The Football Thread

[Mower Liberation Front]

Definitely. 2 pieces of silverware in his first year is great for Arteta.

The Messi situation is going to be interesting. If he goes to City the prem league will be great next year. The idea that he would go to Juve with Ronaldo is mouthwatering but doubtful it will happen. Would love to see them play together though.

"La Liga "We're not biased in anyway towards the big two."
Also La Liga when they hear Barca's big money generator wants out: "Nooo, the Messi get out clause is ineligible. He must stay in Barcelona (and in la Liga) as a result." After all, remember how la Liga tried to block Neyamar's move?

It'd be funny if Messi decided to join Bale on the golf course for the season.

And Rovers get Milan in the Europa League, in an empty Tallaght.

[Trev]

Messi to Arsenal I say, they're owed one after the whole Fabregas debacle!

I'm still not sure though how much is him actually wanting out, and how much is him just trying to force the Barca president to step down

[astfgyl]

Paddy Power twitter: "An absolute dream tie against a European giant, considering some of the less prestigious opponents they could have drawn such as B36 Torshavn, Lincoln Red Imps, or Spurs."

Messi is only actin the bollix I think, but maybe he will be suitably enraged by La Liga's  endorsement of the club's stance to actually go through with playing for Man City

[Pedrito]

Man Utd just got away with daylight robbery, Van De Beek for 40m. Great signing and far more necessary than Jadon Sancho I reckon.

[Blizzard Beast]

Good price alright,They still need a winger Dan James isnt the answer.
There's rumors Sancho's agent wants 50 mill so not sure if they will pay that to him along with a transfer fee.

[StoutAndAle]

Just re-upping the fantasy league for those interested again;

https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/5tx2qs

[Caomhaoin]

Refreshingly adventurous line-up from Kenny tonight. No Glen Whelan and the like, finally. Very interesting viewing ahead tonight.

[Emphyrio]

Praise be!

[Caomhaoin]

Decent result. Plenty of chances and Connolly looks like a real player. Duffy is such a warrior, it's a coup for Celtic to get him in.

[Emphyrio]

Ya, coulda been worse. Midfield was weak enough, yet around 60% possession is impressive. Connolly is a little terrier.

[Caomhaoin]

Midfield lacked cohesion, and they were what you would have expected solidity from. Brave call in Idah and Connolly, both played well. Does he throw in a Molumby on Sunday in the McCarthy role? It's really just finding their feet for Slovakia, but he has to continue with the forwards, they are class.

[Emphyrio]

Idah's hold up play was great but you need willing attacking midfielders. That should be Hendrick's role but he hasn't been great in ages. O'Dowda is a lovely baller but a bit too prancy. I dunno how to get Coleman and Doherty on the same pitch but it seems a waste either of em being on the bench.

[Ollkiller]

Aye midfield wasnt great. O'Dowda had a great game. It was just so refreshing to see us passing the ball. At long last.

[Caomhaoin]

Mick tried Doherty on the right wing, granted only for the one game, but it was a bit of a damp squib. He's not as tenacious as Coleman but he's clearly the form player of the two. Seamie in for tougher games away maybe, but it's a hard call. Doherty did nothing wrong last night but the expectation is that he be as explosive as he is for Wolves with significantly weaker players with Ireland.

McCarthy flattered to deceive, although he hasn't played in ages so maybe he'll tighten up if he'd stay off the physio table.

If they could convince that Mikey Johnstone from Celtic to declare, he'll be a right player once he matures. Pity about those two wankers 'UP THE RA' Rice and that Ponce from Villa. Conversely, the stealing of that lad Sykes from the North, causing spluttering fury and not even putting him in the squad? Ah lad, an almond magnum and an ice bucket full of Erdingers out in the back garden with the bird away at her mothers wouldn't be as satisfying

[astfgyl]

I thought it was a good start. Surely another false dawn with the squad we have, but encouraging nonetheless. I was enjoying what they were trying to do even before DUFFY!!!!! AIEEEEEEE!!!

Yeah I do honestly get that excited even during a nothing game like that. Actually, the Nations League idea has made nothing games like this a bit more something to be fair to it.

In PL news, Chelsea are putting together a decent looking few gringos for the coming season