2011/12 UEFA Europa League

[Lineker]

Phil Jones is captaining Utd too.

[Starvinho]

Yeah just heard that, Fergie obviously sees him as a future captain to give him the armband. I seem to remember him making Rooney captain on a European night early in his United career too.

[Asuka's Gonna Kill You]

Shame that Pogba didn't make the squad, fancied him to get a little bit of game time tonight at the very least.

[Baddar]

C'mon Bilbao, fucking hell. It's been stop-start though so that really isn't helping. Muniain has be lively on the left but hasn't threatened all that much when he's got into the final third.

[Starvinho]

Shame that Pogba didn't make the squad, fancied him to get a little bit of game time tonight at the very least.

I heard a couple people say that United have told him to sign a new deal or forget about playing again. Not sure how much to read into that though but it is a suprise he isn't in the squad tonight especially considering he didn't play for the reserves against Wigan on Tuesday either.

[IAceI]

Is there anything more reassuring that Clarke Carlisle's voice? It makes you feel at ease, like you should listen because you know when he's speaking it's worthwhile.

Athletic are battering Lokomotiv at the minute, there's a lot of pressure coming and Lokomotiv - as mentioned - haven't played a lot of competitive football lately so they may struggle to hold out for the full 90 minutes. That said if Lokomotiv nick a goal then Athletic are going to really struggle because the Russian's defence has been pretty resolute at dealing with Llorente and any balls into him. So far at least.

[Starvinho]

Fucking hell it's just not going right for Bilbao tonight, red card and they're down to ten. I really don't want a trip to Moscow...

[IAceI]

IKKKKEEEERRRRRR. Right after a clothesline as well.

[Starvinho]

Bilbao score!!

[Thrilla]

Is it Clarke Carlisle doing the commentary? I had been thinking to myself that whoever it was is doing a really good job.

[IAceI]

Aye. His dulcet tones are so soothing.

EDIT: "On comes Borja Ezika" - that's probably the easiest of the Basque names to pronounce and it's pronounced wrong.

In for an interesting last 20 minutes. Athletic can't concede, but are down to 10. Brought on Ekiza to play centre back, so back to a back four now.

Edited February 23, 2012 by IAceI

[Baddar]

It's gonna be an interesting end to the game. Wouldn't be surprised to see another goal or two as it's opening up nicely.

[IAceI]

It depends. I can see it staying 1-0, especially if they bring off Toquero. If they let Super Toquero play the whole match then he may score, if he decides it should be so.

EDIT: Ah, they've made all 3 subs. Then yes, there could be more! Like I say, if Toquero decides he wants to.

Edited February 23, 2012 by IAceI

[The Future]

wow what a moment for Phil Jones, hope it goes well for him! a bit worried that Pogba isn't involved with the squad hope we don't lose him...a lot of Serie A clubs seem to be circling and his agent will be wanting the payday.

[Asuka's Gonna Kill You]

Lovely from Bilbao, would be very happy with a tie with them in the next round.

Unlucky for Stoke though, didn't catch much of the game barring the massive Jones miss. Nothing to be ashamed off here, they've done great throughout the campaign.

[DavidMarrio]

That's the first 4 games of my Europa League accumulator that have gone through. Udinese, FC Twente, Valencia and Hannover all won Just need United and AZ to win now

[Berober]

There were some amazing chants going on in the southstand last night, at eastlands good win but wouldnt say Porto put up much of a challenge. Also Carlos is back!.

Yep, so amazing that Porto are complaining about them

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/feb/23/manchester-city-hulk-unsporting-porto

[Starvinho]

Ok so I guess Park is captain then.

[Baddar]

So, Park is actually captain?

[Starvinho]

UEFA got it wrong apparently, Park is captain.