Through Balls - WCQ/EPL Preview

Let's start with a preview of this afternoon's WCQ game from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City between the US National Team and El Tri. Back in February, Mr. Yoder II and myself were in Columbus Crew Stadium to watch the States defeat Mexico 2-0. The atmosphere in C-Bus was remarkable, one of the best sporting events I've ever been to, and I must say it is fantastic to see the fever of the beautiful game permeating throughout the American sporting public.

A lot of folks may look to the Gold Cup Final a few weeks ago when Mexico whomped the US 5-0 in Giants Stadium. However, perhaps 1 or 2 of those guys will be on the field for the US today, while Mexico was fielding a near full-strength squad. Besides, that score was very flattering to Mexico in a game that could have gone either way after an hour.

As far as WCQ goes, the US is in a much better position than Mexico. The Americans sit in a solid second, while Mexico lies outside the automatic qualifying spots in 4th. This game is a must-win for Mexico, while the US would be happy with a point.

Getting a point is the problem. The US is 0-22-1 all-time in Mexico. 1 point out of a possible 69. The Azteca stadium is the best homefield advantage in world sports. Imagine playing in front of a crowd the size of the Big House. At the altitude of Mile High Stadium. In the heat of Death Valley. With the air quality of downtown Los Angeles. Doesn't quite sound like the easiest venue to win at, right? I think I'd rather play in Pyongyang.

So you can forgive me if I'm not to hopeful about the US's chances today. But you know what? These are different times for US soccer. We weren't supposed to beat Spain. We weren't supposed to lead Brazil 2-0 at the break. We're not supposed to win at the Azteca.

Am I brave and patriotic enough to go all the way and pick the upset victory? Of course not. But I will pick the US to achieve what they've done only one time and get a point. The key for the US will be getting off to a good start, something they've struggled to do on the road in WCQ. But, this team is at an all-time confidence high.

Key guys like Donovan, Howard, and Onyewu have continued their great form. The player to watch will be midfielder (and coach's kid) Michael Bradley. Bradley (left) missed the Confed Final against Brazil, and scored both goals in February at Columbus. Bradley can be the anchor in the center of the park for the US, create chances going forward, and stifle Mexico's attack. Plus, he has the grit and determination to go into Mexico City and get a result. US 2 Mexico 2.

EPL Preview

Throughout the year we'll focus our beautiful game insights on the best league in the world, the English Premier League. For all of you thinking how ridiculous that is, check your ESPN schedules for this coming season. With mainstream coverage, the EPL can hit it big in the US because it is simply the best in the world. The identifiable teams and players, the rivalries and stories, and the cultural connection to the motherland make the EPL the league du jour here at RSS. So if you enjoy some real football but the good old boys think your crazy, grab your tea and crumpets and come follow me! (And yes I say that last sentence with drool and foam coming out of my mouth like Glenn Beck)

Relegation Picks (20th, 19th, 18th) - Burnley, Portsmouth, Birmingham

Burnley and Birmingham won promotion, but they don't have the depth or quality to survive in the Premier League. Portsmouth on the other hand barely survived last year, and then sold all of their Premier League quality players. Over the course of a long season, these three teams will suffer due to their lack of impact players, and be relegated.

Barely Surviving (17th, 16th, 15th) - Wigan, Bolton, Hull

I see Wigan and Bolton in for a fall this year. Wigan lost manager Steve Bruce, star striker Amir Zaki went AWOL, and they lost their two best midfielders in Valencia and Palacios. They will

barely survive, only due to the crappiness of the Relegation candidates. Bolton is much like Middlesborough. They hang around, and hang around and finish in the bottom half repeatedly with a weak squad. They will go down eventually, but not this year. Hull will be boosted by the addition of US star Jozy Altidore (left) and Stephen Hunt from Reading. If manager Phil Brown can stay humble and avoid his own Orwellian qualities, they will survive.

Safe In Mediocrity (14th, 13th, 12th) - Blackburn, West Ham, Stoke

These three teams are just mediocre enough to survive, but each has a slight edge over the rest of the bottom half. For Blackburn, manager Sam Allardyce is one of the league's best and always gets the best out of his team. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola did very well in his first year at West Ham, and if they pick up a good forward they should repeat last year's solid season. Stoke has an amazing homefield advantage, the cannon of Rory Delap's throw in's, and a nasty, physical attitude that the Prem League still won't be able to conquer.

Up And Comer (11th) - Wolves

I'm going out on a limb and picking last year's second division winners to have a big season in their Premier League comeback. Wolves can score a lot of goals which will help them tremendously in a new league. They've made some solid additions to their team as well bringing in guys with EPL experience. Wolves will be the surprise of the league.

Good, But Not Great (10th, 9th, 8th) - Sunderland, Fulham, Everton

These three should all have solid, unspectacular seasons. Sunderland should benefit from signing Darren Bent, twitter rants aside. Fulham and Everton have very good teams, but their lack of depth will catch up with them.

The Fallen Giant (7th) - Arsenal

Arsenal is going wayyy down. They barely hung onto the top 4 last season. So what do they do? Sell their top striker and defender, Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to their nearest rivals! That's like the Red Sox selling their two best players to the Devil Rays in the Wild Card hunt. They will fall out of the top four, and fall hard.

On the Cusp (6th, 5th) - Aston Villa, Tottenham

Maybe I'm too optimistic about Aston Villa. They didn't really add much and lost Gareth Barry, but I have faith in Martin O'Neill (btw, my personal crusade is to figure out why he has the number 31 on all of his shirts, Google Answers you are no help, ever!). Tottenham will finally come back to prominence this season too. Too many good players, and a great manager in Harry Redknapp sees them climb back to 5th.

Manchester (4th, 3rd) - City, United

Welcome to the club Manchester City. There is just too much talent here for them not to surpass Arsenal and the others to gain top 4 status. Adebayor, Santa Cruz, Tevez, Robinho, Barry are too good to not reach CL qualification. On the other hand, losing Ronaldo for Man Utd will be crippling for them. They'll be lucky to just beat out their city rivals in the standings.

The Top Two (2nd, 1st) - Liverpool, Chelsea

I said it before, letting Xabi Alonso loose would cost Liverpool the Prem League title. On the other hand, Chelsea held onto John Terry. That will be the difference between these two sides. Chelsea seem rejuvenated under Carlo Ancelotti with Drogba, Lampard and company looking back to their top form. Heartbreak again for Liverpool and Steven Gerrard as they will come so close to that elusive Premier League title once again, but fall short.