2022-23 Football Season: Title Races and Cups Heat Up!

[Bombadil]

Why would you go to Madrid from PSG, doesn't make much sense. Man C would be a better bet though they're seemingly going for Kane.

Other than his agent wanting a cut of fees I don't see much reason for him to move.

Frankly I can't think of an attractive team these days, possibly Liverpool, but what team is even close to standing for a degree of ethical values and exciting play?

Some German team I guess.

PSG does not have much competition in the French league, and they still are overwhelming favorites to win the league by double digits (assuming Lille or some other underdog manages to undercut them). Mbappe would have more to show in a bigger league like in Spain or England. Considering Florentino Perez's wet dream is to buy all the galacticos he can get his hands on, Real Madrid are in hot pursuit for him. Liverpool would be in contention if not for their owners, who have a lower net spend than Brighton, Villa, Everton, Wolverhampton, and even a few Championship teams. The most likely English team to sign him would be Man City, who will obviously find ways to undercut FFP regulations and pay him over 1 million/week.

The goal here is Champion's League right? I just don't know if Real Madrid have a better chance than PSG of getting that even with M'Bappe, they've got no money.

If you want competition I'd head to Italy over Spain, or the Premier League.

I'd punt on Chelsea being a good fit, I think they're shaping up to be a pretty good team.

[Infected Mushroom]

Will France make a come back?

[Outer Sparta]

PSG does not have much competition in the French league, and they still are overwhelming favorites to win the league by double digits (assuming Lille or some other underdog manages to undercut them). Mbappe would have more to show in a bigger league like in Spain or England. Considering Florentino Perez's wet dream is to buy all the galacticos he can get his hands on, Real Madrid are in hot pursuit for him. Liverpool would be in contention if not for their owners, who have a lower net spend than Brighton, Villa, Everton, Wolverhampton, and even a few Championship teams. The most likely English team to sign him would be Man City, who will obviously find ways to undercut FFP regulations and pay him over 1 million/week.

The goal here is Champion's League right? I just don't know if Real Madrid have a better chance than PSG of getting that even with M'Bappe, they've got no money.

If you want competition I'd head to Italy over Spain, or the Premier League.

I'd punt on Chelsea being a good fit, I think they're shaping up to be a pretty good team.

Florentino Perez's masterclasses at Real Madrid have turned them into a clown show. The Italian team most likely to get Mbappe is Agnelli's Juventus, who looks like some mafia boss ready to beat up somebody.

[Bombadil]

Will France make a come back?

France and the Netherlands are similar in that they can produce mercurial players but too often fall to in-fighting among the team.

On paper they should win everything for the next few tournaments.

Pity they're French.

[The Champions League]

Will France make a come back?

Of course they will. Look at 2010, they were in utter turmoil and came back to feature in two finals in eight years. France is one of those powerful football nations that will always be at the top of the chain. A little step back won't mean anything in the long run.

[Infected Mushroom]

This is the sort of thing that gives me hope

[Outer Sparta]

Premier League Big Four squad preview (not counting any speculative transfers like Kane and Grealish to City, Kounde to Chelsea, etc.):

GK: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian
LB: Robertson, Tsimikas
CB: van Dijk, Gomez, Konate, Matip, Phillips, R. Williams, Ben Davies
RB: TAA, Neco Williams
MF: Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita, Woodburn, Ojo
Wingers: Mane, Salah, Jota, Shaqiri, Elliott, Minamino
Strikers: Firmino, Jota (can fill in at striker), Origi

Overall, Liverpool have a great starting XI but their depth is absolutely terrible. Only Konate and Jota are quality depth players. Keita and Matip don't count due to their horrendous injury history, while Origi just sits on the bench and does nothing of note. FSG does nothing but skimp on spending, especially as they think an injury-prone Keita and Matip are worth keeping as well as Origi who doesn't seem to do anything.

GK: De Gea/Henderson, Lee Grant, Tom Heaton
LB: Shaw, Telles, Brandon Williams
CB: Maguire, Varane, Lindelof, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Mengi
RB: Wan-Bissaka, Dalot
CM: McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Matic, van de Beek, Pereira, Mejbri, Garner
AM: Fernandes, Mata, Lingard
Wingers: Rashford, Sancho, Daniel James, Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga, Shoretire
Strikers: Cavani, Martial, Greenwood

Man United has a well-rounded roster with many positions of strength. Attacking depth is plentiful while their defense now has a top CB to pair with Maguire. However, their weakness is their central midfield, with McTominay and Fred being usually average, Pogba being too inconsistent, Matic being old, and van de Beek not being utilized enough.

GK: Mendy, Kepa, Bettinelli
LB: Chilwell, Alonso, Emerson
CB: Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Christensen, Zouma, Malang Sarr, Ampadu
RB: Reece James, Azpilicueta
DM: Jorginho, Kante, Bakayoko
CM: Kovacic, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher
AM: Havertz, Mount, Ziyech
Wingers: Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi
Strikers: Werner, Abraham, Batshuayi

Chelsea has a lot of depth especially with their defense and midfielders. Their strikers could be improved upon but Werner definitely can improve. Note that some of these lower-depth options will inevitably get loaned out due to Chelsea's loan army system.

GK: Ederson, Steffen, Scott Carson
LB: Zinchenko, Benjamin Mendy
CB: Dias, Laporte, Stones, Ake, Sandler
RB: Walker, Cancelo
DM: Rodri, Fernandinho
CM: De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan
Wingers: Sterling, Foden, Mahrez, Ferran Torres
Strikers: Gabriel Jesus

City obviously with their financial muscle from Abu Dhabi can build themselves a squad strong on both their starting XI and depth, especially as they have the liberty to spend 60 million on backup fullbacks. They do need a striker but can always experiment around if they somehow do not add another big-name striker to the mix and spend like 200 million at the very least.

[The Champions League]

Premier League Big Four squad preview (not counting any speculative transfers like Kane and Grealish to City, Kounde to Chelsea, etc.):

GK: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian
LB: Robertson, Tsimikas
CB: van Dijk, Gomez, Konate, Matip, Phillips, R. Williams, Ben Davies
RB: TAA, Neco Williams
MF: Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita, Woodburn, Ojo
Wingers: Mane, Salah, Jota, Shaqiri, Elliott, Minamino
Strikers: Firmino, Jota (can fill in at striker), Origi

Overall, Liverpool have a great starting XI but their depth is absolutely terrible. Only Konate and Jota are quality depth players. Keita and Matip don't count due to their horrendous injury history, while Origi just sits on the bench and does nothing of note. FSG does nothing but skimp on spending, especially as they think an injury-prone Keita and Matip are worth keeping as well as Origi who doesn't seem to do anything.

GK: De Gea/Henderson, Lee Grant, Tom Heaton
LB: Shaw, Telles, Brandon Williams
CB: Maguire, Varane, Lindelof, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Mengi
RB: Wan-Bissaka, Dalot
CM: McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Matic, van de Beek, Pereira, Mejbri, Garner
AM: Fernandes, Mata, Lingard
Wingers: Rashford, Sancho, Daniel James, Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga, Shoretire
Strikers: Cavani, Martial, Greenwood

Man United has a well-rounded roster with many positions of strength. Attacking depth is plentiful while their defense now has a top CB to pair with Maguire. However, their weakness is their central midfield, with McTominay and Fred being usually average, Pogba being too inconsistent, Matic being old, and van de Beek not being utilized enough.

GK: Mendy, Kepa, Bettinelli
LB: Chilwell, Alonso, Emerson
CB: Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Christensen, Zouma, Malang Sarr, Ampadu
RB: Reece James, Azpilicueta
DM: Jorginho, Kante, Bakayoko
CM: Kovacic, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher
AM: Havertz, Mount, Ziyech
Wingers: Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi
Strikers: Werner, Abraham, Batshuayi

Chelsea has a lot of depth especially with their defense and midfielders. Their strikers could be improved upon but Werner definitely can improve. Note that some of these lower-depth options will inevitably get loaned out due to Chelsea's loan army system.

GK: Ederson, Steffen, Scott Carson
LB: Zinchenko, Benjamin Mendy
CB: Dias, Laporte, Stones, Ake, Sandler
RB: Walker, Cancelo
DM: Rodri, Fernandinho
CM: De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan
Wingers: Sterling, Foden, Mahrez, Ferran Torres
Strikers: Gabriel Jesus

City obviously with their financial muscle from Abu Dhabi can build themselves a squad strong on both their starting XI and depth, especially as they have the liberty to spend 60 million on backup fullbacks. They do need a striker but can always experiment around if they somehow do not add another big-name striker to the mix and spend like 200 million at the very least.

Man U also has a weakness in hoarding ten million wingers. Not everyone will get playtime, especially the young ones and that will affect their growth. Man U? More like FIFA PSG

[Outer Sparta]

Premier League Big Four squad preview (not counting any speculative transfers like Kane and Grealish to City, Kounde to Chelsea, etc.):

GK: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian
LB: Robertson, Tsimikas
CB: van Dijk, Gomez, Konate, Matip, Phillips, R. Williams, Ben Davies
RB: TAA, Neco Williams
MF: Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita, Woodburn, Ojo
Wingers: Mane, Salah, Jota, Shaqiri, Elliott, Minamino
Strikers: Firmino, Jota (can fill in at striker), Origi

Overall, Liverpool have a great starting XI but their depth is absolutely terrible. Only Konate and Jota are quality depth players. Keita and Matip don't count due to their horrendous injury history, while Origi just sits on the bench and does nothing of note. FSG does nothing but skimp on spending, especially as they think an injury-prone Keita and Matip are worth keeping as well as Origi who doesn't seem to do anything.

GK: De Gea/Henderson, Lee Grant, Tom Heaton
LB: Shaw, Telles, Brandon Williams
CB: Maguire, Varane, Lindelof, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Mengi
RB: Wan-Bissaka, Dalot
CM: McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Matic, van de Beek, Pereira, Mejbri, Garner
AM: Fernandes, Mata, Lingard
Wingers: Rashford, Sancho, Daniel James, Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga, Shoretire
Strikers: Cavani, Martial, Greenwood

Man United has a well-rounded roster with many positions of strength. Attacking depth is plentiful while their defense now has a top CB to pair with Maguire. However, their weakness is their central midfield, with McTominay and Fred being usually average, Pogba being too inconsistent, Matic being old, and van de Beek not being utilized enough.

GK: Mendy, Kepa, Bettinelli
LB: Chilwell, Alonso, Emerson
CB: Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Christensen, Zouma, Malang Sarr, Ampadu
RB: Reece James, Azpilicueta
DM: Jorginho, Kante, Bakayoko
CM: Kovacic, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher
AM: Havertz, Mount, Ziyech
Wingers: Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi
Strikers: Werner, Abraham, Batshuayi

Chelsea has a lot of depth especially with their defense and midfielders. Their strikers could be improved upon but Werner definitely can improve. Note that some of these lower-depth options will inevitably get loaned out due to Chelsea's loan army system.

GK: Ederson, Steffen, Scott Carson
LB: Zinchenko, Benjamin Mendy
CB: Dias, Laporte, Stones, Ake, Sandler
RB: Walker, Cancelo
DM: Rodri, Fernandinho
CM: De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Gundogan
Wingers: Sterling, Foden, Mahrez, Ferran Torres
Strikers: Gabriel Jesus

City obviously with their financial muscle from Abu Dhabi can build themselves a squad strong on both their starting XI and depth, especially as they have the liberty to spend 60 million on backup fullbacks. They do need a striker but can always experiment around if they somehow do not add another big-name striker to the mix and spend like 200 million at the very least.

Man U also has a weakness in hoarding ten million wingers. Not everyone will get playtime, especially the young ones and that will affect their growth. Man U? More like FIFA PSG

I'd rather hoard a million forwards than not have any forwards behind the starters. The likes of Minamino, Origi, and Shaqiri cannot be relied upon to fill in, while for Man United, they can at least put in the likes of Daniel James, Greenwood, or Martial up front and still can be relied upon. Chelsea just laughs at everyone and sends their hoarded players on loan. Man City just spends 100 million on backup players. FSG at Liverpool will inevitably spend 50 pence and a ham sandwich on some no-name 19-year old from Luxembourg or whatever and call that "good depth."

[The Notorious Mad Jack]

At least one of Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga and Shoretire will likely be going out on loan, probably two.

Also Ole looks to be moving to a 4-3-3 rather than continue with the 4-2-3-1, but that depends on whether United sign a good holding midfielder.

[The Blaatschapen]

New poll! It's about where Mbappe might potentially end up, either in this transfer window or next! My prediction is that he will end up in Real Madrid sooner or later as they look to bring in more galactico attackers.

Why would you go to Madrid from PSG, doesn't make much sense. Man C would be a better bet though they're seemingly going for Kane.

Other than his agent wanting a cut of fees I don't see much reason for him to move.

Frankly I can't think of an attractive team these days, possibly Liverpool, but what team is even close to standing for a degree of ethical values and exciting play?

Some German team I guess.

Bayern, when it comes to the top teams.

Whether Bavaria is a part of Germany, eh, I'll leave that up to you

[The Blaatschapen]

Will France make a come back?

France and the Netherlands are similar in that they can produce mercurial players but too often fall to in-fighting among the team.

On paper they should win everything for the next few tournaments.

Pity they're French.

In fighting among the team?

The Netherlands?

When?

1996, sure, but that's ancient history. Recently? I can only think of Dost being disillusioned about his role.

[Outer Sparta]

At least one of Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga and Shoretire will likely be going out on loan, probably two.

Also Ole looks to be moving to a 4-3-3 rather than continue with the 4-2-3-1, but that depends on whether United sign a good holding midfielder.

A top DM is needed if United want to play a 4-3-3, like a Casemiro, Fabinho, or Rodri kind of player.

[Mathuvan Union]

Apparently Jack Wilshere is training with Derby County.
Maybe their saving grace?

[Outer Sparta]

France and the Netherlands are similar in that they can produce mercurial players but too often fall to in-fighting among the team.

On paper they should win everything for the next few tournaments.

Pity they're French.

In fighting among the team?

The Netherlands?

When?

1996, sure, but that's ancient history. Recently? I can only think of Dost being disillusioned about his role.

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

[The Blaatschapen]

In fighting among the team?

The Netherlands?

When?

1996, sure, but that's ancient history. Recently? I can only think of Dost being disillusioned about his role.

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

Oh, no comments on Frank de Boer's resume. But my questions were about infighting.

[Bombadil]

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

Oh, no comments on Frank de Boer's resume. But my questions were about infighting.

Link

[The Notorious Mad Jack]

At least one of Diallo, Pellistri, Elanga and Shoretire will likely be going out on loan, probably two.

Also Ole looks to be moving to a 4-3-3 rather than continue with the 4-2-3-1, but that depends on whether United sign a good holding midfielder.

A top DM is needed if United want to play a 4-3-3, like a Casemiro, Fabinho, or Rodri kind of player.

Or try and bait Leicester into looking for the 'next Ndidi'. Shake the tree by making a serious, if seriously undervalued bid (say like 50 million), and see who Leicester get linked with, then go sign that player. United's problem is that their European scouting is straight trash. They don't touch Austria, for example, because they assume anyone good is already in Red Bull's system.

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

Someone doesn't remember Paul Sturrock.

[Outer Sparta]

A top DM is needed if United want to play a 4-3-3, like a Casemiro, Fabinho, or Rodri kind of player.

Or try and bait Leicester into looking for the 'next Ndidi'. Shake the tree by making a serious, if seriously undervalued bid (say like 50 million), and see who Leicester get linked with, then go sign that player. United's problem is that their European scouting is straight trash. They don't touch Austria, for example, because they assume anyone good is already in Red Bull's system.

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

Someone doesn't remember Paul Sturrock.

Meanwhile FSG are perfectly content with Minamino and Origi as strikers. Basically, we have zero strikers that are clinical.

Frank De Boer, the worst PL and possibly the worst Dutch NT manager of all time, probably doesn't help matters with his god-awful tactics and anti-football style. We'll see how van Gaal does in yet another return to coach the Netherlands, but I rather prefer van Gaal since he's a proven winner instead of the ineffective De Boer who got sacked by Crystal Palace, took Inter down to like 12th before being sacked, and also regressed Atlanta United a lot and got sacked in the MLS.

Oh, no comments on Frank de Boer's resume. But my questions were about infighting.

I always go after Frank De Boer whenever the opportunity arises. Somehow he keeps on failing upward despite not being a good manager. Maybe it's the big name as a player.

[The Champions League]

Qatar finally gets eliminated from the Gold Cup

Horrible finishing, a clear penalty missed, lack of leadership, serves them right to get eliminated

[Bahia Roja]

New poll! It's about where Mbappe might potentially end up, either in this transfer window or next! My prediction is that he will end up in Real Madrid sooner or later as they look to bring in more galactico attackers.

I don't think he should go to Madrid right now. I have a feeling he's going to be squandered if he makes the move. Give him two or three years for him to finally find some consistency and some footing as a player.

[Outer Sparta]

Qatar finally gets eliminated from the Gold Cup

Horrible finishing, a clear penalty missed, lack of leadership, serves them right to get eliminated

Oil merchants lose a tiny competition like the Gold Cup. Imagine them losing to the Solomon Islands if they somehow compete in the OFC tournament.

[Bombadil]

I'm good with Villa, they took on Dion Dublin who started out at my own club, Cambridge United, back in our glory days of the early 90's.

Oh man it’s been a minute. Haven’t heard his name in a long time.
I miss the 90s though…

As it is.. just this month Dion Dublin returned to Cambridge United after being appointed as a director.

PL here we come..

[Ayytaly]

Qatar finally gets eliminated from the Gold Cup

Horrible finishing, a clear penalty missed, lack of leadership, serves them right to get eliminated

The irony is that they were eliminated by the USA. Not because of the USA's thirst for oil, but because they're having a cultural war against Mexican football fans over a chant they [the US] claim is "homophobic", yet they still invited a country known for their ruthless anti-LGBT laws to their tournament.

Actually, I take that back. It's not irony, it's hypocrisy.

[The Champions League]

Qatar finally gets eliminated from the Gold Cup

Horrible finishing, a clear penalty missed, lack of leadership, serves them right to get eliminated

The irony is that they were eliminated by the USA. Not because of the USA's thirst for oil, but because they're having a cultural war against Mexican football fans over a chant they [the US] claim is "homophobic", yet they still invited a country known for their ruthless anti-LGBT laws to their tournament.

Actually, I take that back. It's not irony, it's hypocrisy.

Don't blame the US over that, blame the corrupt CONCACAF board that's obviously just not American