Gaming The SM RedCafe League

BenitoSTARR said:
@infamous7 you may aswell get back in.

You’ve got a brilliant Musiala that needs help to shine.

And it’s £17.99 which is £1.50 a month. I know you’ll get £1.50 worth of enjoyment out of it. Plus I’d love to do more coverage of your rebuilding process. Anyone who scouts Musiala and Pedro has an eye for talent we don’t want wasted.
Click to expand...
£14.99 for 12 months
 
Thuram and Luiz gone

Next up: Bristol City @harshad

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M
  7. Southampton - £332.2M
  8. Cardiff City - £333M
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M
  10. Fulham - £336.9M
  11. Kidderminster Harriers - £339.4M
  12. Barnsley - £350.1M
  13. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  14. West Ham United - £378.2M
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  16. Manchester City - £386.8M
  17. Hereford - £420.1M
  18. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  19. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  20. Southend United - £470.9M
  21. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  22. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  23. Rochdale - £495.6M
  24. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  25. Everton - £508.5M
  26. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
 
Next up: Sunderland @

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M
  7. Southampton - £332.2M
  8. Cardiff City - £333M
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M
  10. Fulham - £336.9M
  11. Kidderminster Harriers - £339.4M
  12. Barnsley - £350.1M
  13. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  14. West Ham United - £378.2M
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  16. Manchester City - £386.8M
  17. Hereford - £420.1M
  18. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  19. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  20. Southend United - £470.9M
  21. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  22. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  23. Rochdale - £495.6M
  24. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  25. Everton - £508.5M
  26. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M

Sunderland are next PM’d on SM @Damien
 
Next up: Bournemouth @Dans

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M
  10. Fulham - £336.9M
  11. Kidderminster Harriers - £339.4M
  12. Barnsley - £350.1M
  13. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  14. West Ham United - £378.2M
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  16. Manchester City - £386.8M
  17. Hereford - £420.1M
  18. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  19. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  20. Southend United - £470.9M
  21. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  22. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  23. Rochdale - £495.6M
  24. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  25. Everton - £508.5M
  26. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
 
The following clubs have stadium capacity increased

Div 1
Everton: 44132 -> 52888
Hereford: 43889 -> 44121
Rochdale: 18585 -> 20831

Div 2
Torquay United: 6500 -> 8246
 
FFP July 2025
New FFP (July 2025)

Div 1
  1. Manchester United - 44/45
  2. Arsenal - 40/48
  3. West Ham United - 51/48
  4. Everton - 46/50
  5. Newcastle United - 49/50
  6. Sunderland - 47/51
  7. Aston Villa - 50/52
  8. Barnsley - 50/52
  9. Bournemouth - 43/52
  10. Cardiff City - 53/52
  11. Fulham - 46/52
  12. Hereford - 47/52
  13. Leyton Orient - 49/52
  14. Middlesbrough - 51/52
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - 52/52
  16. Nottingham Forest - 49/52
  17. Southampton - 45/52
  18. Southend United - 51/52
  19. Bristol City - 36/53
  20. Rochdale - 53/57
Div 2
  1. Tottenham Hotspur - 37/44
  2. Manchester City - 49/51
  3. Norwich City - 50/54
  4. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 52/54
  5. Sheffield United - 49/56
  6. Kidderminster Harriers - 54/57
  7. Bury - 60/59
  8. Torquay United - 58/62
Teams with changes to FFP:
Tottenham Hotspur (42 to 44)
West Ham United (50 to 48)
Everton (52 to 50)
Bristol City (55 to 53)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (52 to 54)
Rochdale (59 to 57)
Bury (61 to 59)
Torquay United (64 to 62)

– Cardiff City and Bury are at the 'new cap' taking into account the p/ex ban we agreed to. If they want to bring any new players in, they need to sell first.
– West Ham United was promoted and as is standard they have until the end of the month to get to their new cap or they will be transfer banned.
 
Squad depths plus last season's performances on the left (average XI is just top 10 outfield plus goalkeeper so not 100% accurate):

hQ3v4e9.png


Wolves with the unique honour of being relegated but also competing in this season's SMFA Shield thanks to winning last season's domestic Shield.
 
Next up: Fulham @infamous7

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M
  11. Kidderminster Harriers - £339.4M
  12. Barnsley - £350.1M
  13. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  14. West Ham United - £378.2M
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  16. Manchester City - £386.8M
  17. Hereford - £420.1M
  18. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  19. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  20. Southend United - £470.9M
  21. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  22. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  23. Rochdale - £495.6M
  24. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  25. Everton - £508.5M
  26. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M

PM’d Fulham on SM @Damien
 
Next up: Kidderminster

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Kidderminster Harriers - £339.4M
  12. Barnsley - £350.1M
  13. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  14. West Ham United - £378.2M
  15. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  16. Manchester City - £386.8M
  17. Hereford - £420.1M
  18. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  19. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  20. Southend United - £470.9M
  21. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  22. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  23. Rochdale - £495.6M
  24. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  25. Everton - £508.5M
  26. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M

PM’d Kidderminster on SM @Damien
 
Kidderminster missed out.

Barnsley chose: Tyler Fredricson

Next up: Wolverhampton Wanderers @Wino1

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M

PM’d on SM @Damien
 
4:0 victory in the Charity Shield against Milton Keynes Dons to start the season off with a bang.

Oblak (93)

Trent (94) Van Dijk (95)↓ Stones (93) Alaba (91)↓
Rice (93)↓ Pedri (94)↓
Pulisic (92)⚽⚽⚽⭐ -- Bellingham (95) -- N. Williams (92)➕➕➕↓
Mbappe (96)⚽​

Subs: Frimpong (92)↑, Ederson (91)↑, Bade (89), Kounde (92)↑, Zakaria (90)↑, Sancho (90)↑, I. Williams (90)
Did not travel: Gomes (89)

Key:
⚽ = Goal
➕ = Assist
⭐ = MOTM
↓ = Subbed off
↑ = Subbed on
Orange = Not in natural position

Next three games:
MD01: Cardiff City (A)
CCGBG1: Fenerbahce (A)
MD02: Middlesbrough (H)

Manchester United v Milton Keynes Dons fixtures this season

GameUtd PossMK Dons PossUtd Shots (SoT)MK Dons Shots (SoT)Utd GoalsMK Dons GoalsUtd SoT Conv.MK Dons SoT Conv.
11th Jul: Utd v MK Dons (Charity Shield)​
67%​
33%​
24 (13)​
7 (2)​
4​
0​
30.8%​
0%​
Combined​
67%​
33%​
24 (13)​
7 (2)​
4​
0​
30.8%​
0%​

BMrirHZ.png
 
Next up: West Ham @TheReligion

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M - Samuel Lino (£14m)
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
 
Next up: MK Dons @Springfield WildCats (PM’d on SM)

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M - Samuel Lino (£14m)
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M- Brahim Diaz (£14m)
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
 
Next up: Manchester City @KM (PM’d on SM)

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M - Samuel Lino (£14m)
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M- Brahim Diaz (£14m)
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M - Marco Carnesecchi (£16m)
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
 
Damien said:
Visualisations (click the underlined stuff below to see visualisation in full)

Cumulative Division 1 points

IpIlPoB.png
  • Nottingham have overtaken Arsenal on Division 1 points.
  • Manchester United have been top on cumulative points since Season 6.
Cumulative Division 1 goals

6vtq36A.png
  • Sunderland and Fulham have overtaken Manchester City on Division 1 goals.
  • Manchester United have been top on cumulative goals since Season 1, though Everton aim to overtake this in the next couple of seasons.
Cumulative Division 1 Top 4 finishes

jKrzEQM.png
  • Everton (S12 to S20 inclusive) and Manchester United (S20 to S28 inclusive) had the longest streak of cumulative Top 4 finishes.
  • 22 teams have finished in the Top 4, with Leyton Orient being the latest in Season 32.
  • Manchester United have been top/joint top on Top 4 finishes since Season 1.
Cumulative major honours

sn7xKcq.png
  • 31 teams have won at least one major honour with Leyton Orient the latest side to do so in Season 33.
  • Manchester United have been top/joint top on major honours won since Season 9, earning the same number of trophies as 22 sides on the above graphic combined (55).
Click to expand...

Damien said:
Who has the toughest start to the season? First five opponents ordered by squad depth ranking

RiuRYlA.png
Click to expand...

Amazing stuff Damien
 
BenitoSTARR said:
Place holder 3 actual


Southampton (11th)
Ramsdale 89
Mazraoui 90 Rrahmani 91 Ito 90 Gutiérrez 89
Onana 90 Rabiot 92
Terrier 90 Maddison 92 Kolo Muani 91
Gyökeres 92 ⭐️
​
Southampton are a challenging side to place, there is potential here but when I look at the teams above, until Gyökeres hits higher ratings I think mid table is about right for them.

In goal we have too many similar rated options. Between Samba and Ramsdale (both 89) I’d say selling Ramsdale makes most sense, relegation in real life with Southampton (who were so shit) means he’ll drop, but he’s currently worth a bit more money so I’d sell, back Samba and then hope Vandevoordt overtakes him (which should happen soon enough).

Defensively solid but uninspiring is probably my thoughts. It’s not brilliant but it’s useable and there are some promising players coming through who should be 90-91+ players like Theate, Silva, Gutiérrez, Matisima and Fernandes. I think they’ll be fine but I feel like Silva really needs to step up into big ratings for this to become a strength. At fullback there is a solid selection and the versatile Mazraoui means they shouldn’t get caught out here for some time.

Midfield has really solid depth with lots of 90 rated options to rotate, especially after the acquisition of Fofana and a sprinkling of quality in Rabiot that should keep it competitive. Compared to the teams above them there’s surprisingly not a huge gap in ratings when it comes to midfield. Onana is probably the most likely to hit 91 in future and he’ll need to if there is no investments in the sides future here soon. The attacking midfield slots however are very strong. Maddison is a top PL quality 10, and Mora is arguably one of the brightest talents for that role around. I would hold onto both firmly and build around the potential of Mora.

Finally in attack, Gyökeres at 92 is a top CF and looks like he’s joining Arsenal in real life which gives him access to higher ratings. With Beier at 22/88 and Tel 20/87 I think personally the likes of Abraham are taking up unnecessary squad space and so I’d sell him and Wind to gamble on two young players instead. The wings are ok but Terrier won’t rise off 90, Kolo Muani isn’t really a winger (and won’t start at PSG) so it’s probably their weakest spot in the side. I’d strongly suggest some investment here as a strong attack is vital to move up the table.

Predicted Finish: 12th

Milton Keynes Dons (12th)
Di Gregorio 89
Araújo 92 Bremer 92 Le Normand 91 Zinchenko 91
Çalhanoglu 93 ⭐️ Xhaka 92
Barcola 91 David 91 Baena 91
Vlahovic 91
​
Nearly every side in the league has an MK Dons player and they are building an impressively deep and young talented squad in attack. But… they’ve got an issue and it’s a biggie.

Goalkeeper - not good enough. Ter Stegen at Liverpool or Pickford at Chelsea would be absolutely no brainer signings for MK Dons. It gives them time for Restes to develop further and while he’s an 87 he won’t get concerns. Do it, do it yesterday.

In defence I’m really impressed. Their CB options are really good, deep and at good ages where there are no major concerns about dropping off or exiting peaks. I suspect Hancko has been signed not for CB but as LB rotation with Zinchenko (who will drop) while Hancko has been linked with a possible move to Juventus. They have some excellent youth options too in Smets and Scalvini (top prospect) with Lomónaco a wild card option out on loan. I really can’t see much wrong here. At fullback I believe Araujo will be the preferred RB option since the Molina/Vanderson trade, a sensible one for both parties. And finally LB they have Zinchenko through the draft. I think this is their weakest area of defence as they need someone better and consistently playing to be the main man until Diego León steps up (which may take some time).

In midfield they have a problem. Çalhanoglu is leaving Inter and his destination means his rating will drop. Then Xhaka is also entering his older years too. The signing of Palhinha is a stop gap, he’s not playing for Bayern and is entering the wrong age bracket too. So while the ratings are good 93/92/91 respectively you have to wonder how long for? Lamine Camara is an excellent youth option to have and Joey Veerman (ex Cardiff) should help soften the decline somewhat and there is also Djaoui Cissé coming through. In attacking midfield they have options but not natural ones. I always try and put out the best rated side that can play positions when listing XIs so David ends up dropping as the No10 as Pellegrini dropped to 90. With Max Doman in the academy and Tunkara (a very special player) I’m sure long term they will have two 90 rated young players.

Finally the attack is really promising. Nadson, Varela (who I was so close to picking), Camarda, Molebe, Satpaev are all superbly talented young players and with Baena, Barcola, David etc there’s enough young quality to hold off until they break through. Amoura looks to have the right physical and technical level for a step up too and the signing of Pérez adds a bit of experience and quality to the depth of the attack. A bit of patience and I believe they’ll have some 92 rated forwards next year.

Predicted Finish: Top 10 hopefuls

Sunderland (13th)
Hrádecký 90
James 91 Skriniar 91 Badiashile 89 Grimaldo 92
Neves 91 Locatelli 91
Pepê 89 Palacios 91 Olmo 92 ⭐️
Lukaku 91
​
Sunderland are a side flirting with relegation but holding onto a midtable position in the end. There are some quality players but the lack of star quality presents some interesting problems for them.

In goal Hrádecký is solid but at 35 there are better options at external. Josep Martinez isn’t someone on my radar either so it could do with a bit of work. I don’t think it will define their season but it’s a quick fix.

Defensively Sule’s drop has hit them hard. 91-89 in a year is a tough pill to swallow but with Logan Costa (still salty on this one as I’m convinced they only bid because I did) and Badiashille they’ve got two good younger options. I think Costa has room to grow to 90 but that might be his peak. Someone whose peak could be far higher though is 15 year old Deinner Ordóñez. Whisper it quietly but I think he’ll be world class and his country’s best ever CB option.. Grimaldo is a top quality LWB and Reece James when fit is superb at RWB too but the big question mark is who’s next in line?

Neves, Locatelli (ex Cardiff) and Palacios are solid starters and at fine ages so nothing drastic is needed here but I think all are at their peaks Asllani (also ex Cardiff) is a promising player going the right direction and in attacking midfield Olmo is top quality deputised by Tillman coming off an outstanding season, and Fabbian too. It’s probably their strongest section of the team apart from….

The wings oh my lord the wings. Well if we count Guler as a winger, then the wings! Moore, Yang, Soulé, Diallo and Guler are all stunning options to have and with a bit of time will eventually flourish into 90+ players. So while right now the starting wingers are awful, in 2 years I can see it being the strongest section of the squad. The striker position is fine, but uninspiring it’ll do but I don’t think anyone will develop enough here to make them challengers.

Predicted Finish: Lower midtable


Arsenal (14th)
Ederson 94
Dodo 89 Ake 92 Lukeba 89 Blind 90
Kamara 90 Majer 89
Salah 96 ⭐️ Fernandes 94 Henrichs* 89
Zirkzee 89
​
A disappointing season when you have 3 world class players capable of more, but with so many holes emerging around the side is it time to sell one to raise the floor?

Ederson is world class however is heavily linked to an eventual move to Saudi and so it’s ticking time bomb of a conundrum. If the question is who could replace him the answer isn’t Vítek.

Defensively things are mixed. Ake and Lukeba are really good, Lukeba is an excellent prospect and Ake is versatility and quality in a neat package. Unfortunately he’s being managed minutes wise a little more this season with Gvardiol and I’d expect, with Ait-Nouri’s arrival, for him to lose even more. Fullback is a major concern for me here though Álex Jiménez has a lot of promise it’s just that it’ll take time for him to reach 89 to displace some of the lower quality options that have to take minutes.

In midfield we’ve got the same issues as when I previously reviewed Arsenal, with the same promise too. I think Baleba is 89 this review and potentially a 92 maybe more player for the future and Onyedika is a solid 88 with a little more room to grow. Essugo has promise too and so if they can hold on a little longer the midfield 3 should be 90+. Fernandes in attacking midfield is probably getting a -1 this review. You can’t finish as low as United have without it being a risk. Even on 93 though he’s a world class AM and has at least 2 more years of high ratings in him. My advice would be to keep him, even through the drop, as I can’t see a better younger player being traded in to replace him.

Finally the attack. Salah is world class but 33 and realistically this is his last season of elite performance potential. It’s a tough one but now is the time to trade him because you’re going to lose that 96 within the next 2 years and if he drops down to 94 all of a sudden the offers become cash over P/E. It will mean some short term growing pains but I think if you leave it until next summer you run the risk of trading a Saudi bound 34 year old.

Predicted Finish: Relegation threatened.


Hereford (15th)
Raya 92
Mukiele 89 Kim 92 Cubarsi 90 Acuña 89
Thuram 90 Gallagher 90
Olise 93 Kulusevski 92 Sabitzer 90*
Haaland 96 ⭐️
​
The king has left, long live the king. After 9 years of outstanding service, 995 games and 2088 points Phil K finally retired. An absolute legend, gent and one hell of a scouter/player. His absence is strongly felt and he leaves incredibly big shoes to fill. Enter @Sandyman.

In goal Raya is amongst the best in the world and could rise further if Arsenal can get over the line next season (I think they can) weirdly they are the only side with only one GK so I’d be looking for a young backup who can grow.

Defensively they have wonderkid Pau Cubarsi. I complained to every level of staff that I’m aware of at SM about this rise to 90. Let’s just say I 100% expect a bigger rise before Christmas as long as he continues to start. Him and Kim are a solid duo and not something I’d mess with. They have so many top CB prospects too Vuskovic, Ramirez, Martin and Doukoure all capable of 90s. The fullback options are also pretty good, Kerkez will be a world class player and easily 90+ by next summer and the likes of Bard, Fresneda and Martin offer great upside so it’s only really RB where they’ll have to wait for a 90+ option or engage in a transfer.

Central midfield is clearly the side’s weakness Brozovic and Sabitzer need selling. They take up wages and squad space that could be used to invest in up and coming talents more and will only cause concern issues down the line as Thuram and Gallagher are already better ages on the same rating (although potentially at their peaks now) and Sarr has the potential to grow too. With Froholdt, Junyet, Amougou, Ordonez, Scott and Chukwuemeka I just don’t see the value of keeping the older players around. There’s good potential and space for better. In attack in midfield Kulusevski is a good option but maybe a dropper to 91, he’d still be a very good starter to have but it’s something to consider. I can’t imagine there will be too much concern though as Montoro, Buonanotte and Echeverri are excellent youth options in reserve.

Finally the attack. Wow! Haaland and Olise are world class (although Haaland only has 2 more league goals than Isak in the last two seasons) and should be built around and not sold at any cost. What excites me here though is Madueke (off to Arsenal) and Diao who are two excellent young wingers capable of taking the LW spot very soon. The other CF options aren’t quite as promising but with Haaland only 24 I don’t know many who would be concerned.

Predicted Finish: Bottom half
Click to expand...

Great job Benito. Loved reading the previews of the other teams as well. You pretty much hit the spot with these previews.

I had similar observations about the squad, esp regarding the midfield and the older guys on high wages. Haaland is not a worry yet but would be just typical if he drops off now

Had an idea of doing a press release highlighting that getting the wage bill down will be my first task in the transfer market or something similar :lol:

But got swamped after my last post and just logging in now
 
BenitoSTARR said:
Next up: Manchester City @KM (PM’d on SM)

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M - Samuel Lino (£14m)
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M- Brahim Diaz (£14m)
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M - Marco Carnesecchi (£16m)
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)

Tottenham Hotspur - £192.9M
Arsenal - £287.8M
Click to expand...

I’m not playing this league mate
 
Next up: Hereford @Sandyman (PM’d on SM)

Rules:
  1. Only Gold managers will unfortunately be allowed to do transfers thanks to SM. We can't do the workaround anymore as they have patched it. If you're non-Gold but intend on getting Gold, let me know and I'll put you back in draft.
  2. Time between picks is now 16 hours instead of the previous 12. I would prefer if you message me picks in advance to make things go faster.
  3. Once the draft is over and the temp manager has resigned, bid face value for the player.
Draft order:
  1. Norwich City - £204.9M - Rafael Leao (£36M)
  2. Sheffield United - £237.5M - Levi Colwill (£20M)
  3. Torquay United - £245.8M - Marcus Thuram (£30.9M)
  4. Bury - £248.9M - Douglas Luiz (£15.9M)
  5. Bristol City - £289.5M - Yasin Ozcan (£2.0m)
  6. Sunderland - £315.1M - Conor Bradley (£12m)
  7. Southampton - £332.2M - Rasmus Højlund (£10m)
  8. Cardiff City - £333M - Honest Ahanor (£700k)
  9. Bournemouth - £336.1M - Neymar (£7.397m)
  10. Fulham - £336.9M - Christos Mouzakitis (£2.8m)
  11. Barnsley - £350.1M - Tyler Fredricson (£180k)
  12. Wolverhampton Wanderers - £377.2M - Samuel Lino (£14m)
  13. West Ham United - £378.2M- Brahim Diaz (£14m)
  14. Milton Keynes Dons - £383.3M - Marco Carnesecchi (£16m)
  15. Manchester City - £386.8M - Ruben Van Bommel (£2.8m)
  16. Hereford - £420.1M
  17. Nottingham Forest - £437.6M
  18. Aston Villa - £437.6M
  19. Southend United - £470.9M
  20. Newcastle United - £478.3M
  21. Leyton Orient - £488.7M
  22. Rochdale - £495.6M
  23. Middlesbrough - £496.5M
  24. Everton - £508.5M
  25. Manchester United - £613.2M

(To make it easier I’m just leaving picked players up and I’ll removed teams that missed out or skipped)
 
Right then, footy fanatics and Div 2 devotees! Your (true) favourite season reviewer is here for Season 33, and I know what some of you are thinking:

"Oh great, we get him while Benito' is off hobnobbing with the big boys in Div 1."

And to that, I say:

"Hold your horses, sunshine, just you wait and see!"

Sure, Benito's got the glitz and glamour of Div 1, but let's be honest, I've got the looks, but let's not get into that, let's talk reality of the game, ask yourself where does the real drama happen? Where's the grit? Where are the teams that truly make a journalist's heart sing (or occasionally, despair)? That's right, it's all happening in the glorious, unpredictable chaos of Div 2!

Don't mistake my jovial nature for a lack of bite. I've been watching these leagues since....god knows when, it seems forever now. I've got eyes like a hawk and an opinion sharper than a well thrown dart aimed for the bull. speaking of bull, that's the only kind you will hear from me, as for others, I guarantee nothing. In these reviews I won't be pulling any punches when it comes to performance, tactics, or that questionable new away kit. If a team played like a flock of pigeons trying to solve a Rubik's Cube all season whilst at the same time not realising it was actually an etch-a-sketch drawing of the Rubix Cube, you'll read it here. If a striker couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo, I'll be sure to sing about it after retrieving said banjo from row z.

But let's be clear: while my reviews might be "Frank", they're always about the game, never the player. I'm here to analyse, entertain, and occasionally exasperate, not to personally offend.

However, if you do find yourself clutching your pearls or spitting your tea out over my insightful (and undeniably accurate) observations, then by all means, send your complaints through. Just direct them to our esteemed complaints department headed up by Frank Castle. I'm sure he'll handle everything in his usual, shall we say, robust manner. (If you didn't get that Google it!!!!).

So, buckle up, Div 2 fans! It's going to be a wild ride, and none of us would have it any other way.

Up first Spurs!!!!!! Congratulations
 
I am excited! I LOVE THIS GAME!

Going forward @Dom Gill AKA Frank Castle on SM has offered to help with the reviews.

Massive thanks to him for this as it’s a big job when done solo.
 
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