their leadership skills is just going to benefit young players from other teams. If they want to practice leadership skills, play for the reserves instead. They'd give much more to their employers by taking a break during the international breaks. Too many youngsters play too many games early in their careers and burn out.

Ignore the attempt at irony in the final line. What benefit is there from having Taylor and Milner playing so many games for the U21s?

No-one has yet revealed why they said yes?

One of the most popular away strips of all time was half purple

I'd prefer it to be a horrible ghastly colour that stood out on the pitch as opposed to the more anonymous light blue or white.

Theo? I'm sure he spent plenty of time looking at Theo Walcott. Besides, it is not like Wenger came running in for a bid for Walcott during a period where interest in a player has suddenly been heightened.

Another thing, I find it hard to believe that Wenger would have waited this long to make a move. He's not the sort to kneejerk over a couple of performances, and would have known how good the player is and stuck a bid in before yesterday, much like we are supposed to.

Really? I think he is absolutely what Wenger would be looking for, great on the ball sees and delivers a great pass and weighs in with a fair amount of goals. I can see him slotting right in with Arsenal replacing Hleb who looks like he is on his way. A little old and expensive in my opinion.