Barclays Premier League 13/14 Thread Part 'something'

[Crimey]

First topic message reminder :

A place to discuss things all Premier League.

[mystiroakey]

Duty mate no mention of United ???

[Guest]

I take it you dont want Europa cup due to the schedule freak.

Just play the reserves.. If you get 5th you have improved

Yes Myst. It's just an unwanted distraction. That tournament is need of a serious revamp. Bring back the UEFA cup in its straight knockout format!

[Guest]

Not that hung up or impressed with this Chelsea side.

Keep saying that to myself in my head, yet Chelsea are second & only two points off Arsenal. Chelsea are playing awful, struggling for any consistency, no  forward willing to put his hand up for the shirt & a defence leaking goals left, right & centre.

It's laughable really. This is the Chelsea machine. Horrible to watch & grinding out results on a weekly basis. Mourinho is not happy with his side or it's style but they are in a position of serious strength in second. They could be in United's position but their not. I'm pretty sure Mourinho will sort them out & with the experienced & quality heads they have in the side, I'd easily bank on them overhauling an Arsenal side who have won nothing in years. City are my favourites for obvious reasons.

[Liam]

Agree freak, Europa League just seems to annoy teams these days. Rather than really wanting to win it, its more like 'oh god we've got a game thursday, who should we rest?'. UEFA cup had some respect about it.

I don't think Liverpool are quite good enough to challenge for the title but most certainly a top 4 finish.

[Liam]

yeh chelsea are a funny one. Just have not impressed in any respect this year. Yet they're still there top 3 and you can't knock that. Top sides win when they aren't playing well. Difference between Utd and Chelsea is that utd have no one to score apart from rooney, yet chelsea despite not one of their 3 strikers scoring have goals all over the park who seem to be popping up at the right times. That's why utd are 9th and chelsea are top 4

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Why on earth did I pay to watch that?

What happened to the unquestionable champions Arsenal?!

I don't know but your straw man building business is alive and well, just who on here said Arsenal are undeniable champions?

Tongue in cheek squire, but you got my point!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Just imagine if Chelsea had got Rooney in the summer.

[mystiroakey]

My money is still on arsenal to win the title.

Losing 6 goals will knock anyone's confidence though. But that was not a normal game.

[socal1976]

After the Chelsea game you have a decent run of games and should get your charge back on track. Even a draw against Mourinho's boys wouldn't be the end of the world.

I personally think it's a two horse race, Arsenal and City. Not that hung up or impressed with this Chelsea side. They look a long way away from being a Mourinho side so to speak.

I think we will play well against Chelsea. Man city was on fire and really we were in it till the end and could have really been in it with a little bit better finishing. A tough run of fixtures for sure, I think Chelsea maybe will be in the picture. I still think there are three teams that can win it. Liverpool looks like a dark horse but who knows the table is so tight right now from top to bottom. Everybody knew this would be a tough week and this season all the big clubs have had their tough patches.

Probably a season too early for me but would love to be proved wrong. Be delighted with a top 4 finish. The one thing I don't want is Europa League football next season.

I think Liverpool should finish 4th, Suarez is unreal. When I watch him and Aguero I am surprised they don't score in every match. The rest of the team is a little thin but I think they have enough fire power in attack to get that last champion's league spot. Getting into Champion's league would help them keep Suarez and that is a must.

[Born Slippy]

I think Arsenal are realistically competing for 4th with Everton and Liverpool. Reckon the top 3 will end up City, Chelsea and Spurs. Hope Arsenal can keep it going but the squad (apart from in midfield) looks very thin. I suspect Chelsea will beat them next week and it will be a tough couple of months. Of course, if Wenger spends big again in January - Robert L perhaps - then they may maintain it.

[mystiroakey]

Sadly I can't see Liverpool keeping him cl or not..

I would like to think he would show loyalty if they can get a top 4. But teams are going to be bidding bale style money in the window .

[Liam]

I'm pretty sure if utd don't get top 4 rooney will be gone. Is he out of contract at the end of the season?

[mystiroakey]

2015.

So effectively yes Rooney will go in 2014.

[Guest]

For me & I think I have pretty good judgement, I see it in May -

1 - City (unbelievable home form, away will improve over time, immense squad depth)
2 - Chelsea (experience in run-ins, mourinho/chelsea machine to grind out results)
3 - Arsenal (can knock off the small teams now but just dont see them picking up the big wins against the rivals or the big games. not sure where the goals come from if midfield starts faltering)
4 - Liverpool (If Suarez remains fit, Liverpool get fourth. If Suarez is injured, it allows Everton to possibly sneak it)
-- - - - - - - - -
5 - Everton (great home form & I think they have the belief this year to go to top 4 sides n get results. Already evident at OT & Emirates. Something they did not have under moyes. Also squad is quite deep to sustain a run & not fall away)
-- - - - - - - - -
6th to 7th position - Manchester United/Tottenham (I don't buy this United to suddenly challenge in the second half of season stuff, already nine points + goal difference making 10 points off Everton in 4th now - both United/Spurs have the same thing in common - lack of goals/creativity)
- - - - - - - - - -
8th to 9th - Newcastle/Southampton (will drop away due to small squads n generally weaker)

[socal1976]

I think Arsenal are realistically competing for 4th with Everton and Liverpool. Reckon the top 3 will end up City, Chelsea and Spurs. Hope Arsenal can keep it going but the squad (apart from in midfield) looks very thin. I suspect Chelsea will beat them next week and it will be a tough couple of months. Of course, if Wenger spends big again in January - Robert L perhaps - then they may maintain it.

Spurs in the top 3, please they look awful in attack I don't know where they are going to get the goals to win that many matches.

[mystiroakey]

Arsernal are way above Tottenham.. Thats a no brainer..

[Guest]

For me & I think I have pretty good judgement, I see it in May -

Love the modesty there John   

I'd snap your hand off for that 4th spot now.

[Born Slippy]

I'm pretty sure if utd don't get top 4 rooney will be gone. Is he out of contract at the end of the season?

Depends I suspect. If they finish the season strongly and make some big buys then he may re-sign. I think they will need to spend 100 million + though to rebuild and I'm not sure they will outlay that much cash. If I were them I would be looking at Reus, Gundogon, Shaw, Lallana and a world class CB.

[Liam]

utd linked with Guarin. Would be a decent signing and gives us a physical presence in the middle but also a genuine box to box midfielder. Not a long term solution but would be acceptable. Probably prefer to have Witsel however.

Keep hearing baines is basically done with Oveido impressing and obviously wanting a bit of money. Great signing but in the summer we need to be looking at a young lb to bring through because baines is 29 at the end of the day.7

Just need to pick up as many points we can before jan and fingers crossed we can bring a few faces in.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

In terms of who is going down, I present you with this:

West Ham have scored just 1 goal against Villa, Palace, Hull, Sunderland, Norwich and Stoke. And that was in a defeat.

[socal1976]

Sadly I can't see Liverpool keeping him cl or not..

I would like to think he would show loyalty if they can get a top 4. But teams are going to be bidding bale style money in the window .

The rumors of Madrid have been going on for a long time about Suarez. I have heard that they want to sell Benzema to Arsenal to get together some of the money to sign Suarez. Usually when Madrid want their man they usually get him. And Suarez being Spanish speaking would certainly not mind a move to the La liga giants. Plus playing with Ronaldo and Bale has to be alluring.

[Liam]

I'm pretty sure if utd don't get top 4 rooney will be gone. Is he out of contract at the end of the season?

Depends I suspect. If they finish the season strongly and make some big buys then he may re-sign. I think they will need to spend 100 million + though to rebuild and I'm not sure they will outlay that much cash. If I were them I would be looking at Reus, Gundogon, Shaw, Lallana and a world class CB.

Basically all of them plus I keep hearing Mangala mentioned. Don't know much about him if i'm honest.

[mystiroakey]

Using my head over my heart.

Man citeh
Arsenal
Chelsea
United
Liverpool
Everton
Totenham

Using my heart over my head

Arsenal
Citeh
Chelsea
Liverpool
Everton
Tottenham
United

[Guest]

I think it's a matter of when not if regarding Suarez.

If he keeps his powder dry for the remainder of this season and helps cement a CL spot then 'Pool fans will forever hold him in their hearts.

I'd imagine he'd fetch 70+ million which is a decent return really.

[Guest]

For me & I think I have pretty good judgement, I see it in May -

Love the modesty there John   

I'd snap your hand off for that 4th spot now.

Seriously, think I got it pretty much spot on. With Suarez on form, Sturridge/Gerrard staying fit in the second half of season - think you will do it.

At least my predictions for May make sense unlike someone saying Spurs finishing in 3rd  

As for Suarez, without doubt Madrid bound for me in the summer to replace Benzema. One marquee signing per summer & it's got Luis written all over it.

[Guest]

In terms of who is going down, I present you with this:

West Ham have scored just 1 goal against Villa, Palace, Hull, Sunderland, Norwich and Stoke. And that was in a defeat.

If I had to stick my neck out now I'd go with Sunderland, Fulham and Palace for the drop.

Chris, do you still have good faith in Fat Sam?

[Born Slippy]

Mangala is handy on Fifa but I've not seen him play in real life!

[mystiroakey]

You hAve to go swap deal and just screw Madrid to the max when he goes. You don't want to repeat the Torres Carroll deal.

But could arsenal reap the benefits again!!!!

[Born Slippy]

Arsernal are way above Tottenham.. Thats a no brainer..

Big match for Spurs tomorrow. Given Spurs have effectively re-built their squad I think only being 5 points would be an excellent first few months of the season. Their squad is immense and I can only see them improving in the second half of the season. Conversely, I think Arsenal won't be able to sustain their current form.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

In terms of who is going down, I present you with this:

West Ham have scored just 1 goal against Villa, Palace, Hull, Sunderland, Norwich and Stoke. And that was in a defeat.

If I had to stick my neck out now I'd go with Sunderland, Fulham and Palace for the drop.

Chris, do you still have good faith in Fat Sam?

I could be a devout Christian and seen Jesus managing us today and I'd have questioned my faith.

I think we'll finish 16th-20th. I'm not a big fan of sacking managers, I dont think theres anyone better out there and I don't think a lot of managers could do a lot with our injuries. Perhaps faith isnt the right word, I can see the reasons for everything. The board are equally to blame for me.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Sky Sports News ‏@SkySportsNews
West Brom sack head coach Steve Clarke

Rut oh

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Steve Clarke sacked! Bloody hell

[socal1976]

I think it's a matter of when not if regarding Suarez.

If he keeps his powder dry for the remainder of this season and helps cement a CL spot then 'Pool fans will forever hold him in their hearts.

I'd imagine he'd fetch 70+ million which is a decent return really.

The way he is scoring goals I think this is a pretty likely scenario. The way Suarez is looking he is most likely to be Player of the Year, and to buy a league player of the year who scores like he does you got to be thinking Bale type money although Suarez is a little older and has the disciplinary baggage. But you could probably get 2 and a quarter Carrolls for him.

[Liam]

I'm not shocked because WBA fans have all been complaing about him. Just no creativity or ideas in the way they're playing atm. Still, think its slightly premature. Who can come in? Jol?

[Guest]

West Brom have a history of getting rid at the first sign of crisis. No surprise there.

Clarke'll get a Championship gig no problem.

[socal1976]

You hAve to go swap deal and just screw Madrid to the max when he goes. You don't want to repeat the Torres Carroll deal.

But could arsenal reap the benefits again!!!!

Madrid have to sell someone if they want to buy Suarez and the most likely person out is Benzema, and they know Arsenal have the money and need a striker. Plus I think Arsenal's bids for Suarez make the deal more likely. Arsenal is not likely to get Suarez if Madrid is in the picture, but Madrid maybe would not want another bidder in the picture that could risk the deal or push the price up a few million on them. I think Arsenal should put in 55 million pound bid for Suarez just to let Madrid know that they could be in it for Suarez. It might get Madrid to send them Benzema to keep them quiet, although they would always be unlikely to land Suarez over Madrid.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

In terms of who is going down, I present you with this:

West Ham have scored just 1 goal against Villa, Palace, Hull, Sunderland, Norwich and Stoke. And that was in a defeat.

Wowzer. That's fairly poor eh

As for WBA, they're board are an utter shambles. No transfer funds given until the final day then they had to make rushed last minute deals, now they sack him after a run of results which is bad, but nowhere near what us or West Ham have been/are going through.

It was only a month ago they were a dodgy pen away from winning at Stamford Bridge. Madness I tell thee

[mystiroakey]

WBA are crazy.

[Guest]

Not surprised, form been horrible & always trigger happy chairman waiting to pull just before the window.

Jol's got no chance of a job in the EPL for a while. Di Matteo to return?

[mystiroakey]

West ham might have a shot at di matteo, but not WBA

[mystiroakey]

I have said it before(10 times) and I will say it again.

the Basel man Murat Yakin needs to get a PL gig

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Although I do suppose losing 2-0 at home to us is a pretty sackable offence

[Guest]

Although I do suppose losing 2-0 at home to us is a pretty sackable offence

Got P45 written all over it Olly.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Ben Carr ‏@DoctorBenjy
West Brom have won 6 games since the 27th of December 2012.

Well that is pretty shocking...

[mystiroakey]

that is terrible- even palace has a better record(not by much though!!)

[Guest]

I do imagine, once Basel sell that Mohammad Salah, then Yakin will probably call it a day in Switzerland. Not sure WBA is a side he'd want to take on though, he probably sees himself taking over someone with a higher standing in the game globally.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I would not want Di Matteo. Don't much rate him.

Domestically, take a punt on Dyche, Howe or an older name like Hoddle.

Abroad? Well, Pepe Mel has been linked with us, maybe he had been prepped by West Brom not West Ham. And Bielsa is free isnt he? We'd go down with Bielsa, but my god it would be fun

[mystiroakey]

Hoddle is a clever man. If that is an option then snap it up.

[Guest]

I'm hearing Di Matteo, Ralf Rangnick, Solskjaer......

I'd like to see Solskjaer given a job, done extremely well @ Molde. Can't see Hoddle coming back into the game.

[Guest]

Hoddle is a clever man. If that is an option then snap it up.

Hoddle would snap that job up tomorrow. If not tomorrow then a former life.

Good coach, weird person.

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