City Chase Domestic Treble (and Other Lesser Events)

Man City aren’t going to go an unprecedented 4-for-4, thanks to some dodgy VAR decisions in their Champions League quarterfinal with Spurs.  But fuck it, they were being stretched depth-wise as is, and it was MOAR important that they keep the fucking Shite from winning the Prem for the first time in ever.

But with that Prem title, along with the League Cup – all that stands between their matching the 1998-99 Man United squad is the FA Cup finale against the Moose Hornets (noon, ESPN+).  Fuck me, I’d be pissed off not being able to watch, but my crippling #HAILGAMBLOR addiction means I already had ESPN+ subscription in hand.

Much like Spurs in Champions League, Watford have to feel sommet like a side of destiny.  They had absolutely no business crawling out of a late 2-0 deficit to Wolves – but they did.  And they have a “create magic out of nothing” player in former Barca academy/Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu.  Fucking Moose Hornet supporters even stole Everton’s song for him:

He’s magic, don’tcha know?

GE-RARD Deulofeu!

I mean, fuck’s sake, I still remember how to spell his name right.  Prissy Dutchman Ronald Koeman couldn’t stand him, so off he went.  Only now do the Toffees have anything like promising play from their wingers.  Still would be nice to have around.  Plus, I always wanted to try him at centre forward.  But that’s off on a tangent.  The key is – watch #7.  It will be 9 grafters and him on the pitch, and it isn’t COMPLETELY out of the question that he doesn’t come on until the second half.  I think that’s suicide against a foe the calibre of City, but YMMV.

One doubts that scotchy favourite Kevin the Broom will be available, but otherwise City should have a full-strength side at its disposal.  I would look for them to try hard for a quick early goal, and break Watford’s spirit.

Can an upset be completely ruled out?  Not at all.  I put $13.13 on Watford to win in normal time (+1100-ish), but I am pulling for City.  Primarily because it pisses United and Liverpool supporters off.

Beyond that…you have stuff to gamble on.  Three medium-crap Serie A matches, starting with SPAL/Udinese (9:00, ESPN+), ending with Roma away to Phil Collins song Su-su-suddio (2:30, ESPN+).  Genoa v. Cagney and Lacey are the lone teevee option (noon, ESPN News).

All of the Bundesliga matches are on at 9:30, via various Fox/FoxSports platforms.  Obvs, everyone will have eyes on Bayern/Eintracht and the Bo-Russia Derby.  Should Bayern lose and Dortmund win, the latter would pip the title.  That…is less likely than a Moose Hornet trophy celebration.  But Kraut Footy is generally pretty entertaining.  Deffo my 2nd most interesting League, even if I ain’t bet it much.

Similarly, all the Froggie games kick off at 3p, with nothing really at stake.  I did bet on Caen and Amiens, because they are relegation threatened, the odds were large, and I just fucking have issues, ok?

MOAR Eye-ties on Sunday, culminating with the big Atalanta/Juve match (2:30, ESPN+).  Also at home, the Lesser Falcons kinda eviscerated the Old Lady in the Coppa quarters, so perhaps revenge is in order.  Also, Atalanta had heartbreak mid-week in the Coppa final, so I am expecting them to come out flat.  Bet Juve to win first half, there’s your value.

Our Young Boys have the weekend off, for shopping, pillow fights, etc.