EPL PIcks & Champions League Roundup

Before we get to the EPL Picks this week, everyone is talking about Emmanuel Adebayor around the water coolers (or whatever the British equivalent is...) because of the incidents in the Arsenal/Man City game last week. First, the ban for stomping on Robin Van Persie is completely justified. There is no place in any sport for that kind of behavior (remember Albert Haynesworth's suspension in the NFL for a similar incident).

However, I didn't mind Adebayor's goal celebration sprinting down in front of the Arsenal fans. These are the same fans that booed him and basically kicked him out the door on the way out. If you were in his shoes, wouldn't you want to stick it to the Gunners supporters? Coming from an American culture which berates athletes for speaking out and celebrating it was refreshing to see how Adebayor truly felt. If anything, the Arsenal fans need to chill out. So he ran down in front of your supporters section? That doesn't mean hundreds of fans need to feel the urge to storm the field and enact some unruly mob justice. You didn't want him in the first place, so why not just let it be and get the win when City visits Arsenal next time around. One thing's for sure, all eyes will be on the Emirates come April 24.

Here's a video of both instances, leave us your thoughts in the comments below.

Now for our EPL picks, and then Champions League thoughts, both European and Stateside!

Last Week's Results:

Mr. Yoder I: 6-4-0 18 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 7-3-0 21 pts

Dr. Yoder: 7-3-0 21 pts

Total After Week 4:

Mr. Yoder I: 30-13-3 93 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 30-13-3 93 pts

Dr. Yoder: 27-16-3 84 pts

Sunderland (3-2-0) @ Burnley (2-3-0)

The early Saturday morning ESPN game features an interesting contest that could go either way. This is one of those under the radar games that could propel one team towards European contention and another towards threatening relegation. A Sunderland win at Turf Moor, which is proving to be a tough venue, could keep them around the top half of the table for a while. Burnley has come back to earth after losses to Chelsea and Liverpool, they might keep falling against a budding Sunderland club.

Y1: Sunderland Y2: Sunderland Doc: Burnley

Wigan (2-3-0) @ Arsenal (2-2-0)

An up and down week for Arsenal as they were blitzed by Man City and hurt by their old friend Emmanuel Adebayor (as predicted here last week!). Things went from bad to worse when they went down 2-0 at Belgian side Standard Liege in the CL, but they were able to turn it around and get a 3-2 victory. The task against Wigan at the Emirates should be much easier. Wigan ended a 3 match losing streak against the Hammers, but it will take a monumental effort to win at the Emirates... it's not likely.

Y1: Arsenal Y2: Arsenal Doc: Wigan

Stoke City (2-2-1) @ Bolton (1-3-0)

Bolton finally got that bagel off the points column last week against Pompey (who wouldn't?), but should they be encouraged or discouraged? The last two weeks have seen an inspired effort against Liverpool come just short and a scrappy win against the bottom club in the league. Stoke fought Chelsea valiantly and even had the lead, but finally gave in during injury time in a losing effort. Stoke have that certain bounce back quality in their side, while you have to wonder what quality Bolton have exactly?

Y1: Stoke Y2: Bolton Doc: Bolton

Birmingham (1-3-1) @ Hull City (1-3-1)

Now this is shaping up to be a relegation battle that we can get excited about! At least when B'Ham lose, it's close. They hung with Aston Villa in the 2nd City Derby before succumbing to a late Gabby Agbonlahor strike, while Hull seem to at least lose spectacularly falling 4-1 at Sunderland last week. So, the smart pick is probably Birmingham, but sooner or later Hull is going to have to find their early 2008 form to survive in the EPL. It's hard to keep picking Hull, especially with a huge hole in defense now with Michael Turner gone. One last time, Phil Brown... please start Jozy Altidore! Our patience is wearing thin...

Y1: Hull Y2: Hull Doc: B'Ham

Portsmouth (0-5-0) @ Aston Villa (3-1-0)

This Just In.... Portsmouth are awful. We might be talking about Derby County of '07-'08 awful (1 win, 29 losses). They managed to actually score 2 goals last week, but lost and were booed off their own field at Fratton Park. There is no way, I repeat, no way they come close to winning this game at Villa. I would be stupified. Meanwhile, the reports of Aston Villa's demise was greatly exaggerated. Their 4th win in a row will start to raise questions about the little 3 (Villa, City, Spurs) and their conquest of the Big 4.

Y1: Villa Y2: Villa Doc: Villa

Liverpool (3-2-0) @ West Ham (1-2-1)

Speaking of the Big 4, Liverpool faces another must-win this weekend to stay afloat in the title race. An uninspired 1-0 home win against Debrecen of Hungary yesterday will do little to ease the pressure on Rafa Benitez. West Ham and Carlton Cole have been coming up small in front of goal in recent weeks, which might have led to the signing of Mexican star Guille Franco. With all of the teams in the Top 4 playing each other this week, it's crucial for Liverpool to take all 3 at Upton Park.

Y1: Liverpool Y2: West Ham Doc: Liverpool

Manchester City (4-0-0) @ Manchester United (4-1-0)

Ah, the Manchester Derby takes center stage this week. With City above United in the table this game takes on even more significance for the EPL title race. If anyone doesn't believe City is a real threat after watching their 2nd Half demolition of Arsenal, they do now. However, this game for City will be pretty tough without Tevez and Adebayor (banned for 3 games for stomping on RVP's face). The talking points this week have been about Adebayor's behavior against Arsenal. Perhaps the bigger story though is the harm it does his team, especially with such a huge game this weekend. United wasn't too impressive at Besiktas in Turkey, but they got the job done. It's these games when Fergie's men step up to the occasion. I would be inclined to go with the upset, but with the questions up front for City, United should win a close one.

Y1: United Y2: United Doc: United

Fulham (2-2-0) @ Wolves (1-3-1)

That Wolves bandwagon is looking pretty empty these days. They've been nothing to write home about so far in their return to the EPL. They face a resurgent Fulham side off of a clutch win last week against Everton. A late Damien Duff goal provided a big three points for the Cottagers. That saw them vault almost halfway up the table to 10th. Wolves sit dangerously above the relegation zone and it looks like they'll be mired there all season long. Fulham should get a win here.

Y1: Fulham Y2: Fulham Doc: Wolves

Blackburn (1-2-1) @ Everton (1-3-0)

Everton meanwhile, continue to sink after their loss at Fulham last weekend. Could this just be one of those years for Everton where nothing goes right? They've been such a mainstay right below the Top 4 that it's hard to imagine them struggling all season long. Blackburn got into the win column last week but I think questions still remain about this side. Eventually, Everton has got to right the ship, right? Transfers and injuries has left them short-handed, but David Moyes has the ability to turn it around... I think.

Y1: Everton Y2: Blackburn Doc: Blackburn

Tottenham (4-1-0) @ Chelsea (5-0-0)

The second of the Top 4 clashes this weekend sees 4th placed Spurs at 1st place Chelsea. Tottenham disappointed last week giving up the lead to United and being unable to take advantage of Scholes' sending off. They get another chance to make a statement this week though at the Bridge. One of these days, Chelsea won't be able to recover from giving up the first goal. They've escaped deficits against Hull, Sunderland, and now Stoke. But, Spurs has more quality than any of those sides. Chelsea has to be favored, but don't be surprised to see Harry's men rise to the occasion.

Y1: Spurs Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

UEFA Champions League Roundup

Champion Team Of The Week - Real Madrid - 5 Goals at Zurich

Champion Player Of The Week - Grafite (Wolfsburg) - Hat trick v CSKA Moscow

You Have Got To Do Better - Athletico Madrid - 0-0 draw at home to APOEL?

5 Random Thoughts:

1) The new format of the UEFA CL is sapping some of the drama out of the group stages. Seeing Liverpool trying to get a goal against the Hungarian champions doesn't exactly have the magical feeling of Inter v Barcelona (which while a 0-0 draw, still proved to be compelling). I for one can't wait for the APOEL v Chelsea showdown.

2) 4 1 goal wins for the Big 4. Is it a sign that the English dominance of the Champions League is on the decline?? Not so fast my friend! If any of the Big 4 don't make it to the knockout round it would be a shock. Don't worry fans of the old country, there will be a heavy British presence throughout this competition.

3) Rangers got an important draw at Stuttgart in Group G... not exactly a group of death per se, but with Sevilla as well this group could provide a surprise deep run in the CL with 3 quality teams but not elite.

4) Juventus had the other disappointing result of the weekend at home to Bordeaux in a Group A draw. I would expect more from a team which added some great pieces like Diego and Felipe Melo in the offseason.

5) You want a surprise pick to make it out of the group stage even after a first week loss... AZ Alkmaar.

CONCACAF Roundup

Take A Bow - Columbus Crew

-The first ever win for an American team at the Estadio Saprissa is certainly an accomplishment that can brighten MLS's prospects in this competition. Eddie Gaven provided the winner once again, and the Crew defended the 1-0 successfully for 85 minutes in the most impressive performance stateside.

-Cruz Azul played to a 3-3 draw at Puerto Rico. It looks like the Mexican side will advance out of Group C as will Columbus as long as they take care of business at home.

-DC United finally picked up a win over T&T side San Juan Jaboleth... but they still won't get out of Group B ahead of Marathon or Toluca.

-The surprise team so far has been Panamanian side Arabe Unido in Group A. They might lock Houston out of advancing unless the Dynamo beat them next round. Houston lost 2-0 at Pachuca, but that was expected.

Soccer Saturday Night

We'll take a break from the moneyball debate to bring you thoughts on the world of soccer. Mr. Yoder 2 and I were at Columbus Crew Stadium to watch a fantastic game between the Columbus Crew and Toronto FC. The Crew got two goals in the 76th and 92nd minute from Stephen Lenhart and Jason Garey to pull out a dramatic 3-2 victory. It was an enthralling contest from start to finish as the Crew now own the MLS' longest ever home unbeaten run of 19 games and move into first place in the Eastern Conference. Here now some random thoughts from the beautiful game. (Free of David Beckham, I promise)

-Disappointing that most Toronto FC fans boycotted the game in Columbus after an incident involving fans from the first meeting in March (above). Only about 100 were present tonight compared to over 2,000 at this year's season opener. One TFC fan was tased outside of the stadium and others were arrested after fights broke out in the parking lot. As a Crew fan, I may be a tad biased in this regard, but if TFC fans proclaim to be the best and most passionate supporters in the league, then man up and come to Columbus. It's not like police acted unjustly to Toronto fans involved in fights and damaging Crew Stadium property. To boycott a game over a minor incident seems petty and childish. Too bad their beloved Reds could have probably used the support in the heartbreaking loss tonight.

-On the world stage, Manchester City made two more marquee signings by swooping Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal and Carlos Tevez (right) from Manchester United. These are great moves by City on two fronts. First, it gives them a pair of top drawer strikers with loads of Premier League experience who should complement each other well. Secondly, they weaken their rivals at the top of the league by signing two players with a chip on their shoulder wanting to get back at their old clubs. They would do well to sign a defenseman though.

-A blockbuster in the making as it looks like Inter Milan will swap Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o plus extras. Imagine Carmelo Anthony being traded for Dwayne Wade. Hard to say who gets the better end of this deal as both are world class players. However, one has to wonder why Barca manager Pep Guardiola would want to tinker with an offense that was so dominant last season in winning the Spanish treble (La Liga, Copa Del Ray, Champions League). Eto'o gives Inter a proven CL striker, but will the pretentious Big Z be able to mesh effectively with Henry and Messi in Spain and finally break through in the CL?

-English giants Liverpool and Chelsea must hold on to Xabi Alonso and John Terry respectively if they are want to seriously compete in England and Europe next season. The money from Real Madrid and Man City are tempting for the Reds and Blues respectively, but Alonso and Terry are both critical to their teams' success. Alonso is a maestro in the center of the park for Liverpool and his presence allows Gerrard his desired freer role closer to Fernando Torres and Terry is the heart and soul of Chelsea's defense. Letting them leave means kissing any sort of meaningful hardware goodbye this season.

-Finally, the Gold Cup Final tomorrow pits bitter rivals Mexico and the US together from Giants Stadium. While both sides are throwing out younger players and second teamers, don't underestimate the importance of this game. With soccer gaining steam in the States, Bob Bradley's men would do well to win the North American title and continue their impressive summer. Also, the winner gains bragging rights and plenty of confidence heading into the crucial WC Qualifying showdown at the Azteca on August 12. I'll pick the US to win tomorrow 2-0 on goals from MLSers Stuart Holden (left) and Robbie Rogers.

Soccer Saturday Night

Myself and Mr. Yoder II just got back from Columbus Crew Stadium where the Crew welcomed back captain Frankie Hejduk with a 1-0 victory over the hapless New York Red Bulls. While the game wasn't a classic by any means, the atmosphere at Crew Stadium always makes for a good time. For all the folks out there that look there noses down at soccer, go check out a game for yourself, just once. From the singing and the horns in the stands, to the action on the pitch, there are not a lot of better experiences for your money in the sporting world.

So while we are in the mood, let's try some Soccer Saturday Night Quick Hits on the beautiful game:

-The race for playoff positioning in MLS should heat up in the Summer months. For those that may not know, the top 3 teams from each conference make the playoff, and then 2 Wild Card spots go to the teams with the next best records. The West looks pretty set with Houston, Chivas USA, Seattle, and Colorado holding the top 4 slots. The East, however, is set for a dynamite race with 6 clubs all in good position. It should be a very exciting Summer and Fall for MLS with Becks coming back and the playoff races in full swing.

-Why not throw some random predictions out there for the heck of it:

East- 1. Chicago 2. Columbus 3. Toronto

West - 1. Chivas USA 2. Seattle 3. Houston

Wild Cards - 1. Colorado 2. DC United

-International soccer is only rivaled by the NFL as far as year long sports are concerned worldwide. The top Euro leagues play from mid-August till May but the transfer speculation makes the Hot Stove League look like a wet blanket. Already this Summer, we've seen Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo move to Real Madrid for record deals and speculation is running rampant over the next stars that will switch sides. The endless rumors and potential moves around the globe make the soccer off-season incredibly intriguing.

-Real Madrid, as the Yankees of soccer, are trying to spend their way to the top of the world buying Kaka and Ronaldo for over $200 Million. Much like the Bronx Bombers, this strategy won't work for Real. While they may be the most exciting, and interesting team in the world, they won't win titles unless they add some quality defenders and some bite in the midfield. In the first galactico era it was unheralded defensive midfielder Claude Makelele who was the "glue guy" that brought success, not offensive stars such as Zidane, Ronaldo, or Beckham. Pay close attention to Real Madrid, and to nouveau riche Manchester City in England to see if they try to build winning teams, or waste their money on guys who will sell jerseys.

-How nice to see the US Soccer team get so much support going into the Confederations Cup Final against Brazil. Increased coverage in the national media has put US Soccer at the forefront with not much else occupying the sports landscape. The sporting nation has gotten behind this team after the heroic win against Spain, and they'll need a good performance tomorrow to keep the fans' interest at a peak as they enter the 2009 Gold Cup and finish out World Cup Qualifying. Speaking of the CC final, how about a preview as I bring in Mr. Yoder II...

Confederations Cup Final Preview

Mr. Yoder II - Well Mr. Yoder I, this game on Sunday will be a microcosm (big word for a sports blog, I know) of the arguments I was making to you earlier this week in our soccer debate. While one or two good wins raises the profile of the USNT for a week or so, they won't be heard from for another year after Brazil dominates them in the FIFA Confederations Cup Final. The U.S. did play well against Spain mid-week, but there's no way they have the talent or organization to defeat two top 5 teams in one week. While everyone is hoping for another miracle, the fairy tale has to end here. Brazil 3 United States 0, and the USNT and soccer in the mainstream sports media will once again fade into the background, a distant memory until next year's World Cup.

Mr. Yoder I - Come on bro, ya gotta have faith! US Soccer is on an upswing and this is a completely different side than the one that got hammered by Brazil in the group stages. The US must follow the blueprint from the Spain victory: hustle, work hard, and attack from the start. If the US comes out aggressive and takes it to Brazil from the opening whistle as against Spain they can win this game. This Brazil team is beatable as long as our boys don't timidly play against merely the jersey. The keys will be defending with vigor and intensity and taking the scoring chances when they come, which they will against Brazil who love to go forward. The US is on an all-time confidence high after being given new life and they will complete the miracle double and defeat Brazil. USA 3 Brazil 2 on a late Landon Donovan goal in extra time which will cement soccer in the national landscape...therefore I win!