Author Topic: Europa League Group Matches 17/18 (Read 23336 times)

Dim Glas · « **on:** October 19, 2017, 05:08:53 pm »

Fixtures for today October 19:

On now:
Astana v M. Tel-Aviv

Early kickoffs:
Marseille v Vitória SC
Konyaspor v Red Bull
Zenit v Rosenborg
Östersund v Ath. Bilbao
Red Star Belgrade v Arsenal
Zulte Waregem v Vitesse
H. Beer-Sheva v Steaua Bucuresti
FK Vardar v Real Sociedad
Zorya v Hertha
Lugano v Plzeň
OGC Nice v Lazio
BATE v 1. FC Köln

Later kickoffs:
Atalanta v Apollon Limassol
Everton v Lyon
Hoffenheim v İstanbul Başakşehir
Sheriff v Lokomotiv Moscow
Dynamo Kyiv v Young Boys
Braga v Ludogorets
Zlín v København
Skënderbeu v Partizan
Austria Wien v Rijeka
Villarreal v Slavia Praha
Milan v AEK

[new username under construction] · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:17:27 pm »

So Everataslowpace should get beaten tonight yes?

SerbianScouser · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:25:00 pm »

Arsenal with a league cup team while my Red Star are treating this like their biggest game of last 10 years which it is. Atmosphere will be insane and the home team will be motivated for what they consider a historic game. A home win could happen here easily.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:25:17 pm »

I know sod all about Lyon but I do know that they are missing 5 first teamers tonight through injury including their top scorer.

Not that Everton should have any excuse, a prem team at home to a French team that isn't PSG should not be making excuses, but tonight they simply have to win.

So… Howard Philips · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2017, 05:25:46 pm »

Quote from: shadowbane on October 19, 2017, 05:17:27 pm

So Everataslowpace should get beaten tonight yes?

A dull 0-0 would be heralded as a victory and should keep Pat Butcher for a bit longer - hopefully give him the chance to buy more shite in January.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:01:35 pm »

Nice-Lazio is the game on BT Showcase. Neither team are close to full strength though unfortunately.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:02:34 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 06:01:35 pm

Nice-Lazio is the game on BT Showcase. Neither team are close to full strength though unfortunately.

I got the Red Star game on for now in the background, my other choice is Vardar vs Real Sociedad with million miles a minute Spanish commentry

The bad news is, Alexei Lalas seems to be doing co-commentary on the red Star game, I may not be able to stick this out for long.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:04:56 pm »

Quote from: Die Nullfünfer on October 19, 2017, 06:02:34 pm

I got the Red Star game on for now in the background, my other choice is Vardar vs Real Sociedad with million miles a minute Spanish commentry

None of the early games look particularly great. I'm just surprised Stoger is still in a job, how bad do things have to get before they act?

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:06:18 pm »

Balotelli puts Nice in front. That's his 8th goal in all comps this season, not too bad.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:09:53 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 06:04:56 pm

None of the early games look particularly great. I'm just surprised Stoger is still in a job, how bad do things have to get before they act?

Jörg Schmadtke still has trust in him. There isn't dissent. I think he realises they overachieved last season in a big way, and had stability under him for a few years.

It's a big move by Schmadtke, but I'm kinda into it

I hope it works out. I like seeing a coach supported and especually if the CEO and Sporting Directors feel there is no problems behind the scenes.

In Jan, they need to get a player or two who can stick the ball in the net though!

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:13:29 pm »

Quote from: Die Nullfünfer on October 19, 2017, 06:09:53 pm

Jörg Schmadtke still has trust in him. There isn't dissent. I think he realises they overachieved last season in a big way, and had stability under him for a few years.

It's a big move by Schmadtke, but I'm kinda into it I hope it works out. I like seeing a coach supported and especually if the CEO and Sporting Directors feel there is no problems behind the scenes.

In Jan, they need to get a player or two who can stick the ball in the net though!

6 points off the play off spot in the Bundesliga, it's reaching a point of no return even at this early stage. Their game against BATE is largely irrelevant but my god they need a win in the league and quickly.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:21:16 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 06:13:29 pm

6 points off the play off spot in the Bundesliga, it's reaching a point of no return even at this early stage. Their game against BATE is largely irrelevant but my god they need a win in the league and quickly.

It is risky for sure, but I really hope it works out, it's sadly too rare these days that a coach gets genuine support and belief in him like this during a crisis. Teams love to pull the trigger, so for that reason alone I hope they turn it around! I'm sure if the players where not playing for him, and stuff like that, they'd have changed it during the international break, but I pressume that everyone is united there still at the moment.

I felt so bad for them in the last game, it was such a cruel ending, and I can only imgine that's really given their already fagile confidence a knock.

This Red Star - Arsenal game isn't too bad so far, pretty open, both teams had a couple chnces, Arsenal with the best one, and a cracking atompshere of course.

S · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:22:08 pm »

God I hope we're not back in this competition for a long, long time. It gets entertaining at the end, but this stage is bleak.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #13 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:27:28 pm »

Still 0-0 but Red Star hit the crossbar, they had a couple good chances now. Decent game so far.

FlashGordon · « **Reply #14 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:42:23 pm »

Francis Coquelin is an abject footballer. Used to think he had some potential but that's long gone.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #15 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:44:00 pm »

Quote from: Die Nullfünfer on October 19, 2017, 06:21:16 pm

It is risky for sure, but I really hope it works out, it's sadly too rare these days that a coach gets genuine support and belief in him like this during a crisis. Teams love to pull the trigger, so for that reason alone I hope they turn it around! I'm sure if the players where not playing for him, and stuff like that, they'd have changed it during the international break, but I pressume that everyone is united there still at the moment.

I felt so bad for them in the last game, it was such a cruel ending, and I can only imgine that's really given their already fagile confidence a knock.

This Red Star - Arsenal game isn't too bad so far, pretty open, both teams had a couple chnces, Arsenal with the best one, and a cracking atompshere of course.

For sure, I like him, just amazed he's survived this horrible run of form.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #16 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:44:31 pm »

Vardar Skopje might be the worst team to have played in this for years.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #17 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:48:10 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 06:44:31 pm

Vardar Skopje might be the worst team to have played in this for years.

yeah I can't imagine a Macedonian team is going to be all that, no offence to Macedonia

0-0 at half time in Belgrade, it ain't been boring at least! Both teams have had their moments, Red Star had a couple primo opportunities to score, but hit the post and Cech saved well. Fans haven't stopped singing either.

Quote from: Red85 on October 19, 2017, 06:42:23 pm

Francis Coquelin is an abject footballer. Used to think he had some potential but that's long gone.

Wenger has been turning promising young players to crap for years.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #18 on:** October 19, 2017, 06:49:47 pm »

Quote from: Die Nullfünfer on October 19, 2017, 06:48:10 pm

yeah I can't imagine a Macedonian team is going to be all that, no offence to Macedonia

0-0 at half time in Belgrade, it ain't been boring at least! Both teams have had their moments, Red Star had a couple primo opportunities to score, but hit the post and Cech saved well. Fans haven't stopped singing either.

Most of the eastern European teams that play in this manage to compete at the very least, but Vardar are getting belted at home again. I think Zenit will win it, so no shame in getting battered by them but they've conceded 11 in 5 halves of football.

jillcwhomever · « **Reply #19 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:00:30 pm »

Quote from: S on October 19, 2017, 06:22:08 pm

God I hope we're not back in this competition for a long, long time. It gets entertaining at the end, but this stage is bleak.

Don't worry FC Sexy will be shining a light on this competition shortly.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #20 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:04:56 pm »

very cool choreo from the fans of Red Star to start the 2nd half.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #21 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:11:07 pm »

BATE 1-0 Koln

Dim Glas · « **Reply #22 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:13:48 pm »

some chances in this game! Surprised it's still 0-0. Terrible backpass from Arsenal there almost putting Red Star in, both teams have had good chances this half already.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #23 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:16:40 pm »

Willian Jose has scored 4 for Sociedad.

Hazell · « **Reply #24 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:23:51 pm »

Reece Nelson. He's no Alexander-Arnold.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #25 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:24:41 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 07:16:40 pm

Willian Jose has scored 4 for Sociedad.

that's good going regardless of oppo!

Still 0-0 in Belgrade, last 10 mins not been as lively.

NaivetyinBlack · « **Reply #26 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:28:38 pm »

Lyon taking the piss. Ndombele, Cornet, Ferri on bench and Diaz not even in the squad.

Its like Everton are not worth their time. I expect Fekir to have a stormer. He's been in awesome form.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #27 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:33:49 pm »

Quote from: NativityinBlack on October 19, 2017, 07:28:38 pm

Lyon taking the piss. Ndombele, Cornet, Ferri on bench and Diaz not even in the squad.

Its like Everton are not worth their time. I expect Fekir to have a stormer. He's been in awesome form.

Diaz is injured I think, as are a few others of their team.

Everton are trying new things it looks like, I guess they have to. They are actually only playing 1 of their 39 number 10s and one defensive midfielder instead of their usual 2.

Hazell · « **Reply #28 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:36:18 pm »

Quote from: NativityinBlack on October 19, 2017, 07:28:38 pm

Lyon taking the piss. Ndombele, Cornet, Ferri on bench and Diaz not even in the squad.

Its like Everton are not worth their time. I expect Fekir to have a stormer. He's been in awesome form.

They're so confident, they're even starting Memphis Depay.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #29 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:38:59 pm »

The Europa League is impossible to predict. A strong Athletic Bilbao side are losing to a bum team from Sweden.

FlashGordon · « **Reply #30 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:40:32 pm »

This Arsenal side are appalling.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #31 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:40:37 pm »

Rodic sent off for Red Star. 2nd yellow, looked a bit harsh for me, Cocquelin made a meal of that.

Arsenal with the man advantage for the last 10 mins plus stoppages.

Dim Glas · « **Reply #32 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:44:39 pm »

Giroud with the overhead kick to score.

Hugely undeserved.

Hazell · « **Reply #33 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:44:55 pm »

What a goal that was from Giroud.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #34 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:45:15 pm »

Giroud scores some absolute worldies.

FlashGordon · « **Reply #35 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:45:42 pm »

Suddenly turned in to 1970's Brazil

Wilshere in fairness has looked decent enough, they should look at getting him back in to their first 11.

NaivetyinBlack · « **Reply #36 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:46:50 pm »

Quote from: Die Nullfünfer on October 19, 2017, 07:33:49 pm

Diaz is injured I think, as are a few others of their team.

Everton are trying new things it looks like, I guess they have to. They are actually only playing 1 of their 39 number 10s and one defensive midfielder instead of their usual 2.

I thought Diaz's strain wouldn't keep him out of the squad. Anyway, their striker Maolida is another great 18 year old prospect. Hopefuly he scores his first senior goal of his career.

Gerry Attrick · « **Reply #37 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:51:11 pm »

Hertha BSC are another Bundesliga team that are struggling mightily. 1 win in their last 10 games.

Wabaloolah · « **Reply #38 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:54:59 pm »

Red Star a tad unlucky not to get a penalty

Dim Glas · « **Reply #39 on:** October 19, 2017, 07:56:45 pm »

Quote from: Gerry Attrick on October 19, 2017, 07:51:11 pm

Hertha BSC are another Bundesliga team that are struggling mightily. 1 win in their last 10 games.

Quite a few of the German teams (apart from the ones with the stronger and bigger squads of course) really struggle in the league the second they set foot into the Europa league. Not saying that's why they struggle, cos obviously it's more, but it doesn't help 'em!

Europa should go back to being a knock-out competition* than a group stage competition, cos a load of the teams who get into it can't cope with it, and those who can like Arsenal and some of the other bigger teams, just play kids and their 'b' squad players throug the groups, making for lower quality games.

*I know it won't happen, cos money talks of course