EPL Predictions

I went to great trouble last summer putting together my prediction for every single match of the EPL season. Here's how the points shook out, some of this is obviously way off, but keep in mind, I composed this list at the beginning of August.

1. Manchester United 88pts.
2. Chelsea 86pts.
3. Liverpool 74pts.
4. Arsenal 71 pts.
5. Aston Villa 64pts.
6. Middlesbrough 64pts.
7. Tottenham 60pts.
8. Wigan 53pts.
9. Sunderland 50pts.
10. Blackburn 45pts.
11. Portsmouth 45pts.
12. Everton 43pts.
13. West Brom 43pts.
14. Fulham 40pts.
15. Newcastle 40pts.
16. Manchester City 37pts.
17. West Ham 35pts.
18. Bolton 28pts.
19. Hull 28pts.
20. Stoke 16pts.

Hmmm, a few of these are notably way off, oh well.

IT'S BACK!!! Champion's League

Ok, let's try this again. Champions League. I was able to catch the games on ESPN. There was lots of talk about how exciting a 0-0 game the Inter v. United game was. I found this match thoroughly disappointing. I suppose it was because there was just so much anticipation built up during the first half by Manchester United. I was definitely expecting to see a fabulous goal-- something with a great build up, flowing passing, capped with a clever finish. It was not to be. Wednesday's game, Chelsea v. Juventus was a decent match. I am amazed that the aging Del Piero continues to provide the spark for Juve. Maybe that is why they couldn't snap up a goal in this game. I thought the Chelsea defense looked a little disorganized at times, however, Cech (apart from a second half flub) looks more confident in goal-- I guess the new manager provides a confidence infusion for the entire squad.

Now on to the predictions:

-Manchester United v. Inter Milan (2-0): Inter just don't look like scoring, and United seem to be indestructible at Old Trafford.
-Barcelona v. Lyon (3-1): Lyon in France are a different squad than Lyon away from France. Valdes is certainly a liability for Barca, but it won't matter if their offense starts clicking like it can.
-Porto v. Atletico Madrid (1-1): Porto did themselves a huge favor by snapping up two away goals. I'd expect their play at the back to be a bit firmer than it was in Madrid.
-Roma v. Arsenal (1-1): Arsenal may regret their many wasted chances. However, I don't feel that Roma has the defense, or the offense, to overcome their deficit to the North Londoners.

-Juventus v. Chelsea (2-1): Chelsea will nip this on the away goals rule. Juve will finally click into scoring gear, but it may be too little, too late.
-Liverpool v. Real Madrid (1-1): Potentially, another dour tie, however, Real will need to push forward, opening the door for the speed of Torres to burn Madrid on the counter.
-Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon (2-2): This will likely be the battle of who could care less. I'd expect Bayern to rest a few of the big guns. The winner of the tie is now a forgone conclusion.
-Panathaniakos v. Villareal (2-1): I'd expect the Greek side to seal the deal at home. Either way, neither side should go any further.