Season 31 Week 19 processing...

Welcome to week 19 which of course is Cup semi-final week.

Everybody's orders have arrived and data entry is underway...

Barcelona

A pivotal week in La Liga with 4 games to go and the run in heating up. Barca travel to Malaga with a view to maintaining stability and consistency in performances. There are no changes to the starting 11 and Kulusevski and Saul makes welcome returns to the Blaugrana bench. This game is an interesting clash of styles with Malaga employing wingers while Barca play a possession based slower build up. Second place Atletico host 4th place Betis in the week's most high profile game. Atleti are the revelations of the La Liga season lithesome blistering performances led by the wily Kroos and Isco. Big question on fans' lips is will new star Dybala make the starting team or have to content himself easing in from the bench. On the other side of Madrid we have the home banker of the week where Real's array of talent host second bottom Celta in what should prove a one sided encounter.

The Copa del Rey sees Barca play Valencia in a tactical battle with both sides employing slow build ups and this should make for a tense encounter. The other semi sees an Atleti - Betis double header for the week.

A lot going on in Spain as the season reaches a conclusion and everything still to play for.

Nacional

The Tricolores sit 13 points clear and already have the League title in the bag but there is no let up from the manager as he seeks to improve for next season. The new champions host second place Defensor with a view to maintaining their 100% record and the incredible stat of not having conceded a League goal this season.

A domestic double is all on the cards and Nacional meet Fenix in the semi final with a meeting with Defensor potentially on the cards for the winners.

Having strengthened at both ends of the pitch fans will be excited to see what Unai Simon and Maxi Gomez bring to the team.

Hannover

This is an incredibly tough week and probably too soon for the emerging Hannover squad. The League sees Die Roten travel to second place Dresden who boast a number of high profile players, most notably the Austrian pair of Sabitzer and Harnik. And then the Cup has a real David v Goliath affair as the boys play Gladbach, who sit 4th in the top division and have a star studded team featuring Draxler, Eggestein, Younes and Stark among others. 'It's surely a bridge too far but the lads have enjoyed the Cup run and will go out to do the supporter's proud', said the manager in a mid week interview.

The manager went on to say, 'Our goals this season were to build a squad capable of competing for promotion next season. We have brought in some exceptional talent and feel the boys are gelling into a formidable unit. Alex Isak coming in on loan is testament to that and will add firepower alongside Poulsen and Berisha up top.'

Akranes

Akranes are facing a League and Cup double header against second place Valur. The League trip could decide the destination of the title which would be Akranes' first however a draw or home win could see celebrations delayed a bit longer. Fans want to give centre half, Kris Ajer, a good send off as he moves on to Germany to further his career. There are rumours of new signings on the horizon but no ink on paper at this stage. Agents and representatives of several players have been seen leaving the training ground in recent days according to local press.

Schalke

With the league championship in the bag, focus turns to a tough cup semi against Cologne.
The team will play FAP v FAS fielding a strong side with nothing less than a win acceptable.

A strong, tweaked side will play against Bremen in the league, SLA v FAS with no special attention to the opposing TM - just to see how it goes. I'd rather find out now than in a crucial game next season!

Schalke are calling back a couple of loanees with a view to moving them on, and sending a couple back out on loan until the end of the season.

Lafont is moving on in a tough decision, which sees Nubel given the nod for backup duties in a season or two!

Finally, tactical meetings with the management team continue to throw up different systems to suit the players. A decision will need to be made soon...

Andy.

Watford

Semi-finals this week, and Watford are hopeful they can seize on the fact they are the against Plymouth who will be looking to progress to the final of the Cup Vs Man City of all opponents. The English Revolution continues at Watford after signing Harvey Barnes last week, and bringing in the Veteran Leighton Baines on Trial to see if he can still contribute to the team even in just passing on his experience to the Youngsters. The game Vs Plymouth is a tricky one to anticipate with "Tinkerman" looking to trying something new after back to back defeats with TIC? Not too much time to worry about what Plymouth might do, more make Plymouth worry about the Watford Attack! An unfortune injury to Sterling in the World Cup final means Grealish get his Debut this week earlier then anticipated but Hot off scoring in the Final himself, Grealish looks to be taking up the Vacant LH left by Bale who made his way to Newcastle last week. Grealish, Maddison, Abrahams, De Bruyne.... Not too Shabby... Will De Bruyne survive the managers new Recruitment policy...

Genk

League and Semi-final for Genk this turn, so got to manage the players ahead of the Europa final. With Joao Cancelo already side-lined and looks to miss the final, but will be supporting his teammates before he departs back to Vicarage Road after showcasing his ability this season. Which see's Jonny Otto and Moussa Dembele (French one) both depart Watford on Permanent deals to Genk who will look to build on there first team chances after being limited for far.. Can Dembele displace Lewandowski?. As for Opponents this week it's a double headers Vs Oostende, which the Fans and Chairman believe should be routine victories, however the manager doesn't take any opponent lightly. With Mousa Dembele (Belgium one) showing his versatility an going to deputise at RB and Fabio Coentrao filling in the cup game to avoid injury to Dembele. Focus for the managers is to Upgrade his buildings before Decay sets in.

Leverkusen

This weeks opponents are Dusseldorf who have a very settled side and while dont like to showcase tricks and flicks. A very pragmatic in there approach with SWE, siting 5th in table just behind Hannover. Leverkusen will be looking forward to more of the same after last weeks Thumping of Kickers... Even if cost a little Extra in Goal Scored bonus... The lads deserved it for sure! The team certainly picks itself at the moment, with the manager lacking in depth certainly in attack so will be looking to add reinforcements in that area, within the transfer budget. Sergio Busquets will be especially motivated to impress after being Dropped from the Spanish National team.... Surely a mistake ? Lots of noise coming from the BayArena as the brand new INDESTRUCT Training Centre was signed off and approved for building after the sale of Dendonker, with players raising there concerns due to lack of proper training facilities!

Botafogo

Any season after a treble was going to be hard to meet the same expectations. But with last weeks Draw leaving Botafogo 4 points behind leaders Santos would essentially only leave the Cup as only realistic opportunity of silverware this week.... against the dreaded Sao Paulo... The players gave a fine away display against them last week and on another day may have scored 3 or 4 goals and won the game. So will look for the team to make amends! Only enforced change is U17 World cup winning RB Yan Couto who replaces the injured Dani Alves, can Couto make a claim for a starting spot ahead of the new season?? Off-field is the upgrading of buildings to protect the buildings and ensure profits are kept to a maximum! Galhardo makes the bench after Dembele left the club, wasn't able to fit into the group as only French player in the squad!

Still lots to play for! Good luck to all!!

Friendly games have kicked off...

Reserve games have kicked off, League games will kickoff Wednesday morning at 1000 hours...

FA Cup Semi-final results

Argentina
RiverPlate 4 Estudiantes 2
Lorenzo 1 Boca 2

Belgium
Mechelen 7 Beveren 0
Genk 7 Oostende 0

Brazil
Fluminense 4 Flamengo 0
Botafogo 4 Sao Paulo 0

Ecuador
ElNacional 4 PortoViejo 0
Emelec 1 Barselona 0

Eire
Derry 3 Limerick 0
CorkCity 2 Cherry 3

England
Plymouth 3 ManCity 1
Villa 0 Liverpool 1

France
Monaco 1 Cannes 2
Nantes 8 Metz 0

Germany
Hannover 1 Gladbach 0
Schalke 1 Cologne 0

Holland
Rotterdam 1 PSV 1 aet pens 6-5
Twente 0 Ajax 4

Iceland
Reykjavik 2 Breidablik 0
Akranes 0 Valur 2

Italy
Inter 3 Milan 2
Lazio 1 Fiorentina 0

Slovakia
Ruzomberok 3 Petrzalka 0
Kosice 3 Zilina 0

Spain
Barcelona 2 Valencia 0
Atletico 0 Betis 2

Uruguay
Torque 0 Danubio 2
Nacional 3 Fenix 0

Congratulations to all the finalists...

Oh well, no Atletico/Barca rematch - think some fatigue for Atletico I think - time to plan for next season.

Great effort for Plymouth though - planning for next season very much a go.

The vision for the PIAT Football Group is soon to be released, ready for a big push next season!

League Cup Semi-Final results

Charlton 2 Man United 0
Westham 1 Arsenal 3

League games will kickoff at 1000 hours Wednesday...

Paul Hemmings wrote:: FA Cup Semi-final results

Brazil
Fluminense 4 Flamengo 0
Botafogo 4 Sao Paulo 0

Congratulations to all the finalists...

Going to be a classic game here!

Surely you didn't forget Belgian League? Paul lol!

Paul Hemmings wrote:: FA Cup Semi-final results

Germany
Hannover 1 Gladbach 0
Schalke 1 Cologne 0

Rob the Giant Killer! cheers

Phil@Watford wrote:

Paul Hemmings wrote:: FA Cup Semi-final results

Germany
Hannover 1 Gladbach 0
Schalke 1 Cologne 0

Rob the Giant Killer! cheers

That is a top-notch effort!

Phil@Watford wrote:

Paul Hemmings wrote:: FA Cup Semi-final results

Germany
Hannover 1 Gladbach 0
Schalke 1 Cologne 0

Rob the Giant Killer! cheers

Petty shocked to be honest. Waiting for Paul to say there's an error and needs to be re-run. But in the meantime cheers

Emelec March on, was worried with Benrahma out injured but we March on to a cup final

Paul Hemmings wrote:: FA Cup Semi-final results

Belgium
Mechelen 7 Beveren 0
Genk 7 Oostende 0

Press Release:

This season has seen the PT Football Group expand its operations to encompass two further clubs across the world. Joining the group has been two Atletico’s - Madrid and Independiente.

We have been pleased with the progress made - especially within Spain and Argentina - where our interventions have been clear in not only brining in players of the calibre to represent the PT Football Group but in enhancing results.

We have decided, following the recent cup fixture s to announce today that we have decided to formally welcome the two clubs into our family with the formation of the PIAT Football Group.

Whilst all clubs have looked to realise the same goal - success - we realise that to maximise that chance we needed to find a collective vision across the group.

As such we are releasing our new vision which we will be working towards:

1: Stability - Bringing together a squad of high quality players who, through stability - can build a coherent group to challenge for honours

2: Attractive but pragmatic football - Playing the most attractive football across the group - led by the most talented TMs in the world - but also recognising the need for pragmatism at times.

3: A focus on young talent and building for the future - our aim is to build a talented group of individuals who can succeed now, but also can ensure the club has the young talent to succeed in the future

4: Sustainability - Building a sustainable business model to ensure the clubs are self- sufficient within the next two years

5: Honours - to challenge for domestic and continental titles within the next 2 seasons.

We look forward to next season...

End Press Release...

It is reported that feedback to the recent announcement by the PIAT Football Group has been broadly positive from across the footballing world. Fans waking up today, ready for this week's matches, have been buoyed by the clarity provided by the Group on its future plans after a turbulent few seasons.

Manager Ben Wilson is being backed to the hilt in the transfer market as he seeks to finalise the final pieces of his squad - with rumours of late night negotiations on further additions rife in today's press.

Speaking before today's games Ben Wilson highlighted that 'I am always on the lookout for players that will improve the squad, nor frightened by moving on players which don't fit the club's new vision.'

There will be a few players waking up today, wondering whether they are in the managers plans for next season...