The English Football Thread

[Bulldog]

Pretty annoyed that Fulham-Wolfsburg's not on Channel Five tonight; I quite fancied kicking back and watching that. Looks like I'll have to make do with a Liverpool game that's got draw written all over it instead.

Originally Posted by right-track

United suffered last year in the final for allowing Barcelona too much time in midfield. If Fletcher had played it could have been such a different match. If United get the chance to meet them again (which can only be the final) then expect Park and Fletcher to play a central role in a 5 man midfield.
Once you lose possession to Barcelona, the chances are you won't get a sniff of the ball for another 5 minutes. They'll pass you to death!
The great thing about Barcelona isn't just their passing skills when in possession, but also the way they graft when they lose it

Yeah, I remember watching the Xavi-Iniesta partnership against Man U, and they looked pretty much unstoppable at centre-mid. Xavi had a blinder on his own against the Gunners, which is why if Iniesta plays I don't think they've got a chance. Making Barca work for possession and denying them the space to make their quality show is what basically needs doing. Trouble is that Arsenal have capitulated against quality oppoisition like Man U and Chelsea both ways already this season, which is why I don't exactly have a lot of faith in their pulling through this one.

[Piss Me Off]

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Pretty annoyed that Fulham-Wolfsburg's not on Channel Five tonight; I quite fancied kicking back and watching that. Looks like I'll have to make do with a Liverpool game that's got draw written all over it instead.

BBC Sport says Benfica haven't lost in 25 matches so i wouldn't be too sure, they also have the superb Angel Di Maria on their side.

[Bulldog]

Originally Posted by Piss Me Off

BBC Sport says Benfica haven't lost in 25 matches so i wouldn't be too sure, they also have the superb Angel Di Maria on their side.

With the benefit of hindsight, I take my earlier remark back Quite a good game as it turned out. Good atmosphere, dodgy ref, red card, harshly disallowed goal, glaring misses at both ends - good stuff all-round then.

2-1 to Fulham at the Cottage too. Get in!