Oct
15
Bosingwa Is The Latest Worry For Scolari
Information is scarce on this one right now but there are reports that Jose Bosingwa is out of Portugal’s game with Albania tonight with a knee injury sustained in training yesterday.
As I say, there’s little on this at the moment so it’s difficult to assess just how worried the many Bosingwa owners out there should be with Saturday’s trip to Boro in mind. It could well be just a precaution under some influence from Scolari. I’ll keep you posted as always.
bugger
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Reply by Holmesy on October 15 7:10 pm:
What’s the odds on all of Chelsea’s “injured” players all declaring themselves available for Saturday?
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Reply by CK on October 15 8:34 pm:
Most likely they will all be ok!
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Torres injured. Torn muscle. Off after 17 minutes V Belgium. Sell, Sell Sell!!
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Torres injured. Torn muscle. Off after 17 minutes V Belgium. Sell, Sell, Sell!!
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Reply by carl on October 15 7:21 pm:
hahahaha
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I’ve played my wildcard this week! There wont be any players to buy at this rate!!!!!
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Forgot the second comma! I’m like that you see.
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Not what the 30,000 odd FF players who transferred him in this week wanted to hear!!
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Carl…Seriously. Substituted for Fabregas. Honestly mate.
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nice one, i was stuck between bringing in torres or A.Young. No need to think bout it now haha
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Reply by CK on October 15 8:42 pm:
I think you should bring in A.Young mate. :-L
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Liverpool may be short of attack, babel got injured tonight too
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Bosingwa not in the portugal squad.
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n’gog’s already got his kit on!!!!
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does that mean that keane might start scoring? (was thinking bout getting rid of adebayor for keane) and thus funding my non playing sub up to evra to cover for bosingwa injury who i have - what you think? (is a gamble but….)
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 9:52 pm:
I wouldn’t put to much faith in Keane, I personally have little confidence in him at this moment of time. This could of course change, but for the time being, he still needs to show me alot more before I’ll be considering him. We’ll see how the Torres’ injury effects keane and his points potential, the effect could be positive OR negative.
But anyway, like you say, it would be a gamble, and I certainly think the second part of your plan (Evra In) is undoubtedly justified and a good one, so if the first part (the addition o Keane) were to work out, then happy days for you! To risk, or not to risk? So often the question.
P.s - Torres’ injury may not be as serious as first impressions might have gave, Im sure alot of fantasy managers will have their fingers crossed.
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Could be Torres’knee ligaments chaps. 6 months.
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Reply by AFski on October 15 7:37 pm:
‘reportedly just a tweak’ according to BBC?
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or will he play - n’gog or el zhar ? - great value and mean can get lamps as well as ronnie
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There is talk of him doing in his knee ligaments on 606 (bbc chat) but that may just be liverpool haters making stuff up.
If he was out for a while it might make Keane/Kuyt/N’gog interesting prospects…
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Wolf-Robbie Keane off injured as well tonight.
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keane mite be injured!! was at the touchline just before h/t after landing awkward on his leg. waiting on update if injured
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Reply by CK on October 15 8:46 pm:
I just watched Ireland highlights. Keane is fine. He walked off happily at final whistle.
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livpool r screwed haha
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They are dropping like flys tonight.
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keanes back on
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Great, I have Bosingwa,Brown,Zaki,Cole and Torres and have already wildcarded in the past. I also had shares in Bradford and Bingley.
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Reply by Holmesy on October 15 7:58 pm:
Brown’s still going!
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Nice one Alexi -No more fantasy football tips from you thanks!
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Yeah but I only just bought Brown and there is a small chance Neville may play in his place.
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Reply by Holmesy on October 15 8:01 pm:
Ah bugger!
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Oh dear i have Bosingwa in my team and with my remaining rotating 3rd defender i have to choose 2 of Paintsil, Figueroa and Dawson. At least if Torres is injured there are quite a few people in my league who have him as captain.
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Any way of getting a Bosingwa update?
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Reply by Aris on October 15 8:31 pm:
Only managed to find this through google:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/.....2420081015
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Rooney for captain this week then? He just played yet another stormer, 2 goals, 1 assist and 1 Mom vs Belerus. Has been in fantastic form for the last month or more. I dont have him, but if i did i’d captain him!
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Reply by CK on October 15 8:54 pm:
Scoring for England delivers no FPL points. I appreciate that you are elluding to his form and hope that it carries through… you have to understand that he is sourounded by top talent at United therefore will only get his share of the points. On the England team he is a bigger fish in a smaller pond so should do better. I don’t think he is a good FPL purchase given his price tag V his likely returns
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Reply by Alan on October 15 9:10 pm:
Ok, i would have to agree that his fantasy football potential was pretty limited at the start of the season, but on current form he looks well worth the cash. I wouldn’t call Lamps and Gerrard small fry either, these two traditionally clean up when it comes to fantasy football.. Rooney has eclipsed them in Englands last three games.. I know thats in internationals but his club form has been top draw in the last 4 also, showing up Berba and ronny in the process.
But yeah your right, i wouldn’t buy him. He does tend to go on little world class spurts of form, but just as he gets going a little bone in his foot usually snaps. Or alternatively he’ll get a straight red for something ridiculous and get three matches to think about what he’s done!
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Reply by Fran on October 15 10:34 pm:
Rooney is a good buy if you still have Torres or Drogba etc. United have some nice fixtures, however he does often get injured just when he is hitting top form. If he scores two or more goals this weekend expect his price to rise fast.
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Oh dear. Glad I haven’t draften in any Chelsea players this week, except for Lamps who is fine injury wise.
Glad I don’t have any Liverpool players either!
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Garrido or Traore
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Reply by Aris on October 15 8:49 pm:
Man City have easier fixtures coming up.
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Just been on the Spanish website Marca and it says that Torres will be out for 10 days.
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Bulgaria coach Plamen Markov was forced to make a first-half substitution for the second successive match when Manchester City winger Martin Petrov limped off with a knee injury.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/r.....mp;cc=5739
Makes Ireland a much better pick, I really wish I had put him in my team instead of Giovanni now.
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Torres Injured for 10 days at least
BRILLIANT!!!
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 9:57 pm:
It’s better than the 6 months that has been speculated.
Not for me though, I don’t have Torres. Although I’m a fan of his and certainly wouldn’t wish injury upon in. If it were to be true that Torres were out for a long time(now looking unlikely) then I think it may well be byebye to Liverpool’s title challenge. It may seem a little hasty and naive, but Liverpool really can’t afford to be without Torres for a prolonged period of time, he’s invaluable to them.
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Hate to say I told you, but… Walcott was crap.
His touch is disgraceful for a ‘professional’ footballer, and he was mainly responsible for their goal. His refusal to track back is inexcusable.
Capello’s selection tonight was a total kop-out. In away games, Walcott is pretty obsolete.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 10:25 pm:
Do you think Walcott will start in the Arsenal game?
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Reply by Billybigspuds on October 15 10:26 pm:
Couldn’t disagree more akers.
Selecting Walcott above Beckham is a kop out?
Walcott’s touch may have let him down slightly but his pace is a serious weapon and a must have when there isn’t any pace elsewhere on the pitch.
That fact and the fact opposition know that mean they can’t push too far up the pitch. It also creates more space for others.
And the more experience Walcott gets the better he’ll get.
C’mon akers, stop this anti-walcot campaign.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 10:30 pm:
Agreed Billybigspuds, also as long as he plays 70mins or more for Arsenal he will be good for points in terms of assists and goals. Indeed, both the England and Arsenal managers are doing good with him so far.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:25 pm:
He’s being carried by the rest of the team. That hat-trick has basically saved his England career for this campaign.
I suppose we should pick Chambers or Pickering in the England squad?
I cannot help but pursue the anti-walcott debate because he is so over-rated.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:32 pm:
Inexperienced but not over-rated (potential). We need to make sure we help grass root level England players for the future.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:34 pm:
grass root level England players? What a load of rubbish.
8
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:39 pm:
Rubbish for people who don’t care much for the future of the England team perhaps?
8
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:45 pm:
What? Total nonsense (10), theo walcott is in no way an example of grass roots level english football.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:53 pm:
10 - I think both the Arsenal and English manager can’t be that stupid to include Walcott if he is as bad as you are saying Akers. That’s why they are good managers. I was not expecting Walcott to play outstanding in every match but at least see a steady improvement every few matches and giving England a different dimension which SWP and Young failed to do with their opportunities. It is nice to see some new or young talents being developed considering the premier league is more about highlighting foreign talent for Ronaldo lovers.
Reply by Akers on October 15 11:55 pm:
What opportunities?
Walcott is playing simply due to Nasri and Rosicky injuries.
Reply by Soop on October 16 2:05 pm:
“He’s being carried by the rest of the team. That hat-trick has basically saved his England career for this campaign.”
Uhm… wouldn’t you say that’s a fairly convincing argument tokeep him in? I think the way it works is, the team who scores the most goals wins.
From wikipedia: “Scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup is a relatively rare event: only 48 hat-tricks have been scored in over 700 matches in the 18 editions of the World Cup tournament”
Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 2:14 pm:
… The best hat-trick (and only hat-trick) in a WC final of course being … Sir Geoff Hurst.
Reply by Marknlard on October 16 2:32 pm:
That stat relates to final tournaments, not qualifiers. There’s been far more than 700 qualifying matches.
Reply by Marknlard on October 16 2:34 pm:
Actually, 1 hat-trick every 15 games is a still lot more than I’d have thought there would be…
Reply by Soop on October 16 3:07 pm:
Yeah, it’s qualifiers. Didn’t intend it to be misleading, just pointing out that they’re quite rare. There have been like 7 in the Uefa cup iirc.
I reckon that a lot of those hat tricks were probably scored by the same players. Wish I could find a list.
And I wonder if there have been 2 hat-tricks in a game.
And if there is anyone in the England team who doesn’t play in the Premiership, or if there ever has been.
Reply by Soop on October 16 3:20 pm:
Ok, check this out (there was a list in the same article!) 4 players have scored more than 1 hat-trick in world cup competitions.
2 England players have scored hat tricks in world cup games. Including Lineker.
Many of the hat tricks were scored in Mexico and Spain (82 and 86) Which would suggest something to me:
1) Where the games are held is a factor (crowd, weather, a certain style being dictated by teams who play in that climate, home team playing stronger)
2) The dominant style of football being played was more aggressive at that time (agressive tactics being developed to oppose successful defensive teams).
As far as I’m aware, England are not generally a very aggressive, high-scoring side (could be wrong though), so scoring a hat trick, albeit in the qualifiers, would seem all the more unlikely to happen.
To be honest, I’m really playing devils advocate - no way would I buy him. However everyone has their merits. Hesky for example cannot score for ****.
Reply by Fran on October 16 3:32 pm:
Yeah, Theo’s hat-trick was unique and brilliant in a very hard away match on paper (is he the first black person to score a hat-trick for England in a vital match?). Hopefully he can get true encouragement from REAL England and Arsenal fans! Yes, he’s a bit inexperienced but he’s doing better than any of us when we were just 19. SWP and Young good for their clubs which does not always translate into international class. Admittingly, Young and perhaps SWP should be given another chance to prove themselves. However, as you would have guessed I am all for Theo and hopes Wenger treats an English player properly. Theo will get good FPL points soon if he is constantly played - only a matter of time methinks.
Reply by snakeOil on October 16 3:51 pm:
Young has barely been given any chance at all to prove himself. So I would argue he should just be given a chance (i.e. at last 70 minutes). Could be important to have a great left winger like him as we are vulnerable to attack on the left, against good teams, with last nights formation.
Reply by Fran on October 16 4:13 pm:
Yeah either Young or Joe Cole. Good point considering both are having good form along with SWP.
Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:14 pm:
Who would you like to see in the team instead of Walcott Akers? SWP? Personally, Im torn between both your arguments. Although I don’t share Akers feeling that Walcott is quite ‘crap’, I do share his thoughts that Walcott is by no means the finished article and that there could well be a better option in SWP for that place in the England team. Walcott’s decision making at times is, well, ‘crap’ and he isn’t the best technically. A positive however, is that he’s young and will only improve.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:22 pm:
James
Brown Rio Terry Cole
SWP Lampard Barry(Hargreaves when fit) Young
Rooney Heskey
The non-inclusion of Young is a poor selection.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:27 pm:
Good line up Akers overall. But no Gerrard? Walcott is the future. Terry, good but too many injury problems and I think he won’t get back to his best. Hargreaves very good player but gets injured quick, may not be reliable in the real world cup? 4 Man Utd players - interesting.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:30 pm:
4 man united payers is it really interesting. Please select a team that has less than 3.
Walcott has the potential to be a good player, and in the future he may be good. But right now he is rubbish and we have better players (Young, SWP).
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Reply by Trevor Houllier on October 16 8:18 am:
Ha! Walcott is rubbish right now!
What a moronic comment.
With the exception of Owen and Rooney he’s probably the best 19 year old England player we’ve produced. He won’t be a complete player for another 10 years yet.
You talk about Walcott not having a good touch yet you would select SWP in your England dream team?!
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Reply by Akers on October 16 9:27 am:
Are people actually watching these games?!
Last night, Walcott’s touch let him down so many times and he lost the ball more times than Gerrard and that’s saying something. When he got the ball and was anywhere near the goal he just panicked and instead of looking up and seeing Rooney, he shot, which was more like a pass back. In the first half whenever Belarus were attacking there was always a man open which should have been marked by Walcott.
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Reply by Fran on October 16 9:34 am:
Akers, Look how many times Lampard, Rooney, Rio et al had bad games for England over the last 4 years. That’s why they didn’t qualify in the summer for the Euros. Good England players like Joe Cole or Gerrard you don’t mention. I wasn’t that impressed with SWP or Young for England anyway - average at best I say!
Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:29 pm:
I have to say Akers, my England team would be very similar to yours. Only change would be Gerrard in instead of Lampard. I firmly believe that it’s one or the other with these two, and I’m too big a Gerrard fan to drop him for a man who never seems to hit the heights at national level that he does for his club.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:32 pm:
Gerrard is in a rough patch of form, yet he scores a magnificent goal and assisted Rooney, so I can see the Gerrard argument. I have however seen even of England to know that Lampard and Gerrard cannot play together, and so you’d have to pick one.
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:38 pm:
Agree totally on Gerrard and Lamps not being able to play in the same England side, yet England manager’s continue to play them together. England would be so much better off with a more balanced team such as the example you’ve given us Akers.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:40 pm:
Gerrard is more than capable of playing in the defensive role (5-1 germany), but refuses to do so.
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Reply by Soop on October 16 2:09 pm:
“Gerrard is in a rough patch of form, yet he scores a magnificent goal and assisted Rooney.”
So Gerrard is playing rubbish, but he scored a goal. Walcot is playing rubbish but he scores 3.
*head explodes*
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:37 pm:
Agreed Gerrard needs to be in the England team - he’s good for inspiring other team-mates too. Akers you do have a very good point about SWP and Young though - but Walcott will be a more long term prospect. I just hope he does not get burnt out or something?
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:39 pm:
Young 23, SWP 26.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:41 pm:
Theo 19 methinks
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:43 pm:
You misunderstand me. I’m saying that because Young and SWP are young themselves, there is no need to worry about ‘long-term’ prospects.
Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:46 pm:
I don’t think Akers was arguing that Young and SWP were younger than Theo lol But saying that Walcott is a more a long term prospect suggests SWP and Young to be getting on abit, when in truth there both still young themselves.
Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:46 pm:
Ahhh, too slow.
Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:42 pm:
I would be surprised if a player under the guidance of AW were to burn out. I suppose it’s just how Walcott can handle the high expectation levels that are now firmly on him.
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Reply by Akers on October 15 11:49 pm:
I bet Walcott is dining out on that hat-trick. There is a huge expectation on him purely because of them goals, but even in that game I thought he played poorly. Can’t believe that the majority of people on here rate him.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:57 pm:
Hi Akers - from what you seen so far from the ‘new’ England team how far do you think we will get in the world cup 2010?
Reply by Akers on October 16 12:00 am:
1/4 final. Possibly semi.
Reply by Hman on October 16 8:41 am:
Surely Joe Cole would be in the England Dream Team.
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Reply by llama on October 16 9:36 am:
Akers is making an awful lot of sense for a Man Utd fan :p. Walcott was so shit last night it was quite embarrassing. It was like someone taught a professional sprinter to dribble (a little bit) and put him on the pitch…his touch was awful!!!
Too much pressure methinks. And he ain’t been too good for arsenal recently either.
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Reply by Akers on October 16 9:47 am:
Away from home, you cannot have a player giving the ball away time after time and is determined not to track back. His runs are sometimes a excellent outlet to have to take pressure off the team, but he doesn’t know what to do when he gets to the other side of the pitch. Ok against Croatia what he did was shoot, but come on they were pretty average shots and the keeper must be disappointed not to have dealt with them better.
His touch is terrible, his passing is terrible, his crossing is terrible, his awareness and vision is none existant and he doesn’t track back at all.
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Reply by Fran on October 16 10:01 am:
Sounds like SWP when he played for England? Sounds like Rooney and Lampard before hitting good form? Sounds like Young playing for England?
The only players that seem really consistent for England is of course Gerrard and Joe Cole, perhaps Owen when he was playing. But clearly Akers you have better footballing knowledge than the England or Arsenal managers. I need to take your advice more seriously.
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 16 10:18 am:
Woah woah woah. You two need to put your handbags away… Although it certainly makes amusing reading!
Akers is right about Walcott to a point. He was out of his depth last night. But he’s still young, and will learn eventually. Plus he’s not a natural winger/mid so arguably it’s Capello’s fault for expecting him to automatically track back. However, saying he’s terrible at all those things does him a disservice. He’s certainly not good enough for international level yet.
Fran, Gerrard has NEVER been consistent for England. He said so himself. Sometimes he’s outstanding, but normally he’s frustratingly woeful.
I would prefer Young. I like his play a lot, similar to Joe Cole. I’m still not sure about SWP - tries to hard to go round/through 3 defenders and score a wonder-goal sometimes…
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Shame about the Torres injury, I was definately going to start him with Zaki less than 100%. Looks like I’ll have to settle for Berbatov on his own up front, supported by Ronaldo, Lampard and Ashley Young with Barry and Denilson holding in front of a solid defence comprising Clichy, Woodgate, Laursen and Turner. Craig Gordon of Scotland between the sticks.
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Reply by Fran on October 15 10:23 pm:
I wouldn’t worry so much as your midfield is still good dunk.
Liverpool will definitely miss Torres though, come on Keane your time to shine. I don’t have Torres but some of my rivals have - haha!
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Ps: If you are really desperate you could change Torres for in-form Ronney?
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Reply by dunk on October 15 11:17 pm:
Rooney’s looking great, but I worry about his discipline- too many cards. Zaki should be back to full fitness soon and it sounds like the Torres injury isn’t too serious, so I’m happy with my team. I also want to keep a United spot clear to maybe bring in Carrick, Hargreaves or Vidic when the time is right. I must say that I’m surprised nobody ever talks about Gordon as a good, cheap keeper with an improving defence.
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:24 pm:
Correct me if I’m wrong as I haven’t got any stats to back this up, but Rooney’s discipline has improved massively has it not? I can’t remember him picking up too many cards in recent times. It’s credit to him really, he’s really improved on controlling that hot head of his.
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i hope torres and bosingwa are screwed
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Tempted to shift Berbatov out for Rooney… (I would have to sacrifice 8 points for transferring though)
Honest thoughts?
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Reply by Fran on October 15 11:12 pm:
Rooney seems to be on form at the moment vicsta, but personally I sticking to Berbatov to get those assists and goals this weekend and above all he is cheaper. It is a tough call but you don’t want to be kicking yourself either way.
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:16 pm:
Don’t do it. Simple. Not worth 8 point hit at all.
Not meaning to be harsh here by the way, just wanting to get my point accross.
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Reply by dunk on October 15 11:20 pm:
That sounds crazy. If it was a straight swap I wouldn’t do it but losing points as well makes it a big risk
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Gerrard and Lamps played together - worked out fine this time! I think it has a lot to do with confidence, tactics and belief?
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 15 11:47 pm:
Or maybe the opposition being Belarus?
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Reply by will on October 16 12:15 am:
yup-not sure we’d play the same team against Spain/Brazil etc
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Reply by Akers on October 16 12:36 am:
What makes you think that. He decided to play the same team as Saturday even though he had to change that one at half time.
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over 2 pts in the bank and bringing in AYoung this week, who should I drop BULLARD or DENILSON. Need to drop one of those.
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No doubt Akers wants that shite, ginger, crap tackling, twerp Scholes in the Emgland midfield instead of Walcott, SWP or Young, The same Scholes who does not have the pride or balls to play for his country when needed (bit like carragher methinks).
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Reply by Marknlard on October 16 8:29 am:
“pride or balls to play for his country”
This argument always makes me laugh. They both had fairly similar reasons to retire (being played out of position to accomodate lesser players) and are both one club men who’d rather devote their limited time and energy to their clubs. By playing out of position, they’d only put in poorer performances and end up getting crucified by press and fans.
If they want to retire, it’s their right.
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Reply by Akers on October 16 9:31 am:
What? You are saying you wouldn’t have Scholes in there?
What England are rubbish at doing and seem incapable of doing in long spells, is to keep the ball. Scholes would be perfect for England and he’d play in that defensive midfield position.
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Reply by SL8 on October 16 9:48 am:
Scholes retired years ago - good player but loses all respect after deciding that - Joe Cole should surely be ahead of A.Young in you England team Akers - he’s probably been Englands best player over the last 12 months and gives England a balanced feel. As for Wes Brown!! we really need a decent right back to replace him - preferably someone who doesn’t ‘duck’ out the way of a cross on its way to a strikers head and into our goal! - perhaps he had bet on Belarus scoring
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Reply by Akers on October 16 9:56 am:
Yeah Joe Cole ahead of Young perhaps, I just feel a little sorry for Young. What more does he have to do to get in the england team? He’s been consistent for 18 months now.
As for Brown, I prefer him to Johnson at the moment because hes playing regularly for United and is a bit more reliable.
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Reply by SL8 on October 16 9:59 am:
Agreed with J.Cole out injured for the last squad i was amazed to see Young wasn’t given a chance or at least invited into the squad. Right-back for me is still a problem area cause i’m not sure i like either Brown or Johnson.
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Reply by Fran on October 16 10:04 am:
Agreed - Young should be given another chance, he did not make much impact before though.
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Reply by Lee on October 16 10:50 am:
Scholes retired after the world cup when Sven decided that Lampard would be mainstay in midfield and shifted Scholes out to the left. It was just so wrong. Why does everyone think Joe Cole is the answer to the leftside problem, he does a job there nothing more, much better to move him to the middle but I suppose everyone wants to play there. I’m not sure what Glen Johnson is doing anywhere near the England squad, Brown is far better but he isn’t a great full back by any means.
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Reply by will on October 16 1:04 pm:
I thought being able to tackle was a prerequisite for playing as a defensive midfielder?
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Reply by Akers on October 16 1:10 pm:
If it works spectacularly well for United, then it could for England. Scholes controls games in that position, and if you can’t see that for yourself, then me explaining it will just be a waste of my time.
What do you think he does for United?
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Socceroos! will kick England’s arse any day of the week.
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Reply by Dan on October 16 9:11 am:
Cheers to that! At least we don’t have problems disposing of minnows!
Bring on SA 2010 - hope we draw England in the group stage…
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 9:59 am:
“Cheers to that! At least we don’t have problems disposing of minnows!”
… You lost to Iraq!
http://www.footballaustralia.c.....p;id=22449
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 9:48 am:
Behave you wouldn’t even get to the world cup if you had to play anyone decent in qualifying.
(FIFA ranking)
Austrialia (34), Japan (32), Qatar (78), Bahrain (72), Uzbekistan (70)
Our group
England (14), Croatia (6), Ukraine (19), Belarus (59), Kazakhstan (131), Andorra (184)
Has any Asian team ever won a world cup? You boys stick to your minority sports where you’ve got a chance of winning!!
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Reply by Marknlard on October 16 9:55 am:
The Aussies went out to a last kick penalty against the eventual winners in the last WC, that’s not a bad performance.
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 10:08 am:
They won one game in the group stages (and entire tournament) and fell at the first knockout round.
They went out to arguably one of the worst world cup winners in the history of the competition- so there’s no glory there either.
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Reply by Timo on October 16 1:30 pm:
Anelka hasn’t been mentioned yet, i reckon hes starting to hit some decent form. A bargain for a lone stricker at chelsea!
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 16 10:03 am:
Oh dear Dale, i think you need to be careful what you’re saying… Whilst i don’t subscribe to FIFA ranking, you’ll find that the average ranking in the Australia group is better than the England group. Implying their’s is a more evenly balanced contest. As opposed to Eng’s top v bottom qualifying route.
Personally, i think Australia would Eng a bloody good game seeing as most of their players play in the Prem anyway. Eng would hopefully sneak it though.
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 10:18 am:
I know exactly what I’m saying (and loving it) - I’m suggesting the comment made by Dan is weak - I don’t subscribe to FIFA ranking either but FIFA thinks I’m right.
Average ranking?! You could be a politician - but look again and see the rankings as they are mate: England must win a group against a teams who are 6th, and 19th and the Socceroos must beat a team who are 32nd and 70th….
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If i was the England manager I’ll play a simple 4-4-2
Heres what my squad would look like
R Green
Tomkins Davenport Upson Mullins
Bowyer Parker Noble Etherington
Ashton Cole
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 16 10:39 am:
That’s not a ’squad’. Squad suggests more than 11 players!
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 10:42 am:
I think that’s the clearest evidence of why we need an Italian to manage us Hman!
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Reply by Hman on October 16 10:57 am:
Sorry d2b,
The bench would look like
J Walker
K Dyer
N Quashie
K Reid
J Collinson
F Sears
Z Hines
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Reply by Marknlard on October 16 11:03 am:
Shame about Quashie’s Scotland caps.
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Reply by Hman on October 16 11:23 am:
He’ll still make the bench!
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Guys,I am in the middle of a game of cluedo.Am unsure if it is Rev Green or Col Mustard though I am pretty sure that it was with the candlestick in the library.Suggestions?
(Granted this has nothing to do with football but then again so do some of the other ramblings…..)
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 16 11:06 am:
Big Ron, you’ve omitted the Professor Plum! He has to be suspect no1 surely?! Weapon of choice: the lead pipe. Of course, the sentimental Professor would never be found outside of the library…
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Any update on Bosingwa?
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Reply by Fantasy Brighteyes Scout on October 16 2:15 pm:
Any update on the cluedo?
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I hear you CK! I thought it would never get back to the above subject!! Desperately awaiting more info myself. Can’t see I’d get rid of Bos even if he’s out for a few weeks, class act in my opinion. Just hope it isn’t serious.
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In case you didn’t get me the the first time, no love lost between England and Australia. If you want to start it Dale The Hornet you better hope you can finish it. I doubt you can see over your crib though.
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 1:59 pm:
Who are you? Anyone dishonoring England with drivel (Especially on an English football website) will get shot down.
Bring it big boy.
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Reply by Soop on October 16 2:17 pm:
Oh an Internet fight. How novel.
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Reply by Fantasy Brighteyes Scout on October 16 2:34 pm:
“Bring it big boy”?
Be careful lads. It all starts out as a bit of harmless fun trading highly camp threats, but before you know it someone’s had their eyes scratched out!
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Reply by Dale the Hornet on October 16 2:40 pm:
Haha! point taken - I don’t want any misinterpretation on that front! Although, that’s a bit rich coming from someone with a bedknobs and broomsticks image?!?
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