So after a couple of goalless draws against teams willing to sit deep and counter, we now find ourselves playing the current champions. Out for us is big Vesty and Redders with Adams possibly out with concussion after taking a kick to the head. Liverpool have a string of injuries, especially at the back. I think most of us would take a third draw in a row here. Referee: Andre Marriner. Assistants: Scott Ledger, Simon Long. Fourth official: Stuart Attwell. VAR: Andy Madley. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.
I used to be good friends with Don Shanks (ex QPR, punched George Best when he stole his girlfriend the then Miss World), random how we became friends, but that is for another time. He was heavily into his gambling (he even set up a bookies in Teneriffe for while) and he used to say that the best two bets are a draw as all games start that way and nothing has to happen for the bet to come in. He also used to do his favourite bet (I must admit I do this quite often - I call it the 'Shanks Bet' ) of the away team to win the first half and home team to win the second/overall. He is though quite broke at the moment, so take that all with a pinch of salt
It's funny you should say that, because I've just been contacted by a Nigerian prince who is guaranteeing me a share in his fortune. He needs to get the money out of Nigeria, and he only wanted £1,000, but as it's Christmas I sent him two. Fingers, that is.
Always possible that we could get something from this match, but we would have had a better chance of getting more points from the Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham matches. Just one win and 2 precious points would have made all the difference (sigh). Still miracles happen....usually to other teams of course....but you never know.
I would be tempted to rest Danny for this game as he is clearly not ready and gave the impression we only had 10 men on the pitch yesterday. That said, he’s gonna regain his form at some point and who would be brave enough to tell him he’s not playing against his old club!
Id be very surprised if hes going to rest both Adams and Ings, and it sounds like Adams is knackered so will probably be the one to miss out.
Danny and Shane worked pretty well with each other at the end of last season so it would make better sense and the more match fitness the former gets the better as long as he doesn't overdo it too quickly.
There really ought to be questions asked about that incident. I'm really not sure what Dawson was thinking. Originally I thought he had pulled back at the last minute but looking at the replay, no, it was a full force kick. The only saving grace was Che being caught by the top of the boot rather than the toe. My greater concern and where I think people should seek answers (note to Adam Blackmore) is why the hell did the referee not insist on immediate medical attention and why on earth did the coaching staff allow him to continue?? There's also the question of why VAR did not award a penalty for dangerous play (rule 12) but Che's welfare is my primary concern.
All you can imagine is in real-time the ref didn’t see it. But that doesn’t explain why VAR didn’t look at it.