Hooligan Guest Article: Bayern Munich Season Preview by Ben Forster

Review 08/09: A very disappointing year for the German side, having little to cheer about except for a return to the Champions League Group Stage next season.  Bayern has not found European success in nearly a decade, winning only Bundesliga and domestic championships since their “Double” in 2001.  This past season reflected this statistic, showing promise in winning Group F, dismantling Sporting in a UEFACL record 12-1 aggregate, only to lose to eventual winners Barcelona in the quarterfinals.  Their failures were seen in other places, losing the DFB-Pokal to Bayer Leverkusen in the quarters, and receiving a beating to eventual Bundesliga champions VfL Wolfsburg 5-1.

Key Transfers: Croatian midfielder Danijel Pranjic from Heerenveen for a fee of €7m; Dutch defender Edson Braafheid from Twente for a fee of €2m; Forward Mario Gomez from Stuttgart for a fee of €30m; Midfielder Alexander Baumjohann from Borussia Monchengladbach; Russian midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk from Zenit St. Petersburg for a fee of €14m; Croatian forward Ivica Olic from Hamburger.

(from http://www.betinf.com/germany_transfer.htm)

Preview 09/10: Bayern find themselves in an unusual position; they are no longer the crème-de-la-crème of German football, their management is in transition, and their perhaps most promising talent in Franck Ribery is shopping several clubs, including the transfer juggernaughts Real Madrid. Their captain, Mark van Bommel, now requires toe surgery and will miss at least four domestic fixtures before returning to the pitch.  However, Bayern hope under their new management to sign Jose Bosingwa in attempts to strengthen a defense that allowed the fifth fewest goal total in the league.  Also, with Real replacing quality players with the best players that their money can buy, Rafael van der Vaart may be shopping clubs in the proximity of his former club Hamburg.  Prediction?  If van Bommel can come back healthy within a few months, Ribery has an attitude that his future is in Munich, Beckenbauer and the rest of the management can actually sign quality players, and Luca Toni plays to the form that was good enough to be top scorer on Bayern last season, then the club should be looking at a Bundesliga title.  It is an uphill climb to get back to European champions; a climb that will hinge on Bayern’s ability to maintain its talent, instead of shop it away to hungrier, richer clubs.  Don’t let Ribery fall through the cracks, reinforce the midfield that has left gaps due to injuries, and hire pray that Louis van Gaal can mold a fractured team into his “dream club.”

Hooligan Guest Article: Chelsea Season Preview by Jonny O

            After a season salvaged by winning the FA cup, the start of the new season could not come sooner for Chelsea. It’s another year for the Blues to try and erase their European demons, and reestablish their dominance in the league. With the other three members of the “Big Four” losing key members of their squad now is the time for Chelsea to capture the league trophy once more.

                   In the off season Chelsea did not lose any key members to their squad, and even added an exciting left back known as the “Russian Ronaldinho.” Yuri Zhirkov gives Chelsea more depth at the left back position and another option on the left side of midfield. Zhirkov’s ability to get forward will give Chelsea width on the left side as they move from a 4-3-3 to the diamond midfield.   Zhirkov’s brilliance can be seen in this goal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhjJuc2Qxek where he dribbles through the entire Hamburg defense and buries his shot into the back of the net. Another important acquisition for Chelsea was the starlet from City Daniel Sturridge. The 19 year old gives the Chelsea frontline some youth along with Di Santo (20 years old), and Scott Sinclair (20 years old).

                  Before I discuss the Chelsea formation, a quick mention of some Chelsea youngsters on loan this season is in order. For the first time in awhile, Chelsea have some exciting young players who are on loan to Premier League sides and other first division sides around the world. The first of these youngsters is Franco Di Santo. Di Santo is a 20 year old tall Argentinean striker who is on loan to Blackburn this season. Di Santo is a tall striker who is good in the air and has good instincts around the net. Look for Di Santo to partner McCarthy or Jason Roberts for Blackburn and cause a headache for other Premier league sides. The second youngster on loan is Scott Sinclair. Sinclair is an U-21 England International who has amazing pace and creativity on the wing. Sinclair is on loan to Wigan where he will get the chance to give creativity to a generally boring Wigan side. The third youngster on loan in the Premier league this season is another England U-21 international Michael Mancienne. Mancienne is a center back who has come up through the Chelsea youth system and made a few appearances for the first team last season. The 21 year old is on loan to the recently promoted side Wolverhampton, where he will start as a center back for the club. All three of these youngsters getting regular first team action in the Premier League is crucial to their development and great for Chelsea in the upcoming years. An honorable mention needs to be made for another youngster Mirsoslav Stoch who is on loan to FC Twente. Look for Stoch to make an immediate impact for Twente.

                  The Chelsea formation is always an issue of great debate because of Chelsea’s depth. The new Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti prefers a 4-4-2 or sometimes a 4-4-1-1formation where the midfield plays in a diamond. The main problem with the diamond midfield is that most of the attack is down the center of the pitch. The lack of width in this formation causes problems on the attack and on defense. Because of this, any team who uses this formation must have two fullbacks who can provide width for the team. Chelsea have the two great fullbacks who can get forward in Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole. In order for Chelsea to be successful this season these two players along with Yuri Zhirkov need to have big seasons. With that being said here is the probable formation for Chelsea on opening day.

 

 

Cech

                       Bosingwa          Terry          Carvalho          Cole

Mikel

                                            Essien                         Malouda

Lampard

Drogba       Anelka

            This formation does not include Joe Cole or Yuri Zhirkov because they are both injured to start the season. Joe Cole is an interesting player for Chelsea in this formation. The lack of wingers in the formation leaves Joe Cole out of his best position on the pitch. However, Cole can play on the right side of the diamond or even partner Drogba up top. Personally I would enjoy seeing Cole partnering Drogba which allows Essien and Mikel to be on the pitch.

            With the formation set, there are three Chelsea players who need to bounce back from a season below their high standards:

1.                 1. Petr Cech- Cech was once considered to be the best keeper in the world but has recently fallen far from his bet form. Ever since the last European Championship Cech has made stupid mistakes which has cost his team games. Cech needs to be the rock he once was in net for a Chelsea defense to return to its glory days where a clean sheet was the norm.

2.                  2. John Terry- Before I get into this, I have to say that John Terry is my favorite player in the history of football and I worship him as if he is the second coming. With that being said he has not been the player he once was the past two seasons. In the Mourinho era Terry was the rock of the Chelsea defense, leading the defense and keeping the back four organized. In these last two years, the Chelsea defense has been a bit suspect. Terry has made mistakes that he would have never dreamed of making in the past. Hopefully this will be the season where Terry gets back on track and becomes one of the world’s best center backs again.

3.                3. Didier Drogba- Drogba was plagued by injuries last season but when he was on the pitch he looked uninterested and unmotivated. Drogba did not get along with Scolari and his performances on the pitch showed his dislike for the manager. When he is motivated and on his game, Drogba is one of the best strikers in the world. Look for Drogba to be back to his old goal scoring form this season after the signing of a new 3 year deal with Chelsea

            As a Chelsea fan, it would be wrong not to give an honorable mention to two of the team’s most consistent performers. Look for these two dominating forces in the midfield to drive the Chelsea midfield forward and cause problems for whoever they play.

            This is one of the most important seasons for Chelsea in recent years. With the other teams in England getting weaker, this is the time for Chelsea to strike and become champions of England once more.  This will be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory and I can’t wait for the action to start. 

Hooligan Guest Article: Manchester United Season Preview by Kurt Retenauer

            Summers off for European clubs are always an interesting one; sometimes exciting, sometimes nerve wracking, and sometimes heart breaking for the supporters. Certainly Real Madrid has a reason to smile, with the acquisition of Ronaldo and Kaka, among others. They’re on a one way train to the best team in Europe, on paper and in my opinion, in ability. Manchester City could be making a run for the top (as much as it pains me to say it) with Mark Hughes in the throne, and of course the acquisitions of Robinho, Tevez, and Toure, among others. But, what about Manchester United? 

            It seemed as if a divide had surfaced over the Red Devils during the latter part of last season, as well as their fans. With Cristiano Ronaldo expressing interest in leaving the club, he found himself in a position that no player wants to be in while on a team. It’s reported that disagreements and arguments were bountiful in the locker room and behind closed doors between Ronaldo and his teammates. His performance in his final days at Manchester caused many to question his passion for playing for the club, especially after the rumor spread of his desired transfer. While it’s arguable as to how hard he played in the late season, Manchester fans were surely not easy on him. Many, but surely not all, began to call him soft; and upon his transfer to Real Madrid, many found themselves thinking, “Good riddance.”

            But, whether Manchester was glad/sad to see him go, it was finished. Ronaldo, among others, were gone, and Sir Alex was left with the task of rebuilding one of Europe’s finest clubs. And, certainly, players were signed. Michael Owen, a striker, formerly of Newcastle United, was signed to Manchester United to play along side Wayne Rooney as Manchester United’s offensive attack. Michael Owen’s presence and ability was surely felt in the Asia Tour, scoring two goals in his first two games as a Red Devil.

            As Ronaldo is now missing in Manchester’s midfield, signee’s Zoran Tosic and Antonio Valencia seek to fill the gaps. Alongside Giggs, Scholes, Park, and Carrick, among others, Tosic and Valencia hope to fill the gaps of Manchester’s midfield. Another contender would be striker/winger Gabriel Obertan, a signee from Bordeaux, formerly on loan to Lorient for 15 appearances. As Manchester United seeks to fill its gaps, they may need a versatile player. This is where players like Obertan come in, as Obertan could be an essential player to Manchester United this upcoming season.

            But one thing that chief executive David Gill wanted to stress this year was a dependence on the young players of the Red Devils. "We’re not in the market for paying a lot of money for players who are 27, 28 or 29. We don’t think it’s good value," said David Gill in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. David Gill has high hopes for Federico Macheda, the 18 soon to be 19 year-old striker, as well as the native forward Danny Welbeck. Certainly these young players will be of essence to the club, as the fresh, quick legs of the two players will become a key element to Manchested United’s attack.

            Whether it be the “new face” of Manchester United, or just a reform/rebuilding year, seasoned Manchester players such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and keeper Edwin Van der Sar will be in the driver’s seat this season, showing the “young guns” the way. The mix of both seasoned veterans and young, fresh legs should give Manchester United the boost to be competitive and gunning for the top spot this year. Regardless of any personal feelings of Cristiano Ronaldo, his contributions to Manchester United were undeniably fantastic, and will certainly be missed. However, with the current squad, it’s surely going to be an exciting, and hopefully successful year for the Red Devils. Who knows, maybe they’ll find themselves back in the Champions League Final? Only this time, Ronaldo won’t be playing alongside his former Red Devils. But just maybe, he’ll find himself squaring off against them. 

Hooligan Guest Article: Liverpool Season Preview by Kevin Musc

           With the start of the Premier League campaign right around the corner, Liverpool should have high expectations to win their first League title since 1990. They finished second only to Manchester United last season, while achieving a club record of 86 points. They will be looking to improve even more this season by breaking their dry spell and winning their 19th League Championship.

  Liverpool have done some good business in this summer’s transfer market by bringing in the best English right back, Glen Johnson, while also adding Alberto Aquilani to bolster their midfield. The only down side was the departure of Xabi Alonso, who was Liverpool’s best player last campaign. With such an important player of their team gone, and with Aquilani not being fit for another 4-8 weeks, Lucas Leiva will have the chance to step up and prove himself.

 
  Liverpool’s defensive depth has also taken a hit this summer with the departures of Sami Hyypia and Alvaro Arbeloa, along with the possibility of Andrea Dossena moving back to Italy. On top of that, most of Liverpool’s remaining defenders are struggling with their fitness, as Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, and Fabio Aurelio have all picked up injuries during preseason. Expect a move for another defensive replacement before the transfer window closes.

            Looking at Liverpool’s potential starting eleven, it has to be seen as one of best line-ups an English team has to offer. Rafa Benitez is keen on the 4-2-3-1 formation, so expect a lineup (when fully fit) looking something like this:

Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio
Aquilani, Mascherano
Kuyt,  Gerrard, Riera/Babel
Torres

  For Liverpool to have success this season, key players expecting to break out will need to perform. The three potential break-out players for Liverpool are:

  Ryan Babel- Came off an unimpressive season last campaign and has been working very hard in preseason to establish a consideration for the starting role on the left flank. His speed is his dominate attribute, but lacks a certain creativity to burn past defenders. In the past, he has been subject to selfish play, so the ability to recognize when to pass the ball or whether to dribble will certainly determine how successful his season will be.

  Lucas Leiva- With the absence of Xabi Alonso and Aquilani being injured for the start of the season, this could very well prove Lucas’s last chance to impress Rafa Benitez. He has probably been Liverpool’s best player during preseason, and he looks very ready to grasp the chance to play in the starting lineup. He will need improving on his defensive capabilities, as he gives away many free kicks in dangerous positions. Although he will never be Xabi Alonso, he could certainly provide Liverpool with a dominate force in the midfield.

  Emiliano Insua- The young Argentine left back has already been staking a claim to be in the starting 11, and with Fabio Aurelio being injured for the start of the season, he may have a chance to permanently cement his position within Liverpool’s lineup. His appearances last season gave Liverpool fans a taste of what was in store for their future. He must be considered one of the best young left backs in football, and certainly will be given ample playing time with the lack of depth in Liverpool’s defense.

  All in all, it should be a very exciting season for Liverpool. Although the loss of Xabi Alonso is a step backwards in their quest for the Premier League, Liverpool should feel confident about the forthcoming season. If they do not achieve their goals, it will be down to the lack of depth in the squad, as Chelsea and Manchester United do look to have better options off the bench. However, if Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard can remain healthy, Liverpool could be in for an even better season than last year.

English Premier League: Predictions for 2009-10

            The English Premier League is set to begin the 2009-10 campaign on Saturday August 15, and goodness, we are in for an exciting season.  England’s Big Four have clearly been de-strengthened, with Manchester United losing Christiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, Liverpool losing Xabi Alonso, and with Arsenal clearing house.  All this while the rest of the league seems to have improved makes for what should be a very tight table this season.  Manchester City are obviously the biggest threat to disrupt the Big Four’s consistency, while all of Everton, Tottenham, Sunderland, Fulham, and Aston Villa look fit to challenge for fifth and sixth place finishes.  As for who gets relegated, that should be quite a battle as well.  Here’s my take on the final table come May 9, 2010 when the season concludes…

 

1. Chelsea

2. Manchester United

3. Liverpool

4. Manchester City

5. Arsenal

6. Everton

7. Tottenham

8. Aston Villa

9. Fulham

10. Sunderland

 11. Wigan

12. West Ham

13. Blackburn

14. Stoke City

15. Bigmingham City

16. Hull City

17. Bolton

18. Wolverhampton

19. Portsmouth

20. Burnley

Predicting the 2009-10 Top XI (4-4-2): Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Nani (Manchester United), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Steven Ireland (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Yuri Zhirkov (Chelsea), Brede Hangeland (Fulham), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Tim Howard (Everton)

Golden Boot: Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Player of the Year: Andrei Arshavin

Manager of the Year: Steve Bruce (Sunderland)

            There you have it.  Between Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, it’s a toss-up for the title.  Though I hate to say it, my gut tells me Chelsea.  They are the only Big Four club not to lose quality personnel and even Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted they should be his biggest challengers.  I feel like the pre-season Community Shield match last week was a precursor of good things to come for Chelsea, and struggles at times this season for United. 

            I do, however, remain skeptical about Chelsea’s managerial status, always an inconsistency at the Bridge.  Carlo Ancelloti is a class manager with an impressive resume, but do not forget this is his first year ever in England as player or coach.  In this right, I would not be surprised if Chelsea’s European campaign is more successful than their domestic showing.

            As for the Manchester City vs. Arsenal race that has been hyped up for this year, I am making a bold prediction, tipping City for a fourth-place finish.  Arsenal still do have the better squad, alas one of injury-prone players.  Inconsistency could very well be an issue for the Gunners, and their challengers for the final Champions League spot, who are not done spending yet, field a scary-good squad.

            My table predictions are otherwise pretty uninventive, honestly.  Look for Tottenham to end their spell of underperforming in recent years; Harry Redknapp is bringing the club in a positive direction.  Also, Wigan and Sunderland are my sleeper picks to exceed expectations as this year’s surprise clubs.  Aside from that, enjoy the season.  It will be quite a thrill to follow. 

Final Thoughts: USA 1 Mexico 2

            On Wednesday, the United States lost 2-1 to Mexico at Estadio Azteca, making them 0-23-1 on Mexican soil.  Many had thought this was the time for the Americans to reverse their trends south of the border, but ultimately, the result was no different from past circumstances.  Up early thanks to an eighth minute Charlie Davies brace, the United States were not able to hold on, giving up goals on either side of halftime to once again leave Mexico City in defeat.

            Although getting off to a promising start, the Americans put forth a lackluster performance, clearly struggling with the high altitude of the Azteca.  They were dominated in terms of possession and managed four shots, only one of which was on goal.  Their offense lacked creativity, if any presence at all, and behind the ball, the American squad was maimed with gaping holes, allowing the Mexicans too much time to work in the midfield.  For individual critiques, see the below post, but overall, the performance by the United States was poor.

            The American display on the field, however, was not the most disappointing aspect of the match.  Terrible refereeing, classless Mexicans, and an abnormally high altitude tainted the latest chapter of this storied rivalry, and as a result, the United States leave Mexico feeling quite hard-done-by.  It is a shame in both football and in any sport should outside influence on the game be greater than that of the competitors, as happened Wednesday evening.

            First and foremost, referee Roberto Moreno was a disgrace.  The Panamanian had no control of the game and as Tim Howard put it, “It makes [the game] a lot harder when the most intimidated person in the stadium is the referee.” 

            Moreno was clearly influenced by the banter of 100,000-plus El Tri supporters.  He not only unjustly cautioned American players multiple times, but failed to reprimand Mexican individuals for even harsher fouls.  Carlos Bocanegra picked up an undeserved yellow for an all-ball tackle in the first half, and while Benny Feilhaber was carded for protecting an under-attack Charlie Davies, Neri Castillo received no punishment for twice striking an American player and later on, time wasting.  Even worse, Moreno at times awarded Mexico free kicks for fouls they had committed against the US.  This is absolutely unacceptable from a referee.

            While Moreno’s mistakes are almost unforgiveable, it is clearly evident that behavior in the Azteca stands is not just influential, but threatening, too.  Only in Mexico would spectators’ boos drown out the American national anthem.  And only in Mexico would fans be as vulgar as to throw vomit-filled beer cups at a player on the field.  (Landon Donovan was pelted with various items as he awaited to take a second half corner kick.)  Ultimately, the Mexican fans are absolutely classless.

            And while the deafening screams of El Tri supporters were able to withstand the extreme altitude of Estadio Azteca, the United States lungs were not.  American players looked abnormally unfit and lackadaisical throughout the entire match.  By competing in the sweltering afternoon heat of Mexico City at 7,400 feet above sea level, conditions new to the United States and familiar to the Mexicans, El Tri experience, as former national team coach Bruce Arena put it, “One of the most lopsided home-field advantages in the world.”

            Overall, every aspect of the Azteca match was disgusting: poor play, poor gamesmanship, poor refereeing, etc.  In the end, the Mexicans come out on top and are obviously quite happy with the win.  Realistically, however, the result is deceiving, for El Tri will rarely have the comfort of the Azteca on the international stage.  Now, Bob Bradley admitted the final tally to be a “fair score,” but certainly feels bitter, and rightly so, because in typical fashion, the Mexicans have stolen another result.

Player Ratings: USA 1 Mexico 2

Tim Howard: 8… Another solid performance in goal for Howard.  Unfortunately could not get a hand on Mexico’s winner in the 82^nd minute.

Oguchi Onyewu: 7… Easily the best of the back four Wednesday afternoon, Onyewu would not be beat in the air and came out with the ball in almost all his 50-50 situations.

Jay Demerit: 4… Demerit was far less spectacular than his partner in the back.  The FA walk-on found himself consistently behind the play, making too many late, rash challenges on the ball.

Steve Cherundolo: 6.5… Cherundolo’s defensive job wasn’t great, but he provided an offensive spark coming out of the back.

Carlos Bocanegra: 5… Quite the opposite of his compatriot on the right, Bocanegra was slow and provided nothing coming out of the back.

Ricardo Clark: 4.5… Nearly invisible all evening, Clark’s usual presence in the defensive midfield was sorely missed, as the Mexican’s found far too much space and time to work in the American half.

Michael Bradley: 5… Like Clark, was nearly ineffective in the middle.  Bradley offered no distribution and once Feilhaber and Holden came on was eventually moved to a more defensive role, where he was equally absent from the play.

Clint Dempsey: 4… Dempsey’s inconsistency is becoming an issue with the national team.  Ultimately, he did nothing in the playmaking role he was meant to fill.

Landon Donovan: 6… Early on, showed signs of his fantastic form of late, most noticeably on his assist to Charlie Davies for the United States’ first goal.  However, as the match went on, Donovan became lost amongst the pitch, the trend for American personnel this certain Wednesday.... Recent reports indicate that Donovan was playing with swine flu.

Charlie Davies: 7… The lone offensive standout for the United States.  In trademark style, Davies harassed the Mexican defense with his pace and relentless work ethic.  He became only the fourth American to score on Mexican soil in the eighth minute and was only inches away from a second goal when his potential late-game equalizer was deemed offsides.

Brian Ching: 4… Gave Bob Bradley’s 4-4-2 more of a 4-4-1-1 look with the idea of holding the ball as a second striker, but ultimately could neither keep possession nor distribute.

Benny Feilhaber: 5… Found no space to work in the midfield after coming on as a second half substitute.  His only significant contribution to the game was his lunge on Mexican shithead Neri Castillo in the 74^th minute, which ultimately drew a yellow card.

Stuart Holden: 6.5… The Gold Cup star was easily Bob Bradley’s most effective substitute.  He provided a playmaking spark none of the first team regulars could and his brilliant, long, curling service from the right flank late in the second half almost connected with a diving Charlie Davies for a second half goal.

Jozy Altidore: 5... Thrust into the game for a cramping Charlie Davies with about a quarter of an hour to go, Altidore really couldn't get a touch on the ball.  He was physical with the Mexican defense, though, a presence that could have been used earlier on in the evening.