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English Premier League 2014-2015

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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
Figure with the transfer window opening soon it was time to start a new thread.



Will Manchester City win the title again?
Can Liverpool retain Suarez? Will he be the same after knee surgery?
Will Manchester United make it back into the top 4?
Will Tottenham ever live up to expectations?
Will Mourinho last the season?

To start it off, David Luiz has signed for PSG for 50 million pounds.
May 23 2014 8:15PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
SaacPumped to watch Man City play Milan this Sunday in Pittsburgh.Interested to see if they will play the best 11


I think you will see a strong starting 11 for the first 30 minutes or so. I don't know who they are bringing, but I imagine they will bring a few of the new signings.
Jul 22 2014 8:18AM
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
might make a english championship thread now i no longer belong her :(
Jul 22 2014 6:08PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
tusken_assraidermight make a english championship thread now i no longer belong her :(


Would anyone mind if I asked the mods to change the thread title to European soccer instead?
Jul 22 2014 6:44PM
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bakedpow
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.MASSHOLE.Would anyone mind if I asked the mods to change the thread title to European soccer instead?


absolutely yes. everyone knows the other leagues are rubbish;)
Jul 22 2014 7:40PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
Bakerpowabsolutely yes. everyone knows the other leagues are rubbish;)


Thats why La Liga has the CL ;-)
Jul 22 2014 8:13PM
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bakedpow
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.MASSHOLE.Thats why La Liga has the CL ;-)


i mean to be fair la ligue is 3 teams pretty much. the other leagues are dominated by money and one team for the most part.
Jul 22 2014 10:09PM
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
speaking of other european leagues, in the scottish prem the 4 most followed teams celtic, rangers, hibs and hearts are all in the scottish championship haha fucking crazy, whats more only three can be promoted
Jul 23 2014 5:12AM
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*DUMBCAN*
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tusken_assraiderspeaking of other european leagues, in the scottish prem the 4 most followed teams celtic, rangers, hibs and hearts are all in the scottish championship haha fucking crazy, whats more only three can be promoted


Wrong on two counts.

Celtic are still in the SPL.
Rangers, Hearts and Hibs are all in the championship, which is about as obscure a league as the norwegian third division.
Also only one team is promoted.
Jul 23 2014 10:33AM
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
*DUMBCAN*Wrong on two counts.

Celtic are still in the SPL.
Rangers, Hearts and Hibs are all in the championship, which is about as obscure a league as the norwegian third division.
Also only one team is promoted.


i suck at scottish leagues cant remember who told me that
Jul 23 2014 10:44AM
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
tusken_assraideri suck at scottish leagues cant remember who told me that


and how would i ever be fooled into thinking celtic would have been relegated
Jul 23 2014 10:46AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
*DUMBCAN*Wrong on two counts.

Celtic are still in the SPL.
Rangers, Hearts and Hibs are all in the championship, which is about as obscure a league as the norwegian third division.
Also only one team is promoted.

Jesus, what happened to the Rangers?
Jul 23 2014 11:47AM
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Chunter
Posts: 2050 - Karma: 1,894
tusken_assraidermight make a english championship thread now i no longer belong her :(


.MASSHOLE.Would anyone mind if I asked the mods to change the thread title to European soccer instead?


I don't mind if it's changed; it has always been alot of Premier League talk with other European leagues thrown in which I always enjoy anyways. I'm a fan of the game as a whole but follow the Premier League the closest (like most in here).
Jul 23 2014 1:01PM
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*DUMBCAN*
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.MASSHOLE.Jesus, what happened to the Rangers?


They ran out of money. Unlike when most clubs do (it happens every Tuesday here), they couldn't find anyone stupid enough to pay off their debts and buy the club. They sold everything they could and dropped down to like the third division, and now I think they might be on the way back.
Jul 23 2014 2:20PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
*DUMBCAN*They ran out of money. Unlike when most clubs do (it happens every Tuesday here), they couldn't find anyone stupid enough to pay off their debts and buy the club. They sold everything they could and dropped down to like the third division, and now I think they might be on the way back.


So they pulled a Leeds. Yikes. Well, to be honest, if you mess a club up that badly you deserve it.
Jul 23 2014 2:51PM
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fujarome
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the current rangers also technically have no real connection to the old one. Same name, same stadium, and they lay claim to their achievements, but it is actually a new club.

Despite what happened to them, they're still bullying their way back up to the SPL because no small club can come close to them.


also on a similar note, French club AS Cannes, the club which helped bring out Zidane and Vieira as well as many others officially shut down the other day. The money ran out
Jul 23 2014 3:16PM
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bakedpow
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looks like calum chambers of southampton is set to move to arsenal, iv seen varying reports on the agreed price. good signing imo, provide some depth and competition behind debuchy. get rid of jenkinson.
Jul 25 2014 8:00PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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The legend Didier Drogba is going back to Chelsea for 1 year as a player/ coach. Arsenal fans better watch out.
Jul 26 2014 12:48AM
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.MASSHOLE.
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Loic Remy failed his Liverpool medical. Wow.


Now what
Jul 27 2014 1:39PM
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GuacamoleMane
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costa and fabregas looking great already
Jul 27 2014 2:15PM
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Chunter
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.MASSHOLE.Loic Remy failed his Liverpool medical. Wow.


Now what


How the hell does that even happen?

THEpancakemancosta and fabregas looking great already


Lewandoski is off on a tear already too. Bayern is going to be terrifying...like they are every damn year.
Jul 27 2014 7:37PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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ChunterHow the hell does that even happen?



Lewandoski is off on a tear already too. Bayern is going to be terrifying...like they are every damn year.


It could be numerous reasons, but if I had to guess, I would say it is probably related to his heart condition that they found during his transfer from Nice to Marsielle when he was in Ligue 1.

Lewandowski is MUCH better than Costa too in my opinion. He is stronger and more skilled on the ball in my opinion. I think Costa will struggle adapting to the physicality of the EPL defenders.
Jul 27 2014 7:41PM
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Fun_dip
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I think Drogba is going to see more time than people anticipate. What's the deal with Lukaku? Seemed like he was going to be sold for sure and then all talk died down.

Bummed to see Milan be so shit. Always hated them, but still it just seems wrong for them to be so bad.
Jul 27 2014 8:11PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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.MASSHOLE.It could be numerous reasons, but if I had to guess, I would say it is probably related to his heart condition that they found during his transfer from Nice to Marsielle when he was in Ligue 1.

Lewandowski is MUCH better than Costa too in my opinion. He is stronger and more skilled on the ball in my opinion. I think Costa will struggle adapting to the physicality of the EPL defenders.


Costa definitely is stronger than Lewa in my opinion, but Lewandowski is a better striker and not a cunt. Costa is cunty enough to deal with the EPL defenders like he dealt with Ramos and Pepe when playing Real. I think he will have a great season. Chelsea, at least on paper, look like favorites for the title.
Jul 28 2014 12:28AM
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.MASSHOLE.
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TheSteezyKoalaCosta definitely is stronger than Lewa in my opinion, but Lewandowski is a better striker and not a cunt. Costa is cunty enough to deal with the EPL defenders like he dealt with Ramos and Pepe when playing Real. I think he will have a great season. Chelsea, at least on paper, look like favorites for the title.


I would take Lewandowski over Costa any day, especially after his WC performance. Lewandowski has a nose for goal that is hard to find, and playing on a team like Bayern, he could challenge for the Golden Boot.

He may able to handle Ramos and Pepe for minimum 2 games a season, but I don't know if he can handle defenders like Kompany and co., Vertonghen and co., and Koscielny and co., minimum 6 times. The caliber of defending in the EPL is much higher than that of La Liga. Outside of AM, RM, and Barca, the defending is mediocre at best, and to be frank, RM, and Barcelona looked very shaky in the back many of their games. Will he be better than Torres? It will be hard not to be, but I don't think he will be the new Drogba.

I think Man City are still favorites, and by quite a bit. They needed to merely upgrade their CB which they did, and they even added a new CDM.


On a transfer note,

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/liga-atletico-madrid-agree-deal-griezmann-091257478--sow.html

I am kind of bummed Liverpool or Man U did not take a run at him.
Jul 28 2014 8:00AM
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90053
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TheSteezyKoalaCosta definitely is stronger than Lewa in my opinion, but Lewandowski is a better striker and not a cunt. Costa is cunty enough to deal with the EPL defenders like he dealt with Ramos and Pepe when playing Real. I think he will have a great season. Chelsea, at least on paper, look like favorites for the title.


i completely disagree costa is v. overrated imo. he's only had one good season and he's like 25 now, lewandoski has had 20+ goals the last 3 consecutive seasons for borussia. top goalscorer in the bundesliga last season.
Jul 28 2014 8:14AM
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
tusken_assraideri completely disagree costa is v. overrated imo. he's only had one good season and he's like 25 now, lewandoski has had 20+ goals the last 3 consecutive seasons for borussia. top goalscorer in the bundesliga last season.


did not read carefully ignore
Jul 28 2014 8:16AM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
When will teams learn twitter Q&A never end well...

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/askjesus-navas-q-descends-biblical-chaos-133418385.html
Jul 28 2014 10:57AM
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Chunter
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Ahaha I lost immediately after seeing the hashtag alone.
Jul 28 2014 11:24AM
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Fun_dip
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Griezman to Atletico. Maybe they'll shock everyone and be serious competitors again.
Jul 28 2014 12:38PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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Fun_dipGriezman to Atletico. Maybe they'll shock everyone and be serious competitors again.


Offensively they are still quite the threat with Mandzukic, Griezmann, Koke, Turan, etc. But defensively can they replace what they have lost?

I think Atletico is here to stay for a period of time.
Jul 28 2014 12:47PM
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bakedpow
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.MASSHOLE.Offensively they are still quite the threat with Mandzukic, Griezmann, Koke, Turan, etc. But defensively can they replace what they have lost?

I think Atletico is here to stay for a period of time.


I agree. I like the coach and he had made some very good transfers giving me hope he can continue the level and make LA ligue a little more exciting.
Jul 28 2014 12:54PM
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
.MASSHOLE.Offensively they are still quite the threat with Mandzukic, Griezmann, Koke, Turan, etc. But defensively can they replace what they have lost?

I think Atletico is here to stay for a period of time.


I agree. I like the coach and he had made some very good transfers giving me hope he can continue the level and make LA ligue a little more exciting.
Jul 28 2014 12:54PM
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Chunter
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.MASSHOLE.Offensively they are still quite the threat with Mandzukic, Griezmann, Koke, Turan, etc. But defensively can they replace what they have lost?

I think Atletico is here to stay for a period of time.


I would hope so as well, they're super likable almost the La Liga equivalent of Arsenal. Always selling and never buying until now. If only the gunners could match AM's result last season...
Jul 28 2014 1:06PM
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Fun_dip
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.MASSHOLE.Offensively they are still quite the threat with Mandzukic, Griezmann, Koke, Turan, etc. But defensively can they replace what they have lost?

I think Atletico is here to stay for a period of time.


Luis was good but they still have the core of their defense which I think will continue to serve them well. That being said I don't think they can continue to compete with Barcelona and RM. They had a special year by their standards that I don't see being replicated. Hopefully they prove me wrong though. The more competitive the better
Jul 28 2014 1:35PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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.MASSHOLE.I would take Lewandowski over Costa any day, especially after his WC performance. Lewandowski has a nose for goal that is hard to find, and playing on a team like Bayern, he could challenge for the Golden Boot.

He may able to handle Ramos and Pepe for minimum 2 games a season, but I don't know if he can handle defenders like Kompany and co., Vertonghen and co., and Koscielny and co., minimum 6 times. The caliber of defending in the EPL is much higher than that of La Liga. Outside of AM, RM, and Barca, the defending is mediocre at best, and to be frank, RM, and Barcelona looked very shaky in the back many of their games. Will he be better than Torres? It will be hard not to be, but I don't think he will be the new Drogba.

I think Man City are still favorites, and by quite a bit. They needed to merely upgrade their CB which they did, and they even added a new CDM.


Lewandowski is easily the better striker not gonna argue that I would take him over Costa without hesitation, but Costa will not be a flop this season imo. He doesn't fit with Spain's style so the WC performance means nothing. But with service from Hazard, Cesc, Oscar, Schurrle and Willian I think he will be able to score a lot this season. City still have a very good squad, but Chelseas transfer window has been great. Luiz out for 50m and Cesc, Costa, and Luis in with Courtouis back from loan.
Jul 28 2014 1:42PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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TheSteezyKoalaLewandowski is easily the better striker not gonna argue that I would take him over Costa without hesitation, but Costa will not be a flop this season imo. He doesn't fit with Spain's style so the WC performance means nothing. But with service from Hazard, Cesc, Oscar, Schurrle and Willian I think he will be able to score a lot this season. City still have a very good squad, but Chelseas transfer window has been great. Luiz out for 50m and Cesc, Costa, and Luis in with Courtouis back from loan.


We will see. I have never been sold on Costa in general so I do not understand all the hype. He was a product of the system in my eyes and will have trouble replicating it.

But on the topic of Cesc, I do think he will succeed at Chelsea which will be unfortunate for Arsenal considering they turned down the opportunity to sign him.
Jul 28 2014 1:44PM
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fujarome
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I've been an Arsenal fan my whole life, and this transfer window has been easily one of the best.

Though I do feel bad for Southampton. So much young, homegrown talent and they can't hold onto any of them.

also makes you wonder how exactly such a smaller scale club routinely produces amazing players...
Jul 28 2014 2:16PM
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Twig
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fujaromeI've been an Arsenal fan my whole life, and this transfer window has been easily one of the best.

Though I do feel bad for Southampton. So much young, homegrown talent and they can't hold onto any of them.

also makes you wonder how exactly such a smaller scale club routinely produces amazing players...


We needed a striker and a goalkeeper, check and check, could definitely do with signing a defensive midfielder but if we do, I'll be relatively happy. If Vermaelen leaves we will need another centre back, though Chambers can cover there.

My one concern is we may come to regret letting Fabregas join a title rival.
Jul 28 2014 2:43PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
Dare to Zlatan!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2143602-zlatan-ibrahimovic-scores-another-crazy-backheel-volley-in-psg-training
Jul 28 2014 2:44PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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.MASSHOLE.We will see. I have never been sold on Costa in general so I do not understand all the hype. He was a product of the system in my eyes and will have trouble replicating it.

If Costa fails, there are still Lukaku and Didier, both proven in the PL, though Droga is getting old.
Jul 28 2014 3:37PM
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90053
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TheSteezyKoalaIf Costa fails, there are still Lukaku and Didier, both proven in the PL, though Droga is getting old.


lets be honest chelsea's midfield is so good that they can manage without a decent striker

schurrle, willian, hazard, oscar all entering their prime. But now fabregas as well!

backed up by salah, matic, van ginkel back from injury

i can see chelsea winning the prem and definitely challenging bayern for the champions league title they look so solid

and lukaku is so young still and looks really promising far more so than costa, especially seeing as he already has PL goals

im calling it now chelsea 2014-2015 champions...i dont even like them
Jul 28 2014 4:47PM
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Twig
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tusken_assraiderand lukaku is so young still and looks really promising far more so than costa, especially seeing as he already has PL goals

im calling it now chelsea 2014-2015 champions...i dont even like them


There is a good chance lukaku will leave, he certainly wants out. After being loaned out last season, playing well and then watching Jose bring in Costa, I can see why. I agree though, I think chelsea are favourites, they should have won last year, but dropped stupid points.
Jul 28 2014 5:15PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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TwigThere is a good chance lukaku will leave, he certainly wants out. After being loaned out last season, playing well and then watching Jose bring in Costa, I can see why. I agree though, I think chelsea are favourites, they should have won last year, but dropped stupid points.


I will be shocked if Lukaku stays at Chelsea. He is wanted apparently by RM, Wolfsburg, Everton, Atletico, and others. Hell, I wouldn't be shocked if Liverpool made a run at him.

I still do not see them as favorites even with their upgrades. The question remains can they score? Costa hasn't even played a game yet, Willian and Oscar both came off a horrible WC, and we have to see how the team plays.

I see Madrid, Bayern and Barcelona as favorites over Chelsea in the CL. If the goals do not come, then what can they do?
Jul 28 2014 6:09PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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.MASSHOLE.I will be shocked if Lukaku stays at Chelsea. He is wanted apparently by RM, Wolfsburg, Everton, Atletico, and others. Hell, I wouldn't be shocked if Liverpool made a run at him.

I still do not see them as favorites even with their upgrades. The question remains can they score? Costa hasn't even played a game yet, Willian and Oscar both came off a horrible WC, and we have to see how the team plays.

I see Madrid, Bayern and Barcelona as favorites over Chelsea in the CL. If the goals do not come, then what can they do?


The only reason he would stay is because they brought Drogba Back. But as the guy said up there their midfield is insane. If costa doesn't work I could even see Shurrle playing a false 9. Oscar was arguably the second best attacking player for Brazil this WC, it's not his fault the rest of his team was shite. He plays much better for Chelsea and I could see them easily winning the PL and making a long CL Run. Madrid and Bayern also have incredible depth, but Barcelona could use some improvements.


Chelsea's lineup could look like this:
------------------Courtois/Cech-----------------
Ivanovic/Azpi---Terry----Cahill-----Luis
----------------Matic------Cesc/Mikel----------------
Willian/Schurrle----Oscar/Cesc--------------Hazard
------------Costa/Drogba/Lukaku/Schurrle-----------
Jul 28 2014 7:40PM
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 11,538
TheSteezyKoalaThe only reason he would stay is because they brought Drogba Back. But as the guy said up there their midfield is insane. If costa doesn't work I could even see Shurrle playing a false 9. Oscar was arguably the second best attacking player for Brazil this WC, it's not his fault the rest of his team was shite. He plays much better for Chelsea and I could see them easily winning the PL and making a long CL Run. Madrid and Bayern also have incredible depth, but Barcelona could use some improvements.


Chelsea's lineup could look like this:
------------------Courtois/Cech-----------------
Ivanovic/Azpi---Terry----Cahill-----Luis
----------------Matic------Cesc/Mikel----------------
Willian/Schurrle----Oscar/Cesc--------------Hazard
------------Costa/Drogba/Lukaku/Schurrle-----------



That would be a horrible reason to stay. He will fall behind the pecking order because I am assuming Drogba would not sign with them unless guaranteed time.

Their midfield is unquestionably good, but again, goals. None of those other players are goal scorers save Drogba and Costa. If Costa cannot score that leaves an aging Drogba, Schurrle who has only produced 8 goals in 30 games for Chelsea, Willian has only produced 4 in 25, Oscar 12 in 67, and Cesc is not a pure goal scorer. Hazard is the only one with that nose, but even he can have his off-periods.

I have my doubts of them being able to win a double, hell, even a title, if they cannot score.
Jul 28 2014 8:06PM
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Bogs
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TheSteezyKoalaBut as the guy said up there their midfield is insane. If costa doesn't work I could even see Shurrle playing a false 9. Oscar was arguably the second best attacking player for Brazil this WC, it's not his fault the rest of his team was shite. He plays much better for Chelsea and I could see them easily winning the PL and making a long CL Run. Madrid and Bayern also have incredible depth, but Barcelona could use some improvements.


Yes, their midfield is really, really good on paper, but look what it played like last year. Mourinho complained about not having a good enough striker, but even then it's not like Chelsea were creating chance after chance and whoever was up top kept missing. For whatever reason, Chelsea's midfield rarely clicked on the field, and almost never against the strongest teams they played. If Chelsea are to go far in the cl, they'll have to play start playing consistently much better than they did last year.

Barca have made a lot of improvements, I think. If Enrique can get the team together and the new players play as well with Barca as with their old clubs, they should be really good again. Rakitic and Mathieu, especially Mathieu, will be underrated because they play in La Liga (always happens, teams/players who don't play in the epl are constantly over/underrated by people who exclusively [or almost exclusively] watch the epl), but both are very solid...there's a reason Barca had to shell out 20 million for Mathieu.
Jul 28 2014 8:11PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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WattsYes, their midfield is really, really good on paper, but look what it played like last year. Mourinho complained about not having a good enough striker, but even then it's not like Chelsea were creating chance after chance and whoever was up top kept missing. For whatever reason, Chelsea's midfield rarely clicked on the field, and almost never against the strongest teams they played. If Chelsea are to go far in the cl, they'll have to play start playing consistently much better than they did last year.

Barca have made a lot of improvements, I think. If Enrique can get the team together and the new players play as well with Barca as with their old clubs, they should be really good again. Rakitic and Mathieu, especially Mathieu, will be underrated because they play in La Liga (always happens, teams/players who don't play in the epl are constantly over/underrated by people who exclusively [or almost exclusively] watch the epl), but both are very solid...there's a reason Barca had to shell out 20 million for Mathieu.


Agree with the whole Chelsea midfield debacle.

I think Barcelona will be quite difficult this year assuming they can get Suarez, Messi, and Neymar to all click. I think Rakitic (who is brilliant) will be a star on Barcelona. Mathieu IMO seemed like a panic CB purchase. I am not saying he is not a good player, but I don't think he is worth 20 million euros which is a little less than the 25ish Liverpool shelled out for Lovren who is much younger. It will be an interesting El Clasico for sure!
Jul 28 2014 8:21PM
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TheSteezyKoala
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WattsYes, their midfield is really, really good on paper, but look what it played like last year. Mourinho complained about not having a good enough striker, but even then it's not like Chelsea were creating chance after chance and whoever was up top kept missing. For whatever reason, Chelsea's midfield rarely clicked on the field, and almost never against the strongest teams they played. If Chelsea are to go far in the cl, they'll have to play start playing consistently much better than they did last year.

Barca have made a lot of improvements, I think. If Enrique can get the team together and the new players play as well with Barca as with their old clubs, they should be really good again. Rakitic and Mathieu, especially Mathieu, will be underrated because they play in La Liga (always happens, teams/players who don't play in the epl are constantly over/underrated by people who exclusively [or almost exclusively] watch the epl), but both are very solid...there's a reason Barca had to shell out 20 million for Mathieu.


I'd argue that they played very well against the good teams but threw away some easy games. They did just bring in Fabregas who is very good at creating chances. On paper they have a very, very strong midfield, and I agree they need consistency. We need to see what Mourinho does and how they play together. But I can't see any other team that looks very formidable save City and maybe Arsenal with the addition of Sanchez. Liverpool has no Suarez so Sturridge will need to be huge. Man U might have hope with LVG trying to turn things back. I'm predicting:
1. Chelsea
2. City
3. Arsenal
4. United, Liverpool, Everton

I was unaware Barca signed Mathieu they needed a CB. I still don't think they are as strong as Real or Bayern they don't have the same depth.
Jul 28 2014 8:34PM
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Bogs
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.MASSHOLE.Mathieu IMO seemed like a panic CB purchase. I am not saying he is not a good player, but I don't think he is worth 20 million euros which is a little less than the 25ish Liverpool shelled out for Lovren who is much younger.


Whether or not they overpaid for him, and only time will tell if they did, I don't think it was a panic buy. I think Mathieu was simply the first defender on the list of players Enrique wanted, which is why Barca did pay so much to get him. That the deal was completely relatively early in the transfer window also makes it seem like it wasn't a panic buy.

TheSteezyKoalaOn paper they have a very, very strong midfield, and I agree they need consistency. We need to see what Mourinho does and how they play together.


This is the key for Chelsea, obviously. Will Mourinho let the players go out and play in big matches, or will it always be like it was against Liverpool when they parked the bus for 90 minutes, despite all the creative players in midfield. It's very hard to win championships, both league and cup, if your strategy is to park the bus anytime you play a good team. And then, if Mourinho does let them try and score goals, will the players be able to do so consistently against the very best teams both in the epl and in Europe.

I agree that Bayern and Real both have more depth than Barca, but besides those two I think Barca are on par with anyone in Europe.
Jul 28 2014 9:35PM
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.MASSHOLE.
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WattsWhether or not they overpaid for him, and only time will tell if they did, I don't think it was a panic buy. I think Mathieu was simply the first defender on the list of players Enrique wanted, which is why Barca did pay so much to get him. That the deal was completely relatively early in the transfer window also makes it seem like it wasn't a panic buy.


I think he could have gone for younger and potentially better players like Vermaelen, Marquinhos, Agger, or even Miranda of AM. While they are not all cheaper, they have the potential to be effective for longer. Mathieu was signed to a 4 year deal and if he ages as poorly as Ferdinand or Vidic, it could be problematic. But time will tell.

I just think Enrique could have waited for a better opportunity rather than pounce on the first team to agree, which is what this seems to be. The Agger and Marquinhos rumors have been around for almost 6 months now too.
Jul 28 2014 9:45PM
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