Premier League 2010-2011

[richard]

Still think they will hit the top 6 this season

[BaaBaa.]

Still think they will hit the top 6 this season

Top 6 yes, I think it will be Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Liverpool in no particular order.

I think we can get top 4 if Torres is firing and we don't get key injurys.

A special mention for Lucas against Chelsea, the lad was outstanding and is developing into a decent player.

[redzonerocker]

Barton's said they targeted him on set pieces, Wenger STILL needs to splash the cash on a good GK.

yep!! & starting on wednesday at wolves, drop the flap & get chesney between the sticks

[caller]

I think we can get top 4 if Torres is firing and we don't get key injurys.

A special mention for Lucas against Chelsea, the lad was outstanding and is developing into a decent player.

I predicted the poo in my top 4 pre-season!

Lucas is probably thriving under a decent manager at last.

Torres 2nd goal was outstanding. Poor selection by Ancelotti first half and it just shows that no matter how good players are, take the strongest spine out - with Lamps, Essian and Drogba all missing - and you are going to be weaker. Especially facing a rejuvernated L'poo who have been improving (with the odd blip) as the season progresses.

Did I mention that it helps they have got a decent manager now?

[BaaBaa.]

Lucas is probably thriving under a decent manager at last.

Laughable, what is your criteria for a decent manager exactly.

Because it can't be trophies won, win percentages, being the top scorers in Europe 1 year, the League another, consistently having the most clean sheets, being ranked number 1 in europe for 3 years and beating every top team in Europe over the years.

Benitez had one bad year when H&Gs disastrous reign came to a head and he got to involved in the politics.

The only thing Hodgson would beat Benitez in is a popularity contest in fleet street.

As for Lucas, he's been the best player on the pitch many times, including a win at the San Siro and the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Laughably Jamie Redknapp tried to highlight how poor Lucas was by comparing him to how Xabi Alonso controlled the game at Old Trafford, how Lucas could never do the same.

The rest of the whoppers in the Sky studio sat there nodding and agreeing.

Unfortunately for Jamie, Alonso didn't even play in that match, it was Lucas.



By the way, this run has coincided with Roy dropping the 442 system and ridiculously deep backline that he's used for the past 35 years and changed it too............get this......................Benitez' system.

A crisis meeting with the players? A chat with Dalglish?

I don't know but he HAS changed it.

[caller]

All you have to do is light the touch paper and retreat.......

Benitez flopped as a manager at 2 clubs, got promoted at one and was then relegated the following season, then did well at Valencia before joining Liverpool, got real lucky in his 1st season with Gerrards final, won the FA cup, beating the might hammers on penalties, got to the champions final again where they got well beaten and managed premiership runners-up once - in 6 years.

He was already losing his way when the new owners arrived and hid behind them ever after.

Hodgson just hasn't had a chance at the top level which is why he took the scouse job - as he readily admitted. One of the reasons I thought you would get in the top four.

Sorry BaaBaa, but I just don't share your enthusiasm for the guy and some transfer dealings smacked of desperation and have been his weakness and in many respects his downfall - such as Robbie Fowler!!! Too many schmucks amoght the odd gem - Torres being the best.

[BaaBaa.]

He was already losing his way when the new owners arrived and hid behind them ever after.

What by getting to another Champions League Final (I think you rewatched the first half of Istanbul instead of watching the actual Final in Athens if you think we were well beat) and by getting 3rd, 4th and 2nd with Liverpools highest ever Premier League points total.

It's a pretty tricky League to win by the way.

If John Arne Risse had a right foot and didn't score an own goal in injury time it would have been 3 European Finals in 4 years.

His transfer record is no worse than other managers and this is when he was often having to buy 2nd or 3rd choices, want Silva end up with Pennant for example.
But because it's Benitez it was scrutinized to death, Ferguson, Wenger, Mourinho, Redknapp etc etc have all bought massive flops.

Hodgson has had a chance at the top level, he's just failed.

He managed Inter and was sacked after losing a UEFA cup final to Schalke.
When the German underdogs won the final in Milan, Inter fans pelted Hodgson with coins and lighters.

Also he was sacked by Blackburn in 98 they went on to be relegated, they'd won the Premier League in 95 under Dalglish.

I saw the progress Benitez made at Liverpool before he had to MAKE MONEY in the transfer windows. Lets leave it at that. It's not like I want Hodgson to fail.

[caller]

Lets leave it at that. It's not like I want Hodgson to fail.

Truce agreed - for now!

I did actually wonder whether you really did want Hodgson to succeed - sorry for doubting you on that one.

[BaaBaa.]

Yes, Funny old game. Well done Liverpool and especially Newcastle.

Looks like an intersting season already with not much seperating everyone.

Yep, it's certainly unpredictable. As my ITKS scores prove.

You can blame me Jimmy, I had Spurs to beat Sunderland as my banker.

I think I'll go for United all season and see if they get relegated.

[JimmyGreaves]

Got up at 3.00am to watch that one. We need a striker and our centre backs!

[PeteC]

Can you call them BaaBaa and tell them to start the matches at 0900-1000 hours please. Much better for us over here and I'm sure the British fans would enjoy morning games? Players more fresh and energetic as well. They then have the afternoons to spend with friends and family. Why hasn't someone thought of this splendid idea before. Pete

[PeteC]

What a strange, strange season this is turning into. It's almost impossible to make a correct prediction, except with Chelsea and Arsenal perhaps. I wonder if things will stay this way or eventually a few more will break out consistently? Pete

[BaaBaa.]

Arsenal won't last the distance, they always flatter to deceive and bow out by new year. Chelsea will walk it but I don't think they are as dominant as they were.

Hodgson for England!

[caller]

I agree with BaaBaa, its Chelsea's to lose.

United were woeful until 2-0 down, Mancini won't last and there are what, 4 points between the relegation zone and 7th? All much of a muchness and overall, quite poor, I think.

[Zidane]

Theres 6 points between Bolton in 5th and Birmingham in 18th but you would have to say both teams are a pretty equal standard.
Even the top 4 arent outstanding.I agree it is Chelseas to lose but their current team cant compare to the teams of Mourinho or Hiddink.

As for United,I thought they were abysmal.Before Villa's two in 5 minutes the Midlanders also hit the bar and post just beforehand so should have been out of sight before Uniteds late late revival !
Berbatov had one or two good games early in the season and even scored a hat trick but has now reverted to his sulky,moody self.
This is probably the worst United team in quite a few seasons yet they stand unbeaten in 20 matches in all competitions this season.

Liverpool had a great win over Chelsea just a week ago.Since then they struggled to get a draw at lowly Wigan and were well beaten by run of the mill Stoke.
Just whats wrong ? Lack of fitness or lack of commitment or lack of confidence or lack of tactical nous......maybe a combination of all four.