European Soccer Club Season

[numbskull]

Some thoughts on the EPL.

I think the best inside mid the US is likely to have going forward will be this kid Holden, who is now with Bolton, and has looked good when I've seen him. It will be interesting to see how he does as the season begins. Sucks that the US resigned Bradley as coach. It means his son will be a fixture for the next cycle...and although he is good, I think we can do better inside.

Curious to see what becomes of Dempsey now that Hodgson has left Fulham. I never thought Dempsey was a particularly reliable midfielder, particularly defensively, but his goal scoring ability keeps getting him on the field. He didn't start Fulham's last game and I wonder if he will have to (or can) improve his game to get significant playing time this year.

As much as I admire Friedel, I'm hoping he picks up some nagging injury that gives Guzman a run in Villa's goal. I'd like to see how he can do.

My wife's team is Newcastle. This guy Carroll looks like the real deal. Their owner is a turd, but I want to see them do well and stay up.

Liverpool is a sad case. Amazing how losing one key player, Xavi Alonso, can start such a downward spiral. They are in deep trouble now with Mascharano gone. Got a better coach, however.

Tottenham looks like a threat to beat anyone, but probably don't have the depth to make a serious run at the top. I think they will be the team most fun to watch this year.

Arsenal looks like a shadow of their former selves.

Man City is going to be very good, I think.

ManU always surprises me. They seem above average but nothing special at most positions, but Ferguson really knows how to assemble a team that functions well together. Rooney is lost right now, but once he gets it back they'll contend.

Chelsea, I'm starting to hate, even without Ballack. But Drogba is amazing, Malouda looks poised for a breakout season, and Essien is a force of nature. I think they'll dominate this year.

As I see it.

Chelsea
Man U
Man City
Tottenham
Arsenal

[mosholu]

Upfront disclosure: I am an Arsenal supporter.
Chelsea looks great so far but they do not play any one of quality until Man City and the end of the month.
The season is barely three weeks old and the injuries are starting to take their toll around the league but especially at Arsenal. Both Walcott and Von Persie out for at least four weeks will really hurt the goal production. On the positive side Arshavin and Chamak will get all the playing time they need to show they can contribute on a consistent basis. Man City has lost Balotelli and Spurs lost Defoe for a few weeks as well.
I am happy to see Newcastle playing well because they have a very devoted fan base and deserve better than what they have gotten over the last few years. Same with Portsmouth, but I am afraid their race is run and they are headed further down.
Liverpool are in a rebuilding year and I think Hodgeson will sort them out by the second half of the year to keep them in the top ten.
Interesting that Dempsey seems to be out of favor with Mark Hughes, if so he should move in January as there are many teams in the EPL that would be happy to give him first team football.
Finally, it is insanity Mr. Numbskull to ever think that Spurs will finish above Arsenal.

[Bronko]

Tottenham guy here. Can't stand ManU. City will be tough this year but I think Chelsea is the team to beat.

My Top 5

Chelsea
Man City
Man U
Tottenham
Liverpool

And in the SPL CELTIC over Rangers (the Huns).

[mosholu]

According to UK papers the owners of the Boston Red Sox have made a "substantial and credible bid" to buy Liverpool FC. There is reportedly one other bidder.

[luds]

Watching Aston Villa beat up on Man U. Just painful. Nani's diving and Berbatov's constant complaining about poor service makes my blood boil. Hopefully Rooney comes back in good form. Berbatov is a talent but he doesn't create his own opportunities through hustle like Rooney or even Hernandez. I'd like to seem him ride pine for a bit. As I type this Macheta just put one in the the back. Hopefully another coming.

[luds]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[luds]

Looking forward to heading home to watch.......

El Clasico!!!!!!