Champions League Final Preview: Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich

For the first time in a long time, the Champions League Final features no English teams. Instead, Germany's champions Bayern Munich will square off with Italy's best Inter Milan. There are World Cup stars all over the field and it should be a great game in Madrid's Santiago Bernebeau. Both teams are looking for a historic league, cup, and European treble so there is a lot to play for in this game. So let's take a look at the matchups and see who has the edge!

Bayern Strikers v Inter Defense

-The Bayern strikeforce of Ivica Olic and Thomas Muller have relegated the more fancied Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose to mostly bench duty in the latter parts of the season. Olic has shined in the CL scoring 7 goals in 7 games including a remarkable hat trick in Lyon scoring all of Bayern's goals to get them to the final. However, I can't see them breaking through such a strong Inter defense. With Javier Zanetti, Walter Samuel, Lucio, and Maicon across the back, Inter might have the best defense in the world with the 2 Brazilians and 2 Argentines. While Zanetti has been such a great leader for Inter, Lucio (against his former team) will make the difference with his strength in the middle and be very hard to get past. Julio Cesar in goal can also step up in big spots for Inter.

EDGE: Inter

Bayern Midfield v Inter Midfield

-Both clubs will be missing key players in the midfield. Bayern will be without French dynamo Franck Ribery and Inter will be missing their CDM Thiago Motta. Motta isn't a scoring threat like Ribery, but helps to control the game in the midfield. The key to this battle will be each team's Dutch stars: Inter's Wesley Sneijder and Bayern's Arjen Robben. The other players in the midfield: Chivu, Cambiasso, and Pandev for Inter and Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, and Altintop for Bayern cancel each other out. Robben was one of the Bundesliga's best players while Sneijder was a key man in Inter dispatching Chelsea and Barcelona. Robben has been in such scintillating form with his goals and assists that he gives the Bayern midfield the slight edge, even without Ribery.

EDGE: Bayern

Inter Strikers v Bayern Defense

-Inter newcomer Diego Milito was Serie A's leading scorer, and Cameroon' Samuel Eto'o is as dangerous as ever. These two strikers supported by Wes Sneijder form a powerful offensive attack. Bayern's defense doesn't feature many big names and is a mix of youth and experience with Philip Lahm and Daniel Van Buyten pairing with Holger Badstuber and Diego Contento. There seem to be some holes in this defense that Inter can exploit, especially with the improving but inexperienced Hans-Jorg Butt in goal. Bayern will need their captain, CDM Mark Van Bommel to help out on defense quite a bit. I think Inter has a decisive edge here.

EDGE: Inter

Coaching

-Everybody knows the Special One, Jose Mourinho. He was brought to Inter to win the Champions League trophy that he failed to win at Chelsea. He faces off against a man he worked under at Barcelona, Louis Van Gaal. Both men have already won a CL trophy (Mourinho at Porto and Van Gaal at Ajax) and both men are looking to win their third trophy this season. Van Gaal has provided the needed discipline to a Bayern team that fell off the wagon last year, while Mourinho might dream of himself coaching Real Madrid next year in the Bernebeau. Whereas the attention for Mourinho's Inter is on himself, Van Gaal puts the team in the spotlight first as it should be. There's simply too many distractions surrounding Mourinho to give him the edge here.

EDGE: Bayern

X-Factors

-The benches might come up key for each team: Bayern can go to established stars like Klose and Gomez if they are behind while Inter can turn to talented subs like Mario Balotelli or Sulley Muntari. Inter has taken out Chelsea and Barcelona in the QF and SF to get to Madrid while Bayern has had a little bit easier of a road in dealing with Man Utd and Lyon. The bookies and pundits seem to favor Inter, and with so much pressure on Mourinho to deliver the CL trophy, Bayern Munich might come in a little looser, and with an underdog mentality. Giving that mental edge to such a talented team might be the factor that swings the pendulum in their favor.

EDGE: Bayern

Final Verdict

-This game is really very close to call. Both teams are so talented and have such offensive firepower that it could be a very memorable Champions League Final. While Inter might have the slightly better team, the intangibles point firmly in the direction of Bayern Munich. It might take extra time or penalties, but I see Bayern sneaking this one out... very quietly of course.

PICK: Bayern

After Saturday, it will be full speed ahead towards the World Cup and we'll be with you for our thoughts every step of the way, bye for now!

Lionel Messi Is The Best In The World

As the World Cup approaches in June, it's appropriate that we turn our eyes to Europe for a second and perhaps the best individual performance this year in the world of sports. Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored 4 goals yesterday in single-handedly beating Arsenal to move on to the UEFA Champions League Semis. Messi's performance was so brilliant that he has undoubtedly taken his place as the best player in the world. Of course, I couldn't find a video with English commentary, so Swedish will have to do. But, as Andy Gray would say, let the pictures tell the story...

Simply amazing. Not only was it 4 goals in a Champions League knockout game (the first time ever done), but each goal showed a different facet of Messi's skill. The first goal showing pure power from the top of the box. The second a deft touch and finish with his weaker foot after being in the right place at the right time. The third goal was an incredible finesse chip over the Arsenal GK. Finally, he showed his great dribbling ability and precision in scoring off of his own rebound for his fourth.

Messi has now scored 119 career goals for Barca including 39 in 42 games in all competitions this season. Almost scoring a goal a game is incredible. To put that in perspective, Wayne Rooney, who is by all accounts having a career year, has 34 goals in 40 appearances this season. Messi blows him out of the water. 2 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo had an unbelievable season and scored 42 goals in 49 appearances - and it looks like Messi will pass that mark easily.

Where will Messi stop this year? Barcelona has 8 La Liga games remaining and a probable 3 CL games. In those 11 games, it is reasonable to believe that Messi could score 50 goals in one season! In the modern era, that sort of total is unheard of in top class soccer. Finding these sort of records on the internet is kinda hard, and if anyone out there knows the numbers, please comment. But, the last 50 goal season in Europe that I could find was in 1949!

It's not only the numbers with Messi though. It's the eye test. Messi scores goals that 99.999% of the world only dream about scoring. He scores goals that only the likes of Pele and Maradona could duplicate. Take this effort against Getafe in 2007..

The only person I could compare Messi to at this point of his career is Wayne Gretzky. At 22, Wayne Gretzy was coming off of a record 92 goal season and was in the middle of a stretch in which he scored 250 goals in 3 seasons. Messi probably won't reach those sort of totals, but he currently leads La Liga and the CL in scoring this season. Gretzky is the best hockey player of all-time, and Messi's magic has the potential to take him to the greatest of all-time territory. The skill level of both players far surpasses anyone on the ice or the pitch with them.

But, one thing is holding Lionel back from entering the greatest of all time discussion. He must carry this performance to the World Cup in June. Pele and Maradona performed to their highest standards at the World Cup. 4 years ago as a teen, Messi scored 1 goal in 3 games. He's only scored 15 goals in 36 career appearances for his country. Now, at 22 and in the prime of his career, Messi has to prove himself as the best player in the world by doing it on the biggest stage in sports.

With the great and insane Diego Maradona coaching Messi and Argentina this year anything can happen. Watching how Messi performs at the 2010 World Cup might be the most anticipated sporting event on the calendar this year. His 4 goals against Arsenal yesterday only builds the suspense for June. I for one can't wait.

RSS Through Balls 3/11/10

With continental competitions consummating around the globe, it's time to check in on the beautiful game (impressive alliteration, I know, that's why I'm an unpaid professional). Today we'll look at all the big stories both internationally and domestically with the World Cup Countdown now under 100 days! Let's roll!

CONCACAF CL

-We were at Crew Stadium on Tuesday Night to see Columbus draw Toluca 2-2 in the 1st Leg of the QF Round in the CONCACAF CL. The game was enthralling as local legend Stevie Lenhart scored 2 goals in the 2nd half much to the delight... of only 4,000 people. Readers around the world might wonder... 4k, for a Champions League game?? Are you serious? Well, a few factors emerge to the terrible crowd

-MLS is in preseason mode, so few might actually have been aware of a game being played
-US fans aren't used to seeing their team in two separate competitions, CONCACAF CL isn't SportsCenter material
-Promotion for the game by the league was absolutely atrocious
-The game wasn't a part of any ticket package, cheapest tix were $25

That's just a horrible job by the league. MLS fans talk about their league gaining respect worldwide, how about in your country and continent first? Get more than 4,000 fans to show up at the league's biggest club game. Give your fans some incentive to show up, or at least let them know that there's a game. But, then again, MLS isn't exactly known for its executive competence, which leads to...

MLS Strike?
-This report doesn't exactly bode well for there being an MLS season this year, or at least one that starts on time. In a World Cup year, with ESPN putting all of their promotional eggs in soccer's basket, it's pivotal to have MLS there to pick up on the inevitable rise in popularity for the beautiful game. Too bad the players are almost unanimously in favor of striking should no new CBA be reached. Frankly, the owners must at least allow free agency within MLS and give players basic rights that are afforded in other major pro league. The owners have much more to lose than the players, especially this year.

At some point, the league must take a risk if it wants to grow. The single entity structure has seen it survive till this point, but it can only take MLS so far on the world stage. Giving more to the players (free agency, more guaranteed $) along with some fiscal sanity, will encourage more foreign stars over and more importantly, American stars to stay home. If MLS is on strike during the World Cup, the league will be dead by 2012.

World Cup News

-There was some controversy over ESPN's play-by-play choices for the World Cup. Martin Tyler (above), one of the best announcers in the history of the universe, is the home run choice... but 3 other Brits? Bristolites Derek Rae and Adrian Healey are joined by EPL commentator Ian Darke as the voices of South Africa 2010. Some folks are bothered that no American voice will be bringing the WC to an American audience. In an increasingly globalized world, I don't think people will care as long as the best are bringing us the action, unlike 4 years ago... cough, Dave O'Brien and Marcelo Balboa, cough... nobody wants that nightmare again. If there is one complaint, it's that veteran JP Dellacamera is left out. Healey is perhaps a little corny at times, but does a fine job. It would be nice to have Dellacamera call the US games, but if the nationality of announcers bothers you, you need a reality check. Have a listen to the best of the best and see if you would want anything else...

In other international news, the US didn't look great in Holland, but the return of Oguchi Onyewu, Clint Dempsey, and a miraculous recovery by Charlie Davies would boost our hopes. One underrated item is that Guus Hiddink might be in line to coach Cote D'Ivoire at the World Cup. Ivory Coast is perhaps the most talented African team in the tournament, and the Dutch genius who was last seen coaching Russia and Chelsea could be the man to lead them through the Group of Death and beyond.

Madrid Meltdown and Liverpool Lose... Again

-In Euro news, Real Madrid's hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars saw them knocked out in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the 6th year in a row. Yipes. The sky is falling in Madrid after their home failure to Lyon, but at least they aren't Liverpool... who now take a 1-0 deficit after suffering an embarrassing loss at Lille. Every time the Reds look like coming back, they have a hideous result - see Wigan Athletic last week. Now, it looks like either a Europa League triumph and a Top 4 spot might be out of reach. Maybe it's time for Liverpool to blow it up and start over, time is ticking Rafa.

Rooooooooooooney

-Wayne Rooney scored 2 goals to sink AC Milan in their CL tie and now has 30 on the season in 35 games. Plenty of skeptics wondered how United would replace Ronaldo, but Rooney has done that and then some. With Ronaldo and Messi not having the typical awe-inspiring years, Rooney is the frontrunner for World Player of the Year. If he continues this form to South Africa, England will be a legit threat. Here's his 2nd goal, bonus pts if you can tell us what language this is...

The Handshake Snub Heard Round The World

-Finally, we couldn't have a soccer roundup without one of the greatest videos to ever grace the web. If only Wayne Bridge would've shaken his hand and then punched him in the face Vince McMahon style could this have been any better.

EPL Picks & CL Recap

Straight into our EPL picks (starring those 2 #8's), and then UEFA Champions League thoughts from midweek. As you can see, a great week for Mr. Yoder II sees him vault to the top of the standings for the first time in a few weeks. Will I be able to catch him? Away we go...

Last Week's Results:

Mr. Yoder II: 8-2-0 24 pts

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

Dr. Yoder: 5-5-0 15 pts

Total After Week 5:

Mr. Yoder II: 42-20-4 130 pts

Mr. Yoder I: 41-21-4 127 pts

Dr. Yoder: 39-23-4 121 pts

Portsmouth (0-7-0) @ Wolves (2-4-1)

Pompey played their best game of the year against Everton, but still managed to lose. The news isn't getting better with breaking reports that players are struggling to get their wages. It doesn't seem like the best atmosphere to try and play football. However, Pompey showed a lot of spirit last week which might carry over against a Wolves team that has been unimpressive, allowing 5 goals last week to Sunderland. Consider this revenge for Wolverhampton as they have never woken up as my sleeper pick of the year.

Y1: Portsmouth Y2: Wolves Doc: Wolves

Birmingham (2-4-1) @ Burnley (3-4-0)

Birmingham missed a big chance last week when they lost at home to Bolton. That's a 6 point swing that could cost B'Ham when May comes around. Burnley unsurprisingly crashed and burned at Tottenham, but playing at home has been a different story for them. If they can beat Man U and Everton, then they should handle Birmingham at Turf Moor... right?

Y1: Burnley Y2: Burnley Doc: Burnley

Wigan (3-4-0) @ Hull City (1-5-1)

Wigan pulled the rabbit out of the hat last week with an inspired performance by beating Chelsea in the upset of the season thus far. Of course, they have a boneheaded red card from Peter Cech to thank for assisting in the victory. They face a much easier task traveling to the KC Stadium to face a Hull side in shambles. They've won 2 games in the EPL in 2009. That includes the second half of last season... yikes. Someone help Phil Brown through that headset! What is he busy doing, taking drive-thru orders? Making sales calls? Earth to Phil: time's running out.

Y1: Wigan Y2: Hull Doc: Wigan

Tottenham (5-2-0) @ Bolton (2-3-1)

Every time you think Bolton is down and out, they come up with a scrappy win as they did last week at Birmingham. Spurs rebounded after a couple tough losses with a spanking of Burnley at the Lane. Liverpool fans have to wonder where Robbie Keane's goal scoring touch was in a Reds uniform? If he scores 4 goals every game, Spurs have a good chance at winning a lot. How's that for expert analysis?

Y1: Tottenham Y2: Tottenham Doc: Tottenham

Sunderland (4-3-0) @ Manchester United (6-1-0)

Sunderland threw out one of the most negative performances of the year at Old Trafford last season, but expect them to come out more aggressive this time around. United have to be concerned that OT doesn't seem like the fortress it used to be with teams coming in and winning, or coming close like Wolfsburg. Even though Michael Owen is injured (who couldn't see that coming??) they'll win this week.

Y1: United Y2: United Doc: United

Blackburn (2-3-1) @ Arsenal (4-2-0)

Rovers somehow found a way to win at Aston Villa through a late penalty kick, but the trip to the Emirates won't be as kind. Arsenal played tough defense at Fulham last week, especially backup netminder Vito Mannone who made some great saves. There won't be that much drama against Blackburn though. Arsenal going away.

Y1: Arsenal Y2: Arsenal Doc: Arsenal

Stoke City (2-3-2) @ Everton (3-3-0)

The toughest game to pick of the weekend. After a shocking start, Everton are back to .500 and sit comfortably at mid-table on their way up. Stoke has played the big boys tough, but come up empty handed. While I do like Stoke and how they play, the smart money is on Everton continuing their good run of form and climbing back up the table.

Y1: Everton Y2: Everton Doc: Everton

Fulham (2-4-0) @ West Ham (1-4-1)

These two London sides have to be among the disappointments of the season. West Ham sit in the relegation zone while Fulham is only one spot above them. Both teams have suffered from a lack of goals only scoring 6 in the season thus far. Honestly, if I could I would pick a draw for the game. But, since we are contractually bound to pick a winner I'll go with Fulham. They have an extra day of rest and more quality at the moment than the Hammers.

Y1: Fulham Y2: West Ham Doc: West Ham

Liverpool (5-2-0) @ Chelsea (6-1-0)

Our first Big 4 Battle of the season sees Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge. This has emerged as one of the top rivalries in England with their multiple Champions League meetings. Each side is coming off a sorry Champions League outing, except only Liverpool actually lost. The worrying signs were there for Chelsea a week back as well as they lost their first EPL game of the year at Wigan. Liverpool meanwhile managed 6 goals last week against Hull. The important fact here is Liverpool's recent success at the Bridge. Who could forget Liverpool breaking Chelsea's incredible home unbeaten streak last season? A homer pick, but this could be the win that brings back Liverpool. At least I'm hoping...

Y1: Liverpool Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

Manchester City (5-1-0) @ Aston Villa (4-2-0)

Another Monday game for City takes them to Villa, who should really be 6-0 instead of 4-2. Their lone losses have been home games to Wigan and Blackburn, certainly 2 winnable games. City were firing on all cylinders against West Ham. Particularly impressive has been the play of ST Craig Bellamy. Bellamy is the barometer for City. The fiery, and sometimes unbalanced Welshman wasn't a big money signing for Mark Hughes, but he brings pace and skill to the side that compliments the big money signees. City will continue their run to break into the Big 4 with an important road win.

Y1: Manchester City Y2: Villa Doc: Manchester City

UEFA Champions League Roundup

Champion Team Of The Week -FC Zurich - 1-0 winners at AC Milan (nice headband by the way from goalscorer Hannu Tihinen!)

Champion Player Of The Week - Stevan Jotevic (Fiorentina) - 2 Goals vs Liverpool

You Have Got To Do Better - Rangers - giving up 4 second half goals to Sevilla at home doesn't speak well for the state of Scottish football on the European stage

5 Random Thoughts:

1) It's a surprise to see powers like Inter, Juve, and Liverpool outside the Top 2 in their groups after 2 games. If any of these teams is in the most trouble, it'd have to be Juventus who must deal with a powerful Bordeaux team in Group A.

2) Speaking of Liverpool, that was a horrendous effort in Italy against Fiorentina. They should still be able to advance if they take care of business against Lyon, but the road is more difficult after their 2-0 defeat.

3) The most impressive team in defeat? Easily Wolfsburg taking a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford before succumbing to two second half strikes. The German champs are out to prove that last season was no fluke and they made a good account of themselves at Man United.

4) Chelsea's poor performance at APOEL shouldn't cause the crazy amount of alarm bells that are ringing out in London. Winning on the road is always tough in European play, and it's not like Chelsea is in any danger of not advancing. Besides, their focus is really on Sunday's game against Liverpool.

5) Too early to make a judgment on how Fox's Champions League coverage compares to ESPN. I happened to be a fan of ESPN's coverage, even if it did focus on the big English teams too much. While some prefer the international feeds, it's been hit or miss. The Fox games and coverage are harder to find than ESPN, who has made the transition to EPL and La Liga coverage well. With all of the soccer on FSC in the states it's easy for the CL to get lost in the shuffle at times without ESPN's heavy duty promotion machine behind them.

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.

EPL Picks & CONCACAF CL Preview

We're back with our midweek picks for the EPL. Throughout the season we'll be joined by the only man who is capable of matching wits with the Yoder Bros, our pops Dr. Yoder. The good doctor knows absolutely nothing about the English Premier League, so this will be a good test to see how much (or little) skill (or luck) is involved in picking these games. As you can see below, the results weren't very good for one of us... oh wait that's me. Here now our picks for the midweek games.

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

Mr. Yoder II: 8-2-0 24 pts

Dr. Yoder: 7-3-0 21 pts

Sunderland (1-0-0) v Chelsea (1-0-0)

Both teams were winners in week 1. Sundy winning on the road at Bolton, and Didier Drogba saving Chelsea's bacon at home against Hull City. I wasn't too impressed with Chelsea in Week 1, and think Sunderland can get the best of them at the Stadium of Light, crazy I know, but hey I need to pick up some games ok?

Y1: Sundy Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

Wigan (1-0-0) v Wolves (0-1-0)

Perhaps this is stubbornness, but I don't believe Wigan is that good, or Wolves is that bad. I'll give Wolves one more week before I abandon them as my surprise pick. Doc was shockingly correct with Wigan the first week, and even remembered that he picked them. Right now he is driving Wigan's bandwagon with Hugo Rodallega (left) front and center.

Y1: Wolves Y2: Wigan Doc: Wigan

Birmingham (0-1-0) v Portsmouth (0-1-0)

This game is only for the football enthusiasts, it will be hard to watch. We all like Birmingham because they're at home, and they held Man Utd to only a 1-0 victory. Here's hoping these teams figure out that you need to score goals to actually win games.

Y1: B-ham Y2: B-ham Doc: B-ham

Hull City (0-1-0) v Tottenham (1-0-0)

This is one of the more intriguing games of the midweek slate. Hull played surprisingly well at Chelsea (here's hoping US star Jozy Altidore actually gets to play). Doc and Y2 see a surprise Hull victory, while I'm going with Spurs after their dominant performance against Liverpool.

Y1: Spurs Y2: Hull Doc: Hull

Burnley (0-1-0) v Man Utd (1-0-0)

I don't want to see Fergie complain about the schedules ever again after he gets to open up the year with the 2 weakest promotion teams. What a farce. Burnley couldn't get a goal in against Stoke (well, at least in Stoke's net), I woud be shocked if they kept this game within 3 goals.

Y1: Man U Y2: Man U Doc: Man U

Liverpool (0-1-0) v Stoke (1-0-0)

Well, it might be early for a must win game... but this is a must win game for Liverpool. Stoke will pack it in and defend like bulldogs, but Gerrard and Torres will have to step up and find a goal somewhere. They didn't play well last week at all against Spurs, and they'll need to be at their best this week to win. Y2 and I think Liverpool will pull it off, Doc is going with the upset.

Y1: Liverpool Y2: Liverpool Doc: Stoke

Bonus Pick

Celtic v Arsenal

A bonus pick for the heavily anticipated Battle of Britain UEFA CL Qualifier. Scottish giants Celtic host Arsenal in the first leg of their home and away tie. Arsenal made Everton look like a League One side on the weekend, but playing away to Celtic at Parkhead (right) in European play is a different matter. I see Celtic let by former WBA manager Tony Mowbray taking the lead going to the Emirates, the other 2 Yoders see the Gun show rolling on.

Y1: Celtic Y2: Arsenal Doc: Arsenal

CONCACAF CL Preview

To be taken seriously, MLS teams need to start performing well in the CONCACAF Champions League, which begins group play tonight. Weather permitting, we'll be at Crew Stadium to watch Schelotto return to the lineup to face the USL's Puerto Rico Islanders, who dispatched Toronto FC in a qualifier. Crew coach Robert Warzycha seems like he's going to take the competition seriously and the players are speaking of the need of the MLS teams to perform well on the international stage. Last season, Mexican teams made up 3/4 of the semifinalists as Atlante beat Cruz Azul to claim the first ever CONCACAF CL crown. Let's go through Groups A-D and see who can claim North American supremacy this year. Much like Europe, the top 2 from each group make the knockout round.

Group A - Houston (US), Metapan (ES), Arabe Unido (PAN), Pachuca (MEX)

Hard to see either the El Salvador or Panama outfits beating out Pachuca and the Dynamo to make it past the group stage. Pachuca seems to always do well on the international stage, and should look to make their mark on the CL after missing out last year, and Houston was the only MLS team to not totally embarrass themselves last season. I would be shocked if either team failed to make it out of Group A.

Group B - Toluca (MEX), Marathon (HON), DC Utd (US), San Juan Jaboleth (T&T)

Toluca has been dominant in Mexico winning the Fall 2008 tournament, and finishing tied at the top of the table in the Spring 2009 tourney before falling in the playoffs. Being one of Mexico's in form teams means they'll do well in the CL. DC United struggled mightily last season handling MLS and the CL falling out of both competitions. Their form is already slipping in MLS and I wouldn't be surprised to see Honduran giants Marathon beat them out for 2nd place and advancing to the knockout round for the 2nd year in a row.

Group C - Columbus (US), Saprissa (CRC), PR Islanders (PR), Cruz Azul (MEX)

If anyone is going to do damage in this tournament for MLS, it's Columbus. Injuries throughout the season has actually deepened their squad and given guys rest and valuable playing time. They'll have to get out of the Group of Death first though. The PR Islanders of USL made the semis last year, Cruz Azul made the final, and Costa Rican powerhouse Saprissa has done very well in this tournament, finishing runners up in 2008 and winning in 2005. I'm going out on a limb and picking Columbus and Saprissa to advance. Saprissa is one of the toughest venues in North America, and Cruz Azul will continue their struggles after finishing dead last in the Spring 2009 Mexican season.

Group D - UNAM (MEX), Comunicaciones (GUA), W Connection (T&T), Real Espana (HON)

This might be the hardest group to see a 2nd team advancing out of. UNAM, the Spring 2009 champions, is a sure bet, getting the easiest group and could go very far in this tournament. I'll pick Espana from Honduras to join them in the KO round. Sorry W Connection, beating the New York Red Bulls, who haven't won in 13 MLS games, isn't exactly a great achievement.