Football 2014/15

[pink_triangle]

The money will become an issue if they continue to spend big but see little/no improvement.

True, I just feel when a player like di Maria is available you find a way to make it work. Its time for lvg to prove he is worth the hype. I think the main problem is leaving the signings so late. If top 4 race is tight, early dropped points could be crucial.

[LondonTom]

We can only live in hope Man Utd keep the spending up on the most random of targets they can find

[Gucci Piggy]

Have to agree. The thing with Di Maria is for me I dont believe he is worth that much and he is not exactly what Utd need to solve their current issues. I am really interested in seeing how Utd line up with him in the 1st 11.

I would guess something like this, when everyone's available:

de Gea

Rafael - Evans - Rojo - Shaw

Carrick - Herrera

Rooney - Mata - di María

van Persie

For me that's a better team than Liverpool can put out, but obviously that's not the be all and end all, and with the Balotelli signing and Man U's poor showing so far, I'm starting to think United will miss out on top four again.

[thegremlin_1999]

I would guess something like this, when everyone's available:

de Gea

Rafael - Evans - Rojo - Shaw

Carrick - Herrera

Rooney - Mata - di María

van Persie

On paper that's a sensible selection, at least in the 6 furthest forward. That back 4 is ropey mind. Rafael is dodgy and as for Jonny Evans...

Thing is, LVG likes to play 3 CB and Wing Backs. That doesn't leave room for all those front players...

I suppose you play a midfield 3 of Herrera, mata and di Maria with Wayne and rvp up front. Still dodgy at the back.... And what do you do with carrick? And where's the third CB coming from? If he's in the club already, he's got to be worse than Evans...

[ThomThomDrum]

Looks like Neil was well right!!!!!!!!!! Or it could be worse!

[Wooderson]

Fair cop Neil. *chapeau*

[Gucci Piggy]

On paper that's a sensible selection, at least in the 6 furthest forward. That back 4 is ropey mind. Rafael is dodgy and as for Jonny Evans...

Thing is, LVG likes to play 3 CB and Wing Backs. That doesn't leave room for all those front players...

I suppose you play a midfield 3 of Herrera, mata and di Maria with Wayne and rvp up front. Still dodgy at the back.... And what do you do with carrick? And where's the third CB coming from? If he's in the club already, he's got to be worse than Evans...

I'm sure LVG has said he prefers 4-3-3, but didn't have the personnel to play that formation originally. Change my formation to a 4-3-3 with Mata as the third CM.

No way does Mata, Herrera and di María as a midfield three work. They'd concede 5 goals a game.

[metallimuse]

Mr eFestivals in correct football score prediction shocker.

[metallimuse]

Fuck I jinxed it!

[thegremlin_1999]

I'm sure LVG has said he prefers 4-3-3, but didn't have the personnel to play that formation originally. Change my formation to a 4-3-3 with Mata as the third CM.

No way does Mata, Herrera and di María as a midfield three work. They'd concede 5 goals a game.

I don't disagree. It'd be exciting going fwd but horrific defensively.

As an "anyone but united" fan I rather hope it's an idea they run with

[ThomThomDrum]

That consolation goal is going to do nothing for Lamberts confidence at Liverpool. In fact it may make matters in his head worse

[Gucci Piggy]

I don't disagree. It'd be exciting going fwd but horrific defensively.

As an "anyone but united" fan I rather hope it's an idea they run with

Oh I agree with you; it'd be lovely to see it happen!

[metallimuse]

That consolation goal is going to do nothing for Lamberts confidence at Liverpool. In fact it may make matters in his head worse

???

[ThomThomDrum]

???

All pre season he has been feeling the pressure to get his first Liverpool goal and it never came. He even missed a peno. Something he rarely does. He is under personal pressure to get that goal because he is a life long Liverpool fan. The fact that the goal mouth scramble tonight resulted in an OG and he still could not convert personally may have him over thinking even further when presented with future opportunities. Classic example was a clear enough chance he had later on tonight that he tried to cross it instead of take the goal on. A confident striker takes on the goal. One lacking confidence tries and fails at the cross............

[metallimuse]

Think that's bollocks in all honesty.He's got his first goal and will be delighted with it.He's under no pressure to be 'the man' and I think if he comes of the bench and grabs a goal every time he will be fine.

[pink_triangle]

I think its easy to say that Man Utd have the wrong kind of players and need to buy different ones. In my view it is the job of LVG to prove his worth and get more out of the players. In the same way Spurs are expecting Pochettino to after a big outlay last season.

Man City haven't done a great deal in the transfer window, however Jovetic could be like a new signing for them this season.

[ThomThomDrum]

Think that's bollocks in all honesty.He's got his first goal and will be delighted with it.He's under no pressure to be 'the man' and I think if he comes of the bench and grabs a goal every time he will be fine.

He has not got his first goal. Its an OG all day long. He will not be awarded it

No one is saying he needs to be the man, but he needs to get "that goal" to get it out of his mind or else it could potentially plague him and he could do a Peter Crouch and take ages to get it.

And there is no way he will "come off the bench every time and score"! Now, that is utter "bollocks" being spouted

[eFestivals]

Bit early to be writing anyone off Neil. If he plays Moreno and Allen it won't be 3-0.

I was very close, but no cigar.

I'm not writing anyone off. Liverpool were playing City at home. Just like last season almost no one will take any points from there (my guess is that Chelsea will be the only ones).

Liverpool's problem now is that they really need to beat Spurs next weekend, else they'll already be a fair way off the pace for top 4.

[eFestivals]

during last night's match I went for a piss when Dzeko was sprawled on the ground.

As I walked back into the front room, the ball hit the back of the net from a player who wasn't even on the pitch when I left the room.

[The Nal]

Di Maria deal done. Superb news! One or two more to arrive this week apparently.

City ominously strong last night. Liverpool fairly blunt though. Suarez missing big time.

[eFestivals]

Di Maria deal done. Superb news! One or two more to arrive this week apparently.

all you need now is a complete midfield and a complete defence.

City ominously strong last night. Liverpool fairly blunt though. Suarez missing big time.

It played out much the same as last season's match did. While Suarez is clearly a loss to any team, Liverpool didn't look too short last night. Yes, other teams will get better results there, but those other teams won't set out to try and win as Liverpool did.

I think next weekend's match will be a far better indicator for how Liverpool will do this season.

[zahidf]

Di Maria deal done. Superb news! One or two more to arrive this week apparently.

Man Utd trying to buy the title again. Wasn't that what they always accused Chelsea and Man City of doing?

Di Maria is a top player, but not one they need really...

Man utd are playing MK dons tonight. I hate the MK dons, but Man utd being knocked out the league cup by them would be bloody hilarious...

Edited August 26, 2014 by zahidf

[The Nal]

Not really getting the "Utd don't need Di Maria" thing. Hes clearly needed. One of the best wide players in the world over the last few years. Utd play with width historically as does LVG.

http://youtu.be/LsXEPI6reUk

Also on the cash, a mad amount spent yeah. But 12 players have left. Most for fuck all, for free or retired.

Serious rebuild needed.

Edited August 26, 2014 by The Nal

[eFestivals]

Not really getting the "Utd don't need Di Maria" thing. Hes clearly needed. One of the best wide players in the world over the last few years. Utd play with width historically as does LVG.

but Utd's huge current problems aren't with wingers.

Until you've tightened up the middle, every signing is pointless.

[The Nal]

but Utd's huge current problems aren't with wingers.

Until you've tightened up the middle, every signing is pointless.

Passing up on Di Maria would be madness.

But I agree huge problems in the middle and the back. May be rectified this week though. Still in for Blind, De Jong and/or Vidal.