Football season 2015/16

Posted by: MDS on 02 August 2015

Well the new season beckons, though I see some unfortunate clubs have been playing Europa League qualifiers already (no summer hols for the Hammers). So I thought I’d kick off (pun intended) with some predictions.

 

In the PL, as I did last season, I’m going to tip Chelsea to win the title.  Mourinho has freshened his squad, it’s a bit younger and I suspect he has retained the all-important hunger. I also won’t be surprised if Mourinho gets Falcoa to fire in the way we know he can.

 

Man City/Man U and Arsenal to fight out the next three places.  I further predict mid-table mediocrity to Liverpool (if so, Rodgers may not survive past Xmas), while Palace enjoy a season in the top half. 

 

At the bottom, I hope Bournemouth survive while my head says not but whatever happens I hope the club and their fans have a thoroughly enjoyable season. I think Watford will drop with the other relegation place being between Leicester, Norwich and Villa.

 

I think the Championship is very hard to call.  If QPR retain Charlie Austin I can see them bouncing back. I don’t see Burnley doing so. Nor Hull. Ipswich might make it this time. 

 

Of course I’m hoping my lot will get promoted out of League Two under our new manager Paul Cook but I’ve been following them for long enough to know that disappointment is very possible again.

 

Posted on: 02 August 2015 by Chris Dolan

I think that Man United will win the quadruple 

Posted on: 02 August 2015 by totemphile

I think they won't make the top three. They bought too many players that need integrating. Long ways ahead for them to really gel and play as one. Respect, if they succeed this season! 

 

 

Posted on: 02 August 2015 by totemphile

I forgot, Arsenal to win the title! Who else?! 

Posted on: 02 August 2015 by Daveas

I think Chelsea and Man City are the new(ish) United and Arsenal. I'm afraid City will win the PL. As a long time pessimistic red I just hope United get into the Champions League proper.

 

Posted on: 07 August 2015 by Gavin B

Well, no need for West Ham fans to worry that the Europa league is going to disrupt their season!

Posted on: 07 August 2015 by hafler3o

All in the plan, "Winners never quit ... Quitters never (i forget)"! 

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by Gavin B:

Well, no need for West Ham fans to worry that the Europa league is going to disrupt their season!

Indeed not!

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by Kevin-W

For all those Gooners casting around for a new manager, I hear Sam Allardyce is available.

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by MDS

Something of a strange set of results on the opening weekend of the new season.  The Gunnners losing at home to the Hammers being one (Kevin-W already gleeful) and the Champions dropping points at home.  Watched the Chelsea game on MoTD and thought they were a bit fortunate to get a point, given the chances Swansea had and the fluky nature of their two goals.  Thought the ref got it spot on for the pen and red card.

 

Meanwhile down in the bottom division I enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Fratton Park watching my lot secure a comfortable 3-0 win over the Daggers in front of near 17,000. A new manager and only two survivors in the team from last season so I expected a pretty disjointed display. But while they certainly need to work on their throw-ins the display was reasonable cohesive. A good start.

 

Oh, well done to Ranieri at the Foxes. What an electric start? 

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by totemphile
Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

For all those Gooners casting around for a new manager, I hear Sam Allardyce is available.

Everybody is allowed to feel joyful, at least once a season Kevin. Today was your day.  Kudos where kudos are due. We were simply plain awful, not awake, too arrogant, take your pick. There seemed little burning desire to win. No point feeling sorry, onwards and upwards!

 

As for those Gooners calling for Wengers head already, they are the constant whingers. You win and lose together, stop moaning and get behind the team, is my view.

 

Anyways, enjoy the day!

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by totemphile
Originally Posted by MDS:

Oh, well done to Ranieri at the Foxes. What an electric start? 

Yes, well done to Ranieri and his boys. What a start indeed! 

Posted on: 09 August 2015 by Quad 33

Sheffield Wednesday could be the dark horse in the championship this season. New chairman, manager, team, pitch & score board, plus a 2 nill home win..

 

Graham.

 

 

Posted on: 10 August 2015 by totemphile

Kevin, is that you? 

 

 

Posted on: 12 August 2015 by Harry Bennett

COYI

Posted on: 13 August 2015 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by totemphile:

Kevin, is that you? 

 

 

I love West Ham but there's no way I'd let a tattooist anywhere near my bum!

 

Apparently that guy said if WHU beat L'Arse he'd have the score put on his rear, so at least he is a man of honour.

Posted on: 13 August 2015 by totemphile

Didn't think so! 

Posted on: 13 August 2015 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by totemphile:
Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

For all those Gooners casting around for a new manager, I hear Sam Allardyce is available.

Everybody is allowed to feel joyful, at least once a season Kevin. Today was your day.  Kudos where kudos are due. We were simply plain awful, not awake, too arrogant, take your pick. There seemed little burning desire to win. No point feeling sorry, onwards and upwards!

 

As for those Gooners calling for Wengers head already, they are the constant whingers. You win and lose together, stop moaning and get behind the team, is my view.

 

Anyways, enjoy the day!

 

 

 

 

TBH I would rather beat the Spuds than Arsenal, but if we could do both I would be very happy. I think L'Arse are likely to be in the top 4 again, although of the so-called "big" teams - City, Man U, Chelski, Liverpool and the Arse - none of them, apart from Citeh, have been convincing so far.

Posted on: 15 August 2015 by MDS
Originally Posted by Kevin-W:
Originally Posted by totemphile:

Kevin, is that you? 

 

 

I love West Ham but there's no way I'd let a tattooist anywhere near my bum!

 

Apparently that guy said if WHU beat L'Arse he'd have the score put on his rear, so at least he is a man of honour.

After today's result against the Foxes, I wonder if tattoo-bum boy is prepared to turn the other cheek?  

Posted on: 15 August 2015 by MDS

Having also dumped the Rams out of the Capital cup mid-week, today's victory at Plymouth means my lot have started the season with three wins. Can't remember when that last happened.  We're in danger of looking like a team. 

Posted on: 15 August 2015 by Chris Dolan
Originally Posted by MDS:

We're in danger of looking like a team. 

Now if you had some money I bet Harry would be knocking on the door to manage you again 

Posted on: 16 August 2015 by MDS
Originally Posted by Chris Dolan:
Originally Posted by MDS:

We're in danger of looking like a team. 

Now if you had some money I bet Harry would be knocking on the door to manage you again 

Well, I think he still lives down the road at Sandbanks.  Mind you, he's probably got more money than PFC. 

Posted on: 16 August 2015 by Chris Dolan

Yes - he's just around the corner from me 

Posted on: 16 August 2015 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by MDS:

After today's result against the Foxes, I wonder if tattoo-bum boy is prepared to turn the other cheek?  

It was a pretty entertaining game, and all credit to the Foxes, they played very well - better than us - and they have some great players, especially the Japanese guy.

 

We were below par first half, quite naive and rather ponderous, but Bilic made some astute substitutions and we were much better in the second 45. We do need a striker though.

 

On another note, Adrian's red card was never a red - and if it was, Schmiechel should have been sent off/WHU got a penalty in the first half when he knocked Sahko over.

Posted on: 16 August 2015 by Steve J

Mourinho isn't enjoying his City break in Manchester. 

Posted on: 16 August 2015 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by Steve J:

Mourinho isn't enjoying his City break in Manchester. 

Ha! Couldn't happen to a nicer team!

 

There's something rather satisfying about being a supporter of one of the so-called "smaller" London clubs and being above Spuds, the Arse and Chelsea in the table!