Keepy Ups

I got "hip" to ChickenDinner when Who Ate All the Pies gave them a name check a couple months back. I'm not a betting person, but their daily wager email has a broad appeal, is almost always interesting, and hillarious. Today's featured the following about the FA Cup:

* Old wounds alert: This match is a repeat of the 1994 final in which United won 4-0, a game best remembered for David Elleray awarding two soft penalties against the Londoners. How many iffy penalties has Steve Bennett got in him?

* Only twice before have the top two met in the FA Cup Final. In 1913, runners-up Aston Villa exacted revenge on Sunderland. In 1986, Liverpool did the double and in both competitions Everton were runners-up.

* On ten occasions, the runners-up have won the FA Cup, and in all but one of those finals they scored first. The exception was Blackpool taking the lead against Manchester United in 1948. On a further eight occasions, the runners-up in the league have also finished runner-up in the cup.

* The league champions have competed in the FA Cup Final on fifteen occasions and won ten, including their last five appearances.

* United have won three doubles (1994,1996 and 1999) and been denied just once, by Aston Villa a spooky fifty years ago.

* chickendinner superfact: Only twice in the past hundred years has the top scorer in the league netted in the FA Cup Final. Gary Lineker scored for Everton in 1986 and Clive Allen did the same for Spurs a year later. Both were the first goals of the game and both men ended up on the losing team.

* A British manager has only beaten Johnny Foreigner once in FA Cup finals - that was Sir Alex Ferguson himself, dispatching Ruud Gullit's Newcastle on the way to a treble in 1999.

* In the last twenty years, nine PFA Players of the Year have played in the final. Only one has lost: John Barnes in 1988.

* John Terry becomes the sixth post-war England captain to lead a team out in an FA Cup Final. Alan Shearer was the last man to do so, and ominously, his team lost 2-0 to Manchester United.

* The South currently lead the North 13-11 in North-South Wembley clashes. (ed Because I'm a northern burd at heart does that mean I have to chear on scum??)

* chickendinner superfact: Drogba has never scored against United, Ronaldo has never scored against Chelsea.

* Chelsea and United have met ten times in FA Cup games. Chelsea have only won once and that was back in 1950. Chelsea have only scored in four of those matches.

* In all cup competitions, United have scored 26 goals in matches between them, compared to Chelsea's 13.

The superfacts are really friggin interesting but the rest are cool, as well. This is great fucking pub talk!

Posted by Chrissy at 9:51 AM 0 comments    

Labels: CSKA Chelski, FA CUP 06 07, Manchester United, Stats

Can I be more thrilled that Liverpool are the only club even relatively safe for advancing in the Champions League?? hah I'd be more thrilled if it were the Mighty City that's for sure..but omg. I have a soft spot for Liverpool. It could be because the Footie Geeza is a supporter. It could be because I dream of a very dirty midfield threesome between Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, and myself. It's likely because Liverpool supporters hate Manchester United as much as I do--and not because they are neutral ABUs, though the second reason does weigh heavily. Sadly, I didn't get a chance to watch any of the matches this week because of work commitments.

Only two of the matches will be that interesting next week. I think that Milan and Roma might have the hardest trek ahead of them of all the teams (not including PSV lol 3 away goals). Both for the same reason: They are going into really tough stadiums to score against, and they must score and win. Even without the Ginja Ninja(the man to bring Oldham Athletic back to the Premiership), United are going to score at least once at OT, and it's going to be very difficult for Roma to score at all. If Roma can hold United to 1 goal and score they'd advance which gives them an easier time (slightly) than AC Milan

Basically, Milan have to win. A 1-1 draw does them no good (it'd give Bayren winning on AG) and it's going to be really fucking hard for them to score 2 goals in Munich. Also the fact that this is going to be a super high scoring match with Milan on the bitch end, isn't going to help either.

Valencia are going to advance--Chelsea are not going to get the quadrupile (haha), the treble (lollll), or anything else. (Up the Rovers for the FA Cup)

Predictions:

Man United 2 - 1 Roma
Bayren Munich 3 - 1 AC Milan
Chelsea 0 - 1 Valencia
LFC Reserves 15 - 0 PSV (sorry I mean 1-0 Liverpool will sleep)

Posted by Chrissy at 11:35 AM 1 comments    

Labels: Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers, Champions League, CSKA Chelski, european cup, FA CUP 06 07, Liverpool FC, Manchester United, PSV, Roma, Steven Gerrard, valencia, Xabi Alonso

Let's look at the Quarter Finals, she says realising with everything going on with Footie Mam and Footie Job, she forgot to write about the last round--oh I don't care.

Boro 2 - 2 Man Utd. The better team in this matchup wound up getting screwed by a penalty from a rapist after an inadvertant handball. ;) Boro were the stronger side throughout. They will lose at Old Trafford.

Spurs 3 - 3 Chelsea Jesus Christ, another draw!! This one though, Chelsea did deserve. Fat Frank was on fire--I hate this man.


It's important to note that the two above matches took place before the one immediately below. Why? Because even though I knew City would lose, I was holding on to some bit of wide eyed optimism--and if we DID win, we might face Boro or Spurs against whom City may have had a fighting chance--well. It wouldn't be the blow out of Chelski/Utd. This is before the match and before I watched 7000 of my brothers and sisters confirm to the world just what Mancunians are made of and turn on each other. *headshake*

Blackburn 2 - 0 The Mighty Manchester City Lovely. I was speaking with another City supporter from Doncaster actually, while the first goal was scored. Both of us were surprised that it was 20 odd minutes in before The Rovers Scored against City. City were poor. The better team won. The Match was QUITE physical though, and I'm always a fan of physicality. There are three things that I don't get: Why take Sun Jihai off? Why did Mpenza go on so late? What the hell was Didi Hamman on? He was an animal, unfortunately none of that energy was directed well--does he wish he didn't go to that McDonald's in Bolton now?

Plymouth 0 - 1 Watford Ollie is my favorite manager, next to psycho (who I would <3 even if he wasn't with City). Watford showed that no matter how poor they are performing in the League that the are a Premiership side. (Kind of like how City played all lower league clubs for the first 3 rounds and got rocked by Blackburn showed that City may very well be a Championship side)
I don't agree with a lot of the articles I've read that say that this was a scrappy match--to me that means that Argyle almost equalised which apart from some barely on target shots, was just not the case. Well done Watford, hopefully you can show up in the next round!

FA Cup semi-final draw:

Blackburn v Chelsea or Tottenham
Watford v Middlesbrough or Manchester United

When (if) United beat Boro, Watford can not play Ben Foster, as he is on Loan from United. This is going to basically assure that United are in the finals--i mean, not like playing Watford no matter who is in goal doesn't assure that, but still.

Posted by Chrissy at 12:07 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Blackburn Rovers, England, FA CUP 06 07, I played shit here's my book, Manchester City, Manchester United, Plymouth Argyle, Watford

"If you listen to me speaking I say the kind of word you mention 10 times in every 15 words," he said. "If you have a microphone on the dugout, I say that during the game 20 times, easy. The word can be abusive if you understand it as an abusive word. I tell the word to my players when I am not happy. I say it 50 times in a game, 50 times in training and I don't want to be offensive. I can be emotional, but I am polite. I never want to be offensive with somebody."

Seriously, even if you tangically follow English football, just read this quote and you know who said it.

I don't have a jump widget installed but I'll try to keep the suspence with some space

....................











......................

Jose Mourinho, the (Short Bus) Special One.

This was in response to him calling Mike Riley a son of a Whore, during yesterday's FA Cup Tie with Spurs, which I guess sounds a bit classier in a Romance language than in Cockerney. It's clearly on television but good ol' "No Red Cards unless you're Liverpool" Riley didn't report it and when the FA asked him he said nothing happened.

I think that Paul Jewell should start cursing in Portugese as well, maybe he wouldn't have all the trouble with Phil Dowd he's having now.

and yes, Mof, from pies... you are not alone. I do the same for Rafa but it's not as funny.

Posted by Chrissy at 11:21 AM 0 comments    

Labels: CSKA Chelski, England, FA CUP 06 07, REF-er-EEE

I'm currently at a different pub--an Oirish one, on the day of the St. Paddy's Day Parade in a largely Oirish city.

UP THE CITIZENS!!!!!!


I have no delusions of grandeur towards this match--but I'd be thrilled!

Posted by Chrissy at 11:49 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Blackburn Rovers, FA CUP 06 07, Man City

Quarter-final draw
Middlesbrough or West Brom v Man Utd or Reading
Arsenal or Blackburn v Man City
Chelsea v Tottenham
Plymouth v Watford


I have to say... the most exciting draw looks like Plymouth v Watford. Might be the best matched pair. Go Ollie! :P I'd have thrown some shit if Chelsea drew a lower league club, they've still got a home tie tho damn it!

Looks like the mighty city's cup run will end at the quarterfinals two years in a row. But shit there's a lot of teams didn't make it that far!

Posted by Chrissy at 9:02 AM 1 comments    

Labels: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, CSKA Chelski, England, FA CUP 06 07, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Plymouth Argyle, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford, West Brom

"We can't see you sneaking out!"
Mk Dons fans to Bury supporters as a deep fog enveloped the ground. (Sam Willis, England).

"Where are you?"
More fog fun with Wigan fans in the victory over Pompey. (Neil Robertson, UK).

"There's only one Harry Redknapp!"
Man City fans to Southampton fans in response to chants of "Glory, glory, Man Utd!" (Leucha, UK).

"I Bet your dad looks good on the dancefloor!"
St Johnstone fans to Falkirk keeper Kasper Schmeichel, whose dad Peter starred in Strictly Come Dancing. (Scott, Scotland).

"If Barton can play for England, so can I!"
Portsmouth Fans chanting to Joey Barton on Saturday after his clash with Mendes. (Tom, London).

"Shall we build a roof for you?"
Man City fans to Portsmouth as we got soaked in the away end. (Gavin Batty, UK).

"You're just a small part of England!"
Northern Ireland fans to their Welsh counterparts at Windsor Park during the 0-0 draw. (Peter Girvan, Northern Ireland).

"Yousef's here and Yousef's there, here we go ohhhhhh, Moroccan all over the World."
A chant we sang at Carrow Road to Yousef Safri - (to the tune of Rocking All Over The World). (Caroline Clarke, England).

"What's that coming over the hill, is it the taxman?"
Grimsby Town fans to Boston boss Steve Evans during the 6-0 thrashing. Evans was given a suspended sentence last year after being found guilty of tax fraud. (Mighty Mariner, UK).

"We want five."
Man Utd fans after going 4-0 up at Tottenham.
"We want one!"
Spurs fans reply. (Samsonite, UK).

From BBCs Quotes of the Week

Posted by Chrissy at 11:22 AM 1 comments    

Labels: English Premiership, FA CUP 06 07, Internationals, League Two, Scottish Premier League, Terrace Chants, The Championship

Arsenal/Bolton v Blackburn

Chelsea v Blackpool/Norwich

Manchester United v Reading

Fulham v Tottenham

Bristol City/Middlesborough v West Brom

Preston v Manchester City

Watford v Ipswich

Plymouth v Derby

One would never accuse me of being a Manchester United supporter and live to tell the tale, but jesus if they (or Arsenal) were to win the FA Cup I don't think anyone could really take it away from them, unless of course they wind up facing Plymouth Argyle in the final.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have had the power houses that are:

1. Macclesfield Town AT HOME -- The worst team in the whole of the football league. Looking at relegation to the conference (3 Divs below Premiership) Result: 6-0


2. 
   Nottingham Forrest AT HOME -- They MIGHT be promoted to the championship next year--currently 4th in League 1 (2 Divs below Premiership) Result: 3-0


3. Next round they will have to play either: Blackpool -- Currently 7th in League 1 2 spots behind Nottingham Forrest or Norwich OMG A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM (League directly below Premiership)
AT HOME!

Christ on a crutch AND a bike! I mean I realise the Mighty City hasn't had to play a Premiership team either, more on that in a second, but we're not Chelsea and we're not going to win the Cup.

I am sounding like a spoilsport. Calling CHEATER and NO FAIR before anything even happens. But seriously, it's kind of CRAP.

Anyway, City's draw is not something I am too happy with. Preston have been very solid in the second tier (The Championship nee First Division) for the past couple of years. It's just a matter of when they get promoted (and subsequently promptly relegated). It's an away match for City as well, but beings as though its only 40 minutes away, there should be a good City support showing.

BTW: Do you know what team has won more 2nd tier (The Championship nee First Division nee Second Division) titles, 7, than any other club? :) :) :)

nothing to be proud of but I'll take it where I can!

I'm going to write more about 4th round results later.

Posted by Chrissy at 3:40 PM 0 comments    

Labels: CSKA Chelski, England, English Premiership, FA CUP 06 07, Man City, The Championship