Former Southampton Eleven



Updated to address some Spurs-blindness, noted by @FFScout_Anorak.



With the news that Virgil van Dijk's long-anticipated move to Anfield is becoming a 75-million-pound reality, we thought it would be fun to come up with a Premier League all-ex-Saints eleven. We'll line up in a 4-2-3-1, as is the fashion, and see if we can fill a bench as well.
Flowers
Clyne Fonte Van Dijk Shaw
Schneiderlin Cork
Oxlade-Chamberlain Lallana Mané
Walcott

Bench: Rodriguez, Lambert, Surman, Wanyama, Lovren, Jones


Goalkeepers
We're going to bring two keepers out of retirement for this team. Tim Flowers gets the nod because he was sold by Southampton to Blackburn Rovers for a then record fee, and he went on to win the title. Paul Jones is on the bench because he was loaned from Saints to Liverpool, which is just too perfect for the purposes of this list.

Defenders
These names are pretty obvious as top clubs have bought most any good defender Saints have developed - the majority to Liverpool. Nathaniel Clyne and Manchester United's reclamation project, Luke Shaw, are the fullbacks We'll let West Ham man Jose Fonte partner Virgil van Dijk for variety's sake. That will leave Dejan Lovren on the bench, as he's found himself for Liverpool, and will expect to be going forward.

There's been some shouts for Toby Alderweireld to be included in this team, and oh boy would we love to do it! He's the best center back in the world for our money. However, he was a Saint on loan from Athletico Madrid, and as such, we're going to have to pass. It's like a competition where a less-qualified candidate advances because the one who should have won violated some stupid technicality that no one really cares about. But rules are rules. Even the rules one makes up on the fly.

Midfielders
Our holders are Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork. Who would have thought the latter would be having the better post-Saints career? That's 2017 for you. The attacking trio is a Liverpool clean-sweep with Adam Lallana, Alexander Mark David Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Sadio Mané starting. Andrew Surman, though he never played for Saints outside of the Championship, takes his place on the bench. Victor Wanyama should clearly be in this team. We'll leave him on the bench because of his current injury, and not because it was easier to edit that way. Nope, definitely the injury.

Forwards
We've given the lone-forward role to Theo Walcott, who incredibly moved to Arsenal eleven years-ago! He'll be coming into his own soon enough. He'll have to perform though, as we've got competition for the role. Jay Rodriguez, now of West Bromwich Albion can play center-forward, or cover for the attacking-midfield. Then there's Rickie Lambert, Southampton legend who moved to Liverpool and then to West Brom himself. He's available on a free now, having been released by Cardiff City, and that is well enough for our squad.

Gareth Bale gets his name in this team as soon as the ink is dry on his Manchester United contract.

I think we can be safely mid-table with this squad, and if things go right we can challenge for Europe. Kind of like a certain selling club on the south coast of England. Don't you think?
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Star Wars Football XI



A long time ago in a social media platform far, far away.

Here's what we have. Feel free to add more in the comments. Thanks to @FantasyYIRMA, @FantasyGaffer, @jbullDFS, @alstra78, @wrigavin, @Nutk1ns, @JamesMartin013, and anyone else I may have missed.

The team would play at the Vicente Alderaan Staidum, and be managed by Gerardo Daniel "Tauntaun” Martino. Obviously, they would look to play with X-wing backs, and Bothans would be in charge of scouting the opponent.

Here's the 24-man squad:

Goalkeeper

  • Edwin Vader Sar
  • Michel Vormtrooper
  • Cassian Schmeichel


Defenders

  • Poe Darmian
  • Poe Cameron
  • Grand Moff Tarkowski
  • Kyle “Skyle” Skywalker
  • Young, Luke
  • Fabi Yoda Silva
  • Robert Hoth


Midfielders

  • Jar Jar Okocha
  • Alex Ewoki
  • Gareth Bale Organa
  • Uncle Owen Hargreaves
  • Xhaka the Hutt
  • R2DBruyne
  • Count Doucouré
  • C3PÖzil
  • Obi Mikelnobi


Forwards

  • Bobba Fettmino
  • Niall-Gon Quinn
  • Aunt Berubatov
  • C3POkazaki
  • Lando Calrissian-Lewin
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Monday, December 11, 2017

In defence of Big Sam



My colleague and friend, Neal Thurman (formerly of these pages), had this little nugget buried in his Monday Morning Manager post:
"As much as I appreciate what Big Sam accomplished at Bolton back in the day, it seems like a poor fit of manager and roster. The Black Cats are handing a roster full of attacking midfielder-types to a guy best known for blood-and-guts football."
Neal, you're talking about a manager who ran out Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Stelios Giannakopolis, etc behind (pun intended) the not-inconsiderable backside of Kevin Davies. At West Ham, he converted Stewart Downing from a winger to a (temporarily, at least) surprisingly effective number 10.

Big Sam has a plan, and works that plan to a hard edge. It may not always be pretty, but sometimes it can be.

At Sunderland, he has some talent in the likes of Jermaine Lens, and Yoann M'Villa. He has the target-forward he likes in Steven Fletcher. And while Bruno N'Gotty isn't walking through the door, he's got... well, maybe the less said about Sunderland's defensive options the better.

I'm not saying that Sunderland are poised for a run at the European places, but Allardici is a good manager who has done more with less in the past. I'm fascinated to see what he can do with the Black Cats, starting this weekend against Newcastle, who may have just had their own dead-cat bounce against Norwich.
1 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 in , , ,

The Five Stages of Fantasy Manager Grief



With the news that Sergio Aguero has injured his hamstring playing for Argentina, we turn to Twitter, the internet's id, to demonstrate fantasy managers going through the classic five stages of grief.
  1. Denial — The first reaction is denial. In this stage individuals believe the diagnosis is somehow mistaken, and cling to a false, preferable reality.



  2. Anger — When the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue, it becomes frustrated, especially at proximate individuals. Certain psychological responses of a person undergoing this phase would be: "Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; '"Who is to blame?"; "Why would this happen?".




  3. Bargaining — The third stage involves the hope that the individual can avoid a cause of grief. Usually, the negotiation for an extended life is made in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. People facing less serious trauma can bargain or seek compromise.



  4. Depression — "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm going to die soon so what's the point?"; "I miss my loved one, why go on?"
    During the fourth stage, the individual becomes saddened by the mathematical probability of death. In this state, the individual may become silent, refuse visitors and spend much of the time mournful and sullen.




  5. Acceptance — "It's going to be okay."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it."; "Nothing is impossible."
    In this last stage, individuals embrace mortality or inevitable future, or that of a loved one, or other tragic event. People dying may precede the survivors in this state, which typically comes with a calm, retrospective view for the individual, and a stable condition of emotions.


0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Friday, October 09, 2015 in

Serious Question


Has anyone broken the news to them?

Amidst all the, justified, excitement around Jurgen Klopp's appointment as Liverpool manager is one thing I haven't heard. How do Liverpool fans - not ones to give up on their image of the club as a premier destination - feel about Klopp's deigning to take the job in the first place?

“I’m really very relaxed – but only because I know that is how it goes sometime. I’ll be back to train a team. It must be somewhere in the world that is not an absolute top club, there are other good projects that are exciting who need help.” 

"not an absolute top club"

"good projects"

"need help"

Really? And Liverpool fandom is accepting of this? It seems to me that some of their most fundamental self-images (Delusions, if you're being mean. Which I'm not.) are being challenged.

But, hey.... YNWA and all that.


0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Thursday, October 08, 2015 in ,

Robin Van Persie is not impressed



It seems as if the ex-Arsenal, ex-Manchester United star isn't happy with his lot in life with Fernebache. Here he is, on the bench, "celebrating" one of teammate Fernandao's recent goals:



I don't know why it's gone wrong for him. Maybe he's just past it. Maybe all those injuries didn't save his body from wear and tear - the theory when he was healthy and scoring - and he can't compete physically anymore. Maybe he's just missing London. If that's the case, I have a wonderful idea! I know he'd probably just end up at Chelsea on a loan back to the Premier League. It's just the sad way things work. But they already have a Falcao-batross (™ © ® Jeremy Spitzberg) around their collective necks. The last thing they need is another reclamation project.

However, no such baggage weighs down the Eagles of Crystal Palace. Hear me out on this.

This January, Chelsea recalls Patrick Bamford from his loan spell at Palace. He's not getting any playing time there anyway so that is helping no one. Bamford, with youth on his side, and a chip on his shoulder, immediately becomes second choice at the Bridge behind the oft-suspended Diego Costa (27? You're having a laugh!) and we finally learn whether or not he's good enough for Chelsea.

Making that possible, is Robin Van Persie's loan to Palace. He is miles ahead of the other options like Gayle, Campbell, and Wickham. His movement (albeit slowed by time) allows Palace's other attacking players new, and more dangerous lanes to... attack. His finishing turns chances into goals. Humbled by his travails in Turkey, he's a team-player, deferring to Yohan Cabaye, and the other leaders already at the club.

There! It all adds up!

Sadly, porcupines are allergic to raisins.
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Thursday, October 08, 2015 in , , , ,

What I'm reading - October 7, 2015


I do love this photo.


First, the fantasy tips:

Premier League Power Rankings: 5 October

Fantasy Premier League Gw9 Tips – The Early Bandwagons And Sinking Ships

FPL Scout Extra: Chips should be held despite Aguero heroics


Hopefully, you don't have any of these players in your fantasy side:

The Premier League's underperforming (but undropped) players


Of course there's a lot more about Jurgen Klopp to Liverpool. Today's trend is pragmatic, leaning towards pessimistic. Yes, he's a great manager, but what about the players and what about the boardroom?

New approach needs to follow new manager at Liverpool

Assessing Liverpool's Klopp Coup

What Jurgen Klopp can do with the players he inherits at Liverpool




Finally, ESPN FC has an interesting, side-by-side look at the Milan clubs.

Roberto Mancini has rebuilt Inter into a throwback side all about athleticism

AC Milan are in crisis again despite summer transfers and a new coach

I'm intrigued by the notion of Inter "zigging" when others are all "zagging". Are we seeing a return of the colossus midfielder? The Patrick Viera, Roy Keane type? Arturo Vidal... Nemanja Matic... Paul Pogba... Blaise Matuidi... Moussa Sissoko...

Wow, the French are stocked in the middle of the park! Throw in Yohan Cabaye and Morgan Schneiderlin for good measure and you're looking at a collection of players that would be the envy of any manager - international or club.
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Wednesday, October 07, 2015 in , , , , ,

Jurgen Klopp Press Conference

"Jurgen Klopp: 'It's Liverpool Or Sunderland... What A Choice!'"

posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Tuesday, October 06, 2015 in ,

What I'm reading - October 6, 2015



Today, I have been mostly reading about Jurgen Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp the logical hire for Liverpool job

The Liverpool Offside Roundtable: Where Did It All Go Wrong for Brendan Rodgers?

Liverpool has big problems that a manager can't solve

Juventus 2-1 Dortmund: Juve bypass the midfield press for both goals

Dortmund 0-3 Juventus: deep defending and quick countering

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Tuesday, October 06, 2015 in , , ,

What I'm reading - October 5, 2015



What I'm reading, on the heels of a fantasy gameweek that saw me jump into the top 3K places despite having sold the player who scored five goals and was the leading choice for everyone's coffee cup (that's the captaincy for everyone not making jokes based on old AOL Instant Messanger icons).

Six things we learned from Norwich City’s narrow loss to Leicester

EPSN FC Tactics & Analysis Blog

When replacing Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool need to think weird

Should Jurgen Klopp replace Brendan Rodgers?

Southampton Were Never Bad
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Monday, October 05, 2015 in

What I'm reading this week



Some of what I'm reading this week, heading into the eighth round of Premier League action.

--

The Movement of Strikers in Mauricio Pochettino’s Tactics

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 8 – The Strong

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 8 – The Weak

Premier League Weekend Predictions & Tips

The Bargain Hunter - Week 8

Anthony Martial's success at Manchester United proves Arsene Wenger is stuck in the past

Fantasy Premier League Rankings: Gameweek 8

FPL Scout Extra Differential: Erik Lamela

Arsenal need to make one big change to win the Premier League

PL Predictions GW 8

--

One bonus article from the continent:

Pep Guardiola’s evolution unlocks the brilliance of Robert Lewandowski
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Friday, October 02, 2015 in

#ProudToPlay



"Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers."
-- Nelson Mandela
YouTube and a host of sporting institutions and stars are joining together to promote equality on the occasion of LGBT Pride month and the World Cup. We are at an inflection point in LGBT awareness and rights, and it's good to see our soccer/football community taking the lead in normalizing sexuality and gender identity of all types.
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Daniel Sturridge Goal England v. Peru

posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Friday, May 30, 2014 in , , , ,

Getting Messi



... or, Just Higuain Around. A one-act play in three part.

Me: Thought this would be of interest to you:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2014/may/30/-sp-world-cup-kits

Co-worker: Argentina's away jersey this year is ugly.

Me: It looks better on paper. Much like their team in general.

... and, scene. Thank you.

posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Friday, May 30, 2014 in ,

Cardiff City sign Frederico Macheda


Not bad for someone who, as far as I know*, has only ever scored one goal. Albeit this one:



* I know. I know.
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 in , ,

The Week Ahead, Part 1 - Schedule Analysis

As with everything blog-related, you can find this week's post at our new home over at www.NeverManageAlone.com (a part of SBNation.com).  We hope you'll join us there.

http://www.nevermanagealone.com/2011/10/12/2485570/the-week-ahead-part-1-the-schedule

Cheers - Neal
0 comments
posted by Neal Thurman on Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Barn Door Team - Week 8 Revised



Check out this post at our new blog home, Never Manage Alone.

The original is after the jump, but really you should check out the new version.

Read more »
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 in , , ,

English teams watching Brek Shea



So this rumour has made it from Twitter to the larger web.

English eyes on US starlet | Sky Sports | Football | Transfer Centre | Speculation:
Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are tracking American hot-shot Brek Shea.

The FC Dallas ace is regarded as one of the best young talents in America and is already an established member of Jurgen Klinsmann's USA side.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in the attacker who can play out wide or up front.

Liverpool and Manchester City are both believed to have watched Shea in action over the weekend as he created the only goal in the USA's 1-0 win over Honduras.

Shea is a really exciting player. He's a bit of a late bloomer and is just now finding his feet, so to speak. He was unplayable for the first half of the MLS season and looked an MVP candidate alongside Thierry Henry at the All-Star break. His performances have tailed off as the season has gone on, however.

For Neal's sake, I want him to go to Arsenal where he can play on the left of a front three. He would also give them some height up front, which would offer their attack a different dimension.

That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if he moved to Bolton or Fulham, teams that already have an American in place.
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Monday, October 10, 2011 in , , ,

Wenger As England Manager?



Perhaps because it is an international week. Perhaps it is because reporters are tired of writing about Arsenal's demise on the pitch.  Perhaps they are tired of digging into the books and trying to figure out how many years it will be until the long-term, and now out-dated, deals made to pay for the new stadium will be keeping Arsenal's football revenues from growing at the same pace as their peers in the league.  Perhaps it is because the England team are having a fairly easy run of qualification and with Capello already known to be on his way out there isn't much else to write about this week.  Whatever the reason, there is a rumor making the rounds that Wenger might be the perfect blend of "foreigner, but not really" to lead the England team into Brazil 2014.

To which my reaction is "What?!?!?!??!?!?"

Read more »
0 comments
posted by Neal Thurman on Thursday, October 06, 2011 in , , , , , ,

Barn Door Team - Week 8

It's international week, but that doesn't mean we're not already looking ahead to the next gameweek in ten days time. Here's my team, assembled over the course of last weekend.



There are injuries here, and some questions. Look for changes, and the (surely faulty) reasoning to come.
0 comments
posted by Jeremy Spitzberg on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 in , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)