Other Games 21-22 August

[Reece]

By it's very definition random could absolutely come up with that.

As I said, I just don't believe there is any conspiracy to make Chelsea and Manchester United's opening games easier than anyone else's.

[Vermilion]

Whilst that is true, you could argue that you'd want easier games to start with as you're unlikely to be in your best form so early on in the season. So in that sense it's annoying that we've been given two tough games to start with. I don't think there's any conspiracy behind it though.

Yes, but if we're unlikely to be in our best form early on neither are the sides we play so it's not relevant.

Yeah i understand that point of view, in that it's 'even' because everyone plays everyone twice etc.

But when you play someone, is absolutely massive and crucial. In this respect, the fixture schedule is anything but even, IMO.

Agree, injuries to players in our side, or our rivals for the top four slot effects when it's a good or bad time to play someone, so it does'nt always even imo, even signings make a difference.

[Craig_H]

By it's very definition random could absolutely come up with that.

As I said, I just don't believe there is any conspiracy to make Chelsea and Manchester United's opening games easier than anyone else's.

Ok, i'll put it another way. Random selection, obviously by definition, could come up with anything, but what do you think the chances are of the above set of fixtures, with them having all but 2 games at home against easy opposition & us having all away starts, other than Chelsea and Arsenal, coming up?

I'd imagine it's massively massively unlikely. Yet, year in, year out, the same happens.

Incredible, isnt it? Absolutely unbelievable. Quite literally

[Craig_H]

Agree, injuries to players in our side, or our rivals for top four, effects when it's a good or bad time to play someone, so it does'nt always even out at all, even signings make a difference.

The biggest example of recent times, was 2 years ago, when we were chasing the title and United had Arsenal at OT in their penultimate game.

We needed them to lose, and normally you'd be happy to have them facing Arsenal, but of course, by that stage, Arsenal had nothing to play for and consequently, never got out of 2nd gear, and ended up drawing 0-0, thus giving the mancs the point they needed.

Now that's not a conspiracy or anything, i'm not suggesting it is. But it highlights the importance of not only who the opponent is, but also when you play them. It's of major significance.

[Shaggy]

The biggest example of recent times, was 2 years ago, when we were chasing the title and United had Arsenal at OT in their penultimate game.

We needed them to lose, and normally you'd be happy to have them facing Arsenal, but of course, by that stage, Arsenal had nothing to play for and consequently, never got out of 2nd gear, and ended up drawing 0-0, thus giving the mancs the point they needed.

Now that's not a conspiracy or anything, i'm not suggesting it is. But it highlights the importance of not only who the opponent is, but also when you play them. It's of major significance.

Absolutely it is. I hate hearing "ooh well everyone has to play everyone else, you all play the same games, doesn't matter when you play them". Of course it ****ing matters. Your example is just one of a shed load you could point to.

[Vermilion]

Well it looks like the option of nicking the Prem on GD is fading...

[Bender]

say what you like about drogba and his greasy hair but he's a brilliant player

[Rudo]

Chelsea are going to take some stopping lads.

[Rudo]

say what you like about drogba and his greasy hair but he's a brilliant player

Unbelievable footballer.

[Vermilion]

12 ****in goals in the first two games.. Arsenal have 7 ffs..

yossi scored, evil little man.

[Bender]

Chelsea are going to take some stopping lads.

i was thinking the same and yossi scores 6-0

[Shaggy]

Unreal.

[Rudo]

i was thinking the same and yossi scores 6-0

Well the only positive is they might just stop Utd winning it.

As for Yossi scoring, i'm still disappointed we let him go.

[Craig_H]

This shows exactly why order of games is so important. Would you say Chelsea have got themselves some nice momemtum and confidence now? Obviously.

They lost 4 in a row in preseason, and their confidence might not have been fully there for the start of the campaign. So what do you think a team in that position needs? Arsenal home, then City away? Or West Brom home, then a pitifully ****e Wigan away? No brainer.

Some superb momentum gained, confidence skyrocketing and off they go.

Other teams on the other hand, have two hard games, which could easily yield just 1 point. Then, the fact that they're sat there on just 1 point puts more pressure on and creates doubt and a lack of confidence - which in turn, means that the 'easy' games they then have, suddenly look tricky.

It all plays a part.

[Craig_H]

Drogba: "Today Wigan showed that it will be very difficult to come here and win"

Eh??