We kick off our 1st episode in our podcast series with 3 huge debates involving 2 of our footiefantasy writers: Watch & enjoy ..Video was recorded on 8/25 before the weekend games [Read more…] about WHICH MANAGER GETS SACKED 1ST
Archives for August 2018
A probable tactical solution to the problems at Manchester United : Part 2
This is in continuation to our previous article where we were discussing a probable tactical solution for Manchester United which is practical, will be relatively easy to implement, mask potential weaknesses as well as highlight their strengths. Let us take a look at the proposed formation again for clarity of discussion which is somewhat of a 3-4-1-2 formation based on loose positionings.
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A probable tactical Solution to the problems at Manchester United : Part 1
It is safe to assume that Manchester United under Jose Mourinho has a less than expected start to their PL journey. They had a more or less forgettable pre season and after their EPL opening day victory, yesterday’s loss to Brighton was a lackluster affair. While media will be busy in pointing fingers towards who is responsible between Jose and Management for the current affair of events, let us quickly look at what are the options available to Jose to quickly cater the problems as well as maximize the resources available as per the resources available to him.
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EPL predictions : why Liverpool are primed to win EPL this season
Last season was a whirlwind for EPL as Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side swept aside all and won the league with a record 100 points as well as scored 100 goals. Naturally this season, they are the bookie’s favorite to win it again as they have started their title defense with a sweeping 2-0 victory over Arsenal. But this time Pep will face a formidable foe who can snatch the title away from Etihad. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool defeated City three out of four times last season, once in the league and twice in Champions league. Liverpool reached the UCL finals too where an unfortunate injury to their star man, Mohammad Salah, as well as mistakes from their Goal keeper meant, they were defeated 1-3 by Real Madrid who completed an unprecedented treble of UCL victories. But Jurgen Klopp have slowly assembled a squad which threatens to be a juggernaut this season.
Liverpool have one of the most lethal front three in current football. The trio of Mane-Firmino-Salah are a fantastic combination of speed, skill, finesse and finishing. They ensure that Liverpool can employ Klopp’s gegenpress and then murder teams using their lightning pace and superb finishing. Both Alexandar Arnold and Robertson has been revelations under Klopp last season and even played UCL final. This season Clyne will again join them after returning from injury. Last January, Liverpool have purchased Virgil Van Dijk and already he has shown his worth. Naby Keita, a fantastic midfield controller has joined them too.So has Fabinho, who is a wonderful and versatile player capable of playing both at DM as well as fullback.Not only that, to amend the goalkeeping woes of last season, Liverpool have acquired Allison from Roma for a then world record fee for a keeper which was shattered a few weeks later by Chelsea. All these players give Klopp a fantastic variety as well as flexibility and they currently have one of the most talented and deep rosters in world football. Don’t make any mistake, Liverpool are going for both domestic and European glory this season. Their domestic aspirations have been further fueled by the fact that City have failed to upgrade their pivot situation since Jorginho, arguably the best hybrid midfielder in Europe last season, went to Chelsea. Also De Bruyne is out injured for two months which will be a serious dent on their title challenge. All the stars are aligned for Liverpool and don’t be surprised if you see Klopp holding the EPL trophy at the end of the season.
Let The Games Begin: Challengers . Contenders . Favorites (EPL 2018/2019)
Face it, we are all having football withdrawals from WC2018, and as a legal drug dealer, I can GUARANTEE you that the best way to curb withdrawal is to get a regular supply of whatever was causing it in the first place! Enter EPL 2018/2019!!
Key
Pretenders: Teams that are competing for the title by virtue of being in the Premier League
Challengers: Teams that are genuinely competing for the title but will likely not win
Contenders: Teams that are competing for the title and may win based on how the chips fall
Favorites: Teams that have the edge to win the title; the ones to put money on
The Challengers
Arsenal. Last season, Arsenal lost eleven away games. Eleven! It was their worst finish in twenty years. It seemed like there was nothing left to do but to get rid of the Professor and replace half the squad. In fact, the only reason they are included in this list is because of their history, otherwise, this is the last team to put any money on. With the new coach, they have officially entered that dreaded rebuilding phase that usually takes three to five years to either work or fail. Welcome to the life, Arsenal! One more piece of business left: Lock in Ramsey. That man has ten years with the team under his belt and is the engine of that squad. The scoringest midfielder in Arsenal history has no business being in a contract war with the club. Spend that money!! Everything else is left to be seen.
Chelsea. Two seasons ago, Chelsea won the league. Last season, they finished fifth. The main difference? They played more matches. Add the grueling Europa league to their schedule this year, and it doesn’t get better. Few coaches can join a team and inspire Favorite status, but Sarri doesn’t look like he’s one of those coaches. He’s already realistically preparing the fans to expect some time for the team to rebuild after Conte’s departure. And to top it all, they have gone and lost the second best goalie in the league. Frankly, ‘Challenger’ may be too kind a status for them.
Tottenham. The past two seasons, Tottenham have looked like they were ready to cause damage, and then they somehow fall short. This year will not be better. They have failed to strengthen their squad yet again, and no amount of cohesiveness from keeping the core of their players for the last four years together will help them. Of course, Harry Kane will do Harry Kane things. It just will not be enough. As usual.
Manchester United. The rumors surrounding the squad are deafening. To hear everyone tell it, Pogba and Martial are halfway out, and Mourinho is not getting the support he needs for the players he wants. Ultimately, their style of football won’t surprise anyone, and history tells us that they won’t finish this season with their coach. The woes for Manchester United will likely continue. None of that Solid Second stuff from last year.
The Contenders
Liverpool. Two seasons ago, Liverpool had the famed Robin Hood syndrome. Last year, they were streaky, but played the most sensational attacking football when they were ‘on.’ The only thing that keeps them in the Contender, and not in the Favorites column, is their tendency to bottle leads and choke on the biggest of stages. Mohamed Salah will also be in his sophomore season, and you always want to give a player two seasons to make sure a spectacular first season is not a fluke.
Manchester City. After almost having an unbeaten season and shattering all sorts of records, you are probably wondering why Man City is not the clear Favorite. The answer is Liverpool. Not because they will beat Manchester City to win the title, but because they beat City three out of four games last season. They’ve essentially shown the blueprint for handling City. If any team dares attack and disrupt their flow, points can be taken away from them. There is a chance that City could be dethroned in 2018-19.
The Favorites
Favorites? There ARE no FAVORITES!
The Best of The Pretenders
West Ham. They struggled last season, but they’re getting a class coach in Manuel Pellegrini. He can definitely do one or two things with the players on his squad (especially with some of the Arsenal DNA joining his squad)
How would YOU rank the Top 6 teams?
by EeJay Enekwa