Suprise Clubs (Germany)

Who will be this year’s surprise club?

So the current European season is still in its infancy, but it’s certainly not too early to make some assumptions as to which teams will come from beneath the shadows. So I’m going to give my predictions of which teams are for real and which teams are bust.

Germany

Wolfsburg: I know what you’re thinking, this team isn’t an underdog. Beyond that they’ve had an average start to the German season. However I think they’ll rebound and really turn some heads. They went through two tough losses toward the end of August, but have looked sharp since. Grafite had a game to remember last week against CSKA Moscow with three goals. Edin Dzeko broke loose for a brace against Shalke just a few days later. Not to mention they also have recently signed Obefemi Martins who’s no stranger to scoring goals. If they’re defense can hold look for them to be making some big strides and joining Manchester United as the two top teams in their Champions’ League group.

Hoffenheim: They were certainly one of the biggest surprises of the German season last year, but a few missed opportunities towards the end of the season saw them slip down the table. This season should be a bit more promising. Vedad Ibisevic is back in good health and in short time he’ll be returning to his old ways. The team also picked up Simunic, who is a strong reliable defender that any club would love to have.

Bayer Leverkusen: They squeaked out some big wins, especially the ones against the two teams mentioned above, but are they for real? Stefan Kiessling is off to a quick start and Simon Rolfes played well against Wolfsburg, but I’m not certain that the team has enough depth to stick around the Bayern Munich’s of Germany. I see them falling from grace over the next five to six match days.

Next… France

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The Manchester Derby

On the last day of the 1973/74 season Manchester City defeated United 1-0 on their own home turf, ultimately causing them to be relegated from the top flight. For City fans this was a day of great jubilation, one that would be remembered for a very long time. In recent years things have changed; Manchester United have won a plethora of trophies while Manchester City have fought to stay competitive. On Sunday Manchester City will attempt to duplicate that historic day in 1974, and many people think they have a good shot at doing it.

Backline: When it comes to defense you have to give Manchester United the upper hand. I’m well aware that City hadn’t given up a Premier League goal this season until a tricky Van Persie shot, but nonetheless, Manchester United have one of the most seasoned back lines with Ferdinand and Vidic. Not to mention Blackburn, Wolverhampton, and Portsmouth aren’t exactly the best teams at finishing.

Midfield: United are still the kings of possession, but like most people I agree that they lost the creativity that Cristiano Ronaldo brought to the mix. As for Manchester City I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen, especially against Arsenal. They know that they have a quick team and their midfield is constantly looking to release the forwards with a through ball. SWP and Stephen Ireland will have to be at their best to counter United. I would like to see Nani and Tosic get some time in the game to add some excitement to the match up.

Forwards: This is going to be an interest match up. I think Rooney has been playing well and as of late it seems as if he’s really taken the team on his shoulders. I expect to see him giving it his all for the entire 90. Rumors say Tevez will be in the Manchester City lineup. However, with all the hype between him and Sir Alex I think Mark Hughes will choose to use him as a substitute. With Adebayor out on suspension the team that was once overflowed with forwards is starting to look a little thin. I liked the way Bellamy played last week and if he can keep being a spark for City then he can create some real problems for the United defense.

My prediction: 1 – 1. Rooney puts one in right before half and then Tevez equalizes in the 80th minute, sprints across the field and slides right in front of Sir Alex. What happens after that will be pure television drama.

Tune in to Setanta Sports at 8:25am ET on Sunday to watch the game LIVE.

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Fashion Week in the World of Soccer

In light of Fashion Week here in New York City I thought I’d do a little review/criticism of team kits for the 2009/10 European season. I’m sure if you’ve tuned in to any of the games in the past four to five weeks your eyes have undergone at least one strenuous moment. Here’s a list of some runway hopefuls.

Getafe (Spain): Whether black, white, red, or blue, it really doesn’t matter, because all I see is that all consuming Burger King logo stamped on the front chest. For Burger King this is some great advertising. I can’t remember the last time I paid such close attention to a sponsor on a jersey. However, unless I was really hungry I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to get my hands on this jersey. Sorry Getafe.

Barcelona (Spain): Want to stand out as champions of Europe? Resemble a highlighter. I personally don’t dislike the jersey and would even consider getting one for the sake of standing out in a large crowd. But the socks and shorts are just a tad too much.

Courtesy Football Shirt Culture

Bologna (Italy): So Bologna showed off their 2009 Centenary Macron kit today and I’ve got to say I’m a fan of it. Yes, it does look a little bit like something a horse jockey would wear, but you have to love a jersey with buttons and a front pocket. Options are always a good thing.

Manchester City (England): So not everyone likes the loveable and spendthrift Manchester City, but you’ve got to appreciate their third kit by Umbro. It’s simple, but something about it just looks very royal. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to wearing it around the city.

Marseille (France): Oh what’s that you say? Techno Party? Hold on a second let me get my Marseille jersey. Let me just hope it doesn’t rain today, because then I might look like a garbage bag. Sorry Marseille.

Courtesy Football Shirt Culture

Reading (England): Who says people don’t watch the MLS? I’m pretty sure Reading are the Seattle Sounders biggest fans.

Wigan Athletic (England): Barcelona must have picked the highlighter shade that they wanted first. The inspiration must have been Dutch national team, but BRIGHTER.

What do you all think?

Which are your favorites?

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