So I figure rather than cluttering up prediction threads and transfer threads we could talk in here about our thoughts and opinions for the upccoming season.
Straight away I'm looking at Kirk's prediction of Villa going down rock bottom and thinking that's not a bad shout, they have declined rapidly each season for a few years now. Are they a team that just refuses to spend now or hasn't got the funds to keep up? Either way they've got a very thin squad.
Randy Lerner has clearly had enough and is refusing to invest any more money in a project he's lost all interest in. If they don't find a buyer (which they won't unless he makes them more attractive) then they are in big trouble. Their players are just not good enough.
A lot of predictions saying that Forest will go up. I've been backing Forest for for promotion for so long that I've come to the conclusion that they are cursed and it's never going to happen.
Benteke could carry them thought, hes a unreal player
LOL
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/07/29/article-2709325-20189A9A00000578-471_634x412.jpg)
We've signed Hangeland on a free. MDK, is he still a good player?
I posted in the transfer thread before seeing this. Brede lost most of his ability after his back surgery a couple of years ago. Genuinely don't think he'll add to your back four as he's looked scared of the ball in recent games. He left on bad terms in a bid to get away... Palace might get something out of him and if you do, you'll be fine. Who else do you have at cb?
Quote from: M.D.K. on August 02, 2014, 01:47:16 PM
I posted in the transfer thread before seeing this. Brede lost most of his ability after his back surgery a couple of years ago. Genuinely don't think he'll add to your back four as he's looked scared of the ball in recent games. He left on bad terms in a bid to get away... Palace might get something out of him and if you do, you'll be fine. Who else do you have at cb?
We've got Scott Dann who was fantastic when he joined from Blackburn, Peter Ramage and Damien Delaney were our two who got us promoted and Delaney was fairly good last season, former club captain Paddy McCarthy but he's played 1 game in 2 years because of injury, not sure why we've still got him to be honest and youngster Ryan Inniss who isn't far from breaking into the first team
Has Gabbidon gone?
Yeah he was released. He was only okay for us, getting on a bit
The news about Zaha is annoying. I never really rated him (being good in the Championship does not mean you will be good in the Premier League. Just look at Ebanks-Blake at Wolves for a clear example of that) and thought he was hugely over priced when we bought him, but I think he would have been given more of a chance under Fergie. His time at Cardiff showed he wasn't good enough, though.
You're wrong Zaha is excellent, I'd take him back in a heartbeat. He has the potential to be better than Sterling, Wakcott and Chamberlain
Quote from: Rob on August 03, 2014, 01:20:46 PM
You're wrong Zaha is excellent, I'd take him back in a heartbeat. He has the potential to be better than Sterling, Wakcott and Chamberlain
Disagree. They were better and more productive than he is at his age. He's ok but I can't see him ever being a world beater.
He would be if he hadn't wasted a season there. But there is still hope for me. If he comes back he might still reach that potential, he was far better than all three with his all round game. Two of those just knew his to run, this lad was running rings around Man United 3 years ago, albeit Snalling, Jones and Fabio
Only time will tell, but running rings around Smalling, Jones and Fabio is not something that is exclusive to world-class players.
What was QPR's downfall last time?
Quote from: Rob on August 06, 2014, 06:36:47 PM
What was QPR's downfall last time?
Hiring a bunch of overpaid mercenaries that failed to perform and obviously didn't care whether they went down or not.
A trap they so far seem to have avoided. Caulker and Mutch could be decent signings, Isla on loan from Juventus is a great signing - I always thought that he would go somewhere bigger if/when he left Juve - and Ferdinand will give good experience even if he doesn't have the pace anymore. Julio Cesar is back but I'm not sure he'll be happy playing second fiddle behind Robert Green. The only question mark is Remy - hasn't been able to find a move and not sure if he wants to be there.
Yeah, big fan of QPR's moves, just think they need to figure out the Remy situation. If he stays, they stay up IMO.
They could go one way or another... Personally I think they're spending a lot of money to add to a squad that's already got a lot of depth.
Yes, they're spending a lot of money but they've got a lot of money. The guys they're bringing in are better than the ones they already have. Just look at how much they struggled to get promoted last season. That squad needed a few quality additions and I think Harry's done well to bring them in (while resisting Joe Cole).
Mutch and Caulker are strong signings and have shown a difference in approach this time around, they're both young players who performed well in a struggling team last season. They are exactly the players they need. Isla, I'm not so sure about, he's obviously a talented player but that doesn't always = performances. I'm surprised they aren't pushing on someone like Micah Richards, seems like a Redknapp signing if there ever were one.
If Arsenal played like they did today they will be a good side this season (I went to Wembley on a corporate day). Alexis looks a handful and they look sorted at the back. If Giroud is fit then they have a great link striker for their midfielders.
However when its all said and done psychology wins and so does Man Utd.
Pulis has basically left Palace.
Annnnnnnnd we're relegated.
So I understand it's to do with transfers. Basically, they got into an argument at training earlier today to do with Pulis not being happy about his transfer targets failing. Namely Caulker, Michu and Sigurdsson all of whom we had bids accepted. Parish called his bluff and gave him an ultimatum, Pulis took it and left. A press conference is called for 3pm tomorrow. Perhaps to do with Zaha re-joining the club and Pulis not keen on the move. All conjecture at this point.
Either way big mistake for both sides but I can't be mad at the owners for saving the club, even if it is absolutely ridiculous getting rid of Pulis like this.
Malky Mackay odds on favourite already to join with Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle, David Moyes and Neil Lennon all being mentioned too by bookies.
Mackay would do be a good shout. Crazy how quick that happened, but from what I know of his time at Stoke, he likes to be the man running the show and in control. Pulis has been working under that system for quite a while though, so to just up and walk away. Crazy.
Quote from: Rob on August 14, 2014, 02:46:52 PM
Pulis has basically left Palace.
Annnnnnnnd we're relegated.
Didnt see that one coming! Shades of O'neill walking out in Villa 3 years ago 5 days before the season started here!
You'll probably get Martin Jol...
please be this guy.
(http://i.imgur.com/cxjFlOa.jpg)
Quote from: Rob on August 14, 2014, 02:46:52 PM
Pulis has basically left Palace.
Annnnnnnnd we're relegated.
Because of what happened, I think your team needs someone with a dramatic flare...like this guy...
(http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/789/332/dab.gif)
What are Ud playing at? The season kicks off today and Utd are going to be playing their youth team in defence. They've sold 4 defenders and bought 1 (unfit) one to replace them. The only 3 first team center backs in the team are all injury prone (as they are proving already) and not up to the required standard. Is this because LvG can't make up his mind about the squad or because Ed Woodward is a compltetly useless embarassment of a man? I was bullish about Utd's chances earlier in the summer, but they'll do well to finish 7th again with one of the worst defences in the league.
Sorry Rob, your boys deserved a share of the spoils.
Not disappointed with that, you didn't play great. We defended well and played alright all things considered. I like our back 4 this season. A bit more discipline at set-pieces which we only conceded 1 of under Pulis and we'll be a good side. I do want a few more players in though.
At least Ramsey for us is continuing to be a star. Arguably the best homegrown prem player playing right now.
Why were Spurs playing a reserve team against West Ham? It totally screwed up my fantasy team.
Quote from: Kirk on August 16, 2014, 09:33:41 PM
Why were Spurs playing a reserve team against West Ham? It totally screwed up my fantasy team.
Wouldn't have really said that was a reserve team
Rose, Kaboul, Naughton, Capoue, Bentelab and Kane on as a sub instead of Davies, Vertonghen, Chiriches, Walker, Dembele, Paulinho and Soldado. It's not a full reserve team but it's one you'd expect to see in one of the cups rather than in the first game of the season. I don't remember seeing anything about anyone (other than Walker) being injured. I'd even expect Soldado to start ahead of the two center midfielders they played.
Soldado never hit it off last year, not suited to the EPL.
Vertonghen I thought was still injured.
however, new manager, new eyes. Rose and Kaboul I have always seen as starters. Paulinho is the only one I was surprised at not even being on the bench.
And just to kick off the season... FUCK yeah!!!! Villa won!!! I have never seen sky sports score center use 'defended superbly' when describing villa in the past few seasons!
Dier looked very good, dropepd Davies for him....very clinical finish from a center half too
It is likely that the majority of them are not fully fit yet, half of them were at the world cup or suffered injuries at the back end of last season. They guys played were regular starters at the end of last season as well. And they won.
Interesting start to the season, looking forward to tomorrow night, can't help feeling pessimistic but I'm hoping for us to look competitive at least.
Chelsea are going to be incredibly difficult to beat this season....Fabregas's pass on that second Chelsea goal was unbelievable.
Chelsea were immense. I don't think Burnley will be able to avoid the drop which I'd quite like to be honest, even if they are competition with us.
As for us, looks like Malky Mackay is the new manager but Tim Sherwood still mentioned and Martin Jol scarily was mentioned. ESPN UK and Ladbrokes are confirming it's Mackay though. Speaking of which, BetFair are giving 25/1 odds on the next manager to leave their club being "The Next CPFC Manager"
Tough night, from the elation of going ahead to the reality of the following twenty minutes or so. We just couldn't cope with them when they went to that next level. It will be interesting to see how we fare against more level competition. Of course, with Swansea and Manchester United as our next two games, we could already be lagging behind. Long season though and I'm not going to get downbeat about losing a decent game to Chelsea. Fabregas, Matic and Hazard... that is a midfield that is going to cause some problems this season!
Quote from: Flins. on August 19, 2014, 11:15:32 AM
Tough night, from the elation of going ahead to the reality of the following twenty minutes or so. We just couldn't cope with them when they went to that next level. It will be interesting to see how we fare against more level competition. Of course, with Swansea and Manchester United as our next two games, we could already be lagging behind. Long season though and I'm not going to get downbeat about losing a decent game to Chelsea. Fabregas, Matic and Hazard... that is a midfield that is going to cause some problems this season!
Better teams will lose by a lot more than that so don't be too down-heartened. Chelsea probably have the best attack in the division
Well... 4 defeats in a row and I hate this season already. I don't think Felix is the man. We need experience so he brings in a 19 year old from boca juniors....
I think I need to change my predictions
Quote from: M.D.K. on August 24, 2014, 03:47:45 AM
Well... 4 defeats in a row and I hate this season already. I don't think Felix is the man. We need experience so he brings in a 19 year old from boca juniors....
From having far too much experience to needing more. That club is a mess. Should never have taken down the MJ statue.
anyone happen to catch Everton/Arsenal yesterday? Was at work, some non-bias cliffnotes would be appreciated.
Everton were great in the first half. Attacked with pace and intelligence. Arsenal were toothless while they tried to play their false 9 formation but got hold of the game in the second half when Giroud was brought on. He made the difference by providing the team with someone to aim at up front and allowing Arsenal to be more direct. Overall, I'd say Everton deserved the 3 points.
Quote from: Kirk on August 24, 2014, 08:21:48 PM
Everton were great in the first half. Attacked with pace and intelligence. Arsenal were toothless while they tried to play their false 9 formation but got hold of the game in the second half when Giroud was brought on. He made the difference by providing the team with someone to aim at up front and allowing Arsenal to be more direct. Overall, I'd say Everton deserved the 3 points.
Did Arsenal still look like they need a legit holding midfielder to pose a threat to the title this season?
Yeah. A legitimate backup for Giroud is essential as well. Arsenal aren't winning the league this season.
Neil Warnock's Red and Blue Army.
Sounds familiar.
Are bookies going to stop accepting bets that Palace are going down now? I'm so sorry Rob.
I think we're going to stay up
Warnock is an expert in managing relegation fodder
Warnock is a good manager. After 2 seasons of selling our best players for nothing and buying nobody, he had us in 6th position before we had points deducted and we went into administration. He left amicably and in such a way that it wouldn't cost the club anymore money which is admirable considering we're talking about football here.
Leeds are a poorly run club, like we were before the new board took over (during this manager debacle too). No manager will ever succeed there when the team is run like they are. And he should never have been fired from QPR. He's got unfinished business with us so I'm happy to have him back. I would've been happier with Roberto Di Matteo or Neil Lennon, he is a much better appointment than Mancini (who has lost every changing room he's ever had), Sherwood (who slipped a few extra fingers in Tottenham's arsehole after AVB was done butt fucking them) and Dougie Freedman.
Score predictions for Chelsea vs Man City? I think if Costa plays then Chelsea will win 3-1. If he doesn't, gotta give the edge to City, possibly 2-1. Chelsea looked lost without him in midweek and it's hardly surprising. They've got a lot of players than can make chances but he's virtually the only one that can net them on a prolific basis.
Remy has has shown over the last couple of seasons that he knows where the goal is as well. I think they are much better off up front than they were last season. I still don't see a high scoring game, though. 1-0 Chelsea.
Finally Fulham have turned a corner. 6 games unbeaten. It's getting better.
Qpr proving that man City are not a force to fear in the league this season. I genuinely can't see chelsea being caught. Palace were very unlucky today and hooray for burnley getting a win today
Wenger needs to go.
I don't thonk you'll find too many people who will argue about that anymore.
Why do Spurs always try to attack the big teams? They will keep getting battered until they learn to play for the draw. They didn't play too badly, but they were asking for it by attacking Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and they do that every time. Chelsea don't even attack the other big teams and they're the best team in the league.
I don't know mate, they are weak defensively. They were even lucky against us because our potency up front is off the mark this season and Hugo Lloris is a fantastic keeper at times. I mean Fazio and Dier? Come on...
Quote from: Rob on December 09, 2014, 07:08:59 PM
I don't know mate, they are weak defensively. They were even lucky against us because our potency up front is off the mark this season and Hugo Lloris is a fantastic keeper at times. I mean Fazio and Dier? Come on...
Dier for the most part has been pretty good this season all things considered.
As bad as their defence is (it is truly awful) it doesn't help that Pocettino seems to draw names out of a hat before each game instead picking a settled back four. I didn't rate him at Southampton and I think he's done a pretty poor job at Spurs so far. They've regressed so far since selling Bale that it'll take years and a complete overhaul before they will be challenging again.
On a separate note, are Utd trying to see just how badly they can play and still win a game?
Just look at Southampton now after selling a load of brilliant players with Koeman, they've had a difficult few weeks and lost a few games but generally they're playing better football. I think if Lambert was partnering Pelle and they still had Lallana pulling the strings in attack with Lovren at the back, they'd be a lot stronger against better teams.
I dunno, Lovren has been pretty poor since joining Liverpool. Alderweireld has proved to be a lot better.
Forster > Buric as well, and as seen v/s Man City....Morgan Schneiderlin is immense to any success they have. I hope Wenger makes a move in a feeble attempt to save his job in the eyes of the majority.
Over the last two seasons, Utd have spent a ridiculous amount of money on some of the most expensive attacking players available and yet Van Gaal insists on playing them all out of position (or not at all) and hoofing it to the big man. If that sort of stone age football is his idea of tactics, I'm starting to think I'd rather have Tim Sherwood*. Van Gaal would get more out of the players if he just played them in their proper positions and told the to "fackin' run around a bit."
*Obviously I don't want Tim Sherwood, but at least he wouldn't shackle the team the way they're being now.
As a spurs fan, whenever the hype train gets rolling I get an eerie sense of deja vu...
We've looked more committed lately but that needs to translate into consistency. Poch has got people on the same page it seems like, but he's gonna need time to stamp his mark on the team.
Kind of crazy that of all the money we spent a couple years ago, three or four of our current best performers are guys from our academy.
I wasn't impressed with Poch at all in the first half of the season, but it seems his methods just take a while to produce results. Spurs are looking good now, but they're still Spurs so I'd expect a collapse at some point before the end of the season. It would be good to see them finally finish ahead of Arsenal, though.
Sad but true.
Kane is on fire [/zing], thats what changed.
:'(
Man, the Prem table must make for some pretty damn satisfying reading to Alan Pardew right now...
It does but we've lost 2 games in a row which we could've won. We should be higher than this
It's still nice to be above Pulis tho.
Sunderland to survive with Newcastle going down? That would be pretty damn funny, unless you are a Geordie.
Quote from: Kirk on February 08, 2015, 08:06:16 PM
It would be good to see them finally finish ahead of Arsenal, though.
No it wouldn't. Nope. Never.
They're still getting a spanking for getting all cocky when they were a few points ahead of us a couple of seasons ago. And after they beat us this season. That worked out well for them!
Haha Spurs.
Boring Boring Chelsea.
Arsenal have come on strong, Coq has been the closest thing to Vieira we've had in a LONG time
Odds Depay ends up playing wing back next season?
Steven Gerrard's nightmares are red and blue.