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[SouLDeFeNdEr]

I'll be posting the preview of each team. They aren't written by me.



Valencia 2012-2013 Preview

Eccentric boss Unai Emery has left the club and moved to Spartak Moscow in Russia, and his replacement is former Valencia player Mauricio Pellegrino.Pellegrino worked closely with former Los Che boss Rafael Benitez at Liverpool and Inter, but his appointment will be the Argentine's first stint managing a team.

The sale of left-back Jordi Alba to Barcelona is an obvious blow, but the team has strengthened well this summer – Joao Pereira, Andres Guardado and Fernando Gago have been snapped up as well as promising youngster Jonathan Viera from Las Palmas, whilst Sergio Canales has made his loan move from Real Madrd permanent.

Canales could be a key player this season as he looks to overcome his injury woe and turn in performances that saw him hit the headlines previously for Racing Santander. With Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao chasing Champions League spots, it is paramount that Pellegrino hits the ground running to secure that third spot once again.

The source of goals will once again be Roberto Soldado, whose omission from Spain's Euro 2012 squad should leave him refreshed and raring to go, whilst new signing Guardado will be out wide, supplying Soldado with the ammunition to try and break the duopoly in La Liga.

There's no doubt that in recent years, Valencia have had to sell some very good players – David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata have all left the club, reaping in valuable income as a result, but it often hamstrung the team and frustrated the outgoing Emery. This time, only Jordi Alba has left and they've managed to keep hold of Soldado and Ever Banega, but for how long?

The financial situation at Valencia is well-known, and their half built stadium in the north of the city is indicative of their recent struggles, and whilst building work is set to begin again, Valencia must find the winning formula on the pitch under a rookie Coach, before thoughts can turn once more to a brighter future off the pitch.

The difference maker - Roberto Soldado
The former Real Madrid prodigy became the main man under Unai Emery, and his goalscoring exploits have attracted considerable interest from around Europe. Now 27, Soldado will be looking for another great season to cement his reputation as one of the deadliest finishers in the game.

Best Signing - Joao Pereira
Right-back has been a concern for Valencia since last summer, as Miguel started to show signs of slowing down. His replacement is his compatriot, Joao Pereira, who starred for Portugal at Euro 2012. At just €3.6m, Valencia have bagged an experienced full-back for a bargain price.

His time? Jeremy Mathieu
Having struggled at left-back, Mathieu found his home on the left of midfield last season, playing just ahead of Jordi Alba. He was desperately close to a place in France's Euro 2012 squad, but another strong season will transform him into a household name. Unfortunately, he could return to left-back as Valencia search for Alba's successor.

Coach - Mauricio Pellegrino
In his first permanent job, Pellegrino will be looking to cement Valencia's position as the 'best of the rest' in La Liga. Their signings have been modest but clever, but can he really improve on what Emery did? It's a tough task for someone with little experience, though hopefully he learnt from Benitez. Expect Pellegrino to use Valencia's usual 4-2-3-1 system once again.

The big question…
Can they close the gap between themselves and ‘The Big Two’?
Probable line-up: Alves; PEREIRA, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu; Feghouli, GAGO, Banega, GUARDADO; Canales; Soldado
Transfers
IN: Pereira (d, Sporting Lisbon), Gago (m, Real Madrid), Viera (m, Las Palmas), Guardado (m, Deportivo La Coruna)
OUT: Moya (gk, Getafe), Alba (d, Barcelona), Bruno (d, Brighton), Miguel (d, Released), Maduro (d, Sevilla), Dealbert (d, Kuban Krasnodar), Topal (m, Fenerbahce), Michel (m, Levante), Aduriz (a, Athletic Bilbao).
http://www.football-...2012-13-preview

Edited by SouLDeFeNdEr, 18 August 2012 - 08:43 AM.

[SouLDeFeNdEr]

Granada 2012-2013 Preview

Few expected much from Granada last season considering their 35-year absence from top-flight football and the club predictably clung on with all their might to narrowly avoid relegation. Vital wins against sides that were also fighting the drop resulted in their last-minute salvation allowing the club a second chance to make an impact.

Based on their working during the summer, it appears Granada are anxious to prove their ambition going into the new season as they have not only brought in over a dozen new players but have signed a new Coach who is typified by his hard work, strength of character and dedication to the cause. Giving him a two year contract instead of the standard one year contract they usually offer their Coaches, there is great believe in Juan AntonioAnquela, the man who masterminded a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in theCopa del Rey in 2009 when he was in charge of Alcorcon.

Addressing their impotence in front of goal, an array of attacking talent has been brought in, most come courtesy of another GiampaoloPozzo owned club, Udinese. Antonio Floro Flores and YoussefEl-Arabi, who cost the club a large sum of money considering the club’s budget, have arrived with the hope that they can net the goals the club struggled to score last season. In their first season back at the top, Granada only managed to score more than relegated Racing Santander and despite producing many shots, few of those chances were on target or finished by a clinical striker. Based on thefriendlies played in the early summer, the squad was still struggling to create the necessary goal-scoring opportunities.

Thankfully for the team, they managed to keep hold of some of their best performers from last season and combined with the new talent they have brought in, they hope Anquela’s infectious determination will inspire them to a more comfortable season even if anything more than survival will be considered an achievement.

The difference maker – Gabriel Torje
Technically gifted and hailed as the most exciting Romanian attacking midfielder of his generation. The youngster is known for his acceleration, explosive style of play and captivating technique and Granada will be hoping the midfielder will inject creativity to a side that could barely score last season.

Best signing – Youssef El-Arabi
Costing the club €5m, the Moroccan striker who managed 17 goals in 23 games for Saudi club Al-Hilal is the man tasked with solving the club’s attacking impotence. A player capable of making an impact, he boasts mobility and dynamism that overwhelms defenders allowing him to create and finish goal-scoring opportunities.

His time? Fabian Orellana
Granada’s sporting director, Juan Carlos Cordero, tipped him to be the surprise of the season. Despite playing a key role in getting Granada promoted to the top Division, his alleged sour relationship with FabriGonzalez saw him sent on loan before Coach Anquela specifically requested his return. Effective between the lines, he is versatile enough to play any role in attack.

Coach – Juan Antonio Anquela
Inexperienced when it comes to top-flight football, Anquela is the man who thrilled as the Coach of Alcorcon. “This is the first time in my life as President that I have signed a Coach for two years and that says it all,” Said a proudQuique Pina. A man who loves to work, Anquela wants an ambitious and hungry squad willing to suffer for the cause.

The big question...
Are they strong enough to survive for a second season in the top flight? So many new players brought in and a tactician who has never coached at the highest level could prove to be a problem for a side that need a good start to the season to avoid relegation.
Probable line-up: Roberto; Nyom, Lopez, Gomez, Siqueira; IRINEY, MikelRico, TORJE, ORELLANA; EL-ARABI, FLORO FLORES
Transfers
IN: Toti (m, Cadiz), Alex Goikoetxea (d, Cadiz), Oscar Perez (m, Cadiz), KabiruAkinsola (a, Cadiz), Silvan Widmer (d, Aarau), Brayan Angulo (d, AtléticoBaleares), Youssef El-Arabi (a, Al-Hilal), Matias Campos (m, UniversidadCatolica), Alex Cruz (m, Sabadell), Fabien Orellana (a, Celta de Vigo), IrineySantos (m, Real Betis), Borja Gomez (d, Karpaty Lviv), Juanma Ortiz (m, Rangers), Tono (gk, Racing de Santander), Gabriel Silva (d, Novara), Goku (m,Alcala), Gabriel Torje (a, Udinese), Antonio Floro Flores (a, Udinese), DarwinMachis (a, Udinese), Allan Nyom (d, Udinese), Dani Benitez (m, Udinese)
OUT: Richard Boateng (m, San Roque de Lepe), Mohammed Fatau (m, SanRoque de Lepe), Jeison Murillo (d, Las Palmas), Anya Ikechi (a, Watford), David Ferreiro (m, Racing de Santander) Daniel Pudil (d, Watford), HectorYuste (m, Racing de Santander), Abel Gomez (m, Cordoba), Ikechukwu Uche(a, Villarreal), Henrique Almeida (a, Sao Paulo), Franco Jara (a, Benfica), Jaime Romero (m, Udinese), Odion Ighalo (a, Udinese), Julio Cesar (gk, Benfica), Carlos Martins (m, Benfica), Alex Geijo (a, Udinese), Yohan Mollo (m, Nancy),Juanjo Serrano (a, Logrones), Alex Bernal (m, Mirandes), David de Coz (d,Lugo), Jose Juan Figueras (gk, Lugo), Jose Maria Cases (m, Mirandes)

http://www.football-...2012-13-preview

Edited by SouLDeFeNdEr, 18 August 2012 - 08:40 AM.

[SouLDeFeNdEr]

Real Madrid 2012-2013 Preview

They were the first team to reach 100 points in one season, the first side to have accumulated 32 victories in one campaign and their star player became the first to score against every team in a single season. Real Madrid did not simply win the title in May, they broke records to make history.


Boasting world-class players in each position on the pitch, for the first time in years Real Madrid have seemed uninterested in purchasing talent this summer. Confident in the players they already have, this season will be dedicated to winning the trophy they care about the most, the Champions League, and they want to do so with the same players who broke records last year.

The one problematic area within the squad is their midfield with many critics pointing out how dependent the team was on Xabi Alonso last term. Providing the link between defence and attack, the midfielder is tasked with driving the team forward. Playing alongside another with similar skills could lessen the burden and allow for seamless movements within the squad considering the likes of MesutOzil adopt a high position on the field when the team are in possession.

The club attempted to address this situation last year when they brought inNuriSahin. However, injuries and poor displays in training resulted in him making no impact and the club have now set their sights on Luka Modric. Should they secure the Croatian then Sahin will leave Madrid.

With or without Modric, Madrid have all that they need fight for trophies and that includes Jose Mourinho. Having extended his contract until 2016, it will be interesting to see just how far he will extend his controlling hand to make the club his own.

As for the squad, performances in pre-season such as the one against Celtic proved they are still hungry for more whilst their 5-1 thrashing of Milan demonstrated their overwhelming strength remains. Can they be stopped?

The difference maker – Cristiano Ronaldo
Tipped to win the Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo is the man who continues to make the difference for Los Blancos. Scoring consistently, the Portuguese has further developed his game by devoting more of his time in assisting others. Barring Lionel Messi, no player is comparable to the captivating figure of Ronaldo.



Best signing – Alvaro Morata
Unlike previous seasons, Real Madrid are not interested in purchasing talent this season and barring interest in Luka Modric, they have decided to focus on promoting their youth players. Having scored 17 goals in 37 games last year for Castilla, Morata is renowned for his finishing and mobility as a striker and could join the first team as the club’s third choice forward.

His time? Sami Khedira
An absolute beast in midfield for Germany in Euro 2012, few possess Khedira’s never-say-die attitude. Hard working, determined and utterly skilful, the player continues to improve his game, demonstrating his effectiveness going forward as well as guarding the back-line. His growing confidence could well result in him having his best season yet.

Coach – Jose Mourinho
“Maybe instead of the Special One, people should start calling me the Only One,” said a smiling Mourinho in reference to his achievements in three of the most important European Leagues. Modesty may not be his strong suit but this is a man who continues to win, breaking records along the way. Few would bet against him achieving more.

The big question...
Do they have enough to challenge a newly bolstered Barcelona side and go all the way in the Champions League?
Probable line-up: Casillas: Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Khedira, Alonso; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Benzema
Transfers
IN: Alvaro Morata (a, Real Madrid Castilla), Jesus Collado (gk, Real Madrid Castilla)
OUT: Hamit Altintop (d, Galatasaray), Sergio Canales (a, Valencia), Fernando Gago (m, Valencia), Pedro Leon (a, Getafe)
http://www.football-...2012-13-preview

Edited by SouLDeFeNdEr, 18 August 2012 - 08:37 AM.

[SouLDeFeNdEr]

THE BEAST JULIO CÉSAR BAPTISTA!!



Malaga 2012-2013 Preview

The season is about to get underway at Málaga, but it wont be with the same excitement many fans had imagined after their fourth spot finish last year.


The summer has been full of turmoil at La Rosaleda with huge debts to pay off despite being owned by the super rich Sheik Al Thani, who seems unwilling to dip into his own pockets to help the club out, with the threats of expulsion from the champions league and even relegation looming.

Money was owed to several of the teams players, and other Spanish clubs including Villarreal, who were still due money over the Santi Cazorla deal last summer. Rumours of the club being sold have been quashed, with the club releasing a statement saying they were preparing the club for the new UEFA fair play rules that come in to play next summer, and to do this they needed to sell some of their star players.

First to go was striker Solomon Rondon who signed for Russian club Rubin Kazan for around 10 million Euros, quickly followed by star man Santi Cazorla with the Spanish international sold to Arsenal for a measly fee of £15 million rumoured to be the fee.
The exodus will not stop here with Jeremy Toulalan, Nacho Monreal, Martin Demichelis and even manager Manuel Pellegrini set for pastures new.

The only good news for fans of the Anchovies is that young star Isco is set to stay at his home town club. However with no new signings on the horizon the squad is looking paper thin, ahead of not only a league season, but potentially a Champions league run to contend with.


Pre season results
On the pitch Malaga have had contrasting results, which started with a 3-0 victory over FC Zamora in Venezuela with goals from Juanmi, Buonanotte and Maresca. This would prove to be the only victory so far as the Venezuelan tour ended with a 2-2 draw with Caracas, followed by a spirited defeat against Seria A champions Juventus in Turin. Malaga dominated the match but two goals from Matri proved the difference with the away side’s strikers off form.

Against Greek champions Olympiakos, the team showed that team spirit was not lost amongst the turmoil as they fought back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw with Eliseu, and Seba Fernandez adding to an earlier own goal for Pellegrini’s men.
The final match of pre-season will see Malaga face English side Everton at the Rosaleda with the home side looking for a confidence boost ahead of their first league match against Celta Vigo.


Player to watch
With the club short of options up front after Rondon left there may be a chance for the clubs young striker Juanmi to shine. The 19 year old has already made 28 appearances in his short career, netting 5 times, but he will be hoping this is the year he will finally nail down a first team spot, with Seba Fernandez and other youngster Francisco Portillo, his only real striking competition after Julio Baptista was ruled out for several months.


Key player
After the reports that Isco will stay at Malaga next season despite being wanted by Barcelona and Manchester United, the Spanish international midfielder will be the key man for the Anchovies next season. The 19 year old was one of the stars of last season after he led his home town club to fourth spot with some dazzling displays which shows a footballing brain maturer than his tender age. Chipping in with 5 goals on his way to a call up for Spain’s Olympic squad, in although hard to believe, his first full season in the top flight after a move from Valencia the midfielder will no doubt be one to watch this year!


Squad
GK- Carlos Kameni, Willy Caballero
DF- Eliseu, Jesus Gamez, Sergio Sanchez, Nacho Monreal, Weligton, Martin Demichelis, Javier Malagueno
MF- Isco, Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin, Enzo Maresca, Duda, Ignacio Camacho, Diego Buonanotte, Xavi Torres
FW- Sebastian Fernandez, Juanmi, Francisco Portillo, Julio Baptista


Expectations
With the lack of signings and loss of Cazorla and Rondon, expectations for the season have lowered after Malaga where labelled as on of the clubs to challenge the top 2. The main concern will be where the goals will come from with last seasons top two scorers leaving and Baptista injured, the mantle falls in the hands of Seba Fernandez and two youngsters.

At least a top 10 finish could be achievable and a decent Champions league run with a tricky qualifier against one of Braga, Spartak Moscow, Dynamo Kiev, Copenhagen or Panathinaikos to come. If Malaga can achieve the same success as last year with what has happened this summer it would be nothing short of a miracle, but they may also look at Villarreal last year as a reality check to what might happen when a club sells their main stars with no replacements.

http://www.insidespa...season-preview/

Edited by SouLDeFeNdEr, 18 August 2012 - 08:45 AM.

[SouLDeFeNdEr]

Barcelona 2012-2013 Preview

Following their Copa del Rey victory to end what many considered to be a failed season, manager Pep Guardiola rode off into the sunset, and new manager Tito Vilanova quickly got to work.


Barca had long been linked, and had even agreed to personal terms with Valencia left-back, Jordi Alba, and a transfer was announced shortly before the Euro 2012 final match. Which was incredibly fortunate for Barcelona as Jordi Alba stole the show and set the world on fire. Meanwhile, Barcelona were reveling in their good fortune that they only paid €14 million for their next great superstar.

The next few months were very “Un-Barca-like” as Alba remained their only signing, yes there were always going to be the persistent rumours, linking the Blaugrana to every top name in European and World football, but the only actual news besides the loss of midfielder, Seydou Keita to China, was that there really was no news.

Tito Vilanova has come into his role as the head, and face, of the club. His cool demeanor belies his ambitious nature to prove he was not just a man in the background and has the capabilities of leading one of the world`s most recognized clubs. His press conferences leave little for the media to twist, something learned under the master, Guardiola, but is also truthful and respectful.




Pre-Season
Barcelona had a rigorous pre-season by all accounts. Superstar Leo Messi had his first summer holiday since his meteoric rise to three straight Balon d`Or awards. One would think he would be rusty after such a lengthy layoff, but one would be mistaken, as Messi has come back fresh and as sharp as ever; a worrying statement to the 19 other clubs in La Liga.


Barcelona won all of their five pre-season matches, but it wasn`t always easy, as they scrapped by against Ligue 1 powerhouse, Paris Saint Germain and English Premier League giants, Manchester United, winning both on penalties. Granted, these are pre-season matches, but Leo Messi managed to score 6 goals in these five matches. Friendly or not, those numbers are a very positive sign that the Vilanova era will go off without a hitch.


Hamburg 1-2 Barcelona
Raja Casablanca 0-8 Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Barcelona (1-4p)
Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United (2-0p)
Dinamo Bucuresti 0-2 Barcelona


However, as the season is now upon us, and Vilanova has yet to sign his centre back, the rumour mill has erupted with reports that Arsenal defensive midfielder, Alex Song will join Barcelona within the coming days.

If Song does join Barcelona, my thought is that Javier Mascherano, now fully acclimated to his new position, with be the starting centre-back along with stalwart, Gerard Pique. Puyol, who appears to be healthy, will now play a supporting role, much to my disappointment, as I wish him to leave the game on the highest note possible. Barcelona now appears to be healthy, rested and eager to reclaim their title of world`s best.


The attack was one of the major points of controversy last season as Leo Messi broke all records for scoring, but only because he had to, as there was no one even close to helping him out. Barcelona will finally see David Villa on the pitch, while possible a step slower, will draw the defense and allow the attack to open up. Alexis Sanchez will be a vital asset with a year at Barca under his belt, with the hope that he can remain free from injuries this season.

The midfield will remain the same, but Vilanova will try to integrate Thiago Alcantara to the role of the `new`Xavi, giving the Euro 2012 winner a chance to rest and conserve energy over the long season.


Youth players
Part of the reason why there have been no lavish signings, is due to the surplus of talent from La Masia.
Forward, Isaac Cuenca, midfielder, Jonathan Dos Santos and defenders, Marc Bartra, Martin Montoya and to some extent, Andreu Fontas, have all been added to the first team roster, thus negating any need to splash the cash and providing depth that the squad lacked last season.


Predictions and Expectations
Like all Cules, I expect Barcelona to win La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Club World Cup, Spanish SuperCopa, and any other Copa in existence, anything less would just be unrealistic.

I feel that the added presence of David Villa, an in-form Pedro and Ibrahim Afellay, a healthy Alexis, a less-restricted Cesc and a well-rested Leo Messi to be incredibly formidable on the attack. The midfield will hold strong with Xavi and Iniesta running the show, but will be given longevity with the inclusion of Thiago and Cesc, depending what formation Vilanova chooses.

The defense, once a cause for concern, will be one of the most exciting aspects of this squad. Yes, I realize Leo Messi is still on the active roster, but I envision Dani Alves and Jordi Alba sprinting up the flanks and creating even more attacking options, while Pique, Mascherano, Busquets, and dare I say it, Song, pressure the opposing midfield with solid recovery and transition defense.

Youth players will provide needed rest, while the veterans recapture the glory of Barcelona, Vilanova will have his time in the sun, Messi will shine once more, Villa will be resurrected and Alba will prove to be the cheapest transfer in the history of Spanish football, or close to it.

http://www.insidespa...season-preview/

[Rosberg]

Quite surprised to see Granada sign a lot of players, it's going to be interesting to watch them as they are the team who is co-owned by Udinese.

Also, I forgot Valencia brought Gago and sold Maduro to Sevilla on a free.