***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

So who does Spain start?GK: CasillasD: Arbeola, Ramos, Pique, AlbaDM: Alonso, BusquetsAM: Iniesta, Silva, Mata (Xavi probably comes off the bench at this point? Cesc?)F: Soldado or Llorente (Villa?)

Here's my Spain XIGK: San IkerD: Ramos, Piqué, Javi Martínez, Jordi Alba (Capedvila is done)DM: Xabi AlonsoMF: Navas, Cesc, Xavi (if healthy, if not Mata), SilvaFW: LlorenteI like Navas on the wing for pure speed plus this may keep Ramos from straying too far from the back line as he sometimes has a tendency to do playing RB. Llorente is the pivot in this scenario, holding up the ball, playing with his back to the net a lot. Plus he's really the only guy that scares people on set pieces aside from a defender. Soldado is great, but Llorente is in great form. You can swap Iniesta for Navas is you think that Spain can "Barcelona" the opposition through ball control, touch passing and slow build up.ETA: Without Xavi, I think that the distribution through he midfield loses some of its punch, and Spain would be better served to adopt a quicker attack, or at least one that doesn't utilize the slow build-up as the only means to attack. That was the cause of some of the failures at the WC. Switzerland was particularly adept at lot breaking down on defense and keeping Spain at bay for the whole second half.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I should point out that I'm less to not interested in the results of a lot of friendlies the US plays- but I'm still with my heart in my hands over how they're playing,

I think that is exactly what makes these friendlies different, IMO. Numerous times Klinsmann (including just 10 minutes ago) has emphasized that these upcoming three friendlies will be played for results only, not for experimentation, not for seeing what players are fit, etc etc. He intends to put his best team on the field for each of the three games based on their performance.

I think he only will deviate from this plan if someone gets a slight injury.

I love watching all friendlies but I do think that coaches treat them differently based on when they occur in the schedule and what players are available to use.

 

[El Floppo]

Houston opens its new stadium on Saturday. Game will be shown on NBCSN at 4:30 pm eastern. Here is a fantastic looking short video of the new stadium. IMO, it is in the top 3 in country with LiveStrong and Red Bull Arena.

Looks great.

 

[Slapdash]

So who does Spain start?GK: CasillasD: Arbeola, Ramos, Pique, AlbaDM: Alonso, BusquetsAM: Iniesta, Silva, Mata (Xavi probably comes off the bench at this point? Cesc?)F: Soldado or Llorente (Villa?)

Here's my Spain XIGK: San IkerD: Ramos, Piqué, Javi Martínez, Jordi Alba (Capedvila is done)DM: Xabi AlonsoMF: Navas, Cesc, Xavi (if healthy, if not Mata), SilvaFW: LlorenteI like Navas on the wing for pure speed plus this may keep Ramos from straying too far from the back line as he sometimes has a tendency to do playing RB. Llorente is the pivot in this scenario, holding up the ball, playing with his back to the net a lot. Plus he's really the only guy that scares people on set pieces aside from a defender. Soldado is great, but Llorente is in great form. You can swap Iniesta for Navas is you think that Spain can "Barcelona" the opposition through ball control, touch passing and slow build up.ETA: Without Xavi, I think that the distribution through he midfield loses some of its punch, and Spain would be better served to adopt a quicker attack, or at least one that doesn't utilize the slow build-up as the only means to attack. That was the cause of some of the failures at the WC. Switzerland was particularly adept at lot breaking down on defense and keeping Spain at bay for the whole second half.

I think your lineup is pretty close to what we'll see. I think putting Iniesta in a wide or too attacking role is a big mistake, both for club and country. I can't see a scenario where he should be on the field at the same time as Cesc and Xavi, they are all too similar.

 

[El Floppo]

Let's all just slow down with the Dempsey stuff.

I think it's nice to root for a second tier EPL team...if Dempsey went to ManU it would take some of the fun out of it.

Disagree.For me, I love watching the sport being played at it's best level- if I can get a US player in that mix, I'd be ecstatic. I don't care about underdogs, which IMo has nothing to do with the sport and more to do with a certain personal psychology.

IMO, It get's tough watching and routing for Bolton and Fulham because the play is so often poor- but my nationalism (strangely enough- only in Soccer really) wins out.

 

[El Floppo]

Yeah- what hisk said, minus the underdog part. For me its:

1- USMNT

(Big gap)

2- Any team w US player

3- ####### Inter

4- ####ty RedStars

5- Any team that plays well and is intersting or exciting to watch.

I think this speaks to our age more than anything. For old farts like you and me, the US National team was our club team back in the early 90's. As players started to get chances overseas (Harkes, Cal, etc) we naturally started to follow those teams as well.

My list is very similar to your with the exception of replacing all of MLS in place of Inter and the Revs in place of Red Bull.

Even though I have a local side to support, I think I am programmed to stay loyal to the first team I supported and that is the US Nats.

If anything, it speaks to the relative immaturity of the sport in the US and the still small numbers of overseas players. It definitely has its limitations: you really can't support Lichaj and Guzan at Villa as well as Jonathan Spector at Birmingham. I guess I can hope Maurice Edu scores but Rangers lose 3-1.

I trained at Aston Villa with my youth club team, but I'm certainly not from Birmingham and don't care whether I'm supporting both local sides.Hell- I spent a few months twice (lived there, in a sense) in Milan and I bluster about Inter since they're my adopted team... but I still enjoy watching Milan play when they're playing well (and the game doesn't affect Inter).

I don't get or agree with needing to attach yourself to generational rivalries when you latch onto a team... especially if the attachment is because of a player.

 

[The Z Machine]

So who does Spain start?GK: CasillasD: Arbeola, Ramos, Pique, AlbaDM: Alonso, BusquetsAM: Iniesta, Silva, Mata (Xavi probably comes off the bench at this point? Cesc?)F: Soldado or Llorente (Villa?)

Here's my Spain XIGK: San IkerD: Ramos, Piqué, Javi Martínez, Jordi Alba (Capedvila is done)DM: Xabi AlonsoMF: Navas, Cesc, Xavi (if healthy, if not Mata), SilvaFW: LlorenteI like Navas on the wing for pure speed plus this may keep Ramos from straying too far from the back line as he sometimes has a tendency to do playing RB. Llorente is the pivot in this scenario, holding up the ball, playing with his back to the net a lot. Plus he's really the only guy that scares people on set pieces aside from a defender. Soldado is great, but Llorente is in great form. You can swap Iniesta for Navas is you think that Spain can "Barcelona" the opposition through ball control, touch passing and slow build up.ETA: Without Xavi, I think that the distribution through he midfield loses some of its punch, and Spain would be better served to adopt a quicker attack, or at least one that doesn't utilize the slow build-up as the only means to attack. That was the cause of some of the failures at the WC. Switzerland was particularly adept at lot breaking down on defense and keeping Spain at bay for the whole second half.

I think your lineup is pretty close to what we'll see. I think putting Iniesta in a wide or too attacking role is a big mistake, both for club and country. I can't see a scenario where he should be on the field at the same time as Cesc and Xavi, they are all too similar.

You're probably right in regards to not having them all on the field at the same time. From what I've seen with Chelski, Mata has been playing more centrally, right? Maybe bring him out wide and keep Cesc ranging from false 9 to central mid, while Xavi/Iniesta playmake in the middle of the field. That would mean I'd swap Navas for Silva. Can Silva play on the right?

 

[Spartans Rule]

England+900France+1200Italy+1200Portugal+1600

Who do people like best out of the second tier? Some interesting teams here.England has a lot of key players getting old and some potential future stars who aren't there yet. Only Rooney and Hart are really stars in their prime. I see a typical England performance ending in the quarters or semis.On paper France should be up with the favorites, but between the 2010 WC disaster and the 2011 racial quota scandal, it's hard to imagine a cohesive squad rolling out there.Italy doesn't look great on paper, but it appears they'll be using a lot of players from the Juventus team that is undefeated in Serie A. We could see the type of great defense and chemistry that has served Italy well in the past.Portugal has a really nice roster but that group of death draw with Germany and the Netherlands makes it tough to pick them.

 

[The Z Machine]

I like Holland to win it this time.

 

[NewlyRetired]

FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer)

5/8/12 2:39 PM

"Last time @LFC was in the position to finish out of 8th place, Kenny Dalglish was two years old."

 

[Eephus]

England+900France+1200Italy+1200Portugal+1600

Who do people like best out of the second tier? Some interesting teams here.England has a lot of key players getting old and some potential future stars who aren't there yet. Only Rooney and Hart are really stars in their prime. I see a typical England performance ending in the quarters or semis.On paper France should be up with the favorites, but between the 2010 WC disaster and the 2011 racial quota scandal, it's hard to imagine a cohesive squad rolling out there.Italy doesn't look great on paper, but it appears they'll be using a lot of players from the Juventus team that is undefeated in Serie A. We could see the type of great defense and chemistry that has served Italy well in the past.Portugal has a really nice roster but that group of death draw with Germany and the Netherlands makes it tough to pick them.

I think Russia is a decent longshot at 25/1. They have an excellent defensive record in the qualifiers, an experienced coach in **** Advocaat, an almost entirely domestic based team that should be used to playing together. The question is where the goals will come from but Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin have played better for the national team. If all goes well, they probably won't need to score many. Group A is the weakest of the four. If Russia finishes first, they avoid Spain in the quarters. After that, every matchup will be tough for everyone. Russia won't be the prettiest team to watch but Greece proved that's not critical to winning the tournament.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Soccer in HD at its finest

 

[The Z Machine]

England+900France+1200Italy+1200Portugal+1600

Who do people like best out of the second tier? Some interesting teams here.England has a lot of key players getting old and some potential future stars who aren't there yet. Only Rooney and Hart are really stars in their prime. I see a typical England performance ending in the quarters or semis.On paper France should be up with the favorites, but between the 2010 WC disaster and the 2011 racial quota scandal, it's hard to imagine a cohesive squad rolling out there.Italy doesn't look great on paper, but it appears they'll be using a lot of players from the Juventus team that is undefeated in Serie A. We could see the type of great defense and chemistry that has served Italy well in the past.Portugal has a really nice roster but that group of death draw with Germany and the Netherlands makes it tough to pick them.

I think Russia is a decent longshot at 25/1. They have an excellent defensive record in the qualifiers, an experienced coach in **** Advocaat, an almost entirely domestic based team that should be used to playing together. The question is where the goals will come from but Pavlyuchenko and Arshavin have played better for the national team. If all goes well, they probably won't need to score many. Group A is the weakest of the four. If Russia finishes first, they avoid Spain in the quarters. After that, every matchup will be tough for everyone. Russia won't be the prettiest team to watch but Greece proved that's not critical to winning the tournament.

Good analysis.Now I need a book to start making wagers. My old book doesn't take US players any more.

 

[Major]

Houston opens its new stadium on Saturday. Game will be shown on NBCSN at 4:30 pm eastern. Here is a fantastic looking short video of the new stadium. IMO, it is in the top 3 in country with LiveStrong and Red Bull Arena.

The stadium looks and is awesome. They've been good about promoting it to local business and yours truly got a walking tour a few weeks ago. I'll give my report after watching a match there but very promising for Houston and soccer in general. Big Mexican fan base down here.

 

[Major]

Let's all just slow down with the Dempsey stuff.

I think it's nice to root for a second tier EPL team...if Dempsey went to ManU it would take some of the fun out of it.

Disagree.For me, I love watching the sport being played at it's best level- if I can get a US player in that mix, I'd be ecstatic. I don't care about underdogs, which IMo has nothing to do with the sport and more to do with a certain personal psychology.

IMO, It get's tough watching and routing for Bolton and Fulham because the play is so often poor- but my nationalism (strangely enough- only in Soccer really) wins out.

Agreed. I'd love to see him on a top squad. I also want to get a decent looking Dempsey jersey and that's pretty much impossible with that horrid Fulham design.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Houston opens its new stadium on Saturday. Game will be shown on NBCSN at 4:30 pm eastern. Here is a fantastic looking short video of the new stadium. IMO, it is in the top 3 in country with LiveStrong and Red Bull Arena.

Thanks! I would love to hear first hand what a game is like there. The site lines looked fantastic with the steep stands. Why is an area of stands behind one goal not orange? Would that area support a US game against a non Mexico opponent?

 

[guru_007]

Mjolnirs - what's your projected starting 11 for the Germans?

That's a super tough question.We all know for sure that Neuer will be in goal.

Defenders - The captain is Lahm so we know he'll start. Seeing as Badstuber and Boetang (and Lahm) play together on a regular basis it would make sense to start all three, but then I do have a Bayern bias. I would find it hard to keep Hummels and Mertesacker off the field too. If they go with both of the last two I think Badstuber comes off.

Midfield - What a load of talent! Kroos, Müller, Özil, Khedira, Reus, Schürrle, Schweinsteiger, Götze, Podolski! Who do you sit?

Forward - Again a tough question. I would go with Gomez, who is in form with 26 goals, but national team lightning in a bottle Klose is a machine on the international level. If you go with two up front then that's one less midfielder, and I can't see that happening.

Thanks, now my head hurts!

I'd go with:Gomez

Kroos - Ozil - Muller

Khedira - Schweinsteiger

Lahm - Hummels - Mertesacker - Boetang

A lot of room for fluidity in the back and attacking mids.

Pretty close to what I was thinking. I think the Schweinsteiger-Khedira pairing is a must, provides so much versatility in the middle. Ozil is too good not to start on any team, and Muller should probably be in there as well. The last winger is the toughest call as you could easily go Kroos, Gotze, Schurrle, Reus or Podolski.I like Gomez as the striker too, with Klose as the late sub option.

Gomez is crap on the national level, whereas Klose is one of the most prolific international scorers of ALL TIME If Klose is at full health - he missed the last month or so, Klose is the no-brainer striker. This will be his last international competition (I'm pretty sure). He was tremendous at Lazio this year, and while I know Gomez had a great Bundesliga campaign - quick, name me 2 players on Lazio other than Klose? Yeah, exactly.

Muller should most definitely start. Podolski, Gomez, Kissling should be rotated with Klose or brought in late for Klose who does have a propensity to slow down late. Klose is also the best aerial presence Germany has to offer.

Badstuber will more than likely start on defense mostly. Mertesacker is used too often for my liking, but since Lahm likes to drift upfield, you need guys who like to stay at home in the back.

I like Germany to win this thing, but then again, I like them to win every international competition.

I do disagree with the Russian dark horse theory. A few years back, yes - almost all of them played on one or two domestic clubs. But now, money has bought some guys out of the league and there have been a few big money clubs in Russia that has brought players back like Arshavin and zhirkov. I don't like Russia all that much in this competition.

Portugal at 16/1 could be nice. Yeah, they always underperform, but their ceiling is very high with their top end players.

 

[Eephus]

I do disagree with the Russian dark horse theory. A few years back, yes - almost all of them played on one or two domestic clubs. But now, money has bought some guys out of the league and there have been a few big money clubs in Russia that has brought players back like Arshavin and zhirkov. I don't like Russia all that much in this competition.

Except for Pavel Pogrebnyak who has impressed in the EPL for Fulham, the entire Russia squad is made up of players from Zenit and the three big Moscow clubs.ETA: Tasker might as well update the supporters list because I'm going to irrationally defend my longshot and Mother Russia against all comers for the next six weeks.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Podolski, Gomez, Kissling should be rotated with Klose or brought in late for Klose who does have a propensity to slow down late.

Kießling didn't make the list.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Best tweet I have read all week.

Mark X (@brokentv)

5/8/12 3:31 PM

BREAKING: Bayern Munich have appealed to UEFA to overturn John Terry's ban for the Champions League final.

 

[The Z Machine]

Houston opens its new stadium on Saturday. Game will be shown on NBCSN at 4:30 pm eastern. Here is a fantastic looking short video of the new stadium. IMO, it is in the top 3 in country with LiveStrong and Red Bull Arena.

Wow. Maybe the best SSS in the country?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Nice assist by Chelsea's backup keeper, there.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Best tweet I have read all week. Mark X (@brokentv)5/8/12 3:31 PMBREAKING: Bayern Munich have appealed to UEFA to overturn John Terry's ban for the Champions League final.

The Guardian commentary has not been kind to JT today. Maybe we'll get a look at Sam Hutchinson in the 2nd half.

 

[The Z Machine]

Assuming Chelski loses, the lowest that Newcastle can finish is 5th right?

Looking at Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle we have on tap:

West Bromwich Albion - Arsenal @ The Hawthorns

Tottenham Hotspur - Fulham @ White Hart Lane

Everton - Newcastle United @ Goodison Park

It would seem that Arsenal have the easiest matchup, but they're away. Fulham and Everton are about equal, but Spurs are playing at home.

There are a ton of scenarios possible. I started trying to unwind it, but I gave up after 5 minutes of writing out scenarios. Suffice to say all positions are in play right now.

 

[guru_007]

Podolski, Gomez, Kissling should be rotated with Klose or brought in late for Klose who does have a propensity to slow down late.

Kießling didn't make the list.

good, #### that guy

 

[NewlyRetired]

Houston opens its new stadium on Saturday. Game will be shown on NBCSN at 4:30 pm eastern. Here is a fantastic looking short video of the new stadium. IMO, it is in the top 3 in country with LiveStrong and Red Bull Arena.

It is at worst in the top 3 with Livestrong and Red Bull Arena. Can't wait to hear how a game day experience is there.

 

[GoFishTN]

Assuming Chelski loses, the lowest that Newcastle can finish is 5th right?Looking at Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle we have on tap:West Bromwich Albion - Arsenal @ The HawthornsTottenham Hotspur - Fulham @ White Hart LaneEverton - Newcastle United @ Goodison ParkIt would seem that Arsenal have the easiest matchup, but they're away. Fulham and Everton are about equal, but Spurs are playing at home.There are a ton of scenarios possible. I started trying to unwind it, but I gave up after 5 minutes of writing out scenarios. Suffice to say all positions are in play right now.

All three of them can end as high as 3rd or as low as 5th. I will expect it to end up:3. Arsenal4. Newcastle5. Spursand be pleasantly surprised if it goes any other way.

 

[The Gator]

Best tweet I have read all week. Mark X (@brokentv)5/8/12 3:31 PMBREAKING: Bayern Munich have appealed to UEFA to overturn John Terry's ban for the Champions League final.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Messing around with the odds at Odds Checker... each team's chances of finishing top four are roughly:Arsenal (95%)Spurs (88%)Newcastle (18%)

 

[The Z Machine]

Messing around with the odds at Odds Checker... each team's chances of finishing top four are roughly:Arsenal (95%)Spurs (88%)Newcastle (18%)

I think that's most likely, but who knows...

 

[NewlyRetired]

From Ives

SURVIVAL SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Fox Soccer Channel - Tottenham vs. Fulham

FX/Fox Deportes - Sunderland vs. Manchester United

ESPN2/Fox Matchtrax - Manchester City vs. Queens Park Rangers

Fox Soccer Plus - Stoke City vs. Bolton

FSN - West Brom vs. Arsenal

FoxSoccer.com - Everton vs. Newcastle

Speed - Chelsea vs. Blackburn

Fuel TV - Swansea City vs. Liverpool

FoxSoccer2Go - Norwich City vs. Aston Villa

FoxSoccer2Go - Wigan Athletic vs. Wolverhampton

Avi Creditor at 06:11 PM | Permalink

 

[GoFishTN]

Messing around with the odds at Odds Checker... each team's chances of finishing top four are roughly:Arsenal (95%)Spurs (88%)Newcastle (18%)

I think that's most likely, but who knows...

I'm fully confident Spurs will totally screw up their season. They've been trying so hard the last few months, no reason to give up now.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the 26 player Ukraine roster. They may have an issue in goal where they are missing their top 3 players (2 to injuries and 1 to suspension). The most internationally experienced keeper on the roster does not start at club level any more and the other three keepers combine for exactly one cap.

Goalkeepers: Andriy Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk), Oleksandr Goryainov (FC Metalist Kharkiv), Maxym Koval (FC Dynamo Kiev), Oleksandr Bandura (FC Metalurg Donetsk).

Defenders: Oleksandr Kucher (Shakhtar Donetsk), Yaroslav Rakitskiy (Shakhtar Donetsk), Vyacheslav Shevchuk (Shakhtar Donetsk), Yevhen Khacheridi (Dynamo Kiev), Taras Mikhalik (Dynamo Kiev), Vitaliy Mandzyuk (FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Yevhen Selin (Vorskla), Bohdan Butko (Illychivets).

Midfielders: Olexandr Aliyev (Dynamo Kiev), Denys Garmash (Dynamo Kiev), Oleh Gusev (Dynamo Kiev), Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kiev), Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk) , Ruslan Rotan (Dnipro), Serhiy Nazarenko (Tavriya), Taras Stepanenko (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (FC Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Artem Milevskiy (Dynamo Kiev), Andriy Shevchenko (Dynamo Kiev), Marco Devic (FC Metalist Kharkiv), Andriy Voronin (FC Dynamo Moscow), Yevhen Seleznyov (FC Shakhtar Donetsk).

 

[NewlyRetired]

Without naming the clubs or people, the Italian football federation (FIGC) announced Tuesday that 22 clubs and 61 people will be informed Wednesday that they are under investigation and will have to answer to sports authorities over a match-fixing and betting scandal.

Looks like it may be focused on Serie B games.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Does anyone know if the DFB Pokal between Bayern and Dortmund is being shown stateside by any network?

I've looked at Gol and Fox and don't see it.

 

[Bonzai]

Mjolnirs - what's your projected starting 11 for the Germans?

That's a super tough question.We all know for sure that Neuer will be in goal.

Defenders - The captain is Lahm so we know he'll start. Seeing as Badstuber and Boetang (and Lahm) play together on a regular basis it would make sense to start all three, but then I do have a Bayern bias. I would find it hard to keep Hummels and Mertesacker off the field too. If they go with both of the last two I think Badstuber comes off.

Midfield - What a load of talent! Kroos, Müller, Özil, Khedira, Reus, Schürrle, Schweinsteiger, Götze, Podolski! Who do you sit?

Forward - Again a tough question. I would go with Gomez, who is in form with 26 goals, but national team lightning in a bottle Klose is a machine on the international level. If you go with two up front then that's one less midfielder, and I can't see that happening.

Thanks, now my head hurts!

I'd go with:Gomez

Kroos - Ozil - Muller

Khedira - Schweinsteiger

Lahm - Hummels - Mertesacker - Boetang

A lot of room for fluidity in the back and attacking mids.

Pretty close to what I was thinking. I think the Schweinsteiger-Khedira pairing is a must, provides so much versatility in the middle. Ozil is too good not to start on any team, and Muller should probably be in there as well. The last winger is the toughest call as you could easily go Kroos, Gotze, Schurrle, Reus or Podolski.I like Gomez as the striker too, with Klose as the late sub option.

Yeah, that Khedira-Schweinsteiger paring is the only thing really set in stone if they're fit. One thing to note is that Ozil has been less effective down the stretch in La Liga so it will be interesting to watch. I think Kroos has been coming on stronger for Bayern this year. Lots of opitions.

Not sure about the Khedira/Schweinie pairing. I think they'll go with Kroos/Schweinie/Ozil. I also think Badstuber will start over Hummels. Not sure if Gomez will finally supplant Klose. My guess:Klose

Podolski - Ozil - Muller

Kroos - Schweinsteiger

Lahm - Badstuber - Mertesacker - Boetang

 

[Slapdash]

Does anyone know if the DFB Pokal between Bayern and Dortmund is being shown stateside by any network?I've looked at Gol and Fox and don't see it.

Looks like ESPN3 when I just looked it up.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Does anyone know if the DFB Pokal between Bayern and Dortmund is being shown stateside by any network?I've looked at Gol and Fox and don't see it.

Looks like ESPN3 when I just looked it up.

When I looked at espn3 last night it wasn't listed. I hate that I'll have to watch it on my laptop, but at least I'll be able to watch it.

 

[guru_007]

Not sure about the Khedira/Schweinie pairing. I think they'll go with Kroos/Schweinie/Ozil. I also think Badstuber will start over Hummels. Not sure if Gomez will finally supplant Klose. My guess: Klose Podolski - Ozil - Muller Kroos - Schweinsteiger Lahm - Badstuber - Mertesacker - Boetang

This would be pretty close to my preferred lineup - although I think Khedira over Podolski. Podolski is a bit overrated, imo.

 

[Mjolnirs]

This would be pretty close to my preferred lineup - although I think Khedira over Podolski. Podolski is a bit overrated, imo.

Poldi is like Klose in that he seems to perform better on an international level. Maybe it's a Polish/German thing.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does anyone know if the DFB Pokal between Bayern and Dortmund is being shown stateside by any network?I've looked at Gol and Fox and don't see it.

Looks like ESPN3 when I just looked it up.

When I looked at espn3 last night it wasn't listed. I hate that I'll have to watch it on my laptop, but at least I'll be able to watch it.

Depending on your tv you might be able to connect your laptop to your tv and watch it there. Note that any imperfections in the stream would be magnified on your tv.

 

[Moe.]

Not sure about the Khedira/Schweinie pairing. I think they'll go with Kroos/Schweinie/Ozil. I also think Badstuber will start over Hummels. Not sure if Gomez will finally supplant Klose. My guess: Klose Podolski - Ozil - Muller Kroos - Schweinsteiger Lahm - Badstuber - Mertesacker - Boetang

This would be pretty close to my preferred lineup - although I think Khedira over Podolski. Podolski is a bit overrated, imo.

Isn't Hummels supposed to be one of the better central defenders on the planet? Mertesacker looked kinda meh for Arsenal at times and he's been out since February.

 

[Bonzai]

Not sure about the Khedira/Schweinie pairing. I think they'll go with Kroos/Schweinie/Ozil. I also think Badstuber will start over Hummels. Not sure if Gomez will finally supplant Klose. My guess: Klose Podolski - Ozil - Muller Kroos - Schweinsteiger Lahm - Badstuber - Mertesacker - Boetang

This would be pretty close to my preferred lineup - although I think Khedira over Podolski. Podolski is a bit overrated, imo.

Isn't Hummels supposed to be one of the better central defenders on the planet? Mertesacker looked kinda meh for Arsenal at times and he's been out since February.

Is he injured? I like Hummels better than both Per and Holger; I just posted what I thought the lineup would be.

 

[The Z Machine]

Athletic and Atlético face off for the Europa Cup today in Bucharest. It's estimated that there will be 13,000 for los leones (Athletic) and 9,000 for los colchoneros (Atlético) at the game. Should be fun. I'm nervous. Athletic is out of European play next year unless they win. Atlético can secure Europa (or even CL) depending on how their last game goes even if they lose today.

C'mon Falcao! Bring home the silverware to Neptuno!

 

[guru_007]

Not sure about the Khedira/Schweinie pairing. I think they'll go with Kroos/Schweinie/Ozil. I also think Badstuber will start over Hummels. Not sure if Gomez will finally supplant Klose. My guess: Klose Podolski - Ozil - Muller Kroos - Schweinsteiger Lahm - Badstuber - Mertesacker - Boetang

This would be pretty close to my preferred lineup - although I think Khedira over Podolski. Podolski is a bit overrated, imo.

Isn't Hummels supposed to be one of the better central defenders on the planet? Mertesacker looked kinda meh for Arsenal at times and he's been out since February.

If Mertesacker is healthy I think he gets the nod, especially with his experience...and while he looked worse than meh at first for Arsenal, I actually thought he was rounding into decent form right before he got hurt. Arsenals back line was/is a mess with all of the injuries, so it's tough to judge him from his part time epl experience only. And I simply prefer Badstuber over Hummels due to the cohesion effect with Boetang and Lahm all at BM.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Opta Sports (@OptaJoe)

5/9/12 9:21 AM

51 - Man Utd have had 51 shots fewer than Liverpool in the Premier League this season, but have scored 41 more goals. Productive.

 

[Eephus]

Athletic and Atlético face off for the Europa Cup today in Bucharest. It's estimated that there will be 13,000 for los leones (Athletic) and 9,000 for los colchoneros (Atlético) at the game. Should be fun. I'm nervous. Athletic is out of European play next year unless they win. Atlético can secure Europa (or even CL) depending on how their last game goes even if they lose today.C'mon Falcao! Bring home the silverware to Neptuno!

good day for red & while stripes

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Athletic and Atlético face off for the Europa Cup today in Bucharest. It's estimated that there will be 13,000 for los leones (Athletic) and 9,000 for los colchoneros (Atlético) at the game. Should be fun. I'm nervous. Athletic is out of European play next year unless they win. Atlético can secure Europa (or even CL) depending on how their last game goes even if they lose today.C'mon Falcao! Bring home the silverware to Neptuno!

God dammit, why isn't this on TV?

 

[Moe.]

Athletic and Atlético face off for the Europa Cup today in Bucharest. It's estimated that there will be 13,000 for los leones (Athletic) and 9,000 for los colchoneros (Atlético) at the game. Should be fun. I'm nervous. Athletic is out of European play next year unless they win. Atlético can secure Europa (or even CL) depending on how their last game goes even if they lose today.C'mon Falcao! Bring home the silverware to Neptuno!

God dammit, why isn't this on TV?

And why is it on a Wednesday? Am I crazy or is this usually on a Saturday?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Athletic and Atlético face off for the Europa Cup today in Bucharest. It's estimated that there will be 13,000 for los leones (Athletic) and 9,000 for los colchoneros (Atlético) at the game. Should be fun. I'm nervous. Athletic is out of European play next year unless they win. Atlético can secure Europa (or even CL) depending on how their last game goes even if they lose today.C'mon Falcao! Bring home the silverware to Neptuno!

God dammit, why isn't this on TV?

Here is some info.The 2012 UEFA Europa League Final will be live exclusively on DIRECTV in the U.S.Wednesday May 9 2:30pm ET - Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club Bilbao - DIRECTV Ch. 481-1 (HD), Ch. 481 (SD)(re-air on DIRECTV at 9pm ET)GOLTV will have a delayed broadcast at 7pm ET