TFF chit chat 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th March

Post by **morganb** » 02 Mar 2020, 10:04

Click on the pencil...

MONDAY 2ND MARCH

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Portsmouth 19:45 Arsenal

The FA Cup 5th round kicks off on Monday with a game between League One Portsmouth and Arsenal of the Premier League. Portsmouth lie in 3rd place and will be hopeful of causing a Cup upset against an Arsenal side who form has been patchy throughout February. As the Gunners are now out of the Europa League, I’d expect a strong team to be fielded at Fratton Park.

TUESDAY 3RD MARCH

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Chelsea 19:45 Liverpool

Tuesday’s first game is an all Prem affair featuring Chelsea and Liverpool. Liverpool lost to Watford at the weekend so will be hoping to bounce back here. Chelsea were held 2-2 against Bournemouth with Alonso being the star man for the Blues. Both sides should field fairly strong teams and treat the FA Cup with the respect it deserves, though Klopp might be thinking about protecting key players ahead of the impending CL second leg game.

Reading 20:00 Sheff Utd

At the Madejski Stadium, a cold and heartless stadium on the outskirts of Reading, Sheffield United are the visitors. Sheff Utd did not have a game at the weekend so will be nicely rested for this match. The Royals beat Barnsley 2-0 so will go into this game in a confident mood. Enda Stevens is touch and go to face Reading but the Baldock brothers may go head-to-head in the dying minutes of this match.

West Brom 20:00 Newcastle

They’re top of the League, they’re top of the League, West Bromwich Albion, they’re top of the League. Will WBA be distracted by their battle for the League title and therefore field a weakened team in this FA Cup tie? Newcastle should be at full strength as they’ve very little else to play for this season, though they have a few injuries to contend with.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Leicester 19:45 Birmingham

All three Wednesday games kick-off at 19:45. The first alphabetically is Leicester against Birmingham. Leicester haven’t been great of late; the defence has been conceding and Vardy is now out injured so it’s not obvious where the goals will come from. Birmingham are draw specialists so expect this one to go to extra time and possibly penalties to decide the winner.

Sheff Wed 19:45 Man City

The second of the 7:45 games sees Manchester City visiting Hillsborough to play Sheffield Wednesday this Wednesday. Wednesday have been poor in the League, but you would expect them to raise their game against City. Man City played on Sunday so are likely to rest a few of their big names for this game. Aguero hobbled out of the Cup Final so probably won’t feature.

Tottenham 19:45 Norwich

Spurs v Norwich is the last of Wednesday’s tranche of games. Spurs have been poor recently, though this could be due to a lack of a recognised striker (who knows what Troy Parrott looks like?). Lloris was totally missing from the squad on Sunday. Norwich pulled off a great win against Leicester on Friday and may decide that their Premier League campaign isn’t totally over so could rest a few tonight.

THURSDAY 5TH MARCH

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Derby 19:45 Man Utd

And finally, Derby County versus Manchester United at Pride Park. I feel obliged to mention that Wayne Rooney will be featuring for the Rams against his old team. United will be hoping to win tonight as Ole will recognised the importance of a Cup run, though I would still expect a few of the household names to be rested for United. Derby have been revitalised since Rooney joined at New Year but don't have much else to play for this season.

Post by **happyhoppy** » 02 Mar 2020, 12:35

Aubameyang better start and score at least 6.

Post by **Darbyand** » 02 Mar 2020, 12:41

Klopp on injuries: "No new ones, I think. Joe [Gomez] and Milly [James Milner] are back, the others not."

Good FF news re Joe, less bothered about, er, "Milly".

Post by **murf** » 02 Mar 2020, 12:54

Darbyand wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 12:41 Klopp on injuries: "No new ones, I think. Joe [Gomez] and Milly [James Milner] are back, the others not."

Good FF news re Joe, less bothered about, er, "Milly".

If Milly is fit to start the cup game it may be a downer for the chances of other experienced players who are therefore less 'needed' and so may be rested.

Post by **Mins** » 02 Mar 2020, 15:21

If Auba plays tonight that is a very tempting season long switch. Assuming they beat Portsmouth Arsenal would have 12 games left to play minimum in TFF still.

Post by **happyhoppy** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:48

No Aubameyang ffs

Post by **Spinynorman** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:49

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:50

no teamsheet on bbc yet. Anyone got it?

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:55

raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 18:50 no teamsheet on bbc yet. Anyone got it?

no problem - Arsenal website has sorted me out.

Post by **happyhoppy** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:56

Twatter is great for team news.

Post by **SamD** » 02 Mar 2020, 18:58

Portsmouth
Bass; McCrorie, Bolton, Burgess, Seddon;
Close; McGeehan; Williams, Evans, Harness; Harrison

Subs: MacGillivray, Raggett, Whatmough, Naylor, Cannon, Marquis, Curtis

Arsenal
Martinez; Sokratis, Luiz, Mari, Saka;
Guendouzi, Torreira; Nelson, Willock, Martinelli; Nketiah

Subs: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Ceballos, Xhaka, Pepe, Lacazette

Post by **murf** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:05

SamD wrote:Portsmouth
Bass; McCrorie, Bolton, Burgess, Seddon;
Close; McGeehan; Williams, Evans, Harness; Harrison

Arsenal
Martinez; Sokratis, Luiz, Mari, Saka;
Guendouzi, Torreira; Nelson, Willock, Martinelli; Nketiah

I looked at those teamsheets and the first thing I thought was "how low can you go"

Post by **happyhoppy** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:08

If it wasn’t Pompey I’d want Arsenal to get smashed for playing such a dog shite team. Ok no Aubameyang. But you get my mood.

Post by **Canaryfan** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:15

Well no Aubameyang saves me having to follow the game (and probably from getting fed up when he did nothing!). Another transfer saved until tomorrow or Wednesday depending on team news.

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:23

trannies done.

Just got to hope for a Portsmouth goal, and plenty for Arsenal

Post by **murf** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:40

raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:23 trannies done.

Just got to hope for a Portsmouth goal, and plenty for Arsenal

Team news could be good for you. Your rivals being less keen to rip up their season long efforts for reserves who'll need replacing at the weekend.

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:45

murf wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:40
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:23 trannies done.

Just got to hope for a Portsmouth goal, and plenty for Arsenal
Team news could be good for you. Your rivals being less keen to rip up their season long efforts for reserves who'll need replacing at the weekend.

are you suggesting my Norwich block is not aimed at season long success? How very dare you

Yes I was delighted to see no Auba or Pepe. To be frank I had 2 transfers and only 3 names in mind from that teamsheet, so let's hope Reiss Nelson doesn't score or I will be more than a bit miffed!

Post by **murf** » 02 Mar 2020, 19:47

raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:45
murf wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:40
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:23 trannies done.

Just got to hope for a Portsmouth goal, and plenty for Arsenal
Team news could be good for you. Your rivals being less keen to rip up their season long efforts for reserves who'll need replacing at the weekend.
are you suggesting my Norwich block is not aimed at season long success? How very dare you

Yes I was delighted to see no Auba or Pepe. To be frank I had 2 transfers and only 3 names in mind from that teamsheet, so let's hope Reiss Nelson doesn't score or I will be more than a bit miffed!

I'm sure it was aimed at season long success but, admit it, you are making a crap job of winning the wooden spoon with it

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 21:01

raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:45
murf wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:40
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 19:23 trannies done.

Just got to hope for a Portsmouth goal, and plenty for Arsenal
Team news could be good for you. Your rivals being less keen to rip up their season long efforts for reserves who'll need replacing at the weekend.
are you suggesting my Norwich block is not aimed at season long success? How very dare you

Yes I was delighted to see no Auba or Pepe. To be frank I had 2 transfers and only 3 names in mind from that teamsheet, so let's hope Reiss Nelson doesn't score or I will be more than a bit miffed!

2 assists for Nelson? Poo.

Post by **murf** » 02 Mar 2020, 21:22

Not seen 2nd goal so unsure re KCs but no 'assist' given
EDIT Seen now and definite KC. No commentary so not sure who it was!

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 21:44

I got 9pts tonight. Can't imagine it's close to enough. Really wanted a Portsmouth goal to knock out those CS but hey ho.

Post by **raoul** » 02 Mar 2020, 23:01

2nd. By 3pts.

So near yet ...

Post by **brencarr** » 02 Mar 2020, 23:27

raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:01 2nd. By 3pts.

So near yet ...

Unlucky Raoul - great effort

Post by **ventosus** » 03 Mar 2020, 08:01

With Aguero out is it time to turn to Jesus? (already have Firminho) or wait and get Aub for a season long...?

Post by **raoul** » 03 Mar 2020, 08:54

brencarr wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:27
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:01 2nd. By 3pts.

So near yet ...
Unlucky Raoul - great effort

cheers. Would have been a nice way to see out what may well be the final year of TFF, but not to be.

Post by **get_on_my_cocker** » 03 Mar 2020, 09:38

raoul wrote: ↑03 Mar 2020, 08:54
brencarr wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:27
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:01 2nd. By 3pts.

So near yet ...
Unlucky Raoul - great effort
cheers. Would have been a nice way to see out what may well be the final year of TFF, but not to be.

Final year?

Post by **raoul** » 03 Mar 2020, 09:43

get_on_my_cocker wrote: ↑03 Mar 2020, 09:38
raoul wrote: ↑03 Mar 2020, 08:54
brencarr wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:27
raoul wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 23:01 2nd. By 3pts.

So near yet ...
Unlucky Raoul - great effort
cheers. Would have been a nice way to see out what may well be the final year of TFF, but not to be.
Final year?

given the changes this year, that must be a distinct possibility

Post by **SamD** » 03 Mar 2020, 10:22

Note news too on summer competition:

"We are extremely sorry to announce that there will be no domestic editions of Telegraph Fantasy Cricket in 2020.
Despite our best efforts in recent seasons, interest in the county games has fallen to the point where we can no longer keep them running."

Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fantasy-spo ... ouncement/

Post by **happyhoppy** » 03 Mar 2020, 10:30

Start of the slippery slope FF is no longer the thing. FPL thrives cos it’s “cool”, the Sun provide big prizes but the rest it’s only a matter of time before they go. I only play TFF if it goes I don’t know what I’ll do. Hate FPL.

Post by **raoul** » 03 Mar 2020, 10:45

if they do drop TFF, is there any scope for someone to take over the format?

FISO