Performance Predictor: Ligue 1. (Teams 17-20, A-Z)

Hello again! Hope your all keeping well, sadly this is the final part of the Ligue 1 series *hands you a box of tissues*. However fear not! As I will be doing the Bundesliga next! So last but not least we have the final 4 teams of Ligue 1 including Valenciennes who have got of to a great start this year and newly promoted Troyes, nous allons donc commencer! (so let's begin!)

FC Sochaux-Montbéliard

Last season: 14th

Star man: Cédric Kante

Unsung hero: Ryad Boudebouz

Prediction for this season: Relegation.

First of, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Yaya Banana plays for Sochaux, probably one of the best names I've heard. Anyway, 'les lionceaux' have started poorly this year, failing to register a single point from their first three games. They have strengthened their defence by bringing in Malian defender Cédric Kante, who was outstanding for Mali in the African Cup of Nations and the always dangerous and creative Algerian Rayd Boubedouz can provide that bit of flair you need to win a game. Despite this, I think Sochaux will go down this year, they just don't have goals coming from anywhere and a team that doesn't have amazing quality in other areas will struggle and I think that's what will happen here.

Toulouse

Last season: 8th

Star man: Wissam Ben Yedder

Unsung hero: Moussa Sissoko

Prediction for this season: Europa League places.

TFC got off to a great start this year they have won two and drew one against Champions Montpellier. Toulouse along with Saint Étienne could be the two big surprises packages this year. They have an excellent goalkeeper in young Ali Ahamada, a fantastic prospect for France and Toulouse if they can keep hold of them as he matures. They also have a very solid defence and probably one of my favourite and most underrated players in the league Moussa Sissoko. This man is a machine, Sissoko gets all around the pitch hitting tackles, playing passes and have the odd pop at goal from time to time. While up front Wissam Ben Yedder provides slickness and guile, a touch of class and a deadly finish combined, Toulouse will be dangerous this year.

ESTAC Troyes

Last season: Promoted. (3rd Ligue 2)

Star man: Benjamin Nivet

Unsung hero:  Fabrice N'Sakala

Prediction for this season: Relegation.

ESTAC Troyes did remarkably well to gain promotion to Ligue 1 this year, however I don't think the fairytale will last. Despite acquiring the experienced Ben Nivet, previously of Troyes and Caen, his keen eye for goal helped Troyes to promotion back in 2005/06, however I don't think he can recapture that form and I think it could be a long hard season for Troyes. They will rely alot upon twenty year old N'Sakala, the young centre back has been a regular for France at all of the youth teams but his inexperience may prove a hindrance to their fight to stay up.

Valenciennes

Last season: 12th

Star man: Vincent Aboubakar

Unsung hero: Nicolas Penneteau

Prediction for this season: Could challenge for Europe.

VA are the only team in the league yet to concede a goal this year, a remarkable achievement, with such limited resources. Mostly down to the excellent Nicolas Penneteau, who has been in the form of his life this season, commanding and assured has given the rest of the team an excellent confidence boost! While upfront Vincent Aboubakar has the pace to challenge even Usain Bolt in a straight sprint, he has the 

Performance Predictor: Ligue 1. (Teams13-16, A-Z)

Hello again! Hope your still enjoying my Ligue 1 previews! Not long until we move onto another league, not sure which one yet. Teams 13-16 now, this time there'll be big spend Paris Saint-Germain, newly promoted Stade de Remis and Saint Étienne and Stade Rennais. So let's get stuck straight into it with PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain

Last season: 2nd

Star man: Zaltan Ibrahimovic and Jérémy Menez

Unsung hero: Mamadou Sakho

Prediction for this season: Europa League, controversial but I'll explain.

'Les Parisens' have had the worst start to the season they could have hoped for after spending so much this Summer, they have quality in abundance, but lack in the most crucial thing in my opinion, team-spirit. Without this vital ingredient, the croissant with even the freshest and most delicious ingredients is spoilt, like forgetting the butter for example. Anyway before I give you anymore of my cookery tips, I'll keep going with the predictions. They have all the flair a team could want with Nene, 'Ibra' and Menez capable of turning the game with the click of their fingers, just look at Zlatan's first goal in pre-season. Whereas Mamadou Sakho has survived the mass exodus and in my opinion is one of the best young centre backs in the world, accomplished, calm and steady as stone he is fast making a name for himself.

Stade de Remis

Last season: Promoted (2nd Ligue 2)

Star man: Antoine Devaux

Unsung hero: Kemal Ghilas

Prediction for this season: Fighting relegation.

Impressive last year in Ligue 2, but I think they are lacking the cutting edge any team coming up or that failed to strengthen that struggled last year. Despite having a fantastic all-round midfielder such as Antoine Devaux who holds the team together with his fanatastic, jack of all trades style. While upfront they have the creativity of Kemal Ghilas the impressive Algerian will be hoping to make his mark on the big stage of French football, although it will be very difficult because of their lack of quality in other areas.

Stade Rennais

Last season: 6th

Star man: Yann M'Vila, should he still be there come Sunday.

Unsung hero: Jonathan Pitroipa

Prediction for this season: Europa League places.

Rennais had two of the most difficult games to start their campaign playing both Bordeaux and Lyon, they were unlucky not to have gotten a point in both games, showing excellent character and ability. They got their first win against a Bastia side giving a great account of themselves, through a Yann M'Vila goal in the last 5 minutes. If 'les Rouges et Noirs' can hold onto M'Vila which could happen as Arsenal's interest seems to have died down and Tottenham head South to try and capture Loic Remy, they may just keep him. His presence along with Pitroipa and Erding in the attacking third of the pitch, Rennes could be a surprise package this year, definitely winning a few games you would imagine they couldn't.  

Saint Étienne

Last season: 7th

Star man: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Unsung hero: Romain Hamouma 

Prediction for this season: Europa League Places.

Étienne like Rennes have had a tough start to the year, one win and two defeats against the impressive Lille and Toulouse are nothing to be ashamed of, they then got their season up and running with an accomplished four-nil win over Brestois. Young Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has continued his form from the African Cup of Nations and last season into this year and looks impressive yet again. While diminutive midfielder Romain Hamouma has got off to a flyer this year, scoring twice and setting one goal up, the twenty-five year old has made a name for himself this year and 'les Verts' will be hoping it continues long into the season.

So guys and girls I hope you have enjoyed the penultimate installment of the Ligue 1 part of this series, I'd imagine I'll move onto the Bundesliga next, but I'll confirm that with you next time.

Thanks again for the continued support, almost 2,000 views in 3 months and one of those I didn't post in is crazy, I can't thank you all enough.

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

Preformance Predictor: Ligue 1. (Teams 9-12, A-Z)

Bonjour! Ca va? Back again, sorry I haven't been able to get this up sooner, thunder, lightning and how poor my router is in bad weather were all the contributing factors. Never the less I am here and we shall begin this time with Marseille! So onward and upwards! Hope you have enjoyed the first two and I'll be trying to get as many out as possible!

Olympique de Marseille

Last season: 10th

Star man: André-Pierre Gignac

Unsung hero: Rod Fanni

Prediction for this season: Challenging for the league.

Marseille will be desperate to improve on their tenth place finish last year, despite making the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Despite the lack of new signings in the team, L'OM have gotten off to a great start this year winning their opening three games and are looking good to progress in the Europa League. The season before last Gignac was one of the most feared strikers in Europe, despite going off the boil last year he is back banging in the goals for Marseille. They are also yet to concede in the league thanks to one of the most under-rated centre backs in the league, Rod Fanni, a man mountain at the back he has been impenetrable this year.

Montpellier Herault SC

Last season: Champions

Star man: Younes Belhanda

Unsung hero: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

Prediction for this season: Champions League places.

Montpellier look a shell of their former selves, picking up just one point from their first three games, not to say that they won't kick start their season now. It looks like they are seriously missing Giroud, that cutting edge they had last season is gone. They have a creative team granted, with Belhanda, Utaka and Ait-Fana but without that 'goal getter ' they don't seem themselves. None the less I still think they are a wonderful team, I love watching them play Belhanda is an excellent talent and wouldn't be surprised if a Premier League club came in for him, especially with Newcastle's scouting in France. The rock at the heart of Montpellier's defence Yanga-Mbiwa, despite still being there was almost at AC Milan but a potential move fell through. Yet he still has been fully committed to MHSC's cause with courage and excellent tackling and positioning.

AS Nancy

Last season: 11th

Star man: Andre Luiz

Unsung hero: Yohan Mollo

Prediction for this season: Fighting relgation.

AS Nancy have had a decent start this year, the highlight being a one-one draw against Lille at their new ground. The most ill-disciplined team in the league having already got two players sent off this season. They depend alot on captain and centre back Andre Luiz, already sent off this year, some would say this demonstrates his commitment to the cause to get the best possible for ASNL. Whilst at the other end the rely on the flair on Yohan Mollo to help create and get goals, it will be a difficult season for 'les chardons' if they continue the ill-discipline and fail to take the burden of Mollo and Luiz's shoulders.

OGC Nice

Last season: 13th

Star man: Didier Digard

Unsung hero: Dario Cvitanich

Prediction for this season: Mid-table mediocrity.

So Nice has got off to a okay-ish start to the season, drawing with Lille probably being the only bright point, lead by star midfielder Didier Digard they will be hoping to consolidate in Ligue 1 this season due to the loss of star man Anthony Mounier to champions Montpellier. However they have added in Cvitanich to their squad to by their star striker and replicate Mounier's excellent form last season. I think they will be happy with another year in Ligue 1, due to the start of some of the teams including the three that have got promoted and I think they will do it, but not without the occasional hiccup due to their lack of defensive qualities.

Thanks again if your still reading, the support is fantastic and much appreciated. Back tomorrow with big spending Paris Saint-Germain!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

Performance Predictor: Ligue 1. (Teams 5-8, A-Z)

Welcome back to my new series, previewing the teams from the main leagues around Europe. Simplifying them down into their previous finish, star man, unsung hero, a few other facts and where I think they'll finish. I hope you approved of the first installment in which I had a look at the first four team, alphabetically in Ligue 1.

So let's get stuck into the next four!

Evian Thonon

Last season: 9th

Star man: Yannick Sagbo

Unsung hero: Eric Tie Bi

Prediction for this season: Mid-table safety.

Evian proved they we're no push-overs last year as they finished a comfortable ninth, surpassing all expectations and probably even their own. Midfield general Eric Tie Bi gets little recognition, but the holding midfielder keeps 'les roses' midfield solid, whilst giving the back four that all important shield. While Tie Bi is marshaling the middle of the pitch, Evian count on Cote d'Ivoire striker Yannick Sagbo to band in the goals at the business end. Born in Marseille the sizable striker has had no problem finding the net, despite his solitary goal this season he has been a handful for defences and looked very dangerous.

LOSC Lille 

Last season: 3rd

Star man: Rio Mavuba

Unsung hero: Mathieu Debuchy

Prediction for this season: Challenging for the league.

Lille's new stadium and new look badge are only two of the many comings and going's this summer, their new stadium is one of magnificence and is appropriate to the direction Lille are heading. Despite the big gap Eden Hazard has left, they have brought in the highly rated Steeve Elana from Stade Brestois, the creative playmaker Marvin Martin and the ever reliable Solomon Kalou from Chelsea on a free. The club have made a steady start to the season, with one win and two draws and are looking forward to trying to over turn a 1-0 deficit against FC Copenhagen. Mathieu Debuchy is a target for Newcastle, but while Lille want eight million, Newcastle are only willing to pay six, if they can keep him and star man, midfield general and club captain Rio Mavuba, les dogues should have no problems mounting a challenge for this years title.

FC Lorient 

Last season: 17th

Star man: Jérémie Aliadiere

Unsung hero: Fabien Audard

Prediction for this season: Mid table, could be a surprise for the Europa League spots.

Lorient have have got off to a cracking start this year in Ligue 1,  winning one and drawing two of their opening three games. Arguably the hardest first two games they could have been given we're against champions Montpellier and big spenders Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to the amazing Audard they got a draw at the Parc des Princes somewhat disappointingly for them as they we're two goals up. Then they took on Montpellier and being one-nil down in the ninetieth minute recovered and won two-one. This followed by a draw against Troyes they are sitting pretty in the league table. As long as Audard can keep up his excellent form, being one of the most underrated keepers in Ligue 1 and can keep former Arsenal hit-man Jérémie Aliadiere fit they will be the surprise package this year.

Olympique Lyonnais

Last season: 4th 

Star man: Michel Bastos, only if he's consistent.

Unsung hero: Maxime Gonalons

Prediction for this season: Challenge for the title.

I like Lyon, I like them alot which I suppose is mainly due to being brought up with 'that team' that won the seven titles in a row. (I like Montpellier too.) Always having admired Gregory Coupet and Juninho Pernambucano from that team, if you don't know who they are look up 'Coupet save v Barcelona' and 'Juninho free kicks' and that'll be you set for the afternoon. Let's not get side tracked, so Lyon have started the season off superbly noticeable the return of Michel Bastos's form, who had been so inconsistent has been scoring again. When Bastos is in the mood, boy can he turn it on, his left foot hammering humdingers and going on devastating runs through the defence. Where as the unsung hero Maxime Gonalons is the epitome of consistency, the newly named captain just sits in front of the back four and mops up anything coming his way. Lyon will be at their strongest for many years this year and if Hugo Lloris can regain his confidence, will be a force to be wary of again. 

So hope you have enjoyed reading and I'll be back with teams 9-12 tomorrow which includes champions Montpellier!

Thanks again for you support, it means alot.

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

Performance Predictor: Ligue 1. (First 4 teams, A-Z)

Bonjour! Ca va? I'm back again everyone! I can't find time between football and trying to get more experience to be a journalist to get writing something of value to you, which very unfortunate. Anyway hopefully this series? Could you call it that? We'll go for it anyway, series will bring a certain "je ne sais quoi" to your outlook on the leagues. I will be showing you the place I think they'll finish, star man and hidden gem in each team to maybe give you a better understanding of each team and how they will do and a few other stats thrown in too.

So we shall begin with Ligue 1, mainly because I've felt very French recently, do not ask me why.. probably because of a certain someone on Twitter, but we will go with it and see what happens! 

AC Ajaccio

Last season: 16th

Star man: Guilermo Ochoa

Unsung hero: Johan Cavalli

Prediction for this year: Fighting relegation.

The Corsican club rely heavily upon the two men mentioned above, Ochoa is a fine goalkeeper and Cavalli a fantastic midfield player, but whether these two will be able to keep them up remains to be seen. I think they lack that real goal-scoring talent which any small team needs. Ochoa has already been commended for his performances this season, whilst Cavalli looks assured and calm in his midfield role, reminds me of Cabaye in a way and not just because his name is Johan. Already picking up eleven yellows and one red they are the worst discpilined side in the league and despite picking up four points from their opening three games have had two of those taken of them, due to an incident with Lyon last year and could lose a further point which is currently suspended.

SC Bastia

Last season: Promoted (1st Ligue 2)

Star man: Jerome Rothen

Unsung hero: Toifilou Maoulida

Prediction for this year: Mid-table.

After years in the French wilderness Bastia are back and so is the Corsican derby against Ajaccio. The experience of former Paris Saint-Germain man Jerome Rothen will be vital to the team as the look to stabilise in the first division again, his wise head and excellent footballing ability will have come to the for. Whilst Maoulida has got off to a great start up front scoring twice in the opening three games, if the big striker can keep this up with Ligue 2 player of the year Rothen constantly chipping in Bastia will have no problems staying up.

Girondins Bordeaux

Last season: 5th

Star man: Ludovic Obraniak

Unsung hero: Michael Ciani

Prediction for this season: Europa League places, sniff at third place.

Bordeaux have got off to a fantastic start this season, winning two and drawing one of their first three games. They will be looking to improve upon their fifth place finish last year, especially considering the way playmaker Ludovic Obraniak who has already got two goals and one assist to his name. Meanwhile, at the back Michael Ciani has been a brick wall at the back keeping other teams at bay, limiting other teams to just 2 goals against Bordeaux in the three games, if he and the Bordeaux backline continue in the same vain will be right up there come the end of the season.

Brest (Stade Brestois)

Last season: 15th

Star players: Geoffrey Dernis and Bruno Grougi

Unsung hero: Alexis Thebaux

Prediction for this season: Fighting relegation.

Losing Goalkeeper Stevee Elana to Lille was a big loss to Brest, probably responsible for their survival as the keeper had a magnificent year. This and the experience of Jonathan Zebina are two of reasons that I think Stade Brestois will be struggling this year, aswell as not having a recognised goal scorer, a situation similar to that of Ajaccio. They will be relying on new signing from champions Montpellier Geoffrey Dernis and another creative midfielder Bruno Grougi will be instrumental in their survival bid. Goalkeeper Alexis Thebaux is now Brestois's last line of defence and will have to replicate Stevee Elana's form to help the cause.

Well that's the first four teams done! Hopefully this is more manageable and I'll be able to get these out on a regular basis, as you deserve more to read! 

Anyway, thanks again for the continued support!

Jonathan.

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

German Super Cup Final Report.

German Super Cup 2012

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich

Allianz Arena, August 12th 2012.

The German Super Cup started with a bang, with Bayern cutting through Dortmund from the word go, the League and Cup winners from last year looking very sloppy and they got punished via two early goals through Mario Mandzukic, a fine finish into the bottom corber after Ribery's cross evaded two Dortmund defenders and Thomas Müller, Müller's after Robben hit the post.

Following the goals Bayern continued to push for more, but got no further reward, Dortmund looked a shadow of their former selves, not making any passes and with very poor first touches. Not what we'd expect to see from the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions from last year, who also failed to create any chances against a strong Bayern defence.

Especially Dante who looks a very good buy, as does Mandzukic who looked very sharp. This was the first time I had seen young Emre Can aswell, who looks like a decent prospect/understudy for Alaba. Luiz Gustavo picked up the first yellow of the game for a synical challenge on Jakub Blaszczykowski after a mazy run from the winger, meanwhile new signing Reus had made little impact in the game.

 Since the goals no real chances were created, Bayern were happy to keep the ball when they had it and move forward when the opportunity arose. The first chance for a while fell to the dangerous Müller, who scored both the goals when Bayern last won the competition. He fired just over from a dangerous Kroos free kick which Dortmund made a hash of clearing. We then caught a glimpse of Jürgen Klopp who looks lifeless, which is unusual for the energetic Schwarz-gelb manager. Emre Can was then booked after Kuba went on another run, who looked like Dortmund's best chance of a goal in the first half. 

For me Dortmund missed Sven Bender and Sebastein Kehl, Gündogan and Leitner are too attacking to play defensive midfield at the same time. Schmelzer then picjed up a booking for a tough tackle on Robben, these last 5 minutes of the first half were probably Dortmund's best, with their long passing being better than their short. The first half ends with Robben playing a lazy, lazy pass in the direction of Kroos, had it been better would have been able to have a go at goal. Half time in a dull match, Bayern in full control from the first whistle.

Second half begins and Dortmund start off far better moving and passing like last season and from a corner Manuel Neuer had his first save to make and it was a fantastic save from a powerful header from Neven Subotic, Dortmund's bright start had been coupled with their usual high pressing style, which wasn't there in the first half. Leitner was unlucky not to get on the end of a pass which would have sent him through on Neuer from Gündogan. 

Reus! Oh so close! Good build up play from Dortmund and its just wide from Reus, should have worked Neuer though. Dortmund were starting to force Bayern to play now and it was working. Reus whiped a free kick in, to which Hummels got up first and headed wide, Dortmund piled on the pressure! Dortmund deserved a goal the way it's going at the minute, as I said this Bayern got their first chance of the half, but were denied by an excellent last ditch tackle from Hummels. Klopp then thinks its time for change and Götze and Perisic come on for Leitner and GroBkreutz. 

This sends Dortmund to sleep and Robben hit a rasping drive low to Weidenfeller's left hand and does well to push it away. After a great run from Kuba, Reus and Lewandowski exchange passes and Lewandowski's shot at an open goal is blocked more by luck than judgement by Lahm's right foot. Holger Bastuber comes on for Emre Can, who had an excellent game, expect for his yellow card. Suprise again as Klopp responds but Kuba who had a good game is brought off for Schieber. The game died again as the customary boredom Mexican wave rolls around the stadium. 

Then Mario Götze made a difference as soon as he's got the ball. There is his reward! Dortmund get their goal! Fantastic finish from Lewandowski with a low curler into the bottom left hand curler from 20 yards leaving Neuer with no chance, Dortmund's tails are up! They go close again, Götze has turned this game and plays in Schieber who shoots just wide! Could possibly have cut back but that had Neuer stretching! Schieber couldn't stay out of the action as he recklessly tackled Ribery. Robben then got booked for seemingly diving, pity he hadn't cut that out over the summer. Another chance fell BVB's way but Götze couldn't take it!

 The ball dribbled into Neuer's hands, as he seemed to look for a cut back. Game slowed down again with minutes to go as Dortmund had a penalty appeal turned down against Lahm, that was close! By the amount of replays shown they must have thought it should have been. That's all we've had time for, Dortmund had the chances to draw or win the game which was at times a great and at times desperately dull. 

Man of the Match: Mario Götze. 

Mainly for coming on and changing a game that was quite dull up to then. His difect dribbling style as well as his cutting edge passing and willlingness to mame something happen in the game it bodes well for next season. Dortmund were excellent last year, especially without Götze since Christmas. So this surely can only be a boost for the Ruhr club.

Dortmund's clean sweep
Before the match Marco Reus was announced as German footballer of the year, voted by top German journalists. Second was Robert Lewandowski and third was Mats Hummels. I also picked the same trio a couple of months ago, so maybe I'm not too bad at this after all! Jürgen Klopp was also named coach of the year, in a clean sweep for Dortmund.

So, I hope you enjoyed my last post and this one too!
Thanks for reading and the continued support I've received, I can't thank you enough! It's a great feeling to know that people actually think highly enough of your writing to read it!

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97
Jonathan.

Update & My Serie A Players of the Season.

Sorry I haven't posted in what feels like a year, been really involved football wise with my County at the Milk Cup and then at the Dublin Cup with my club side, both have been great experiences and have thoroughly enjoyed them both, especially the Milk Cup!

So we'll start of today with the Serie A and La Liga, I'll probably end up doing a few predictions for this seasons leagues as I have lots more time on my hands!

3. Gianluigi Buffon

The veteran Italy and Juventus keeper has had a fantastic season with the club from Turin, helping them to a fully unbeaten league season. His calmness and composure in pressure games, as well as his ability to pull off saves that he has no right to make or even get anywhere near the ball, shown is his excellent stop in the England game. His reputation was tarnished by Italian media after a goal scored by AC Milan was not given, to which Gigi said, "Even if I knew it was a goal, I would still have played on." The media went made creating a frenzy with this as he was Italian captain, but he silenced them with a great season and Euro 2012 display.

2. Antonio di Natale

I have picked Di Natale for two reasons. One is because he has had yet another excellent season with Udinese, with his lethal eye for goal as well as providing crucial assists, he then carried that form into the European championships with Italy proving a vital cog in the machine that got them through to the final.  The second is because he has offered to take care of the late, Piermario Morosini's severely disabled sister, as Piermario was the last surviving family member and he  was good friends with Di Natale. Which I think is a brilliant story of kindness, when most people think footballers simply do not care.

1. Andrea Pirlo

I don't think many people would argue with my choice to put Pirlo in as numero uno, the man has had a season he won't forget in a hurry, being the linchpin in Prandelli's side and the mastermind behind Juventus's success in the league, his passing has been immaculate this year aswell and of course him being a set piece specialist. Although I think a major improvement in his game this year has been his tackling and being able to win the ball back and play it off quickly, if he continues he will surely help Juve to another title. 

Well that's that all wrapped up! Will probably do a set of predictions for a few leagues and see how that goes this week before the season starts!

Hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading and the continued support!

Follow me on Twitter: @JWalsh97

Jonathan.