The game kicks off at 9:00 AM PST — on FS2 in the US — but feel free to jump in and comment/chat with each other before then. Please talk about whatever you want! I’ll be in the thread around 8:45. Here’s some pre-game reading from me.
Tottenham and Leipzig are somehow 50/50 (per betting markets) to advance to the next round of the Champions League. I have a really hard time buying that. Leipzig seem like a significantly better team.
Can't believe there weren't any goals; it's my fault. Three "Big Chances" for RBL, one for Bayern, and I imagine the xG is gonna be roughly even and significantly higher than one for both sides. The pass totals tell a pretty good story for how this one played out:
Total passes: BM 631, RBL, 208
Attacking third passes: BM 131, RBL 35
Penalty area passes: BM 10, RBL 9
That was fun. Hope you all felt the same way. Seems like there was enough interest, so we'll do this again next weekend. Alphonso Davies is better than Lionel Messi.
A couple simple passes across the final-third got Werner an OK look from inside the box. You can see Bayern's weakness there -- they don't "defend" well -- but it's just hard to ever get settled possession in the attacking-third against them.
But Leipzig have done a really good job of getting bodies behind the ball in the box. Bayern have seven shots, but five of 'em have been blocked. Neither of Leipzig's two attempts were blocked.
Given that Bayern has been rather conservative with transfer fees compared to other top teams, I feel it is highly unlikely that they would buy both Sané and Havertz (or keep Coutinho). Both are expected to cost € 100+ Million. Who do you think would be the better investment?
This may be a little outside the realm of game specific, but since these are the two playing... Comments by other Bundesliga GMs about RB Leipzig “ownership” being afoul of the league’s ownership structure has me wondering your thoughts on: is it better for the Bundesliga to have that structure challenged by RBL in an effort to end Bayern’s long time autocracy at the top of the table, or is it a way to bring some parity into what many see as a one team league?
Has there ever been two left-footed players playing CB together (like Alaba and Hernandez now) at the top level before? I can’t seem to think that has ever happened.
Wait, what’s up with the T Mobile... ad? People? Seating arrangement? Is this common? I’m new to Bundesliga and it’s funny how similar and different everything is.
Do you project Davies as a left-back? He’s been great there this season but being that his natural tendency is to be more attacking, would you like to see him return to a more forward position?
I'm old enough to remember when Manuel Neuer wasn't a complete liability.
Lineups have been announced. Tyler Adams starts at right wingback for Leipzig. Gregg Berhalter nods, while USMNT fans riot in the streets. Also: hi!
Tottenham and Leipzig are somehow 50/50 (per betting markets) to advance to the next round of the Champions League. I have a really hard time buying that. Leipzig seem like a significantly better team.
OMFG
Can't believe there weren't any goals; it's my fault. Three "Big Chances" for RBL, one for Bayern, and I imagine the xG is gonna be roughly even and significantly higher than one for both sides. The pass totals tell a pretty good story for how this one played out:
Total passes: BM 631, RBL, 208
Attacking third passes: BM 131, RBL 35
Penalty area passes: BM 10, RBL 9
That was fun. Hope you all felt the same way. Seems like there was enough interest, so we'll do this again next weekend. Alphonso Davies is better than Lionel Messi.
A couple simple passes across the final-third got Werner an OK look from inside the box. You can see Bayern's weakness there -- they don't "defend" well -- but it's just hard to ever get settled possession in the attacking-third against them.
Love seeing Lookman come on for a team fighting for a Bundesliga title when Everton are still trotting out Theo Walcott on the right wing
Never forget that Alexi Lalas said, pre-game, that he didn't trust Peter Gulasci, who's been one of the best keepers in the world over the past two years. https://fbref.com/en/players/bcb2ccd8/Peter-Gulacsi#all_kitchen_sink_keeper_adv
Leipzig totally dominated the second half of the first game vs Bayern. Same thing is happening today.
Can we finally admit that the bundesliga is the superior league to watch in comparison to the PL? This is such a great game!
We could be looking back on that Sabitzer miss at the end of the season ...
Bayern have obviously had the better chances so far:
https://twitter.com/InfogolApp/status/1226563645938765824
But Leipzig have done a really good job of getting bodies behind the ball in the box. Bayern have seven shots, but five of 'em have been blocked. Neither of Leipzig's two attempts were blocked.
Looks like Werner has switched over to the right side, probably to try to exploit the space behind The Best Player in the World.
https://twitter.com/AshwinRaman_/status/1226556332490117120
Alphonso Davies -- damn.
Alphonso Davies -- damn.
Alphonso Davies just made Dani Olmo look like he was 75 years old. He's ... 21.
Did anyone see Jose Mourinho in the stands, wearing headphones? What was he listening to?
Given that Bayern has been rather conservative with transfer fees compared to other top teams, I feel it is highly unlikely that they would buy both Sané and Havertz (or keep Coutinho). Both are expected to cost € 100+ Million. Who do you think would be the better investment?
thinking ahead to the Bayern v Chelsea champions league tie... Alphonso Davies v Reece James... battle of the teenage full backs
This may be a little outside the realm of game specific, but since these are the two playing... Comments by other Bundesliga GMs about RB Leipzig “ownership” being afoul of the league’s ownership structure has me wondering your thoughts on: is it better for the Bundesliga to have that structure challenged by RBL in an effort to end Bayern’s long time autocracy at the top of the table, or is it a way to bring some parity into what many see as a one team league?
Sergino Dest to Bayern: is it crazy?
Has there ever been two left-footed players playing CB together (like Alaba and Hernandez now) at the top level before? I can’t seem to think that has ever happened.
Wait, what’s up with the T Mobile... ad? People? Seating arrangement? Is this common? I’m new to Bundesliga and it’s funny how similar and different everything is.
[insert cliche about being clinical]
Do you project Davies as a left-back? He’s been great there this season but being that his natural tendency is to be more attacking, would you like to see him return to a more forward position?
Where do people see Werner heading after Leipzig? Where does he fit best?
wow, leipzig turned that counter on so quickly. fun stuff
Something very weird when I see Tyler Adams directing Timo Werner. Still hard to believe the level of US talent playing in Europe right now.
Alphonso Davies had been the best player today
how many goals today? i saw over/unders at 4.5 and 5.5
Not that Leipzig will or should, but what do you think the transfer fee would be to get Werner?