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A free game with no prize! But fun. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11rZM4myR7cd_1d4FnmQY77MpApJCg2_-CTpVysfJRRM/edit#gid=0
At present it is close at the top – Adam leading Aaron by 239 to 237, mart and Andy close behind with me and Kate not far behind and John close too. Latecomers Di and Harvey are battling hard. Each week is its own game and Mark Lawrenson of TV pundit fame and football superstardom has been in bottom few for last couple of weeks!
There are new boys on the block – Mbappe and Haaland will both probably move for eyewatering fees this summer. Mbappe has already clocked up a !80 euro plus transfer in his teens. He seems to be on his way to Real Madrid (Barcelona are skint at the moment). So Barca probably cannot afford Haaland – that leaves jus a few super clubs. Newcastle would have to offer astronomic terms for him, PSG could be a possibility, but probably lack the attraction for a potential Number 1 superstar. So it is probably down to Liverpool (who have no need to expend the dosh as they have brilliant forwards), ManU who are in the doldrums of high level mediocrity, or ManC who have not replaced Aquiro – but are doing rather well without an out and out No9 – Sterling and Foden and co are doing great. I am not sure the Italian teams have the money, although Brexit is weakening the attraction of the UK.
Next weekends Prem Matches look difficult to call. Liverpool – Norwich and ManC – Spurs might be predictable? But the rest are debatable.
Want to have a go at predicting –
Add your name at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11kZGIZ7ZPBV8-EyE1ynJTi1-_YGyWvukXogKt5gesF8/edit?userstoinvite=corpy@hawkandwild.com&actionButton=1#gid=0
or send me an email. It is just fun.
What is there not to love about it? First the rich boys of ManU get beaten (albeit with a very dubious goal), then at half time we have Kidderminster 1 WHU 0 and Plymouth 1 Chelsea Russians 0. The scores may change but the romance continues.
Can we start a campaign for the final to be returned to 3pm on a Saturday?
Everton confirm Frank Lampard – he was not bad at Chelsea so we will see how he goes. Nice children’s books. Everton have been going down the pan recently, but have some excellent players, and possibly a good signing in Danny van Der Beek. Aston Villa seem to have made some good signings. Newcastle are hoping their signings will save their bacon. Lots of other rumours – Mbappi to Real Madrid (confirmed on twitter) ? Then the other big potential signings – Haaland – I suspect someone has sorted out a summer transfer.
is on the increase. Especially amongst young males. Why?
Benitez goes – Duncan Ferguson takes over. Interesting as Everton are/were sliding downwards.
Liverpool in contract discussions with Salah – will they sell hi to pay for Haaland? Or will ManC come up with £250 million, or will he be off to Real Madrid (Barca probably cannot afford him?), or PSG (pocket a couple of hundred million and move on).
Despite games in hand for Spurs and ManU the top 4 look to have it sewn up this season. manC look the strongest with Liverpool second and then Chelsea. Will Arsenal keep their top 4 position? At the bottom it looks grim for Norwich and Newcastle (although maybe a half billion might change things?). Burnley re gritty, Watford have moments of inspiration, Leeds seem dogged by bad luck and injuries. Everton and Southampton are probably the fatal’ too good to go down’ whilst I suspect Brentford will take the plunge at the end of the season.
5 more postponements for the weekend. The FA will need to act soon before the disruption to the fixture list becomes unbalanced. Already we have seen no postponements for the top 3, whilst Spurs are already 3 games in arrears, Brentford and Burnley 2. The top clubs may have large enough squads, but with the African Nations Cup coming up there needs to be forward planning. It also needs to be set out clearly in advance to ensure fairness.