Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
No-one to fear
44 Comments: After the first set of matches of the Premier League season, I honestly believe a top-four finish is within our grasp this season.
Having watched the so-called 'Big Clubs' in action, I think we stand every chance of breaking into the Champions League gang. Man Utd and Chelsea will get the top two, but after that there's a lot of clubs that we should be able to mix it with no problem if we can start well. (A big IF I know...)
Arsenal ? about to lose their two best players. Unless Wenger buys quickly, they're going to really struggle.
Liverpool ? too many midfielders... they can't all be kept happy; if Carroll or Suarez get injured, they will lack goals. The King Kenny factor will also wear off by Christmas.
Spurs ? unsettled with Modric wanting to go and no goalscorer plus 'Arry's mind will be on landing the England job after Euro 2012.
Man City ? I believe their dressing room will implode this season. Tevez & Balotelli issues will take their toll and affect them.
Chelsea ? will take time to settle for their new manager; Drogba to throw his toys out of the pram about being a bench warmer...
Man Utd ? will walk the league, sadly.
So, a home win vs QPR next weekend should get us off to a good start, then an early derby win vs Liverpool should get us going on a long unbeaten run that will set us in good stead for the season.
No new signings... who needs them? Gueye and Barkley will come through and show their potential. Beckford to score 15 goals, a full injury-free season from Cahill, Fellaini and Arteta will drive us home.
That's what my blue-tinted glasses foresee anyway...
Andy Rowlands, Posted 14/08/2011 at 20:11:22
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For fuck's sake, Andy, do you work for Kenwright? Just the type of crap Neville, Cahill et al get wheeled out to say.
Liverpool's defence is not the best, if they thought they could get away with a bid for Jags they'd do it.
Why not offer them Yobo for £4 mill! at least we'd get a laugh out of it! As for City, I've always said great players poor team.
If we can stay relatively injury-free till Xmas, we could be in with a shot at 5th.
Dunno what you're drinking mate but can you send a crate my way, cheers.
Injury free ?
We've already got two very concerning injuries (Mikky & Seamus) before we've even kicked a ball !!
Real world gents, real world !
We've already got two very concerning injuries (Mikky & Seamus) before we've even kicked a ball !!
Real world gents, real world !
Have to say this time last year there were a lot of well argued posts claiming we would win the league or at least finish top 4...we didn't. This year there's even less room for optimism. We'll do well to finish 7th again.
You forgot to factor Everton in your calculations.
Defensive minded manager with no attacking balls, would take nil-nil evary week.
Smallest squad in the prem and a couple of injuries will see them struggle.
Defensive minded manager with no attacking balls, would take nil-nil evary week.
Smallest squad in the prem and a couple of injuries will see them struggle.
Liking it Andy, liking it.
Bohs tomorrow night and then 3 points against QPR on Saturday and who knows where we could end up. Pushing for a CL spot?
This summer of complete and utter nothingness is coming to an end and we are about to play ball again.
Barman! Could I have another triple vodka please ?
Bohs tomorrow night and then 3 points against QPR on Saturday and who knows where we could end up. Pushing for a CL spot?
This summer of complete and utter nothingness is coming to an end and we are about to play ball again.
Barman! Could I have another triple vodka please ?
Well said, Andy, forever the optimist, well here's your mate ? you're right ? I've seen nothing to fear either.
Fellaini, Rodwell, Barkley (Messi)... Oh no, our manager won't play them together. If he does, we're in with a shout. That central three, plus Baines and Saha, and Coleman staying injury free, we could win the league.............
There, I can't believe I've said it again.......... Nurse! Nurse! I'm hearing the voices again......
Fellaini, Rodwell, Barkley (Messi)... Oh no, our manager won't play them together. If he does, we're in with a shout. That central three, plus Baines and Saha, and Coleman staying injury free, we could win the league.............
There, I can't believe I've said it again.......... Nurse! Nurse! I'm hearing the voices again......
I will wait to see the team against QPR before I give an opinion. If Anichebe starts, especially as a lone strker, then I know were screwed. As QPR just lost 4-0 at home then the only option is to put out our best attacking formation on the pitch and that does not include Anichebe!
Wake up. After the first round of the season that is truly optimistic, epsecially a since we havent played one competitive game yet. We need to see how we cope against spurs before we can start speculating.
Or QPR, Jimmy?
a) So andy what are you smoking?
b) and can you send me some of that?
b) and can you send me some of that?
Nurse, nurse.... i just need to tell Andy something,
The last time we won the league QPR and Norwich were in the top flight,
What, I have taken the tablet, nurse,
No, not the enema again... It's ToffeeWeb... it sends me crazy...
The last time we won the league QPR and Norwich were in the top flight,
What, I have taken the tablet, nurse,
No, not the enema again... It's ToffeeWeb... it sends me crazy...
Andy, all of what you say about the opposition is true. That's what makes are lack of spending so frustrating, We are close, so close.An inspiring loan and a new attitude from the coach could do it.
Two Andy's talking shite...thats a sign of the end of the world, so it is!
What a load of shit. Utd will anything but walk the league.
It will be the closest it ever has been. Utd fluked it late with an own goal hardly convincing. Chelsea I thought look very good! Torres was class and looks like he is back.
As for us! It will be a big ask this season and I see us really struggling. The injuries have already started for fucks sake with coleman!
It will be the closest it ever has been. Utd fluked it late with an own goal hardly convincing. Chelsea I thought look very good! Torres was class and looks like he is back.
As for us! It will be a big ask this season and I see us really struggling. The injuries have already started for fucks sake with coleman!
Deluded!!
That's the frustration of no investment. I thought we were there or thereabout this time last season then we got off to that appaling start, with a couple of quality playes Moyes could've mixed it up , instead it was make do and mend until the squad started to peform.
James#16 I watched the Chelsea game with a Chelsea fan, and we both agreed that Chelsea will struggle this year without Essian and too many players ageing at the same time.
James#16 I watched the Chelsea game with a Chelsea fan, and we both agreed that Chelsea will struggle this year without Essian and too many players ageing at the same time.
I agree a lot of teams looked very ordinary. Nothing that would scare anyone.
But Everton lack the depth required to finish the marathon. And therein lies the crime of BK and lack of investment. A few impact signings and you might have justification for some - some - optimism.
As it stands 7th is about as good as you can hope for.
I hope I'm wrong.
But Everton lack the depth required to finish the marathon. And therein lies the crime of BK and lack of investment. A few impact signings and you might have justification for some - some - optimism.
As it stands 7th is about as good as you can hope for.
I hope I'm wrong.
The league will get tighter and the gaps among the teams will be narrower because teams are now better prepared and players tend to be more skillful than their old Division One predecessors. There is greater emphasis on tactics and organization and what separates the top team from the poor ones is skill (as it has always been the case) but the difference is not a yawning chasm. With proper preparation and motivation, a lesser side like Stoke can give an unsettled and less prepared top team like Chelski a run for their money.
I feel your optimism and the sides above us don't appear to be far away until you scratch the surface.
I believe we may have the fourth best 11 in the league. I also believe that we may only have the 11th-14th best squad. If you ask yourself how many times over the course of the season will our first choice 11 play together then you can see where we may struggle.
We are more likely to suffer when injuries and suspensions bite because of the smaller squad and the number of injury prone sicknotes we have on our books. BUT we may go the majority of the season relatively injury free.
Arsenal may not replace the two who are leaving properly and struggle, Wenger may even leave and the club implodes.
Tottenham might not get that proper forward they are looking for and continue to struggle with injuries at the back. Modric may unsettle them all and if he goes a few others might start looking sideways.
Liverpool are being massively over-rated by every foolish pundit in the media. They are nowhere near as good as they think they are.
Or none of the above may happen and we finish 8th. I feel like the sides below us pushing on I.e. Stoke, Sunderland etc. will need another year or two to catch us assuming we stay still or don't go backwards with player.
I believe we may have the fourth best 11 in the league. I also believe that we may only have the 11th-14th best squad. If you ask yourself how many times over the course of the season will our first choice 11 play together then you can see where we may struggle.
We are more likely to suffer when injuries and suspensions bite because of the smaller squad and the number of injury prone sicknotes we have on our books. BUT we may go the majority of the season relatively injury free.
Arsenal may not replace the two who are leaving properly and struggle, Wenger may even leave and the club implodes.
Tottenham might not get that proper forward they are looking for and continue to struggle with injuries at the back. Modric may unsettle them all and if he goes a few others might start looking sideways.
Liverpool are being massively over-rated by every foolish pundit in the media. They are nowhere near as good as they think they are.
Or none of the above may happen and we finish 8th. I feel like the sides below us pushing on I.e. Stoke, Sunderland etc. will need another year or two to catch us assuming we stay still or don't go backwards with player.
Dave (7) you said that "You forgot to factor Everton in your calculations".
I believe the Everton factor to be a constant were c = we always screw it up somewhere.
I believe the Everton factor to be a constant were c = we always screw it up somewhere.
I thought we did very well out of the opening weekend of the season. Mid table. No goals conceaded, no injuries or cards picked up. And a game in hand over most teams in the division. Just as long as we don't be silly and play some one we will be fine.
Sorry mate, but there is no way we will finish in the top four with the current squad. If anything our team is worse than last year minus Pienaar. I'd be happy with 7th again, as long as we steer well clear of any danger until we get some proper investment to improve the squad.
I happened, just by accident, to see another site (honest).
Their pundit (ha) went through the teams from bottom to top...20th Norwich on up through to Sunderland 8th.
He then gave us 7th more or less by default, the reason was Moyes, been there done that. and all the others below us being, for various combinations of circumstance, crap, crapper and crappest.
And all those above us were, well the shite 6. and to some extent or other good, better or best. and there is nothing we can do about it
So 7th it is then, all go home nothing to see here.
QPR will come and park the bus after getting spanked.
We DO NOT NEED keep it tight and pinch one.
Moyeses team selection ( injuries will be taken into account ) will set the tone for the season.
It's how you send them out to play...eg
TO WIN !
Their pundit (ha) went through the teams from bottom to top...20th Norwich on up through to Sunderland 8th.
He then gave us 7th more or less by default, the reason was Moyes, been there done that. and all the others below us being, for various combinations of circumstance, crap, crapper and crappest.
And all those above us were, well the shite 6. and to some extent or other good, better or best. and there is nothing we can do about it
So 7th it is then, all go home nothing to see here.
QPR will come and park the bus after getting spanked.
We DO NOT NEED keep it tight and pinch one.
Moyeses team selection ( injuries will be taken into account ) will set the tone for the season.
It's how you send them out to play...eg
TO WIN !
So, one game into the season and you have seen enough for us to be able to get a 4th place spot.
Like it Andy
Been saying the same for weeks.
Any sort of improvement on last season will see us in the mix.
The cant -win-dont-try gang. wont even consider the possibility of a decent season and will try to suck any enthusiasm out of you.
Dont you let them
Been saying the same for weeks.
Any sort of improvement on last season will see us in the mix.
The cant -win-dont-try gang. wont even consider the possibility of a decent season and will try to suck any enthusiasm out of you.
Dont you let them
6 points from QPR at home and Blackburn away are essential to have any chance of Europe. I actually fancied getting something at Spurs but that game has gone and now we couldn't really have an easier combination of a home game against new boys QPR and away to relegation certainties Blackburn (my opinion).
So 6 points going into the international break with consecutive home games against Villa then Wigan. These fixture are kind to say the least. If we can't take advantage of these then it's another long season.
10 points absolute minimum from the first four games. But it's about time we beat Villa ? I cant remember the last time we took 3 league points off them. So here's hoping to maximum points from the first four games and then who knows what's possible!
No point criticising, I just hope youre right, and I love your optimism.
Moyes has polished a few turds in his time but this is probably his biggest challenge given the spending limitations this season. Fourth or fifth with this squad would be a remarkable achievment.
Good luck to the boys, EFC 1 v 0 QPR.
Moyes has polished a few turds in his time but this is probably his biggest challenge given the spending limitations this season. Fourth or fifth with this squad would be a remarkable achievment.
Good luck to the boys, EFC 1 v 0 QPR.
Wouldn't it be nice Andy but sadly it will not happen as long as we have a powder puff midfield and 3 eligible strikers (one always injured and another always jet-lagged).
Anichebe is useless and Velios will only get minutes here and there.
Coleman is injured,Biley suspended,Arteta not fully fit and Fellaini just coming back..Creativity may be a real problem again.
I think 7th.or 8th.is more realistic Andy.
Anichebe is useless and Velios will only get minutes here and there.
Coleman is injured,Biley suspended,Arteta not fully fit and Fellaini just coming back..Creativity may be a real problem again.
I think 7th.or 8th.is more realistic Andy.
I appreciate all the comments here - and of course you can't tell what's going to happen after one game, just trying to see things half full rather than half (or completely) empty like most posts on TW. I think the reality is somewhere in between.
And Michael (2) I certainly don't work for BK,
And Michael (2) I certainly don't work for BK,
We can´t get into the champions league without scoring goals, we even bother discuss it?
@19 Essien hasn't been influential for years now and he's finished since his injuries. Hence Chelsea were willing to offload him. Mikel can more than fill his boots. I agree they have ageing players but they also have some outstanding prospects. Plus one of the best managers around. Plus when Modric goes they will have their playmaker. I can seeing them winning the title mark my words
I don't think it is the teams above us I think we should fear. It is the teams around and below us that we seem to struggle against and take points from i.e. your west broms, wolves and blackburns of last season.
Good optimistic post Andy but,.....most of the big boys have a few new players and will take time to gel, but they will all be there at the finish. Not sure United will walk away with it. They have a keeper problem, that might just cost them too many points. It costs us 10 points a season to have Howard in goal and thats a fact....and now united might just have the same problem.
Good optimistic post Andy but,.....most of the big boys have a few new players and will take time to gel, but they will all be there at the finish. Not sure United will walk away with it. They have a keeper problem, that might just cost them too many points. It costs us 10 points a season to have Howard in goal and thats a fact....and now united might just have the same problem.
It's all well and good standing on the sidelines and mocking the other guys on the dancefloor but what are we going to do the weekend? Come flying out the traps in a White suit, cosack dancing whilst juggling some balls or are we going to stink the place out so bad that we have to embarrassingly slip back to the shadows like Quasimodo on a first date?
This post is the kiss of death, we haven't got any points on the board yet, and all ready some are making some very bold predictions. Lets hope we can get off to a slightly better start than in previous years. That in itself would be a big achievement.
We can not take anything for granted especially against the so-called lesser sides.
We can not take anything for granted especially against the so-called lesser sides.
Having seen QPR and Swansea get spanked - at least there's 2 of the relegation places booked.
Now if Blackburn can keep messin around we'll at least be safe.
So I agree - nothing to worry about
Now if Blackburn can keep messin around we'll at least be safe.
So I agree - nothing to worry about
More verbal crap from Wilson.
Brendan McLaughlin, there really is no pleasing you.
We'll probably get 38 points this season (38 draws) - this due to no proven goalscorer as per last season, combined with, no new forward bought......simples
Top 4 is a possibility for us, unfortunately so is relegation. Our Jekyll and Hyde team really doesnt instill a belief that we are going to be either the former or the latter this season. As for Moyes and the bank(Less)rollers that manage our club, they epitomise just exactly were our club standing is right now. However this is the case that maybe, its unforgivable that SOME investment, even to buy a singular 10 million player every season is not forthcoming. One can only believe that the Board are scavenging our club resources until its nomore.
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1 Posted 14/08/2011 at 21:16:10
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As to the teams above us? Not bad. Could happen.
As to our chances. Why not. If we can't be optimistic before a single game's been played, then when?