TWO GIANTS COMPETE FOR THE GERMAN SUPER CUP. BERLIN AWAITS BAYERN AND DOTMUND

Borussia Dortmund had a season to forget last time out. Bayern won the League with seven games to spare and they also lost the DFB POKAL (German Cup) final to the Bavarians. In the Champions League, they narrowly lost to Real Madrid over two legs. A far cry from the previous season's achievements. But they will take consolation from the fact that they actually won a trophy last season, even though it seemed to be swept under the carpet when judging how well they performed at the end of the 13/14 season. Die Schwarzgelben tortured Bayern from start to finish in last season's Super Cup clash, consigning the then UCL winners to a fourth defeat in nine of such finals. It was also Dortmund's third win in four finals v their greatest rivals. But the star performer that night will be absent from tonight's clash. German International, IIKAY GUNDOGAN is still nursing a persistent back injury that has kept him out for so long. The likes of Sven Bender and OLiver Kirch will do well to stiffen the threat posed by the World Class Bayern midfield.






As if the daggers were not drawn enough between both sides, Bayern Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has added tension to the severed relationship by telling BILD that Marco Reus will be available for just 25 Million Euros next Summer. This hasn't gone down well with the Dortmund hierarchy with CEO, Hans Joachim Watzke accusing his Bayern counterpart of continuous interference in his club's affairs. He also added that KHR should be aware that this will only make the relationship much more tense. Jorgen Klopp has also spoken glowingly of departed Polish predator, Robert Lewandowski who hasn't put a foot wrong since joining Bayern but is determined to get one over his former player.

Both teams have not enjoyed pre-season so far. Dortmund were recently clobbered by Liverpool at Anfield and Bayern haven't exactly fared better. Beaten by the MLS all stars coupled with Pep's idiotic behaviour in the aftermath of the defeat, a lot has is left to be desired. Considering how they steamrolled the Buli last time out, a better performance will be required this time around. In league meetings last season, Bayern outplayed Dortmund at the Iduna and came out 3-0 winners. Typically, Dortmund repaid the favour by cruising past the Reds 3-0. Bayern then won the battle in the Pokal final and today, revenge will be on the minds of both for many reasons.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

BAYERN MUNICH-

Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba, Martinez, Schweini, Bernat, Muller, Robben, lewandowski

FC Hollywood sold Kroos to Real Madrid nad brought in Bernat. The likes of Hojbjerg will almost certainly feature more often this season. New signing, Robert Lewandowski ensured that Mario Mandzukic was sold to Atletico Madrid. The Pole has hit the ground running almost immediately and there seems to be no end to his scoring streak. Wioth Franck Ribery absent, Thomas Muller, now a World Champion will partner Lewandowski and Arjen Robben in attack.


DORTMUND-

Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Papastathopoulos, Schmelzer, Kirch, S.Bender, Jojic, Mkhitaryan, PEA, Immobile

Lewandowski's departure to Bayern was a double blow. First because he is one of the best strikers in the World and a vital ingredient. Secondly, he chose no other new pasture but the lawns of Bavaria. A slap across the face of Die Borussen. But they have gone past that. Ciro Immobile has been brought in from Torino to replace the ever dependable Pole. The Serie A hotshot and Capocannoniere (Highest goal scorer) is not Lewandowski but he can contribute greatly to the Dortmund cause. Adrian Ramos has also been lured from Hertha Berlin. The likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (PEA) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also provide support in attack. Newly installed skipper, Mats Hummels will miss out through injury but fit again Neven Subotic should start in defence alongside Greek wall, Sokratis.


Tonight, bragging rights, pride and everything will be at stake when the two greatest sides in German football go head to head. Bayern have the edge for obvious reasons but no team has the winning formula v Bayern than tonight's opponents. Should be fun


Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990

REAL MADRID-SEVILLA PREVIEW-BLANCOS begin quest for SEXTUPLE

                                                                        



The moment we have all been waiting for, is upon us. The football season officially kicked off on Sunday with Arsenal bashing Manchester City in the Community shield. Now, it is the small matter of the UEFA SUPER CUP where two Spanish teams will lurk horns for the right to hoist the first major trophy of the 2014/15 campaign.

Fresh from having a rotten World Cup tournament, the nation of Spain are back to familiar territory, haven bossed both European club competitions which has resulted in Real Madrid (UCL Champions) facing Sevilla (Europa League winners). The merengues have bolstered their squad since taking everyone apart to finally hold aloft the 10th European trophy after it seemed it was never going to happen. It is no coincidence that was the season Gareth Bale was purchased that 'LA DECIMA' finally became a reality. The Welshman provided plenty and is set to even become deadlier as he's been training for two months now and is looking fitter than ever.

Since enjoying a beautiful and historic night at Eusebio's shrine (ESTADIO DA LUZ-LISBON) three months ago, the blancos have done some shopping in the close season and made a few adjustments. Zinedine Zidane has moved to the B-team to become head coach with his replacement being the great Fernando Hierro. The former Leader of the 'whites'  and Spain has joined forces with the club he scored 127 times for and defended with his life. On the field, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas have been brought in after a great World Cup tournament. The Colombian wonderkid was top scorer, Kroos-World Champion and Navas, arguably the safest hands in the competition. They have also let Diego Lopez join AC MILAN and the likes of Kehdira and Di Maria have uncertain futures at the club with the latter being subject of a bidding war between PSG and Manchester United although the french club have since pulled out of the race. However, both are still at the club and may feature tonight.

The Millennium stadium in Cardiff is set to host tonight's game and that means a return home for Gareth Bale. The Welsh forward has been tipped to have a greater impact this term than his senior colleague, Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to better fitness and stamina. In his club's indifferent pre-season tour, he held his head up high and will be determined to excel in his own backyard. It is a dream come true for the ex-Spurs star. Playing in his hometown and defending the crest of the most successful European club of all time is something that was only a dream until ti all came to reality last year. Now, here's another chance to write history.

Sevilla and Unai Emery had to let go of talismanic playmaker, Ivan Rakitic, The Croat was coveted by Barcelona and he couldn't say no to their advances. Despite Denis Suarez being part of the deal, it goes without saying that the departure of Rakitic is a massive blow. Nevertheless, the firepower upfront can still lead the Andalusians to yet another triumph. The chance to become UEFA SUPER CUP holders for the second time will drive them on tonight. After defeating Benfica (on penalties) in the Europa League final in May, they put themselves in this enviable position to start the season as possible double European Champions.


Whatever happens today, Spain will be delighted that at least one of its teams will be crowned Champions of the super cup

 Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990