Today's Footy (Sat)

[Spijed]

I wonder if Villa are saying the first goal should be offside. Watkins was clearly off until the defender touched it.

Same rule applied as in the Man City game.

[FCBurnley]

Looking like we will have to do a job on Grealish next week but at least we won’t have to deal with De Bruyne when we play City

[Conroysleftfoot]

If that goal by Sheffield United towards the end of last season had been given Villa could well have been relegated, fine margins.

[FCBurnley]

I wonder if Villa are saying the first goal should be offside. Watkins was clearly off until the defender touched it.

Same rule applied as in the Man City game.

He was level with the ball when it was crossed

[CardiffClaret]

Looks like we’re moving up a place in the table tonight without even having to kick a ball!

[Conroysleftfoot]

Love the way the Sky commentator keeps reminding Carragher of the result on Thursday.

[huw.Y.WattfromWare]

Us and Wolves both kick off at 6pm on Wednesday. A couple of 2-0 home wins would take us above Wolves on head to head. They are at Chelsea.

[FactualFrank]

Looking like we will have to do a job on Grealish next week but at least we won’t have to deal with De Bruyne when we play City

Liverpool have 6-10 Grealishes. We do what we can do.

[SGr]

Hendrick getting absolutely slaughtered by Toon Army on social media.

[tiger76]

Hendrick might have doubled his take home pay,but is he happy at Newcastle....he certainly dosent look it,bet he regrets leaving the close knit Clarets....to Newcastle who look like they dont give a shite....
The grass isnt always greener!

Tough! he made his choice he can deal with the consequences, it'd be the ultimate irony if he went to Newcastle and they then went down, that would be funny.

[Conroysleftfoot]

How many Newcastle players were infected with Covid, by the look of this game it must have been the whole squad. They all look totally devoid of any energy.

[ksrclaret]

I feel for Steve Bruce in a lot of respects, but for the life of me I cannot work out how he gives Andy Carroll a shirt number, let alone a game. He's absolutely woeful and bereft of everything you need in a striker.

On another note, great to see Saint Maximin getting ready to come on. He was one who was suffering with Covid long after everyone else had recovered. He gave us a torrid game at St James' earlier in the year.

[scouseclaret]

You’d think that someone who gets kicked as often as Grealish does would get some proper shin pads

[Buxtonclaret]

You'd think Mags fans would be very worried watching this.

[Buxtonclaret]

Should have been 3!!

Up one place without having to play.
UTC

[DomBFC1882]

Up to 15th without kicking a ball

[Wellsy1882]

Liverpool could be 8th soon

[tiger76]

You'd think Mags fans would be very worried watching this.

They are worried, however apparently Ashley won't fire Bruce as he guarantees PL status, Hmm!

Newcastle had the grand total of 1 (one) shot on target in the 4th minute, that's shocking yes Villa are a decent side this season, but they aren't Man City.

1 goal in 7 games now for the Geordies, and people think we're shot shy.

[tiger76]

Liverpool could be 8th soon

They could you do wonder what Klopp's fate will be if they don't make the top 4, I suspect they probably will, but it's not a certainty.

[Buxtonclaret]

They are worried, however apparently Ashley won't fire Bruce as he guarantees PL status, Hmm!

Newcastle had the grand total of 1 (one) shot on target in the 4th minute, that's shocking yes Villa are a decent side this season, but they aren't Man City.

1 goal in 7 games now for the Geordies, and people think we're shot shy.

There's a few sides down the bottom that can't find the net enough at the mo. Us included.
From what I've seen recently of Newcastle though, everything about their game that's pants.
Can see them going down before either us or Fulham.

[tiger76]

There's a few sides down the bottom that can't find the net enough at the mo. Us included.
From what I've seen recently of Newcastle though, everything about their game that's pants.
Can see them going down before either us or Fulham.

We don't score many, but the ones we do score generally earn us points, Newcastle can't buy a win right now, and they are definitely on a slippery slope.

At least ourselves and Fulham are churning out a few results, even if in Fulham's case it's only draws.

However it's now 8 PL games without a win for both Fulham and Newcastle, the only difference is that Newcastle had a decent start and racked a few early victories up, however since they beat West Brom in late November, they have the measly total of 2 points in 8 games, that's relegation form by anyone's standards, and their upcoming fixtures don't get any easier, Leeds, Everton, Palace, Southampton, Chelsea, Man Utd & Wolves, if they don't amass a fair number of points in those games, they could well find themselves in or very close to the bottom 3.

[Dy1geo]

Hendrick may have divided opinions at Burnley but at Newcastle it is pretty unanimous that he is not rated amongst their fan base

[Wellsy1882]

They could you do wonder what Klopp's fate will be if they don't make the top 4, I suspect they probably will, but it's not a certainty.

Hel move on same as dortmund
Players will leave. Ageing squad. Limited cash

[tiger76]

Hel move on same as dortmund
Players will leave. Ageing squad. Limited cash

You may well be right, indeed if rumours are to be believed Salah wants out now, TBF to Liverpool their form has been incredible for nigh on 2 seasons, and they were bound to hit a rough patch at some point, however I also don't think the compacted season helps with their all action high pressing style, it's incredibly tough to maintain those energy levels throughout an entire season, with the games coming thick and fast, and unlike last season they have suffered injuries to vital members of their squad, VVD being the most notable, what their recent run does show is their strength in depth isn't as deep as they'd like, and this is what's costing them vital points in the league race.

[LeadBelly]

Aye, Newcastle are well in the relegation mix now, they have 1 point from the last 5 games and subsided pretty limply tonight, the worst record in the league. Wolves are next worst with 2 from 5 games and they are really struggling without Jimenez.
We're defending well at the moment and leaking very few goals compared to others in the bottom third of the table.

Looking at the odds right now, we are 6th shortest odds for relegation:
Sheff U 1/25; WBA 1/5; Fulham 8/11; Newcastle 2/1; BHA 7/2; Clarets 4/1; C Palace 12/1; Leeds 20/1; Wolves 25/1.

(Wondering weather to have a couple of bob on Wolves at that).

In terms of the top, Man City are big favourites now at 2/5, Man U at 11/2 and Liverpool now down to 8/1.

[Hibsclaret]

So Man City are ten times more likely to win the title than we are to get relegated...I’ll take that

[tiger76]

Aye, Newcastle are well in the relegation mix now, they have 1 point from the last 5 games and subsided pretty limply tonight, the worst record in the league. Wolves are next worst with 2 from 5 games and they are really struggling without Jimenez.
We're defending well at the moment and leaking very few goals compared to others in the bottom third of the table.

Looking at the odds right now, we are 6th shortest odds for relegation:
Sheff U 1/25; WBA 1/5; Fulham 8/11; Newcastle 2/1; BHA 7/2; Clarets 4/1; C Palace 12/1; Leeds 20/1; Wolves 25/1.

(Wondering weather to have a couple of bob on Wolves at that).

In terms of the top, Man City are big favourites now at 2/5, Man U at 11/2 and Liverpool now down to 8/1.

I'm no betting man, but those City odds are given how tight the table is, and also the fact KDB will miss about 6 weeks of games, his absence must reduce their chances quite substantially, Liverpool would still be the value bet for me at that price, they are only a few points behind, and there's plenty of footy to go yet, plus they've shown they can do it when it matters, as have City of course, that's the big mark about this United squad, do they have the winning mentality. the juries still out for me, but they have lost several big games under Ole, including 4 semi-finals I think, so although they sit top, I wouldn't bank on them staying there.

Relegation odds look about right to me, the bottom 3 all have a fair amount of ground to make up, and none of them look like stringing a couple of wins together, which is what's required in their present predicament. With the remaining fixtures we have left, I honestly can't see us going down now, however if we get serious injuries to key players, then that could easily change, but we've shown enough to suggest we'll clamber away from danger once again.

[Wellsy1882]

You may well be right, indeed if rumours are to be believed Salah wants out now, TBF to Liverpool their form has been incredible for nigh on 2 seasons, and they were bound to hit a rough patch at some point, however I also don't think the compacted season helps with their all action high pressing style, it's incredibly tough to maintain those energy levels throughout an entire season, with the games coming thick and fast, and unlike last season they have suffered injuries to vital members of their squad, VVD being the most notable, what their recent run does show is their strength in depth isn't as deep as they'd like, and this is what's costing them vital points in the league race.

No VVD has ****** em. No direct replacement.
Midfielders coming into CB isnt working
Salah and wijnaldum want out
Firminho poor and rest ageing. No trust in the youngsters. Origi will go too and theyv no back up ST. Minamino and keita too lightweight. Ox not the same

If the fringe cant get on whils their top dogs are underperforming theyl be wondering what to do to get a game

Rest of squads around em are a lot younger too

See after tomorrow and see who he plays. I fancy united again

[Wellsy1882]

I'm no betting man, but those City odds are given how tight the table is, and also the fact KDB will miss about 6 weeks of games, his absence must reduce their chances quite substantially, Liverpool would still be the value bet for me at that price, they are only a few points behind, and there's plenty of footy to go yet, plus they've shown they can do it when it matters, as have City of course, that's the big mark about this United squad, do they have the winning mentality. the juries still out for me, but they have lost several big games under Ole, including 4 semi-finals I think, so although they sit top, I wouldn't bank on them staying there.

Relegation odds look about right to me, the bottom 3 all have a fair amount of ground to make up, and none of them look like stringing a couple of wins together, which is what's required in their present predicament. With the remaining fixtures we have left, I honestly can't see us going down now, however if we get serious injuries to key players, then that could easily change, but we've shown enough to suggest we'll clamber away from danger once again.

KDB will.miss a few but they will continue to win
Foden will.slot in nicely and the way hes playing theyv no worries

[Dyched]

Liverpool squad depth and no proper preseason will cost them. VVD hasn’t been missed too much imo, it’s not like they’re conceding a lot. One thing they need is a KDB type in midfield. The front 3 are pretty worthless when teams pack the midfield/defence against them. They’ve hardly changed their team for 3 years. Playing at the level they have, burn out is the biggest reason. They’ve gone imo. Man Utd have imho, the best balanced squad. The full backs can actually defend and not needed so much up top. Lots of creativity, pace, experience, youth and the most important thing is a proper goalscorer in Cavani. He’ll grab the tap ins and ugly goals that win titles.

[IanMcL]

Up the Prem we go, without kicking a ball.

15th now. Feels good.

[tiger76]

No VVD has ****** em. No direct replacement.
Midfielders coming into CB isnt working
Salah and wijnaldum want out
Firminho poor and rest ageing. No trust in the youngsters. Origi will go too and theyv no back up ST. Minamino and keita too lightweight. Ox not the same

If the fringe cant get on whils their top dogs are underperforming theyl be wondering what to do to get a game

Rest of squads around em are a lot younger too

See after tomorrow and see who he plays. I fancy united again

VVD is a great player, but a club the size of Liverpool should have sufficient cover for injuries, what's really hurt them is Henderson either being injured, or having to cover at centre back, he's their midfield heartbeat in the way Stevie G was, and it's noticeable how badly their form dips when he's not on the pitch, even last season the signs were there, it's just that they were so far ahead the odd defeat didn't matter to them, however it's a different case this season, and yes I agree their fringe players aren't good enough, certainly compared to the likes of City & United.

[jrgbfc]

VVD is a great player, but a club the size of Liverpool should have sufficient cover for injuries, what's really hurt them is Henderson either being injured, or having to cover at centre back, he's their midfield heartbeat in the way Stevie G was, and it's noticeable how badly their form dips when he's not on the pitch, even last season the signs were there, it's just that they were so far ahead the odd defeat didn't matter to them, however it's a different case this season, and yes I agree their fringe players aren't good enough, certainly compared to the likes of City & United.

I think they've missed Jota more than anyone. Defensively they've been fine, but Jota was scoring goals for fun, and they just haven't been able to replace his goals.

[tiger76]

KDB will.miss a few but they will continue to win
Foden will.slot in nicely and the way hes playing theyv no worries

Yep Foden has definitely grown this season, any team will miss a player of KDB'S class though, but if any squad can cope then it's City.

[tiger76]

I think they've missed Jota more than anyone. Defensively they've been fine, but Jota was scoring goals for fun, and they just haven't been able to replace his goals.

Even in Jota's absence they still have the services of Firmino, Mane & Salah to call on, now if they can't score goals with that trio up top then serious questions need to be asked of Klopp, lack of a midfield playmaker perhaps, whatever the issue their lack of goals is astonishing in recent weeks.

[Rileybobs]

It’s a mental thing most likely. When a team stops scoring the players don’t believe they’re likely to score, and the opposition believes they can stop them from scoring.

As for Liverpool’s drop in form, it’s impossible for players to keep up those levels indefinitely. They played out of their skin for 2 seasons and won the CL and PL. Motivation is likely to drop and fatigue will set in. It’s natural that their physical and mental levels have dropped by a couple of percent, and at elite level that makes a massive difference.

[IanMcL]

Luton looked the part.

Well done them.