Footie season 2019/2020

[struth]

as for old firm game, well anything can happen, but celtic are at home and dont lose often there. gers badly need to get something so logic determines a draw, and it could easily be one, but i will go for a home win.

[Marco]

Yeah sure, anything of course can happen, I'm just stating what would need to occur for that to happen. No idea the reasons for the malaise at City. Perhaps Chris could shine some light on that?

But, if they don't get their act together soon, I reckon that Leicester will pip them to second spot, and so will be more likely to finish third than first!

So what are your feelings about tomorrow's game in Glasgow?

Marco.

[struth]

see post above

[oldius]

Yeah sure, anything of course can happen, I'm just stating what would need to occur for that to happen. No idea the reasons for the malaise at City. Perhaps Chris could shine some light on that?

But, if they don't get their act together soon, I reckon that Leicester will pip them to second spot, and so will be more likely to finish third than first!

So what are your feelings about tomorrow's game in Glasgow?

Marco.

A malaise is the wrong word. Last season took its toll and, this year, we have faced a succession of challenges that we have not come to terms with. Injuries have ripped the heart from our left side - Sane, Laporte, Mendy and Zinchenko have all been injured for all or for large parts of the season. The loss of Kompany is key and we are nursing KDB to try and avoid further injury difficulties.

Though it pains me to say it, and it really does, Liverpool's form has applied so much pressure that it has caught up with us. We try to win on all fronts while they do not and it does take its toll. As a fifty year supporter any trophy is a bonus but I confess that I would rather it be anyone but Liverpool.

[Marco]

Ah, just read your post, Granty!

I fully support your logic, but do you think a draw would be good enough and reflect title-winning form? Think about it... Including the cup final, that would be NO wins in three attempts against Celtic this season, so for me that wouldn't be title-winning form, which is why I think Rangers will win, *if* they show the greater desire. As ever in old firm games, the team who needs to win most, and above all WANTS to win most, usually does....

For me though, if Rangers have got serious notions of becoming champions, then they *have* to beat Celtic at their ground, just as Celtic have done to Rangers at Ibrox this season. It's a mentality thing, and knowing how to take things to the next level.

Rangers have been playing very well recently and not losing games, but have yet to show that they've got what it takes to become champions and trophy winners, and so take that next step - and if they win tomorrow, for me they'll have finally taken that step. It's got to happen sometime, plus they'll still be smarting and out for revenge for the cup final defeat, which is why I'm predicting that they'll shock Celtic tomorrow by winning.

And THEN we'll have a real title race on our hands.... That's my prediction

Marco.

[Marco]

A malaise is the wrong word. Last season took its toll and, this year, we have faced a succession of challenges that we have not come to terms with. Injuries have ripped the heart from our left side - Sane, Laporte, Mendy and Zinchenko have all been injured for all or for large parts of the season. The loss of Kompany is key and we are nursing KDB to try and avoid further injury difficulties.

Though it pains me to say it, and it really does, Liverpool's form has applied so much pressure that it has caught up with us. We try to win on all fronts while they do not and it does take its toll. As a fifty year supporter any trophy is a bonus but I confess that I would rather it be anyone but Liverpool.

Thanks for the insight, Geoff. Most interesting.... Anyone but Liverpool, eh?:So the old Manchester/Liverpool niggle/rivalry is still alive and kicking!! Would you rather Man Utd won then?

Anyway, surely you won't begrudge us [I say that with my Liverpool supporter's hat on] winning our first league title in 29 years? It had to happen sometime!

Marco.

[oldius]

Thanks for the insight, Geoff. Most interesting.... Anyone but Liverpool, eh?:So the old Manchester/Liverpool niggle/rivalry is still alive and kicking!! Would you rather Man Utd won then?

Anyway, surely you won't begrudge us [I say that with my Liverpool supporter's hat on] winning our first league title in 29 years? It had to happen sometime!

Marco.

It is the sense of entitlement. I had friends of mine organising league winner's parties in March last year and saying the 'back where we belong' stuff. When they didn't win, it became 'six times' and 'Pep's a failure because he was only brought to City to win the CL'. It is just nonsense. Since when did winning the first domestic treble become a failure?

[Marco]

Ah I see... Your feelings are understandable then, as I don't sign up to all that guff, and certainly living in Wales and not being 'wrapped up' in it all in Liverpool or Manchester, I was unaware of it.

The reason I support Liverpool is simply because I was a fan of the legendary teams of the 70s and 80s, the brand of football they played and the influence of their Scots contingent - that's what made me a Liverpool fan, much the same as I became a Celtic fan after watching Jimmy Johnstone, and the type of exciting and attacking football Celtic played during that era. It was *zero* to do with religion or family tradition, as my dad, or indeed any of my family weren't big football fans, although most of my friends at school were.

And in Klopp, a manager and person I respect highly [he's a typical German in the right way], I can sense some of those good times coming back. Liverpool, much the same as Man City or Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal, ALL deserve, and indeed, are capable of winning the title, simply due to their past achievements and status in English football. Therefore, I'd love to see strong examples of ALL of those teams, challenging for the title, rather than just one or two of the top teams dominating, as it makes things exciting

Marco.

[struth]

Tbh, if all my years have given me one thing, its every football team has a contingent of morons, some i agree worse than others, but usually only due to a bigger fanbase.
Even the ex players who spout in papers show they are pretty much at the same mentality level.

[oldius]

No teams deserve success because of their history. As an example, Liverpool did not win the FA Cup until 1965 and the Moores' family investment. They are no more deserving of winning now because they were successful for 20 years from that point.