Kenco Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Just one signing for CAC so far, let's hope Akinfeev doesn't get injured as there is no GK backup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 Sorry, a third restart needed. Forgot the rule about teams needing to be 3 years old to be in the FA Cup AND the importance of the last division and position in assigning the League Cup seedings. I'm sorry! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
magvest Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 No worries GCB! Hopefully Mr. Redknapp can make some transfers this time... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 Right, I am sure that I've got it right now. Ran a longer test and everybody was in the right competitions at the right times! And before anyone asks ... No. I won't tell you who was winning the league in February when I stopped the test. I will tell you that on one test I did though when none of you got entered in the FA Cup, it was Peterborough United that managed to win it. Hmm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie15 Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Good news, let's get this party started!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 nPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW SHOW On the eve of the new nPower Championship season, SPORTS.tv takes a look at the eight Top2Bottom sides hoping to earn the biggest prize in football – promotion to the Premier League. 46 games awaits them as they look to finish either in the top two or – as a second option – in the top six followed by a celebration at Wembley Stadium at the end of May. However, eight T2B sides into the top six places doesn’t work and it is clear that five of these sides must miss out on the Premier League. Which five will it be? SPORTS.tv's team of experts have been discussing this all week and here is your nPower Championship preview which includes our predictions. Will we be right? Find out here as SPORTS.tv brings you all the action for the coming season from the nPower Championship which begins this weekend with the first games of the season: Bristol City vs. Horden All Stars Derby County vs. A1 FC Hull City vs. Lowen United Leicester City vs. Dustbin Rovers Preston North End vs. Fareham Fallguys Saku FC vs. Ruff FC Sheffield United vs. Darlington Rangers AND MORE! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: A1 FC (fyrros) MANAGER: Neil Warnock CHAIRMAN: Thoughtbread Donut DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Ajax 2-1 A1 FC Argentinos 1-1 A1 FC Montpellier 3-0 A1 FC Chivas 2-2 A1 FC Crusaders 1-2 A1 FC TRANSFERS Matthew Upson (Free) Stiliyan Petrov (Free) Nenad Milijas (Free) Wilson Palacios (Free) In manager Neil Warnock, there is no doubt that A1 FC have the manager who knows most about getting promoted out of the Championship having completed the job with three different clubs – Notts County, Sheffield United and QPR – already. The Aces have had a difficult pre-season as they failed to win until their final game against Crusaders but that reflected the quality of the opposition in fairness with the 3-0 defeat to Montpellier the biggest disappointment. Warnock has made several clever signings to boost the depth in the squad and A1 should be capable of mounting a promotion challenge this season. With Welsh youngsters Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in their ranks as well as French creative midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, there should be no lack of chances for the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Hugo Rodallega and Johan Elmander to feed off. If they can convert these chances, A1 could well be celebrating a place in the Premier League come May next year. predicts ... 3RD – PLAY OFF WINNERS! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: DARLINGTON RANGERS (kevv2204) MANAGER: Roberto Mancini CHAIRMAN: Kane Velbrim DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Galatasaray 3-2 Darlington Rangers Fenerbahce 1-2 Darlington Rangers Swindon Town 3-0 Darlington Rangers Valenciennes 0-2 Darlington Rangers Penarol 1-2 Darlington Rangers TRANSFERS None Roberto Mancini seems confident that he has the personnel needed to mount a promotion challenge this season with no new signings made. The pre-season results – Swindon apart – were encouraging and suggest that he could be right. However, the lack of signings could leave Rangers susceptible to injuries and suspensions as the season wears on and a lack of strength in depth could well be needed with the creaking bones of Michel Salgado and Graham Alexander – part of the new coaching set up but carrying on as a player – making the defence a particular concern. Rangers’ forward line is as exciting as you are likely to see in the Championship and there should be no shortage of goals with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Jose Antonio Reyes and Sergio Aguero in the black and white shirts as well as Keirrison and Peter Crouch providing alternative options. If they stay injury and suspension free, Darlington Rangers will challenge for promotion to the Premier League. Unfortunately, that is a big if. predicts ... 6TH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: DUSTBIN ROVERS (Adamw) MANAGER: David Moyes CHAIRMAN: Adam Wilkinson DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Brechin 0-2 Dustbin Rovers Benfica 4-0 Dustbin Rovers Sporting CP 2-3 Dustbin Rovers Vitoria Guimaraes 2-0 Dustbin Rovers Racing Santander 3-3 Dustbin Rovers TRANSFERS Pascal Zuberbuhler (Free) Kevin Davies (Free) If their pre-season friendlies are anything to go by, Dustbin Rovers’ Wastelands stadium will be one of the best places to visit for entertainment this season. However, David Moyes, the manager, is likely to be desperate to stamp out the infuriating inconsistency that his side have shown during their visit to Portugal and Spain as one moment they were superb, the next they were, no pun intended, rubbish. The signing of Kevin Davies indicates that Moyes realises that he has a lack of options up front although David Villa is always a handy man to have around! The midfield looks strong with Hatem Ben Arfa and Jimmy Bullard set to be the men who provide the chances for the front men. However, there could be a real issue at the back if any of the first choice back four take injuries, as evidenced by the number of goals scored against the team in pre-season once substitutions were made. There is no doubt that Dustbin Rovers possess quality in their ranks and in David Villa they have one of the world’s best strikers. However, they may need some major improvements from elsewhere in the squad if they are to realise their promotion dream this season. predicts ... 7TH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: FAREHAM FALLGUYS (MattieCoopz) MANAGER: Roberto Di Matteo CHAIRMAN: Marcus Mann DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Galatasaray 1-1 Fareham Fallguys Eskisehirspor 0-1 Fareham Fallguys Manisaspor 1-4 Fareham Fallguys Macclesfield Town 0-2 Fareham Fallguys Genoa 0-1 Fareham Fallguys TRANSFERS None Italian manager Roberto Di Matteo knows all about promotion from the nPower Championship having guided West Bromwich Albion there previously and the pre-season friendly results suggest that the Fallguys are ready to launch a promotion assault this season as well. A successful tour of Turkey and a good win over Italian Serie A side Genoa show the potential of the side despite Di Matteo failing to make any signings over the summer, clearly satisfied with what he has. A strong defence will make Fareham difficult to breach whilst the attacking instincts of midfielders Tim Cahill and Yaya Toure should lead to goals for the Creekside Arena faithful to see. The always dangerous Samuel Eto’o provides yet another big name striker in the Championship and he should score for fun although the backups of Danny Welbeck, Franco Di Santo and Shane Long need to prove themselves and chip in as well. If they do, don’t expect Fareham Fallguys to be far away come May next year. predicts ... CHAMPIONS! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: HORDEN ALL STARS (fergysafc) MANAGER: Gerard Houllier CHAIRMAN: Liam Ferguson DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Port Vale 2-1 Horden All Stars Olympique Marseille 0-2 Horden All Stars FC Lorient 2-2 Horden All Stars FC Istres 4-1 Horden All Stars Huddersfield Town 3-0 Horden All Stars TRANSFERS None Manager Gerard Houllier is another one yet to make any moves in the transfer market since he took over the Horden All Stars – judging by the All Stars’ pre-season, he may wish to revise that decision soon. Humiliating defeats to Port Vale, Huddersfield and FC Istres show that the defence may not be up to the mark although, bizarrely, the most high profile opponent in pre-season were defeated with ease in the end and failed to breach Horden’s defence. Will the real Horden All Stars please stand up? Maybe the defence is simply too attack minded with the likes of Maicon, Marcelo and Jose Bosingwa all likely to feature this season but Houllier must sort it quickly if Horden All Stars are to challenge this season. The strikeforce of Obafemi Martins, Nicklas Bendtner and Diego Milito should guarantee goals for the club and with Lionel Messi providing the assists along with Steven Gerrard and Antonio Valencia, it is hard to see Horden All Stars not being amongst the top teams come the end of the season. If Houllier gels the side quickly and stiffens up the defence, the All Stars could be top of the pile in May. predicts ... 2ND - PROMOTED! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: LOWEN UNITED (jimbowmanuk) MANAGER: Alex McLeish CHAIRMAN: Ernst Scaramanga DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Maritimo 3-1 Lowen United Fenerahce 3-1 Lowen United Kayserispor 1-1 Lowen United Hartlepool United 5-0 Lowen United Boca Juniors 1-2 Lowen United TRANSFERS Christian Eriksen (Season Loan, Ajax) Alex McLeish is not a manager you would wish to face after a 5-0 defeat at Hartlepool United at any time in your career. For the players of Lowen United, that has already become a reality after a humiliating pre-season took a turn for the worse with a hammering from Pool. However, it may well turn out to be for the best for the team who responded with an excellent 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in the final pre-season friendly, McLeish’s first win as boss. McLeish will hope to continue this winning feeling in the early weeks of the season with none of the rest of the ‘T2B 8’ to face until October. However, their squad has injury issues already that may make things difficult with just the loan signing of Christian Eriksen to add depth to the squad. Philipp Lahm, Filipe and Lee Cattermole are all ruled out of the opening games of the season and lesser injuries to Cambiasso and Bebe leave Lowen United with just 14 fit players ahead of the season opener at Hull. Much will depend on the goalkeeping genius of Petr Cech which should, especially with Martin Caceres and Thiago Motta joining Lahm and Filipe in the back four, ensure a good defensive record once things gel. Equally important will be Loic Remy, Moussa Dembele and Marouane Chamakh who are all good strikers but at least one needs to step up and prove himself by hitting 25 goals that would go a long way to ensuring Lowen United challenge for promotion this season. predicts ... 5TH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: RUFF FC (SamRuff04) MANAGER: Avram Grant CHAIRMAN: Clive Ruff DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Ruff FC 2-1 Werder Bremen Ankaragucu 2-3 Ruff FC Fenerbahce 1-1 Ruff FC Villarreal 2-2 Ruff FC MK Dons 2-0 Ruff FC TRANSFERS None A promising pre-season against some of the top sides in Europe was spoiled by Avram Grant’s Ruff FC as they crashed to a 2-0 defeat in Milton Keynes in their final friendly raising questions about their ability to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season. No new signings from the Israeli suggest he is happy with his squad – which might lack some depth – and the win over Werder Bremen shows that, on their day, Ruff FC can compete with the best. Ruff FC look set to be a team that has no stand out star man – Diego Forlan being the most well known – but they do have a solid side that should gel quickly into an effective team. The spine of the team has potential with Alex and Carles Puyol at the back, the tireless Scott Parker and the goals of Charlie Adam in the centre of the midfield and the dangerous Forlan up front with Giampaolo Pazzini. If they can add some quality to the side on the flanks, Ruff FC could well be the side to be celebrating come May. predicts ... 4TH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: SAKU FC (o1000100) MANAGER: Carlo Ancelotti CHAIRMAN: Oskar Henno DIVISION: nPower Championship PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Fenerbahce 1-1 Saku FC Porto 4-2 Saku FC Benfica 2-0 Saku FC Santa Clara 0-1 Saku FC Osasuna 3-1 Saku FC TRANSFERS None With just fourteen professional players to his name, it is surprising that Carlo Ancelotti has not opted to make a move in the transfer window so far and it would be hard to argue against the idea that he must if Saku FC are to challenge for promotion this season. Against difficult pre-season opponents, Saku FC performed well at times but their confidence won’t have been helped by three defeats in five games and it will be interesting to see how long they take to hit top gear this season. They certainly have the personnel to challenge for promotion – any first eleven in the division would struggle against the quality of Martin Skrtel, Michael Essien, Seydou Keita, Franck Ribery, Ashley Young and Luis Suarez but there are glaring gaps in their side that could be their undoing in the quest for promotion. No out and out goalscoring striker is a worry for the Saku FC fans and they are urging Ancelotti to make a move in the transfer window before it closes at the end of August. A lack of depth also needs addressing if they are to challenge. If they can add numbers to the squad, they could challenge. Without further additions, a promotion challenge seems unlikely. predicts ... 8TH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattieCoopz Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Loving the fact that we are predicted to become champions, hopefully the team will live up to those expectations. Another nice unbeaten pre-season, showing other strong European teams how it's done is also very important but we could've done with another signing or two defensively. But Roberto does as he feels, and I hope we won't get caught out by an injury crisis which he'll regret not making any cover signings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fergysafc Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 2 terrible defeats and winning vs OM...Makes no sense Predicted 2nd i will be happy if that happens, GH really needs to sign someone Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie15 Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 GCB - Great work fella, well worth the wait! A1 FC have certainly managed to recruit some good free transfers. Best of luck one and all! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergtaur Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Can't wait to see the Premiership projections GCB, expect comment from management at New Bloc and it's head man once Sid Smash decided to chop us down again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbowmanuk Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Lowen United predicted to finish in the playoffs? that wont happen unless McLeish signs some more players to cover the injuries Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevv2204 Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 why o why has mancini nt bought cover. wat a waste lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrros Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 My team seems to be filled with Cm's.... Well hoping that my manager can actually make the promotion prediction come true Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nottingham Forest Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Can't wait for mine . Great sign-up GCB . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
magvest Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Great writing GCB, can't wait to read the premiership ones. Will be a great sign-up!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff 1993 Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Great job so far GCB - Can't wait for the Premiership Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
o1000100 Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Can't believe my manager hasn't signed anyone yet... Maybe he will in august? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacLovin Posted August 4, 2011 Share Posted August 4, 2011 Excited for the next update! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5ergio Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 Finally I can catch up with the sign up 75 messages already and no mention of Freljord yet Let's hope McClaren planned some nice moves and we'll be able to hear them out in the next update. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 Finally I can catch up with the sign up 75 messages already and no mention of Freljord yet Let's hope McClaren planned some nice moves and we'll be able to hear them out in the next update. Should update later, been busy last couple of days. I am writing the Premier League preview show before I write the opening Championship review and the League Cup games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW SHOW The ‘Greatest League in the World’ returns soon as the remaining 20 T2B teams begin their season looking for victory on Day 1. The importance of a good start is essential and with nobody really knowing which teams are going to be towards the top of the division and which teams will be scrapping at the bottom, a positive start may well be the boost needed for a good campaign. SPORTS.tv is ready to preview the 20 Premier League teams, their pre-season results, their signings and their chances as well as making our own predictions based on the opinions of the SPORTS.tv experts. Will we be right? Only SPORTS.tv will have the answer for you with all the action from the Barclays Premier League once it begins in a week’s time. Remember that the nPower Championship kicks off one week earlier than the Premier League! PREMIER LEAGUE Capite Ad Calcem vs. AFC Slough Darlington All Stars vs. Wootton Wanderers Discworld vs. Dockland South Emurica vs. Solent Galaxy Essendon vs. Calvary FC Freljord vs. Stratford Rangers New Bloc vs. Shakhtar Senseless Real Clifton vs. Chelsea Australia Shire FC vs. Kuda Laut Gemilang Southsea Athletic vs. Rushden Phoenix PLUS ALL THE EUROPEAN AND DOMESTIC CUP ACTION AS WELL! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: AFC SLOUGH (letissierandhenryaregreat) MANAGER: Arsene Wenger CHAIRMAN: Walter Charles-Baskerville DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Millwall 0-2 AFC Slough Darlington 0-1 AFC Slough Derby County 2-2 AFC Slough OGC Nice 0-2 AFC Slough Barcelona 0-1 AFC Slough Salamanca 2-1 AFC Slough EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFIER Spartak ZV 5-0 AFC Slough AFC Slough 1-1 Spartak ZV Spartak ZV win 6-1 on aggregate TRANSFERS Mathias Jorgensen (Season Loan, FC Copenhagen) Experienced manager Arsene Wenger will not be pleased with AFC Slough’s impressive pre-season campaign due to the three results that followed including the demise at the hands of Serbian side Spartak ZV that leaves AFC Slough’s Europa League dream over after just two games. With just central defender Mathias Jorgensen arriving at the club, there is a decent amount of depth in the squad that should ensure that Slough can survive the inevitable injuries and suspensions that will come this season. Iker Casillas’ talents in goal will be vital if AFC Slough are to challenge at the top of the league as will the enigmatic Mario Balotelli – if AFC Slough and Arsene Wenger can screw his head on right, they have a real talent. If not, they have a real problem. LIKELY 11: Casillas, Jara, Cole, Agger, Jorgensen, Maduro, Bentley, Anderson, Bilyaletdinov, Balotelli, Rossi predicts ... 6th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: CALVARY FC (glennuk) MANAGER: Martin O’Neill CHAIRMAN: Vic Oliver DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Brentford 2-1 Calvary Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Calvary Schalke 1-1 Calvary Hamburg SV 3-2 Calvary Calvary 0-3 Juventus Deportivo La Coruna 2-1 Calvary Ipswich Town 3-1 Calvary TRANSFERS Mike Pollitt (Free) Marko Maletic (£1m, FC Utrecht) Manager Martin O’Neill has described Calvary FC’s pre season as concerning whilst fans of the club are showing signs of worry – seven games and seven failures to win with just draws with Tranmere Rovers and Schalke to show. Whilst pre-season friendlies should always be treat with some indifference, the lack of a win won’t help the side as they prepare for the Premier League and Champions League this season. The likes of Hugo Lloris, John Heitinga and Jerome Boateng will be desperate to improve the defensive performances once the season begins for real whilst Calvary have an exciting range of talent up front with England internationals Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent and Daniel Sturridge joined by Dutch master Robin Van Persie. They won’t struggle for goals but can they defend better once the season begins? LIKELY 11: Lloris, Boateng, Salcido, Evans, Naldo, Lucas, Park Ji Sung, Wilshere, Downing, Rooney, Van Persie predicts ... 11th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: CAPITE AD CALCEM (Kenco) MANAGER: Kenny Dalglish CHAIRMAN: Non Compos Mentos DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Ajax 1-3 Capite Ad Calcem Eskisehirspor 2-0 Capite Ad Calcem Sporting CP 0-1 Capite Ad Calcem Benfica 1-0 Capite Ad Calcem Olhanense 0-1 Capite Ad Calcem Derby County 2-0 Capite Ad Calcem TRANSFERS Luke Hyam (£800K, Ipswich Town) Maik Taylor (Free) An inconsistent pre-season for the Romans who showed their qualities in beating Ajax and Sporting but also their weaknesses in defeats at Derby and Eskisehirspor. Manager Kenny Dalglish will be hoping that his side can get on the winning track in the Premier League when it kicks off and stay on that track to ensure a good season. The defensive aspect of the team looks solid with the likes of Igor Akinfeev, Jamie Carragher, Kolo Toure and Javier Mascherano set to protect the Romans’ goal. However, going forward could be the key to their success. If Denilson and Jordan Henderson can provide the chances for Demba Ba, Dirk Kuyt and Roque Santa Cruz, the goals will come. However, the worry is that goals will be a problem for the Romans and it will prevent them from challenging at the top and could see them involved at the foot of the table instead. LIKELY 11: Akinfeev, Carragher, Zhirkov, Toure, Cahill, Mascherano, Henderson, Denilson, Jarvis, Kuyt, Santa Cruz predicts ... 16th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: CHELSEA AUSTRALIA (William Hall) MANAGER: Ian Holloway CHAIRMAN: William Hall DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Dinamo 2-3 Chelsea Australia Velez 0-2 Chelsea Australia Leyton Orient 2-0 Chelsea Australia Southampton 0-0 Chelsea Australia Cesena 1-0 Chelsea Australia Lazio 2-2 Chelsea Australia TRANSFERS Blair Turgott (Free) Matthew Booth (£95K, Sundowns) A well rounded squad shows that Chelsea Australia have cover in all areas of the pitch which could help them once the injuries and suspensions bite. However, the amount of quality in the squad is questionable once you look past goalkeeper Julio Cesar, defender Sergio Ramos and midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Angel Di Maria. Whilst these four will help Chelsea Australia to points on their own, the lack of quality in the rest of the team – particularly up front where it seems to be a Championship strike force – could lead to a struggle this season for the Aussies. Pre-season did little to suggest that the quality is there to mount a challenge in the Premier League and Holloway might be better suited to trying to ensure his side stay in the Premier League. LIKELY 11: Julio Cesar, Sergio Ramos, Maxwell, Kompany, Mancienne, Lansbury, Milner, Fabregas, Di Maria, Bothroyd, Fletcher predicts ... 17th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: DARLINGTON ALL STARS (toonbalmy87) MANAGER: Eddie Howe CHAIRMAN: Arron Balmer DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Peterborough United 0-0 Darlington All Stars Chivas 0-4 Darlington All Stars America (MEX) 0-3 Darlington All Stars Leon 2-1 Darlington All Stars Werder Bremen 1-1 Darlington All Stars Tenerife 0-1 Darlington All Stars Cliftonville 0-3 Darlington All Stars TRANSFERS None An impressive pre season for the All Stars and they should be able to use the confidence gained to launch their season with a good start. Much will depend on young manager Eddie Howe who will need to work hard to command respect from a very talented dressing room full of big names such as Victor Valdes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard and Mirko Vucinic. With a promising but young defence, Howe will need to work hard with the defence to keep the goals out but if they can, they will have no trouble scoring goals at the other end. SPORTS.tv think that they will and this should lead to a challenge near the top of the table and potential silverware come May. LIKELY 11: Victor Valdes, Naughton, Cissokho, Raul Albiol, Smalling, Fellaini, Ronaldo, Lampard, Malouda, Vucinic, Defoe predicts ... 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: DISCWORLD (magvest) MANAGER: Harry Redknapp CHAIRMAN: Terry Pratchett DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Rapid Bucharest 1-3 Discworld Ankaragucu 3-0 Discworld Fiorentina 1-1 Discworld Boca Juniors 1-1 Discworld Sevilla vs. Discworld Espanyol vs. Discworld Oviedo vs. Discworld TRANSFERS None Bizarrely, Discworld chairman Terry Pratchett and manager Harry Redknapp have decided that the week before the start of the season is the right time to squeeze in three pre-season friendlies with the final one on the Thursday before the Premier League season starts. Whether or not Redknapp’s decisions will be as strange once the season starts can be speculated on but Discworld have a squad that should allow them to challenge at the right end of the division with a place in Europe the likely outcome. The reliable form of Sebastien Frey in goal and the likes of Bakary Sagna and Ledley King in front should be strong enough whilst the midfield and attacking areas ooze quality with Daniele De Rossi, Nani, Jesus Navas and Tomas Rosicky amongst those firing the bullets for Carlos Tevez and Didier Drogba to finish off. LIKELY 11: Frey, Sagna, Cech, King, Bruno Alves, De Rossi, Jesus Navas, Rosicky, Nani, Tevez, Drogba predicts ... 7th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: DOCKLAND SOUTH (ejldude) MANAGER: Tony Pulis CHAIRMAN: Sir Francis Bacon DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Brechin 0-0 Dockland South Frankfurt 1-3 Dockland South Werder Bremen 1-0 Dockland South Bochum 0-1 Dockland South Burghausen 0-0 Dockland South St Mirren 1-1 Dockland South Juventus 2-1 Dockland South TRANSFERS None Tony Pulis’ no nonsense style of football might not win many admirers at times but it should ensure that Dockland South aren’t involved in the relegation scrap this season. There is a strong spine of quality in the side from Branislav Ivanovic, Guy Demel and Ryan Shawcross – who worked with Pulis at Stoke – at the back, Garth Barry and Sergio Busquets in the midfield and Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema up front. Whilst the experts would suggest that Dockland South won’t set the goalscoring charts on fire, they are unlikely to be easily broken down and that should see them finish in the middle of the table. LIKELY 11: Carson, Ivanovic, Gibbs, Demel, Shawcross, Barry, Busquets, Cazorla, Hunt, Higuain, Benzema predicts ... 9th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: EMURICA FC (NicKC13573) MANAGER: Paul Jewell CHAIRMAN: Nicholas Clements DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Darlington 1-1 Emurica Portsmouth 3-3 Emurica Walsall 2-1 Emurica Tenerife 1-3 Emurica Valencia 2-3 Emurica Valladolid 2-0 Emurica Leganes 0-2 Emurica TRANSFERS Lee Bowyer (Free) Luke Young (Free) Mariano (£7.25m, Fluminese) Eyong Enoh (£4.1m, Ajax) Paul Jewell has been busy in the transfer market this summer with four signings and it is easy to see why. A lack of quality in the squad – aside from the obvious Zlatan Ibrahimovic – was only pointing to one outcome: relegation. However, Jewell has made clever signings in Enoh and Mariano as well as the experienced heads of Bowyer and Young. If they can get off to a good start, there is no reason why Emurica cannot comfortably head into the realms of mid table but you fear for them if (a) they get off to a bad start or (b) Ibrahimovic is injured for any length of time. A strong defence should keep the goals down but Ibrahimovic will be needed to force a few 1-0 results. LIKELY 11: Harper, Mariano, Aurelio, Jagielka, Pique, Enoh, Kalou, Bowyer, Pedersen, Keane, Ibrahimovic predicts ... 20th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: ESSENDON FC (Marky Mark!) MANAGER: Billy Davies CHAIRMAN: James Hird DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Estudiantes Tecos 3-0 Essendon Valenciennes 2-1 Essedon Schalke 1-2 Essendon Hamburg 4-2 Essendon Mainz 3-0 Essendon Peterborough United 1-0 Essendon AC Milan 2-4 Essendon TRANSFERS None How on earth can a team lose five pre season games but win the two most difficult? That will be the question perplexing Billy Davies as he prepares his Essendon side for the opening day of the Premier League season. They showed that they have the quality and the ability to beat the best in Milan and Schalke but also showed a soft underbelly that could be their undoing once the season begins. No new signings means Davies is content with what he has and as with many teams in the Premier League, goalscoring won’t be an issue but keeping them out might. Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott are strong enough but the likes of injury prone Craig Gordon in goal and Herita Ilunga and Craig Cathcart at the back could lead to Essendon being ripped to shreds at times. They will need the goals if they are to survive! LIKELY 11: Gordon, Eboue, Ilunga, Lescott, Brown, Song, Wright-Phillips, Kaka, Afellay, Gilardino, Walcott predicts ... 14th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 PRE SEASON REPORT: FC FRELJORD (5ergio) MANAGER: Steve McClaren CHAIRMAN: Kaldera Tryn DIVISION: Barclays Premier League PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Southampton 3-0 FC Freljord Lens 3-2 FC Freljord Hull City 1-2 FC Freljord Morecambe 0-2 FC Freljord Real Madrid 0-0 FC Freljord TRANSFERS Tomas Kalas (Loaned to Bury) FC Freljord have a strong starting eleven that – with maybe an addition or two – could well be a contender to win the Premier League. There are a lot of question marks hanging over Steve McClaren’s side though. First of all, he needs to find a way to coax the goals that Edin Dzeko is capable of scoring out of him as well as pairing him up with the inexperienced but incredibly talented Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. If these two can form a partnership, don’t be surprised to see FC Freljord challenge with the likes of Arjen Robben and Lucho Gonzalez available to create the chances. The defence is solid and will protect arguably the best Premier League goalkeeper of the past few seasons in former Liverpool man Jose Reina. Could FC Freljord be celebrating come May? LIKELY 11: Reina, Cuellar, Michel Bastos, Vidic, Coloccini, Collison, Robben, Lucho Gonzalez, Adriano, Dzeko, Hernandez predicts ... 5th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 The remaining ten previews to come tomorrow! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergtaur Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 No #1 yet, I can hope!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenco Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 At least Kenny has seen the sense to get a back-up keeper, but shame he hasn't bought more firepower up front. I think a prediction of 16th is pretty fair, and I hope we make it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greasy Chip Butty Posted August 5, 2011 Author Share Posted August 5, 2011 MAIN GAMES: AUGUST: 7: NPC: Saku FC vs. Ruff FC 8: C-S: Calvary FC vs. Stratford Rangers 10: CC1: Lowen United vs. Wycombe Wanderers 14: BPL: New Bloc vs. Shakhtar Senseless 21: BPL: Wootton Wanderers vs. FC Freljord 25: CC2: TBA 28: BPL: Real Clifton vs. Rushden Phoenix 31: NPC: Sheffield United vs. Fareham Fallguys SEPTEMBER: 11: BPL: Kuda Laut Gemilang vs. Emurica FC 14: NPC: Horden All Stars vs. Lowen United 18: BPL: AFC Slough vs. Dockland South 22: CC3: TBA 25: BPL: Kuda Laut Gemilang vs. Discworld 28: NPC: Watford vs. Darlington Rangers OCTOBER: 2: BPL: Shire FC vs. Southsea Athletic 16: BPL: Dockland South vs. Solent Galaxy 19: NPC: A1 FC vs. Dustbin Rovers 23: BPL: AFC Slough vs. Solent Galaxy 27: CC4: TBA 30: BPL: Darlington All Stars vs. Discworld NOVEMBER: 6: BPL: Capite Ad Calcem vs. Shire FC 9: BPL: Darlington All Stars vs. Capite Ad Calcem 13: BPL: Chelsea Australia vs. Essendon FC 20: BPL: Southsea Athletic vs. Real Clifton 27: BPL: Rushden Phoenix vs. Essendon FC DECEMBER: 1: CCQ: TBA 4: BPL: Chelsea Australia vs. Emurica FC 11: BPL: Kuda Laut Gemilang vs. Wootton Wanderers 18: BPL: Real Clifton vs. New Bloc 26: BPL: Shakhtar Senseless vs. Calvary FC 28: BPL: Stratford Rangers vs. FC Freljord Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicKC13573 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Hopefully 20th isnt in my future Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie15 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Great updates as always GCB - love the club reviews. I wonder where Stratford will be predicted to finish! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkitekt Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 this is making great reading, hurry up with mine! joking! cant wait till the season starts, i hope im not predicted #1, i find its always a curse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff 1993 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I can't wait - I want to see who is predicted number 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5ergio Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Predicted 5th is good. Kalas being loaned is expected as well but no transfers as of yet and I assume McClaren won't be signing anyone later on. Here's hoping he can manage to form a team spirit and understanding to achieve that prediction. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacLovin Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Solent Galaxy number 1, heard it here first Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toonbalmy87 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 i knew that's where my squad needed sorting out in defense and a another Striker would of thought how would of splurged out on a couple of players like Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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