Vocabulary: Week 17 – Including ‘Weakened side’

Here are some of the phrases and words from this week’s show: Vocabulary week 17 pdf
to be in full swing – to be running again.
e.g. The Champions League is in full swing again.

to field a weakened side a€“ to not play the strongest team (to rest players).
e.g. Both Manchester United and Reading fielded weakened sides in the FA Cup.

(vital) away goals a€“ (important) goals scored away from home a€“ they count double in case of a draw.
e.g. Liverpool scored two vital away goals in Barcelona..

loan deal a€“ when a team rents a player from another team for a short time.
e.g. Larsson has decided to end his loan deal at Manchester United.

the holders a€“ the team that are the current champions.
e.g. Barcelona are the holders of the Champions League.

to have your work cut out a€“ to be extremely difficult
e.g. Teams playing Tottenham have their work cut out to beat them.

flair a€“ skill, imagination
e.g. Italian teams lack flair to win the title.

to have a good draw a€“ to have an easier game than other teams.
e.g. Chelsea have a good draw in this yeara€™s competition.

dark horses a€“ a team that may cause a surprise by winning the title.
e.g. Lyon may be the dark horses in this seasona€™s competition.

to close the gap a€“ to get closer to the team above.
e.g. Valencia closed the gap on Barcelona last week.

to play a replay a€“ to play another game after a drawn match in the cup..
e.g. Reading play Manchester United in an FA Cup replay this week.

to have no love lost a€“ to not like each other.
e.g. There is no love lost between Mourinho and Wenger.

at the foot of the league a€“ near the bottom of the table.
e.g. West Ham and Charlton are both at the foot of the Premier League.