Everything Soccer

[IHateMarkMay]

I know I'm supposed to hate Liverpool, but when I really started watching Manchester United on the regular, it was really Chelsea that I hated more. It's nice to cheer against Chelsea, even if it's for Liverpool.

Sadio Mane is a beast.

Alexander Arnold is the best offensive full back in the world, and that free kick was amazing.

Chelsea better invest in some defense. Werner and Ziyech (and Havertz, whom I fully believe they'll get) can only do so much.

 

[fightingirish26]

I know I'm supposed to hate Liverpool, but when I really started watching Manchester United on the regular, it was really Chelsea that I hated more. It's nice to cheer against Chelsea, even if it's for Liverpool.

Sadio Mane is a beast.

Alexander Arnold is the best offensive full back in the world, and that free kick was amazing.

Chelsea better invest in some defense. Werner and Ziyech (and Havertz, whom I fully believe they'll get) can only do so much.

Mourinho's Chelsea was easy to hate. Now that he's gone, I actually like them the most out of the non-City 'top 6' English clubs. For one, there's Pulisic, but just overall, I like their squad and think they have many likeable players.

 

[dublinirish]

Brentford...........thats just...harrowing

 

[dublinirish]

Mourinho's Chelsea was easy to hate. Now that he's gone, I actually like them the most out of the non-City 'top 6' English clubs. For one, there's Pulisic, but just overall, I like their squad and think they have many likeable players.

their fans racist, antisemitic and fascist leanings would put you off them though

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Mourinho's Chelsea was easy to hate. Now that he's gone, I actually like them the most out of the non-City 'top 6' English clubs. For one, there's Pulisic, but just overall, I like their squad and think they have many likeable players.

I do like Pulisic, and he's been playing out of his mind. One of the top five since the restart.

I feel a bit bad for Kepa, I don't think he's nearly as bad as his numbers show. His defense isn't that great. Rudiger is prone to mistakes. Zuoma is okay, Azpilicueta is getting old. I hear they are in for Koulibaly, who is great and would help any team he goes to. However, I think they need another big piece back there.

 

[ACamp1900]

Newcastle’s ownership change should be interesting,... so I guess I can soon join in on the EPL ‘my club spends more than your club’ shit talking??? Not sure how I fully feel about that but if Newcastle beats the shit out of some of y’all’s teams then, right on.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Yeah, I feel like Newcastle was close to being bought by Saudis for months now. I haven't heard an official word yet though.

It'll be interesting to see who they go after once the ownership changes.

 

[fightingirish26]

I do like Pulisic, and he's been playing out of his mind. One of the top five since the restart.

I feel a bit bad for Kepa, I don't think he's nearly as bad as his numbers show. His defense isn't that great. Rudiger is prone to mistakes. Zuoma is okay, Azpilicueta is getting old. I hear they are in for Koulibaly, who is great and would help any team he goes to. However, I think they need another big piece back there.

the numbers are...bad
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kepa Arrizabalaga's save percentage in this season's Premier League is now down to 52.5. He's gone sub-Claudio Bravo (53.3).</p>— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1286050144291520512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Rogue219]

Liverpool and Leeds lifting trophies on the same day. Nobody had both of those on the 2020 Bingo Card.

I don't like Manchester United, but I respect them. Much rather see them make Top 4 than Chelsea or Leicester, and that's from a Liverpool supporter.

Mourinho might be gone, but Putin's boy Abramovich remains. As long as he is there, the money and arrogance will be there too. They sat on that Hazard money during their transfer ban and they're putting together a nice young team. Still want to see if they can consistenly defend, and if Zouma wants out, that could make things interesting.

City is going to City. Players come in, money goes out. I am under the assumption it won't stop until they win Europe. They have conquered England domestically. If Guardiola should win Champions League, I question why he'd stay at that point. Next step would be winning a World Cup. Spain maybe?

Covid or not, empty stadiums or full, I have really soaked this in the last few weeks. Something I didn't really think I'd ever see, to be honest. I think it all began with that thrashing in 2017 at Spurs and when City came to Anfield unbeaten in 2018 only to leave with a loss that was the warning shot. To fall short last year but get that taste of glory in Madrid was all these guys needed to push them forward this year.

They won't get 100 points or go without a loss. BFD. Champions of Everything. The last 13 months have been remarkable. Credit Jurgen Klopp. He said he'd get a title in four years when he got hired. He was on the mark.

 

[Rogue219]

their fans racist, antisemitic and fascist leanings would put you off them though

LOL.

IDK, they're all so fresh and mainstream right now.

Lazio sets the bar, though.

 

[Rogue219]

I know I'm supposed to hate Liverpool, but when I really started watching Manchester United on the regular, it was really Chelsea that I hated more. It's nice to cheer against Chelsea, even if it's for Liverpool.

I feel the same.

Sadio Mane is a beast.

Klopp's first big signing at LFC. He was onto something.

Alexander Arnold is the best offensive full back in the world, and that free kick was amazing.

Yes and yes, though his Scottish counterpart on the left is pretty good too.

Chelsea better invest in some defense. Werner and Ziyech (and Havertz, whom I fully believe they'll get) can only do so much

Yes, just what I posted above. Liverpool are the team that can consistently defend against everyone in England. Everyone else seems to have their moments more often than not or doesn't have the attack to put goals in. Koulibaly is going to be so highly sought after. Ziyech and Havertz are very similar players. Who plays where will be interesting. I assume Havertz plays the 10 and Ziyech goes to the wing.

.

=

 

[NorthDakota]

Liverpool and Leeds lifting trophies on the same day. Nobody had both of those on the 2020 Bingo Card.

I don't like Manchester United, but I respect them. Much rather see them make Top 4 than Chelsea or Leicester, and that's from a Liverpool supporter.

Mourinho might be gone, but Putin's boy Abramovich remains. As long as he is there, the money and arrogance will be there too. They sat on that Hazard money during their transfer ban and they're putting together a nice young team. Still want to see if they can consistenly defend, and if Zouma wants out, that could make things interesting.

City is going to City. Players come in, money goes out. I am under the assumption it won't stop until they win Europe. They have conquered England domestically. If Guardiola should win Champions League, I question why he'd stay at that point. Next step would be winning a World Cup. Spain maybe?

Covid or not, empty stadiums or full, I have really soaked this in the last few weeks. Something I didn't really think I'd ever see, to be honest. I think it all began with that thrashing in 2017 at Spurs and when City came to Anfield unbeaten in 2018 only to leave with a loss that was the warning shot. To fall short last year but get that taste of glory in Madrid was all these guys needed to push them forward this year.

They won't get 100 points or go without a loss. BFD. Champions of Everything. The last 13 months have been remarkable. Credit Jurgen Klopp. He said he'd get a title in four years when he got hired. He was on the mark.

I wonder how much longer Pep is around. He wasnt at Barca long. Wasnt at Bayern long. His style seems to wear on both himself and his players. How long can he and the Citizens maintain that drive?

Excited to have Leeds back in the Premier League where they belong.

Im also curious what Klopp will do in a few years after he leaves Liverpool. Is he going to retire or will he take on another project? Hard to imagine him at Bayern, and he is not going to return to Dortmund. Do his ties to Dortmund rule out a sleeping semi-giant like Schalke? Leverkusen?

 

[IHateMarkMay]

=

I think they'd probably have to play Werner at the 9, Havertz at the 10, Pulisic and Ziyech out wide.

Unless they go super offensive! 3133!

Kepa

Kovacic, Rudiger, Azpilicueta

Jorgino

Mount, Willian, Ziyech

Pulisic, Giroud, Werner

 

[IHateMarkMay]

NBC released match day 30's network schedule:

Sunday, July 26: Arsenal v. Watford, 11am ET, Golf Channel
Sunday, July 26: Burnley v. Brighton, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Chelsea v. Wolves, 11am ET, USA
Sunday, July 26: Crystal Palace v. Tottenham, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Everton v. Bournemouth, 11am ET, CNBC
Sunday, July 26: Leicester City v. Man United, 11am ET, NBC
Sunday, July 26: Man City v. Norwich City, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Newcastle v. Liverpool, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Southampton v. Sheffield United, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: West Ham v. Aston Villa, 11am ET, NBCSN

The bigger games are Leicester City v. Man United on NBC and Chelsea v. Wolves on USA. Two Champions League spots for three teams. Should be an exciting day.

 

[Rogue219]

I think they'd probably have to play Werner at the 9, Havertz at the 10, Pulisic and Ziyech out wide.

Unless they go super offensive! 3133!

Kepa

Kovacic, Rudiger, Azpilicueta

Jorgino

Mount, Willian, Ziyech

Pulisic, Giroud, Werner

They are reportedly set to trigger Oblak's release clause to repalce Kepa. FFP, we hardly knew ye.

Could be a wild transfer window.

 

[Rogue219]

Dejan Lovren reportedly on the way to Zenit St. Petersburg for $11M.

He's 31 years old. Solid work by Michael Edwards again.

 

[Rogue219]

NBC released match day 30's network schedule:

Sunday, July 26: Arsenal v. Watford, 11am ET, Golf Channel
Sunday, July 26: Burnley v. Brighton, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Chelsea v. Wolves, 11am ET, USA
Sunday, July 26: Crystal Palace v. Tottenham, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Everton v. Bournemouth, 11am ET, CNBC
Sunday, July 26: Leicester City v. Man United, 11am ET, NBC
Sunday, July 26: Man City v. Norwich City, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Newcastle v. Liverpool, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: Southampton v. Sheffield United, 11am ET, Gold/Peacock
Sunday, July 26: West Ham v. Aston Villa, 11am ET, NBCSN

The bigger games are Leicester City v. Man United on NBC and Chelsea v. Wolves on USA. Two Champions League spots for three teams. Should be an exciting day.

Is relegation still up in the air? I wouldn't sleep on the matches involving Villa, Watford and Bournemouth.

 

[CTIDANDREW]

Is relegation still up in the air? I wouldn't sleep on the matches involving Villa, Watford and Bournemouth.

Very much still up in the air.

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/premier-league/
Breakdown of projections going into Sunday, if you enjoy that type of stuff.

Congrats to Liverpool fans on the trophy lift, and Henderson news this morning. I still feel KDB is/was the best player in the league, but just like MVP awards in American sports the best player does not always win in England as well. Henderson is a very important part of the puzzle, and good for him to get his recognition.

Excited for the final day, should be some great drama.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Is relegation still up in the air? I wouldn't sleep on the matches involving Villa, Watford and Bournemouth.

Just looking at the table:

Norwich City is relegated for sure.

Bournemouth (31 pts, -27 GD)
Need to win and for both Watford and Villa to lose (which would mean they would make up the goal differential).

Watford (24 pts, -27 GD)
Need to win (and gain two goals on Villa (next tie breaker is goals scored, which they are -6 to Villa), or tie and a Villa loss.

Villa (34 pts, -26 GD)
Need to replicate Watford's result and goal differential (currently +1 on them).

I very well might have missed a scenario.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Kevin De Bruyne is the best player.
Jordan Henderson is the most valuable player.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Kevin De Bruyne is the best player.
Jordan Henderson is the most valuable player.

De Bruyne is magical. He might be the main reason I put a City game on.

Henderson is extremely vital to Liverpool, and will probably win some awards. However, Southampton is relegated without Danny Ings and his 21 goals.

 

[dublinirish]

https://talksport.com/football/737092/liverpool-jordan-henderson-beats-de-bruyne-fwa-award/

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has pipped Kevin De Bruyne to the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award after a stunning campaign on and off the field.

The midfielder, who lifted the Reds’ first title for 30 years on Wednesday, was the outright winner ahead of the Manchester City ace.

 

[fightingirish26]

Completely absurd. During City's four recent title winning seasons they gave the award to another team's player. Still has a chance at the assist record despite some of the most wasteful finishing I've ever seen. Just an embarrassing decision.

 

[Old Man Mike]

I agree about all of this about De Bruyne and Ings. MVP awards are a mare's nest of problems. There is no objective set of guidelines about "how good must the team's record be?" vs "how successful would the team be without X?" The concept of MVP in US sports tends to drift towards the Good Team part of this, when it used to be The Best Player (ex. Heisman to Hornung.) We are mysteriously adrift between "The Team must be REALLY good, though not necessarily Champs" (thus eliminating Ings, our Hornung here?) and "The Team would collapse without X" (thus favoring Ings.)

City and Liverpool both meet the REALLY GOOD TEAM criterion. Who then was MOST essential to the ability of the team to win? City actually still looked pretty good and dangerous even when De Bruyne was out or recovering on the bench this year --- though nearly invincible with him. Liverpool was only Top Half Ordinary without Henderson --- because his leadership in the turnover defense soccer which created so many goals and psychologically terrorized opponent offenses could not be replaced. That's why I would have voted this year for Henderson. I know nothing about the other years referred to.

 

[fightingirish26]

I agree about all of this about De Bruyne and Ings. MVP awards are a mare's nest of problems. There is no objective set of guidelines about "how good must the team's record be?" vs "how successful would the team be without X?" The concept of MVP in US sports tends to drift towards the Good Team part of this, when it used to be The Best Player (ex. Heisman to Hornung.) We are mysteriously adrift between "The Team must be REALLY good, though not necessarily Champs" (thus eliminating Ings, our Hornung here?) and "The Team would collapse without X" (thus favoring Ings.)

City and Liverpool both meet the REALLY GOOD TEAM criterion. Who then was MOST essential to the ability of the team to win? City actually still looked pretty good and dangerous even when De Bruyne was out or recovering on the bench this year --- though nearly invincible with him. Liverpool was only Top Half Ordinary without Henderson --- because his leadership in the turnover defense soccer which created so many goals and psychologically terrorized opponent offenses could not be replaced. That's why I would have voted this year for Henderson. I know nothing about the other years referred to.

I actually didn't realize that this was for FWA Footballer of the Year, thought it was the PFA award. Sterling won the FWA award last year. That makes me somewhat less annoyed, even though I still disagree.

Now, if Henderson wins the PFA award then I'll be back to thinking it's ridiculous. There is no precedent to that just being the award going to the best player from the best team (Henderson isn't even that). Salah won that during our 100 point season, VVD last year, Suarez won it in 2014 (Yaya had 20 PL goals as a pure midfielder!!!), Van Persie in 2012.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

With today's Premier League results:

Champion's League qualified:
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Man United
4. Chelsea

Europa League qualified:
5. Leicester City
6. Tottenham

Relegated:
18. Bournemouth
19. Watford
20. Norwich

Promoted:
Leeds
West Brom

Promotion playoff:
Brentford vs. Swansea
Fulham vs. Cardiff

Woverhampton can still qualify for Champions League if they win the Europa League.

Next season starts 9/12.

 

[nsisk157]

With today's Premier League results:

Champion's League qualified:
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Man United
4. Chelsea

Europa League qualified:
5. Leicester City
6. Tottenham

Relegated:
18. Bournemouth
19. Watford
20. Norwich

Promoted:
Leeds
West Brom

Promotion playoff:
Brentford vs. Swansea
Fulham vs. Cardiff

Woverhampton can still qualify for Champions League if they win the Europa League.

Next season starts 9/12.

Wolves also qualify for the Europa League if Chelsea win the FA Cup Final as well, I believe.

 

[Rogue219]

Best player, most valuable, whatever. Just give it to Van Dijk until his legs fall off. He's played every single minute in the last two years and there is zero chance without him Liverpool win #6 and #19. If he had gone to City....yikes. You may as well hope you come in second becasue it's the best you'd be able to do.

City finished with 81 points on the season, including nine losses, which is staggering to me. If it was any other team, the pundits in England would be screaming about what a massive underachievement it was. Let's not use injuries as an excuse either for the most expensive side ever assembled. They scored 102 goals this year, more than last.

If they don't win Champions League, I can't imagine the pressure there is going to be on them next season, especially if they're truly planning on 4-5 new signings on top of it. Surely no one is on the way out either. Stones maybe?

Crazy times we're living in. I'm happy Liverpool got a league this year. With City and Chelsea likely spending like crazy this window, things could be a tad rougher down the line.

I can't quite understand how that team lost that many matches when it seemed like they would beat everyone 4-0 or 5-0 every week. Long season with the shutdown. I'd have to look back and glimpse at the fixtures, but they had to have been severely unlucky.

 

[notredomer23]

Best player, most valuable, whatever. Just give it to Van Dijk until his legs fall off. He's played every single minute in the last two years and there is zero chance without him Liverpool win #6 and #19. If he had gone to City....yikes. You may as well hope you come in second becasue it's the best you'd be able to do.

City finished with 81 points on the season, including nine losses, which is staggering to me. If it was any other team, the pundits in England would be screaming about what a massive underachievement it was. Let's not use injuries as an excuse either for the most expensive side ever assembled. They scored 102 goals this year, more than last.

If they don't win Champions League, I can't imagine the pressure there is going to be on them next season, especially if they're truly planning on 4-5 new signings on top of it. Surely no one is on the way out either. Stones maybe?

Crazy times we're living in. I'm happy Liverpool got a league this year. With City and Chelsea likely spending like crazy this window, things could be a tad rougher down the line.

I can't quite understand how that team lost that many matches when it seemed like they would beat everyone 4-0 or 5-0 every week. Long season with the shutdown. I'd have to look back and glimpse at the fixtures, but they had to have been severely unlucky.

They dropped at least 10 points that are completely inexcusable to Norwich (3), Southampton (3), Crystal Palace (2), and Newcastle (2). On the reverse fixture, Man City outscored those teams a combined 14-1. Just inexcusable. While that wouldn't have changed much with 'Pool's season, would have at least things a bit more interesting.

 

[NDRock]

Best player, most valuable, whatever. Just give it to Van Dijk until his legs fall off. He's played every single minute in the last two years and there is zero chance without him Liverpool win #6 and #19. If he had gone to City....yikes. You may as well hope you come in second becasue it's the best you'd be able to do.

City finished with 81 points on the season, including nine losses, which is staggering to me. If it was any other team, the pundits in England would be screaming about what a massive underachievement it was. Let's not use injuries as an excuse either for the most expensive side ever assembled. They scored 102 goals this year, more than last.

If they don't win Champions League, I can't imagine the pressure there is going to be on them next season, especially if they're truly planning on 4-5 new signings on top of it. Surely no one is on the way out either. Stones maybe?

Crazy times we're living in. I'm happy Liverpool got a league this year. With City and Chelsea likely spending like crazy this window, things could be a tad rougher down the line.

I can't quite understand how that team lost that many matches when it seemed like they would beat everyone 4-0 or 5-0 every week. Long season with the shutdown. I'd have to look back and glimpse at the fixtures, but they had to have been severely unlucky.

I think it's like most sports, very difficult to win the title every year. I think the two years previous took a toll. Liverpool was definitely locked in the last two years, will be interesting to see how they do now that they've reached the top. Looking forward to a fun season.