English Premier League Prediction Contest 2011-12

[wat?]

Originally Posted by Car'a'carn

I don't know. It's been very frustrating season, not to mention that at the end we were closer to the relegation zone, point wise, than to the top 4.

I'd say that Liverpool's got some quality, so 6-7 players is kind of overboard. I mean, Newcastle did it without any of those 6-7 players - they just found a system that worked for them and had some players peak at the right time (i.e., Coloccini).

Looking at stats, Liverpool's defense is tied for 3rd - 40 goals allowed all season, tied with Everton, and only behind the Manchester clubs. So I'd say that's a job pretty well done by the Liverpool defense - you guys don't often hemorrage goals to the opposition.

However, looking at the goals scored column, Liverpool is middle of the back - behind Blackburn, who was relegated in 19th place. That's a little silly. However, you do have Suarez and Carroll (Carroll's coming back around), and Bellamy, though I don't know why he hasn't had more playing time recently (or that I haven't seen him). But that's quality strikers - maybe not quite as good as a Rooney-Hernandez, Aguero-Tevez, van Persie, Drogba-Torres or Ba-Cisse front line, but it can work.

Problem is getting the ball up to them. Sounds like it's a combination of wingers not getting forward (or getting stuck back in defense as a precautionary measure) and the midfield not pressing up and finding the strikers and playing off of them. In particular, I'd say Liverpool needs to shop for a center midfield and some wingers. Get some speed and liveliness into the team.

[DownInTexas]

I'm curious what happens with Bolton after being relegated, particularly pertaining to their American players. If Holden gets healthy, and stays healthy, I would like him to be playing in a top tier league to be in the best possible form heading into 2014 in Brazil. As for Ream, while he was getting decent playing time since transferring to Bolton, as a young player, he might benefit more from lots of minutes in the Championship than competing for minutes with a higher level side. So I wouldn't mind Holden getting a transfer, even though there was an article last week where he spoke about wanting to stay with the club, who knows what happens in the summer transfer market.

[Car'a'carn]

Originally Posted by wat?

I'd say that Liverpool's got some quality, so 6-7 players is kind of overboard. I mean, Newcastle did it without any of those 6-7 players - they just found a system that worked for them and had some players peak at the right time (i.e., Coloccini).

Looking at stats, Liverpool's defense is tied for 3rd - 40 goals allowed all season, tied with Everton, and only behind the Manchester clubs. So I'd say that's a job pretty well done by the Liverpool defense - you guys don't often hemorrage goals to the opposition.

However, looking at the goals scored column, Liverpool is middle of the back - behind Blackburn, who was relegated in 19th place. That's a little silly. However, you do have Suarez and Carroll (Carroll's coming back around), and Bellamy, though I don't know why he hasn't had more playing time recently (or that I haven't seen him). But that's quality strikers - maybe not quite as good as a Rooney-Hernandez, Aguero-Tevez, van Persie, Drogba-Torres or Ba-Cisse front line, but it can work.

Problem is getting the ball up to them. Sounds like it's a combination of wingers not getting forward (or getting stuck back in defense as a precautionary measure) and the midfield not pressing up and finding the strikers and playing off of them. In particular, I'd say Liverpool needs to shop for a center midfield and some wingers. Get some speed and liveliness into the team.

We lost 11 games in the second half, without looking at any stats, I'd guess there aren't too many teams that did it. This can not be fixed with 1-2 players. I believe Dalglish should take most, if not all, of the blame, but even if he's sacked we will need several new and good players.

[Car'a'carn]

Originally Posted by DownInTexas

I'm curious what happens with Bolton after being relegated, particularly pertaining to their American players. If Holden gets healthy, and stays healthy, I would like him to be playing in a top tier league to be in the best possible form heading into 2014 in Brazil. As for Ream, while he was getting decent playing time since transferring to Bolton, as a young player, he might benefit more from lots of minutes in the Championship than competing for minutes with a higher level side. So I wouldn't mind Holden getting a transfer, even though there was an article last week where he spoke about wanting to stay with the club, who knows what happens in the summer transfer market.

Some players have clauses in their contracts making them free agents, or available for a transfer, if the team is relegated. I do not know though whether the players you mention have them.

[wat?]

Originally Posted by DownInTexas

I'm curious what happens with Bolton after being relegated, particularly pertaining to their American players. If Holden gets healthy, and stays healthy, I would like him to be playing in a top tier league to be in the best possible form heading into 2014 in Brazil. As for Ream, while he was getting decent playing time since transferring to Bolton, as a young player, he might benefit more from lots of minutes in the Championship than competing for minutes with a higher level side. So I wouldn't mind Holden getting a transfer, even though there was an article last week where he spoke about wanting to stay with the club, who knows what happens in the summer transfer market.

Agreed. There are bigger names than Holden & Ream that need to be distributed/retained for Bolton, but I'm kinda in agreement with you. But Holden's been out for months - he probably could use some practice back in the Championship, and if he performs well, other clubs could come calling in January 2013.

[wat?]

Originally Posted by Car'a'carn

We lost 11 games in the second half, without looking at any stats, I'd guess there aren't too many teams that did it. This can not be fixed with 1-2 players. I believe Dalglish should take most, if not all, of the blame, but even if he's sacked we will need several new and good players.

One of the most telling things about Liverpool's current roster is that they have Kuyt listed as a midfielder. It's not how Kuyt operates, but he's one of the few quality players left on the 'pool squad. Hopefully Lucas makes a successful and quick comeback, but you're still missing a solid midfield. You need a midfield to shield your back 4, and you need a midfield to transition you from defense to offense. So, onus is on Liverpool to search out some quality wingers & midfielders. Henderson, Downing and Adam aren't cutting it.

[egg]

Originally Posted by Traina

what a crazy unpredictable season! congrats egg. thanks for running this vivi!

Thank you. Not bad for my second year following the league. Now Go Chelsea, win the Champions League.

[egg]

Originally Posted by ditkaworshipper

egg, I'm coming after you!

Also, win d, why are you looking past the Euro Cup already? That's where the real action is at imo.

You'll have to catch me first.

[Mick Fan]

After all of the craziness on Sunday, does this weekend's Champions League final feel a little anticlimactic?

[wat?]

Originally Posted by Mick Fan

After all of the craziness on Sunday, does this weekend's Champions League final feel a little anticlimactic?

Not for Chelsea or Bayern fans!

Most every league had some story of note (depending how big a fan you are of the league, or what you find interesting).

Serie A: Juventus wins Scudetto in an undefeated season. And is not suspected to have bribed the officials.
La Liga: Madrid wins title on 100 points, first to ever do that in the current point system. Both Madrid & Barca finish with > 100 goals. Villareal, a team that was in this season's Champions League Group Stage, is relegated on the final day.
Bundesliga: Dortmund win the double over Champions League finalist Bayern, and (according to Soccernet), Bundesliga has the most goals scored in the league over the other leagues for the 22nd year in a row.