Season 32 Week 8 processing...

Greetings everybody and welcome to week 8.

No orders from Newcastle. All order sheets arrived.

The reset is underway...

Thoughts on yesterdays game Paul?  City should've been ahead at half time for sure, but second half was great?

Barcelona

Barca travel to Spain's north coast and Deportivo's Estadio Riazor. Depor play an attacking WIN tactic utilising wide men Jorginho Itima and Martinez with the evergreen Rui Fonte lurking in the box. The Barca  defence will need to be switched on to make sure there are no slip ups. Team news from the Barca camp is that Jose Gaya is coming back into the starting 11 in place of Cucurella who moves to the bench, where he is joined by Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz on his return to fitness. Olmo's move to the bench sees wonderkid Ansu Fati move to his favoured right wing role and the wily Gerard Moreno partner 'King' Karim Banzema up top.
In Europe Barca face Sporting Lisbon in what is a huge game for both sides. A win and Barca will have secured qualification with 2 games to go. The Cup game sees Pedri partner Fabian Ruiz in the engine room with Oyarzabal reclaiming his usual LW role. 
A hastily arranged, late press conference before the team went into lockdown before the mid week tie saw the manager accompanied by Director of Football, Gaizka Mendieta, discuss some upcoming additions. In an effort to discover the correct balance for the manager's 'innovative' take on existing tactics Serge Gnabry is joining to add more goal scoring threat from the wings and to form an attacking trio with Benzema and Fati .... BFG ....... maybe not. Added to this and as part of the overall group strategy Marcelo Brozovic moves to Barcelona to add some steel to the midfield as well as guile in the AM role.

Nacional

Having come through a tough run of games against the other key title contenders Nacional sit top and unbeaten, although only by a single point from Danubio and Defensor. It's now time to maximise and take advantage of that position as the other top teams face each other in the coming weeks. Fausto Vera comes into the midfield this week to add fresh legs while CBs Araujo and Nacho swap side to get on their best foot. No real movements off the pitch as several renewals for both players and staff take priority.
A lot of focus is on the Libertadores game against Flamengo. This is a crunch fixture in a tight group where River Plate are performing strongly as well. Juan Cuadrado gets a run out in this game in an effort to keep the squad fresh and firing on all cylinders.

Hannover

Die Roten have to keep plugging away in what feels like a 4 horse race for 3 promotion slots. The squad is looking good and are unbeaten since week 1 having played all 3 teams above them already. No doubt the loss of Brozovic to Barcelona will leave a gap but the manager has been quick to point out that work is underway to make triallists Grillitsch and Gregoritsch permanent to more than compensate. Both players are experienced Austrian international with over 60 total caps each and will link up with international teammate Schlager. This week the team host 8th place Dusseldorf led by the experienced Lars Bender. Marco Grujic takes the place of the departing Brozovic and talented young Swiss CB Becir Omeragic makes his debut.
The mid week game is against an experienced Bratislava side and the manager will be hopeful that key midfield duo Schlager and Brandt keep up their recent strong performances and run the game.

Rennais


The Breton side maintain their stability by making only a single change this week with Adil Rami replacing the departing Vermaelen. The team travel to third place Chatearoux knowing that a win will help consolidate their dominant position at the top of the league. The manager has stuck with the goal threat of Daka and Ben Yedder although Congolese marksman Bakambu will get a run out in the European game against Bohemians along with recent midfield addition Diadie Samassekou.

Tom@Charlton wrote:

Thoughts on yesterdays game Paul?  City should've been ahead at half time for sure, but second half was great?

Milner should have been sent off for a second yellow …… could have changed things. That being said what an advert for football. Great game. And Salah’s goal was beautiful.

Tom@Charlton wrote:

Thoughts on yesterdays game Paul?  City should've been ahead at half time for sure, but second half was great?

Come back Aguero.

Schalke

A crucial home CL game against Man City beckons, with Havertz and Alaba taking on DY duties across the middle. Coupled with Kimmich and Goretzka in the centre, it's a formidable midfield that will hopefully cause City problems. Mbappe comes straight in at CF - albeit after some intensive training.
Schalke playing SLA against Citys' SLO didn't reap rewards in the reverse fixture, but Schalke are at home and have a better understanding of what the manager expects.

The bundesliga game against Jena, away, sees Rodri and Coman freshen up the midfield, with Mbappe, again, making his debut. FAS v SLO is normally a decent matchup tactically.

Leroy Sane arrives at Gelsenkirken with Gnabry on his way. The manager needing a bit more flexibility in midfield. A bit more building and a couple of promising youngsters complete the weeks' dealings.

WATFORD

The team has hit a rich vein of form as of late, overcoming tough games such as Chelsea and Plymouth. This weeks opponents are Newcastle who managed a convincing win over Liverpool last week. Newcastle try to Dominate the opposition and stifle there attacks. Can the the Watford midfield hold strong to unleash the front three? SAB... Sterling keeps his place in the first 11 due to KDB still lacking match fitness and needs a little more time in the GYM to improve. Sterling has suffered from injuries himself this season but with the new THERMATURF installed across the WGBL group. Injuries should be a thing of the past. But Sterling needs to add some numbers to his game... 8 Games this season 0 goals, not the sort of numbers the manager expects from a elite winger such as Sterling, but maybe he just needs the right motivation.. Such as KDB playing backup LW.. Partey returns to Anchor the midfield. With departures last week, been a mini reshuffle of Reserve, Youth and SBA to get some players some more game time and provide better competition. 

Watford had a stuttering start to the Champions Cup this season, only on 4 points after 3 games! So have a bit of a task to get into the top two. This weeks opponents are Bayern.. Watford have optimism given last weeks result for Leverkusen. A couple of changes Maddison, KDB,  and Baines to give the team an little boost of freshness. 

GENK

Considering the last game was a 9-0 run out... The manager has been far from happy with this seasons events with the team dropping points in the games that matter Anderlecht and Mechlen! Putting the pressure on the manager to strengthen the squad in key areas. First was at CB, Koulibaly. DY, Kessie. Adding more steel to the spine of team. Then the manager wanted a more a clinical CF with Mousa Dembele going missing in the big games... and is swapped for the rising star Nordi Mukiele, Saelemekers has done well at RB, but skillset is more suited for further up the pitch. Hzolek now has a clear path into the first 11 and the manager is intrigued to see what he can do now he will be main man. As for this week, Things are kept settled with the squad, with only change being Moussa Dembele coming in at DY while Kessie gets settled into his new surroundings. Beveren as this weeks opponents, the manager is hoping that the team are professional and see the match out comfortably. 

Genk have had better fortunes in Europe, then the parent club. However, sit Joint top with this weeks opponents Liverpool. A poor display could easily see them slip to 3rd this week. The watch out will be the Trio of Ings, Zaha and Higuian who are all capable of causing any defence problems! So the side will have to hold strong this week! Can't discount the impact of Moses and Lallana either, with a soild CB pair of Matip and Can. Cabaye, Hzolek, Dembele, Coentrao and Vertonghen all come in to add experience and quality in key positions.  

LEVERKUSEN

A new challenger is born? The side last week stepped things up, managing to score more then 1 goal in the league for the first time this season and Lewandowski finally joined the party! Son Heung-Min got a couple of assists and proven his worth already in the side. El Shaarawy was crucial in promotion, but has struggled to repeat his form in the top flight. Which prompted the manager to bring in the talent Musiala who will no doubt adapt to German football like a duck to water.... Here's hoping ha!
A wave of new talent has arrived in Germany helping to maintain the growth of the club, which is always the main gaol of the manager. Improve the playing squad to allow for sales and improve finances. As for the Age of the squad, Hincapie and Kossounou will be looking to show there real life form and using the reserves to build up some understanding as potential to be the future CB pairing, already full internationals for there respective countries. Will no doubt have top European sides knocking on the door. Busquets makes a return to the side to marshall the middle of the park. Musiala and Gunnarsson make the bench. 

The league this week is Leipzig... the team have been reminded of the sides key players and even though are Veterans, you can't teach quality... Kiessling, Lahm and Huth all ones to watch out for! Depending on results this week and win today could see Leverkusen go into the top 4! Still a while to challenge for top spot but, got to gain some consistency.
A trip to Ukraine to play Shaktar awaits the German side in Europe, injuries to main man Igantjev takes some sting out of there goal threat this week. But Captain Totovytski will no doubt Gee his side up. Got to keep focused in games like this otherwise players could get complacent... Can't be having that! Again got to keep things fresh so Mkhitaryan, Nainggolan and Piszczek come in to get fresh legs. 

BOTAFOGO

The side were sitting second with a chance to go top last week, now sit 6th in the table... A very tight affair in Brazil. With Botafogo struggling to regain there form from 2 seasons ago! The manager will have to address quickly if this season is to be more of a success. First, find a DY with more tenacity and ability to win the ball back.. Done - Saul. Second, find a RW who can contribute to the goal output.. Check, Lucas shift to RW. Next point of call... Find CL under 30 ideally. Find new GK.. 

As for the game this week, Internac.. Who have struggled this season, but do have the Dangerman Celsinho.. and with Injury to Casemiro, Victor Bobsin gets a chance to show his talents. The team remains unchanged otherwise to allow the squad to settle before any changes are made, got to get them players up to speed before throwing them in. 

Again, Botafogo are at risk being 3rd placed in the Copa Libertadores and face Vasco... Kardec, Henrique, De Souza, Indio, De Freitas, Ramos, Winck, Silva, Carvalho, Teixeira and Weverton... Just to name a couple of players to watch out for! Botafogo are going to have to be on there A Game to get the desired result.. The previous meeting in the league was 5-1 Win to Botafogo... But this is the cup... 

Good luck to everyone!

Data entry is progressing and I expect the league games will be ready to kickoff at 1000 hours on Wednesday morning...

Champions Cup - Group Stages - Match Day 4 results

InterMilan 3 Charlton 4
Akax 1 Real Madrid 4

ACMilan 3 Plymouth 4
Lisbon 0 Barcelona 4

Schalke 1 Man City 2
Paris 3 Benfica 1

Bayern 1 Watford 2
Man United 6 Juventus 1

Europa Cup

Liverpool 1 Genk 2
PSV 3 Stuttgart 1

Spurs 2 Atletico 3
Feyenoord 3 Roma 0

Valencia 4 Nantes 1
Celtic 2 Etienne 3

Arsenal 5 Villa 3
Dortmund 2 Monaco 1

Copa Libertadores

Vasco 1 Botafogo 2
Estudiantes 3 Boca 0

Sao Paulo 1 Fluminense 3
Barselona 3 Argentinos 4

Flamengo 4 Nacional 3
Millonarios 0 River Plate 3

Palmeiras 1 Santos 3
Corinthians 4 ElNacional 0

European Cup Winners Cup

Berlin 3 Chelsea 4
Red Star 4 Partizan 0

Lazio 5 Athens 3
Marseille 3 Gornik 4

Hamburg 2 Everton 3
Atalanta 1 Sparta 0

Cologne 2 Soton 3
Napoli 1 Basel 0

European Cup

Shaktar 0 Leverkusen 3
Blackburn 1 Gladbach 2

Lille 3 Twente 5
Coventry 2 Brondby 2

Lyon 4 Wolfsburg 3
Westham 4 Vikingur 0

Frankfurt 2 Brighton 1
Leicester 2 Ararat 1

European Fairs Cup

Rangers 3 Molde 0
Dresden 2 Wimbledon 0

Hibs 1 Ruzomberok 2
Jena 0 Palace 0

Bratislava 2 Hannover 3
Auxerre 1 Norwich 2

Shelbourne 3 Aberdeen 4
Zenit 0 Birmingham 5

Europa Conference

Panathinaikos 3 Valur 4
Rapid 2 Dragovol 3

Porto 4 Derby 5
Innsbruck 2 Olympiakos 1

Steaua 1 Wednesday 3
Lillestrom 4 Malmo 2

Anderlecht 7 Tirana 1
Real Betis 0 Coleraine 1

UEFA Intertoto Cup

Shamrock 2 Consett 2
Bordeaux 2 Honved 1

Bohemians 5 Rennais 2
Rotterdam 3 Ferencvaros 1

Linfield 0 Limerick 3
Mechelen 3 Fenerbahce 2

Ujpest 1 Slovan 2
West Brom 6 Galatasaray 0

Europa Intercity Cup

Rejkjavik 0 Zagreb 1
Viking 0 Spartak 1

Dukla 1 Leipzig 3
Vienna 2 Leeds 4

Kragujevac 2 Zalgiris 1
Liege 2 Ipswich 1

Xamax 4 Cherry 3
Gothenburg 3 Burnley 3

Copa SudAmerica

Alianza 1 Emelec 2
Danubio 3 Defensor 0

Cristal 1 Independente 4
Strongest 2 Penarol 2

Porteno 3 Medellin 1
Catolica 2 Gremio 0

Velez 0 Amexica 1
Colo-Colo 0 Cruzeiro 6

Confederations Cup

Cosmos 1 Sydney 1
Constantine 2 Accra 4

NewYork 0 Melbourne 2
Tokyo 1 Enugu 1

Chicago 3 Grampus 0
Mamelodi 1 Tampa 1

Wydad 0 Setif 1
Kansas 1 Chiefs 0

Congrats to all the winners, just 2 group stage games left now. League games will kickoff Wednesday morning at 1000 hours...

Paul Hemmings wrote:

Congrats to all the winners, just 2 group stage games left now. League games will kickoff Wednesday morning at 1000 hours...

4/4 Wins for my clubs which is a good start to the week! Delighted to boost chances of progression!

Paul Hemmings wrote:

Champions Cup - Group Stages - Match Day 4 results

InterMilan 3 Charlton 4
Akax 1 Real Madrid 4

ACMilan 3 Plymouth 4
Lisbon 0 Barcelona 4

Schalke 1 Man City 2
Paris 3 Benfica 1

Bayern 1 Watford 2
Man United 6 Juventus 1

grrrrrrrrr

The crowd are ready the players are lined up and the ref blows for the start of the match, good luck to everybody this week...

Fluminense 0 Vasco 1 Indio on 2 minutes.
Bellavista 0 Nacional 1 Lodeiro.

Beveren 0 Genk 1 Mahrez on 3 minutes.
Santos 0 Flamengo 1 Vitinho.
Jena 0 Schalke 1 Goretzka.
Hannover 1 Dusseldorf 0 Isak.
Zaragoza 0 Real Madrid 1 Iniesta.