Pelotas' Ponderings: MLS sked favorable for more super signings?

Can the league's spring-to-fall campaign attract more players in a WC year? 

There's no doubt the reasonings behind Julio Cesar's reported interest of a loan to the ever-increasingly glamorous Toronto FC (never thought anyone would write that!) is playing time--especially in a World Cup year. In his native Brazil.

The veteran keeper has fallen out of favor on ol' 'arry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers side but, at the same time, his hefty wages have been weighing on the club's books. Surprisingly, no other team has come in to swoop the 34-year-old Brazilian.

There's been talk of teams in South America looking to engage his services, specifically participating camps in South America' prestigious Copa Libertadores tournament. Recent reports had him in advanced negotiations with Gremio but that was shot down pretty fast by club officials. Money, again, was an issue.

If the Toronto interest is true, Major League Soccer may have just realized that it could be chipping at a gold mine in its strategy to bring over blockbuster signings in their prime. Their spring-to-fall schedule may benefit the league short- and long-term. It's been analyzed and written that MLS will eventually be able to compete with the world's leagues for some of the game's best players. But did anyone think that the league could attract some now? Can MLS scramble and grab a few top names before the competition? Would it be possible for Euro 2016 and Russia 2018?

The U.S. national team's domestic players will have a nice advantage of being in-season form ahead of the World Cup this year while most of the globe's seasons conclude about two months before the tournament. With Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley all in MLS until Jurgen Klinsmann comes calling them to camp, will these players provide momentum for their difficult group matches?

Julio Cesar may have just found the spark he needs to add to his 77 caps with the national team, which  is under immense pressure to lift its sixth trophy on its home soil. Continuous play and aerial challenges against physical MLS sides could just be what 'Big Phil' Scolari is counting on to complete his puzzle come June.

-TioPelotas

@TioPelotas74

West Ham's legal challenge can't be the way to go

Was it a straight red? Did Chico Flores make a meal of it? Should it have been overturned?

No, Yes and Maybe in the Geezer's opinion, but the decisions were made and West Ham have to get on with it. The Hammers are taking legal action against Andy Carroll's recent sending off in the 2-0 win over Swansea - something that will just open a whole can of worms.

Carroll plays that way, with arms and legs everywhere and makes decisions difficult for referees. Chico Flores is a cheat and milked the situation, but taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport isn't going to get Carroll back in time to play in the 3 games he is due to miss.

And if they then overturn the red card after Carroll has missed games, do West Ham sue the FA, the Premier League, the referee?

If a goal is disallowed or an obvious penalty decision not given, will teams start to take legal action and claim money?

In my opinion the referee has made a mistake, but it's an honest footballing mistake. You can't turn the clock back on a decision and speculate over the outcome of the game. It's done, move on - although I do agree that the FA panel and process needs to be looked at.

If these things fall into the hands of the courts and lawyers, no one wins - it just takes the enjoyment out of the game.

It may be cold out, so let Diego help you warm up

Pure genius - it'll be on repeat, trust me.

Please explain Laudrup's sacking to me...

Ok, so Swansea have lost 6 of the last 8 in the League and are only two points above the relegation places, but how do you sack the guy that won you the League Cup last year and got you to the last 32 of the Europa League?

He won you your first major trophy and less than a season later he's been sacked.

Good luck to the new manager who has to come in and change things, even though he can't buy any players until the summer. Michu may return from injury to help them do that, but how are Swansea going to persuade their best players to stay now that Laudrup has been fired? I'm not saying another manager can't get good players in, but Laudrup's acquisitions from Spain are going to want out.

It's a strange one. The Danish manager was a bright spark in the League, playing attractive football and charming his way through interviews. And he could manage too. He may have struggled to juggle the competitions this year, but Swansea are a decent side. League results haven't been as good as last year, but they dumped Manchester United out of the FA Cup and generally play good football.

Swansea play Cardiff this Saturday and also face Everton, Liverpool and Napoli (twice) in February. The management obviously thinks an outsider is going to better with this squad than Michael Laudrup could. I'd be surprised - especially if newly appointed coach Garry Monk gets the job, because he has zero experience at any level.

So another Premier League sacking. Alan Pardew will be off soon if results at Newcastle continue, and then Arsene Wenger will be the only one left who has spent more than 3 years in charge of one team.

MLS Goal of the Year - I'm sure there were better ones

A few options, but has to be number 4 - Camilo Sanvezzo for me.

Must have been better efforts than this tho.

Chelsea's future looks very bright

(Update: Seems Jose listened to the Geezer. Glad he went for it, and they really should have scored more than one. City threatened, but Chelsea really dictated the game and played to their strengths. Should they have Lukaku, Falcao or Diego Costa next season, Chelsea's future looks very bright.)

This was published before the 1-0 win over Manchester City...

If Chelsea lose away at Manchester City, they'll be 6 points behind the league-leaders with 14 games to go - win and you're level on points. So a draw it is!

Everyone is already writing Arsenal off for some reason, but this game is by no means a title decider. 14 games is a lot of football, and all 3 teams will drop more points along the way.

Chelsea face a tough task at the Etihad, there're no denying that. City have won 11 of 11 in the league, scoring 42 goals in those games. Taking a point from them will be tough, and trying to defend for 90 minutes isn't the way to go. Chelsea have look vulnerable this season at the back, but have real quality going forward.  Let Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Lampard get on the ball. Test Joe Hart, and even more so, run at Martin Demichelis - he's the obvious weak link.

Mourinho is usually very solid tactically - he's not Special or the Chosen One, but he knows what he's doing. He can't outscore City, but he can put pressure on them and try and establish a his team on the front foot. Quite simply, if Chelsea sit back and try and play the counter-attack, they will lose.

Get Ramires on the ball, let Lampard dictate a slower pace (that's the only gear he has). If Yaya and David Silva start bossing it, the game is lost. Chelsea need to dominate possession and get the ball wide - and not mess about at the back.

Be bold Jose. You can't win or lost the title today, but you can make a statement as to what your Chelsea team are going to become.  

Sunday Funday - in your face