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Debuchy to Arsenal official

Each of the teams are a few key injuries away from being off the pace. See: Arsenal FC, 2013-2014

GK: Lopez LB: Marcelo CB: Pepe CB: Ramos RB: Carvajal CM: Kroos CM: Khedira CAM: James LW: Ronaldo ST: Benzema RW: Bale Good lord. That is the scariest starting XI I've seen in a while. That back 4 leaves much to be desired but going forward, just...damn.

My bad didn't even click your link. Figured you were referring to Kroos As for James, if it happens, they'll have to offload Di Maria first.

It's official. RM confirmed it on their twitter acct.

Anybody catch Chelsea/Wycombe? Lot of CFC prospects on display...they looked pretty sharp. Van Ginkel will finally get the chance to make a name for himself this year I think.

Definitely fake.

I hope those LFC/Chelski friendlies get posted somewhere tonight so I can watch some football. Skins training camp still a week out. Aaaghhhh

Flam is good because he's aggressive and a good tackler. But sometimes he can be too aggressive and border on recklessness, although I guess that is commonplace for many DMFs. The biggest problem with Flam is that he is not really a physical presence and, as you said, does not provide much going forward (although he's not terrible in that respect). I do think that a midfield 3 with Khedira, Ramsey, Özil would be quite formidable. Enough to match wits with the big clubs' midfields...just not sure how much Khedira would help to prevent those nightmarish scorelines we suffered last year vs LFC, Man $hitty, Chelski. You could say some of them were the BFG's fault due to his lack of pace but a lot of those goals we surrendered were due to lack of focus and organization.

I see your point but Toure, Fernandinho, and Matic could all fit the bill. They're big, physical guys who push other players off the ball with ease. I still believe Arsenal would be better served with a bruiser back there. We struggle to match opponents' physicality. I guess it's been that way for some time now. Still don't understand why we let Song walk.

Apparently. He's demanding 150k pounds per week which seems to be the hold-up. Not too sure how I'd feel about the signing...he's not exactly a bone-crusher of a DMF but sure beats the hell out of Arteta back there.

Don't worry, The Special C*nt will figure out a way to out-tactic himself. I wonder what they're gonna do with Ivanovic now? Surely they can't have him start over Azpilicueta at RB?

He may have been listed as a central midfielder on paper, but he was terrorizing the left wing offensively and defensively. Might as well called their formation a 4-2-4 with Di Maria at LW, CR7 and KB at ST, and Bale at RW. I'm sure Real would like to develop Isco further but it's a true arms race vs Barca right now after the Suarez signing.

Another gratuitous shot at Benzema by FrFan

Real will offload Di Maria in order to help fund the James Rodriguez move if, indeed, it does end up happening. It makes sense considering Real was playing Di Maria in central midfield for most of the second half of the season. Not exactly the best place for him but a necessity because of Ronaldo and Bale. So you move Di Maria out of central midfield and replace him with James, who is the hottest midfielder in the world right now.

Well then, GIVE ME WIGGINS OR GIVE ME DEATH

I'd rather hold on to him and pay him what he deserves. Unless he is absolutely dead-set on leaving.

If I was any team in the NBA, and it was clear to me that Cleveland wanted to make a move to strengthen their team into a championship contender, I would gladly walk away from any trade negotiations they may present, regardless of how juicy their offer may be. But that's just me.

I understand. That seems to be what everyone thinks. I was speaking more to just the general overall philosophy of the club and how they go about acquiring talent as it relates to the age groups. I must say, however, that top-quality center-forwards aren't just out there for the taking either. It's like an NFL fan-base clamoring for a top QB when everyone knows they don't grow on trees.

Sometimes I wish Arsenal would follow the logic of signing young more often but when I really think about it, I realize they've guessed wrong on young talent in a bad way in the past. I can see the logic behind both philosophies. If you bring in a player at age 18-20, sign them to a 4-5 year contract, they're going to want a move away from your club once that contract is up in all likelihood (if you haven't given up on said player and allowed him to walk in the meantime). Same goes for a veteran in his prime (age 26-29). Once that contract is up, he's going to either be out of gas, or push for a move to a different club for the twilight of his career. I guess the idea is to get a good mix of young and experienced talent. Arsenal have a fairly good mix of both at this point, I reckon. Still, although we have players like Ox, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, I still feel as though we lack young attacking talent. I'm wondering if I feel this way due to the lack of goals scored last season.

Ok seriously, DC and GHH, how excited are you for Markovic? I remember watching his highlights a few weeks back and coming away very impressed.

Oh trust me, I get it. Not necessarily my cup of tea but boy it sure is fun pointing at Man U and laughing. I anticipate it will be a similar feeling pointing at the Patriots after Brady retires.

Hey, I mean, if Carragher and Fairy Neville can get along when the Sky Sports cameras turn on, why can't we?

The cup is nothing to sneeze at but I do agree that Arsenal supporters have let it get to their head a bit too much, but that's not to say that LFC have not let their 2nd-place finish get to theirs either. Can't we all just get along? Easy for me to make such a suggestion since I've never stepped foot in England and have no real tangible grasp on the immensity of the local supporters' passion.