English Premier League 2014-2015

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TheSteezyKoalaLukaku clearly wasn't willing to contend for the top spot this season so he wanted to leave. They still have Costa as first choice who can score goals. If Costa get injured then Chelsea are fucked. Other than City (Aguero, Dzeko, Jovetic) and United (Rooney, Van Persie, Chicharito) no other team really has a very good backup striker. Liverpool has Sturridge, Arsenal has Giroud but no reliable second choice. I'm thinking Remy could be a good signing for Chelsea.

They can't and won't sign Remy. They have reached the limit of foreign players on their roster.

Agreed about the top strikers, and that is why no one believes they can contend for the title. Mind you, Arsenal has Sanchez, and Sanchez can produce goals.

Jul 30 2014 9:25PM

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.MASSHOLE.They can't and won't sign Remy. They have reached the limit of foreign players on their roster.

Agreed about the top strikers, and that is why no one believes they can contend for the title. Mind you, Arsenal has Sanchez, and Sanchez can produce goals.

Shit, didn't know that.
Chelsea also has Hazard who can score and create goals, and Oscar can occasionally score and create goals too. The top 6 will be interesting this season.

Jul 30 2014 9:28PM

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bakedpow

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.MASSHOLE.Agreed about the top strikers, and that is why no one believes they can contend for the title. Mind you, Arsenal has Sanchez, and Sanchez can produce goals.

i mean cmon thats just dirty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IALXXolFmGg

Jul 30 2014 9:29PM

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TheSteezyKoalaLukaku clearly wasn't willing to contend for the top spot this season so he wanted to leave. They still have Costa as first choice who can score goals. If Costa get injured then Chelsea are fucked. Other than City (Aguero, Dzeko, Jovetic) and United (Rooney, Van Persie, Chicharito) no other team really has a very good backup striker. Liverpool has Sturridge, Arsenal has Giroud but no reliable second choice. I'm thinking Remy could be a good signing for Chelsea.

Sanchez can play striker at Arsenal. Certainly a different type of striker than Giroud, but for Barcelona and Chile he has played there and done extremely well. Liverpool just Origi. He is unproven, but he looked pretty good at the WC and was only 10m. I think the title is City's to lose. Deep everywhere except defense, but even then if they don't get Mangala or someone I think they will fare well.

Jul 30 2014 9:30PM

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TheSteezyKoalaShit, didn't know that.
Chelsea also has Hazard who can score and create goals, and Oscar can occasionally score and create goals too. The top 6 will be interesting this season.

That was the case a few days ago with Lukaku. Now, I am not sure if that count includes youth players who travel between squads or not. BUT, they would still have to get rid of a player. Yes, they can score, but as I have said before not at a clip consistent enough to warrant relying on them.

Bakerpowi mean cmon thats just dirty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IALXXolFmGg

As a Madrid fan, I will not miss him.

Fun_dipSanchez can play striker at Arsenal. Certainly a different type of striker than Giroud, but for Barcelona and Chile he has played there and done extremely well. Liverpool just Origi. He is unproven, but he looked pretty good at the WC and was only 10m. I think the title is City's to lose. Deep everywhere except defense, but even then if they don't get Mangala or someone I think they will fare well.

Origi is staying at Lille. He was bought and loaned right back. They have no backup striker besides Lambert which will be interesting.

I agree, it is City's to lose once again.

Jul 30 2014 9:39PM

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Jabe

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Ridiculous

http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/3953/south-america/2014/07/31/4994225/retirement-is-not-a-possibility-ronaldinho
Heard some rumors that he might go to QPR. I think that would be pretty cool to see him play even though he is old now, because i started to watch soccer just as he left to play in Brazil. Also I'm pretty excited for the prem this year and its going to be a pretty good fight for CL spots.

Jul 30 2014 9:40PM

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.MASSHOLE.That was the case a few days ago with Lukaku. Now, I am not sure if that count includes youth players who travel between squads or not. BUT, they would still have to get rid of a player. Yes, they can score, but as I have said before not at a clip consistent enough to warrant relying on them.

So Chelsea could promote a couple homegrown players to the first team or sell some foreigners and buy Remy which I think would be a good move. Even maybe Benteke, who is similar to Lukaku, or Bony would be good #2's.

Jul 30 2014 9:51PM

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TheSteezyKoalaSo Chelsea could promote a couple homegrown players to the first team or sell some foreigners and buy Remy which I think would be a good move. Even maybe Benteke, who is similar to Lukaku, or Bony would be good #2's.

If I recall correctly, it does not work that way. Roster limits are a tricky thing in regards to both pay and squad size in general.

And to be honest, they won't shell out the cash for Benteke or Bony. That will run them easily 25 million plus for either. Especially Benteke who just signed a new deal last year.

Jul 30 2014 9:55PM

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.MASSHOLE.If I recall correctly, it does not work that way. Roster limits are a tricky thing in regards to both pay and squad size in general.

I need to read up on all these rules.

Jul 30 2014 9:58PM

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Bogs

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.MASSHOLE.And to be honest, they won't shell out the cash for Benteke or Bony. That will run them easily 25 million plus for either. Especially Benteke who just signed a new deal last year.

Yeah, they almost definitely wouldn't pay that much for two strikers in the same transfer window. Also, didn't Mourinho already say Chelsea was done doing business this transfer window, at least in terms of bringing more players to the club? Of course words are wind, but it doesn't seem like Chelsea have plans to buy anyone else this summer.

Jul 30 2014 10:00PM

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WattsYeah, they almost definitely wouldn't pay that much for two strikers in the same transfer window. Also, didn't Mourinho already say Chelsea was done doing business this transfer window, at least in terms of bringing more players to the club? Of course words are wind, but it doesn't seem like Chelsea have plans to buy anyone else this summer.

If i was Mou i would not be 100% confident with Costa, Drogba, Torres.

Jul 30 2014 10:03PM

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8858634.stm

[quote]- Clubs register a squad of up to 25 players, which must include at least eight 'home-grown' players, at the end of each transfer window.
- Home-grown players do not have to be English; home-grown players are defined as those who "irrespective of nationality or age, have been affiliated to the FA or Welsh FA for a period of three seasons or 36 months prior to 21st birthday"
- Clubs can supplement squad with unlimited number of players under the age of 21.
- Changes can be made only during transfer windows, although in exceptional circumstances (eg goalkeeping injury crisis) moves could be allowed.
- Players loaned to Football League clubs cannot be replaced, but can regain their spot on return to parent club.[/quote]

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-chelsea-desperate-torres-exit-102047932--sow.html

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Jul 30 2014 10:07PM

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Even I was wrong^. Lukaku did not count, they still have a player to sell.

Sorry for the horrible format as well.

Jul 30 2014 10:08PM

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GuacamoleMane

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.MASSHOLE.Even I was wrong^. Lukaku did not count, they still have a player to sell.

Sorry for the horrible format as well.

torres or mikel most likely

Jul 31 2014 7:57AM

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THEpancakemantorres or mikel most likely

I was thinking Torres or Cech actually. They still need Mikel as a CDM as their depth there is lacking and since both Cech and Courtois both want to start still.

Seeing as neither goalie has experienced a decline like Casillas at RM, Mourinho will have to chose one. He could try the RM method, one plays all league games and the other plays all Cup games, but I do not see that working. I think we will see Cech leave.

Still, I believe this puts them at their limit of foreign players as is, and there are rumors that Miranda is still desired by Mourinho.

I think we will see a Cech being loaned or sold and Torres being sold as well.

Jul 31 2014 8:15AM

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Here is a good take on Chelsea's lineup dilemma.

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/chelsea-line-season-111341844.html

Jul 31 2014 9:06AM

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.MASSHOLE.I was thinking Torres or Cech actually. They still need Mikel as a CDM as their depth there is lacking and since both Cech and Courtois both want to start still.

Seeing as neither goalie has experienced a decline like Casillas at RM, Mourinho will have to chose one. He could try the RM method, one plays all league games and the other plays all Cup games, but I do not see that working. I think we will see Cech leave.

Still, I believe this puts them at their limit of foreign players as is, and there are rumors that Miranda is still desired by Mourinho.

I think we will see a Cech being loaned or sold and Torres being sold as well.

.MASSHOLE.Here is a good take on Chelsea's lineup dilemma.

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/pitchside-europe/chelsea-line-season-111341844.html

There have been rumors of Cech going to PSG. No team really wants to take Torres' wages. I could see Romeu leaving as he would struggle getting playing time.

Jul 31 2014 2:37PM

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Laurent.

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TheSteezyKoalaThere have been rumors of Cech going to PSG. No team really wants to take Torres' wages. I could see Romeu leaving as he would struggle getting playing time.

But PSG already has Sirigu.

Jul 31 2014 3:35PM

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fujarome

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omnidataBut PSG already has Sirigu.

this is PSG we're talking about. Money, players already owned.... none of that matters to them.

not using Sirigu would be a waste. Completely underrated goalkeeper. Better than Cech in my eyes

Jul 31 2014 3:53PM

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Marca reporting that AM want Schurrle+cash for Miranda. Interesting.

Aug 1 2014 9:24AM

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Loner

.MASSHOLE.Marca reporting that AM want Schurrle+cash for Miranda. Interesting.

Don't think that's worth it for Chelsea. They already have Zouma and Ivanovic and Schurrle is very good.

Aug 1 2014 2:02PM

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bakedpow

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i know this is a longshot but if anyone has tickets to mls all stars verse bayern munich they wanna sell id rather like to attend that match...

Aug 1 2014 7:28PM

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Twig

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Sanogo has just scored 4 for Arsenal in the Emirates cup, with Joel Campbell scoring a great goal. Options up front?

Aug 2 2014 1:07PM

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Chunter

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TwigSanogo has just scored 4 for Arsenal in the Emirates cup, with Joel Campbell scoring a great goal. Options up front?

I've always like Sanogo over Bendtner, he always seemed to have the potential but often his first touch was super poor and ruined everything. With any luck maybe this'll be a breakout season for him.

Aug 2 2014 1:30PM

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TwigSanogo has just scored 4 for Arsenal in the Emirates cup, with Joel Campbell scoring a great goal. Options up front?

Assuming they stick to a one striker formation. Giroud.

Didn't get to watch game. Did Sanchez play striker when he came?

Aug 2 2014 1:50PM

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Keylor Navas officially signed for Real Madrid. Lopez or Casillas is gone.

http://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2014/08/official-statement-keylor-navas?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fichaje_keylor_en&utm_content=official_announcement_navas&utm_campaign=TwitterRRSS

Aug 3 2014 2:35PM

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TALKING POINT
Do Chelsea have enough creativity to supply Torres, Costa and Drogba? We saw the full array of Chelsea strikers today but they were mostly starved of any good service from midfield. Fabregas is the only truly creative central midfielder Chelsea have and the burden put on him already looks to be weighing him down as he struggled to create anything for the strikers to feed off.

Well, it looks like they lacked the creativity today. Not a promising start even if it was a second-rate friendly.

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/friendly-match-chelsea-hammered-werder-bremen-170754542--sow.html

Aug 3 2014 2:48PM

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Chunter

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Anyone watch the Arsenal game today? I tried streaming the first half this morning but it was such trash I gave up. Twitter said Alexis moved up front after Giroud came off at the break, anyone know how he fared? Apparently Ox came on and started bossing the game a bit but nothing came of it.

I'd love to see something like this next season for an attacking force. Wilshire would have to stay disciplined though and not get caught too far up. Ramsey and Oxlade are by far the most creative and threatening players Arsenal have at the moment. Hopefully they can keep it up and everyone else can pick up the rest. I expect a big season from both of them.

Alexis
Walcott - Ozil/Santi - Ramsey - Oxlade
Wilshire

Aug 3 2014 3:55PM

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ChunterAnyone watch the Arsenal game today? I tried streaming the first half this morning but it was such trash I gave up. Twitter said Alexis moved up front after Giroud came off at the break, anyone know how he fared? Apparently Ox came on and started bossing the game a bit but nothing came of it.

I'd love to see something like this next season for an attacking force. Wilshire would have to stay disciplined though and not get caught too far up. Ramsey and Oxlade are by far the most creative and threatening players Arsenal have at the moment. Hopefully they can keep it up and everyone else can pick up the rest. I expect a big season from both of them.

Alexis
Walcott - Ozil/Santi - Ramsey - Oxlade
Wilshire

I don't see Giroud getting left out. The BPL and particularly Arsene love big, dominant strikers. I think Alexix goes out wide annd Ox and Walcott fight for the other wide spot.

Only got to watch the last twenty or so and the main takeaway I got was Akpom(sp?) is a pace merchant. Not afraid to take his man on and is ridiculously quick, add another pacey winger to the collection at Arsenal.

Aug 3 2014 6:31PM

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bakedpow

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so it looks like lampard will go on loan to man city but in the deal he is not allowed to play against chelsea... interesting move by city. definitely will provide depth and experience.

Aug 3 2014 6:37PM

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Chunter

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Fun_dipI don't see Giroud getting left out. The BPL and particularly Arsene love big, dominant strikers. I think Alexix goes out wide annd Ox and Walcott fight for the other wide spot.

Only got to watch the last twenty or so and the main takeaway I got was Akpom(sp?) is a pace merchant. Not afraid to take his man on and is ridiculously quick, add another pacey winger to the collection at Arsenal.

Yeah Giroud surely isn't going to be left out but I don't see him being overplayed as much as he was last season either. Just an option that I thought would be a blast to watch and should be brilliant on fifa lol.

Aug 3 2014 10:01PM

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90053

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Bakerpowso it looks like lampard will go on loan to man city but in the deal he is not allowed to play against chelsea... interesting move by city. definitely will provide depth and experience.

probably more for coaching, the chances of lampard starting for man city are pretty slim

Aug 4 2014 4:50AM

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Chelsea have loaned Oriol Romeu to Stuttgart so I think this ends their dilemma or they might have to unload another player.

I'm pretty sure Lampard is going to City just for fitness until 2015.

Aug 4 2014 12:48PM

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*DUMBCAN*

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TheSteezyKoalaI'm pretty sure Lampard is going to City just for fitness until 2015.

I think he might play an early cup matche, but it's definitely hard to see him doing much more with city.

Aug 4 2014 1:02PM

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*DUMBCAN*I think he might play an early cup matche, but it's definitely hard to see him doing much more with city.

I imagine he also counts as a homegrown player too

Aug 4 2014 2:04PM

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Talk about depth. Obviously a few of the CM's will be on their way out and Jese is injured, but still. Amazing what money can buy :p

Aug 5 2014 11:24AM

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City's is insane.

Aug 5 2014 3:07PM

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Javier Manquillo on loan to Liverpool. He is an RB and 20 years old. Don't know too much else about him

Internet is RIFE with rumors about Reus headed to Liverpool as well. Doubtful that Dortmund would let him go for anything less than 50 million euros.

On another note, Howard Webb has retired from refereeing.

Aug 6 2014 8:47AM

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fujarome

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.MASSHOLE.On another note, Howard Webb has retired from refereeing.

actually a bit disappointing. While he was awful for Manchester united matches, he was overall a good ref who could control even the most intense matches. Something lacking with many these days

Aug 6 2014 10:56AM

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fujaromeactually a bit disappointing. While he was awful for Manchester united matches, he was overall a good ref who could control even the most intense matches. Something lacking with many these days

Agreed. While I never really paid attention to the whole Howard Webb loves Man U fiasco, I think losing him on the whole is unfortunate. He was a very good ref whom the players seemed to respect.

Reminds me of Pierluigi Collina

Aug 6 2014 11:01AM

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Kekambas.

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Insane

http://youtu.be/mRWHkER_Ou4

Aug 7 2014 5:19PM

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fujarome

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never thought Landon Donovan was actually that good. Performed well for the national team, but was always hugely disappointing outside the MLS.

Aug 7 2014 5:34PM

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fujaromenever thought Landon Donovan was actually that good. Performed well for the national team, but was always hugely disappointing outside the MLS.

If you want to go off statistics, he was not even the "best" player in MLS. Taylor Twellman had a MUCH better goal per game average than Donovan but was unfortunately forced to retire due to post-concussion syndrome.

Personally, I think he is overhyped and was never that "good" despite what the media believed him to be.

Aug 7 2014 6:01PM

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*DUMBCAN*

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Are any MLS players any good? Over here we just see it as where old players go to make (even) more $$$$$$ before they retire...

Aug 7 2014 6:04PM

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*DUMBCAN*Are any MLS players any good? Over here we just see it as where old players go to make (even) more $$$$$$ before they retire...

Clint Dempsey was good when he went from the MLS to Fulham. Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, and Altidore played in the MLS at one point as well.

But generally, no. They would probably be mid to bottom level EPL players if that. Most would play in Championship or below.

Aug 7 2014 6:22PM

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Z-Juice

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Is the newschoolers EPL fantasy league happening again this year?

Aug 7 2014 10:17PM

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*DUMBCAN*

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DugskioIs the newschoolers EPL fantasy league happening again this year?

Well, I just started it.

fantasy.premierleague.com

League is imaginatively called 'Newschoolers', it's code is:

1292317-303416

Once you've picked a team, go to leagues > join league > private league and copy/paste in the code.

Aug 8 2014 6:56AM

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*SNO*

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*DUMBCAN*Well, I just started it.

fantasy.premierleague.com

League is imaginatively called 'Newschoolers', it's code is:

1292317-303416

Once you've picked a team, go to leagues > join league > private league and copy/paste in the code.

I've joined, team name is 'Ivory Toast'. Hopefully this time I can remember my password!

Aug 8 2014 10:49AM

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