Big 4 Season predictions plus Muskoka United FC and Huntsville SC updates

It feels like it was just yesterday that Real Madrid was being handed the Champions League trophy to cap off the European club seasons in the big leagues.

And only weeks before that, the final matches were played in Italia, England, Spain, and Germany.

This may be a surprise to some, but this weekend three of the big four are kicking off on their 2024/24 campaigns with the Bundesliga beginning next weekend.

On that note, we’re going to do some predictions for the upcoming season: my picks for Top 4 (in order); domestic cup winners; dark horse or surprise team; and who will be relegated.

Without further adieu, let’s get into it, starting with the best league in Europe and moving down to the league starting next week.

NOTE: The European Transfer Window has yet to close, so we’re going on what the teams look like as of the posting date.

Serie A

Top 4: Inter Milan, AS Roma, AC Milan, Juventus

Coppa Italia winner: AS Roma

Dark Horse/surprise team: Udinese

Relegated at end of season: Cagliari, Empoli, Venezia

Summary: It’s hard to go against back-to-back Scudetto wins for Inter Milan as they’re battle hardened, well managed by Simone Inzaghi and got a tad bit deeper over the summer. A first full season under Daniele DeRossi will have Roma flying relatively high (though I’m super biased) and I predict at least another Europa League semi-final along with a Coppa Italia triumph. AC Milan and Juventus will both contend, but I expect a bit of a slower start to the season for both those teams, which will keep them out of the title race. Only Venezia will go right back down to Serie B, with Parma and Como staying up at the expense of Cagliari and Empoli (both who were relegation candidates last season).

EPL

Top 4: Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Man United

FA Cup winner: Chelsea

Dark Horse/surprise team: Ipswich

Relegated at end of season: Southampton, Wolves, Bournemouth

Summary: Let’s face it, Liverpool isn’t as good as they used to be and did nothing to bolster their roster. As well, they have a new manager and it always takes time to adjust. The league goes to Arsenal, who finally have an Italian player in stellar centre back Riccardo Calafiori, meaning I can cheer for them. Man City drops down a peg in what is likely Pep Guardiola’s last season, though I would say they manage to go deep in the Champions League (again) and likely get the less important EFL League Cup to go with the Community Shield they already won. Chelsea will be a fun team to watch and I say that new manager Enzo Maresca (who won promotion with Leicester last year before switching clubs) takes them to a Top 3 finish and an FA Cup title. I like Ipswich to find a way to stay up after earning back-to-back promotions.

Bundesliga

Top 4: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Leipzig

DFB-Pokal winner: Dortmund

Dark Horse/surprise team: St. Pauli

Relegated at end of season: Mainz, Union Berlin, Augsburg

Summary: The Bundesliga kicks off a week later than it’s Big Four counterparts, but it could be worth the wait. I know Bayern is a boring pick to win the title, but with Vincent Kompany in charge and seemingly always in-form Harry Kane leading the attack, they’ll get back on top. Dortmund wins the DFB-Pokal and makes life difficult for Bayern (what else is new?), while Leverkusen won’t stay unbeaten this season and teams will figure out what Atalanta figured out in last season’s Europa League final – Xabi Alonso’s boys are most definitely beatable. St. Pauli surprises by staying up and their cult following of fans grows beyond Germany’s borders.

La Liga

Top 4: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Betis

Copa Del Rey winner: Atletico Madrid

Dark Horse/surprise team: Real Betis

Relegated at end of season: Real Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano, Las Palmas

Summary: Real Madrid is still stronger than everyone and has the best manager in Carlo Ancelotti. The only thing that will derail another league title for Madrid is injuries or focusing too much on winning another Champions League trophy. Seeing what Kyliam Mbappe will do at the club he’s always wanted to play for is going to be interesting. Their city rival will pip them to the Copa Del Rey. I like Real Betis to crack the Top 4 and be a challenging side to face for nearly everyone (well, everyone not named Real Madrid). It’s not much of a dark horse, but it’s still a bit of a surprise if they finish Top 4.

Muskoka United FC

The U12 girls started the week off with a very positive trip to Collingwood on Sunday, leaving with a well deserved 3-1 win. Juliet Occhiuzzi led the way with a goal and an assist and making plays all over the field. Both Lily Boyes and Savannah Loates also had a goal and an assist, while Paulina Juszczak and Piper Heffernen were excellent while each playing a half in net.

The good times kept rolling on Wednesday night in Huntsville as the U12 girls really stepped it up and won 3-1 over Barrie. Missing their two top goalies and another starter, they played a great team game under Coach Alex Woods and got the victory. The amazing Lily Boyes kept up her hot streak with two goals to the lead the way, while Marie-Claire Alexander added the other.

The other game on Wednesday night in Huntsville, the U13 girls suffered a 2-0 defeat, despite having the majority of possession and more attempts at goal than their opponents from Collingwood.

The U16 Girls played a late night away game in Collingwood on Monday, falling 4-2, but overall played well and were unfortunate to not get a better result. Maja Lettress and Paige Oliver scored for Muskoka.

And the old guys from the Muskoka O45 team defeated Orillia 3-0 on Wednesday night at Gostick Park in Bracebridge as JP Alfaro, Chris O., and Brendan Rasmussen scored with Clint Bliss getting the clean sheet with some well time goalkeeping.

This weekend is a huge one for Muskoka teams as on Saturday the U14 Boys, U16 Boys, and U16 Girls are in their respective HDSL Cup Finals being held in Orillia, while the 045 Team will be playing in Nottawasaga against the hosts for their Cup Final on Sunday.

We’ll get the results to you as fast as we can over or after the weekend!!!

MUFC Fall Assessments

Children and teens interested in being part of an MUFC Rep team next season – either development or competitive – should note that assessments (formerly known as “tryouts”) are occurring at Gostick Park in Bracebridge on September 24, 25, and 26, and at Conroy Park in Huntsville on October 5.

The club would like all parents and players to note that for the technical committee to accurately assess each players skill level, which may influence their team placement, attendance at all assessments for their age group is highly recommended. 

These are the teams they are assessing players for (birth year in parentheses): Development Teams for U9 (2016), U10 (2015), U11 (2014), and U12 (2013). As well as Rep/Competitive Teams for U13 (2012), U14 (2011), U15 (2010), U16 (2009), and U17 (2008).

*All players are asked to join BOTH of their assessment dates to ensure proper grading and team placement. 

*Players are only subject to cuts in U13 + divisions.

*Confirmation of teams being played for the 2024/2025 season will depend on the turn out at assessments. 

Currently the MUFC Board and Admin are working on a potential player registration for assessments. This will aid in collecting proper information and numbers prior to the dates which assists in planning efforts. If this is the case, stay tuned.

For more information, visit www.muskokaunitedfc.com or email muskokaunitedfc@gmail.com

In the meantime, please see the graphic below to determine whether your player is more suited for the MUFC Development Program or the BSC or HSC House League programs.

Huntsville Soccer Club Updates

The Huntsville Soccer Club has opened registration for its fall youth program that includes fun games, skills development and scrimmages.

The program runs from September 8 to October 13 weekly on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. and is for youth born from 2009 to 2018.

To find out more or register for the program visit: https://www.huntsvillesoccer.ca/

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with the fall program, fall clean-up and organizing, and more!

Email administrator@huntsvillesoccer.ca to find out how you can help!

On that note, we’re done thanks for reading, don’t forget to subscribe to all our news, views and podcasts! Ciao for Now!