Friday, August 15, 2003

IT'S FOOTIE TIME, PART 5

The final quartet: reds and blues; Scousers and Cockneys.

Liverpool
The Big Question: How far can Diouf spit?
The Big Answer: From here to Glasgow and back.
Movers and Shakers: Finnan and Kewell in; Berger and Alice band to Pompey.
In depth analysis (i.e. a load of opinionated bollocks): Liverpool have all the tools for a high finish, decent European run and cup glory. But, they pressed the self-destruct button last year. Houlier needs to focus the side on a match at a time.
Route 1, Push and Run or Just dumb?: Best gobbers around.
Good enough for the Champions League? Too good to be relegated? Or just plain no good?: A major prize is within their grasp.

Arsenal
The Big Question: How many Arsenal supporters will die on the season ticket waiting list?
The Big Answer: Who cares? Go back to Woolwich, you carbetbaggers.
Movers and Shakers: The only move of significance is Lehmann for Pony Tail.
In depth analysis (i.e. a load of opinionated bollocks): I hate Arsenal.
Route 1, Push and Run or Just dumb?: It ain't one-nil to the Arse any more.
Good enough for the Champions League? Too good to be relegated? Or just plain no good?: The same squad as last year. They'll come up just short again, but could win the cup third time on the bounce.

Everton
The Big Question: Is it Everton Mints or Everton Toffees?
The Big Answer: Clive Everton.
Movers and Shakers: Er, Yobo and, maybe, Davies.
In depth analysis (i.e. a load of opinionated bollocks): David Moyes got a reputation as a mastermind last season. His statement earlier this week that Everton were strong enough without dipping in to the transfer market proves that he's just another fool. Too much resting on young Rooney's shoulders.
Route 1, Push and Run or Just dumb?: School of Science, Mark 2, plus Duncan Ferguson.
Good enough for the Champions League? Too good to be relegated? Or just plain no good?: Revert to mid table mediocrity.

Chelsea
The Big Question: When does Sven take over?
The Big Answer: Immediately after England get knocked out of Euro 2004. Pretty soon then.
Movers and Shakers: The $25m for Saddam Hussein proved one buy too far.
In depth analysis (i.e. a load of opinionated bollocks): Just who's going to get a game every week then? Duff is a class player, a revelation in the World Cup. But, it remains to be seen if Veron was a sensible buy. Money don't buy sense. But, hey there's a lot of quality here and Rom expects something to happen very soon. I think it will.
Route 1, Push and Run or Just dumb?: Looking to emulate Man U.
Good enough for the Champions League? Too good to be relegated? Or just plain no good?: They'll take their place in this season's Champions League barring a complete meltdown in 10 days time. But, that could be either the distraction that throws them off the scent of the Premiership or the realisation that this is now a fine squad.

:: Posted by pete @ 21:50