The Football (Association) Thread

[Russ]

I would say you're wrong and Arsenal is going to win it, but I can't even convince myself of that

[eeps]

I'm hoping for Chelsea's sake that Fernando Torres actually scores some goals this season considering the amount of money the club paid for him. I'm guessing that the top 3 teams will be Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City (not in any particular order) come the end of the season. I worry for Arsenal if they lose Fabregas to Barcelona, and even more-so if they lose Nasri as well.

[MJRomeo81]

It will be close this season. I still think Mancini's ultra-defensive tactics will lead City to way too many compromising draws. Mancini needs to let his forwards run wild.

You also have to remember real life football isn't Fifa 2011. You can't throw money at players and expect to win titles. It takes good management and chemistry to have it all work together. This is why Sir Alex is a legend.

I still have United winning their 20th.

[enwiabe]

Giggs, Scholes, Van Der Sar, Ferdinand, Evra, Berba

Who will replace those ageing bags of bones? All the players who will have to replace them are untried and untested.

[enwiabe]

But none of them are anywhere NEAR as good as the players they're replacing. They're adequate, but not going to be the team that makes United great like the ones departing did.

You just have to face the facts that United is actually an ageing bag of bones and this season will be the one where they crumble.

Sadface

[enwiabe]

Yes, they're certainly the best for their age, but not good enough to replace the people they're replacing.

And sure, if you were over 18, I'd gladly bet with you about this.

[onur369]

Mancity is just a team full of crap management. Mancini lacks communication with his players, Sheikh Al-Mansour spams tonnes of money on useless players. Not that Abramovich doesnt but he still does it smart, he buys players who have proved them selves in top flight football, not bludgers like Robinho who came for 40million pounds and left the next season.

[onur369]

To be honest I dont expect much from Arsenal until Wenger leaves.

[Gloamglozer]

Arsenal is actually a decently managed side, despite their resistance to pay any form of money, with a large portion of their first team coming from their academy (compared to other big clubs)

I've always wondered about Arsenal's expenditure every season.  Could it be perhaps that Wenger has a degree in economics?

[Russ]

Yes, they're certainly the best for their age, but not good enough to replace the people they're replacing.

And sure, if you were over 18, I'd gladly bet with you about this.

What are we betting on exactly? I'm pretty sure they won't crumble dramatically this year, I'd be fairly surprised if they don't make ECL qualification

Arsenal is actually a decently managed side, despite their resistance to pay any form of money, with a large portion of their first team coming from their academy (compared to other big clubs)

Oh we're very well organized and run, we just choke whenever it matters

[onur369]

woahh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJZJnr5E3MI

[Yitzi_K]

What are we betting on exactly? I'm pretty sure they won't crumble dramatically this year, I'd be fairly surprised if they don't make ECL qualification

Doesn't matter. There are 4 better teams in the competition, Man Utd, Chelsea, City, and Liverpool. Even if Arsenal do perform this season they probably won't make the top 4.

[enwiabe]

Do we want to have an ATARNotes fantasy league? I reckon that'd be quite fun. Screw it, I already like the idea. Setting it up now!

[onur369]

Do it!!!!! How can I not think of that before. 
Winner should receive an award(mmm maybe tuition sponsor or something like that )?

[Russ]

Hey, we were top before throwing games away and Liverpool did finish 3 games behind us!

Do we want to have an ATARNotes fantasy league? I reckon that'd be quite fun. Screw it, I already like the idea. Setting it up now!

Sure why not, I can lose in two fantasy football leagues now