Football 2015/16

[pink_triangle]

Unless Liverpools squad clicks in spectacular fashion (which it might), they've absolutely no chance of top 4.

I think that's a slight exaggeration. For the 5th favorites in a league to finish 4th wouldn't be a huge surprise. Liverpool need to make up 8 points on Man Utd from last season, which in a low scoring game isn't a huge difference. I still would expect the top 4 to remain stable, but expect a closer fight than last season.

[pink_triangle]

I think United's squad looks a lot better this season, especially if you get Pedro, but then I thought the same with Di Maria and Falcao.

On paper Man Utds transfer activity looked good last season, but the impact of these players was pretty minimal. Their (relative) success was based on improving players that were already there and liverpools regression.

Part of me thinks that its almost impossible that their signings will make less impact than last year and those 2nd year players will be better after a season of adaptation. However I still look at the squad and am pretty unconvinced.

[Gucci Piggy]

United's best signing from last Summer has been relegated to the bench after only a few months of being a starter.

Strong everything from LVG.

[eFestivals]

United's best signing from last Summer has been relegated to the bench after only a few months of being a starter.

Strong everything from LVG.

Apart from the results, of course.

[kingcrawler]

I know they're not the only club to not take the Europe League seriously but when are West Ham actually going to be in Europe again? May as well take it seriously, or at least more seriously than playing a full team of reserves.

[pink_triangle]

I know they're not the only club to not take the Europe League seriously but when are West Ham actually going to be in Europe again? May as well take it seriously, or at least more seriously than playing a full team of reserves.

Maybe its slightly different in the way they qualified via fair play, instead of actively trying to get in via league results. However in general I agree that its a big shame that these clubs wont take clubs seriously, purely because they are worried about how it will influence the league campaign.

[kingcrawler]

Maybe its slightly different in the way they qualified via fair play, instead of actively trying to get in via league results. However in general I agree that its a big shame that these clubs wont take clubs seriously, purely because they are worried about how it will influence the league campaign.

 

Southampton seem to be taking it quite seriously, although granted they're better than West Ham and won't be dragged into a relegation battle. I think if Southampton keep putting out strong teams then they'll go far and might even have a chance of winning it.

 

I'm not sure how likely this is but Italy's coefficient isn't far behind England's so if clubs like West Ham and Hull keep getting knocked out of the Europa League early could England lose their fourth champions league place?

[pink_triangle]

Southampton seem to be taking it quite seriously, although granted they're better than West Ham and won't be dragged into a relegation battle. I think if Southampton keep putting out strong teams then they'll go far and might even have a chance of winning it.

 

I'm not sure how likely this is but Italy's coefficient isn't far behind England's so if clubs like West Ham and Hull keep getting knocked out of the Europa League early could England lose their fourth champions league place?

For the likes of Southampton and Spurs the Europa league is by far the best chance of getting to the champions league and it would therefore be mad to not take it seriously. When you look at recent finals the standard of some of the finalists isn't huge. While people may scoff at the chance of a West Ham winning the Europa league, are they much worse than Dnipro who came close last year?

[sdvruxk]

United's best signing from last Summer has been relegated to the bench after only a few months of being a starter.

Strong everything from LVG.

Herrera?

[thetime]

Herrera?

herrera played very well, although that doesn't mean it was good for the team.

That's why United have signed 2 midfielders, with Herrera bombing forward what happened when we list the ball?

Huge hole in midfield, getting to the defence like butter.

[lharris92]

disappointed, really thought we should have had a go today in trying to at least getting to the playoff round, then if we drew borussia dortmund and went out it wouldn't have annoyed many people. 

 

I mean cmon our first PL game is arsenal, if we get anything from that game then its a surprise to be honest, should have played a few more senior players.

 

the red card in the first game was what cost us - we didn't adapt our tactics being 2-0 up and we kept going for a 3rd, we caused our own downfall really.

[sdvruxk]

herrera played very well, although that doesn't mean it was good for the team.

That's why United have signed 2 midfielders, with Herrera bombing forward what happened when we list the ball?

Huge hole in midfield, getting to the defence like butter.

Ridiculous statement. Herrera was the only one with legs in midfield for us last year. Only time our defence was left exposed was when Carrick didn't start. I'd argue that's why he's brought in cover.

Same formation as last year. Schniderlin in for Fellaini. Depay in for Young. Carrick/Schweinsteiger to alternate. That's what I'd go with.

In pre season, the problem we've had is the two midfielders don't make attacking runs and we become predictable.

[TheGayTent]

I know they're not the only club to not take the Europe League seriously but when are West Ham actually going to be in Europe again? May as well take it seriously, or at least more seriously than playing a full team of reserves.

It was no surprise but it's still disgusting. I'm pretty glad my season ticket days are coming to an end to be honest.

[ThomThomDrum]

If this bunch of players LvG has put together is to be taken as seriously as a lot of folk are saying (especially some in the media) then one would think Wooney would have to be in with a shout at the golden boot, as they will be pretty much setting up this year as him as the main man at the top, a position he has excelled in in the past

[eFestivals]

It was no surprise but it's still disgusting. I'm pretty glad my season ticket days are coming to an end to be honest.

 

but but but .... I thought Bilic was the saviour of West Ham, so much better than the hoofball?

[eFestivals]

If this bunch of players LvG has put together is to be taken as seriously as a lot of folk are saying (especially some in the media) then one would think Wooney would have to be in with a shout at the golden boot, as they will be pretty much setting up this year as him as the main man at the top, a position he has excelled in in the past

 

does anyone have much faith in LvG to actually deliver something from those players, tho?

 

He looked so clueless last season that I wouldn't be surprised if this season goes much the same - tho I do think the addition of some decent central players should make a huge difference to what they're able to do.

[TheGayTent]

but but but .... I thought Bilic was the saviour of West Ham, so much better than the hoofball?

The style of football is light years in front of the dross we've had for the last 4 years. Have a look at Payet when the season starts, I think you'll like him.

As you well know, my decision to not renew next season has nothing to do with results or the name of the manager.

Edited August 7, 2015 by TheGayTent

[thetime]

If this bunch of players LvG has put together is to be taken as seriously as a lot of folk are saying (especially some in the media) then one would think Wooney would have to be in with a shout at the golden boot, as they will be pretty much setting up this year as him as the main man at the top, a position he has excelled in in the past

I don't think many are tipping them for the title this season,not the media or United fans.

top 4 consolidation, then calm the transfers down. The amount of transfers the last couple of years is starting to look silly.

[thetime]

does anyone have much faith in LvG to actually deliver something from those players, tho?

He looked so clueless last season that I wouldn't be surprised if this season goes much the same - tho I do think the addition of some decent central players should make a huge difference to what they're able to do.

Giggsy will get the rewards of LVG hard work next season.

[ThomThomDrum]

I don't think many are tipping them for the title this season,not the media or United fans.

top 4 consolidation, then calm the transfers down. The amount of transfers the last couple of years is starting to look silly.

 

There is plenty of folk in the media saying the likes of "if they click they are a threat blah blah blah"..............."Signing such quality has to make them better" blah blah blah..............."they are my dark horse/outside bet" blah blah blah etc etc

 

Its the sort of season in which most Utd fans hope they do well/better, but are not cock sure about it, so keep somewhat shtum on it.................which is of course a nice thing for most other fans

Edited August 7, 2015 by ThomThomDrum

[thetime]

There is plenty of folk in the media saying the likes of "if they click they are a threat blah blah blah"..............."Signing such quality has to make them better" blah blah blah..............."they are my dark horse/outside bet" blah blah blah etc etc

Its the sort of season in which most Utd fans hope they do well/better, but are not cock sure about it, so keep somewhat shtum on it.................which is of course a nice thing for most other fans

Predictions I've seen from the media is United to be around 3rd/4th, which won't be to far wrong.

[ThomThomDrum]

Predictions I've seen from the media is United to be around 3rd/4th............

 

Same here, but I have also heard a lot of caveats thrown in for good measure on top of such predictions..............you know the likes of that they can point back to if Utd actually do better but are quickly forgotten/ignored if Utd dont.............?

 

eg

 

"I think it will be Chelsea 1st, Arsenal 2nd and Utd and City will battle for the next two spots. However, if Utds new set up clicks blah blah blah. If LvG gets the best out of his new buys blah blah blah. If Bastian Schweinsteiger can stay injury free and hit past form blah blah blah............................."

 

They are the sort of caveats that they dont throw at the teams that finished outside the top 4 last year. Its punditry hedging 101

 

Very few if any will tip Utd outright for the title, but enough of them feel there is a potential threat to fling about the old caveats

 

Most Uts fans on the otherhand are not as brave/stupid as they know fans of other teams will not forget such caveats and throw them back in their face come season's end if Utd do not achieve more than last year

 

But some are................

Edited August 7, 2015 by ThomThomDrum

[pink_triangle]

Giggsy will get the rewards of LVG hard work next season.

I cant see Giggs being a good manager, he comes across a bit thick and uninspiring to me.

[pink_triangle]

So Man City give Pelligrini a contract to stop talk about him leaving at the end of the season?

[eFestivals]

Giggsy will get the rewards of LVG hard work next season.

 

yeah, cos he was so much more brilliant than Moyes in those few games as manager last season, eh?