Village Idiot

They have been reporting that in our press for a while and our president has alluded to it, understanding that Cesc is willing. I can believe it. Mascherano did it to come here.

That he did, great lob from just outside the box.

Not sure if it will be broadcast in the UK, but Málaga are playing Feyenoord at 14.30 (GMT+1). Cazorla, Buonanotte and Toulalan are all expected to play. Possibly Nistelrooy too (had a slight knock).

Incidentally they got a few of our youth staffers and coaches for that Aspire project, plus they are heavily rumored to be in for Guardiola for their NT after he finishes with Barça.

Well, if they are playing for the U17s they probably have been in the country since they were little so it's sorta ok.

Didn't you attempt to sign him during the January transfer window in the C'ship? So it makes sense the club would go back to him if there's nothing else. Can't see Everton selling though.

Wigan look certs to me. They have barely scraped it these last seasons and with N'Zogbia leaving they are left with almost nothing to carry them.

On fire this pre-season. Wonder if/when he'll break into the national team (Spain or Brazil) set up although I read he favours Spain. Word is that he'll be in the next Spanish squad to get him declared for Spain (which is what he's wanted all along anyway). His brother favors Brazil though.

Not entirely a bad result given the circumstances. We really looked ponderous in our attacking play though, that should improve with Messi/Sánchez. Thiago is on fire, love him. We really should sign a defender, but looks we won't.

That front two have the mobility of an aircraft carrier. Aren't they in for a younger nippy striker?

De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Cleverley; Young, Rooney, Welbeck Valdés; Dos Santos, Busquets, Fontás, Abidal; Keita, Thiago, Iniesta; Pedrito, Villa, Afellay Strongest lineup we are able to field bar Piqué (who's short on fitness). A bit worrisome that we are just two injuries away from doing stuff like playing Jonathan Dos Santos at right back and Busquets at CB.

Preseason friendly. Should be fun. Televised anywhere? Would be nice to see Messi take them apart again. Messi is on holidays, alongside all our Copa América players. I actually fancy ManU to win this.

That's a very even group indeed. Hope Belgium return to a WC myself. Group G looks very even too.

Preseason friendly. Should be fun.

No, they are still up for a playoff spot. IIRC, the results against the worst teams of every group of 6 teams get discarded when comparing all second placed teams, to even it out.

Ah, we got the French, crap.

Pretty decent group for Norway, made the most of their seeding I think.

Start drawing balls FFS

Cliché, but I always loved this tune (and the movie).

I was pondering on Russia, since I want to visit the country eventually. But moving about to go to games looks a bit of a nightmare if they really spread the stadiums (Spain group in Vladivostok!).

Sporting CP linked with Jefrren in the Portuguese press. Haven't they signed 200000000000000 players already this summer? I reckon Jeffren would be great in that league, though.

Fuck's sake, just realized I'll be nearing my 50s when - I hope - FIFA next chose a country I can realistically go to hold a WC in. Ah well, my dad took me to Spain '82 at least, even if I barely remember anything.

Will it be one of those incredibly drawn out FIFA ceremonies?

Got Thai owners. I see, the FFP will do owt for people doing this kind of thing in the lower leagues.

Just watched Leicester's match against Real Madrid (1-2) and they really have a way better squad that they should have right to. Where's the money coming from?