The Football (Association) Thread

[qazser]

Please let Leicester win, just please.

[Sine]

Massive bump

Who has been following the leagues? Who do you support? I mainly watch the premier league and support Manchester city but will stay up to date  with the big teams.

[KDB]

Man City!!
Hopefully Liverpool can drop some points today

[appleandbee]

Massive bump

Who has been following the leagues? Who do you support? I mainly watch the premier league and support Manchester city but will stay up to date  with the big teams.

Liverpool through and through  (I also really like FC Bayern, but have no preference over Barca or Real)

Didn't expect Chelsea to open up a six point gap at this point of the season, especially with reasonably decisive loses to Liverpool and Arsenal early on.

I still think that Arsenal at their best (ideal starting XI) has the most complete squad in the PL. Although they don't have great substitute options.

[thenerdygangster]

Southampton (please don't sell Van Dijk) and Borussia Dortmund

I still think that Arsenal at their best (ideal starting XI) has the most complete squad in the PL

If only they can tie down Ozil and Sanchez... and not finish fourth again 

[appleandbee]

If only they can tie down Ozil and Sanchez... and not finish fourth again 

I'd go even further and say that they are screwed if someone from the ideal XI is out, we've seen it with Bellerin,  Mustafa, Cazorla let alone Sanchez or Ozil. It doesn't help  that they don't have any decent backup options. I would put my bet on them coming 4th this season as long as Man United doesn't overtake them. It's a similar story every season, strong start but choke in the games against rival teams late in the season. Although their chances this season were much better, because they have a better squad and they won decisive games against City and Chelsea early on. If they are not mounting a serious challenge on the title or winning the big games, it's expected that their best players would leave. The same way I would expect Coutinho to leave Liverpool, if they are not seriously challenging for trophies (which would be really unfortunate, I see it happening though).

How unlucky are Arsenal in the CL LOL? Gets punished for finishing second in the group stage, and when they come first for the first time in quite a while, they draw Bayern.... ( still better than being against Real)

Other talking points:

-Man United potential late surge (Ibra is one of my favourite players but I hate Man U)
-Leicester downfall: didn't expect them to be in the top 4 but thought that they would be the top 10 at the start of the season. They'll lose against Sevilla in the CL, were very lucky to come first in a fairly straightforward group.

[thenerdygangster]

I'd go even further and say that they are screwed if someone from the ideal XI is out, we've seen it with Bellerin,  Mustafa, Cazorla let alone Sanchez or Ozil. It doesn't help  that they don't have any decent backup options.

That's true. You'd think that they would at least buy promising talent and ease them into the squad or world-class players with all the money that they have.

If they are not mounting a serious challenge on the title or winning the big games, it's expected that their best players would leave.The same way I would expect Coutinho to leave Liverpool, if they are not seriously challenging for trophies (which would be really unfortunate, I see it happening though)

Well as a Southampton fan, I can certainly attest to this. Coutinho to Barcelona would make Barca stronger but I feel like they need to sort out their backline and maybe a goalkeeper.

How unlucky are Arsenal in the CL LOL? Gets punished for finishing second in the group stage, and when they come first for the first time in quite a while, they draw Bayern.... ( still better than being against Real)

Hahaha yeah. CL classic fixture; Arsenal vs. Bayern. Always expected. On a side note, what do you think of Bayern's chances of retaining the Bundesliga title this season? Or would you put money on RB Leipzig to pull a Leicester?

Other talking points:

-Man United potential late surge (Ibra is one of my favourite players but I hate Man U)
-Leicester downfall: didn't expect them to be in the top 4 but thought that they would be the top 10 at the start of the season. They'll lose against Sevilla in the CL, were very lucky to come first in a fairly straightforward group.

- Man U might get a champions league spot this season I think. Hard to tell sometimes with them and I haven't been watching any of their games so I can't really say. Has Pogba been justifying his enormous transfer fee? Also Ibra = pure talent + big ego (completely justified ego though)
- Yeah I don't think anyone would have thought that they'd be at the bottom half of the table. I hope they get knocked out of Europe so that they can concentrate on domestic football and not replicate Chelsea last season although at this point, I'm pretty sure they've eclipsed Chelsea

[Drewballs]

Arsenal vs Bayern is going to be 100% murder, across both legs

[Sine]

Man City!!
Hopefully Liverpool can drop some points today

liverpool go second 

Liverpool through and through  (I also really like FC Bayern, but have no preference over Barca or Real)

Didn't expect Chelsea to open up a six point gap at this point of the season, especially with reasonably decisive loses to Liverpool and Arsenal early on.

I still think that Arsenal at their best (ideal starting XI) has the most complete squad in the PL. Although they don't have great substitute options.

Yeah i really like bayern munich too. Real vs Barca I have to go Barcelona and Messi>Ronaldo. No shots at Ronaldo though definitely the one who works the hardest on his game and fitness.

I'd go even further and say that they are screwed if someone from the ideal XI is out, we've seen it with Bellerin,  Mustafa, Cazorla let alone Sanchez or Ozil. It doesn't help  that they don't have any decent backup options. I would put my bet on them coming 4th this season as long as Man United doesn't overtake them. It's a similar story every season, strong start but choke in the games against rival teams late in the season. Although their chances this season were much better, because they have a better squad and they won decisive games against City and Chelsea early on. If they are not mounting a serious challenge on the title or winning the big games, it's expected that their best players would leave. The same way I would expect Coutinho to leave Liverpool, if they are not seriously challenging for trophies (which would be really unfortunate, I see it happening though).

How unlucky are Arsenal in the CL LOL? Gets punished for finishing second in the group stage, and when they come first for the first time in quite a while, they draw Bayern.... ( still better than being against Real)

Other talking points:

-Man United potential late surge (Ibra is one of my favourite players but I hate Man U)
-Leicester downfall: didn't expect them to be in the top 4 but thought that they would be the top 10 at the start of the season. They'll lose against Sevilla in the CL, were very lucky to come first in a fairly straightforward group.

Re: Unitied Don't we all hate Man U, Martial is my favourite player in their team but would like to see him playing as a striker and get more game time, probably will happen when ibra leaves.
Re: leicester I thought they would finish 7th or 8th this season despite proclamations of top4 by a friend who supports leicester, Yup there are people who support leicester in Australia, although he did start supporting them at the beginning of the season since he had a "good feeling about them".

Champions league round of 16 looks quite striaght forward of who goes through imo : Barcelona,Dortmund,Real,Bayern,Athletico,Man city, Juventus and Seville. Closest games I reckon will be City/Monaco and Seville/Leicester.

That's true. You'd think that they would at least buy promising talent and ease them into the squad or world-class players with all the money that they have.

Well as a Southampton fan, I can certainly attest to this. Coutinho to Barcelona would make Barca stronger but I feel like they need to sort out their backline and maybe a goalkeeper.

Hahaha yeah. CL classic fixture; Arsenal vs. Bayern. Always expected. On a side note, what do you think of Bayern's chances of retaining the Bundesliga title this season? Or would you put money on RB Leipzig to pull a Leicester?

- Man U might get a champions league spot this season I think. Hard to tell sometimes with them and I haven't been watching any of their games so I can't really say. Has Pogba been justifying his enormous transfer fee? Also Ibra = pure talent + big ego (completely justified ego though)
- Yeah I don't think anyone would have thought that they'd be at the bottom half of the table. I hope they get knocked out of Europe so that they can concentrate on domestic football and not replicate Chelsea last season although at this point, I'm pretty sure they've eclipsed Chelsea

Pogba is definitely a great addition to any squad but no player could ever justify that price tag in a few months. Man City definitely got the better deal with Gundogan but sadly out for the season.

Bayern should retain the title with ease imo they have the experience with winning titles and also finishing second recently which should give them a great advantage. Also they have been dominating for so long and RB leipzig has only been in the first division for half a season. Would be remarkable if they could do it but I don't see Bayern crumbling like all the premier league teams last year.

In transfers news Draxler is confirmed to move to PSG, kinda wanted him to move to the premier league, Arsenal and Liverpool had some intrest in him. I don't think Man City will do much business in this transfer window, there has been rumours of Van Dijk joining  Oh and the "next neymar" Gabriel Jesus is joining in January from a deal that was confirmed months ago. IMO we need to strengthen our defecne especially the full backs. Our Midfield is fine but Striker position is inexperienced bar Aguero.

Thoughts on John Stones guys

Also Oscar is transfered to shanghai (i think) what do you think of these types of moves?

[KDB]

- Gabriel Jesus at City will be brilliant for us. He is incredibly good, much like Neymar. I watched some of his games at the Olympics this year and he was excellent. We need someone whos position is actually forward, unlike Nolito or De Bruyne who are actually midfielders.
- John Stones has been pretty poor recently, maybe he just needs time to adapt and understand the PL. He's too slow on the ball and makes poor decisions. Like that back pass which gave Vardy that free goal.
- Oscar to the Chinese League at just 25 years old for 60m is a good deal for Oscar, and for Chelsea, but for Oscar's future it is a bad decision. Nobody ever hears of the players that go to the Chinese League and unless he moves back to Europe, he will be forgotten like the rest.
- I think United have a chance at 4th spot this season. Arsenal looking sloppy and might end up 5th or 6th. Tottenham may take 5th. However it is still too early to call final standing positions etc.
- I want Real Madrid to win the UCL since i also go for RM, but i think Barcelona or Bayern might take it, since no team has ever won the UCL back to back, but who knows!
Q: Thoughts on who Chelsea might buy with their extra 60 mill?

[thenerdygangster]

Man City definitely got the better deal with Gundogan but sadly out for the season

RIP Gundogan shirts anyone? Found it rather ridiculous when Man City came out like that.

In transfers news Draxler is confirmed to move to PSG

Well he goes where the money is I guess instead of staying and trying to help Wolfsburg

there has been rumours of Van Dijk joining

Well it's inevitable I guess that all our best players leave at some point (Shaw, Lallana, Mane, Schneiderlein just to name a few)  . If Van Dijk doesn't leave in January, he might go next season. The only way I see him staying is if we win some sort of silverware or make him captain or both   

Gabriel Jesus at City will be brilliant

Agreed

Thoughts on John Stones

Well he's still young so he still has time to grow and gain more experience plus I think it is a bit hard for him to play a game every three days or so with the CL and the PL.

Oscar is transfered to shanghai (i think) what do you think of these types of moves

Well they need the money, especially the older players who are winding down their careers and the Chinese League is basically a gold mine for foreign players. It amazes me that the clubs there would happily spend that much money. The only problem is that Oscar might be frozen out of the Brazilian squad earlier than he should

Thoughts on who Chelsea might buy with their extra 60 mill

Hopefully they bring in another defender, feel like Terry might have to go soon. They might also look for an Oscar replacement. Alternatively, they could save it and recall one of their numerous academy players back

i think Barcelona or Bayern might take it

I would say Barcelona have a much better chance than Bayern. Bayern are good but I think Barca are better with MSN and whatnot. Also, Thomas Muller needs to start scoring again.

What do you guys think about a potential Red Bull take over in the Premier League?
Also; Martial to Sevilla?

[KDB]

- Don't think Martial will be leaving. I heard Mourinho will be blocking a January move for Martial. Plus they are losing enough players at the moment.
- Gundogan shirts were a sign of respect, it's like what the Germany players did for Reus at the 2014 World Cup. It's unfortunate he had to end his season in that way, especially after just signing.
- Tevez just signed with Shanghai today, $$$ of course.
- Terry might leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
- Heard Lindelof to United might be off? Do United really need him?

[thenerdygangster]

Gundogan shirts were a sign of respect, it's like what the Germany players did for Reus at the 2014 World Cup. It's unfortunate he had to end his season in that way, especially after just signing.

Ahh okay my bad. Apologies and yes it was pretty terrible for Gundogan. I don't really follow international football so I had no idea about what the German players did during the World Cup (all I know was that they won)

evez just signed with Shanghai today, $$$ of course

Always about the money 

Terry might leave Chelsea at the end of the season

If he leaves, MLS or A-League (probs not the A-League though would love to have him here)? Or maybe even a coaching role or something. Future Chelsea manager?

Heard Lindelof to United might be off? Do United really need him

Well from what I know is that they have a lack of defenders with injury and whatnot so maybe. He would be good backup I suppose

What about Pulisic to Liverpool and Reus to Arsenal. Personally don't think either will go.

[Paulrus]

Does anyone reckon Sydney FC is catchable this season? I reckon Victory is the only team who's looking capable of it atm, if we win our two games in hand, but the Jets tend to trip us up a bit so idk. The big blue on Australia Day will be a fkn massive game for sure.

[KDB]

Does anyone reckon Sydney FC is catchable this season? I reckon Victory is the only team who's looking capable of it atm, if we win our two games in hand, but the Jets tend to trip us up a bit so idk. The big blue on Australia Day will be a fkn massive game for sure.

Sydney definitely has been the best so far this season. As a Melbourne City supporter, I think we will end up playing them in the Final. If not, it will be Melbourne Victory to play them.