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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (7 Viewers)

Standings prediction time and grouped into tiers-

Chelsea

Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Tottenham

Arsenal

Swansea

Everton

Fulham

Newcastle

Aston Villa

West Brom

West Ham

Southampton

Sunderland

Norwich

Cardiff

Stoke City

Crystal Palace

Hull City Tigers
Swansea 11/1 to finish highest (non Top 6) is literally my favorite bet ever.

 
I saw enough of Freddy with the Union to conclude that he can't play in MLS. It's a style problem. He's too small and too slow to get the space to create and to avoid getting muscled off the ball with regularity by MLS midfields. Throw in the questionable work ethic and suspected locker room chemistry issues, and he's cometely not worth the money he's historically demanded.I had really high hopes when he came back to the league, and I thought maybe Brazil would fit his style of play better, but I don't miss him at all, which is saying something considering how shaky the Union's midfield is.
That's a shame. I'll defer to you on that. I suggested MLS because maybe it'd calm him down and ground him a bit.

Someone put it really well on the last page - he's too small to be a pure attacker, but he's never really developed any other part of his game. He's not a box-to-box player, but he's not enough of a playmaker either. How does he fit in?
There are players like him that are very successful. Jesus Navas comes to mind, but he's got way more speed. It's a shame that Freddy couldn't have been the Navas of the US: small, quick, can bomb up the wing to cross or cut in with a nice mid-range shot. Plus he's dangerous shooting from either foot, can play on either flank (better on the right IMO).

 
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Swansea 11/1 to finish highest (non Top 6) is literally my favorite bet ever.
After being a neutral for many years I picked the Swans as my team when Rogers was managing and it has paid great dividends. I'm really looking forward to this year and though Bony has been getting the headlines I am intrigued to see what influence Laudrop has on Shelvey. I think he could turn out to be a real steal. My one concern is their central defense. I love Chico and Ash but with playing in Europa they need someone to be able to give them a break. Hopefully Armat steps up because it was clear at the end of last year Gary Monk is no longer the man.

As long as Laudrup can manage all the extra games and keep them playing hard to the end of the year I like your bet.

I can't wait to see them ruin Moyes debut on Saturday. :banned:

 
Standings prediction time and grouped into tiers-

Chelsea

Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Tottenham

Arsenal

Swansea

Everton

Fulham

Newcastle

Aston Villa

West Brom

West Ham

Southampton

Sunderland

Norwich

Cardiff

Stoke City

Crystal Palace

Hull City Tigers
Swansea 11/1 to finish highest (non Top 6) is literally my favorite bet ever.
Someday I need to get into this whole betting on sports thing.

 
ahhh the eve of a new season!

The fan in me wants to say the treble is coming, but alas I have my doubts, especially if Rooney leaves. Welbeck as a pair to RvP is going to be frustrating. Kagawa may be the better choice going 4-5-1

I saw above someone surprised United was unable to sign any big names. Im not actually. SAF is gone and the world is watching to see if United is still United. Noone wants to leave a big club for United with the air of doubt this year following SAF's retirement. United will need to AT LEAST maintain top 3 in the Premier League, make a deep long run in the FA Cup and get to the quarters of the CL in order to calm the masses and show the world they are still UNITED. Then next season they should be able to bring in the players they want. Anything less, well, I know a few of you would be happy! :banned:

Dont get me wrong, I am rooting for the 21 st trophy but I am also worried about the SAF hangover, the cloud over Rooney and Jose back at Chelsea.

 
ahhh the eve of a new season!

The fan in me wants to say the treble is coming, but alas I have my doubts, especially if Rooney leaves. Welbeck as a pair to RvP is going to be frustrating. Kagawa may be the better choice going 4-5-1

I saw above someone surprised United was unable to sign any big names. Im not actually. SAF is gone and the world is watching to see if United is still United. Noone wants to leave a big club for United with the air of doubt this year following SAF's retirement. United will need to AT LEAST maintain top 3 in the Premier League, make a deep long run in the FA Cup and get to the quarters of the CL in order to calm the masses and show the world they are still UNITED. Then next season they should be able to bring in the players they want. Anything less, well, I know a few of you would be happy! :banned:

Dont get me wrong, I am rooting for the 21 st trophy but I am also worried about the SAF hangover, the cloud over Rooney and Jose back at Chelsea.
Maybe they shouldn't have spent the summer trying to poach from big clubs then? I'm sure there are plenty of mids in the world that would improve their situation.

 
I set up NBC Sports Extra (soccer), NFL Online (Thurs/Sun/Mon night games and NFL Redzone) and Watch ESPN (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3) on my phone this afternoon.

:excited:

 
Okay, I haven't really had the time to deeply analyze/write up every team as I have done the past few years. But, as of right now, here is my quick EPL prediction post.

The Contenders:

I see this as a three team race, as just about everyone else out there seems to. No surprises. And as of this writing Rooney is still on United, Suarez still on Liverpool and Arsenal still have done nothing.

1-ManUnited

2-ManCity

3-Chelsea

Honestly, I simply see it as a two horse race, although Chelsea is a threat to steal it. If Rooney stays at United, I just like United's chances the best. They have lost not a single player from last year's title team, have added a small piece is Zaha, and a few of their younger players have had a bit of experience, time to develop. Sure Vidic and Rio are a year older, but they are still solid, Rio was remarkable last year. Evra is still solid, and I'll just cross my fingers that Rooney is content and plays well for another year at OT.

City had some fantastic signings, and the only team that boasts a bigger, deeper squad in all of Europe may be Bayern Munich. From 1-25, City has it won, hands down in England. But the game isn't played 25v25, rather 11v11. Losing Tevez will be felt, as I don't see another forward that matches his effort and determination. And Balotelli had that touch of magic from time to time to get the crucial goal. But, let's be honest, the cupboards are well stocked, with suber sub Dzeko, Arguero and Negredo who I have tipped to score the most goals on ManCity this year. The secret for City will be finding a starting 11 that can dominated with the talent as they should. Silva was underwhelming in my eyes last year. Toure is getting older, but still can go into beast mode when need be, but how will this team rotate talent in and out every game. And City has the clinical precision to score 4 or 5 per game, but sometimes seem to struggle to get 1 or 2. Kompany needs to be better, but this team certainly has championship pedigree.

The most common argument I hear for Chelsea winning the title is on talent alone, their starting 11 may be the best in the EPL. Maybe. But, you need a deep team for the long year to win, and I'm just not sure how deep Chelsea is. I don't know if I trust Ba and Torres to get the game winning goals. It's hard to argue against that midfield though, and they have a good stable of defenders, even if Terry is getting a bit long in the tooth. They should be there all year, I just rate them a touch behind the the Manchester sides.

Europe, Europa:

4-Tottenham

5-Liverpool

6-Arsenal

7-Everton

I think this will be tight, with a few teams right behind nipping at their heels all year long too. But, I really like what Tottenham has put together over there. Of course, all of that is tempered with keeping one Mr. Bale, but this team is solid and deep. Lloris is highly rated, and although I think he tends to try to make the mediocre look spectacular, he has enough talent to be the clear cut #1. Spurs no longer need pray Ledley King's knees held up, they now can rotate a pretty solid stable of defenders. Vertonghen is very good, Dawson and KAbul serviceable enough, but the right and left backs will be pressing forward and have speed to burn. The defense is good enough they were able to part with highly rated Caulker. The midfield is very good and again deep, it will be a nice luxury to rest guys like Parker, Siggy, Dembele, and I'm pretty excited to see what Paulinho can add to the mix. Striker is of course the question and if Soldado has it in him, Spurs will be a tough team week in, week out.

I was high on Liverpool last year, I am high on them again, or maybe I'm just high. They are a tough team to play against as they have so many attacking chances. And of course if Suarez is still around, they have the second best scorer in the league. On defense, it may be addition by subtraction with Carragher retiring, but they still can put a pretty decent back line out there - but I do feel there are holes there which is why I can't rate them higher. Midfielders all around, they seem to have found a solid rotation though out there. If Aspas can continue where he left off in the friendlies, and Sturridge is a dynamic player, I expect Liverpool to have a very nice season. Just a bit nicer than Arsenal, who to me, they just seem to be missing one thing to really put them higher. It certainly surprised me a bit to know Arsenal had the second stingiest defense last year, and really they have a solid back line, in particular if Varmaellen returns to form. but I guess keeping possession really helps out defense and the Arsenal midfield is good. Arteta hurt will be a blow. I like what Giroud offers in attack and Podolski can be a threat, but yeah, this team really needs something more that isn't there right now.

I rate Everton pretty highly this year, as they have done well to keep their key players in Baines and Fellaini. But, they really didn't add anything either. I think there may be some growing pains as the team adjusts to Martinez's tactics, but I think that will suit them just fine. They'll lose a few games they should have won, but they'll play the big boys tight. Not a glamorous team or a pick, but a safe team in my eyes, and that's how we'll play it.

part 2 to follow...

 
Middling:

8-Newcastle

9-Swansea

10-West Ham

11-Southampton

12-Aston Villa

Just kind of rambling here...but

Just a week ago, I had Newcastle rated closer to 13-15, but I am going to go out on a limb and say the Remy signing was a terrific get and one of the better moves Newcastle were terrible last year, just snake bitten and injured and just praying not going to get sent down, but a new year, and new hope. Krul is still a very good gk, even if the defense in front of him is suspect at best. But, what's not to like about the midfield, wings and attack? Ben Arfa stay healthy, Jonas is out there, Obertan and Sissoko still young and could be game changers, Cabaye, don't go to PSG, and now add Remy to Cisse, I like it. :shrug:

Swansea gonna be interesting side for sure. I think they may actually have a good bit of pressure on them this year after a terrific campaign last year and spending big money on the likes of Shelvey and Bony. I like the team, and I think they should be fun to watch, but they have some deficiencies for sure. They lack size in the midfield, and while quick, smaller guys do tend to get hurt more and pick up knocks simply due to the physicality of the play. And the Swansea defense is nothing to write home about either. I think if Swans do at least as well as home as they did two years back (31 pts vs 24 pts last year), with their marked improvement in attack, this team could get to 60 points this year which may get them to top 6. It will be tough going as they will not sneak up on anyone this year.

Hammers really were a half decent side with the addition of Carroll. They play a fun style of soccer, in particular at home and if they can keep a few key players on the pitch (Diame for sure and Nolan and Noble), they can play with just about anyone. And they can't get enough ex Pool players so they go out and get Downing. I'm not at all sold on the defense or gk, but i kinda like this West Ham side. Look for goals in their home games.

Southampton and Villa not much to say, other than I think they are better then the bottom dwellers I'm about to highlight. Southampton still plays a nice brand of soccer and I like that midfield and who can't like Rickie Lambert. It's the defense and goal that worry me. Not enough there to play with the big boys. Aston Villa I believe has turned the corner. They were on a downward trend, hell I thought they may get relegated last year. And now they seem to have a good, young core of players and the signing of Benteke, a shock to me, was a huge move for them. They will get enough points this year to not have to worry about relegation and who knows in a year or two from now, may be challenging for even higher. Good coach too.

 
Not quite bad enough to be relegated:

13-Fulham

14-West Bromwich

15-Sunderland

16-Norwich City

17-Cardiff City

If any of these are teams anyone feels like discussing I am all for it. But, honestly the only one that interests me at all is Sunderland. Of course Altidore there will be a major story line in the U.S. and I do believe he could have a good year as far as goals go. But, the signing there that could be the biggest difference maker is Giaccherini from Juve. I will be interested to see how Sunderland looks, one of the teams I'll make a point of watching early in the year.

Of this bunch, the one most likely to fall into the relegation zone as I see it will be WBA. The loss of Lukaku's scoring cannot be understated, and I don't see who fills in that gap. Norwich still has just enough to be competitive most weeks, and I like Cardiff's chances to stay up, as out of all the promoted teams, Cardiff is really the only one that went out and spent any money, which is imperative to staying up. Few guys on that roster already with EPL experience, and adding Caulker was nice, but don't forget about Medel and big money spent on this Cornelius cat from FC Copenhagen - keep an eye on this guy.

 
Championship here we come:

18-Stoke City

19-Crystal Palace

20-Hull City

Okay, it's all so boring to pick the recently promoted teams to get sent back down, but hell, I cannot fathom a scenario which keeps both Crystal Palace and Hull City up.

Crystal Palace was lucky to win the playoff, finished 5th in the championship, and other than their strong home showing, really had nothing that impressed me. They did nothing really to add to their team. Yeah, grabbed Chamakh from Arsenal who did nothing for Arsenal, 49 year old Kevin Phillips from Blackpool will add some grit, but a whole lot of meh on that team. They lose Zaha back to United who I can't see loaning him back, but he really wasn't that good for them last year anyway. Honestly, I have Palace in 19th, but they are the worst team in the premier league.

Hull City is not that much better, and I have them in dead last. They'll need a minor miracle to stay up. They plucked off a few Spurs scraps in Huddlestone and Livermore, added ancient Steve Harper from Newcastle, but really didn't add a single significant piece to a decent championship side. I'd tip them for 3rd in the Championship this year, behind Watford and Reading, so obviously I don't give them a prayer this year. Bet early and often against this side.

Now,....Stoke City. Ever hear of a hate ####? Well, picking them to be relegated is on par with that. I cannot believe Stoke let Tony Pulis go. Kept an under talented Stoke side at the highest level every year, while more talented, higher paid talent went down year after year. Not playing attractive football as the scapegoat is ####### silly. I'm not saying Stoke was a brilliant team to watch. But, they got results, tough to play against, that's what you have to do, play the cards that were dealt to you. Now Mark Hughes hasn't really established himself as a terrific manager, and will be under tremendous pressure to perform. Not only does he have to win, he has to do it in a pleasing manner. #### that. Unlike a number of teams I mentioned with decent midfield/attacks and suspect defenses, well Stoke is exact opposite. They have a nice defense, Huth, Shawcross, Cameron, but this team will be without a number of familiar faces - Rory 'long throw in' delap, and dean whitehead. There is some talent there, but I'm tipping Stoke to get sent down and Tony Pulis to be drinking Scoobygang like cocktails with every Stoke loss.

 
Okay, I haven't really had the time to deeply analyze/write up every team as I have done the past few years. But, as of right now, here is my quick EPL prediction post.

The Contenders:

I see this as a three team race, as just about everyone else out there seems to. No surprises. And as of this writing Rooney is still on United, Suarez still on Liverpool and Arsenal still have done nothing.

1-ManUnited

2-ManCity

3-Chelsea
I can't see this...if Moyes wins the league without ANY upgrades at any position while City and Chelsea upgraded, what does that say about Ferguson's coaching? Either Moyes is as awesome as him, or Fergie was just another coach who knew how to build a team that anyone could coach.

 
Oh, I understand there is a bit of bias with my ManU pick, but why do you think there is no upgrading? Yes, no players were added, but no players were lost either. United has a young team, and I expect their players to develop as such. Look at some key players ages on United:

Rafael > 22
Jones > 21
Evans > 25
Anderson > 25
Smalling > 23
Hernandez > 25
De Gea > 22
Welbeck > 22
Cleverley > 23
Powell > 19
Kagawa > 24
Buttner > 24
Zaha > 20.

That's basically a starting 11 under the age of 25. And none of those players mentioned were Rooney, VanPersie, Vidic, Rio, Carrick, Valencia.

I'm not saying Moyes is a better manager, but he was handed a team that ran away with the premier league title last year, and has a core of players that are very young.

I readily admit that City has the most talented team top to bottom, I just don't like the results they seem to get on the field. Look at their CL campaigns of late.

I think Chelsea is overrated this year. :shrug:

 
They need a MF partner for Carrick imo. I actually like Carrick a lot, but he needs someone in the middle with. I think Cleverley is massively overrated and that's where they need the upgrade. Hence the Cesc, Thiago inquires. Maybe Kagawa sits more in the middle, he's got some skill and could do with a consistent run of games.

Agree on City, save for the Navas acquisition. He had, what 0 goals and 5 assists in La Liga?

Chelsea could very well be overrated, and I would NOT mind them not winning it. That said, TSO(unlike Pelagrini) knows how to win in England and I think that will be very important.

 
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Some random wagering thoughts :oldunsure:

If you like United to win the EPL, like me, I'm going to wait. They are at +280 now, and have a pretty brutal first five games, including games vs Liverpool, City and Chelsea. Between that and resolution of the Rooney saga, I would wait until end of August and we'll have a better view of how things shake out. As of right now, I'd bet City to win it at +215/+220 and lay Chelsea.

I have futures on Reading and Watford in Championship and like them both - but right now, Leicester at +1400 is a bit interesting as they have a good side.

I have a decent interest in Juve -120 to win Serie A. I'll post some Serie A thoughts next week, but as a teaser, I love Juve and I don't see another team on their level.

Other leagues are no plays right now. I like Real Madrid to win La Liga, but am going to wait a few weeks, I don't see the price moving that much, save a Messi or Ronaldo injury, thus no reason to ruhs.

Tomorrow.....West Ham -104, Liverpool over 2.5 (-110)....and so many more bets :towelwave:

 
Can I play?

Chelsea

Manchester City

Manchester United

Tottenham

Arsenal

Liverpool

Swansea

Fulham

Newcastle

Sunderland

Everton

West Ham

Southampton

Aston Villa

Cardiff

Norwich

Stoke City

West Brom

Crystal Palace

Hull City Tigers

 
THe one thing I fear about Sunderland is the amount of turnover on that squad. It's very QPResque :oldunsure:

 
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I've heard something about some league kicking off this weekend. :pokey: I don't know much about that, but there are two live Bundesliga matches Saturday and one on Sunday on Gol.
Saturday
9:30 am Frankfurt v Bayern
12:30 pm Gladbach v Hannover
Sunday
11:30 am Dortmund v Braunschweig

 
.................Sturridge

Coutinho....Henderson......Aspas

............Gerrard.......Lucas

Enrique Agger Toure Johnson

..................Mignolet

ETA: NBC sez this.

 
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Considering those charts that Ramsay posted a couple days ago it's not encouraging to see Liverpool creating loads of chances, but not finishing or that Stoke have had one chance and hit the bar.

Also, Cameron playing a credible right back for Stoke.

 

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