European Football/Soccer 2017-2018

[Jax]

A new season is upon us so thought I would try to get a new thread going if there are any TREK BBS football/soccer fans still out there. I called the thread European Football based off old ones we did but I would be interested in MLS and other non European football leagues if anyone follows them...

After the summer off, though I've watched a ton of international football over the summer with ENG at various age levels & the women's team as well. I even went to two pre season games with Nottingham Forest since we played local clubs, so I am more than ready for the full season.

We had the UEFA Super Cup last night with current UCL Champions Real Madrid beating EL Champions Man Utd 2-1. We've had the transfer record smashed by PSG who brought Neymar for over 200 million because there a bunch of silly bastards.

Here in England our Football League season kicked off last week and I'm happy that Nottingham Forest won 1-0 despite playing AWFUL and we won last night in the opening round of the League Cup so 100% so far.

How are your leagues & clubs shaping up? Watch any of the football over the summer?

 

[Starbreaker]

Watching Everton-Stoke City right now. Everton looks pretty bored. I wouldn't be mad if they just phoned it in through these 300 Europa League games and just focused on trying to finish Top 7 again in the league.

 

[Jax]

See Rooney scored on his return, I wonder if the move to Everton will refresh his career enough to mould him rather than a jack of all types of player but just as a centre forward who is there to score goals and the younger players can do the leg work.

As for my teams...

Forest decided to ship goals several goals again but lucky we scored more and won 4-3 away at Brentford (6 points from 6). My other local club Mansfield Town won 2-0 at home so good weekend overall.

 

[marillion]

Well... Not sure what to make of Chelsea so far... Losing the Community Shield to Arsenal was one thing, but dropping to Burnley like they did over the weekend... Ugh... Missing Matic and Costa already...

I'm sorry I won't get to see John Terry play for Aston Villa this season, as I don't think we get any Champions League games where I live... I'm just glad the season's starting up again!

 

[Starbreaker]

Rooney scored but so did Lukaku for ManU. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us.

 

[Jax]

Anyone see the stupid red card for Ronaldo, a few minutes after Suarez clearly dived and won a penalty. I saw a funny video of Kaka getting sent off in the MLS for raising his hands to the opposition but the problem was, it was too a player he is good friends with in real life & was meant as a joke. The opposition player found it funny as hell and was laughing to Kaka about it but then the stupid refs used the video replay system with NO CONTEXT whatsoever to send Kaka off

Well... Not sure what to make of Chelsea so far... Losing the Community Shield to Arsenal was one thing, but dropping to Burnley like they did over the weekend... Ugh... Missing Matic and Costa already...

Watching the highlights, Chelsea came within inches of making it 3-3 (with 9 men) and I think without the early early red card then they would of gotten something from the game. Cahill's red card while understandable from the rigid laws of the game was harsh but Fabregas was a fucking idiot.

Man Utd while still searching for their best CB options looked immense going forward. Matic/Pogba dominated the middle of the park & combined with the pace of Rashford, the finishing abilities of Lukaku and sheer class of Mata/Mkhitaryan then the sky is the limit for Utd this season but I think they will fall short of the title but could win a cup again.

My PL predictions
-----------------------------
1. Man City
2. Chelsea
3. Man Utd
4. Tottenham
5. Liverpool
6. Arsenal
7. Everton
8. Southampton
9. West Brom
10. West Ham Utd
11. Swansea City
12. Watford
13. Leicester City
14. Bournemouth
15. Newcastle Utd
16. Crystal Palace
17. Burnley
18. Stoke City
19. Huddersfield
20. Brighton

 

[marillion]

Not a bad list.. I really can't argue with any of that. I might place Arsenal ahead of Liverpool, but it's too soon to tell.

 

[Jax]

Anyone see Marco Asensio's goals in both legs of the Super Cup for Real Madrid v Barcelona

Looking at a video earlier of the sort of goals he has scored for club & country over the last 12 months and MY GOD that kid can score from anywhere.

 

[Starbreaker]

Hajduk Split had a little riot today during the game against Everton. Started ripping out chairs and throwing them at opposing fans. Ridiculous. Everton won 2-0 so they're pretty much a lock for moving forward unless Hajduk can pull off a miracle next game.

 

[Jax]

I was watching the game on Everton's you-tube channel cause UK TV sucks and it was pathetic from their fans. I have to admit I'm not surprised in the least as I don't trust any away following from any Eastern European/Old Soviet Bloc team because they are the fucking worst fans always causing trouble.

 

[Jax]

Things certain in life...

* Death
* Taxes

AND Nottingham Forest being shit

 

[Starbreaker]

Everton is still in the relegation zone...

 

[Jax]

Everton spent poorly in the summer concering their midfield, they brought for the sake of it at times and forgot you need a good balanced team NOT a stuffed squad...

They spent £23 million on Davy Klaassen and then when Gylfi Sigurðsson became available out of nowhere they splashed out another £40 million+ despite the fact he played in the exact same position as Klaassen. Cuco Martina is a poor replacement for the long term injured Coleman and especially when they have a promising youngster in Holgate. Michael Keane has struggled to bring his Burnley form of last season with him and £25 million was too much IMO. Sandro has flopped though he's been playing differently to how Malaga played him. Wayne Rooney return has netted 5 goals and he will probably end the season with double figures but they have failed to replace Lukaku and the usage of Rooney up top has negated his ability to play deeper and dictate the play, which may help Everton.

They have some good youth coming through like Davies, Lookman and Lewin but they need time. Also Dowell looks great but he's busy being one of the best players at my club Nottingham Forest via the loan system

 

[BlueStuff]

Eagerly anticipating the end of World Cup Qualifying so we can finally get on with the draw and look forward to the tournament itself. The World Cup rivals only the Super Bowl for best and most immersive sporting event, for me.

 

[Jax]

I love international football and despite the days of believing ENG can win a tournament, I still care deeply about the national team. If Nottingham Forest were playing Premier League or European Football, maybe I would feel different but there is something special about playing for country, I would do anything to have the chance these players get.

There is nothing like a Euro or World Cup and despite the fact Russia are hosting it (it sickens me) I cannot wait for 32 nations to come together and in particular the latter stages because knockout international football is second to none

As for ENG, my hopes are we can make the last 8 as this will show real progression leading into Euro 2020 where the final will be held at Wembley and nothing would be more beautiful than to bring football home at the home of football itself. Based off recent matches, I feel the best squad/formation/starting 11 for us would be...

(3-5-1-1)

Butland/Pickford

Stones -- Cahill/Smalling -- Jones

Walker/Tripper -- Rose

Loftus Cheek/Lallana -- Dier -- Winks

Dele Alli

Kane

--------------------------

Rashford, Vardy, Sterling, Barkley, Welbeck ain't bad options for the bench too.

 

[Jax]

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup

Some big teams missing from Russia next summer with Netherlands, Italy, USA and Chile all missing.