Barclays Premier League- 2015/16 Season Thread

[pantherphan96]

I have high hopes for Liverpool this season.  We arguably had the best summer of any team in the league, we hit on basically all of our targets.  There's just still so many questions with the club right now.  Benteke can bag goals but does he fit our system (I'm not too sure), what is the midfield going to look like, what are the plans for Sturridge if he gets healthy (can he and Benteke coexist and gel together?) I honestly think Sturridge is absolutely better than Benteke when in form, what are the plans for Firmino (how is he going to be used?), etc.  This team has potential to get the fourth spot, but we have a brutal road slate the first half of the season I'm worried we could fall too far behind if it takes us awhile to gel.  Rodgers has his work cut out for him, his seat couldn't be any hotter.  Depth sure won't be an issue for this team though, so many quality guys that are gonna be fighting to get minutes to prove themselves.

I think a team that could have a great season is Crystal Palace, man what a rise to success they've had and they're only gonna get better.  Them signing Cabaye has to be one of the most underrated moves of the summer.  Cabaye leading the attack with Puncheon and Bolasie on the wings?  Scary.

 

Getting Cabaye was absolutely huge. Palace could turn into Swansea, a team that just seems to get more and more comfortable playing in the Premier League.

[DirtyMagic97]

I have high hopes for Liverpool this season.  We arguably had the best summer of any team in the league, we hit on basically all of our targets.  There's just still so many questions with the club right now.  Benteke can bag goals but does he fit our system (I'm not too sure), what is the midfield going to look like, what are the plans for Sturridge if he gets healthy (can he and Benteke coexist and gel together?) I honestly think Sturridge is absolutely better than Benteke when in form, what are the plans for Firmino (how is he going to be used?), etc.  This team has potential to get the fourth spot, but we have a brutal road slate the first half of the season I'm worried we could fall too far behind if it takes us awhile to gel.  Rodgers has his work cut out for him, his seat couldn't be any hotter.  Depth sure won't be an issue for this team though, so many quality guys that are gonna be fighting to get minutes to prove themselves.

I think a team that could have a great season is Crystal Palace, man what a rise to success they've had and they're only gonna get better.  Them signing Cabaye has to be one of the most underrated moves of the summer.  Cabaye leading the attack with Puncheon and Bolasie on the wings?  Scary.

 

I think Benteke can fit our system, but he's going to have to adjust his style some. People labeling him as purely a target man are woefully misinformed. He scores a ton of goals at his feet and many from distance. He can hit the ball for sure.

As far as formation, all signs in preseason lead to a Christmas tree. Not sure if BR will stick to that, but it looks like he will. If that's the case, it will mean we see a lot more structure and a lot less free-flowing around the pitch. Basically the two guys playing directly behind Benteke will have freedom to work creatively, but the others will remain more rigid. We'll see.

[FuFuLamePoo]

I think Benteke can fit our system, but he's going to have to adjust his style some. People labeling him as purely a target man are woefully misinformed. He scores a ton of goals at his feet and many from distance. He can hit the ball for sure.

As far as formation, all signs in preseason lead to a Christmas tree. Not sure if BR will stick to that, but it looks like he will. If that's the case, it will mean we see a lot more structure and a lot less free-flowing around the pitch. Basically the two guys playing directly behind Benteke will have freedom to work creatively, but the others will remain more rigid. We'll see.

For the start of the season, yes a christmas tree is what I expect.  But what happens when Sturridge returns?  Also do you see Firmino as a day 1 starter?  I expect Lallana to start against Stoke but Firmino will be pushing for his role.  I expect Lallana and Cou behind Benteke.

[DirtyMagic97]

For the start of the season, yes a christmas tree is what I expect.  But what happens when Sturridge returns?  Also do you see Firmino as a day 1 starter?  I expect Lallana to start against Stoke but Firmino will be pushing for his role.  I expect Lallana and Cou behind Benteke.

I'm really not sure what happens when Studge returns. In the past, BR has loved having two strikers up top, but I'm not sure how Sturridge and Benteke will compliment each other. If he does go two up top, I expect a diamond midfield with Milner playing centrally and Coutinho directly in front of him. And the wide men will be some combination of our 97 midfielders/forwards.

I don't expect Firmino to be a day 1 starter. He missed some pretty valuable time with the squad in preseason training, so I expect BR to go with the guys who were on the tour and who have been training. Firmino will get some 20 min duty before he gets worked into a starting role. Excited to see him though,

[Ja Rhule]

Don't be surprised if Manchester City will not make top 4 this season.  Apparently Pellegrini will get canned and he knows it.  Players are not happy and team moral is terrible.  Defense is slow and old.

[pantherphan96]

Don't be surprised if Manchester City will not make top 4 this season.  Apparently Pellegrini will get canned and he knows it.  Players are not happy and team moral is terrible.  Defense is slow and old.

I would be shocked if MC isn't top 4. If they aren't fighting for the top spot by December they will go on another spending spree. Have arguably the most underrated GK in the BPL and give up the 5th lowest total of goals last year.

[Ja Rhule]

Lol Wenger played Mourinho ball and won...  Mourinho was pissed.

[Ja Rhule]

I think Chelsea D got exposed... I saw PSG doing extremely fast counter attacks last week and they were shredding Chelsea FBs.  Chamberlain was abusing Azpillicueta with speed and power and Terry looked suspected as hell... Just like against PSG...  I don't think Falcao was a good signing...  Diego Costa reagrevated his hammy and is out for first week.

[pantherphan96]

Lol Wenger played Mourinho ball and won...  Mourinho was pissed.

mourinho is the master troll. laughed my ass off when wenger stiffed him on the hand shake.

[Ja Rhule]

mourinho is the master troll. laughed my ass off when wenger stiffed him on the hand shake.

it was funny because Mourinho shakes every Arsenal player hand and commentators reaction was priceless when Wenger stiffed him.

It was funny game to watch because Wenger employed exactly what Mourinho did and around 60th minute, Wenger Parked the bus.... Same thing that Mourinho did twice last year against Arsenal.

 

[DirtyMagic97]

Premier League returns this weekend. Holy crap I'm so excited.

[DirtyMagic97]

There will be a 3-match ban for players caught diving in the Premier League this season.

[Ja Rhule]

There will be a 3-match ban for players caught diving in the Premier League this season.

Wow...  Great rule!  Manchester United players did it big time last year...

[DirtyMagic97]

Wow...  Great rule!  Manchester United players did it big time last year...

Great rule, indeed. Suarez got out just in time lol