Season 31 Week 21 processing...

Welcome to week 21 which of course is domestic Cup Final week.

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No orders from Real Madrid.

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Watford


Have Watford managed to get over the line? Watford only need 1 point from the next two games, both away games. This week’s game is Vs Geoff’s almighty City who edged the most recent encounter with the manager trying something a little different this week.
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
Can’t expect a different result If just keep trying the same thing…  Maddison’s untimely sending on last week see’s him dropped from the first 11 this week, being the second most used player in the team, having amassed 30 appearances in his maiden campaign for the Hornets. In comes “Galactic” Kevin De Bruyne, rumours are he’s not from this planet and was sent to give us mere humans a glimpse of how football can be played… The manager has spoken to KDB about his place in the squad, after Harvey Barnes was Sublime on the right-side last week. KDB is going play a little deeper this week at Playmaker… Alongside Thomas Partey at Ballwinner, looking to disrupt the midfield of City! Also, Raheem Sterling is looking to wound City coming in at ST and rain fire upon the city goal… Geoff has chosen to leave Phil Foden on the bench the last couple of games and preferred Dan James and Todd Cantwell on the sides, no doubt that will change in the near future, but regardless Benjamin Mendy and Wan-Bissaka are up for the challenge!
Claudio Bravo was in superb form last week to keep Charlton at bay after going a man down, but the manager has decided to go in a different direction for next season and sees this week as the perfect time to bring in “the best” Henderson….. “there’s only one Henderson” the fans have been chanting since the arrival of Dean at the Hornets. Big gloves to fill taking over from David De Gea… But the manager is hoping he can bring his real-life form and be a staple for the team for the next decade! Hopefully Henderson is fired up this week making his Debut for the club and will do his best to keep out international teammates Marcus Rashford and Calvert-Lewin, a tall ask for any goalkeeper but in Henderson we Trust.
 
Genk


Genk are aiming for their first ever Treble after securing the League and Europa League already this season. This week is the domestic Cup! Genk have had lots of success as of late in the competition. Last week seen the departure of Robert Lewandowski who had been a huge part of the team’s success, but the manager has absolute faith in Adam Hlozek ability to lead the line. Hlozek has scored 13 goals in 18 appearances and certainly looks like the main man to lead the team’s front line. Can Dembele dislodge Hlozek?
In the league, vacancy at Right back gives chance to Alexis Saelemaekers to make his debut for the team, with Jonny Otto brought in to cover the departing Cancelo, will there be a swift exit for Otto?
League game Vs the unmanaged Beerschot… who have only manged 6 goals all season and will no doubt be looking to add some firepower for next season. But unfortunately, they come up against the Juggernaut that is Genk, who have only conceded 4 goals all season and scored an impressive 74. The manager is looking to make it 21 wins out of 21.
As for the Cup game, Mechelen. Genks main rivals for much of the season for the title, who are a little bit more clinical Infront of goal then their league opponents.  If Genk want to keep Mechelen at bay Vertongen and Rudiger will have play well and keep Yesil and Vaerenbergh quiet.
Rumours around the club are that Neymar is on his way out of the Club.. Having helped the Genk Galactico’s dominate Europe, he has decided he would like to return to his native county…  Victor Oshimen departs the club this week after collecting his belongings quickly after returning from his loan spell before leaving for Napoli.


Leverkusen


What do 2 Germans, 2 Polish, Mexican, Icelandic, Spanish, French, Italian, Jamaican, and Armenian have in common? They make up the Leverkusen first 11! Player integration officer and language teacher has certainly earnt there keep...
Leverkusen have secured promotion. So, manager has decided to change up the team a little to try and add a little bit more quality and depth to the squad. In comes Mkhitaryan, Skulason and Lewandowski. Leverkusen have brought in players from all over the globe to help secure promotion and now will look at add stability. As for the middle of the park, Camavinga has been a main stead in the middle of the part since his arrival. But will be returning to Genk… To stake a first team place. Will Nainggolan take up the DY role, or will the manager bring in someone else a take the vacant position at DY?
The manager has invested in the structure of the club as of late and will continue to do. Edson Alvarez will be the big-name departure from the club… Helping recycle money into the club to keep investing in the future as the Goal is to challenge at the top of Germany in the next 3 seasons. With the aging squad the manager will be looking for the likes of Luca Netz, Ansgar Knauff and Matthew Hoppe to develop well over the next couple of seasons and break into the squad.

Botafogo


A huge triple header this week… Sao Paulo and Fluminense X2 in the same week!
Sao Paulo have been a bit of a banana skin as of late for Botafogo, but Botafogo got bragging rights in the last game. While the team are out of the title this season, Botafogo will not give up on finishing as strong as possible! Lucas returns to the starting 11 and replaces Tete, who has sat down with the manager and discussed his vision for next season and how he will be involved next season.  The departure of Felipe Anderson will vacant a space in the first team for the likes of Veron and Tete to battle it out for a starting place.
Cup Glory… Can Botafogo reclaim any resemblance of pride for this season! Fluminense…  Botafogo can count themselves unlucky last week after outplaying their opponents, 11shots vs 3 and a missed penalty and losing 3-0! What perfect way to remedy the situation then to take glory in the cup game and atone for last weeks result!
Double Whammy as it’s a Botafogo Vs Fluminense Youth Cup Final! The Botafogo youth team contains most of the Brazil U17 World cup winners who have developed at an astounding rate. Galdino, Lanza, Garcia, Vitao, Rosa, Cabral, Veron and Peglow! Which is a testament to the recruitment policy at the Brazilian Club.

Felipe Anderson leaves for 60million… Dani Alves leaves for a nominal fee of 5.5million and Claudio Bravo comes in to add some vital experience between the sticks… Neymar Santos Da Silva will make a journey back Brazil…  the Joia… the prodigal son returns…. It was tough negotiations to bring the Brazilian to the club… Contract talks were straight forward, but Neymar made an unusual request the manager had to consult with the Board before progressing…. “If I’m coming back to Brazil, I demand that the stadium is full every week AND I want the stadium capacity to be doubled ahead of the new season” the 45,000-capacity stadium isn’t sufficient for the calibre of players at Botafogo and is unfair to deprive the fans the chance to see the superstars and up and coming talent playing each week! Funds have been generated and now it down to the builders to expand the stadium, pronto.

As for Mahrez, he felt after the departure of Mousa Dembele, leaving him the only French speaking player in the squad he was struggling with fitting in off field, but it delighted be a part of the French Revolution at Genk. Eduardo Camavinga, Antoine Griezmann, Benoit Badiashile, Ferland Mendy and Mousa Dembele will certainly make him feel at home, on and off the pitch!

Love this!!!!!!!

Chelsea 
It’s Everton for Chelsea this week, Chelsea will be looking to score a goal after drawing a blank in the last four games, pretty much all about bedding in new players for next season, couple of new faces coming in this turn and a couple leaving

Emelec
Massive week In Ecuador that sees Emelec currently top on goal difference and away to last years champions Barselona who have fallen away in last two weeks, also this week sees Emelec play El Nacional  in the cup final, the manager is hoping to inspire his side this week with a speech to end all speeches for the cup final and league match after a hideaway in Quito

Schalke

With the league all sewn up, Schalke are leaving nothing to chance with the upcoming Cup Final against Hannover. They've enjoyed their hideaway, with special emphasis on the dangers of complacency - and a tactical tweak that is basically saying "we'll score one more than you...".

In the league (Frankfurt at Home), a tactical revisiting to a more cautious PEP - so PEB! Hopefully that'll bring Kane more to the fore - we'll see.

Gio Reyna is currently being put through his paces in an assessment of his progress through the season, and Dilrosun and Arne Maier go on the list. 

The squad are also being worked on the training ground to give tactical choices for next season compatible with PEB and SLA - WIC.

If you only score one more then something has gone massively wrong!!! Remember Hannover aren’t even in a promotion spot in the second division!!

i could be lying...

Barcelona


League - Barcelona play an away Catalan derby at 8th placed Espanyol knowing that the League title is already wrapped up. There will be no room for complacency against a team featuring the dangerous Paco Alcacer and Dani Pacheco in attack. With stability being one of the key elements in Barca's performances this season we see a largely unchanged side with only young French defender, Jules Kounde, coming in to make his debut at RB.

Cup - A huge game against a Betis side packed with talent. From the solid Marc Bartra to Pjanic pulling the strings in midfield and Rodrigo up top there's quality through the team. Goals are also free flowing from the Verderones attack with Pjanic scoring 7 in his last 6 League games and Rodrigo topping that with 8. Barca stick to their tried and trusted tactics with a small tweak this week as Fabian Ruiz moves to LH and Saul coming in at PM. An intriguing tie with Barca striving to secure a double but also avoid losing their third Cup final in a row. 

Nacional


League - Similar to Barca the League is tied up in Uruguay although the team are still motivated by delivering a 100% winning League season and are yet to concede a goal in their 20 League games. Veteran defender and skipper Diego Godin has come out to say 'the boys are all fired up to deliver the perfect domestic season to the fans - 22 wins and 22 clean sheets plus a double'. Godin went on to add, 'Our longer term goal at Nacional is to emulate our parent team, Barca, and bring sustained success to Montevideo and perhaps hang on to some of the top talent we bring in'. Godin was clearly referring to rumoured move of young star, Dani Olmo, although no deals have been agreed between the clubs so far.

Cup - The dangerous Danubio await in the Cup final led by the wily Argentine CB, Lisandro Lopez. The manager has strengthened the line up with Araujo and Nacho coming into defence and Fausto Vera replacing the departed Oscar in midfield. The manger has made a plea to the board to strengthen the squad in several key areas before next season so he can make a stronger run in the Copa Libertadores saying the following in a recent press conference, 'Have won several Libertadores during my time at Boca I know what we need to have a squad that can effectively compete with the Brazilian giants, Fluminense and Botofogo. A right back, centre back and an additional attacker are our priorities and I will be scouring the lesser known teams around the world to find bargains'.

Hannover


League - the place where no team wants to be ......... 4th place in the second division with no chance of promotion ........ welcome to Hannover. This week's away trip to 6th place Aachen is ....... let's face it, of no interest to anyone anywhere. However, Aachen are a dangerous side with veteran striker Daud have bagged 12 goals this season and CB Wollscheid still proving an able defender.

Cup - there are cliches like David v Goliath and this game deserves them all. Schalke stand 17 points clear in the Bundesliga, Hannover can't even get promoted. No Hannover player can make it into the star laden Schalke squad, never mind the first team. These teams are so far apart they shouldn't be allowed on the same pitch. Every stat available says this will be a walkover. In a statement this morning Paddy Power Germany said that they have suspended betting on a 6-0 scoreline ....... says it all.

The boys have enjoyed a holiday focused training camp in the Swiss Alps and the manager has given an impassioned speech recalling the bravery of well known heroes - Cinderella, Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Elsa from Frozen. The parting words of 'go out and make your own fairy tale' will forever be remembered in the Hannover changing room. Team news doesn't matter because Schalke are so good but we will turn up and give it everything we've got and you never know.

Akranes


League - The manager is under immense pressure from fans and board as this was the only group team not to make a Cup final and better is expected next season. New tactics are being tested and some experience added to a very youthful team. This week, away to the dangerous 3rd placed Reykjavik, Moroccan hitman, En-Nesyri, makes his debut on loan from Nacional to add some more cutting edge. The game has some additional interest as the League's 2 top scorers meet. 23 goal, Simon Skrabb, for the home team faces off against 22 goal Patson Daka, who is rumoured to be coveted by many teams across Europe. Another new face in the Akranes 11 is teenage midfielder Isak Johannesson who is aiming to tie down a starting spot for next season at DY. The manager is nervously awaiting news of what could be a massive transfer coup with one of his countrymen believed to be reviewing a contract offer for a move to Iceland's recently crowned League champions.

Great read guys, enjoyed them, certainly a lot going on this week.

Friendly games have kicked off...

Domestic Cup Final results involving you guys

Belgium
Genk 3 Mechelen 1

Brazil
Botafogo 6 Fluminense 3

Ecuador
Emelec 2 El Nacional 0

Eire
Cherry 3 Derry 4

England
Plymouth 3 Liverpool 0

France
Nantes 6 Cannes 0

Germany
Schalke 1 Hannover 0

Italy
Lazio 1 Inter Milan 2

Slovakia
Ruzomberok 4 Kosice 1

Spain
Barcelona 1 Real Betis 1 aet pens 5-2

Uruguay
Nacional 0 Danubio 1

Congratulations to all the winners, well deserved.

League games will kickoff at 1000 hours Wednesday morning...

Never in doubt!!!

Paul Hemmings wrote:

Domestic Cup Final results involving you guys



Ecuador
Emelec 2 El Nacional 0

 there is singing and dancing in the streets of Ecuador from Emelec fans along with car horns blasting but the players are back in the hotel having a celebratory meal then back to training ahead of two more games that could see the title secured.

The dream is over. Well played Andy. Delighted to keep it to a single goal that’s impressive for Hannover. And Barca have broken their hoodoo of losing the last 2 finals in a row.

Paul Hemmings wrote:

Domestic Cup Final results involving you guys

Belgium
Genk 3 Mechelen 1

Brazil
Botafogo 6 Fluminense 3

Belgian Treble complete!! What next for the Belgium outfit? Can they secure there dominance across Europe..... The club must build on this historic season and keep securing up and coming talent. 

Botafogo!! Revenge is sweet they say.... The manager is delighted to have converted last weeks dominance. The season isn't quite as much of a fairytale as last season. But nether the less, the players deserve this victory and no doubt there will be a carnival and streets of Rio full celebrating the result!

Congrats to all finalists!

Rob@Barcelona wrote:

The dream is over. Well played Andy. Delighted to keep it to a single goal that’s impressive for Hannover. And Barca have broken their hoodoo of losing the last 2 finals in a row.

hard luck matey, had a feeling it would be close - i tried to stop you playing, looks like it might have worked.

and well done barca

I took a massive risk as I didn’t think there was much to lose. Played CAT and gave Kulusevski a debut but went AM BW in midfield to try and stifle you. It basically breaks CAT but I couldn’t see another way to compete. Given the difference in squads I’m not unhappy with 1-0 to be honest.

Pleased for Nantes to secure another trophy, whilst Fluminense disappoint again in another final. 

Congrats to Phil and all the winners.

Tom@Charlton wrote:

Pleased for Nantes to secure another trophy, whilst Fluminense disappoint again in another final. 

Congrats to Phil and all the winners.

Was your League cup final this week?

gary@chelsea wrote:

Paul Hemmings wrote:

Domestic Cup Final results involving you guys



Ecuador
Emelec 2 El Nacional 0

 there is singing and dancing in the streets of Ecuador from Emelec fans along with car horns blasting but the players are back in the hotel having a celebratory meal then back to training ahead of two more games that could see the title secured.

I should have bought Emelec shares instead...

Just got back from being out - chuffed to bits for Plymouth, a poor season ending well! Some very close games in there, congrats to the winners!

gary@chelsea wrote:

Tom@Charlton wrote:

Pleased for Nantes to secure another trophy, whilst Fluminense disappoint again in another final. 

Congrats to Phil and all the winners.

Was your League cup final this week?

Unfortunately Watford didn't make it to a Cup final this season. Wimbledon knocked me out 

League Cup Final result

Charlton 5 Arsenal 1

The fans are in their seats the singing has started and the pitch looks to be in great shape as we approach kickoff...

The ref blows and the games are underway, good luck to everybody this week...