Soccer Thread

[Adam White]

For example, with the disclaimer that I am not English and do not understand the heritage value, why not slim down (or eliminate) the League Cup?

I say eliminate it. It's already pretty slim (only open to PL and football league sides).

[bencrix]

I also believe the others are correct about burnout.  I was joking with my wife that I won't know what to do now that the Copa America and Euro 2016 are done.  There won't be any football until the pre-season starts.  This Saturday.

Ha! I said the same thing to my wife. We are definitely spoiled!

[bencrix]

Timmy B: what do think about the Manchester teams' moves so far this off-season? They both seem to be swinging for the fences (excuse the baseball pun).

[TimmyB]

Timmy B: what do think about the Manchester teams' moves so far this off-season? They both seem to be swinging for the fences (excuse the baseball pun).

I'm pleased with United's business, so far.  We've taken care of three of the glaring weaknesses, but a commanding midfielder is still needed.  Missing out on Sanches looks to be a big miss, but I don't believe we'll ever know the real story, there.  If we add that one mid, plus maybe another strong CB, I believe we are in great shape.

As for City, I've been a little surprised that they haven't been more active, to this point.  Money has never been an object to them (can't imagine why!), but they have looked more like United in this summer's market.  They are linked with a thousand names, and supposedly selling a bunch as well, but much less actual business from them than I thought to this point.

[bencrix]

Looks like Pogba might be your mid? Twitter had pics of Ibra and him hanging out in LA...

[TimmyB]

Yeah, I saw the same pics and story this morning.  Not sure how it's going to play out. 

[bencrix]

Timmy B, congrats on the Community Shield and what appears to be the imminent world-record transfer.

I must say that Leicester still looks good (though it seems they will miss Kante dearly).

It all starts up again this weekend.

It sure will be interesting to see how the big boys w/ their new big men (Man U / Mourinho, Man City / Pep, Chelsea / Conte) come together.

Who will be this years' unexpected challenger from the depths?

How will the newly promoted adjust? (I find Middlesbrough particularly interesting, given their aggression in the transfer market)

Hoping that Spurs pick up where they left of last season (minus those last few matches, of course).

[Adam White]

Timmy B, congrats on the Community Shield and what appears to be the imminent world-record transfer.

I must say that Leicester still looks good (though it seems they will miss Kante dearly).

It all starts up again this weekend.

It sure will be interesting to see how the big boys w/ their new big men (Man U / Mourinho, Man City / Pep, Chelsea / Conte) come together.

Who will be this years' unexpected challenger from the depths?

How will the newly promoted adjust? (I find Middlesbrough particularly interesting, given their aggression in the transfer market)

Hoping that Spurs pick up where they left of last season (minus those last few matches, of course).

Got tix to Spurs - Sunderland next month. Not really relevant to much of anything, but I am excited about the match. I love it when the season starts - you never know what's going to happen. Usually a bit more worried than anything else. But you never know...

[bencrix]

That's great! I look forward to seeing a Spurs match one day. I'll be curious to hear about your experience.

Maybe Sunderland will be the surprise team of the year. I'll be interested to hear TimmyB's opinion, but I think Moyes is a great manager and will be a good fit.

Hopefully that becomes evident (if it does) Sept 24 (instead of Sept 18).

[Adam White]

That's great! I look forward to seeing a Spurs match one day. I'll be curious to hear about your experience.

Maybe Sunderland will be the surprise team of the year. I'll be interested to hear TimmyB's opinion, but I think Moyes is a great manager and will be a good fit.

Hopefully that becomes evident (if it does) Sept 24 (instead of Sept 18).

I fear they will need more than Moyes! They've been so bad for so many seasons, I really can't expect they'd be any different this year.

[bencrix]

You are probably right. But they have some interesting talents (M'Villa, Rodwell, Van Anholt, etc.). Defoe probably is still good for goals. And I'm thinking they might get Yedlin, too (although I hope Spurs keep him since I think he is at least equal too, perhaps better than Kieran Trippier).

[JaxAvondale]

I'll be in London for the Jags game. I'm hoping to be able to make it to a West Ham match. They are scheduled to play Middlesbrough on 10/1 but that will change if they win their Europa League match in a few weeks.

[Adam White]

I'll be in London for the Jags game. I'm hoping to be able to make it to a West Ham match. They are scheduled to play Middlesbrough on 10/1 but that will change if they win their Europa League match in a few weeks.

That's cool - who are the Jags playing? Is it in Wembley or is it one of the matches in Twickenham (assuming that is happening this year)?

Do you have tickets to the West Ham match already? If you end up sitting behind goal, try to take a few pics - I am really curious about how the view is.

[JaxAvondale]

I'll be in London for the Jags game. I'm hoping to be able to make it to a West Ham match. They are scheduled to play Middlesbrough on 10/1 but that will change if they win their Europa League match in a few weeks.

That's cool - who are the Jags playing? Is it in Wembley or is it one of the matches in Twickenham (assuming that is happening this year)?

Do you have tickets to the West Ham match already? If you end up sitting behind goal, try to take a few pics - I am really curious about how the view is.

The Jags are playing the Colts in Wembley.

I don't have tickets to the West Ham match yet. If West Ham qualifies for Europa League then their match will be moved from 10/1 to 10/2 which would be at the same time as the Jags game.

[Adam White]

I'll be in London for the Jags game. I'm hoping to be able to make it to a West Ham match. They are scheduled to play Middlesbrough on 10/1 but that will change if they win their Europa League match in a few weeks.

That's cool - who are the Jags playing? Is it in Wembley or is it one of the matches in Twickenham (assuming that is happening this year)?

Do you have tickets to the West Ham match already? If you end up sitting behind goal, try to take a few pics - I am really curious about how the view is.

The Jags are playing the Colts in Wembley.

I don't have tickets to the West Ham match yet. If West Ham qualifies for Europa League then their match will be moved from 10/1 to 10/2 which would be at the same time as the Jags game.

Looks like they drew Astra? I would say it shouldn't be an issue, but apparently they knocked them out of the Europa League last year? So who knows.