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: 21 November 2015 by MDS
What a day for the Foxes, going top of the Premier League. Congrats to Leicester and the irrepressible Vardy.
Posted on: 21 November 2015 by Christopher_M
Yes, Jamie Vardy very well done.
As for Saints, deeply disappointing. Despite conceding early on I thought they looked good in the first half, Dusan Tadic especially. In the second, Tadic appeared to stay wider and not be involved. Philipp Wollscheid's perpetual manhandling of Graziano Pelle was shameful, and I hope MoTD will show as much. Yet the official weren't bothered. Penalty shouts, of which there were several, not a chance.
But I have to face it, Saints were poor. Man City next week, up there. There could even be a decent pint of Holts mild.
Chris
Posted on: 22 November 2015 by JamieWednesday
And Chelsea beat Norwich in their six pointer, playing well again but just not scoring much
Posted on: 22 November 2015 by MDS
Glad to learn you're managing to keep your sense of humour about Chelsea's start to the season, Jamie. Maybe your reward will be in the Champions League.
Mike
Posted on: 22 November 2015 by JamieWednesday
It's just like old times...Ahhh nostalgia...
Posted on: 22 November 2015 by Paper Plane
Spurs 4 West Ham 1
Now 12 League games without a loss. Club record...
steve
Posted on: 23 November 2015 by MDS
A somewhat unexpected but very precious 3 points for the Black Cats at Palace this evening. Defoe has always been able to conjure up goals from somewhere.
And poor old Villa now looking in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom.
Posted on: 24 November 2015 by hungryhalibut
Pompey 6, York 0. Finally a win at home, and what a way to do it. Hurrah!
Posted on: 24 November 2015 by MDS
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Pompey 6, York 0. Finally a win at home, and what a way to do it. Hurrah!
Oh yes. It's been a long time coming and we now have the best goal difference in the division. Wycombe away on Saturday.......
Posted on: 24 November 2015 by Dan43
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Pompey 6, York 0. Finally a win at home, and what a way to do it. Hurrah!
Typical, was going to go to this game (live 10 minute walk away from Fratton Park) but gave it a swerve. Did you go HH?
Posted on: 24 November 2015 by hungryhalibut
I'm more of an armchair supporter, and as listening to music at the time!
Posted on: 29 November 2015 by Christopher_M
Man City 3, Saints 0 at the Etihad. The only thing leakier than Saints' defence was my Goretex trousers.
Raheem Sterling against Maya Yoshida, how did Ronald Koeman think that was going to work?!
C.
Posted on: 29 November 2015 by MDS
You're right about the leaky defence, Chris. But 3-0? After Shane Long made it 2-1 you were back in the game for a while.
Mike
Posted on: 29 November 2015 by Christopher_M
Sorry, quite right 3-1. Brain still not awake after journey back. Yes, after Long scored I thought there was a chance we could get another, with Mane, van Dijk or Tadic looking most likely. Then Kolarov put it beyond reach with what I'm told was a well-worked goal.
Hoping for better things against Liverhampton on Wednesday night in League Cup.
Trousers still drying.
How were Pompey, Mike?
C.
Posted on: 29 November 2015 by MDS
Originally Posted by Christopher_M:
How were Pompey, Mike?
C.
Came back from 2-0 down to get a point at Wycombe but we're still drawing too many games. While we keep possession very well, we struggle to create chances. In truth we've looked laboured for most of the season so far but we're still at the right end of the table and I keep telling myself that we're going to click sooner or later. If, when, that happens we ought to be looking for an automatic promotion slot.
Mike
Posted on: 02 December 2015 by MDS
Gosh. The Saints took a pasting from Liverpool at St Mary's this evening. Some may say it's only the League cup but losing 6-1 at home in any competition is embarrassing. Well done to Klopp and his newly invigorated team though.
Posted on: 05 December 2015 by Kevin-W
A point is always welcome at Old Trafford, but we missed a couple of golden chances against Butthead's cloggers, who are one of the slowest, most boring teams I've seen in years. The Irons were by far the better team.
OT is obviously called the Theatre of Dreams because everyone who visits is sent to sleep... 
Posted on: 05 December 2015 by MDS
Pleased to see my lot get through to the 3rd round of the FA Cup. It's been a while. Last time we were in the 3rd round we reached the final where we lost to Chelsea 1-0, having earlier missed a penalty. How times change 
Posted on: 05 December 2015 by MDS
What a stunning result for The Cherries this evening? I suspect that even their most die-bard and optimistic fans couldn't have dreamt of going to Stamford Bridge and winning. Well done!
Posted on: 05 December 2015 by BigH47
Will this nightmare ever end?
Posted on: 12 December 2015 by MDS
Another fantastic result for Bournemouth. A fairly close game but I thought that while Utd looked organised, they also looked sterile. The Bournemouth in contrast looked threatening when they pushed forward.
Well done you Cherries!
Posted on: 12 December 2015 by Steve J
Yes, well done Bournemouth. Not a great end to a disappointing week for United. Something isn't working with the Van Gaal regime.
Posted on: 12 December 2015 by Kevin-W
Great result for the Cherries, very happy for them, Eddie Howe and the fans. Good result for Watford too.
As for us, I was happy our injury-ravaged side kept a clean sheet and earned a point against a very good Stoke side.
Posted on: 12 December 2015 by Kevin-W
Indeed Steve. It's Van Gaal himself. 
Posted on: 12 December 2015 by Daveas
. The Bournemouth in contrast looked threatening when they pushed forward.
Perhaps the United fans should have been chanting ---- Defend Defend Defend
