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: 20 December 2015 by MDS
Watford stuff Liverpool - what an unpredictable season we're seeing in the Premier League. At the top and bottom it's the most interesting season I can remember in years. Lovely stuff!
Posted on: 21 December 2015 by MDS
I thought the Gunners deserved their victory over Man City this evening, even though Toure's marvellous goal set up something of a tense finish. Game lived up to its billing.
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Christopher_M
A resurgent Saints stuck four past Arsenal last night. I was worried for them and feared a slippery slope and Koeman out. I wasn't there but it sounded like they were energetic and took their chances.
The papers will be all about Arsenal though. That's because Arsenal are a big club. Arsenal are in London. (adopts best Janet and John voice).
Chris
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by MDS
A resurgent Saints stuck four past Arsenal last night. I was worried for them and feared a slippery slope and Koeman out. I wasn't there but it sounded like they were energetic and took their chances.
The papers will be all about Arsenal though. That's because Arsenal are a big club. Arsenal are in London. (adopts best Janet and John voice).
Chris
I thought of you as the goals ran in yesterday evening. I see Wenger still managed to whinge that the first three shouldn't have stood! You had a much better Boxing Day than I did. 
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Chris Dolan
I was far more surprised by Saints stuffing* Arsenal than United losing to Stoke - funny old game.
Oh well, I'm really looking forward to the trip to Old Trafford tomorrow 
*going by the scoreline alone as I did not see the game or any highlights - it felt cathartic typing it though 
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Hook
Watford stuff Liverpool - what an unpredictable season we're seeing in the Premier League. At the top and bottom it's the most interesting season I can remember in years. Lovely stuff!
And then Liverpool follows that by giving one of their best efforts of the year and beating the league leader! I agree Mike, there is no telling from week to week which version of which team team is going to show up. Should make for a fun (if totally unpredictable) race to the finish!
I like seeing LC, CP and Watford in the top half. Must give hope to all clubs that success can follow promotion!
Hook
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Steve J
Cuco Martina's goal was special and a joy to watch. I also thought Koeman's response to wingeing Wengers complaint's about the referee was just as sweet.
"To lose 4-0 and talk about the referee is not my way of analysing a football game. It wasn’t about the referee.”
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Chris Dolan
Denis Law was interviewed yesterday:
Q: Do you think your Man United team would beat the present team?
DL: Yes, probably 1-0!
Q: 1-0, why do you think it would be so close?
DL: Well, most of us are over 70 now.
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by Steve J
That's better than most jokes in the BJ thread.
Oops I mean the Best Jokes thread.
Posted on: 27 December 2015 by MDS
Denis Law was interviewed yesterday:
Q: Do you think your Man United team would beat the present team?
DL: Yes, probably 1-0!
Q: 1-0, why do you think it would be so close?
DL: Well, most of us are over 70 now.
Brilliant! I seem to remember that Denis was a bit of a wit as player. Glad he hasn't lost it.
Posted on: 28 December 2015 by Steve J
I'm not sure that was a true quote Mike.
Posted on: 28 December 2015 by MDS
I'm not sure that was a true quote Mike.
Pity if it wasn't, Steve. I rather like the thought of the old warrior saying it.
Perhaps the post should be in the Best Jokes thread.
Mike
Posted on: 29 December 2015 by CariocaJeff
RIP Pav Srnicek - A great personality when on Tyneside, and not a bad keeper!
Posted on: 29 December 2015 by MDS
RIP Pav Srnicek - A great personality when on Tyneside, and not a bad keeper!
Yes, RIP. Pav also played a handful of games for my lot. An indecently early age to check out.
Posted on: 08 January 2016 by Romi
EXETER drew to LIVERPOOL 2-2 At one point I thought Exeter may win it, what a great effort by them.
At least Exeter FC earned some money; and if they win at Liverpool then I am in heaven!
Posted on: 09 January 2016 by MDS
Pleased with my lot earning a replay and taking the Tractor Boys back to Fratton Park.
Also wanted to say 'well done' to Eastleigh. They might be disappointed not to have held onto their lead against Bolton but financially, and for more media exposure, they should be pleased to go to Bolton for a replay.
Posted on: 09 January 2016 by Christopher_M
Yes, very well done to Eastleigh. A photographer mate told me he thought the ref want to call it off but felt the media pressure. But no matter, here's to a result in the replay. As for Saints, least said the better. Baffled as to why a playmaker like James Ward-Prowse would be introduced in the 75th minute...
C.
Posted on: 11 January 2016 by Romi
Well done Spurs, a late penalty converted by Harry Kane keeps them in the competition.
Posted on: 12 January 2016 by MDS
Another gamble in the transfer market by the Magpies? Is Shelvey really worth £12m? I mean, really?
Posted on: 12 January 2016 by Kevin-W
Another gamble in the transfer market by the Magpies? Is Shelvey really worth £12m? I mean, really?
Bit of an odd move by the Swans as well, Mike, given their league position.
Posted on: 18 January 2016 by nicnaim
Another gamble in the transfer market by the Magpies? Is Shelvey really worth £12m? I mean, really?
The money paid for players these days is mind boggling, but he certainly looked the part the other day. Slightly concerned about his temperament, as we already have Mitrovic on a hair trigger setting, but it looks like Tiote is on his way so that is one less booking per game
Posted on: 19 January 2016 by MDS
Posted on: 19 January 2016 by hungryhalibut
Posted on: 19 January 2016 by Christopher_M
Great result Pompey :-)
C.
Posted on: 19 January 2016 by MDS
Great result Pompey :-)
C.
Very generous, given your loyalties, Chris.
