Thread: 2011-2012 Soccer Thread

It appears as though Cesc Fabregas will finally be joining the Nou Camp. I really have no idea where he'll fit in this season. I'm thinking he was primarily brought in to replace Xavi when he starts to fade, but as for the immediate future I don't think he's going to start. Busquets is firmly entrenched as our DM so he's not going anywhere. We might consider slotting him in at midfield and having Iniesta move to the wing, but I hope we don't do that because Iniesta is best utilized in the midfield to give more space for Xavi and Messi to work their magic. Plus Pedro is no slouch on the wing, not to mention that Sanchez, Alcantara, and Affelay will also be vying for playing time. Hopefully Cesc doesn't grow disgruntled being used as a spot starter/bench player. Wouldn't be surprised if a few players on our roster grow discontented over lack of playing time.

I think Cesc knows that he is a rotational starter at the moment, like you say he will be the eventual replacement for Xavi.

Originally Posted by Jaygokings!

Newcastle v. Arsenal Sat morning. I will be up watching it in my Magpies jersey. LET'S GO BOYS!

As will I, but I think it's going to be a LONG season for the Toon. I am fearing relegation at this point.

Originally Posted by DiehardKingsFan

It appears as though Cesc Fabregas will finally be joining the Nou Camp. I really have no idea where he'll fit in this season. I'm thinking he was primarily brought in to replace Xavi when he starts to fade, but as for the immediate future I don't think he's going to start. Busquets is firmly entrenched as our DM so he's not going anywhere. We might consider slotting him in at midfield and having Iniesta move to the wing, but I hope we don't do that because Iniesta is best utilized in the midfield to give more space for Xavi and Messi to work their magic. Plus Pedro is no slouch on the wing, not to mention that Sanchez, Alcantara, and Affelay will also be vying for playing time. Hopefully Cesc doesn't grow disgruntled being used as a spot starter/bench player. Wouldn't be surprised if a few players on our roster grow discontented over lack of playing time.

Fabergas is definitley the long term replacement for Xavi. In the short term I think Pep knows he has been pretty damn lucky as far as injuries go. Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquetes have all made over 50 appearances for Barca in the last two years. Seems unrealistic for that to continue and while Barca have been winning everything in sight, they do lack depth which I think hurt them two years ago in the Champions League.

I don't think Fabergas will be discontent over not appearing in as many games since he's willing to take less money to leave Arsenal. I don't see him desperately trying to leave Arsenal for Barca then complaining later over playing time. Where would he go anyways?

Originally Posted by ASUcruz

Fabergas is definitley the long term replacement for Xavi. In the short term I think Pep knows he has been pretty damn lucky as far as injuries go. Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquetes have all made over 50 appearances for Barca in the last two years. Seems unrealistic for that to continue and while Barca have been winning everything in sight, they do lack depth which I think hurt them two years ago in the Champions League.

I don't think Fabergas will be discontent over not appearing in as many games since he's willing to take less money to leave Arsenal. I don't see him desperately trying to leave Arsenal for Barca then complaining later over playing time. Where would he go anyways?

Aboslutely on the depth issue. Also, Sanchez, Thiago and Cesc will challenge David Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, and Pedro from their starting positions. Let's be honest, Iniesta is a sleeping BEAST. Having Thiago and Cesc there will make him and Xavi that much better, which is ****ing scary.

Pique has looked slow, along with Fontas at the back and Milito is gone. Puyol is still not ready for action. Barca's achilles is now at the back. NOT GOOD.

Originally Posted by OvertimeHero

As will I, but I think it's going to be a LONG season for the Toon. I am fearing relegation at this point.

I am not. I am fearing a bottom half of the table finish. That was a bit of an ugly game today. But I am happy we got the point...even if it was in St. James. And QPR, Norwich, and Swans are arguably worse then the 3 relegates last season so I think we will be okay to not get relegated.

In regards to the game today, I thought the new acquisitions looked fantastic. Ba, and Obertan specifically. We'll see how next week goes. More a mid table match up. and seriously...as much a pain in the ass Joey Barton is I love the guys spirit.

Gotta love Joey Barton. Of course he flew off the handle, but he IS Newcastle at this point. Poor Arsenal...

Originally Posted by Jaygokings!

I am not. I am fearing a bottom half of the table finish. That was a bit of an ugly game today. But I am happy we got the point...even if it was in St. James. And QPR, Norwich, and Swans are arguably worse then the 3 relegates last season so I think we will be okay to not get relegated.

In regards to the game today, I thought the new acquisitions looked fantastic. Ba, and Obertan specifically. We'll see how next week goes. More a mid table match up. and seriously...as much a pain in the ass Joey Barton is I love the guys spirit.

If Newcastle end up keeping Barton I think they will do just enough to stay up. As you mention, the new boys in the Prem don't look all that likely to stay up.

I think Newcastle will struggle mainly because I don't see where the goals are coming from. It is unbelievable that Shola Ameobi is still in the Premiership and starting no less! Ba had a nice run of games for West Ham but is unproven over the long haul. Unfortunate they have yet to re-invest the money they got for Carroll, Nolan and now Enrique back into the team.

With Barton in the team I think they are decent enough in midfield and at the back to scrap together enough points to stay up. Maybe they will flirt with relegation but still don't see them going down.

I am still waiting for Ranger to step up. Guy has been hovering in the system for like..how long now? 3...4 seasons?

Hoping the scenery change can spur Ba on for more then a handful of games like in West Ham, and Shola is only 29..he's been around forever but he still is a class player when his heart is in it. Losing Carroll freaking hurt. I'd take the decrepit knees of Michael Owen up front right now in all honesty. Or hell...pull Shearer out of the stands.

Cheers to hoping the Ameobi brothers (I am actually excited to see Sammy play) and Ba carry the offense...oh and Barty too if he decides to stay and stops blasting people on twitter to get himself suspended.