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The EFM Insider - The Lead Up To Match Day 1!

Cloete

International Captain
EFM Insider - The Lead Up To Match Day 1!

The smell of freshly cut grass is upon us, the sound of entrance turnstiles clicking, the influx of fans wanting to catch a glimpse of their favourite player visible to all and, most importnatly, the announcement of new managers once a day, at least! Yes, it's that time of year! Football's here, but this time, it has a new face! Three words that will bring a new meaning to football, three words destined to be uttered by grandparents to their enhtralled grandchildren, three words that make players immediately want to move teams, three words that make fans eyes light up.

Transfers are done, stadiums have been erected, player contracts decided and team line-ups named. For the lucky 11 starters in each of the 7 teams, they will experience the thrill of running onto the hallowed turf of their beloved home stadium filled with anticipating and adoring fans. For the 11 named in the other teams, they will feel the adrenaline as a hostile crowds looks at them with disgust and they will know, as will their opponents, it's on the field where they will prove themselves. The first ever season of European Football Manager will be upon them and the waiting fans. It's up to them to perform.

So who will show their skill? Who will show they are contenders and who will show they are pretenders? Which players will etch their name's in history and which will simply be forgotten as has-been's or nobody's? The EFM Insider is the place to keep track of it and, without further ado, we wish to bring you an exclusive into every team, every manager and give you our tips. The Lead Up To Match Day 1 has started!

Let's start off with the Dutch giants and the team first on the ladder (Thanks to their name!) Ajax Amsterdam! The Dutch giants were rather dubiously included into the first ever season of EFM. While nobody can deny the club's legendary status, one must question their recent performances. With the Amsterdam based club playing much of an under-dog role in the Dutch Eredivisie. Once included the Dutch team wasted no time of signing an exciting young manager, Tarick Weber. A traditional move by Ajax to keep with a manager of the same nationality as the club. Weber wasted no time at all in making another traditional move with the purchasing of a youth academy. However the results were rather dissapointing, with the exception of an exciting young Brazilian named Santhos and a young Englishman called French. While French's name might be joked about, the level at which he plays football certainly isn't. He and Santhos have continued the fine line of Ajax youth players, even if they aren't Dutch! What looked to be a very leaky defence has now become a very solid looking unit. However it's not in defence where Ajax will experience problems this season. Ajax's first choice keeper Stekelenburg is very young and somewhat unproven. Expect many goals to pass through his net this season, with very few being the fault of the defence. When speaking of faults and Ajax, one can't look past their midfield. This is one of, if not the, weakest midfields in the competition. The acquisition of Gravesen will certainly help them, but he and Sneijder don't have enough support to take control of the midfield. Expect other team's to absolutely dominate midfield game in and game out. However, if Gravesen and Sneijder to get a few chances to supply balls they won't dissapoint. It's quite clear who their target will be, the young Nigerian striker Martins. This guy is class! If he can latch onto some good passes then Ajax might put a few in the back of the oppositions net. However one can't win a game without having atleast a strong midfield presence and, as far as the Insider is concerned, they certainly won't be winning many with a predicted finish of 14th!

Predicted Finish: 14th
Three players to watch: Martins, Gravesen and Santhos

Next up in the preview is the team that Ajax will face in their first game, Arsenal. Arsenal were granted a palce in EFM almost instantly. The London based club also set about signing a local manager. They managed to secure the services of Henry Pearce. Not only is his first name the same as the last name of an Arsenal star, pronounced differently of course, he has also been a passioante Arsenal supporter for his entire life. With the announcement of Arsenal's new manager came the news that he was promoting his brother Harry Pearce to the club's first team. Harry will undoubtedly feature prominently in his brother's plans, easily displacing the aging German Jens Lehmann as the man between the posts. Along with Pearce another academy player by the name of Grazinho also joined the first team. This promising Brazillian midfielder is certain to be a hit at Highbury, after he was given the tag of Arsenal's best passer in his debut season! A young dutchman called Kiwomya was the last of the player's brought into Highbury in the pre-season, once again, via the academy. Where do you start? Not only do they have a sensational keeper in Pearce, their defence is also packed full of greats. Arsenal can boast a very solid defence led by Sol Campbell. In midfield the team isn't quite a strong, however Pearce still has an extremely talented and deep pool of midfielders at his disposal. Led by argubaly the best midfielder in the world, Patrick Vieira. This team isn't likely to conceede many with a bloke like Vieira sitting in front of an already awesome defence. However, they aren't expected to score too many either. While Thierry Henry will cause constant headaches for opposing teams, it's in his support that Pearce has problems. Will he go for the youngster Reyes, or the veteran Bergkamp? Either way, neither of them have the ability to consistently put it in the back off the net. Particularly, when you consider both are attacking midfielders. While we don't expect Arsenal to conceede to many, they might have a tough time scoring some. This is a tough prediction because on their day they can beat anyone, however over the whole season we predict they'll finish in 10th.

Predicted Finish: 10th
Three players to watch: Vieira, Grazinho and Henry

Time for the Spanish giants Barcelona. While the fans were intrigued by Barcelona's move to appoint David Comley, an Australian, as manager it seemed that they were immitating their Spanish rivals Real Madrid in their tactics. Fans were soon uninterested in everything except one man, Ronaldinho! Transferred away from Barcelona for money and 3 quality players one can't help but wonder whether Comley will live to regret this. One thing he didn't regret was his purchase of a youth academy. The results were brilliant and Barcelona recieved three quality defenders, Felipe, Milazar and Antonioli. The latter is unlikely to future too often in the Barcelona starting XI, however his quality is unquestionable. It's extremely difficult to fault Barcelona, thankfully here at EFM Insider we're extremely good at it. Opposing teams take not, take control of midfield! Barcelona possess around 9 quality defenders, 3 top strikers and a good goalkeeper in Valdes. However in midfield they are short of options. Deco must take it upon himself to create almost every Barcelona attack. His passing and playmaking ability will shine through and should he get injured, a goalscoring drought for Barcelona might ensue. He's backed up by a Dutch national team player in Van Bommel. Van Bommel will play a pivotal part in keeping the opposition scoreless as well as being the linkman between the defence and Deco, expect to see him make lots of passes and lots of tackles! The other important man for them will be Gattuso, his sole job will be to tackle. While this Barcelona midfield mightn't be too strong in the playmaking department, it won't be pushovers. Gattuso will make tackle after tackle in midfield and he will be aided bo Xavi. If any of these four get injured Barcelona will be severely weakened. If Deco does get going then Crespo and Eto'o will be hard to stop. These two will score goal after goal given half a chance and we can't emphasise enoug how important it is to attack Barcelona's midfield. Our prediction is 5th. Without another playmaker they simply won't be able to score enough goals, however if they are winning the midfield battle then they'll be near on impossible to stop.

Predicted Finish: 5th
Three players to watch: Felipe, Deco and Eto'o

Barcelona's match day 1 rivals will be the Scottish giants Celtic. Celtic's only hope of challenging lies in the hands of Sean Bennett. If he can come up with a plan to protect his team's defence there might be hope for Scotland. Given a weak team and a large budget, Bennett had absolutely no hesitation in purchasing an academy. The results were astounding! Baum, Maryn, Roby and Gulbrandsen will all walk straight into the starting 11, which isn't too surprising given all 4 of them ooze class. Celtic's acquisition of Gomes could prove to be vital, while he isn't a great keeper he should be solid. However, no matter how well he plays it's going to be difficult for him not to conceede goals. Celtic will have major problems in defence this season. While Baum, Balde and Varga are all able it's in their 4th defender that they'll have problems. On top of this they lack a defensive mid who can somewhat protect them. Celtic will leak goals every game! However, expect a few to be scored in their oppositions net as well. Martyn and Roby will prove to be a formidable force in midfield and will provide Gulbrandsen with many scoring opportunites. At the end of the day though, they simply won't be able to match their opponent's goal tally. The expected finish for them is 12th, however they might be able to sneak into the top 10 by virtue of their attacking ability.

Predicted Finish: 12th
Three players to watch: Martyn, Roby and Gulbrandsen

Somewhere at the other end of the table to Celtic will be Chelsea. Chelsea's arrogance immediately shone through by the appointment of Marc Robbins. Robbins is considered to be very astute with handling finances, however his managerial skills are somewhat unproven. Chelsea and Robbins are expecting to walk it to the title and appear to be more concerned with their cheque book. When you look over their team it's not too difficult to see why they're so confident. The hardest prediction for Chelsea is picking out their three players to watch. In between the posts Chelsea possess a goalkeeper considered by many to be the best in the world, Cech. If putting a shot into his net isn't hard enough, being able to actaully take a shot might prove to be even more difficult. Chelsea possess easily the best defence in the league led by the inspirational Jon Terry. Robbins doesn't have quite as good an attack as their defence but I'm sure most teams are still envious. Their midfield is extremely strong and Gerrard and Lampard lead the way here. Their strikeforce is also impressive with Adriano and Gudjohnsen certain to terrorise many defences. While their attack and midfield is definitely their weakness, many teams would love to have them. Chelsea will simply be too strong for any team and our predicted finish is 1st.

Predicted Finish: 1st
Three players to watch: Terry, Gerrard and Lampard

The first of the Italian teams is up next, Inter Milan. Inter seem to be looking to play a different breed of football to that of the other Italian teams. They have a very exciting team and have appointed a foreign manager, Håkon Mørk. Mørk immediately invested in a youth academy and some excellent young players have come through. Zizinho (Striker), Ferrer (Defender) and Bryant (Keeper) are all virtually the best player's for Inter in their respective positions. Like the other 3 Italian teams, Inter has an excellent defence. This defence coupled with Bryant will be extremely difficult to beat. It's in the midfield where Inter are really going to struggle. Veron will be the "go-to" man for Inter and if he doesn't fire they're not going to score. This could be another season where Inter draw plenty of games. If the ball does get throguh the midfield then Zizinho and Vieri won't have too much trouble in putting it into the net. Both of these two will be prolific if Veron is given an inch of space to send a pass down. Inter don't have the power to win this competition, but if Mørk is inventive and Inter produce good home performances, they may just secure a semi final berth. Our prediction for Inter is 9th, however they will prove to be a team that's very hard to beat.

Pridcted Finish: 9th
Three players to watch: Zanetti, Veron and Vieri

Up next is another Italian team, Juventus. Juventus have really surprised many by picking Kyle Wright as manager. They are the absolute stereotype of Italian football. They have a great defence, a great goalkeeper and a couple of good strikers and have worked on the counter-attack. However Kyle is an innovative manager and that is why his inclusion has come as a shock. Don't be surprised to see some strange formations played by Juventus. However this will only be good for them, far too long has their excellent midfield gone somewhat unused. No matter what style Juventus play, their attack will be centred around Nedved. He will find excellent backup in Becker while Emerson will protect their defence. Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet are both world class strikers and will relish the opportunity to play attacking football under Wright. Alot will depend on their manager if things are to go well for Juventus. However we believe his innovative playing style will benefit Nedved and this will only be good. A predicted finish of 4th is on the cards for Juventus.

Predicted Finish: 4th
Three players to watch: Cannavaro, Nedved and Ibrahimovic

The current European champions have been underrated before, don't forget about Liverpool! Liverpool were one of the busiest teams in the transfer market and manager Tharmi Loganathan made it his intention that he would rely on it to provide him viable first team options, having decided agaisnt purchasing an academy. We expect Robben to be Liverpool's best buy and star player. However it is not in their midfield where their strength can be found. Thanks, once again, to transfers Liverpool have sured up their defence with the purchases of Alex and Woodgate. These two will play a vital role in a very strong back four. Their midfield might be problematic for Loganathan. While it is solid, there isn't anyone other than Robben who can really shine. Like many teams Liverpool will be relying on their one star midfielder to provide as many goal scoring opportunites for his strikers as possible. Expect plenty of fireworks from the strikers, both former Real Madrid players. Owen and Morientes will form a fantastic combination and Baros for backup is another bonus. Liverpool just simply isn't as good as some of the bigger teams. However it is extrmely solid and if they work together as a team they might be pushing for a top 4 finish come the end of the season.

Predicited Finish: 7th
Three players to watch: Robben, Owen and Morientes

Also no stranger to success in European competitions, Manchester United are one of the 5 English teams in the EFM league. Manchester United sought the Carribean based Xavier Rose as their manager and he immediately invested in the future. Manchester United's academy produced O'Donnell, Papa Boup, Peterson and van Noyman. All of which rival some of the greatest Manchester reared players like Beckham, the Neville's and Scholes. While they might be some of the most talked up players in world football, it will be their performances on the pitch that count. While Roseboy did sell 2 of those players (Papa Boup and Peterson) to Real Madrid, the depth available at Man U means their departure is hardly even noticed. Their defence is strong, their midfield is strong and their strikers are strong. Manchester United have quality players everywhere on the park. However it will be between the posts, as it has been in previous season, where Manchester United's season will be shaped. If Rasmuser performs, then Manchester United are set for what might be a glorious season. However, if he doesn't, things might just become all too familiar come end of season. Our prediction is 6th. Rasmuser certainly has potential but having just been promoted from the academy he will struggle to excel in such an important role at such a prestigeous club.

Predicted Finish: 6th
Three players to watch: O'Donnell, Keane and Rasmuser

The last of the 3 Italian teams is AC Milan. AC Milan's manager decision came as no surprise, with the employment Sriram, based in India he is a very knowledgable manager. To continue the trend of youth in EFM, Sriram purchased an academy. He has also been very active in the transfer market, most noticably by buying Ronaldinho. If opposition managers are trying to find a chink in AC Milan's armour, they will have a very tough time of it. A team that boasts three of the best players in the league in their respective positions is not a team to be taken lightly. However while they have an extremely solid and deep defence, Sriram must have concerns over the obvious drop in quality from Nesta and Maldini to the rest of the defenders. Other teams might be able to work Milan's defence over by attacking often and with pace, as it certainly isn't a young team. Their midfield is really Milan's strength and Sriram will undoubtedly place alot of emphasis onto it, possibly by playing 5 in the middle. Kaizer looks to be a star in the making and will be able to learn alot from Ronaldinho and terrorise defences along side him. Xabi Alonso is the underrated man in the Milan team, he will play a pivotal role in protecting a slightly suspect defence. Up front Kaka and Shevchenko will be unstoppable. The only way to stop these two scoring will be to choke their midfield, a huge feat in itself. If Milan are to be beaten, they will have to be beaten by attacking football. A predicted finish of 2nd is on the cards for Milan, injuries might be the only problem they face all season.

Predicted Finish: 2nd
Three players to watch: Nesta, Ronaldinho and Xabi Alonso

The lone German team Bayern Munich are playing for their country's pride. Manager Ian Markus was appointed thanks to his families German origins. Bayern's newly purchased academy didn't produce qutie the standard of players they had come to expect over their history. However Felipo and Djumba are certainly good players. Looking at their squad as a whole they appear very similar to Liverpool. Munich's fourth defender and their lack of depth in midfield may cause them problems. They are set in the goal keeping department, boasting two quality keepers in Kahn and Djumba. Defence wise, Lucio needs to step up and lead them. Kuffour will offer good support but Felipo, at 17, needs guidance and these three will have to protect either Sagnol or Kovac. Midfield wise, it's basically the Ballack show. The German captain is the key to Bayern's season. If he plays well, Bayern do well. We will be surprised if Markus doesn't decide to use Hargreaves in a defensive midfield role to protect their defence. This team is like so many others in the league, they need their best midfielder to lead them. Tomasson and Makaay will prove their quality if Ballack performs. Once again, the stress must be placed on Ballack as the team leader. If their midfield, particularly Ballack, doesn't perform the season will not be a happy one for Bayern. However, if Ballack is at his best then anything is possible. We predict a finish of 8th for Munich.

Predicted Finish: 8th
Three players to watch: Ballack, Ballack and Ballack

The next cab off the rank is the lone Portueguese side Porto. Deciding to go for an English manager in Dave Richards they were really relying on their youth academy to possibly change their fortunes for the season. Unfortunately for them the academy just didn't produce enough players good enough. Rosencrans is definitely the finest young defender in the league though and if he lives up to his potential then they might be able to take something out of this season. The other good young player from the academy is Rex. Rex is also a fine up and coming striker and should easily secure a place in the Porto starting XI. The problem for Porto will be the section in between the defenders and the strikers, midfield. Costinha is a one man show at the heart of Porto's midfield and it's up to him to defuse as many opposition attacks as possible. Quaresma is an underrated player and he might just be able to put in a few good balls for Postiga and Rex. But he just isn't anywhere near the quality of some of the other teams, much like the rest of Porto's midfield. Definitely a season of struggling for Porto, but if their young players perform they may be able to take some hope out of it. A predicted finish of 13th certainly won't sound too good to Richards.

Predictied Finish: 13th
Three players to watch: Rosencrans, Costinha and Rex

The other Dutch team invovled in EFM is PSV Eindhoven. Manager Simon Fitzsimmons certainly hopes his team produce more on the pitch than Ajax. Thanks to the purchase of a yotuh academy PSV have improved their defence by a considerable amount. Kiefer in goals might not have to make as many saves as many are expecting. It's in midfield where PSV, like many other EFM teams, will have problems. Ferreyra and Vogel might have to play a very important role in the middle to help to protect the defence. Vennegoor and Cisse are both decent strikers but they won't be good enough to score too often thanks to the very few scoring opportunites provided by the midfield. Fitzsimmons will definitely be hoping for as many draws as possible in order to gain some respect from the season. Many teams will struggle to break down their defence, however PSV won't be scoring many and may well have to resort to playing long balls. If their counter-attacking skill is better than we have given the mcredit for then many teams will have difficulty in taking the full points from their home fixtures against PSV. There will definitely be positives from this season, particularly defeinsively for PSV with their two young defenders Potter and Cochrane. However we don't think they're good enough to finish higher than 11th.

Predicted Finish: 11th
Three players to watch: Potter, Cochrane and Vogel

The final team taking part in EFM is the Spanish team Real Madrid. Real Madrid continued their interest in the transfer market and so employed Andrew Cloete as manager. Cloete proceeded to make the most transfer out of every other EFM team and we're sure the Real board were delighted. The purchasing of an academy didn't produce great results, but San Jose and Bosis are certainly two very capable players. It's more likely that Peterson and Papa Boup, Manchester United reared players, will have more impact on Real Madrid's season. Madrid doesn't boast the quality of players that AC Milan and Chelsea do, however they do boast the best bench. Keeping wise Casillas and Johansson are both top keepers. Real Madrid's weakness will prove to be their defence. While it is reasonably impressive it certainly doesn't match up against Chelsea's. However Real Madrid's midfield might be able to make up for the weakness in their defence. While Zidane is Real's best mid, Makelele has an extremely important role protecting the defence. If Makelele has as good game then Real should be able to win. Ronaldo and Raul together is one of the best strikeforces in the league. Real Madrid certainly have the best attack in the league but their defence will let them down against some of the bigger teams. We predict a finish of 3rd.

Predicted Finish: 3rd
Three players to watch: Makelele, Zidane and Ronaldo

Well there you have it! As we wait in anticipation for this season it seems almost certain that all of the anticipation will be delivered by a quality football competition. Roll on Match Day 1!
 
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Mister Wright

Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Yeah mate, good stuff, certainly cannot wait.

I hope we can do well in our first season.

Any idea when the games will be simmed?
 

cometer

State Regular
Nice work, should be an interesting season and for 4000 + words ya did well to get it finished as quickly as you did.
 

Agent TBY

International Captain
Top notch stuff, cannot wait to get this season underway. With simming duties, and the results I have seen with the test sims, this is going to be one heck of a ride.

Rock on EFM.
 

sledger

Spanish_Vicente
Mister Wright said:
Yeah mate, good stuff, certainly cannot wait.

I hope we can do well in our first season.

Any idea when the games will be simmed?
yes, arsenal are also keen to discover when the first fixture of the season against ajax will commence.
 

marc71178

Eyes not spreadsheets
Chelsea fire warning to competitors!

A superb 5-1 drubbing of Inter led by their former player Adriano sees many people's pre-season favourites get off to a flying start.

Manager Marc Robbins is said to be pleased that his side have beaten a team of the class of Inter with such apparent ease.
 

Cloete

International Captain
marc71178 said:
Chelsea fire warning to competitors!

A superb 5-1 drubbing of Inter led by their former player Adriano sees many people's pre-season favourites get off to a flying start.

Manager Marc Robbins is said to be pleased that his side have beaten a team of the class of Inter with such apparent ease.
Wrong thread :p
 

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