buster.

Agreed, I've just started to go through them and I'm wishing I was a bookmaker. This set of games will be like the 3rd round of a golf tournament, 'Moving Round' and the KO stages will probably return to be easier to predict.

Ronaldo looks a fair bit short of 100% fit and it's hindering Portugal's fluency in the last third.

Romania 2 v 1 Albania Switzerland 1 v 1 France Russia 1 v 1 Wales Slovakia 1 v 1 England Northern Ireland 0 v 2 Germany Ukraine 0 v 2 Poland Croatia 0 v 1 Spain Czech Rep 2 v 1 Turkey Italy 0 v 1 R. of Ireland Sweden 1 v 1 Belgium Hungary 0 v 2 Portugal Iceland 1 v 1 Austria

Adrian Mariappa was at Watford for 7 years and MW has probably already worked with him. edit (detail via wikipedia) MW was appointed manager of academy at Watford in 2006 Mariappa joined Watford in 2005 (via their youth system) at around 18 years old. He captained the club's under-18 side

Dialogue is two-way. If you are to ban teams for crowd trouble, then make it very plain prior to the tournament beginning and give countries an opportunity to take 'extra preventative measures' where possible. Unfortunately, tendencies seem to indicate an increase in crowd trouble / violence. These are at least partly rooted in deeper problems that show no signs of getting better. With that in mind, major events in the future need to be planned with care. edit. Sorry,...and now........to the fitbaw.

Generally speaking, the West need to re-establish better relations with Russia, rather than looking to marginalise them and increasing the stakes, ie. political dialogue/action. Banning the Russian football team for their supporters behaviour wouldn't seem to be consistent with what has gone on in the past and would only fuel any negative consequences from further marginalisation. You could ban or limit tickets going to Russia, you could police and steward the games more effectively, you could deport offenders almost immediately, etc. ........ but why now start banning countries from competing for something that has happened many times ?

Maybe we will be fined for the Hogmaney fixture prior to it taking place this year,....it would be a natural progression.

I agree that it's up to every individual whether they want to go or not but I have heard a significant number say that they don't intend to attend away games in the top tier, hence the point.

Given that many Bears have said they won't be attending away matches, you wonder what kind of crowds will go to a league match, Motherwell v Rangers. With Motherwell, in May 2015 they provided a couple of added reasons for Bears not to attend.

"I have seen loads of people in their mid-30s at this tournament who are starring for their nations. And that’s what I’ll be looking for from our experienced guys in our next campaign because, as Slovakia showed the other day, it’s going to be a tough one." Strachan Those words don't inspire.

Having never seen the guy play or even heard of him prior to this week, I still have a feeling in my water that he can do a good job in the starting XI. When I heard Kenny Miller had been given another year, my immediate thought was a negative, why ?..... but KM has shown us that his level of professionalism is first class, his performance was excellent and his age, only a number. I'm now glad KM signed up for another year. As long as he can stay fit, I think Clint Hill sounds as if he can be effective as a player and an example. Signed Body Language Expert

The SPFL are the member clubs so if they don't like a league set-up that is prone to anomalies, change it.

Rousseau As per rule, just letting you know I've changed a prediction for tomorrow (Belguim game).

Still early doors in the Gersnet League, 20 played, 31 to go.

The way this tournament is set-up that goal could make the difference. It's likely that 3 points will see 3rd place teams go through and out dependent on GD.

With 4 points for a CS you can move up the table quickly if you get on a roll. I think most will have a purple patch at one point and now that I've posted this, I fully expect mine to come to an abrupt end

Physically, looks like he's taken care of himself (not a comprehensive judgment ) and one that can communicate well. How many Scousers have we got now ?

16 home and 17 aways leading up to the split. Leaves room for a planned post split Celtic (H) Other (A) Hearts (H) Other (A) Aberdeen (H)

Forgot about the short winter break. Take it as read that the sun will be out in January and Feburary will be bleak.

You could say an experienced 'spine' is being put in place with Hill, Barton and MIller but until we see what we have at the close of the transfer window and what first XI is favoured by the manager, it's difficult to say. I've never seen Hill play but Barton and Miller have quality aswell as experience. The other thing is about leading by example. We know that Miller has a great attitude and if Barton brings his 'A' game then that helps our midfield and defence greatly. The old phrase 'a team of captains' might apply next season. On the other hand, there will be the younger players in there beside the experience. It's about getting things right from the off and creating a competitive enviroment of excellence where you have to be showing at a good level to be considered for the first XI.

Tough first round of fixtures see us away at Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts. It won't be long now.

Ironic that in the Euros predictor we have French and German names at the top whilst the British flounder as per the norm in the summer finals. ....

Those changes were made prior to the 2nd round of games starting. Sods law if you make a change now, the original will come in so I've decided to let them role

Rousseau Quick question on rules Can you change a prediction prior to KO in any game or are you locked in once the 'round of games' start ?

There is obviously a limit to how much you can do this but MW seems to like going down this road. Eustace, Miller and now possibly Hill. I think it increases the motivation of the individuals in that they want to be seen as an example when and if they play, eg. Kenny Miller......... This significantly shortening the odds on getting a good return on the pitch compared to many other older players whose motivation can be a problem. Downside can be injuries, eg. Eustace.