OK yesterday I did my review of League 1, now read my thoughts on what will occur in League 2 for the upcoming season.


AZ Alkmaar

Alkmaar had a rocky time last season, mainly down to inconsistancy. In season 2, im sure their fans will be hoping for manager Simon Laing to prove he is out to take the team to the top of their potential. With not a massive treasure chest to fall back on, Simon has invested heavily in youths, using all three of his scouting missions to bring in young talent.

My prediction - Alkmaars 2nd season will be an interesting one, with a bit of hard work and luck, I see them coming in around the 3rd position

Key players - J_Didulica 18 GK cro 22 1 1 1 may just be their shining light, and a very solid rock to build upon!

Possible downfall - Simon missed a few sheets last season, with the changes to keepers, a missed sheet this time round could be a disaster!


Borussia Dortmund

All eyes will be on Tone and what he can do with the giant german club. He has already shown his willingness to do deals, add that to one of the strongest midfields in possibly the whole of the game, and it will be interesting to see his strategy for the season. I have only known Tone as a manager of a struggling side who is constantly looking to build them up, how he manages a side capable of a decent challenge for promotion will be interesting. We also saw them sell possibly the best midfield talent in the game, in F_Kringe 16 RL ger 1 4 21 3 in a deal that saw them gain four players in return, could this deal have given them the depth needed? Or just solely taken away their creative force of the future?

My prediction - Will go for mid table, anywhere from 3rd to 7th could happen in my eyes.

Key players - I have chosen an unusual choice, but in my eyes D_Buckley 26 RC saf 2 5 18 4 holds the key to Dortmund achieving a good rotation policy, how will he cope in midfield ful of 20 raters? I think they will help him blend in.

Possible downfall - Only thing I could see is Tones willingness to sell star players of the future, he has a squad that, in my eyes, needs possibly one new def and one new fwd, of good quality, to see them really challenge for honours


Boca Juniors (relegated)

My tip as possible season 1 League 1 champs crashed and burned last season, they now see themselves in League 2, somewhere I thought they would never end up. Pre season has seen them sign even more attacking midfielders, but, in a squad with only one forward of quality, will they be able to get the goals needed? Malky will certaintly be hoping so!

My prediction - Hmmm, a tough one, they should be finishing the season in the top 3.

Key players - A_Arshavin 28 C rus 1 6 20 15 never really hit the form expected last season, he now faces "lesser" opposition, so he needs to step up.

Possible downfall - Possibly the worst attack in the game means the midfield need to gettheir scoring boots on.


Sydney FC

Craig has a squad, and a method of managing I like, last season I know he grew unhappy at the lack of goals being scored in the game, this season, I would be expecting him to challenge for promotion. Having said that, his scouts are still sitting unused, and with a wad of cash, is he missing teh chance to get that extra player needed? Or playing the waiting game of seeing what unwanted scouts get thrown out before putting his cash down elsewhere?

My prediction - I think, with a bit of luck and sensible transfer market action, promotion is a sensible target.

Key players - H_Kewell 29 C aus 1 10 10 20 caught my eye last season, I expect him to really fire this time around.

Possible downfall - Maybe an over reliance on Kewell isnt too healthy?


Atalanta

Jonny came into the club with them sitting bottom and only a few games remaining of season 1. He has made hefty changes to the italian side, reducing their main squad size by quite an amount. Im looking forward to seeing just how well his managing skills fair comparing to his transfer skills, which seem pretty darn good!

My prediction - I honeslt have no idea, with no real idea on how he will play them, anything could happen!

Key players - new signing F_Kringe 17 RL ger 1 4 21 3 will be the base around the Atalanta midfield this season, and in the future!

Possible downfall - small squad size will do them no favours


Bordeaux

I will keep this short, we finished bottom last season, but we now have the best defence in the game. With a good midfield, and young strikers, we should come good.

My precition - I will be hoping for top half at the minimum

Key players - G_Obertan 20 RLC fra 1 3 12 18 has a large job on his hands to partner Saivet up front.

Possible downfall - waiting for U_Rame 17 GK fra 20 1 1 1 to stat up will mean our scorelins may not be what we really want them to be!


Steaua Buchurest

John was unlucky last season, I would expect them to once agin be pushing for a promotion spot. With new addition T_Walcott 19 R eng 2 3 18 16 we may be seeing them use new tactics/formations to utilise him, could that be a downfall?

My prediction - top 3 at the least

Kep players - must surely be Walcott.

Possible downfall - again, we see a squad with good young forwards, but is it too soon to see them in the senior leagues?


FC Zenit (relegated)

I was actually worried about Zenit, having seen their main forwards retire last season, I thought they may be short up front, but whilst doing this review, I am not so sure. Their attack isnt too far behind other league 2 sides, and they have enough cash/scouts to possibly add another fwd into the mix.

My prediction - well, Derek is a silent manager, so it is hard to second guess anything he does, there is definate potential though.

Key players - A_Dominguez 18 RC arg 1 3 4 18 lot of pressure on the youngster, but it may eventually do him good to be in the first team and gaining big bonuses EOS.

Possible downfall - The major downside of managing this way, is Derek shuns away from making potential deals via the usual channels, could this hinder his progress?




Season 2 League 2 table (my prediction)

1 - Boca
2 - Sydney FC
3 - Steaua
4 - Atalanta
5 - Bordeaux
6 - Dortmund
7 - AZ
8 - Zenit

I must add, the above table was hard to come up with, I actually think Zenit will finish higher than stated, also, AZ could finish higher too! What I believe will happen is one or two teams will have nightmares, it is just impossible at this stage to decide who.

His a 23 rater now

I might also hasten to add there isn't really any excuse for Sydney FC failing like they did last season. It appears the balance of the senior squad is a lot better than last season so we really shouldn't fail. The youths should also be much improved and should be able to score quite regularly (and probably concede about as much!).

22 rated mind you i'm aiming to be 4th.