Official Essendon EPL Thread

[Merv]

The last thread reached the cut off limit of 1000 posts.

Of course it will be mainly talk of Liverpool as we take our rightful place as the powerhouse of English soccer :D

[eth-dog]

yeah, nah. Man U to kickstart the new season and go Undefeted in the campaign :D. starters:
------------------Van Der Sar-----------------
Neville-----------Vidic-----Ferdinand-------Evra
Ronaldo--------Scholes---Hargreaves-----Giggs
---------------Rooney----Tevez--------------

Bench: Kuzchack(spelling), Brown(HACK!), Ando, Nani, Saha. Brown the bloody hack will get a game ahead Pique, Park will come onto the bench when Ronaldo leaves for Madrid with Nani going to RM and Saha is on his last legs unfortunately.

[Ben the Gooner]

yeah, nah. Man U to kickstart the new season and go Undefeted in the campaign :D. starters:
------------------Van Der Sar-----------------
Neville-----------Vidic-----Ferdinand-------Evra
Ronaldo--------Scholes---Hargreaves-----Giggs
---------------Rooney----Tevez--------------

Bench: Kuzchack(spelling), Brown(HACK!), Ando, Nani, Saha. Brown the bloody hack will get a game ahead Pique, Park will come onto the bench when Ronaldo leaves for Madrid with Nani going to RM and Saha is on his last legs unfortunately.

Especially since he's gone to Barca;)

[Bombers42]

ManU will struggle without Ronaldo...Go Gunners!

[loopy_cam]

Possible Lineup for Liverpool.

----------Reina-----------
------Carra---Agger------
Arbeloa-----------Dossena
-----Monster-Masch-------

Babel-----Gerrard----Barry
------Torres---Keane-----

Looking good IMO.

[The Dustbin]

Possible Lineup for Liverpool.

----------Reina-----------
------Carra---Agger------
Arbeloa-----------Dossena
-----Monster-Masch-------

Babel-----Gerrard----Barry
------Torres---Keane-----

Looking good IMO.

That team looks good. I'm worried about our RB position, which on paper is a bit of a weakness.
Arbeloa is just ok, doesn't offer that much going forward and Degen is a bit of unknown. I'd be tempted to put Carra in as RB and Skrtel in as a CB.

Keane and Torres are going to be a deadly combination. :D

[loopy_cam]

That team looks good. I'm worried about our RB position, which on paper is a bit of a weakness.
Arbeloa is just ok, doesn't offer that much going forward and Degen is a bit of unknown. I'd be tempted to put Carra in as RB and Skrtel in as a CB.

Keane and Torres are going to be a deadly combination. :D

Agree. If we sign Barry and a quality right-back I'll be very happy.

Keane and Torres > Rooney and Tevez > Adebayor and Van Persie > Drogba and ...:o

[The Dustbin]

MARTIN O’NEILL has dramatically admitted defeat in his attempt to keep Gareth Barry.

The Aston Villa boss has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown just days after announcing that his captain and prized asset was going nowhere.

The Midlands club set a 5pm deadline on Wednesday for Liverpool to confirm they could meet O’Neill’s £18million asking price for Barry.

But Villa gave up any hope of keeping the England international when his agent Alex Black revealed the next morning he still expected Liverpool to do the deal.

O’Neill said: “It’s now as clear as daylight that Gareth will go. We felt we had this agreement yet when that deadline passed it didn’t seem to exist.
Saga

“The following morning Gareth and his agent came in to say they still felt Liverpool could do the deal.

“I gave it some thought and realised there is little point in pretending. Gareth wants to join Liverpool, therefore there will be no deadline.”

O’Neill has been fighting to keep Barry all summer and said he would only leave if Rafa Benitez could find the £18m fee. And the Villa boss could not resist one final dig at the Reds as the saga finally looked to be reaching an end.

He said: “Liverpool have all the time in the world to raise the money.

“They have been able to find money for another player who wasn’t in their thoughts four months ago.

“So that’s it. It is up to Liverpool, Gareth and his agent now.

“The ball is firmly in Liverpool’s court. I’ve got to get on with things and go and manage a football club.”

Barry was named in the squad for yesterday's friendly at Reading but was left on the bench.


http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/08/oneill-gives-up.html

O'Neill has done a massive back flip. Looks like Gareth will eventually find himself at Anfield. :thumbsu::)

[azza_24]

Agree. If we sign Barry and a quality right-back I'll be very happy.

Keane and Torres > Rooney and Tevez > Adebayor and Van Persie > Drogba and ...:o

Drogba and Anelka. >> The Rest. :p

[eth-dog]

Agree. If we sign Barry and a quality right-back I'll be very happy.

Keane and Torres > Rooney and Tevez > Adebayor and Van Persie > Drogba and ...:o
Rooney and Tevez=Keane and Torres>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>all

[loopy_cam]

Predicted Tables for the season anyone?

Here's mine.

1. Liverpool :D
2. Man U
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
5. Everton
6. Tottenham
7. Portsmouth
8. Blackburn
9. Sunderland
10. Man City
11. Aston Villa
12. Newcastle
13. West Ham
14. Middlesborough
15. Wigan
16. Stoke
17. Fulham
18. Bolton
19. Hull
20. West Brom

Veeeeeery speculative.

[EVERLAST]

TAB Sports bet are offering $500K to predict the EPL ladder. Get on!

[EVERLAST]

Agree. If we sign Barry and a quality right-back I'll be very happy.

Keane and Torres > Rooney and Tevez > Adebayor and Van Persie > Drogba and ...:o

No guarantees we'll get Barry though - we need to better our offer - and the deal is no closer to being agreed on.

[danzan22]

http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/08/oneill-gives-up.html

O'Neill has done a massive back flip. Looks like Gareth will eventually find himself at Anfield. :thumbsu::)
I would rather we kept alonso, just as good if not better than Barry.

[dirtywhitepacker]

Predicted Ladder:

1. Man Utd
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal

5. Tottenham
6. Everton
7. Portsmouth
8. Man City
9. Aston Villa
10. Newcastle
11. Blackburn
12. Sunderland
13. West Ham
14. Fulham
15. Bolton
16. West Brom
17. Wigan

18. Middlesborough
19. Hull
20. Stoke

[Ben the Gooner]

Naturally, done with a fair chunk of bias, but I picked the top 4 in order, and was decent with the rest of it last season. So:

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool
5. Everton
6. Manchester City
7. Aston Villa
8. Portsmouth
9. Blackburn Rovers
10. West Ham United
11. Newcastle United
12. Tottenham Hotspur
13. Sunderland
14. Wigan
15. West Bromwich Albion
16. Middlesbrough
17. Bolton Wanderers
18. Fulham
19. Hull City
20. Stoke City

Let's hope so, anyway:D

[eth-dog]

1. Man U
2. Gunners
3. Chelski
4. Everton
5. Liverpool
6. Pompey
7. Aston Villa
8. Man City
9. Blackburn Rovers
10. West Ham United
11. Newcastle United
12. Tottenham Hotspur
13. Sunderland
14. Middlesborough
15. WBA
16. Fulham
17. Bolton Wanderers
18. Wigan
19. Hull City
20. Stoke City

[dirtywhitepacker]

The last two have Spurs at 12? Keen... I reckon they'll have a big crack this year...

[loopy_cam]

I would rather we kept alonso, just as good if not better than Barry.

Alonso was very good against Glasgow on the weekend. Back to his best.

Plaing Valarenga tonight. Hoping for a rout.

Arsenal won a friendly 10-2. :eek: Bendtner with 4(I think). :eek::eek::eek:

[Ben the Gooner]

The last two have Spurs at 12? Keen... I reckon they'll have a big crack this year...

The word I bolded is the answer.

They've lost all of their goals in Keane, Defoe and Berbatov to leave. They'll struggle.

Players like Arshavin and Modric are signing for Sp*rs because no-one else wants them.

[The Dustbin]

Arsenal won a friendly 10-2. :eek: Bendtner with 4(I think). :eek::eek::eek:

Crikey. I better do a transfer in my fantasy league team and get the boy in. He's hot. :D

:p:cool:

[Ben the Gooner]

We were playing a pub team.

Bendtner scored 4, Vela 3, Wilshere (watch that name in a few years' time) 2.

Although, Bendtner, despite not being a starter this season, should improve his output. I have very high hopes for the lad, and he's one of my favourites.

If he gets enough opportunities, look for 8-15 goals in all comps.

[The Dustbin]

Some pretty good goals in that lot. Bendter scored an absolute screamer...

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[ari18]

Is there an Essendon Fantasy Premier Dream team League?

[The Dustbin]

Is there an Essendon Fantasy Premier Dream team League?

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470891

[dirtywhitepacker]

The word I bolded is the answer.

They've lost all of their goals in Keane, Defoe and Berbatov to leave. They'll struggle.

Players like Arshavin and Modric are signing for Sp*rs because no-one else wants them.

I don't think Berbatov will end up leaving. Spurs don't want him to go, and after losing Keane, will fight to keep his services very hard.

Modric is a very important signing, a gun player who I suspect will do some great things in the Premier League this season. Curse me on this all you want, but let's just wait and see what he has to offer...

[The Dustbin]

How's Gareth going?

[loopy_cam]

Liverpool are expected to raise £18m to buy Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry by the end of the week. (The Mirror)

[loopy_cam]

Liverpool fans have been voted the most attractive in football with Portsmouth's blue army taking the dubious honour of worst looking. (The Mirror)

Also good to know. :D

[The Dustbin]

Liverpool cruised past Valerenga 4-1 in their recent friendly, played in Oslo. Alonso and Yossi both scored crackers. :D

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[dirtywhitepacker]

How's Gareth going?

He's still a Villian for now... Time will tell...

[Ben the Gooner]

I don't think Berbatov will end up leaving. Spurs don't want him to go, and after losing Keane, will fight to keep his services very hard.

Modric is a very important signing, a gun player who I suspect will do some great things in the Premier League this season. Curse me on this all you want, but let's just wait and see what he has to offer...

Darren Bent. Younes Kaboul. These players were being talked up the same way, and look at them. I can't see them doing much. Fingers crossed, anyway:D

[red+black]

Of course it will be mainly talk of Liverpool
I wonder why that is. Surely the majority of posters on here are half a generation younger than I, and as such, haven't been used to Liverpool success, at least in the league. I follow Liverpool because they were the best team in the late 70s to early to mid 80s.

Hope we're still in it by Christmas :o

[The Dustbin]

EPL preview by Mark Lawrenson (BBC).

ARSENAL

Nickname: The Gunners
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Capacity: 60,000
Position last season: Third
Manager: Arsene Wenger (September 1996)

Lawro's verdict: The Gunners look a little short of quality to me and I think they might slip from third to fourth this season.

There have been a couple of high profile departures from the club in Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini. New signing Samir Nasri looks like a scaled down version of Hleb and I'm a bit worried about Emmanuel Adebayor, who I think did want to leave over the summer.

We don't know for sure when Eduardo will be back and although I like the look of youngster Jack Wilshire I think this year might be a little too early for him. It must be a big season for Theo Walcott.

KEY MAN: Cesc Fabregas. A fabulous player who must score plenty of goals from midfield.



ASTON VILLA

Nickname: The Villans
Ground: Villa Park
Capacity: 42,593
Last season: Sixth
Manager: Martin O'Neill (August 2006)

Lawro's verdict: Villa finished sixth last season and I don't see why they cannot do as well this time around.

They have signed defender Carlos Cuellar from Rangers. I saw him play several times last season and he was outstanding.

Manager Martin O'Neill has built a fantastic team spirit and I imagine the dressing room at Villa is a fantastic place to be. If O'Neill sells Gareth Barry to Liverpool for £18m I think it will be one of the sales of the century.

KEY MAN: Steve Sidwell. He did not play much at Chelsea but if Barry does leave the club he will have the responsibility to hold it together in the middle of midfield.


BLACKBURN ROVERS

Nickname: Rovers
Ground: Ewood Park
Capacity: 31,367
Last season: Seventh
Manager: Paul Ince (June 2008)

Lawro's verdict: Paul Ince has a difficult job replacing Mark Hughes. Part of the problem for the new manager is that he is going to have to learn match after match at Premier League level.

I think goalkeeper Paul Robinson is a good signing but Rovers are a club that have punched above their weight and I think this could be a tough season for them. I would not be surprised if they finished lower mid-table.

KEY MAN: Roque Santa Cruz. He is vitally important for them and if he moves on it will leave a massive hole.

BOLTON WANDERERS

Nickname: Trotters
Ground: Reebok Stadium
Capacity: 27,879
Last season: 16th
Manager: Gary Megson (October 2007)

Lawro's verdict: I think Bolton will have a better season than last year. They did really well to stay up after losing Nicolas Anelka to Chelsea in January. I think they will finish in or around the bottom six. I expect them to be dour and doughty and a bit more difficult to play against than they were last year.

KEY MAN: Striker Johan Elmander, though Gary Megson runs him close as he is a manager who knows the division and is in his first full season in charge at the club.


CHELSEA

Nickname: Blues
Ground: Stamford Bridge
Capacity: 42,449
Last season: 2nd
Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari (July 2008)

Lawro's verdict: I think Chelsea will finish as champions. Under new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari they will play attacking football. The Brazilian will quickly realise that having players such as Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien available gives him the ability to make more aggressive selections in other areas of the pitch.

As we saw last season, when Chelsea got everyone fit they pushed Manchester United all the way for the title. I would not be surprised if Didier Drogba remains at the club and Scolari will have great competition in all areas.

KEY MAN: Goalkeeper Petr Cech. If he plays all Chelsea's games I think they will win the league. He was not at his best last season but I think he will be back with a bang.

EVERTON

Nickname: Toffees
Ground: Goodison Park
Capacity: 40,170
Last season: Fifth
Manager: David Moyes (March 2002)

Lawro's verdict: David Moyes has done a fantastic job at Everton over the years. If you take into account how he has had to juggle finances and personnel he is as good a manager as anybody in the league.

However, I think that if Everton finish in the top 10 this coming season they will have done very well. As yet nothing has happened in terms of new arrivals and that is a bit of a worry, while the likes of Andy Johnson and Lee Carsley have left. There is also the concern about the move to a new stadium, which will run and run.

KEY MAN: Mikel Arteta.


FULHAM

Nickname: Cottagers
Ground: Craven Cottage
Capacity: 26,000
Last season: 17th
Manager: Roy Hodgson (December 2007)

Lawro's verdict: Roy Hodgson did a sensational job to keep Fulham in the Premier League last season. I remember the day they were 2-0 down at Manchester City and came back to win 3-2 - it was a result that gave them the sense of belief from which they really kicked on.

Hodgson is a wily old fox, who does not get too excited by victory or downcast in defeat. He is a planner who has improved his squad over the summer. I think they will struggle in some areas but overall I think they will finish top of the bottom six.

KEY MAN: Andy Johnson. Stating the obvious but if he scores his share of goals Fulham will be fine.


HULL

Nickname: Tigers
Ground: KC Stadium
Capacity: 25,404
Last season: Promoted (Championship play-off winners)
Manager: Phil Brown (December 2006)

Lawro's verdict: The problem for Hull is balancing their need to strengthen in all areas with the amount of money they spend in trying to do that.

It will be very tough this season but Phil Brown knows about the Premier League from his time as assistant to Sam Allardyce at Bolton, while assistant Brian Horton is a vastly experienced manager. I have no doubt that they will ensure Hull are organised and play with great endeavour and commitment but what they will lack is quality. If they can finish fourth from bottom it will be a magnificent achievement but I think they will finish in the bottom three.

KEY MAN: Boaz Myhill. The goalkeeper is highly rated and he will be very busy, but if he is in good form it might just make the difference for the Tigers.

LIVERPOOL

Nickname: Reds
Ground: Anfield
Capacity: 45,362
Last season: Fourth
Manager: Rafael Benitez (June 2004)

Lawro's verdict: I think Liverpool will improve on last season by one position and finish third.

Robbie Keane is a very good signing but I am worried already by manager Rafa Benitez saying that he can play on the right or left of midfield. I'm sorry Rafa, but I think Keane has to play either just behind or alongside Fernando Torres. When Keane is playing well he is a cheeky chappie who is very inventive in the penalty area but if you stick him out wide you will lose that.

Liverpool look a bit light down the left, particularly in an attacking sense. I would not sign Gareth Barry for £18m, instead I would look for a left sided player. However, Liverpool do have a very solid backbone with the likes of Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard.

KEY MAN: Steven Gerrard. A massively obvious choice but clearly correct. He is Mr Liverpool.

MANCHESTER CITY

Nickname: Blues
Ground: City of Manchester Stadium
Capacity: 48,000
Last season: Ninth
Manager: Mark Hughes (June 2008)

Lawro's verdict: Mark Hughes is a very good manager with some excellent players and if they go into the season with what they have now I think they will finish in the top half.

But there are lots of distractions at Manchester City, the biggest of which surrounds the owner Thaksin Shinawatra. It now turns out that he might be subjected to a fit and proper person test. Who knows what will happen regarding his involvement at the club? Will players be sold? Is there money to spend? It might even be that Hughes will walk away from City.

KEY MAN: Thaksin Shinawatra. What happens at City all stems from what happens to him.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Nickname: Red Devils
Ground: Old Trafford
Capacity: 76,000
Last season: Champions
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (November 1986)

Lawro's verdict: Man Utd play outstanding football and commit players forward. In Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand they have an outstanding defensive partnership and I think they may be better than they were last season. However, I think Chelsea might just have the edge.

I have my doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo. Is there a part of him that still wants to move to Real Madrid? If there is then he will not be the same player for United that he was last season.

KEY MAN: Wayne Rooney. I think it will be a big season for him.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Nickname: Boro
Ground: Riverside Stadium
Capacity: 35,049
Last season: 13th
Manager: Gareth Southgate (June 2006)

Lawro's verdict: Gareth Southgate did a good job last season, improving as he gained in experience. He is slowly assembling his own team and I think there is plenty of goals in the squad he has. I think that Boro should be aiming for at least half way in the Premier League table.

Boro's only problem in many ways is that their supporters can be a little apathetic. It is up to the players to win them over.

KEY MAN: Afonso Alves. I think that he has got what it takes.


NEWCASTLE

Nickname: Magpies
Ground: St James' Park
Capacity: 52,193
Last season: 12th
Manager: Kevin Keegan (January 2008)

Lawro's verdict: I am worried already for Kevin Keegan. I don't think he is in control of who is coming in and I don't think that you can run your football club that way. I reckon that the Keegan of a few years ago would not be there by now.

I really hope they have a good season and that Kevin stays but I would not be surprised if he left. He is keeping his head down and not saying anything at the moment but there will come a time when it all kicks off. I think they will be in the bunch that will finish in mid-table.

KEY MAN: Michael Owen. Fit and scoring - the Magpies finish top half, if he isn't then they won't.

PORTSMOUTH

Nickname: Pompey
Ground: Fratton Park
Capacity: 20,200
Last season: Eighth
Manager: Harry Redknapp (December 2005)

Lawro's verdict: Portsmouth won the FA Cup last season and finished eighth in the Premier League. They have since strengthened over the summer and I think they could slightly improve their league placing.

New signing Younes Kaboul will learn off Sol Campbell and Peter Crouch gives them another dimension in attack.

KEY MAN: Jermain Defoe. If he keeps scoring then who is to say what they can achieve...

STOKE

Nickname: Potters
Ground: Britannia Stadium
Capacity: 28,384
Last season: Promoted (second in the Championship)
Manager: Tony Pulis (June 2006)

Lawro's verdict: Dave Kitson is a really good signing who works his socks off and scores his fair share of goals. Seyi George Olofinjana is also a good acquisition from Wolves.

Stoke are big and strong. I don't think we will see too many elaborate passes through midfield and teams will have to deal with the direct threat that they pose. If there are enough teams that fail to cope with it then the Potters will survive but if teams can handle it then Stoke will come straight back down. Ultimately I think a lack of quality will be their undoing.

KEY MAN: Dave Kitson.


SUNDERLAND

Nickname: Black Cats
Ground: Stadium of Light
Capacity: 48,300
Last season: 15th
Manager: Roy Keane (August 2006)

Lawro's verdict: I think Sunderland will improve on last season. Manager Roy Keane bought players from the Championship last summer - the likes of Michael Chopra - but has realised that unless they are really outstanding it takes too long for them to adjust. This summer he has signed the likes of Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbona and El Hadji Diouf - all players from Premier League clubs.

KEY MAN: El Hadji Diouf. Sunderland need someone to chip in with goals and he might fill that role.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Nickname: Spurs
Ground: White Hart Lane
Capacity: 36,236
Last season: 11th
Manager: Juande Ramos (October 2007)

Lawro's verdict: If Dimitar Berbatov follows Robbie Keane in leaving Tottenham then the club will have lost two players who scored in the region of 60 goals last season. That will leave a big hole to fill. Juande Ramos has brought a few players in and it may take some time for them to gel but I think they have a chance of finishing in the top six.

KEY MAN: Ledley King. Tottenham look a different team defensively when he is playing.

WEST BROM

Nickname: Baggies
Ground: Hawthorns
Capacity:
Last season: Promoted (Championship champions)
Manager: Tony Mowbray (October 2006)

Lawro's verdict: My issue with West Brom is this - where are the goals coming from? They have decent midfielders and play attractive football but I don't think they will score enough. Kevin Phillips has left and I'm not too sure how many the likes of Roman Bednar and Luke Moore will score.

WBA were not the strongest in defence last season but I think that they might be too easy to play against. They are the third team that I reckon will end up relegated. To stay up they must beat the teams around them home and away.

KEY MAN: Luke Moore. The Baggies need him to score goals.


WEST HAM UNITED

Nickname: Hammers
Ground: Upton Park
Capacity: 35,056
Last season: 10th
Manager: Alan Curbishley (December 2006)

Lawro's verdict: We keep hearing that when West Ham get everybody fit... I don't buy that. I think they have lost their way a little bit. I don't see great optimism around West Ham. They have some good youngsters coming through but they are not going to be their key players this season.

The great problem they have is the wage bill. It puts boss Alan Curbishley under an enormous amount of pressure. Whoever owns West Ham must look at that and expect excellence. But I think they will finish in the bottom third.

KEY MAN: Dean Ashton. If he plays most of the games I think they will be OK.


WIGAN ATHLETIC

Nickname: Latics
Ground: JJB Stadium
Capacity: 25,000
Last season: 14th
Manager: Steve Bruce (November 2007)

Lawro's verdict: Boss Steve Bruce knows all about the Premier League. His side will be big, strong and aggressive and difficult to beat. Owner Dave Whelan backs his managers and lets them do their job - and that is great for Bruce.

There will be highs and lows. There is not a great atmosphere at their ground but if the rugby league boys cut the pitch up again it will be a big help to them.

KEY MAN: Amr Zaki. The Egyptian is on loan from Zamalek. I hear that Wigan think the striker might prove to be a real find.

• Mark Lawrenson was talking to Paul Fletcher.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7540723.stm

[bipolarbeaR]

GO THE TOFFS!
Did you guys know that one of the best players ever for Everton was an Irisman called Kevin Sheedy?
Also the old Everton away shirt was identical to the Essendon one ;)

[Ben the Gooner]

ARSENAL

Nickname: The Gunners
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Capacity: 60,000
Position last season: Third
Manager: Arsene Wenger (September 1996)

Lawro's verdict: The Gunners look a little short of quality to me and I think they might slip from third to fourth this season.

There have been a couple of high profile departures from the club in Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini. New signing Samir Nasri looks like a scaled down version of Hleb and I'm a bit worried about Emmanuel Adebayor, who I think did want to leave over the summer.

We don't know for sure when Eduardo will be back and although I like the look of youngster Jack Wilshire I think this year might be a little too early for him. It must be a big season for Theo Walcott.

KEY MAN: Cesc Fabregas. A fabulous player who must score plenty of goals from midfield.

Wrong. Nasri actually took a shot once. It missed, but he still took it.:cool:

An unconvincing win for the Gunners this morning, but 2-0 and a home leg to come looks to have cemented a CL Group Stage place. Looking ahead to West Brom, and I think Toure and Senderos may be back. I'm not sure about Nasri.

I'm worried about the central midfield situation, especially with Cesc injured, but this morning's game has surely woken Wenger up to the need to sign a central midfielder in the next 17 days, if he isn't looking already. Rumours that Gokhan Inler from Udinese will be the man, but Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry are still being linked. Dustbin, did Alonso play for your mob this morning? If he did, he'll stay.

[The Dustbin]

Wrong. Nasri actually took a shot once. It missed, but he still took it.:cool:

An unconvincing win for the Gunners this morning, but 2-0 and a home leg to come looks to have cemented a CL Group Stage place. Looking ahead to West Brom, and I think Toure and Senderos may be back. I'm not sure about Nasri.

I'm worried about the central midfield situation, especially with Cesc injured, but this morning's game has surely woken Wenger up to the need to sign a central midfielder in the next 17 days, if he isn't looking already. Rumours that Gokhan Inler from Udinese will be the man, but Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry are still being linked. Dustbin, did Alonso play for your mob this morning? If he did, he'll stay.

Arsenal were far better then Liverpool. L'pool failed to pick up the tempo and looked hopelessly out of soughts. They need to improve a fair bit in the 2nd leg if we are to go through.

Alonso did play this morning. I think your right, he won't go now. Don't think Barry will get to Liverpool and I don't blame Parry blocking his move for an unjustified fee of 18m.

Not long now before the season starts. Can't wait. :D

[Ben the Gooner]

It won't happen, but gee Barry and Inler would be nice in the squad right now.

[The Dustbin]

It won't happen, but gee Barry and Inler would be nice in the squad right now.

Indeed. They would be two very handy inclusions. :thumbsu:

What about Lampard's new deal, a lazy 300k a week over 5 years. :eek:

[Ben the Gooner]

Ridiculous money. The commentators spent 30s - 1m this morning discussing it in the Arsenal Twente game. Incredible - they just ignored what was happening on the pitch.

On another note, the Arsenal away kit is fantastic.

[The Dustbin]

Ridiculous money. The commentators spent 30s - 1m this morning discussing it in the Arsenal Twente game. Incredible - they just ignored what was happening on the pitch.

On another note, the Arsenal away kit is fantastic.

Do you have a pic of the away strip? Or do I have wait until you visit Anfield? :D

[Ben the Gooner]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44921000/jpg/_44921129_gallas.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/08/13/GallasAPErmindoArmino1.jpg:eek:
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00554/goalx_682x400_554237a.jpg

[The Dustbin]

Yeah that's not bad. The red trim looks good. :thumbsu:


Liverpool's is crap! :thumbsd:

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/domr/fernandotorres_275_g.jpg

[The Dustbin]

Jose rules Gunners out of title reckoning
Jose Mourinho has backed Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title this season but has discounted Arsenal as title contenders.

The Portuguese also believes new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has inherited a club fully-equipped to win the title in his first season in charge leaving him little margin for error.

The Inter Milan boss, who made a shock departure from Stamford Bridge last September, believes the usual teams will be jostling at the top of the Premier League - although he has tipped Tottenham to launch a challenge under Juande Ramos and usurp north London rivals Arsenal.

Mourinho, speaking on behalf of Ford's Feel Football debate website said: 'I would put Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool as favourites again to win the Premier League - but regarding Arsenal, they also have a great team, but I'm not sure if the group have enough experience and quality to win.'

'I see nobody else to win the Premier League, but Tottenham surely have the quality to fight for a top-four finish. I cannot really say who the surprise team will be - but year after year we always wait for a better Newcastle.
They are a top club, they have huge support and they have good players, so we wait for more from them.'

Scolari took over at Stamford Bridge following Portugal's exit from Euro 2008.
Asked how the Brazilian would fare in his first season in England, Mourinho warned the new Chelsea boss would be expected to hit the ground running.
He continued: 'Phil Scolari has not made a lot of changes since he arrived at the club.'He has kept the same structure, the same system and the same football. He is a good leader, and he can do very well.'

'The only insight or advice I would give him ahead of his first season is that he is in a club that is ready to win.'

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=562674&sec=england&cc=3436

[bipolarbeaR]

TOP 12 IMO


1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. Everton (Goalkeeper with tourettes is win)
4. Spurs
5. Arsenal
6. Newcastle
7. Liverpoo (Sooooo overrated)
8. Aston Villa
9. Manchester City
10. Sunderland (Soft spot for the black cats
11. Birmingham
12. Hull (Sooooo underrated)

[bipolarbeaR]

On another note, the Arsenal away kit is fantastic.

Pfffft..
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7288/winnerhf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

WINNERS!

[The Dustbin]

1. Liverpool (Biased as hell):D
2. Manure
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
5. Portsmouth
6. Aston Villa

Relegated: Stoke, West Ham and Hull.

bipolarbeaR, Birmingham got relegated last season. ;)

[The Dustbin]

Pfffft..
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7288/winnerhf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

WINNERS!

Lucky it was a one off for charity, eh. :D

[bipolarbeaR]

bipolarbeaR, Birmingham got relegated last season. ;)

THANK YOU DUSTY!
Was trying to think who the other team that was relegated was!

The pink should be our away one, White is too... white!

I have really high hopes for Hull this year too :)

[The Dustbin]

THANK YOU DUSTY!
Was trying to think who the other team that was relegated was!
I have really high hopes for Hull this year too :) *go Garcia!*

No worries. I don't share your same enthusiasm with Hull though.

:cool:

[bipolarbeaR]

Sunderland V Lpool will be a great match :) can't wait to see it.

[The Dustbin]

Sunderland V Lpool will be a great match :) can't wait to see it.

0230 kick off is going to hurt. If Torres scores & Liv win, it'll be worth it. :thumbsu:

[Ben the Gooner]

Essendon Adelaide tomorrow,
Victory at 7pm
Arsenal at 9.45pm

Good day:D

[The Dustbin]

Essendon Adelaide tomorrow,
Victory at 7pm
Arsenal at 9.45pm

Good day:D

Geez it's good when the AFL and EPL overlaps. :D

[bipolarbeaR]

OMG I know it is!
12am Everton V Brackburn
230am Riverpoor V Sunderrand
Sucking on some energy drinks and NoDoze already!

[dirtywhitepacker]

Aston Villa v Man City not televised on Fox... :mad:

[The Dustbin]

Aston Villa v Man City not televised on Fox... :mad:

Why televise a game featuring two minnow teams. :p

[The Dustbin]

Took the Gunners 4 mins to score... How's Bendter looking Benny??

[bipolarbeaR]

Half-time 1-0 to the Gunners.
W.B.A aren't looking that bad. It be strange!

[dirtywhitepacker]

Why televise a game featuring two minnow teams. :p

:thumbsd:

Aston Villa's History:

European/International



European Cup (now known as the UEFA Champions League) Winners 1:

1982


European Super Cup Winners 1:

1982–83


InterToto Cup Winners 1:

2001


Intercontinental Cup Runners Up 1:

1982




Domestic

League titles


First Division Champions 7:

1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99, 1899–1900, 1909–10, 1980–81


Second Division Champions 2:

1937–38, 1959–60


Third Division Champions 1:

1971–72[57]



Cups


FA Cup Winners 7:

1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920, 1957


League Cup Winners 5:

1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996


Charity Shield Winners 1:

1981*(shared)



On the way up buddy, proud club, definitely not minnows... More impressive list of achievements than Chelsea, wouldn't classify them as minnows.

Aston Villa v Man City would be a far better game than 75% of the other fixtures this week...

[loopy_cam]

Especially Hull v Fulham.

[The Dustbin]

Hook, line and sinker. :D

I'm looking forward to watching Bolton v Stoke. :D :p

[The Dustbin]

The Villians are in action Monday morning... Fox are showing the manure v Newcastle game.

Guess what, Owen is out injured again. :o

[bipolarbeaR]

:( 93rd minute

[The Dustbin]

:( 93rd minute

Heartbreaking loss. Looks like Arteta is in for a big year...

Torres and Keane starting up front, this will be interesting.

[EVERLAST]

Looks like the Barry deal has fallen through - he's cup tied - scored a goal during the week for the Villans and Alonso earned a standing ovation and cheers everytime he touched the ball - causing Benitez to publicly state that he 'WAS going to sell him...'

Incidently - the Torres/Keane partnership is off to a shaky start - they both contested the same forward pass and prevented an earlier first goal to Liverpool - which the honour subsequently went to Torres.

Hope Keane is happy to play second fiddle as I know who I want to be receiving most of the balls outside of the penalty box

[Ben the Gooner]

Took the Gunners 4 mins to score... How's Bendter looking Benny??

Sorry, I meant to reply to this this morning, but forgot as I had to go out.

Anyway, all of our strikers were pretty poor.

Nasri, Almunia, Djourou and Clichy were our best, Denilson and Sagna good also. Eboue was OK in central midfield (better than on the wing), but still not great. He had about 10 shots, none of which were on target. The rest were poor.

It wasn't a great performance, but we got the result, and Clichy and Nasri linked up really well down the left hand side. Nasri kept drawing two defenders, freeing up a lot of space further down for Clichy to run into.

We missed the incisiveness of Cesc, however.

[Spikey]

Hoping we can get over Villa. But I don't have high hopes...

[Smyth94]

Sorry, I meant to reply to this this morning, but forgot as I had to go out.

Anyway, all of our strikers were pretty poor.

Nasri, Almunia, Djourou and Clichy were our best, Denilson and Sagna good also. Eboue was OK in central midfield (better than on the wing), but still not great. He had about 10 shots, none of which were on target. The rest were poor.

It wasn't a great performance, but we got the result, and Clichy and Nasri linked up really well down the left hand side. Nasri kept drawing two defenders, freeing up a lot of space further down for Clichy to run into.

We missed the incisiveness of Cesc, however.

We would've won more comfortably had Adebayor not been so greedy...he really needs to stop believing he is Henry Mk II because he is no where near.

[loopy_cam]

Goooo Newcastle.

[bipolarbeaR]

Still crying about my match lol.
The Sunderland Lpool game was incredible to watch.
Last minute losses hurt so much more for some reason with soccer.

[eth-dog]

who won Man U and Newcastle? didn't watch it

[dirtywhitepacker]

Hoping we can get over Villa. But I don't have high hopes...

Whoop Whoop! Nice lazy 4 goals to start the season. Question marks over our defence still. Might take a little while for Cuellar to settle into the pace of the EPL as opposed to the SPL.

Oh, and Man Utd drew with Newcastle.

[The Dustbin]

Sorry, I meant to reply to this this morning, but forgot as I had to go out.

Anyway, all of our strikers were pretty poor.

Nasri, Almunia, Djourou and Clichy were our best, Denilson and Sagna good also. Eboue was OK in central midfield (better than on the wing), but still not great. He had about 10 shots, none of which were on target. The rest were poor.

It wasn't a great performance, but we got the result, and Clichy and Nasri linked up really well down the left hand side. Nasri kept drawing two defenders, freeing up a lot of space further down for Clichy to run into.

We missed the incisiveness of Cesc, however.

I hope Cesc returns soon (Maybe next game?), I have him in my fantasy league team and he is a bloody good player to watch :thumbsu:

Big Phil is off to a good start, Pompey were very disapponting.

[The Dustbin]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has bolstered his defensive options after the Gunners completed the signing of Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre for an undisclosed fee.

The Frenchman spent a lot of last season injured.

The 31-year-old, who missed a large part of last season with knee ligament damage, has agreed a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after nine years at Old Trafford.

Silvestre had fallen down the pecking order at United with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand becoming Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice partnership at the heart of the defence.

And with his contract set to expire in 2009 Ferguson has allowed Silvestre - who is the first player to leave United for Arsenal since Brian Kidd 34 years ago - to join one of their major Premier League rivals.

Arsenal though are short on experience and Wenger cited Silvestre's ability to fulfil several defensive positions as the two factors behind the deal.

Wenger said: 'We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.

'His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League.'

Silvestre, who has also won 40 caps for France and was part of the squad which reached the World Cup final in 2006, is looking forward to a new phase in his career.

'I've spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I'll remember that time fondly but feel I'm ready for a new challenge,' said Silvestre who has been handed the number 18 shirt.

'Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad.

'I'm really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the club to new successes.'

Speaking after Silvestre had completed the formalities of his move Ferguson thanked the French defender for his contribution during his time with the club.

He said: 'Mikael was a great servant and a wonderful professional. We wish him all the best at his new club and thank him for his service.'


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=564710&sec=england&cc=3436

[bipolarbeaR]

Everton V West Brom isn't being Televised >_<

[EVERLAST]

Arsenal have done well by signing the experienced Silvestre - they look to have a super reliable and seasoned defence to compliment their younger teammates further up the ground.

Big tick to Wenger there.

[Ben the Gooner]

Good signing on the proviso that he signs a central midfielder as well.

[EVERLAST]

He's stated he's after one more big signing - you may be right there.

[bipolarbeaR]

Arsenal have done well
Edited for a LAUGH! :thumbsu::D

I am so cut, my mate has Given as his captain.. 28 points :(

[loopy_cam]

GERRRRAARRRRRDDDD!!!

Does it again. :D

I'm liking top of the table.

[efcboy]

hows this for a lookalike...arsenal's new midfielder Samir Nasri and Steven Milne. have a look next time you watch arsenal.

[bipolarbeaR]

Lucas Neil and Mark McVeigh. ;)

[Ben the Gooner]

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Sign some ****ing players.

:thumbsd::thumbsd:

/rant

[JimmyHird]

Haha, for those of you who post on any Liverpool forums would have seen this the last couple of days. Quite well down by a Villa fan...

http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=509334

[dirtywhitepacker]

Haha, for those of you who post on any Liverpool forums would have seen this the last couple of days. Quite well down by a Villa fan...

http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=509334

What an absolute legend. Best thing I have heard in a long time. Gold :thumbsu::thumbsu::thumbsu:

[Ben the Gooner]

Should be interesting to see which Arsenal turns up tonight. We're at home, so we should get the three points, but I also need a convincing 3-0 or 4-0 performance to allay any fears about the season (and a central midfielder would be nice).

[bipolarbeaR]

I think after the mid-week win by Arsenal that the 4-0 bunch will turn up dude. :)
Portsmouth V Everton is going to be an amazing match tonight.

[Ben the Gooner]

Newcastle are better than the Twente team that showed up. If we can routinely dismantle teams like Newcastle I'd feel a lot better than scraping a 2-1 win in the 90th.

[bipolarbeaR]

haha! yeah, true that. Arsenal have some real stars though :)

[loopy_cam]

Apparently Wenger has 30 mill to spend on one player. Should be useful.

And Liverpool look set to sign Riera. A left winger who used to play with City.

[bipolarbeaR]

OMG.. is Tim Howard the worst Goalkeeper on the planet?
3-0 to PORTSMOUTH.. WTF?

[freofan_mundy]

Sorry I know its an Essendon EPL thread, but GO THE MIGHTY GUNNERS 3-0!

[Ben the Gooner]

If you're going to keep posting that crap...
















...post here as much as you want.:D

That was a dismantling. 3-0 flattered them by a long way. Given was probably MOM, he was that good. It should have been 10-0, but for him.

And loopy, when will Wenger spend 30m on anyone?

[loopy_cam]

And loopy, when will Wenger spend 30m on anyone?

Well he was going to apparantly. http://www.examiner.com/x-642-Soccer-Examiner~y2008m8d29-A-kid-in-a-candy-store

But he won't. :)

[Ben the Gooner]

Fiszman said the money was there if he wanted it. He doesn't want it.

[dirtywhitepacker]

Gheez, just can't take a break. 0 - 0. SO disappointed, obviously dominated the chances and played the more enterprising style. Positive to come out of the game for Villa was the solidness of our defence. Coming together nicely with Ceullar to come in also. Milner looks like a good pick up. Luke Young, I am not so sure about however. Missed Mellberg today badly...

[Ben the Gooner]

0-0 is still a pretty decent result against Liverpool. I haven't seen the game, but I'm pretty sure Martin O'Neil would have taken a 0-0 at the start of the game.

Villa are the best team outside the Champions League teams by the length of the Flemington Straight.

[dirtywhitepacker]

I don't know about being happy about taking a draw out of today's game. They were admittedly missing Gerrard and Torres went down early (although that replacement that came on, whose name escapes me did look more dangerous from the moment he stepped on the pitch). There is a bit of feeling between the two clubs now over what transpired over the off-season with the Carson and Barry transfer talk, and boy did the fans down at Villa park let Rafa know what they think of him. Great to see and hear the passion in the crowd throughout the whole match.

Villa dominated the flow of the game after the first 10 minutes, one gimme chance in the first half lay right at Carew's feet, just unable to capitalize.

So many good young players at Villa, who have also signed long extended contracts. The future is bright at Villa Park.

[JimmyHird]

Was a pretty boring match really. As soon as Torres went off we didn't have much creativity in our play at all. Lucas can't be relied on to create when Gerrard isn't there and Alonso isn't in much form. N'Gog looked alright for a kid when he came on did some good things. Played some horrific balls to Keane though, didn't help him much.

Fair result in the end.