2020/21 football season

[bugsybum]

I still have no idea how Everton managed to atrract a manager the calibre of Ancelotti to the club. I ultimately think that a sustained title challenge will prove a step too far, though I do believe that they have a very good chance of securing CL football.

15 million quid a year for Ancelotti and they are wont finish near the top 4. Sixth place and going close in one of the cups would be great progress for Everton. Lost in the thuggery and VAR debacle in the derby was the truth that Everton were miles behind a vulnerable Liverpool.

[ratedj]

15 million quid a year for Ancelotti and they are wont finish near the top 4. Sixth place and going close in one of the cups would be great progress for Everton. Lost in the thuggery and VAR debacle in the derby was the truth that Everton were miles behind a vulnerable Liverpool.

I think it's been reported that he will earn £11.5 million per annum, but I was referring to the ambition of the club and the project that it likely sold to him. My suggestion that they can finish in the top four was based purely on the manager, their recruitment and the development of players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin. As for the derby, I thought it ended in a 2-2 draw?  Of course, Henderson's goal should have stood, but I don't rememebr seeing an Everton side miles behind Liverpool. In previous years this was the type of game where Everton's performance would be futile, and whilst they were not at their best they still managed to take something away from the game.   

[Gordon Bennett]

Seems like a lot of wages but I suppose you don't get just Ancelotti, you get his little diary of contacts and his pulling power too. Early days but he does seem to have brought about a tangible uplift in the Toffees that last few gaffers didn't manage to do.
One thing with managers... It's always a bit vague if their salary also covers their Number 2s and lieutenants too? They all seem to come with an entourage nowadays.

[Gordon Bennett]

Just saw a goal from Watford v Stoke midweek. Featured another disgraceful video technology blunder.......

Watford shot hits underside of the bar, bounces down onto goal line, bounces up and goalie gathers it. At no point has ball crossed the line. Goalie is then illegally bundled/barged into the net whilst clutching the ball. This all occurs in a matter of a second or two so ref's watch beeps to signify ball has crossed the line and awards a goal. What an effing shambles!

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Villa......you absolute beauties!

I thought we played better tonight than we did than when we hammered Liverpool.

A very happy Villain tonight.

[Blackpool Rock]

Villa......you absolute beauties!

I thought we played better tonight than we did than when we hammered Liverpool.

A very happy Villain tonight.

looking at the table Villa go top if they win their game in hand however I think the extra game is either against Man Utd or Man City so not an easy one.

This article indicates there were 4 different teams top of the table over the weekend, far better for the neutral than a run away leader and lets hope there are still a few in it with a few games to go as it makes it more interesting.
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Realistically where do you think Villa will finish  Everton were top after winning their opening 4 games but have dropped off and now sit 5 points off the pace in 7th.
Is you're biggest aim of the season to finish ahead of WBA and Wolves  Used to know a baggies fan and he hated Villa and Wolves but didn't mind Birmingham City, sometimes strange how rivalries develop

[chrishornx]

looking at the table Villa go top if they win their game in hand however I think the extra game is either against Man Utd or Man City so not an easy one.

meanwhile The Pool are up to 12th.........

[Blackpool Rock]

meanwhile The Pool are up to 12th.........

Whose "The Pool"  I'd assume it was Liverpool however they are 3rd and West Ham are 12th 

[mr.bluesky]

Whose "The Pool"  I'd assume it was Liverpool however they are 3rd and West Ham are 12th 

Blackpool ? Hartlepool ? 

[Blackpool Rock]

Blackpool ? Hartlepool ? 

Actually yeah i've just checked and Blackpool are up to 12th in League 1, I live here and still didn't twig   

[chrishornx]

Actually yeah i've just checked and Blackpool are up to 12th in League 1, I live here and still didn't twig   

Come on fella get a grip I meant THE POOL - and we both live there

[chrishornx]

Blackpool ? Hartlepool ? 

only one Pool ...

[Jumping Jack Flash]

looking at the table Villa go top if they win their game in hand however I think the extra game is either against Man Utd or Man City so not an easy one.

This article indicates there were 4 different teams top of the table over the weekend, far better for the neutral than a run away leader and lets hope there are still a few in it with a few games to go as it makes it more interesting.
 External Link/Members Only

Realistically where do you think Villa will finish  Everton were top after winning their opening 4 games but have dropped off and now sit 5 points off the pace in 7th.
Is you're biggest aim of the season to finish ahead of WBA and Wolves  Used to know a baggies fan and he hated Villa and Wolves but didn't mind Birmingham City, sometimes strange how rivalries develop

Villa’s game in hand is against Man City.

I’d be happy with finishing around 10th, although I sense that this season there is an opportunity to finish higher, but that will take some doing. I don’t really give a toss about Wolves and WBA and where they finish, Wolves have tried to invent a rivalry with their “mind the gap Aston Villa” taunts but we have never been rivals. Albion are our historical rivals but over the years that has been overtaken by a second city rivalry with Blose who I loathe.

[Blackpool Rock]

PPV scrapped 
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[Londonpunter30]

PPV scrapped 
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Makes sense, but I wonder where the extra Sky / BT profit goes. With more matches and more advertising revenue they must both be getting extra revenue.  Where exactly is that going 

[Gordon Bennett]

It strikes me that if games behind closed doors continue until Spring, which is very likely I feel, the competition becomes a bit hollow. Yeah, there will be winners/losers, champions, promotions and relegations but there will be an air of it not being a "proper" season......a ghost season. A season with an asterisk next to it, a sort of taint if you will.

[oldmanking]

Villa’s game in hand is against Man City.
Albion are our historical rivals but over the years that has been overtaken by a second city rivalry with Blose who I loathe.

I've always considered the matches against Albion more THE local derby for the last decade or more; due in the most part to us both sharing the same league more often than not.  While those bluenoses who still harp on about one big win back around 2003, have dwindled away to become a mere thorn in our side.  But it's also as I've lived on the border of Brum & Yam-yam land for the last decade plus, so know a lot more Boing Boing Baggies than Bluenoses around these parts; & we love a good bit of banter, without the hatred & fights that used to occur back in the sad bad Bluenose Zulu days.

As you say, historically Villa & Albion have been fighting over league & cup wins since the dawn of whole English footbal league.  That game in hand against Man City might not be the uphill battle you would've found last season either, as we tend to play better against the better teams; Liverpool being a good example, while we then lost to Leeds!

[willie loman]

It strikes me that if games behind closed doors continue until Spring, which is very likely I feel, the competition becomes a bit hollow. Yeah, there will be winners/losers, champions, promotions and relegations but there will be an air of it not being a "proper" season......a ghost season. A season with an asterisk next to it, a sort of taint if you will.

+1, the lack of crowds is responsible for all manner of strange results, Scotland beating serbia for one, plus rangers being top in scotland, it is possible that these results are a truer reflection of abilities, but its way more fun with a crowd.

[ratedj]

It strikes me that if games behind closed doors continue until Spring, which is very likely I feel, the competition becomes a bit hollow. Yeah, there will be winners/losers, champions, promotions and relegations but there will be an air of it not being a "proper" season......a ghost season. A season with an asterisk next to it, a sort of taint if you will.

+1, the lack of crowds is responsible for all manner of strange results, Scotland beating serbia for one, plus rangers being top in scotland, it is possible that these results are a truer reflection of abilities, but its way more fun with a crowd.

I would disagree with both posts. Yes, there's no doubt that the entire experience is enhanced when fans are in attendance, but for any given game both sides are having to contend with no fans, and so every team is disadvantaged in the same manner. What I will say is that some clubs have taken longer to build up fitness, which I believe contributed to some unexpected results, though that cannot be used as an excuse at this particular juncture. As you alluded to, Willie, if anything these games allow for a complete focus on player ability, with all external factors not a consideration.

What could be argued, more than anything, is that what could prove to be the major anomaly is which clubs happen to be impacted more by positive COVID-19 tests. However, when all is said and done, leagues will be won by clubs that are deserving and clubs will be relegated becasue they have not been good enough. No need for the *. 

[willie loman]

its been well established for years that the referee favours the home team in terms of decisions, bookings especially, thus the absence of a crowd will put a team that is used to having a partisan crowd is at a disadvantage, as someone whose favourite bet was team with the most corners, i cant wait for crowds to return.

[Blackpool Rock]

its been well established for years that the referee favours the home team in terms of decisions, bookings especially, thus the absence of a crowd will put a team that is used to having a partisan crowd is at a disadvantage, as someone whose favourite bet was team with the most corners, i cant wait for crowds to return.

I believe there was data from the Bundesliga when they started after lock down and the same was also true of the Prem that away teams win % went up with no crowds.
It makes sense as the majority of home fans won't be able to give their players a lift and also won't be able to get on the away players backs.

Also as you say the influence on match officials does reduce however even with VAR there is evidence that the biggest clubs are still getting the majority of decisions going their way, Man Utd for example still get more penalties than anyone else

I believe it's even worse now since the FA employed this guy in the VAR room 

 

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[mr.bluesky]

Also as you say the influence on match officials does reduce however even with VAR there is evidence that the biggest clubs are still getting the majority of decisions going their way, Man Utd for example still get more penalties than anyone else

I believe it's even worse now since the FA employed this guy in the VAR room 

 

Hidden Image/Members Only

    I believe he's only involved in the games featuring Man Utd  Liverpool Man City    and Arsenal 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

I've always considered the matches against Albion more THE local derby for the last decade or more; due in the most part to us both sharing the same league more often than not.  While those bluenoses who still harp on about one big win back around 2003, have dwindled away to become a mere thorn in our side.  But it's also as I've lived on the border of Brum & Yam-yam land for the last decade plus, so know a lot more Boing Boing Baggies than Bluenoses around these parts; & we love a good bit of banter, without the hatred & fights that used to occur back in the sad bad Bluenose Zulu days.

As you say, historically Villa & Albion have been fighting over league & cup wins since the dawn of whole English footbal league.  That game in hand against Man City might not be the uphill battle you would've found last season either, as we tend to play better against the better teams; Liverpool being a good example, while we then lost to Leeds!

I know what you mean, but those Lulu Warriors are loathe some. I don’t mind Albion really, my boss is one and you can have a reasonable debate with him about football whereas the noses always turn it around to us being obsessed with our history. Funny that really, when they sing about Stern John in the last minute which must be nearly 20 years ago. Still if the cap fits!

[Gordon Bennett]

Diego Maradona has died aged 60 of a heart attack.

[Goldfinch]

Diego Maradona has died aged 60 of a heart attack.

⚽️R.I.P⚽️

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[puntingking]

BBC TO BROADCAST 13 LIVE FA CUP GAMES THIS WEEKEND! 

=Friday, 27 November: BBC Two,
Tranmere Rovers v Brackley Town - 
19,30

=Saturday, 28 November: BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website

Morecambe v Solihull Moors (12:30)
Portsmouth v King's Lynn (15:00)
Bradford City v Oldham Athletic (15:00)
Cheltenham Town v Crewe Alexandra (15:00)

=Sunday, 29 November:BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website

Shrewsbury Town v Oxford City (13:30) -
Bristol Rovers v Darlington (13:30) -
Barnet v Milton Keynes Dons (13:30) -
Mansfield Town v Dagenham & Redbridge (13:30)
Stockport County v Yeovil Town (13:30) -
AFC Wimbledon v Crawley Town (13:30) -
Carlisle United v Doncaster Rovers (13:30) -  broadcast)
Stevenage v Hull City (13:30) -

=Monday, 30 November BBC One 19:00 FA CUP 3RD ROUND DRAW.

This gives me a reason to stay in 
Cheers 

[GingerNuts]

2020/21 football season.

[puntingking]

Thanks
But Why you post this link on here?
The only relevant information is that both subject is football but its not on the same subject 

[GingerNuts]

It's the thread for matters relating to the the 2020/21 season.

There's even some discussion about PPV being scrapped and some games being shown by the BBC.

[puntingking]

It's the thread for matters relating to the the 2020/21 season.

There's even some discussion about PPV being scrapped and some games being shown by the BBC.

Oh OK
Thanks
 

[Blackpool Rock]

I'm looking forward to watching none of those games 

[puntingking]

OK.
I don't see why other members (or whoever does) moves subject post thread into other thread.
My post I posted on the off topic category was under its own thread then got merged into a broad thread in the 2020 /2021 football season.
 

The 2020/21 football season thread is useful but I don't see why everything to do with the subject of football that is mentioned such as what I mentioned on the subject on the fa Cup 2nd round live coverage on the BBC should be under this thread 

Just my thoughts 

[puntingking]

OK.
I don't see why other members (or whoever does) moves subject post thread into other thread.
My post I posted on the off topic category was under its own thread then got merged into a broad thread in the 2020 /2021 football season.
 

The 2020/21 football season thread is useful but I don't see why everything to do with the subject of football that is mentioned such as what I mentioned on the subject on the fa Cup 2nd round live coverage on the BBC should be under this thread 

Just my thoughts 

Or maybe there is a reason why? 

[Blackpool Rock]

Or maybe there is a reason why? 

It's to do with the 2020/21 football season so now people can read the posts all on 1 thread rather than having to look at multiple threads about the same thing.

[daviemac]

OK.
I don't see why other members (or whoever does) moves subject post thread into other thread.
My post I posted on the off topic category was under its own thread then got merged into a broad thread in the 2020 /2021 football season.
 

The 2020/21 football season thread is useful but I don't see why everything to do with the subject of football that is mentioned such as what I mentioned on the subject on the fa Cup 2nd round live coverage on the BBC should be under this thread 

Just my thoughts 

Only mods or admin can merge threads and it was me who merged it. What is the point of having two separate threads on the same subject. Unless of course the 2020/21 FA cup is not taking place during the 2020/21 football season.

[cotton]

OK.
I don't see why other members (or whoever does) moves subject post thread into other thread.
My post I posted on the off topic category was under its own thread then got merged into a broad thread in the 2020 /2021 football season.
 

The 2020/21 football season thread is useful but I don't see why everything to do with the subject of football that is mentioned such as what I mentioned on the subject on the fa Cup 2nd round live coverage on the BBC should be under this thread 

Just my thoughts 

Maybe simplest thing would be to ammend the rules - no Race , Religion , Politics or Football 

[puntingking]

It's to do with the 2020/21 football season so now people can read the posts all on 1 thread rather than having to look at multiple threads about the same thing.

 

[puntingking]

Only mods or admin can merge threads and it was me who merged it. What is the point of having two separate threads on the same subject. Unless of course the 2020/21 FA cup is not taking place during the 2020/21 football season.

Ok. Fair point. Otherwise we are left with lots of threads of basically the same baseline talking points which would ruin the forum and none of us would want that so I get that.   

[puntingking]

Maybe simplest thing would be to ammend the rules - no Race , Religion , Politics or Football 

So basically in your thoughts we should get rid off the off topic chat thread then?
There be no point having a off topic chat section if the things you allowed to talk about is getting ever smaller and smaller. Race, religion and politics are right to be off limits because these can spark feice debate and arguments that can upset individuals. Football is a sport. No one is going to get upset over debating football or any other sport for that matter.   

[The Film Director]

So basically in your thoughts we should get rid off the off topic chat thread then?
There be no point having a off topic chat section if the things you allowed to talk about is getting ever smaller and smaller. Race, religion and politics are right to be off limits because these can spark feice debate and arguments that can upset individuals. Football is a sport. No one is going to get upset over debating football or any other sport for that matter.   

What. you mean football rivalry has never sparked any passionate debates? 

[cotton]

So basically in your thoughts we should get rid off the off topic chat thread then?
There be no point having a off topic chat section if the things you allowed to talk about is getting ever smaller and smaller. Race, religion and politics are right to be off limits because these can spark feice debate and arguments that can upset individuals. Football is a sport. No one is going to get upset over debating football or any other sport for that matter.   

Well you seem to be irked that your football topics were being contained 
Point is while other members have accepted not being able to discuss race, religion and Politics under the new rules its a bit insensitive of you to be kicking of like a schoolgirl deprived of her favourite dolly just cos one of your footy topics got absorbed into another. I mean how about just being glad you can still discuss the footie and figure whatever decisions to curb the worst excesses of it are made in the best interest of the forum 

[puntingking]

What. you mean football rivalry has never sparked any passionate debates? 

I knew someone would post this question after I posted my comment.
Football would spark debate as any subject would but it won't cause any discomfort or uncomfortable feeling on anyone by what someone may say or in this case by what some one may type.
For instance if I type my opinion (and im not going to for obvious reasons) on the subject of let's say black lives matter there may be some individuals who may not like what I say or may feel and take what I say to heart or personally. You can't do that with football.
Football is a lighter and a gentle subject to talk about rather than race, politics or religion.for instance.

You can laugh it off with football.
Let's say I prefer arsenal than Tottenham. You can talk about and argue about what team is better. Whether your left wing, right wing, black, white, Muslim, Christian, gay  or straight. Football crosses all barriers which is the beauty of the game 

[puntingking]

Well you seem to be irked that your football topics were being contained 
Point is while other members have accepted not being able to discuss race, religion and Politics under the new rules its a bit insensitive of you to be kicking of like a schoolgirl deprived of her favourite dolly just cos one of your footy topics got absorbed into another. I mean how about just being glad you can still discuss the footie and figure whatever decisions to curb the worst excesses of it are made in the best interest of the forum 

Actually I was not kicking off. 

[Gordon Bennett]

I think football is buckling under the the ridiculous schedule. Just checked out fixtures for my team and they're playing Saturday/Tuesday until Christmas. We seem to have lost a player to injury every game recently so I'm not sure if we'll actually have an XI to field in a few weeks. They're allowed 5 subs but that's largely moot if you don't have any players to actually name as subs.
I suspect most teams will intentionally "throw the game" in the upcoming FA Cup third round. Be quite funny if you've got say Stoke v Boro with both teams desperately trying to lose the tie in order to concentrate on getting promoted. I find it hard to think of any Premier League or Championship club that would feel minded to have a genuine tilt at the cup.

[king tarzan]

Manchester United/Edison Cavani
Russ boombacluut el campions 2021🥊🥊🥊🥊🥊👊👊👊👊👊🥊🥊🥊👊👊👊

[Blackpool Rock]

I think football is buckling under the the ridiculous schedule. Just checked out fixtures for my team and they're playing Saturday/Tuesday until Christmas. We seem to have lost a player to injury every game recently so I'm not sure if we'll actually have an XI to field in a few weeks. They're allowed 5 subs but that's largely moot if you don't have any players to actually name as subs.
I suspect most teams will intentionally "throw the game" in the upcoming FA Cup third round. Be quite funny if you've got say Stoke v Boro with both teams desperately trying to lose the tie in order to concentrate on getting promoted. I find it hard to think of any Premier League or Championship club that would feel minded to have a genuine tilt at the cup.

Not sure who you follow but the Prem is still only 3 subs, pretty sure every other league in Europe is 5 but for some reason the Prem is only 3.
Not sure if there was a vote or someone vetoed the 5 subs as it was discussed, Chris Wilder the Sheff Utd boss must have had a hand in blocking the 5 subs as Klopp took a side swipe at him about it after Liverpool picked up yet another injury

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I'm thinking that Wilder doesn't want 5 subs for the reason you mention above in that Sheff Utd probably don't have the biggest squad to draw on but the 3 sub route isn't working too well for him either, rock bottom on 1 point after 10 games which is the worst start any team has ever made to the Prem 

[HERTSBLUE]

Arsenal the worse run club in the premier
League abuayang 300 grand Willian 220 grand
absolute joke of a club

[Blackpool Rock]

Arsenal the worse run club in the premier
League abuayang 300 grand Willian 220 grand
absolute joke of a club

Go on Jose tell us what you really think 

[paper7]

Arsenal the worse run club in the premier
League abuayang 300 grand Willian 220 grand
absolute joke of a club

You do it then, you 'manage' them and see how you get on!

[Jumping Jack Flash]

More VAR controversy last night, how the hell was Watkins offside? His arm was out because the West Ham defender had his arms around his neck which forced Watkins own arm out and was therefore called offside according to the twats at Stockley Park.

I think we need technology, but it sure needs a few tweaks.