PBP: Valencia CF vs Arsenal FC

Actually it's scheduled for 5/15, which 3 days after close of the Prem. And 2 weeks before Baku final. But still WTF, scheduling a USA friendly in May???

Hmm, might someone be thinking about a rearrangement?

 

Average based on what? Some 'expected stat'? Sorry, I just watch the players, and both of them know where the goal is and how to put the ball in there. Who knows what has happened in the past - lots of variables. I just see two players who both have the skill to finish.

 

ah, read it wrong. Still stupid, and bad planning

 

Two weeks won't hurt them.

 

I love everything about this. There's no right or wrong way to be a fan. To each their own.

 

Amen brother. Inclusivity and tolerance of different ideas/cultures is where it's at.

 

See this makes no sense; you need 56K tickets for your corporate partners?! Seriously?!

And UEFA wonders why they and FIFA are two sides of the same corrupt coin.

 

It does seem like an excessive number, but seriously, the fact that UEFA can even stage a 2nd tier European tournament and make it profitable is remarkable.

I know its not the same thing, but how in the world does the NIT still exist in college basketball?

 

Word is Mkhi might not be able to get visa for Baku. But I have a really hard time thinking UEFA/FIFA won't pressure them to allow him in.

 

That's not the issue. He can get in; there are concerns about security and his personal safety.

 

He’s been told he will be ok

I expect we play 3 atb so he won’t start

 

That aspect of this match is completely stupid. It's football for chrissake

PS is this the smartest place to have a European cup final anyway?

 

Having a European cup final in Asia is pretty suspect.

 

It is west of the Urals and north of the Caucasus Mountains, so still Europe.

 

It's south of the Greater Caucasus, so it's in Asia.

Geography showdown time.

 

But north of the Kura

 

I want to see a final in Ankara so we can put this to bed.

 

New England seems to be confused about the change of seasons. In that context we were happy to welcome Chelsea FC for a nice cold-weather training trip, based around a friendly they play vs the Revs tomorrow.

The pretense for this trip is a good one... "Final Whistle on Hate", with particular focus yesterday on antisemitism. But the timing is more than a bit curious. Coming immediately after the end of a long tough regular season, and before a big euro cup final.

Forecast for today's training session is a high of 48F (40F RealFeel) with some rain and 15-25mph winds. They better do a good job of keeping those tired hamstrings warm and loose!

I was surprised to see how many first-teamers are on this trip. And I wonder how much playing time they'll see?? If you want to see how they get on, this match is on FS1 Weds 8pm ET.

Travel Squad: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero, Rob Green, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Gonzalo Higuain, Eden Hazard, Pedro, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Olivier Giroud, Davide Zappacosta, Willian, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Emerson Palmieri, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Ike Ugbo, Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher.