We are playing away to Bodo/Glimt in few minutes from now, and Mikel has decided to shuffle the playing XI to maximum. There are 7 changes in the line up from our last game.
Turner will most likely be our GK for the rest of Europa league. Tierney gets back to his LB position, and Holding gets a start after some time. Gabriel Megalhaes has been playing a lot and needed some rest. Saliba and White keeps their places.
Midfield is an interesting one. Partey and Xhaka are on bench, and Vieira and Sambi takes up their places. I’m guessing Sambi will play a DM role similar to Partey and Vieira will be allowed to move forward like Xhaka has been doing more recently. Odegaard and Saka keeps their places in the right side.
Jesus got a much needed break, Eddie starts and I’m rooting for him; always liked him and I am hoping he will score a few today. Reiss Nelson gets back in the team at LW.
I’m short on time today, and will be back tomorrow. Hope we see a good game, no injuries, score few and keep a clean sheet.
#COYG
Test check
Local lad Odegard is playing.
Except Sambi looks a full strength squad. Tierney too
It’s kind of frustrating Europa is streaming on a different platform now. It was much easier when everything was on Tele. Pay a fix amount and you get all channels (movies, sports, etc).
Streaming sites are banned here, so I’m gonna go and pay for it anyway, but this subscription models is becoming a problem they wanted to solve initially.
Hoopah
Yep, Sambi looks similar to AMN. Flashes of brilliance but never really convincing. Hope he turns it around with regular game time in Europa.
It still makes me laugh people debated in favor of our absenteeism from Europe last season.
Bi do seem to be playing very randomly. So Arsenal can’t figure how to react.
A quite boring match so nothing list is anyone not watching
And Saka scores 😅
Both Champions as well as Europa are there on Sony Liv. Reasonable subscription and good resolution.
Took EPL on Hotsstar which has Premium giving 4k resolution
Goal by Saka. 1-2 usual
1-2 meaning passing for goal
Champions League streams are easy to find :))
Bought the Sony one anyway, ain’t much for CL / Europa games.
Europa League is of teams who could not qualify for Champions League and it shows. Reviewed all the matches going on and only Fiorentina match was watchable. Mourinho and Roma are losing. Villareal playing kicking the ball. Even the team I run ( in local Professional League) play a more watchable passing game.
Barcelona will surely make it a bit more interesting haha
But yeah, it’s a stale game. Martinelli / Jesus would have eaten them alive in that first half.
Though they should have scored in that 1v1 situation and a good team would have scored on the ball Lokonga gave away near the box.
Agree with you Ambarish. Expected at least some sparks from Eddie.
We missing our 2 cannon, but can’t play them in a game of this type with chance of injury
Hi Lads
We’re doing OK here. We’ll get stronger in the second half as they tire. Bodo have an outstanding home record in Europe.
I don’t agree about Sambi – I think he’s looking neat in the middle. Good to see that through ball for the assist too. It’s Turner that concerns me – too runnarson-esque. Matt Ryan was a better option in my view but that ship has sailed.
Hope you’re both well and not working too hard.
Couple of near goals from Bodo, they are making the second half interesting for sure. We need to calm things down as soon as possible
Mikel acknowledging it by bringing in Xhaka and Martinelli to get control of the game. Nelson did not do any justice to his start.
Fuckin’ hell, Is Tierney playing as a #10 today? What is he doing so high up in the middle of the pitch!
Oh, and Turner is doing OKAY in my opinion.
Job done – if we’d beaten them easily, I think we might be worrying that we’d shot out bolt before Leeds on Sunday. Not as assured as we’d have liked but that game will be forgotten about by tomorrow.
It probably won’t happen ut if Zurich can get something out of the game in Eindhoven tonight, we’ll be just about there already (with 2 home games to come).
This week has been absolutely fantastic for me Arsenal won, Napoli in the CL knockout stages and Barca virtually in the EL in two weeks to be confirmed. What could make it better?
Another AFC win to stay top of the table, Everton beating Spuds, Villa beating Chelsea, Newcastle victorious, Pool beating City. That would be perfect but I take a combination of those.
Finally take 12 to 15 points from the 5 games before the WC and be top of the table come Nov 13th.
A brilliant peace of Journalism in the Athletic (Behind a paywall) I paid $20 for a year’s subscription. You can get a 30day free trial.
theathletic . com / 3685330/2022/10/13/barcelona-transfers-levels-finances/
Just some highlights from the article showing how truly Barca is f**d when it comes to finances:
“The accounts published last week also show that Barelonca still owe transfer fees dating back years, including for players who are no longer at the club such as Philippe Coutinho, Miralem Pjanic and Neto Moura. More than €100million of this total is due to be paid for these players in the next seven months.
Player salaries that were deferred in past seasons are now due. The focus last week was again on Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the three “captains” — Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba — who each cost the club more than €40million a year.”
Joy of joys, max Schadenfreude, over that absolutely dreadful run club may they rot in bankruptcy hell. Excellent YouTube clip about Barca’s bewildering finances.
youtu . be/j0mPELisN-U
Can’t wait for Raphina being asked for a salary cut next season only to realize he is at the end of the line of those money being owed to. Hope Leeds got their cash up front. You can’t make this shit up if you wanted to.
Killroy
Hiya mate. It’s bitter-sweet isn’t it from a Gooner’s point of view.
Petit, Song, Fabregas, Henry and Van Bronckhorst to name but 5 players we undersold to that den of waste and corporate corruption. There must be some more that I’m missing (any other names lads?) . You wonder just how much dodginess was behind those deals in which we shortsold our players.
I’m no fan either (as you can possibly tell!) . Nowhere near as shitty a club as Real Madrid imho, but nevertheless a really underwhelming figurehead for the catalan people and for sporting behaviour. Someone needs to drain the swamp.
We should reverse the paradigm by making derisory but tempting offers for their stars that might fill gaps in our squad.
You watching the women’s rugby WC? Should be better once the games get more
competitve. And the men’s rugby league WC about to start.
Top of the evening to you Almunia and K’Phobe when you wake up that is. It’s a fine 29*C as we head to our winter late next month.
https://privateiptvaccess.com
A pass on from a mate who said it cover’s every TV channel in the world, so thought of you K’phobe and Almunia and the Irish channels in Wales. Not sure which dialect it would be in>
Can’t claim to have used it, as we have HD Prime here which is a pirate similar streamer, but you buy cards from 7/11 shops all over Thailand. Sounds like it’s run by True Visions our version of Sky, but who knows?
Almunia, Laziitus, is a real condition my friend often followed by extreme Guinness episodes or exposure to THC virulent (20 to 28+%) strains or forgotten how many dabs you had of grannie’s CBD oil.
Almunia, a true genius/artist cannot be rushed or the results will be tainted. The words will flow when you feel them erupting in your mind.Then you will be compelled to your canvas (PC screen) and trusty keyboard (brush). It will be long in writing and tedious rewrites, but then your labour of love will come to the fore and the words will flow and I estimate 1000s globally will be better for reading them.
Your many admirers will quickly tap out the words to your waiting audience worldwide, which is very true. I do not jest in such matters. They will pass on to their sporting friends and so on.
Never a truer word said in jest, Almunia; you do have a global audience. Deservedly so. When you’re ready, we will be, too. Your satire humoring words can make any person’s day and feel cathartic, as they do me. Hard to be anything, but happy when you’re pissing yourself when one’s imagination runs riot from the images your words procure of people so familiar.
Only read the reports of last night’s game and sounds like we made hard work of it, so I’m hoping it’s a blip. Saka saved our bacon in a scrappy game on a plastic pitch. Game and points won, so time to get back to prepare for Leeds who are decent on the ball, at pace; just not for 90 minutes.
A good away test for us where I see us rolling them over 1:3 after wanting to make good on last night’s under-par performance.
Sorry Hoopah if it seems I’ve ignored you, it’s not the case. Are you from AK’s (MB’s) part of the world? Do you have any thoughts about the Jan TW? Where we will finish? Where Mikel is at now in your thinking.
K’phobe, Almunia, Marc are all of the same thinking as is MD Gunner and Kilroy and myself.
The jury is still out but the sings are promising, but we’ve been here before, such as last season. Mikel has a nasty habit of being a repeat offender of his own mistakes.
I’m guessing Mikel will pick up fastest speaking PL manager, but nowhere near the most unintelligible Kenny Dalglish back on the Div 1 days. Kane sounds eloquent compared to old Glasweigin Kenny.
Shankly was the most intimating in the tunnels where he would tell each opposing player what his player was going to do him in some detail before they ran out onto the pitch with Liverpool firmly entrenched in their heads before kicking a ball.
Funny old game Football.
Hi Kilroy speaking of rugby the southern Hemisphere 4 country tourney ins Aug/Sept was a cracker. Best rugby in patches I’ve ever seen. All Blacks back to their masterful selves, but can get a bit complacent at times. They’r beatable in a one off, but over 3 games? Maybe only France could at this time.
Really disinterested in the Qatar WC, which is a shame as we look like we could actually compete if ultra conservative Southgate gets it together. Most is too late for me anyway 6 hours difference. So maybe the final if it’s interesting enough.
Next year’s rugby WC I’ll be glued to as many games, as I can get here. Outside the ABs France would be a good bet. A France Vs AB final should be a blast of dynamic rugby, if France can keep the ref’s red card in his pocket.
I never took to rugby league.
Tony
Yep, from Ambarish part of the world, but a better place where the whole world rushes in for holidays and a good time
Haha, certainly its one of the best places you live in. Beaches, cheap beers, and moderate weather.
Killroy
Barcelona are in a mess but I don’t see it as a Messi effect personally. He has done more good than bad for them.
You can’t call them a well run club anymore.
Hi Tony
I wouldn’t rule Ireland out of the rugby WC. If they can keep their core 22 players fit, they’ll be a challenge for anyone. I think SA and at a push England might also be in the reckoning in addition to your predictions although neither are favourites certainly.
Another injection of championship football in my veins tomorrow. A home game for the Bluebirds against the once mighty Coventry. Looking forward to hearing their wonderful version of the Eton boating song again. And who can forget the immortal, ‘one cov, two cov, three cov, FOUR COV!’
I say home game… A mere 200 mile round trip this time!
I think we’ll have too much for Leeds. Three unanswered goals. One of the unexpected and barely remembered pleasures this year has been the absence of worrying about upcoming games. You’re all going to call me a bedwetting drama queen but I’ve had two spells in the past three seasons where I thought relegation was a possibility. Once during Emery’s reign and the other in the period leading up to that ESR inspired defeat of Chelsea 2 years ago. This year has, at least, been calmer. The perils of supporting Arsenal for 50 years. Shit – we only need another 16 points to be sure of avoiding the drop this season.
The city v pool game is huge in terms of their and our interests. Would love to see City drop 3 or even 2 points.
@Ambarish
Messi got Barca many times out of the hole but he is sentimentally attached to that club. Now that he is at PSG no such help from him.
Both Barca & Real are corrupt with Real taking the lead by putting on pressures on corrupt politicians.
Spain: Our economy is in trouble and tanking please assist us with a loan.
EU: How much do you need to get the economy back on track?
Spain: A few Billion Euros will do.
EU: No problem here is your loan.
Spain: Perez here is your money to keep your club afloat.
EU citizens bail out those two mafioso run clubs.
@Tony
True loved this year’s Rugby Championship it was exciting. Ever since I got a VPN and installed their extension into the Chrome browser I am watching publicly streamed games for free in Australia and the UK. The Autumn Series will be on Amazon Prime in the UK and I do have friends who have UK accounts that I can borrow.
In the US FloRugby is trying to become the home for all rugby fans in the US $150 for the year and they have all the games except Premiership Rugby, Six Nations and World Cup. So between them and Peacock for $50 a year I have all the Rugby and most of the Premier League covered.
India has the best deal on the Premier League Disney run Hotstar service most likely one month UK cost will get you a year’s subscription. But you most likely need an Indian Credit card, it does pay sometimes to have friends in Indian places 😆
I think the Bees beating Brighton is good as far as we’re concerned. I’m not sure BHA are all that. Both teams are pale imitations of Arsenal this season.
Reading the comments in a few of the Barca articles learned a few new names Bankruptalona or Farcelona. I think either Tuchel is being lined up but we couldn’t be so fortunate and have the generational one jump ship to Farcelona.
Good morning to all.
Thailand has it covered owning both pirate streams in 720p at best and 1080 HD True Visions satellite with the more well know channels BEIN, ESPN et al, but not all their coverage although the rugby channel is decent for the majors of league and union globally.
In better news the EFL have offered all games to be shown live at kick off times; namely 3pm.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11317455/AHEAD-GAME-Sky-Sports-against-EFLs-plans-end-3pm-blackout.html
This will make global viewing easier time wise.
4PM = 10/11pm my time depending on summer/winter clocks. Hopefully, Sunday games can K.O. again at 3pm 9/10pm Thai times. We really are not that far away from clubs streaming their own games where the big sport channels could be seeking Don for advice, as their derriaires’ haemorrhage at the thought of lost football revenues. I would imagine Rupert M’s already shrunken by-age balls have dried further, and no longer hang, but are lost in such a big nut sacks used to house swaying golf ball sized testicles or was it that Murdock was a bit bow legged?
Anyway, it’ll be great to have football eventually streamed into our home tech in at least 2k making it more appealing to the global market.
200-mile road trip home game, K’Phobe. I love your energy & drive and how your get-up-&-go is in full auto drive where mine has got-up-&-gone and poor Almunia has laziitis.
I can actually pinpoint the time it left me or at least told me it was on its way out. I was 63yo in Chaing Mai filming my MC club’s King’s birthday ride as many clubs ride here for respect. I went to bed sober at 10pm, as the bros were sitting round a table already wilting under the weight of beer bottles and show glasses. I had the drone crew turning up for the mountain filming riding at the top of a narrow ridge and into coffee growing areas, on top of the Thai world.
I knew I was done and only had a couple of films left in me. Obviously, 150 hours editing in my office was a joy but not for my colon.
I can understand the full on atmosphere and banter watching the games in the stadia, K’Phobe. Sadly, too hot here even in winter, and was why Junior stopped playing. He has Thai/UK genes so has to be careful of the sun. He covers up almost to the point of looking like a ninja playing golf, yet he’s carries now are around 305 yards and golf balls travelling around 330 yards at his best.
When he hits them straight or an intended fade or some such name, it’s a sight to see.
Consistency is his nemesis where he seems to shout four a lot. No idea what the number is pertaining to, but others know, as they duck in unison. So far he has downed one bird flying happily, minding its own business. There has been a ricochet off a tree hitting his opponent’s leg, but there was no damage to the ball, so all was well because the local city hospital is only 5 minutes down the road.
Back to football. I wouldn’t recommend eating curries before the game, as I feel Leeds will come out the traps at breakneck speed with us doing similar. I think it’s going to be a breath taking opening 15 minutes of mutual pressing, and give and goes. Who does them best will more likely score the first goal.
As you rightly say, K’Phobe they will tire with a small squad punching well above its weight. It’s why I predicted 1:3 to us as Leeds has drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 games where we’ve won our last five, so should make this 6 wins in a row without too much difficulty.
Early in the 2nd half I’d like to see Marquinhos move Saka to Xhaka’s free role and Eddie start for Jesus. Holding for Gabs and Tomi and KT playing in their respective positions RB & LB.
Apart from rotation, players play more naturally in their own positions.
Klopp is furious about the bin dippers demise albeit being a slow painful death. Poor Kloppy feels it’s not fair big bad Haarland has busted Klopp fantasies of winning the title and has already said as much. He’s on a right old Wenger type moan, and I’m loving it particularly when the whinging is in a German accent.
Most of Junior’s mates are bin dipper lovers, so he’s basking in the The Arsenal glory getting binned and reinstated daily from their chat line.
Some great football to watch for Junior and me. Palace v Leicester will be decent, but the boring Spuds should dispatch Fat Frank’s Everton at home – mores the pity.
Sunday is THE day for games. United v Newcastle us v Leeds and then the mouth watering L’pool v City, which a draw would suits us perfectly and Newcastle take points from hot and cold United.
That’s about my weekend round up. Enjoy your fix, K’Phobe and all LIR poster/readers wherever you are enjoy the weekend.
Forgot to add K’Pobe I almost included Ireland as being in with a decent shout.
On reflection, Ireland seems to be on a seamless team evolution where the younger stars are blooded earlier I guess for this to work. The French have been team building for a few years, as have England, Wales and Scotland, but Ireland simply does it consistently better.
The only other team to be consistent with their team evolutions is the All Blacks by far better than the Wallbies and Springboks.
I’m really looking forward to the Rugby WC, as I think this WC will see the most explosive rugby played with the quick mobility and high speed of the teams today.
Cheers Tony. Some great stuff there. I’m so glad that at least 2 of my kids are into football – it puts the seal of approval somewhat on my enduring love of it. Ms K cannot treat me like the antichrist if it’s a pastime I share with our offspring.
It’s good to hear your son is still giving it his all on the courses out there and that his practice is paying off. He sounds like a real chip off the old block fighting his corner on local football blogs too. No sweltering temperatures here – my son is playing and training hard for our local team who are holding their own against some of the more local/agricultural cloggers.
I saw that thing about coverage of 3pm kick offs. Finally! It’s taken them too long to realise they can make shit loads more money. It might also make it slightly easier to get tickets in future for people who like going to games.
I think Leeds have lost their swagger and confidence a little since they stormed back into the PL. Marsch has altered that high energy attacking recklessness into something a little more strategic. I think its helped them avoid setbacks but they’ve also become more predictable. Elland Road is a brilliant place to watch football but I think it’s a bit less intimidating these days.
I’d like to see a reds win in the other game (it’s at Anfield right?). That would put the khybosh on any thoughts about invincibility and give us some breathing space provided we win.
DM reports “PETE JENSON: Xavi won’t be sacked yet but Barcelona’s fears he was ‘not ready’ are growing with the club on the brink of ANOTHER Champions League exit… the tide is turning against the young coach – who still looks raw
Barcelona could soon be playing in the Europa League after drawing with Inter
The Catalan side are top of LaLiga but are struggling in the Champions League
Boss Xavi could find himself under pressure and has shown he is still raw
He won’t be sacked but questions are being asked after fears he was ‘not ready’
Carbon copy of Mikel and Arsenal.
K’Phobe by the time you get to Barcelona they could be in the Europa Conference league.
Me thinks the Barca ultras don’t have the same patiences as Gooners. Their latin pashun ultra fandom won’t fragment like ours, the’ll just collectively want whoever is in charge: be that several to be served up on a plate and fed to the pigs. That would be my take on Catalonian pride KP.
Not sure the Reds have enough even at home for City. Haarland will eat VVD for breakfast. Going to be interesting how Saliba fares against Haarland.
Mason Greenwood has been arrested for allegedly breaking bail terms – are these guy’s complete fucking idiots?
Hi Marc
Yes, they are. And cossetted ones at that which means when they’re left to their own devices, they inevitably dig an even deeper hole for themselves.
Have you got any idea how us UK-bound Gooners are going to watch today’s game live (other than by streaming?)