The Lions' Pride

I just signed up. This should be fun, I don't that ESPN doesn't allow for formation changes AKA 4-3-3, 4-5-1 etc. I can see they want to keep it a level playing field, just don't like having to use a 4-4-2.

That's a good idea. I know that I will fill mine out tonight. Work blocks ESPN game access.

On a transfer note, CFC have reportedly agreed to personal terms w Hulk (who looked fabulous in Brazils friendly this morning) but are still working on a fee w Porto. Porto want L40mil. CFC offered L30mil. I think a compromise will be reached around L35mil. I think Hulk is a phenomenal fit at CFC...can play wide or central forward...plus take free kicks and PKs as well. He, Marin, Ramires, and de Bruyne are a massive upgrade in wide options...which will allow Sturridge to frequent his desired central role. I'd like to see CFC pick up one more CM and a RB. Modric and Van der Wiel would make this a formidable squad for years to come.

I think City has been the favorite to land him the whole time. Hazards agent is throwing out interest from Utd and CFC to try to ensure that City pays the ridiculous wages (L200k/wk) he wants. He's also supposedly demanding 30 guaranteed league starts AND the 10 shirt wherever he goes. City is bidding against themselves as I believe CFC (Hulk, Lucas Moura) and Utd (Kagawa) are content to look elsewhere. L30mil and L200k/wk is awfully steep for a 21 yr old winger.

Michael Bradley just laid it down right there.

Not overly excited about this...

Donovan owning the Tartans!

I saw that earlier. Odd move.

Scotland's defense seemed quite lacking. Even their offense wasn't really able to do much in terms of capitalizing on their pressure, despite out defense not exactly playing that well. That being said, the midfield play is amazingly improved. Quick passing, good control, dominating the game. I definitely can get used to that. I can't think of any midfielder who had a bad game. Of course, this doesn't hurt...

@hazardeden10: I'm signing for the champion's league winner.

Boom announced today after his national team training session.

Congrats to Chelsea. I am a big Hazard fan and think he will do well for the Blues.

Man it must be great to be a Chelsea fan right now. UCL winners and now they land one of the gems of the summer transfer window in Hazard. As a Liverpool supporter, I can officially say that I'm incredibly jealous of Chelsea and their supporters. If the Blues do in fact land Hulk then look out. Torres (I think he will have a nice bounce back year this upcoming year due to consistent starting 11 play), Mata, Hulk, Hazard, Sturridge... you have off the charts offensive skill and creativity with that group. It will be a fun group to watch that's for sure.

In LFC news, it appears a new manager and DOF will be announced in the very near future. Sounds like Roberto Martinez is the odds on favorite to be the next HC and Louis Van Gaal seems to be the most likely choice for DOF. Although a big name coach with extensive UCL would have been nice, I can't really complain about those hires if they do come to fruition. Martinez has done a great job with Wigan and I think his work ethic, preferred style of play and the way he relates to his players will be a recipe of success at Liverpool (or at least I'm praying it does).

Also, I've read a couple of articles stating Aston Villa are possibly interested in Rafa Benitez for their HC vacancy.

I'm a big fan of Roberto Martinez. I know he's not as accomplished as others, but I think he could work well with that group. LFC need to become elite again. It's one of the premiere franchises in the game. The CFC/LFC CL battles were epic. And there are few better, if any, settings on a European night than Anfield. My biggest concern for LFC is central defense. I feel like they could use a top caliber central defender to solidify the back line. Lucas' return will be a huge lift in midfield, and I do believe that Carroll will continue to improve as his partnership w Suarez does. It will take some time, but the league is ripe for a run to the top 3. If RVP leaves AFC (realistic possibility), either Modric or Bale leave Spurs (realistic possibility), and if ManU doesn't start to more aggressively fill its aging holes...anyone could make the leap. Newcastle could. LFC could. Even Everton could. Next season is going to be wild.