The Official 2011-2012 English Premier League Football Thread

**Buddha** · 07-18-2011, 04:49 PM

Arsenal
Aston Villa
Blackburn
Bolton
Chelsea
Everton
Fulham
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle
Norwich
QPR
Stoke
Sunderland
Swansea
Tottenham
West Brom
Wigan
Wolverhampton

Hey, the only time all year Arsenal will be on top of the League...

Welcome back to QPR and Norwich. And a big welcome to all those fans of Welsh football. To quote Phillip J. Fry, "WEEELLLLLSHHHHYYY!"

Another year, another EPL thread. Go United.

**Buddha** · 07-18-2011, 04:52 PM

Just going from memory, but is Liverputz the only team with more than one fan from this site?

I know we have one fan of the greatest club in English football history (me), and then Everton, Norwich, Man ******, Wolves, Hull....anyone else?

**sinister porpoise** · 07-18-2011, 05:00 PM

I support Arsenal as do a few others.

Hope AFC adds some Spanish blood to the club, Mata and/or Enrique. Pretty sure Nasri will be gone before the window is complete.

**Shelton** · 07-18-2011, 06:17 PM

Yeah, I seem to remember quite a few fans of the gunners.

In everton news, the squad is back at it once again with a healthy squad to start the season. I expect another slow start, a few more devastating injuries to the XI, and a second half surge leaving them just shy of European football.

BUT, if everton can stay healthy, and if they can sign n'zogbia, then perhaps a more pleasant season could be in store.

**lordstanley** · 07-18-2011, 09:22 PM

Fulham, after falling for Craven Cottage and the Thames-side walk to it.

**Buddha** · 07-18-2011, 09:43 PM

LS, so you're a big michael jackson fan?

**lordstanley** · 07-18-2011, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Buddha

LS, so you're a big michael jackson fan?

I'm grateful that after observing the backlash to Al Fayed's stunt, Illitch scrapped his plan for a Kylie Minogue statue in left-center at Comerica between Horton and Greenberg.

**DTroppens** · 07-19-2011, 11:40 AM

I was wondering when this thread would be started. I've been waiting for it a couple of weeks. I think it's only fitting Buddha starts it.

Go West Brom!
Go Hull City!

Give me a reason to have to pick a side over the other next year - and I don't mean within the Championship (although that's probably the more likely scenario).

**DTroppens** · 07-19-2011, 11:51 AM

I guess this is the time to answer this question as well. All summer I've heard talk that West Brom will sign Peter Odemwingie to a longer contract to keep him. And then I read that some think that's a ploy to get more for him from those interested in him. Yet, it's not like I've read 100s of stories of teams pounding on West Brom's door for him. He was one of the EPL's top goal scorers last year, but he's also 30-something (or maybe it's 30 on the nose, I forget). While he produced last year, no one is saying he's one of the elite players at is position, and rightfully so. He's just a case of a best scoring option on a reasonably weak team that produced probably more than he ever has and probably ever will during the rest of his career.

So I'm thinking West Brom probably wouldn't get much for him anyway and probably are pretty serious about keeping him and signing him for a longer period of time. It seems to be where they'll get the most value from him.

So do those who are in the know a bit more than me about the EPL think I'm on the right wavelength or not? Looking for some thoughts.

**tigerfanatic** · 07-22-2011, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by DTroppens

I guess this is the time to answer this question as well. All summer I've heard talk that West Brom will sign Peter Odemwingie to a longer contract to keep him. And then I read that some think that's a ploy to get more for him from those interested in him. Yet, it's not like I've read 100s of stories of teams pounding on West Brom's door for him. He was one of the EPL's top goal scorers last year, but he's also 30-something (or maybe it's 30 on the nose, I forget). While he produced last year, no one is saying he's one of the elite players at is position, and rightfully so. He's just a case of a best scoring option on a reasonably weak team that produced probably more than he ever has and probably ever will during the rest of his career.

So I'm thinking West Brom probably wouldn't get much for him anyway and probably are pretty serious about keeping him and signing him for a longer period of time. It seems to be where they'll get the most value from him.

So do those who are in the know a bit more than me about the EPL think I'm on the right wavelength or not? Looking for some thoughts.

As far as I know Brom does not want to sell him, he's one of their best players and they will need him if they want to improve on last year's 11th place finish. If they they try to sell him they will ask a good bit amount of money for him. The player seems happy there so I think he will stay.

**DTroppens** · 07-22-2011, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by tigerfanatic

As far as I know Brom does not want to sell him, he's one of their best players and they will need him if they want to improve on last year's 11th place finish. If they they try to sell him they will ask a good bit amount of money for him. The player seems happy there so I think he will stay.

I think he's going to stay as well (maybe I should check the site for updates). I just know many lower-tier teams do do these things and I figured West Brom would qualify as that, despite placing 11th last year. I think they'll be hard pressed to improve upon that 11th-place finish next year. Their goal-differential suggests they probably weren't the 11th best team in the EPL, I don't see Peter Odemwingie having the year he had last year and it doesn't seem like their answers to improve their defense are really answers at all - just new stop-gaps.

We'll see. It should be another exciting season.

**jonjd** · 07-22-2011, 04:52 PM

The Liverpool supporter has arrived and I must say that I am thrilled to see this thread. I like what King Kenny has done this summer, but I will be the first to say that I think we overspent. Henderson and Downing are the ones I'm zeroing in on, and of course Newcastle's robbery of us when they decided to unload Carroll back in Jan. Luckily, I'm not paying the bills.

Regardless, I like our direction and if the back four can somehow hold it together (unlikely), then I think we can get back to the desired location on the table, which is simply the top 4. It's not so simple these days with Spurs and Citeh doing their thing.

Anyways, glad to see you all here and I hope I can somehow stay current since I normally DVR every match and take the week to watch them. My eyes are on the SPL this weekend however. Celtic opens up on Sunday and then they go on to play 3 friendlies before their 2nd SPL match. Silly Scots.

I'll end my first post with a hearty congratulations to a great man like Buddha and his United on their league triumph. Best of luck this campaign.

YNWA.

**dadair6** · 07-22-2011, 05:27 PM

Another Liverpool fan here, but I don't follow the EPL like I used to. I still check the results and tables each week, however, once my cable company dropped FSC it was tougher to follow for me.

**tigerfanatic** · 07-22-2011, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by jonjd

The Liverpool supporter has arrived and I must say that I am thrilled to see this thread. I like what King Kenny has done this summer, but I will be the first to say that I think we overspent. Henderson and Downing are the ones I'm zeroing in on, and of course Newcastle's robbery of us when they decided to unload Carroll back in Jan. Luckily, I'm not paying the bills.

Regardless, I like our direction and if the back four can somehow hold it together (unlikely), then I think we can get back to the desired location on the table, which is simply the top 4. It's not so simple these days with Spurs and Citeh doing their thing.

Anyways, glad to see you all here and I hope I can somehow stay current since I normally DVR every match and take the week to watch them. My eyes are on the SPL this weekend however. Celtic opens up on Sunday and then they go on to play 3 friendlies before their 2nd SPL match. Silly Scots.

I'll end my first post with a hearty congratulations to a great man like Buddha and his United on their league triumph. Best of luck this campaign.

YNWA.

Liverpool fan also. I agree with your post, I think overspending was a bit necessary though given no Europa this year. I'd rather overspend and have some decent players than not do much once they get rid of some the deadwood they will be okay and if they stay healthy and keep decent form I think Kenny and Steve can have them challenge for a top 4. Should be an interesting season.

**FloridaTigers** · 07-22-2011, 06:55 PM

I'm confident Wolves will survive more comfortably then they did last season, by the skin of our teeth. Roger Johnson will be a huge boost in the back, as will a full season with Jamie O'Hara. Stephen Hunt will be fit, as will Michael Kightly. And if Mick can figure out how to pair Fletcher and Doyle together, it'll be a dangerous scoring threat. Of course...injuries can happen and we go tits up again.

Are the promoted sides man for man better than any of the current squads in the Premier League?

**Buddha** · 07-22-2011, 07:23 PM

I'll wait until I see how Arsenal, Man City, and Chelsea finish the silly season before passing judgment on Liverpool's chances at a top 4 finish.

City seem resigned to sending Tevez on his way, but I'm pretty sure they'll spend stupid money to replace him. Chelsea have a lot to do. They're old and seem determined to replace their best player (Drogba) with their most overrated player (Torres).

As of right now, United are the only ones of the top 4 of last year to really strengthen their squad.

**Shelton** · 07-23-2011, 05:24 PM

I hope Buddha is on his way to Soldier Field right now.

**Buddha** · 07-24-2011, 12:25 PM

Unfortunately not. Buddha was on his way to a 2 year old's birthday party.

Fatherhood takes precedence nowadays. Even over the greatest football club in the world.

**DTroppens** · 07-24-2011, 02:51 PM

In three years Buddha's favorite team will be some AYSO squad called the
"Spirtsquirts" or something like that.

**FloridaTigers** · 07-25-2011, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by Buddha

Unfortunately not. Buddha was on his way to a 2 year old's birthday party.

Fatherhood takes precedence nowadays. Even over the greatest football club in the world.

What if your daughter grows up Liverpool and sings renditions of "You'll Never Walk Alone" when she's older? Disowning?

**Buddha** · 07-25-2011, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by FloridaTigers

What if your daughter grows up Liverpool and sings renditions of "You'll Never Walk Alone" when she's older? Disowning?

I plan on letting her do her own thing mostly. I will never subject her to being a Lions fan. She can root for the Cubs if she wants. If she wants to be a Bulls fan, god bless her.

But she will never. ever. Root for Liverpool, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke, the Colorado Avalanche, or Man City.

the fact that her godfather insists on buying her Bears outfits is bad enough....trying to nip that one in the bud right now.

**Shelton** · 08-01-2011, 08:06 PM

Hard to keep up with non tigers threads with the new board software.

Looking forward to the fake derby this weekend.

Season is less than two weeks away.

**jj04** · 08-02-2011, 04:57 PM

Unfortunately, my Seasiders were relegated to the Champions League, but I'll be following that in anticipation they dominate and return to the EPL.

For now, I'll follow the other team I took a liking to when I visited GB to counter my brother down in NC--Man City.

**Buddha** · 08-02-2011, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by jj04

Unfortunately, my Seasiders were relegated to the Champions League, but I'll be following that in anticipation they dominate and return to the EPL.

For now, I'll follow the other team I took a liking to when I visited GB to counter my brother down in NC--Man City.

I believe you mean Championship.

It's where Man City would be without their petro dollars.

**jj04** · 08-02-2011, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by Buddha

I believe you mean Championship.

It's where Man City would be without their petro dollars.

That's my lack of proper knowledge. Still learning...I knew it was something like that. I also know Matt Phillips is playing for England in the U20 tourneys, but that's neither here nor there. I just wish Blackpool was still with the heavy hitters.

Losing Tevez will be tough on MC, but like you guys have been saying, the sheiks will throw out the money to put a competitor on the field.

**DTroppens** · 08-03-2011, 12:32 PM

There's a lot of Champions League qualifying matches going on today. I don't think there's any EPL teams involved in this round, but there are a lot of teams that have competed in group play in previous years that are playing today - a lot of teams I even know, well at least in name.

**DTroppens** · 08-03-2011, 12:34 PM

The Championship starts Friday with Hull City against Blackpool.

A good time for Hull to get that first victory en route to this season's promotion!

**chasfh** · 08-03-2011, 05:38 PM

The Jacks of Swansea City are my underdog rooting interest. They've spent only two years in their history in the top flight (81-82 and 82-83), and had been languishing the the fourth division (or League Two, if you prefer) in eight of nine seasons ending in 2004-05, before competing their stunning five year ascent back to the top flight for the second try there.

Go Jacks!

**Johnny Mac** · 08-03-2011, 10:55 PM

I am a Chelsea "fan". Didnt catch my interest as much as I expected last year, dont know if it was time of games or world cup fever wore off or the fact Chelsea was exploding at the end of last year or what. Ill probably give it another go this year so what happens.

**DTroppens** · 08-04-2011, 01:58 AM

It looks like I have a fighting chance listening to the Hull City game at work on Friday. I found a potential link for free radio.

BBC - BBC Humberside Programmes - Schedule, Friday 5 August 2011

**jj04** · 08-04-2011, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by DTroppens

It looks like I have a fighting chance listening to the Hull City game at work on Friday. I found a potential link for free radio.

BBC - BBC Humberside Programmes - Schedule, Friday 5 August 2011

If you have it, I believe they are showing the game on FSP (DirecTV channel 721) Sunday morning at 6 EST. Unfortunately, I think you have to have the soccer package for that channel, so I probably won't get to see it. Go Seasiders!

**DTroppens** · 08-05-2011, 04:10 PM

I found the video and am watching it.
Scoreless.

**DTroppens** · 08-05-2011, 04:27 PM

Taylor-Fletcher just scored for Blackpool and it's 1-0 Blackpool with about 10 minutes left.

Game has opened up considerably in the last 20 minutes. Hull had several very good chances to score and failed.

**DTroppens** · 08-05-2011, 04:43 PM

Our first game in the Championship is in the books.

Blackpool gets three road points and looks to be a side that should contend for promotion again this year.

Both teams could've scored a couple of goals tonight if they could've finished some great chances. Hull had one in the last couple minutes that was basically a break with the keeper semi-out of position, yet Hull missed the frame.

1-0 Blackpool

**Buddha** · 08-07-2011, 07:24 PM

United 1 - Noisy neighbors nil.

**mutley** · 08-11-2011, 03:20 PM

Predictions anyone?

Man United
Man City
Chelsea
Liverputz
HOTSPUR
Arsenal
Fulham
Everton
Stoke City
Sunderland
Aston Villa
Bolton
WBA
QPR
Wolves
Newcastle
Blackburn
Swansea
Norwich
Wigan

Anyone interested in fantasy premier league?

**lesgoblu02** · 08-11-2011, 04:25 PM

I've always appreciated soccer, but never really followed it. I would like to get into it again.

Can someone recommend an EPL team for me to follow? Looking for a Blue Collar fanbase, a team of hardworkers, and a fun style to watch.

Come on experts...hook me up!

**DTroppens** · 08-11-2011, 04:29 PM

I'm a West Brom fan. They were a blast to follow last year. They scored a lot of goals but also give up a ton. Hopefully they improve upon that defense this year so they can stay in the Premier League for awhile.

PS: You can even replay a team's season with my card and dice soccer game.

**sinister porpoise** · 08-11-2011, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

I've always appreciated soccer, but never really followed it. I would like to get into it again.

Can someone recommend an EPL team for me to follow? Looking for a Blue Collar fanbase, a team of hardworkers, and a fun style to watch.

Come on experts...hook me up!

Liverpool. Big club (will be on TV more) from a blue collar city with an interesting mix of players-- they have a big English forward (Andy Carroll) and wide players (Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique) to cross the ball towards his head but also midfielders that want to play long through-balls and shoot from distance (Charlie Adam, Raul Meireles), a workaholic utility man (Dirk Kuyt) and a do-everything South American forward (Luis Suarez)

I expect them to play attractive football this year, as they have so many different ways to attack.

**Buddha** · 08-11-2011, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by sinister porpoise

Liverpool. Big club (will be on TV more) from a blue collar city with an interesting mix of players-- they have a big English forward (Andy Carroll) and wide players (Stewart Downing, Jose Enrique) to cross the ball towards his head but also midfielders that want to play long through-balls and shoot from distance (Charlie Adam, Raul Meireles), a workaholic utility man (Dirk Kuyt) and a do-everything South American forward (Luis Suarez)

I expect them to play attractive football this year, as they have so many different ways to attack.

1) Liverpool are owned by the guy who owns the red Sox.

2) Liverpool fans are the worst in England (ask Juventus). Think Ohio State fans without their jobs at 7-11.

If you want to root for an English team, take a look at the top 6 teams in the league right now, because those are the only teams that have a shot at making the Champions League, and that's where the excitement really is.

Arsenal, Liverpool, man United, Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham are the only teams that have a chance to win.

You can try to be "cool" and say "I'm not rooting for a big club" and live a life of never seeing your team play and certainly never seeing them win, with the off chance that a billionaire might buy them one day and turn them into Man City or Chelsea, but as romantic as that might sound, there's nothing different in doing that than there is in deciding to root for Liverpool or Arsenal. It's almost "hipster-ish" which makes it really queer (not that there's anything wrong with that....being queer that is, there are plenty of things wrong with being a hipster.)

At the end of the day, if you want to pick an english team and you don't want to pick a team that has a chance to win it all, but will usually be just outside the big tiime, with an outside shot to make it, I would suggest picking Aston Villa or Everton.

Villa: Owned by an American. Classic English club with a winning history 20 some years ago. Currently undergoing a youth movement. Cool nickname (Villans). Play in england's second city and could conceivably, have enough resources to compete with the Spurs of the world for the outside shot at playing in Europe.

Everton: Liverpool's "other" team. Unlike Liverpool, they don't play in red, which will remind one of Ohio State (especially when combined with Liverpool fans lack of teeth, present company excluded of course). They never have enough resources to compete with Liverpool, however, they play a hard working style and get by and compete. Also, American Tim Howard is their goalie. If they ever get an owner with the money to build a new stadium, they could compete with their neighbors for a European place.

Fulham: Clint Dempsey plays there. Lots of Americans have come and gone. A fashionable north London club who play in a small stadium. They have been able to get into Europe lately through the "fair play" award. had a great run in the UEFA Cup (think NIT) a couple years ago. They tend to be a lot of American's favorite English team.

Stoke: hardworking. Unfashionable. Play in a horrible town. Boring as hell. But if you want hard working and tough, stoke is your team. They'll never win, but you can get in on the ground floor if that's your thing. Think Hull, without all the touristy amenities (yes, that's a joke).

Wigan: Try to play creative soccer, usually get whupped doing it. Probably not long for the League.

Bolton: Have an american. Play more creative soccer now that Big Sam is gone. Have made a habit of staying up in the league. Have an outside shot at snagging the last Euro place every now and again. Hard working and tough by nature.

Newcastle: Don't do it. Like Liverpool only without the winning and the money.

QPR: Richest team in the world that refuses to spend the money. Classic English side. Could one day morph into the new Chelsea/Man City if the owners decide to go for broke. Cool unis. Fashionable part of town and stadium.

***

Take it from me, choose one of the top six. Your experience in watching English football will be greatly enhanced by getting a chance to watch your team compete in the Champions League of UEFA Cup.

Get over the idea now that you're going to root for a team that doesn't "buy their team." This is world soccer. EVERYONE "BUYS THEIR TEAM". This is pure sports capitalism (to a degree, the TV revenues from the big boys keep the lower teams afloat), if you lose, you are out of business and relegated. If you don't make the Champions League, you are likely to lose serious cash and have to sell assets. Oh, and ALL THE PLAYERS WANT TO PLAY FOR THE BIG BOYS. And all the good ones eventually do.

You can take what you think is the moral high ground, but it will only make your life watching soccer more boring.

Or, you could do the REALLY admirable thing and root for a team that doesn't play in England...except barcelona. Don't root for those snobby pieces of crap who think they invented football (wait, am I talking about the English national team...ha!)

At the end of the day, you should root for the greatest football team on the planet: Manchester United. But that's just me. I don't expect everyone to fall in love with the Red Devils like I did (how can you not root for a team that's led by a drunk Scotsman and a French poet/actor who does a kung fu kick on a drunk English POS insulting him in the corner...LONG LIVE CANTONA! Or a 5'7 skinny irish kid from Cork who became the biggest bad *** in English football..."I'll see you out there Viera! I'll see you out there!" LONG LIVE Keane-o!)

Do it the generic way. Just start watching some games and fall in love with the uniforms or the game or a certain favorite player. You'll get your team that way. Nothing in sports compares to Football, the only true international game.

Welcome aboard.