Morning all.
Let’s begin at present with the FA Cup quarter-final draw which befell final evening, and our opponents might be Southampton away from residence. When you think about the opposite Premier League opposition we might have confronted, it’s one other comparatively variety one. And, whereas I all the time say you possibly can by no means take something without any consideration, when you’re inclined to consider that the celebs is perhaps aligning for Arsenal this season, the actual fact Man Metropolis have gotten Liverpool might be one other little sign up that regard.
The sport takes place on the weekend of the 4th/fifth April, with time and date but to be determined. That’s the primary recreation again after the Interlull, and if we progress within the Champions League, it could be adopted by a quarter-final first leg in opposition to both Sporting or Bodo/Glimt. It’s additionally value noting that ought to we beat Southampton, the semi-finals are scheduled to happen on April twenty fifth, which is the day of our residence recreation in opposition to Newcastle, which must be rescheduled. I do know there are folks on the market who might be planning, or have already made plans for that weekend, so heads-up there.
The total draw is as follows:
Southampton v Arsenal
Chelsea v Port Vale
Manchester Metropolis v Liverpool
West Ham v Leeds United
I don’t suppose this can really occur, however my splendid state of affairs would see Port Vale beat a Chelsea aspect who’re lowered to 9 males within the first half as a result of they’re hooked on purple playing cards (and in addition twats). West Ham will beat Man Metropolis within the different semi-final because of a purpose from former Gunner Konstantinos Mavropanos who, within the means of scoring, injures about 6 of their gamers. Pep stands disconsolate on the sideline, doing that bizarre spitting factor he does, earlier than coming into his press convention sporting a Daft Punk helmet and speaking solely about how the privitisation of public providers has been a catastrophe, and urging most of the people to revolt in opposition to, and to focus on, billionaires like Sir Jimmy at Man Utd (regardless of the actual fact he will get his pay-cheque from quatriollionaires who personal a complete nation).
Then, lastly, Arsenal (and by extension) me, could have revenge for 1980, when West Ham beat us within the FA Cup remaining. It would have been a very long time coming, the scars might need pale on the floor nevertheless it doesn’t take a lot to scratch at these outdated wounds, and we’ll have Martin Keown, purple and white scarf twirling round his head, on commentary saying, “Trevor Brooking. Alan Devonshire. Paul Allen. Danny Dyer. Ray Winstone. Another bloke from EastEnders. 16.34% of all London black cab drivers. Your boys took a hell of a beating!”
I don’t suppose that’s an excessive amount of to ask for. I used to be 9 in 1980, and whereas after successful the cup 1979 then dropping the next yr actually gave me a grounding in on how soccer can elevate you up then kick you within the bollix in equal measure, I’ve been stewing on this for an extended, very long time. I do know, I ought to let it go. An excessive amount of time has handed, and there are worse issues occurring on this planet, however please don’t underestimate my skill to harbour a grudge in essentially the most extraordinarily petty means doable.
There’s a tapas restaurant in Dublin that I walked into at some point about 10 years in the past to ask if that they had a desk. The woman was mildly impolite to me when she mentioned they have been totally booked out, and I steadfastly refuse to return. They actually don’t care, nor ought to they offer me a second thought. It’s a busy spot and it appears to be like like they do effectively, however each time I stroll previous it I furrow my forehead barely and make a small want that they get a nasty batch of mussels or one thing. I’m Señor Grudge after I need to be, so if the universe can appropriate a recreation of soccer that occurred almost 46 years in the past, then I’m prepared to simply accept that present.
Proper, I’m gonna go away it there for now. We would get some early crew information forward of the Champions League recreation tomorrow a bit later earlier than the crew journey to Germany, however we’ll convey you preview podcast on Patreon this afternoon with some give attention to Bayer Leverkusen and what we will anticipate from them.
Till then, have an excellent one of us.
