If you thought a list of midweek fixtures would catch out the old Premier League Bingo column, then think again.
There’s nothing like a Wednesday night treat of Match of the Day, and the same can be said for sarcastically predicting things to do with top-tier soccer. Heads down…
Confusion amid Brighton and Crystal Palace’s rivalry
Crystal Palace are almost spoilt for choice in the way of local derbies, whereas Brighton are stretched for a nearby club who they’ll at least semi-regularly meet in league fixtures. And with that predicament, the clubs who are 46 miles away from each other came to an agreement: Palace were the spare kid in the class of 31 when the teacher said, “get in pairs,” and Brighton were a few doors down in need of an accomplice.
Discovering Erik Lamela isn’t in fact on loan
The mercurial Argentine had played nine Premier League games by this time last year, and then acquired a hip injury which has sidelined him for over a year. Amid Tottenham’s impressive campaign, the general media forgot of their tricky winger who was a regular under Pochettino. It’d be understandable if fans thought he’d taken a confidence-inducing stint either in Ligue 1 or Serie A, where all flashy Premier League rejects are contracted to rehabilitate, or not. Lazio is extremely imaginable.
Southampton definitely not stopping City’s unbeaten run
It’s fair to say that Southampton have probably garnered the smallest number of column inches this season, such has been their incredibly boring approach to games. Bar a 4-1 win over the extremely depressing Everton on Sunday, it would be a great, great shame if the Saints were to rid this rampant City side of their unbeaten – and, indeed, winning – run. Ironically, a bit like City did to Chelsea in 04/05.
Tony Pulis sporting Groucho glasses and sneaking into the West Brom changing room
Caretaker West Brom manager Gary Megson revealed before the side’s shock 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday that he’d been speaking to the dismissed boss every day in preparation for the game. Guidance from those who’ve experienced your decision is understandable, but this is stretching an amicable departure to new lengths on Pulis’ part. Best hope he doesn’t sneak into the Hawthorns training room for a quick pre-match soliloquy.
Anger that all of Wednesday’s games run before Tuesday’s on Match of the Day
On my part, at least, there is always a good-natured discussion on each midweek Match of the Day as to the programme’s running order. Too much anger in the past few seasons, it has been the Wednesday games which are shown first; Tuesday’s games then running after, regardless of their entertainment. If you haven’t annoyed, bored or disappointed your friends with this fact before, then here you are.
Journalists getting shut down immediately when taking the Headbuttgate question approach
If you haven’t yet seen the transcript of the Cameron Bancroft press conference, you really should. Cricket journalists quizzed the Australian batsman on a headbutt incident, on which the weight of his head features, for a good five minutes before the attention turned to the game. With today’s wide-eared, headline-fearful press officers, you fear for any football journalists trying their luck with any similar, non-game-related questions.
