Neil

Benfica go ahead, decent news I'd say.

Quite incredible really - Gosling and Distin injured within the first 16 minutes.

Fuck's sake, this could well not finish. Would sum up our luck atm.

Also, I'll wait until how the 2 games in the group are unfolding to blabber on about permutations. Suffice to say, avoid defeat and we're in a very strong position.

11/5 is a ludicrous price. But you have to wonder, there must be a reason they're not clear favourites?

A lot of the time he's horrendous, and shows odd glimpses of talent. That said, he played well on Sunday so I'm prepared to give him a chance. As you say, the striker who's miles ahead of the other 2 at the moment keeps getting knocks. The thing is, it's hard to say whether it's Jo and Yakubu's fault for not playing well - partly it is, but partly they've had awful service. With Pienaar and Bily both now playing hopefully most games together, that should very quickly improve.

Coleman and Hibbert both starting in Greece. Oh man.

Friday, 1715 GMT on BBC2 I think. 17:45 according to article above. How come the they are playing at such shit times though? They should move the two early kick offs one hour later at least, fuck the massive gap between the second and third game. Ah right. That sort of time, anyway. Am I the only one who isn't too unhappy about the kick-off times?

Andy Gray enjoys seeing Adebayor's neck muscles and torso if I remember correctly.

Probably already mentioned but the unbelievably pathetic rule of getting a yellow card for removing your shirt. Never heard of anything so ludicrous.

Friday, 1715 GMT on BBC2 I think.

Could have some legs this - too often do teams go 2 or 3 goals up with a good chunk of the game to go, and just sit on that and slip back into 2nd gear. Getting your money's worth and all that jazz. That said the team in front would argue they can do what they want with that lead and if they think the opposition has goals in them, playing more conservatively would suit them better. Put yourself in the 2-0 situation - if you're 2-0 up, and you're playing a pretty decent side who score regularly, what do you do? Need to recognise the defensive element of the game as well, I guess. In conclusion, I don't know.

Right, I'll leave it after this one, probably because I'll wind myself up more. No-one is saying the FA Cup is going to be a realistic aim to win. No-one is saying you should play your absolutely strongest possible team. BUT, why on earth shouldn't Newcastle United give it a go? As JH has said, it's not like this competition means you're playing every other midweek ffs. Have a bit of ambition man, a good cup run may slightly tire a couple of players but for the love of Peter Beardsley, it would get the city buzzing, give a clear sign to everyone else that NUFC are still alive and kicking and should be taken seriously, and all that sort of stuff. A bit of luck in the draw and who knows? Besides, since when has winning a couple of games been a bad thing? To disregard the FA Cup entirely is nothing short of pathetic in my view.

I actually think it'll be a good game, KD. Pienaar and Bily will both be playing so at last we'll have some craft (it was embarassing seeing Pienaar skip past players on Sunday only to get minimal support) - it's whether our defence can get their heads out of their arses and stay alert, because against the likes of Kranjcar, Lennon and Defoe, my word they'll have to be.

As I've said, I don't get why AEK are 6/4 to beat us tomorrow night.

I like the look of Villa's midfield and attack, the only criticism being a couple of injuries (not bitter at all!) could seriously hamper you, particularly in central midfield. But when everyone's fit, you've got a brilliant set of options: Downing, Milner, Carew, Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey.

Also, according to the bookies, we're just as likely to win as AEK tomorrow. (6-4).

Well, supposed home bankers are going off my train of thought when betting tbh. MK Dons, Dag & Red and now fucking Burton, all erratic as of late and have fucked various bets up.

The 5Live commentators are having a right go at Spurs, virtually labelling them arrogant for "thinking they can come to Old Trafford and get chance after chance".

He's Irish? Damn it.

I knew it was going too well; Burton behind at home.

Villa lead, Milner.

Petrov gives Pompey the lead with a great finish into his own net, but Heskey swiftly equalises.

Portsmouth v Aston Villa Oldham v Leeds Leyton Orient v Gillingham Burton v Accrington Did have Swindon away to Stockport, but it's been called off. £1 pays £16ish; I'd put more on but funds are tight.