West Ham and Man Utd both have very winnable games this weekend, then they meet on Tuesday for their game in hand. Who could've predicted that this could become a massive fixture for both sides at the start of the season? Depending on the result of the City v Arsenal game, it could even be something of a Champions League place push.
It seems paradoxically a lot harder to win the Europa league (or its predecessors) three times running. If you are good enough to do that its hard to avoid being in the higher competition.
I wonder.Will Spurs treat the CL as a reserve team competition like they did the EL? Well done Liverpool.At least you went for two competitions with your first team.Your defence let you down in the Premier and your forwards came alive in the EL. Seville will be parking the bus as usual,looking for an odd goal.......!
Only when they have mathematically qualified top of the group or to the next KO round. The group stage quality has increased annually since 2010.
A Norwich team desperate for points is far from ideal for Utd who struggle with these type of games. I can't see the current top 4 being displaced, but I live in hope. It would be irritating if Liverpool got a CL though.
The biggest game of the weekend is Middlesbrough v Brighton. 45 games and then a playoff effectively. They both deserve to go up, but it will be tough for the loser. Hull have an advantage, having played without pressure for a month or more knowing that they were bound to finish 4th or 5th whatever happened.
Must be annoying that it's scheduled at the same time as your game. They've shown plenty of fixtures that nobody gives a **** about and then play a relevant Premier League one when the Championship's finishing. Stupid.
Boro should have put themselves out of sight in the first half but Brighton battled back in the second, even with 10 men. Boro held on though. Nothing against the Boro fans but I'm not looking forward to having Mourinho mk 2 in the PL next season if I'm honest. They deserve it after so many near misses though. Would love to have Wednesday come up through the playoffs but Brighton or Hull would be good as I think they're good clubs. Don't really like Derby although I've no idea why, maybe it's a hangover from when they had that twat Savage
Gutted for Chris Hughton but hopeful he will get them up via the play-offs. Chris is a favourite of mine. A mate of mine has his shin pad from the UEFA Cup Final in '84. Occasionally, I test his resolve with a cheeky offer for that and one of Topper Headon's Clash play lists which he also owns. It's strange the things you want to own when someone else has them? I wouldn't mind his wife either, preferably, as a loan signing.
Pleased to see Boro back up, great club whose fans have had a rough few years. Despite all the ex-Spurs at Hull I'd like to see Brighton or Sheff Wed take the last place. Brighton because it will be a fun away day, Wednesday because they've been out of the top flight for way too long.
Just switched on the Sunderland game and they immediately score two goals to take the lead. Borini and Defoe in quick succession. 3-2 **** Chelsea
Watmore's introduction has totally transformed this game. Regardless of what it means re Newcastle I'd love Sunderland to pull this off.
If it stays like this, Sunderland can relegate Newcastle with their game in hand against Everton, hopefully giving us a walkover for the final game.
Kaboul lines up to take a free kick and protests to the ref that Fabregas is encroaching on the vanishing spray line, which he clearly is. Ref books Kaboul
