...and we won! Timbers supporter here, obviously. No pro/rel in MLS, for better or worse. I'd like to see it...but I see why they don't have it. Completely different financial structure, etc... But in any case, an epic year for us here in Portland...I'm still a bit giddy.
But I also follow the Premier League. I'm a Manchester City follower from a good ways back. I think they are still the favorites, for all the recent form has been sketchy. Injuries have been just horrible for the Cityzens this season, but if they can get Aguero and Kompany back soon, I still think they're the favorites. Arsenal are going to be tough, though...as are Leicester. I know a lot of people think the Foxes can't keep up their current form (and if their owners/front office are stupid enough to try to cash in on Vardy and/or Mahrez during the winter transfer window rather than ride them to a UEFA CL birth, they're short-sighted fools). I don't agree. That's a really coherent, well-coached team with tons of confidence. I'll not speculate on ManU(re)...I have standards.
On the other end of the table, I think Aston Villa are doomed, and that's sad. If I'm not mistaken, they have the longest current run in the FA w/o relegation...same boat as Hamburger. I'm also worried about Swansea. The Swans aren't in the relegation zone yet, but they're close...and falling fast. Fired their manager (foolishly, IMO), and look just awful right now...I think they're going down. That'll make me sad, as they're my second favorite team in the league after City, a club with some notable similarities (in terms of culture, etc) to my beloved Timbers. Hard to pick the other team that will go down. Norwich, perhaps...or Bournemouth's recent good form may be a fluke.
I agree with your take on the Bundesliga. Not that I'm as informed about that league as you are, so my opinion's not worth much...but that's how I see it, too.
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