I am in awe of Bernard’s efforts to get to the final. Dedication above and beyond.

If only our owner cared half as much.

All the very best to you Bernard.

Wow. Amazing effort, Bernard. Us Aussies have to get up at 4am or so for the match, but at least we'll be watching from home, from the comfort of electric blankets and silken sheets, with cocoa at hand and a soothing slice of Vegemite on toast to see us through the pre-dawn, so you've totally put us to shame...

I'm still in the UK. I've booked a cab for 3.30 am tomorrow morning to take me to Stansted Airport. Should get me there around 4.15 am to 4.30 am.

I looked at the first train of the day to Stansted Airport but that only gets to Stansted Airport station at 5.39 am, just 21 minutes before the check-in desk closes (it's open from 3.00 am to 6.00 am, as the plane departs at 7.00 am).

Even if the train leaves and gets there on time, I have to find and get from the station to the check-in desk. Just too tight. Also, the way trains run late or even get cancelled, I just didn't see going by train as a realistic option.

No accomodation as the Thomas Cook charter flights arranged with the club gets to the airport in Baku 1.00 pm English time (4.00 pm local time). The return flight leaves Thursday at 7.00 am local time and 4.00 am English time.

The match kicks off 11.00 pm local time (8.00 pm English time). The coaches taking you from the stadium to the airport leave shortly after the game, so booking a hotel room somewhere wasn't really on.

I'm taking my phone fully charged but turned off as using it expires the battery. Hence I have no intention of using it unless there's some sort of emergency, which hopefully there won't be. So no posts from me until I'm back.

Yeah they will factor in extra time and penalties Zed. Must admit, I don't have a portable phone charger.

Not particular excited about the game. I'm expecting the worst. Bracing myself for disappointment this week. Could be my worst week as a fan since April of 2004. We could see ourselves out of the CL and Tottenham lift the CL. Perish the thought but it could happen.

Us Aussies have to get up at 4am or so for the match, but at least we'll be watching from home, from the comfort of electric blankets and silken sheets, with cocoa at hand and a soothing slice of Vegemite on toast to see us through the pre-dawn...

Čech to play according to a few reports. I usually support us keeping the player who was given the cup duties if we make a final. But not in this case where future employment with the opposition is on the table.

That sort of take on things ; shows you are too used to dealing with slippery underhand Aussies .

I'd say future employment would be the last thing on Čech's mind ...... he'll be out there to do the best for Arsenal .
His allegiances will only change once he takes up his new position .

It's like saying Giroud will spurn the opportunity to score against us because of his former affiliations .

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/chelsea-manager-maurizio-sarri-storms-out-of-europa-league-training-session-1.3907631

Hopefully a good omen.

I think I read that BT sport will be showing both European finals on their YouTube channel for free.....not sure of this is true

Im getting up for a 5am kickoff on the basis it will be on'but like you I am not 100% sure. But it may be on my Optus phone as a default.

I'll get up anyway and trawl about for a link if its not, beats going to bed and having nightmares about a Giroud hat trick!

What's the Optus stream quality like Gaz, been thinking of switching from Telstra to get the PL?

I'll get up anyway and trawl about for a link if its not, beats going to bed and having nightmares about a Giroud hat trick!

What's the Optus stream quality like Gaz, been thinking of switching from Telstra to get the PL?

One of the Arsenal flights also departed two hours late, hope Bernard wasn't affected. Shambles, how can you forget to fuel aircraft?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7081727/Chelsea-fans-stranded-Luton-Airport-lengthy-flight-delays-halting-travel-Baku.html

https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/05/29/h ... formation/

while the Cuzzie Bros across the ditch watch it on regular Sky TV ........

I reckon we'll win this 3 - 1 Aubameyang , Lacazette and Welbeck ... Giroud to pull one back for them in the 87 minute .

Bernard PM'd me .... said look out for him if the cameras pan the crowd

... he'll be dressed in a pink " I love you Per " T shirt

European final, first one since when? 2006? Whatever, first time, not nearly as interested. If they score first, I'm turning off the tv. Yeah, I know...I know.

If we do lose, the only thing can soften it a wee bit is if Sperz lose big. Not that I'm happy with Liverpool with another European cup.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2019/05/29/h ... formation/

while the Cuzzie Bros across the ditch watch it on regular Sky TV ........

I reckon we'll win this 3 - 1 Aubameyang , Lacazette and Welbeck ... Giroud to pull one back for them in the 87 minute .

Bernard PM'd me .... said look out for him if the cameras pan the crowd

... he'll be dressed in a pink " I love you Per " T shirt

Nothing on SBS over here so I can look at my phone for the next couple of hours. The big worry is it is too easy to lose your *%^@ and throw the phone if it is not going well. COYR