***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Ives is floating an interesting rumor for Portland who can't stop making moves this off season. Ives is reporting that Portland may be looking into signing Mix Diskerud from Rosenberg.

As a side question, Mix is not yet cap tied to US is he?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not sure if any one read about it and I'm just too lazy to go looking for any articles on it, but Sao Paolo won the Copa Sudamericana last night vs Tigres.

Welllllll, if you want to call it that

"A trophy was handed out last night as São Paulo captured the Copa Sudamericana in controversial fashion after Argentine side Tigre did not show up for the second half, claiming they were attacked by Brazilian stadium security. There were pictures of alleged blood on the walls and claims of guns shoved in Tigre players’ chests. It’s worth noting that Tigre were already down 2-0 and São Paulo’s president says “the Argentines ran away.”Pics

 

[El Floppo]

Bye bye Rafa. The second and third highest paid players (Rafa and Becks) are now out of league.

The New York Red Bulls announced today they have come to a mutual release agreement with defender Rafa Márquez.Per club regulations, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.“This decision has been made in the best interests of both parties concerned,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Rafa has accomplished a great deal during his career and is a top quality player. We want to thank him for his service to the Red Bulls and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”Márquez signed with New York on Aug. 2, 2010 as a Designated Player, coming to Major League Soccer from FC Barcelona. In his two plus seasons with the club, Márquez appeared in 44 regular season games (42 of them starts) and notched one goal and nine assists. Last season, Márquez played in 15 matches and recorded three assists. He started in six playoff games during his time as a Red Bull.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Messi had 2 more in Barca's win. He is going to make breaking this scoring record incredibly hard.

According to these people, it's already happened

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

"A trophy was handed out last night as São Paulo captured the Copa Sudamericana in controversial fashion after Argentine side Tigre did not show up for the second half, claiming they were attacked by Brazilian stadium security. There were pictures of alleged blood on the walls and claims of guns shoved in Tigre players’ chests. It’s worth noting that Tigre were already down 2-0 and São Paulo’s president says “the Argentines ran away.”

Coming soon to a World Cup near you!

 

[The Z Machine]

Barça vs. Atlético this Sunday at 2:00 Eastern. I'm not sure I can watch it... WTF.

 

[El Floppo]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

 

[NewlyRetired]

Barça vs. Atlético this Sunday at 2:00 Eastern. I'm not sure I can watch it... WTF.

Can you DVR it and watch later? It is being shown live on both versions of beIN Sport. Of you can't DVR it is also being repeated at 11:00pm that night on the Spanish version.

 

[El Floppo]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

Oh- no doubt. But he's finally gone, and that's all that matters... especially considering RB seems happy to splash cash out there on their DP spots. I wonder who'll be next? Lampard?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

Oh- no doubt. But he's finally gone, and that's all that matters... especially considering RB seems happy to splash cash out there on their DP spots. I wonder who'll be next? Lampard?

I think Lampard would be a fantastic signing from an on the field perspective. He won't sell too many tickets by himself, but helping NY to be an elite team is more than enough to help the off the field perspective.A Brazilian media report said that Junihno is all but set to go to NY but no idea if he would take up a DP slot. If they can get him and Lampard they have a pretty well balanced team.Henry, Cahill, Lampard, Junihno, Cooper, Dax, Pearce, Olave and Espindola are a solid group to build around.Granted getting both Lampard and Junihno would be big "ifs" though.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Barça vs. Atlético this Sunday at 2:00 Eastern. I'm not sure I can watch it... WTF.

Can you DVR it and watch later? It is being shown live on both versions of beIN Sport. Of you can't DVR it is also being repeated at 11:00pm that night on the Spanish version.

Or you can just click below?

Spoiler

Barcelona 3, Atletico 0

 

[El Floppo]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

Oh- no doubt. But he's finally gone, and that's all that matters... especially considering RB seems happy to splash cash out there on their DP spots. I wonder who'll be next? Lampard?

I think Lampard would be a fantastic signing from an on the field perspective. He won't sell too many tickets by himself, but helping NY to be an elite team is more than enough to help the off the field perspective.A Brazilian media report said that Junihno is all but set to go to NY but no idea if he would take up a DP slot. If they can get him and Lampard they have a pretty well balanced team.Henry, Cahill, Lampard, Junihno, Cooper, Dax, Pearce, Olave and Espindola are a solid group to build around.Granted getting both Lampard and Junihno would be big "ifs" though.

I'm a big fan of everything he did at Everton- just love his work ethic on the field (similar to a McBride in more ways than one) and ability to score the ugly goals. But I just didn't see much from Cahill in NY. Now... he seemed to be playing out of his withdrawn forward role, and quite frankly didn't seem to have any direction with what he was doing out there, running around fairly aimlessly and not getting much of a whiff at goal. To be honest, none of them seemed to know what their roles were, so I'm glad that we'll be getting new coaching. So all of that said- at this point- I'm fine with saying tahnks for the... you know... effort... to Cahill and moving on with another DP. Henry, Lampard and a wise old CB who can organize what could be a decent back line- those are the DPs for me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

Oh- no doubt. But he's finally gone, and that's all that matters... especially considering RB seems happy to splash cash out there on their DP spots. I wonder who'll be next? Lampard?

I think Lampard would be a fantastic signing from an on the field perspective. He won't sell too many tickets by himself, but helping NY to be an elite team is more than enough to help the off the field perspective.A Brazilian media report said that Junihno is all but set to go to NY but no idea if he would take up a DP slot. If they can get him and Lampard they have a pretty well balanced team.Henry, Cahill, Lampard, Junihno, Cooper, Dax, Pearce, Olave and Espindola are a solid group to build around.Granted getting both Lampard and Junihno would be big "ifs" though.

I'm a big fan of everything he did at Everton- just love his work ethic on the field (similar to a McBride in more ways than one) and ability to score the ugly goals. But I just didn't see much from Cahill in NY. Now... he seemed to be playing out of his withdrawn forward role, and quite frankly didn't seem to have any direction with what he was doing out there, running around fairly aimlessly and not getting much of a whiff at goal. To be honest, none of them seemed to know what their roles were, so I'm glad that we'll be getting new coaching. So all of that said- at this point- I'm fine with saying tahnks for the... you know... effort... to Cahill and moving on with another DP. Henry, Lampard and a wise old CB who can organize what could be a decent back line- those are the DPs for me.

Unless you know something I don't, I don't think Cahill is going anywhere outside of a loan this winter back to EPL.I would not give up on Cahill yet. Keane took a while to adjust to MLS. He went from being a disappointment to arguably the best player in the league this year. I think it is very hard to come into a new team in a new country and perform up to your capabilities more time than not.Hell, even Henry struggled in the beginning where NY fans were out right booing him. I would wait one more season before giving up on Cahill IMO.With NY getting Olave in the trade, I don't see them using a DP on a center back as I think Olave and Pearce will make a pretty good tandem back there.

 

[El Floppo]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

People who love the Red Bulls are ecstatic. People who hate the Red Bulls are ecstatic.The guy is universally hated. I still think this happened one year too late. If they pulled the trigger last year they may have recieved something for him in a transfer fee instead of this year saying "just get out, we don't care if you get us any return".

Oh- no doubt. But he's finally gone, and that's all that matters... especially considering RB seems happy to splash cash out there on their DP spots. I wonder who'll be next? Lampard?

I think Lampard would be a fantastic signing from an on the field perspective. He won't sell too many tickets by himself, but helping NY to be an elite team is more than enough to help the off the field perspective.A Brazilian media report said that Junihno is all but set to go to NY but no idea if he would take up a DP slot. If they can get him and Lampard they have a pretty well balanced team.Henry, Cahill, Lampard, Junihno, Cooper, Dax, Pearce, Olave and Espindola are a solid group to build around.Granted getting both Lampard and Junihno would be big "ifs" though.

I'm a big fan of everything he did at Everton- just love his work ethic on the field (similar to a McBride in more ways than one) and ability to score the ugly goals. But I just didn't see much from Cahill in NY. Now... he seemed to be playing out of his withdrawn forward role, and quite frankly didn't seem to have any direction with what he was doing out there, running around fairly aimlessly and not getting much of a whiff at goal. To be honest, none of them seemed to know what their roles were, so I'm glad that we'll be getting new coaching. So all of that said- at this point- I'm fine with saying tahnks for the... you know... effort... to Cahill and moving on with another DP. Henry, Lampard and a wise old CB who can organize what could be a decent back line- those are the DPs for me.

Unless you know something I don't, I don't think Cahill is going anywhere outside of a loan this winter back to EPL.I would not give up on Cahill yet. Keane took a while to adjust to MLS. He went from being a disappointment to arguably the best player in the league this year. I think it is very hard to come into a new team in a new country and perform up to your capabilities more time than not.Hell, even Henry struggled in the beginning where NY fans were out right booing him. I would wait one more season before giving up on Cahill IMO.With NY getting Olave in the trade, I don't see them using a DP on a center back as I think Olave and Pearce will make a pretty good tandem back there.

Forgot already about Olave. Yes. He'll do just fine.Funny about Juninho though- I remember when he went back to Brazil... sounded like it was a "want to return home and finish my career where I started thing". makes it strange, given that, for him to go to MLS.And given what I wrote above about coaching... with this very talented group of players, I have a feeling bringing somebody else in to lead them will pay more dividends than another player here or there (although I'd still love Ka-KAW)

 

[El Floppo]

and re: Henry's first stretch here, he was killing himself on the field and IMO looked great from the get-go- tons of defensive pressure, great runs, fantastic passing, timely field generalship- but was getting starved of useful balls from the MF and had to work too hard just to find the ball. It took a while for him and his team-mates to click better (still hasn't happened yet, really).

Cahill has just looked lost. But again- the team shape has been terrible under Backe- and Cahill seems like a guy who thrives on being part of a well-organized, hustling machine.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

Every time you guys mention this I do a double take, thinking momentarily that Abramovich has woken up on the wrong side of the bed again and fired another coach.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21567992-although-they-have-handed-back-city-rebels-have-not-faded-away-power-vacuum

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21567992-although-they-have-handed-back-city-rebels-have-not-faded-away-power-vacuum

I don't get it. Wrong thread?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21567992-although-they-have-handed-back-city-rebels-have-not-faded-away-power-vacuum

I don't get it. Wrong thread?

C'mon! It's right there.

 

[NewlyRetired]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21567992-although-they-have-handed-back-city-rebels-have-not-faded-away-power-vacuum

I don't get it. Wrong thread?

C'mon! It's right there.

that's what I get for reading the article's text and not looking at the picture more closely As an avid comic book reader shame on me

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Upon opening this thread, I just giggled like a little school girl that Rafa is finally gone.

Every time you guys mention this I do a double take, thinking momentarily that Abramovich has woken up on the wrong side of the bed again and fired another coach.

Ditto.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fascinating. From Bloomberg news

Manchester City Said Close to Being Awarded MLS Team in Queens

By Scott Soshnick - Dec 15, 2012 12:01 AM ET

Manchester City, the English Premier League team owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is close to being awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Queens, New York, for a record $100 million, three people with direct knowledge of the talks said.

The team would be known as the New York City Football Club and has contacted former England national team captain David Beckham about a role, two of the people said. Manchester City will explore other leagues around the world, seeking a way to expand its brand, two of the people said.

Manchester City, which won the Premier League last season, will pay more than two times the previous record for an MLS team, said the people, who requested anonymity because team and stadium contracts aren’t signed.

MLS spokesman Dan Courtemanche said via telephone that the league has held discussions with a number of possible ownership groups and that no expansion agreement has been completed.

“Our discussions remain private,” he said.

Simon Heggie, a spokesman for Manchester City, said in an e-mail yesterday that he was unaware of any such deal.

Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon, said in a telephone interview that Manchester City’s involvement with MLS “further validates the strength of the American soccer market to the rest of the world.”

“It shows the league hasn’t plateaued,” he said. “To have it happen now, post-Beckham, is great for the league.”

 

[Spartans Rule]

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21567992-although-they-have-handed-back-city-rebels-have-not-faded-away-power-vacuum

"Carefree, wherever we may be..."

 

[El Floppo]

Fascinating. From Bloomberg news

Manchester City Said Close to Being Awarded MLS Team in Queens

By Scott Soshnick - Dec 15, 2012 12:01 AM ET

Manchester City, the English Premier League team owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is close to being awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise in Queens, New York, for a record $100 million, three people with direct knowledge of the talks said.

The team would be known as the New York City Football Club and has contacted former England national team captain David Beckham about a role, two of the people said. Manchester City will explore other leagues around the world, seeking a way to expand its brand, two of the people said.

Manchester City, which won the Premier League last season, will pay more than two times the previous record for an MLS team, said the people, who requested anonymity because team and stadium contracts aren’t signed.

MLS spokesman Dan Courtemanche said via telephone that the league has held discussions with a number of possible ownership groups and that no expansion agreement has been completed.

“Our discussions remain private,” he said.

Simon Heggie, a spokesman for Manchester City, said in an e-mail yesterday that he was unaware of any such deal.

Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon, said in a telephone interview that Manchester City’s involvement with MLS “further validates the strength of the American soccer market to the rest of the world.”

“It shows the league hasn’t plateaued,” he said. “To have it happen now, post-Beckham, is great for the league.”

I'm sure there'll be a lot of these kind of stories until something actually happens. But if this was true, I certainly wouldn't mind... although they can use some work on the team name.The Brooklyn borough president was also just talking about trying to lure a team to his borough... from the NYPost:

He stole the Nets from New Jersey and the Islanders from Long Island — and now he’s after the new soccer franchise trying to set up shop in Queens.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz wants Major League Soccer to drop its plan to build a pro-soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows Park, and instead field a team in the “greener pastures” of his borough.

The Beep says no place on earth can compete with the cachet of the Brooklyn brand — and claims the Borough of Kings is filled with more soccer-starved fans than its neighbor to the east.

“I know Queens is pushing for a stadium, but I believe pro soccer belongs here in Brooklyn,” Markowitz said following a ceremony marking the opening of three new sports fields in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS: Beep Marty Markowitz wants Major League Soccer in Brooklyn rather than Flushing Meadows — prompting a Queens pol to quip, “I better lock up the Unisphere (above).”

“Soccer is the Number 1 sport in the world, so why shouldn’t we have a team here in Brooklyn?”

He suggested East New York or Brownsville, saying both struggling neighborhoods could use the economic boost and have the empty land and transportation access needed. He also mentioned East Williamsburg and Bushwick.

Queens Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., called it a declaration of war.

“Brooklyn is already in the process of stealing our . . . Civic Virtue statue and moving it to Green-Wood Cemetery, so what’s next, the Mets?” he fired back. “I better go and lock up the Unisphere.”

Vallone has yet to take a position on whether Flushing Meadows is the best place in Queens for a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, saying he has concerns about the use of existing parkland.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall had similar reservations about parkland, but wants the stadium for her borough.

Mayor Bloomberg supports Queens, although the plan faces opposition from park advocates and some civic organizations in the borough.

Asked about the league’s new suitor, MLS spokeswoman Risa Heller said it’s “100 percent focused on bringing pro soccer to Queens.”

New York Red Bulls GM Jérôme de Bontin, a former resident of Brooklyn Heights, said that while he “isn’t qualified to speak for the league,” he thinks a Brooklyn pro soccer team “could do well.” The Red Bulls play in Harrison, NJ.

Markowitz’s plan was well received by one of his biggest critics, Geoffrey Croft of New York City Park Advocates.

“Markowitz’s idea makes more sense than taking parkland at the expense of one of Queens’ heaviest-used parks,” he said.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The ongoing Carribean Cup determines which island nations qualify for the Gold Cup this summer. Jamaica laid an egg and came in last in their group.

The 4 countries that will advance to Gold Cup are Haiti, Cuba, Martinque and T&T.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Guy in the crowd at the Aston Villa game wearing a Juan Pablo Angel jersey ldschool:

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Guy in the crowd at the Aston Villa game wearing a Juan Pablo Angel jersey ldschool:

That backheel assist was a work of art.

 

[bentley]

Jesus ####. What a disaster. Again.

 

[Christo]

QPR! QPR! QPR!

 

[GoFishTN]

QPR! QPR! QPR!

That win actually moves them up to 19th.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jozy had 2 more goals today in AZ 2-1 win. An important 3 points as AZ only has 4 wins all season so far.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Corinthians are officially the best club in the world.

 

[El Floppo]

Corinthians are officially the best club in the world.

That Guerrero guy was a monster up front. Chelsea may have had more better chnces, but Corinthians deserved something out of this. And wow were the Brazilians dirty- nothing obvious like two footed tackles, but lots of just late (but obviously knew what they were doing) challenges.But damn- once again, TV coverage of a game sucks ###... Torres had a sitter in the last 10 mnutes or so from what looked like the top of the 6, and no replay. Cahill gets a red for something just off the ball (but in the middle of the field) and no replay. Lots of no-replays with lots of fan shots and close-ups of the players instead.

Lampard looked pretty good in the first half... would love to see him come to NY.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Beautiful shot on the break by Sergio Garcia. 1-0 Espanyol.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Espanyol draws at the Bernabeu. If Barca gets 3 today, I think it's over.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Ray Hudson's out sick.

 

[((Morpheus))]

Falcao is going to be (even more) incredible with Chelsea's midfield supporting him.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Great finish.

Hate to say it, but Puyol shouldn't be starting in a game like this. Not really crazy about leaving Cesc off either.

Adriano!

 

[Sebowski]

Falcao is going to be (even more) incredible with Chelsea's midfield supporting him.

I know everyone feels a Chelsea move is a slam dunk, but Ateltico is looking like they will finish 2nd in La Liga. At the very least easily qualify for Champions League. What would be Falcao's draw to Chelsea then? Especially if Chelsea continues to struggle.

 

[Sebowski]

Two more from Messi today to put him at 90 for the year.

GOAT.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Falcao is going to be (even more) incredible with Chelsea's midfield supporting him.

I know everyone feels a Chelsea move is a slam dunk, but Ateltico is looking like they will finish 2nd in La Liga. At the very least easily qualify for Champions League. What would be Falcao's draw to Chelsea then? Especially if Chelsea continues to struggle.

Money?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Walh interviewed Sunil today. Sunil says US will not be involved in Copa America in 2016 unless it is put on the official calendar. Gulati also compared hosting the Copa America in the US to him hosting his kid's birthday party at the White House. He says its a nice idea, but there is a lot of work to be done to make it happen.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Felliani could get clipped for up to 9 games. Yowch.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Falcao is going to be (even more) incredible with Chelsea's midfield supporting him.

I know everyone feels a Chelsea move is a slam dunk, but Ateltico is looking like they will finish 2nd in La Liga. At the very least easily qualify for Champions League. What would be Falcao's draw to Chelsea then? Especially if Chelsea continues to struggle.

I don't think its a slam dunk. Until he signs somewhere, nothing we hear is any more than a rumor. I am pretty confident that Torres will be replaced at Chelsea though.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Corinthians are officially the best club in the world.

Lucas Piazon is pretty upset:

Faltou muita coisa para a gente, e principalmente, a vontade de ser campeão. Acho que o Ramirez, o David Luiz, só os brasileiro foram os únicos que se empenharam ao máximo, deram a raça, e por isso estão tristes.Faltou caráter*, amor à camisa. Ninguém quis jogar bola. Isso é coisa da cabeça dele, não posso criticar. Pelo menos o Oscar tentou. Não vou especificar, mas o time entrou sem vontade. Não pode entrar em uma final sem vontade de jogar, isso é inadmissível.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Bundesliga Winter Break Table

*Bayern München 13-3-1 42 44:7*Bayer Leverkusen 10-3-4 33 33:22*Borussia Dortmund 8-6-3 30 35:20**Eintracht Frankfurt 9-3-5 30 33:27#SC Freiburg 7-5-5 26 24:18#FSV Mainz 05 8-2-7 26 24:21Schalke 04 7-4-6 25 27:25Borussia Mönchengladbach 6-7-4 25 25:26VfB Stuttgart 7-4-6 25 21:28Hamburger SV 7-3-7 24 18:21Hannover 96 7-2-8 23 32:31Werder Bremen 6-4-7 22 28:29Fortuna Düsseldorf 5-6-6 21 20:221. FC Nürnberg 5-5-7 20 17:22VfL Wolfsburg 5-4-8 19 17:271899 TSG Hoffenheim 3-3-11 12 23:41FC Augsburg 1-6-10 9 12:29SpVgg Greuther Fürth 1-6-10 9 11:28* CL Group Stage
** CL Playoff Stage

# Europa League

 

[NewlyRetired]

Bundesliga Winter Break Table

*Bayern München	                13-3-1	42	44:7*Bayer Leverkusen	        10-3-4	33	33:22*Borussia Dortmund	        8-6-3	30	35:20**Eintracht Frankfurt	        9-3-5	30	33:27#SC Freiburg	                7-5-5	26	24:18#FSV Mainz 05	                8-2-7	26	24:21Schalke 04	                7-4-6	25	27:25Borussia Mönchengladbach	6-7-4	25	25:26VfB Stuttgart	                7-4-6	25	21:28Hamburger SV	                7-3-7	24	18:21Hannover 96	                7-2-8	23	32:31Werder Bremen	                6-4-7	22	28:29Fortuna Düsseldorf	        5-6-6	21	20:221. FC Nürnberg	                5-5-7	20	17:22VfL Wolfsburg	                5-4-8	19	17:271899 TSG Hoffenheim	        3-3-11	12	23:41FC Augsburg	                1-6-10	9	12:29SpVgg Greuther Fürth	        1-6-10	9	11:28

* CL Group Stage** CL Playoff Stage# Europa League

At the bottom, does the Bundesliga still use a playoff system for relegation? Trying to find a glimmer of hope for Hoffenheim not to go down.

 

[guru_007]

United 6 points clear of City and about to hit what I feel is a key stretch in the schedule.

They have 4 league games in 10 calendar days which is a pretty heavy load, but really can make it tough for City to catchup

12/23 @ Swansea

12/26 Newcastle

12/29 WBA

1/1 @ Wigan

Honestly, that's 12 points up for grabs and the two toughest teams are at home and not playing nearly as well of late. Of course everyone remembers what happened the last time United went to the DW and probably lost the title, but Wigan no longer have Moses who was a huge thorn in their side.

City has a similarly 'easy' schedule, however, they do have away to Norwich and Sunderland (tough place to win)...and then they get to deal with Stoke. City looked pretty spectacular against a beat up Newcastle side, I think they will find the going a bit tougher against some annoying teams....at least I'm hoping so.