***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[scoobygang]

I must have said it like 1000 times in this thread, but Song >>>> Denilson...and it's not close IMO.

Also starting to get a little sick of Arshavin....don't get me wrong, he's a great talent, I love the pace, but he reminds me of former Sabre Max Afinogenov. Put your head down and run at the defense full-bore....every once in a while you make a great play, but more often than not you just dribble it into a defender or hold onto it too long and make a poor pass.

Maybe I'm being a bit crazy when I say this, but in terms of speedy wingers, I think Walcott (when healthy) is the better fit for the Arsenal starting XI, and maybe the better player overall between the two. Arshavin is a better scorer, but I get the sense that Walcott is the better playmaker. I'm not sure if Arshavin has a chip on his shoulder or what, but it seems like every time he gets the ball, he feels like he needs to make a big play. There's a time and a place for it, and sometimes I wonder if he's trying to do too much. Whereas Walcott seems to have a better feel for when to sprint down the sideline and take a defender head-on and when to pull back and give it to Fabregas/Song in the middle.

This year Denilson is playing a bit more forward. I think Diaby and Denilson are the ones really in competition and they both run hot and cold. Song seems to have locked up the Viera/Gilberto role and he plays it well.I like Walcott, but he doesn't finish that well and he doesn't cross that well. Arsenal have lots of great options at the wing, and they all offer different things. Eboue has played well this year. Bendtner can be valuable when they need hold up play (although I never understand why they don't start him in the middle and move Van Persie to the left in those situations). Nasri is back. And Arshavin can change games or drive you crazy.

As long as Cesc keeps his form, Arsenal is definitely a contender. They'll miss Song when he plays in the African Nations Cup though.

 

[El Floppo]

I must have said it like 1000 times in this thread, but Song >>>> Denilson...and it's not close IMO.

Also starting to get a little sick of Arshavin....don't get me wrong, he's a great talent, I love the pace, but he reminds me of former Sabre Max Afinogenov. Put your head down and run at the defense full-bore....every once in a while you make a great play, but more often than not you just dribble it into a defender or hold onto it too long and make a poor pass.

Maybe I'm being a bit crazy when I say this, but in terms of speedy wingers, I think Walcott (when healthy) is the better fit for the Arsenal starting XI, and maybe the better player overall between the two. Arshavin is a better scorer, but I get the sense that Walcott is the better playmaker. I'm not sure if Arshavin has a chip on his shoulder or what, but it seems like every time he gets the ball, he feels like he needs to make a big play. There's a time and a place for it, and sometimes I wonder if he's trying to do too much. Whereas Walcott seems to have a better feel for when to sprint down the sideline and take a defender head-on and when to pull back and give it to Fabregas/Song in the middle.

This year Denilson is playing a bit more forward. I think Diaby and Denilson are the ones really in competition and they both run hot and cold. Song seems to have locked up the Viera/Gilberto role and he plays it well.I like Walcott, but he doesn't finish that well and he doesn't cross that well. Arsenal have lots of great options at the wing, and they all offer different things. Eboue has played well this year. Bendtner can be valuable when they need hold up play (although I never understand why they don't start him in the middle and move Van Persie to the left in those situations). Nasri is back. And Arshavin can change games or drive you crazy.

As long as Cesc keeps his form, Arsenal is definitely a contender. They'll miss Song when he plays in the African Nations Cup though.

I don't see Arshavin and Walcott as being in competition for a spot... totally different players/positions, no? Speedy winger/go at goal type of guy vs more central play-making fella. Just me there?

 

[scoobygang]

I don't see Arshavin and Walcott as being in competition for a spot... totally different players/positions, no? Speedy winger/go at goal type of guy vs more central play-making fella. Just me there?

Arshavin has played on the wing all year. Arsenal has played a 4-3-3 similar to Barcelona this year. Arshavin shifts from the left to right forward spot, depending on who else is playing. Van Persie always plays the center forward slot. Fabregas and either Denilson or Diaby generally play behind the forwards, pinched in. And Song plays a pure holding MF role.

 

[bentley]

Looks like I picked the wrong year to start following Liverpool. Wonder how I look in Chelsea blue?

 

[El Floppo]

I don't see Arshavin and Walcott as being in competition for a spot... totally different players/positions, no? Speedy winger/go at goal type of guy vs more central play-making fella. Just me there?

Arshavin has played on the wing all year. Arsenal has played a 4-3-3 similar to Barcelona this year. Arshavin shifts from the left to right forward spot, depending on who else is playing. Van Persie always plays the center forward slot. Fabregas and either Denilson or Diaby generally play behind the forwards, pinched in. And Song plays a pure holding MF role.

I stand corrected.

 

[Polsonov.]

Mark me down as a England/Newcastle United fan...

Tasker, You're a Toronto FC fan? :blink:

Vancouver Whitecaps FTW!

 

[prefontaine]

Can somebody explain to me the rationale for having the MLS playoffs during an international break? Talk about killing your own product. Would it really be that tough to schedule it around the break?

 

[Native]

Looks like I picked the wrong year to start following Liverpool. Wonder how I look in Chelsea blue?

Never too late to join :

 

[andy_b]

Can somebody explain to me the rationale for having the MLS playoffs during an international break? Talk about killing your own product. Would it really be that tough to schedule it around the break?

I am not sure what you are asking. Are you suggesting MLS postpone playoffs for a week? The variables (TV time, stadium availability, weather etc) make the equation a lot more difficult than you might first think. In fact there are likely a bunch of factors that are more important to MLS than an international date that affects almost none of its players (it might be 0 players are affected but I could be wrong).

 

[prefontaine]

Can somebody explain to me the rationale for having the MLS playoffs during an international break? Talk about killing your own product. Would it really be that tough to schedule it around the break?

I am not sure what you are asking. Are you suggesting MLS postpone playoffs for a week? The variables (TV time, stadium availability, weather etc) make the equation a lot more difficult than you might first think. In fact there are likely a bunch of factors that are more important to MLS than an international date that affects almost none of its players (it might be 0 players are affected but I could be wrong).

The international breaks are known over a year in advance. On top of the possibilities of the most marketable players missing the playoffs, there is only so much soccer that people are going to pay attention to. These World Cup playoffs are much more interesting. I also have no idea if there are players from countries like Uruguay or Costa Rica that are going to have to miss games. But I really fail to see the reason that they didn't finish before this break, schedule a week off around it, or postpone playoffs til after the break. It's just horrible marketing IMO

 

[TLEF316]

Castillo gets the call

 

[Native]

Castillo gets the call

Great news here. With two friendlies in the next two weeks, I hope he gets an extended look to see if he fits into the squad.

 

[The Z Machine]

Is Jones still hurt? Why hasn't he gotten the call up yet? I think his papers passed FIFA already, right?

 

[prefontaine]

Is Jones still hurt? Why hasn't he gotten the call up yet? I think his papers passed FIFA already, right?

Don't know where he is in his recovery but he has yet to suit up for Schalke.

 

[andy_b]

Can somebody explain to me the rationale for having the MLS playoffs during an international break? Talk about killing your own product. Would it really be that tough to schedule it around the break?

I am not sure what you are asking. Are you suggesting MLS postpone playoffs for a week? The variables (TV time, stadium availability, weather etc) make the equation a lot more difficult than you might first think. In fact there are likely a bunch of factors that are more important to MLS than an international date that affects almost none of its players (it might be 0 players are affected but I could be wrong).

The international breaks are known over a year in advance. On top of the possibilities of the most marketable players missing the playoffs, there is only so much soccer that people are going to pay attention to. These World Cup playoffs are much more interesting. I also have no idea if there are players from countries like Uruguay or Costa Rica that are going to have to miss games. But I really fail to see the reason that they didn't finish before this break, schedule a week off around it, or postpone playoffs til after the break. It's just horrible marketing IMO

I don't think a single player is affected in MLS by these playoffs. I also don't think the World Cup playoffs affect MLS attendance or ratings one iota. The people who support MLS and the people who support international soccer are very splintered in the US.However, I do think that your point is very valid. This could have been a mess if the US had finished in 4th. However, my guess is that they simply would have moved the game if possible. The Revs moved their game from Saturday to Sunday this week to try and avoid Halloween but it did nothing for attendance sadly.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Is Jones still hurt? Why hasn't he gotten the call up yet? I think his papers passed FIFA already, right?

Don't know where he is in his recovery but he has yet to suit up for Schalke.

Jones had a setback - more surgury in early October and is now looking at end of November http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/fussball/bun...chen-pause.html

 

[Sebowski]

Real-Milan

Man U-CSKA

Chelsea-Atletico

CHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

IIIOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[Mjolnirs]

Real-MilanMan U-CSKAChelsea-AtleticoCHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

also;Besiktas-WolfsburgBayern-BordeauxMaccabi Haifa-JuventusMarseille-ZürichAPOEL-Porto

 

[guru_007]

United sending out a real ragtag lineup today without Park, Giggs, Vidic, Rio, doubtful Rooney & Berbatov.

Starting back line will be anchored by the likes of Gary Neville Johny Evans, Wes Brown...attack will be spearheaded by Owen and...ummmm, Machedo?

Predicting a 3-0 United victory here.

 

[prefontaine]

I don't think a single player is affected in MLS by these playoffs. I also don't think the World Cup playoffs affect MLS attendance or ratings one iota. The people who support MLS and the people who support international soccer are very splintered in the US.

Yeah, this may be true but I think MLS needs to understand that the people who support international soccer are a great target audience. For example, a Houston-Galaxy matchup might draw interest just because of the star power to those that watch international soccer (though I have no idea if that is even a possible matchup). Also, I looked it up and Seattle's Leonardo Gonzalez plays for CR (I only looked at CR and Uruguay so it's possible there are others).

 

[TLEF316]

United sending out a real ragtag lineup today without Park, Giggs, Vidic, Rio, doubtful Rooney & Berbatov.Starting back line will be anchored by the likes of Gary Neville Johny Evans, Wes Brown...attack will be spearheaded by Owen and...ummmm, Machedo? Predicting a 3-0 United victory here.

At least Rooney's wife already had the kid. He should be good to go for Sunday (Chelsea? right?)

 

[guru_007]

United sending out a real ragtag lineup today without Park, Giggs, Vidic, Rio, doubtful Rooney & Berbatov.Starting back line will be anchored by the likes of Gary Neville Johny Evans, Wes Brown...attack will be spearheaded by Owen and...ummmm, Machedo? Predicting a 3-0 United victory here.

At least Rooney's wife already had the kid. He should be good to go for Sunday (Chelsea? right?)

I'm sure he'll be there Sunday. It wouldn't shock me if he played today either, being that the game is at Old Trafford. If it was in Russia, I highly doubt he would travel.

 

[TLEF316]

i actually wouldnt mind watching Macheda play. He looked great at times last year and appears to have a ton of potential.

That back is gonna be weak though. Why not throw the DeSilva twins at the full backs?

 

[guru_007]

i actually wouldnt mind watching Macheda play. He looked great at times last year and appears to have a ton of potential. That back is gonna be weak though. Why not throw the DeSilva twins at the full backs?

They get caught out of position wayyyyyyy too often to be played in big match. I agree, I'd love to have one out there as their work rate is top notch, and something noticeably missing when Park and Rooney aren't available. I'm not a big fan of Macheda...yet, but I suppose options are a bit limited.

 

[TLEF316]

i actually wouldnt mind watching Macheda play. He looked great at times last year and appears to have a ton of potential. That back is gonna be weak though. Why not throw the DeSilva twins at the full backs?

They get caught out of position wayyyyyyy too often to be played in big match. I agree, I'd love to have one out there as their work rate is top notch, and something noticeably missing when Park and Rooney aren't available. I'm not a big fan of Macheda...yet, but I suppose options are a bit limited.

i'm sure they'd love to have Rafael on the right, but its tough to bump O'shea out of the lineup. With Evra on the left, they can afford to have the solid, if unspectacular, O'shea on the other side.

 

[guru_007]

Well, they get Fletcher back for this one, so that's like having a 5th defender too.

Fabio does get the start at fb..no evra though.

Ugh, this team is looking putrid

Hopefully Nani gets one on a set piece today. has all the looks of a drab game to be perfectly honest.

 

[TLEF316]

Well, they get Fletcher back for this one, so that's like having a 5th defender too.Fabio does get the start at fb..no evra though.Ugh, this team is looking putridHopefully Nani gets one on a set piece today. has all the looks of a drab game to be perfectly honest.

So is this the lineup?Van Der SaarNeville-Evans-Brown-FabioNani- Fletcher- Scholes- ValenciaOwen- Macheda/Welbeck?Thats ugly.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

CSKA up 2-1 on United in the 31st minute

 

[guru_007]

CSKA up 2-1 on United in the 31st minute

back line for United looks absolutely terrible. second goal was a disaster.

 

[guru_007]

 

[The Z Machine]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!

Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

 

[derek245583]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Dragbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Z Machine]

And that ******* Drogba evens it up at 1-1.

EQUIPO PATÉTICO otra vez

 

[The Z Machine]

What a finish. Wish I could have seen it. Drogba scores to take the lead 2-1, and then Kun converts a free kick in the 94th minute to get the draw.

Atlético has 3 points on 3 draws in 5 CL games. That's not going to cut it.

 

[The Z Machine]

Also, the ####### idiot Atlético "Ultra" fans appearantly beat up some Chelsea fans in the streets prior to the game. Some were taken away in ambulances.

The team is in shambles and has a very bad attitude, and you decide it´s a good idea to have a rumble in the street prior to the game??

 

[guru_007]

sick finish to the United game. Moscow goalie was insane. United peppering the goal. Hand ball in the box in stoppage time, not called. But nice resolve coming back from 1-3 to draw. Still would have preferred a win

 

[Steve Tasker]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Dragbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's Dragbo...

 

[derek245583]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Dragbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's Dragbo...

You know what I meant....And they blew it anyway....so I no longer like Chelsea.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Dragbo!!!!

 

[CletiusMaximus]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Dragbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's Dragbo...

You know what I meant....And they blew it anyway....so I no longer like Chelsea.

I guess you could say they blew it, other than the fact that the point sends them through to the knockout round with two games to spare. I'm very happy with the draw given the huge game coming this weekend - was suprised to see Ancelotti go with pretty much the A team in Madrid today.

 

[derek245583]

And Atlético scores!!!! 1-0 up on Chelski!!!!!Agüero!!!! EL KUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Dragbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who's Dragbo...

You know what I meant....And they blew it anyway....so I no longer like Chelsea.

I guess you could say they blew it, other than the fact that the point sends them through to the knockout round with two games to spare. I'm very happy with the draw given the huge game coming this weekend - was suprised to see Ancelotti go with pretty much the A team in Madrid today.

They blew it when you bet them to win...

 

[The Z Machine]

They blew it when you bet them to win...

What sort of odds were you getting on the -0.5? Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but what made you think that AM would roll over in a CL home game with a new coach? Chelsea nearly did it right for you, as they started their best players, but still...Anyway, Atlético is in bad bad shape this year. I just don't see how they keep Kun after this... He'll be wearing Chelsea blue or Inter blue and black next year and Atlético will (hopefully) be 50m€ richer.Also, who the hell are you? Never seen you in this thread or the FFA before.

 

[derek245583]

They blew it when you bet them to win...

What sort of odds were you getting on the -0.5? Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but what made you think that AM would roll over in a CL home game with a new coach? Chelsea nearly did it right for you, as they started their best players, but still...Anyway, Atlético is in bad bad shape this year. I just don't see how they keep Kun after this... He'll be wearing Chelsea blue or Inter blue and black next year and Atlético will (hopefully) be 50m€ richer.Also, who the hell are you? Never seen you in this thread or the FFA before.

I bet them to win at essentially EVEN money (-101)I figured since they were hot, I would bet em. Quite frankly, if I hadnt left work early cause my son was sick....I wouldnt have even known they were playing and I wouldnt have pissed away my money.Having said all that, I still liked my bet.I am a pretty prominent member of the FFA imo

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bayern go down 2-0 to Bordeaux in Munich. Things looking bad for Bayern.

 

[The Z Machine]

They blew it when you bet them to win...

What sort of odds were you getting on the -0.5? Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but what made you think that AM would roll over in a CL home game with a new coach? Chelsea nearly did it right for you, as they started their best players, but still...Anyway, Atlético is in bad bad shape this year. I just don't see how they keep Kun after this... He'll be wearing Chelsea blue or Inter blue and black next year and Atlético will (hopefully) be 50m€ richer.Also, who the hell are you? Never seen you in this thread or the FFA before.

I bet them to win at essentially EVEN money (-101)I figured since they were hot, I would bet em. Quite frankly, if I hadnt left work early cause my son was sick....I wouldnt have even known they were playing and I wouldnt have pissed away my money.Having said all that, I still liked my bet.I am a pretty prominent member of the FFA imo

Where do you rank on the Pickles scale? Definitely not Super Elite... probably not even elite, but maybe upper tier.

 

[bentley]

Bayern go down 2-0 to Bordeaux in Munich. Things looking bad for Bayern.

When things look bad, remember it could be worse. You could follow Liverpool.

 

[derek245583]

They blew it when you bet them to win...

What sort of odds were you getting on the -0.5? Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but what made you think that AM would roll over in a CL home game with a new coach? Chelsea nearly did it right for you, as they started their best players, but still...Anyway, Atlético is in bad bad shape this year. I just don't see how they keep Kun after this... He'll be wearing Chelsea blue or Inter blue and black next year and Atlético will (hopefully) be 50m€ richer.Also, who the hell are you? Never seen you in this thread or the FFA before.

I bet them to win at essentially EVEN money (-101)I figured since they were hot, I would bet em. Quite frankly, if I hadnt left work early cause my son was sick....I wouldnt have even known they were playing and I wouldnt have pissed away my money.Having said all that, I still liked my bet.I am a pretty prominent member of the FFA imo

Where do you rank on the Pickles scale? Definitely not Super Elite... probably not even elite, but maybe upper tier.

I probably dont even register on his radar

 

[The Z Machine]

They blew it when you bet them to win...

What sort of odds were you getting on the -0.5? Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but what made you think that AM would roll over in a CL home game with a new coach? Chelsea nearly did it right for you, as they started their best players, but still...Anyway, Atlético is in bad bad shape this year. I just don't see how they keep Kun after this... He'll be wearing Chelsea blue or Inter blue and black next year and Atlético will (hopefully) be 50m€ richer.Also, who the hell are you? Never seen you in this thread or the FFA before.

I bet them to win at essentially EVEN money (-101)I figured since they were hot, I would bet em. Quite frankly, if I hadnt left work early cause my son was sick....I wouldnt have even known they were playing and I wouldnt have pissed away my money.Having said all that, I still liked my bet.I am a pretty prominent member of the FFA imo

Where do you rank on the Pickles scale? Definitely not Super Elite... probably not even elite, but maybe upper tier.

I probably dont even register on his radar

That's not such a bad thing.

 

[Texas Football]

In new not many many fans care about besides me: The Tractor Boys picked up their first win on Saturday. I am pretty sure they were the only team in the FA without a win. Still at the bottom of the table on GD, but unbeaten in their last 4. Completely crap start for a side that has been barely out of the playoff for promotion the last two years and had plans for promo this year.

Super KeaneO had a two year plan for promotion and I still like the choice of putting him in charge. He picked up some keeper named Begovic and the D has seemed to stop leaking in the back. Although there have been some crazy last minute results against Ipswich. I think 2 or 3 goals in the last 15 minutes(+extra) in the lat 5 games.

Does anyone have a site that is very good at following the CC Championship league? I follow mainly BBC and Sky when tracking news, as well as the ITFC site. If there is a site that actually shows the games(when televised, which is rare) that would be appreciated, too.

Bently, don't get too down on Liverpool. They need to add some players and sort out the ownership. Torres and Gerrard will somehow will them to the top four. It has been frustrating though.

I read a week or so back that Toni may be headed to West Ham in the Jan transfer window. Is there any truth to this? I ####### hate West Ham, but like Toni. It would be interesting to see if he could do anything in the Prem. My guess is he would be flop, but he is apparently do nothing this season anyways.

 

[El Floppo]

In new not many many fans care about besides me: The Tractor Boys picked up their first win on Saturday. I am pretty sure they were the only team in the FA without a win. Still at the bottom of the table on GD, but unbeaten in their last 4. Completely crap start for a side that has been barely out of the playoff for promotion the last two years and had plans for promo this year.Super KeaneO had a two year plan for promotion and I still like the choice of putting him in charge. He picked up some keeper named Begovic and the D has seemed to stop leaking in the back. Although there have been some crazy last minute results against Ipswich. I think 2 or 3 goals in the last 15 minutes(+extra) in the lat 5 games.Does anyone have a site that is very good at following the CC Championship league? I follow mainly BBC and Sky when tracking news, as well as the ITFC site. If there is a site that actually shows the games(when televised, which is rare) that would be appreciated, too.Bently, don't get too down on Liverpool. They need to add some players and sort out the ownership. Torres and Gerrard will somehow will them to the top four. It has been frustrating though.I read a week or so back that Toni may be headed to West Ham in the Jan transfer window. Is there any truth to this? I ####### hate West Ham, but like Toni. It would be interesting to see if he could do anything in the Prem. My guess is he would be flop, but he is apparently do nothing this season anyways.

I"m a fan of the game, but I have no idea who the Tractor Boys are.