stozo

My picks for tomorow: Leeds Southend Not feeling very adventurous this week.

Exactly!

Agree with everything you said.

We all know Given and Harper are top class shot stoppers, but I don't think either of them can take us back to the level we are aiming for. There is one main reason why they will never be world class goalkeepers and why we have had and still have a lot of defensive problems, this reason is niether control the box. You watch a top, top keeper like Cech, any cross comes in to the box and he will snap it up. By my count 6 from 20 of the goals (30%) we have conceeded in all competitions this season have come from balls in the box which the goalkeeper or defenders have failed to deal with. Now I'm sure some of yuou are thinking how is the GK to blame for poor marking? I'd say he is partially to blame as on every single ball into the box the pressure is on the defender as he knows that no matter what niether Given or Harper is likely to come off their line to deal with it. A great example of this last year is with Cudicini, once Cech got injured Chelsea seemed unable to defend set pieces or crosses, that's no coincidence as Cudicini, like Given, never comes for balls and leaves it up to his defenders. Also just to add to the debate you have to say now is the time to get shot of Given. His groin is clearly fucked as shown by the numerous injuries he has sustained to it since his stomach operation last year. Sadly I don't think he'll ever be able to start games for a full season again.

So what's the criteria for a FA review? Could a fan send in footage of the two-footer and get a review or does it have to be a complaint from within the game itself? I thought it had to be mentioned in the referee's report for the game? The referee saw that and gave nothing so nowt will happen. The referee can not spot it or take no action but then view it retrospectively after the game and mention it in his report that he believes action needs to be taken.

Will be charged by the FA tomorow apparently and if he doesn't appeal he'll be given a 3-game ban.

Just like everyone gives Smith a chance? To be honest for £6m you'd like to something from his first 3 games that would give you hope, so far nothing, only a ridiculous challenge at the end of the first half today. Smith has been doing it for years though tbf. Are you honestly saying Barton looks exactly the same for us as he has for City for the past few years? To be honest I haven't really watched him at City so I'm just going on so far what I've seen of him in black & white.

Just like everyone gives Smith a chance? To be honest for £6m you'd like to something from his first 3 games that would give you hope, so far nothing, only a ridiculous challenge at the end of the first half today.

Apparently not the saviour we all thought he would be. Have to say not been at all impressed with him in the last 3 games.

Fucking Chelsea.

Put £5 on Chelsea to beat Schalke and Leeds to beat Bournemouth. Will return me £18 if I win.

Please tell me that's a joke. Whoooooosh!

You cursed it now! It's 2-2.

I'd argue that pace is a hugely underrated part of the game. Obviously it is not as crucial to a player as skill but think about the 3 best teams in the league, Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea, and they all have pace in their team.

Was thinking the same thing last inght. In a different league to all our other DM's.

they need it looking at theyre past results They're not that bad, if we played our strongest academy side every week we would do very well but most of the better players are playing reserve team football rather than academy games. Exactly. Danquah, Donaldson and LuaLua are all eligible for U18 football still.

No chance that players like Rooney would play as it would clash with the start of the Premiership season.

You have to remember the side will mainly comprise of very inexperienced players as the top players won't be leaving their clubs in the middle of August to play in the Olympics.

Fabregas. Not even a contest in my eyes.

I think if he qualifies for Europe he is definetly safe. I think if he misses Europe he will be in a difficult position and it will depend on a number of circumstances such as FA Cup performance, position in the league, team performances and how his signings have performed.

so says the NOTW. I'd take it with a huge pinch of salt being the NOTW but he would be a vast improvement on Amoebi.

Went for a double on MK Dons and Leeds for tomorow.

Speaking of good value, Villa at 8/5 against Bolton and Watford at 5/4 against Palace could be nice little earners.

We aren't eligible to host a Europeon cup final as we don't have enough hotel rooms in the city.

Don't think we really want to be playing Emre away from home. I'd go with the same team except Barton for Emre and Taylor for Beye.