Fwiw, I don't think they'll get fourth. It'll take longer than two seasons for Man Utd to recover. They have 'star' players but are they a coherent team?

As much as I hate spurs, I thought andros townsend was good on league of their own. I think it would be good if we saw more england players not taking them self too serious. Knowone else does these days.

As much as I hate spurs, I thought andros townsend was good on league of their own. I think it would be good if we saw more england players not taking them self too serious. Knowone else does these days.

Remeber seeing Townsend on TV at the darts, sitting in the VIP taking himself seriously, then it cut to Le Tissier in the crowd having a laugh, knocking back a few pints. I know Townsend can't drink but think there's a generation gap with English players that is pretty sad. Maybe it's the forgien influence but the younger ones all seem to think they're something special.

some suggestions tonight that Sturridge could be out for 3 weeks or more. Michael Owen apparently witnessed the incident and has said it looked like a significant muscle tear.

Particularly (and sadly) England games. The Norway game was punishing viewing.

 

well on this side of the pond we were treated w/ our first ever win over the Czechs. Even better the team was made of youngsters. Starting to get a warm & fuzzy feeling w/ Herr Klinsmann at the helm. No sleep to Moscow my friends!!!!

Really wonder where Mata will be fit in the Man Utd system... hope he leaves the PL (or returns to us!) in January so I can go back to wishing him success.

Aww come on now Gem! We should be wishing Mata well regardless of the club he plays for. I say that with a snicker because surely he will want away from United if he does not see the pitch. I am not sure where he fits in either but also agree he needs to probably move on if he isn't being played. Love to see him back with us but just don't see that happening. It is a sad state of affairs if he doesn't get time on the pitch at United. Watching them lately and seeing how shoddy that backline is, I wouldn't doubt Mata be a better defender than Evans.

Sturridge out until Christmas if you believe the evening standard

Apparently Balotelli kicked a wolves player in the head in a reserve game???

"Surely it was a momentary lapse of reasoning and logic that influenced his decision. See we at Liverpool will always stand by our players regardless of the crime (on and off the pitch) that may and probably has been committed. I know I for one will be able to achieve what Obi Won never was able to do and that is prevent a player from going over to the dark side. You see, with my extensive knowledge on human psychology and the fact that I am a prodigy football coach, we will have Balotelli score many goals and no cards on top of his proper life away from the pitch. My wife will entice Mario with her fine Northern Ireland version of Italian food and with that and my guidance of expertise on the football pitch, Mario will win us the league! "

-Brendan Rodgers

(as he fumbles through a library of the greatest 20th century psychologist' books)

Edited September 6, 201411 yr by DoubleHelix

Apparantley that kicking someone in the head story was wrong, but there was some sort of drama involving him and Chris Foy and he got subbed off immediately.

Particularly (and sadly) England games. The Norway game was punishing viewing.

 

We say this every year, but it's really hard to call this year.  You can't see past City and ourselves being nailed on for top 4.  United have had an awful start but half their team is injured and they've signed some impressive firepower.  They also have no European football and we saw how much that helped Liverpool last season, they can play their best 11 every week save for injuries.  Arsenal always manage to make it somehow so that leads me to believe Liverpool is most under threat of losing out.  Unfortunately for you I don't think Spurs or Everton will make it, but I'd rather one of those to Liverpool/United.  Your best chance is winning the Europa League.

Just a question out of curiosity regarding the Europa league this year. If, for example, Spurs finish 6th but win the Europa league, does that mean the team in 4th (let's say Liverpool for my own personal amusement) miss out on the CL spot?

Just a question out of curiosity regarding the Europa league this year. If, for example, Spurs finish 6th but win the Europa league, does that mean the team in 4th (let's say Liverpool for my own personal amusement) miss out on the CL spot?

 

No we get another slot in the CL if an English team wins.  

some suggestions tonight that Sturridge could be out for 3 weeks or more. Michael Owen apparently witnessed the incident and has said it looked like a significant muscle tear.

It's strange how's there's been very little official stuff on this yet, from Liverpool. I've only seen rumours of between 3-4 weeks or up to 4 months. Bit of a difference in the severity. Might be too early to fully evaluate but I would have expected some word by now.

Believe a Newcastle player did something similar in training yesterday as well, and he's said to be out until around Xmas.

Oh brother...

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2014/09/05/5086691/gerrard-blown-away-by-liverpool-boss-rodgers

It's strange how's there's been very little official stuff on this yet, from Liverpool. I've only seen rumours of between 3-4 weeks or up to 4 months. Bit of a difference in the severity. Might be too early to fully evaluate but I would have expected some word by now.

Believe a Newcastle player did something similar in training yesterday as well, and he's said to be out until around Xmas.

We've had the media already overrstimate two of our strikers' injuries this season, so you're better off not believing anything until LFC comment on it.

We say this every year, but it's really hard to call this year. You can't see past City and ourselves being nailed on for top 4. United have had an awful start but half their team is injured and they've signed some impressive firepower. They also have no European football and we saw how much that helped Liverpool last season, they can play their best 11 every week save for injuries. Arsenal always manage to make it somehow so that leads me to believe Liverpool is most under threat of losing out. Unfortunately for you I don't think Spurs or Everton will make it, but I'd rather one of those to Liverpool/United. Your best chance is winning the Europa League.

I agree re. our chances - even at this early stage it looks as if we are not consistent enough for a 'stuck on' top four finish. Everton look stronger than they have for some time but I agree that fourth place may be beyond them.

I'm less sure re. United. I think they have panic spent. They have bought top class players and they can only get better but a top four finish will need them to improve dramatically, immediately, and to play consistently and I think that's beyond them at present. I hope I'm right as I'm really enjoying their season, so far. That said, van Gaal is clearly a good manager (based on his record) and Utd. can't keep being as bad as they are.

That said, van Gaal is clearly a good manager (based on his record) and Utd. can't keep being as bad as they are.

We can all hope....

No we get another slot in the CL if an English team wins.

What about if an English team wins the CL but doesn't finish in the top 4 (a la Chelsea 2012) and another English team wins the Europa?

How do you think Liverpool would preform until Xmas if Sturridge is indeed out until Xmas. You think Balotelli will cover well enough?

Sturridge hasn't played very well in the first few games anyway, Sterling has by far been the stand out performer.

 

I think they'll do alright but will be a bit off the pace of us and City. From what i've heard he'll only be out for a few games anyway.

 

edit: Just heard that Henderson has also picked up an injury at England training.

Edited September 8, 201411 yr by Jonty

Now all that's needed is Sterling getting an injury and we can all enjoy Liverpool fighting to be in the top half of the table again.

Now all that's needed is Sterling getting an injury and we can all enjoy Liverpool fighting to be in the top half of the table again.

Steady on, shouldn't wish injury on players...

...Who are giving me good points on my fantasy team.

FIFA is to trial  TV referall system. Blatter is also going to stand for re-election. No surprise there. I'm not sure about the referral system. Is it needed? Works well in both codes of rugby when the ref is unsure about a try being scored and in cricket. Not sure about sports.

 

 

 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29109481

 

Football is to introduce a TV trial allowing coaches to challenge referees' decisions, Sepp Blater has announced.

The Fifa president, speaking at Manchester's Soccerex, also confirmed his intention to stand for re-election.

The 78-year-old wants coaches to be allowed at least one challenge against a decision per half.

"They have the right in the half, twice or once, to challenge a refereeing decision but only when the game is stopped," he said.

"Then, there must be a television monitor but by the television company and not by another referee.

"And then the referee and the coach, they will go then to look, and then the referee may change his mind, as it is the case in tennis, for instance."

The trial could happen as early as next year.

"It can only be done where there is television coverage of all the matches," added Blatter.

"Or in one Fifa competition, we can try in a youth competition, an Under-20, like next year when we are in New Zealand."

In a wide-ranging interview, Blatter also stated:

• The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will have to be played in winter and consultation has started with the players' union FIFPro, clubs, leagues and the six continental federations about moving the tournament.
• A boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia would not work as such a move in sport 'never has any benefit'.
• He wants "respect, fair play and perhaps also the truth" over allegations over corruption within Fifa.
• He still respects Greg Dyke despite criticism from the Football Association chairman.

Blatter also announced his intention to seek a fifth term in charge of world football's governing body.

He will make an official announcement at Fifa's executive committee meeting between 25-26 September.

Uefa president Michel Platini stated earlier this year that he would not support Blatter, but the 59-year-old former France player will not be standing as a rival in order to concentrate on leading Uefa.

"You see a mission is never finished. And my mission is not finished," said Blatter.

Sepp Blatter in focus

Born: Switzerland. Date of Birth: 10 March, 1936

Has a degree as Bachelor of Business Administration and Economics from the University of Lausanne.

Played football in the Swiss amateur league.

Fifa technical director 1975-1981 and general secretary 1981-1998.

Was elected as the eighth Fifa president on 8 June, 1998.

"I got through the last congress in Sao Paulo not only the impression but the support of the majority, a huge majority of national associations asking: 'Please go on, be our president also in future.'"

Five of Fifa's six continental bodies have already announced their support for Blatter, with only Europe publicly opposing him.

The deadline to register as a candidate is in January 2015 and the election will take place at the Fifa Congress next June.

"I was not surprised because in private conversations I have had with Michel Platini before, during and after the World Cup he has confirmed he would not be a candidate," said Blatter, who has been Fifa president since 1998.

"But [he told me] there will be someone who will be your contender, who will be contesting you."

Corrupt organisation. 100%.

Pack of old gangsters

Blatter faces the biggest threat to his dictatorship since he took power and is now selling the things many have campaigned for, for years.

The old fart has got to go for the good of the game.