Welcome to Fergie Time, a roundup/newsletter type deal that delivers news, opinion and links directly to your screen. As the name suggests, there will be some exaggeration, nsfw moments, canceled press conferences (oh, who are we kidding) and late, late, late scoring of points. You’ll like it, trust me.
NEWCASTLE: PREDICTABLY UNPREDICTABLE
Chris Hughton’s sacking at Newcastle United was easily the strangest story of the week. Strange because it makes absolutely zero rational sense for Newcastle to get rid of the man who won the Championship last season and has The Toon comfortably in mid-table this season. But even stranger because it was utterly predictable. This is Newcastle United we’re talking about, the team that pushed Sir Bobby Robson out of the dugout to make room for Graeme Souness.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: JUST PLAIN PREDICTABLE
Speaking of predictable, the Champions League group stage officially concluded this week. I say predictable because the 16 teams who made it through to the knockouts were more or less the 16 teams we all expected to make it through, some of whom had secured their spot weeks ago. The breath of European fresh air that is Tottenham Hostpur in the Champions League only serves to underline how same-old same-old the whole thing has become. That said, I can’t help but get a little excited for the draw, which happens next Friday, December 17th.
PLAYER-MANAGER:
It’s about time we had a new twist on fantasy football, and Player Manager might be just the thing. Rather than just picking your XI, Player Manager gets into the exciting part of being a football manager: Bidding for players. Basically, you bid for your desired players in a blind auction style set-up versus other gamers, and whoever has tabled the highest bid for each player gets him in their team. The trick is spreading your money wisely enough to have a strong XI each week.
AWARDS:
Best news for the future of goalscoring: DNA tests have confirmed that a 5-year-old boy is the certified genuine offspring of the original Ronaldo, who announced the news to the world via Twitter. The year 2025 just got a little bleaker for aspiring defenders.
Best Paul Robinson homage: FC Twente keeper Sander Boschker, who took a swing and a miss at a backpass this week to gift Spurs a goal in the Champions League.
Most predictable transfer attempt: Sven Goran Eriksson attempting to sign David Beckham for Leicester City. Move on Sven, move on.
MATCH OF THE WEEK:
Actually, there are two. It’s Tottenham vs. Chelsea on Sunday, but even that’s just a warm-up for the second place vs first place Manchester United vs. Arsenal on Monday.
PODCAST:
The 3 Up Front crew talk Newcastle United, Mike Ashley, and preview the big United vs Arsenal game. Listen to episode 17 and then subscribe via iTunes for more.
FANTASY FOOTBALL:
Week 17 of the the Soccerlens Fantasy Football Game is coming. To be in with a chance of winning the weekly prize money, just pick your XI and enter.
FINALLY, DON’T FORGET:
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