Post by Kieran on Feb 3, 2013 22:49:20 GMT
Hello, welcome to the Premier League Draft Game. Basically, 16 players have spent the last few weeks picking players to make a team (you can see how they did it in this thread pldraftgame.freeforums.net/index.....isplay&thread=2 ). and they are now ready to go head-to-head against each other to win your vote - which do you think is the better team? The voter has both the squad-sheet and the bios/tactics to consider!
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Ben and Aditya!
Ben Chillada- Formation/bio/tactics:
@aditya2991- Formation/bio/tactics:
The key rule for this edition of the game is that players are to be judged on the basis of their performances in the Premier League - so what they did in other leagues, in cup competitions or on the international stage is not directly relevant here.
Additionally, voters are requested to please justify the votes you cast: an explanation of why you voted for the team you did would be much appreciated and would add to the game as a whole. If you vote but don't justify your selection, then that vote may be discarded when totting up the final results. Please vote and adhere to the rules on each match thread.
Good luck to Ben and Aditya!
Ben Chillada- Formation/bio/tactics:
The Team
Peter Schmeichel
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998
• Was unanimously selected as the 20 season’s fantasy goalkeeper by both pundits and fans.
• Won Save of the decade 1997
• Captained Man Utd to Champions League success in 1999
• In 2001 won a public poll held by Reuters, when the majority of the 200,000 participants voted him as the best goalkeeper ever (ahead of Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks)
• In 2003 inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame!
• PFA England League Team of the Century (1907 to 2007): 2007
• Has greatest clean sheets-to-games ratio in the Premier League with 42% of the games he played in the league ending without his team conceding.
Des Walker
• The most gifted English defender of his generation, capable at both Right Back and Centre Back
• Pacey, hard tackling, Reliable defender.
• At the height of his career, Forest and Owls fans frequently chanted "You'll never beat Des Walker."
• Despite not being the tallest defender he could leap to beat the tallest players in the air and his pace meant even the quickest and most skilful forwards very rarely got any change from him.
• Sheffield Wednesday fans voted Des as their greatest ever defender.
Lucas Radebe
• The best Central Defender in the Premier League when he played. Man Utd wanted to sign him before they got Stam, and Radebe should not be marked down for his utter loyalty to Leeds United. He could have moved to gain trophies and probably more recognition but chose to stay at Leeds.
• Former captain of Leeds United and the South African national team
• At World Cup 2002. Nelson Mandela famously said of Radebe; "This is my hero."
• Loyal - Lucas turned down the chance to move to Manchester United, A.C. Milan and Roma. Alex Ferguson commented at the time "Everyone should be interested in Lucas"
• He was voted 54th in the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004.
• The Kaiser Chiefs took their name from Lucas' old club as he had such an influence on them as young men.
• A suite at Elland Road is named the Radebe Entrance.
• Leeds United's mascot. 'Lucas the Kop Cat', is named after Radebe.
• In December 2011, he was inducted to The Football Ramble's Dean Windass Hall of Fame.
• In 2008, a local Leeds brewery asked for suggestions for a new beer; the most popular suggestion was 'Radebeer', showing the Leeds fans' admiration of Lucas
• Superb reader of the game, commanding in the air, captained Leeds Utd to their most successful time in the Premier League.
• In 2002 voted the best player of all time by Leeds fans.
Colin Hendry
• Signed for Blackburn by Kenny Dalglish in November 1991 for a fee of £700,000 and helped them to great success including winning the FA Premier League
• A key figure to Blackburn winning the Premier League in 1995, their then manager Kenny Dalglish said that Hendry was the driving force behind the success.
• Captained Scotland
• A no nonsense defender, very strong and marked top players out of the game.
• A BEAST from set pieces, Hendry scored over 45 career goals (36 for Blackburn in the Premiership).
• Voted the 2nd greatest Blackburn player of all time.
Gael Clichy
• The youngest player to win a Premier League medal.
• At the age of 15 while playing for Cannes, Clichy nearly died as his heart stopped beating due to a problem with his lungs. It restarted after 15 seconds. The doctor who led the operation described Clichy's survival as "a miracle"; while the player himself admitted that the ordeal changed his attitude towards football and gave him extra desire.
• Highly consistent defender with superb pace, marking and tackling with unrivalled stamina.
• He was a member of Arsenal's famous Invincibles team before leaving the club in 2011
• Selected in the PFA team of the year (2008)
• One of few players to have won the Premier League with 2 different clubs.
Did Hamann
• Hamann gained a reputation for being a highly consistent and reliable player.
• Didi was very consistent throughout his Liverpool career. He acted as a shield for the defence and did a tremendous job every time.
• The catalyst for Liverpool winning the 2005 Champions League Final. Hamann's substitution at half time after being 3–0 down to bring the game back to 3–3. Hamann also showed a great amount of composure and bravery, as he took and converted the first LFC penalty with a broken foot.
• Steven Gerrard said of Hamann “Didi did all my defensive work for me, the best holding midfielder I’ve ever played with”
• Didi Hamann scored the last ever goal at the old Wembley.
Juninho Paulista
• Voted in a PFA fan's poll as Middlesbrough's greatest ever player
• World Cup winner who could handle the physicality of the Premier League.
• Technical genius on the ball, flair player with creativity from open play and set pieces.
• Boro fans would put out both their arms and bow forwards in worship during matches
• 23 Premier League goals in under 100 games for Boro and registered countless assists.
• His Manager said of him “Juninho's idiosyncratic offensive style and world-class ball skills, coupled with his humble and affable demeanour, often make his jersey the most sought after for opposing players after matches.”
David Ginola
• Ginola was renowned for his "magical" touch on the ball and his ability to get past players from any type of position and then manage to score a goal.
• In 1999, Dutch legend Johan Cruijff remarked that it was his belief that Ginola was currently the best player in the world
• Part of Newcastle’s most successful Premier League squad
• Scored 22 Premier League goals.
• Won French Player of the Year
• PFA Team of the Year 1995–96, 1998–99
• BBC Sport Goal of the Season
• Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Player of the Year 1998
• PFA Players' Player of the Year 1998-99
• FWA Footballer of the Year 1998-99
Gianfranco Zola
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 1997
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 1999, 2003
• Zola could score the sublime and won countless Goal of the Month awards
• Chelsea Centenary XI: 2005
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2006
• During his time at Stamford Bridge, Zola won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a Cup Winners' Cup, Super Cup, Charity Shield becoming the club's most successful import. He was integral to all this glory and was voted the 2nd best Chelsea player of all time (behind Didier Drogba) in October 2012.
• He has vision that cannot be matched, and assisted so many Chelsea goals.
• Big game player, Zola always relished the big matches and so often put in man of the match performances during them.
• Such a clever player, he is currently showing his mental attributes as a manager with Watford (and previously West Ham). He understands the game and he see’s things that make him and those around him successful.
Robbie Fowler
• Fourth-highest goal scorer in the history of the Premier League
• PFA Young Player of the Year Award (2): 1995, 1996
• Liverpool voted Fowler as their “greatest goal scorer of all time”
• Throughout the mid and late 1990s, Fowler was widely considered to be the most natural finisher playing in England. Fowler sealed this reputation as he scored more than 30 goals for three consecutive seasons, up to 1997. He remains the only player to have scored 30 plus goals in his first three full seasons in England scoring 98 goals with a total of 116 in 3 and a half years
• Scored 166 Premier League goals.
• Simply known as ‘God’ by Liverpool fans.
Didier Drogba
• In October 2012, he was voted by Chelsea supporters as the club's greatest ever player
• The Big player for the big-games, never before has the Premier League had such a consistent scorer in the most important matches.
• His key attributes include his physical strength, ability in the air, and his ability to retain possession of the ball
• Scored 100 Premier League goals including 2 seasons winning the Golden Boot.
• Drogba is unplayable and is such an important asset to have.
Peter Schmeichel
• UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998
• Was unanimously selected as the 20 season’s fantasy goalkeeper by both pundits and fans.
• Won Save of the decade 1997
• Captained Man Utd to Champions League success in 1999
• In 2001 won a public poll held by Reuters, when the majority of the 200,000 participants voted him as the best goalkeeper ever (ahead of Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks)
• In 2003 inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame!
• PFA England League Team of the Century (1907 to 2007): 2007
• Has greatest clean sheets-to-games ratio in the Premier League with 42% of the games he played in the league ending without his team conceding.
Des Walker
• The most gifted English defender of his generation, capable at both Right Back and Centre Back
• Pacey, hard tackling, Reliable defender.
• At the height of his career, Forest and Owls fans frequently chanted "You'll never beat Des Walker."
• Despite not being the tallest defender he could leap to beat the tallest players in the air and his pace meant even the quickest and most skilful forwards very rarely got any change from him.
• Sheffield Wednesday fans voted Des as their greatest ever defender.
Lucas Radebe
• The best Central Defender in the Premier League when he played. Man Utd wanted to sign him before they got Stam, and Radebe should not be marked down for his utter loyalty to Leeds United. He could have moved to gain trophies and probably more recognition but chose to stay at Leeds.
• Former captain of Leeds United and the South African national team
• At World Cup 2002. Nelson Mandela famously said of Radebe; "This is my hero."
• Loyal - Lucas turned down the chance to move to Manchester United, A.C. Milan and Roma. Alex Ferguson commented at the time "Everyone should be interested in Lucas"
• He was voted 54th in the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004.
• The Kaiser Chiefs took their name from Lucas' old club as he had such an influence on them as young men.
• A suite at Elland Road is named the Radebe Entrance.
• Leeds United's mascot. 'Lucas the Kop Cat', is named after Radebe.
• In December 2011, he was inducted to The Football Ramble's Dean Windass Hall of Fame.
• In 2008, a local Leeds brewery asked for suggestions for a new beer; the most popular suggestion was 'Radebeer', showing the Leeds fans' admiration of Lucas
• Superb reader of the game, commanding in the air, captained Leeds Utd to their most successful time in the Premier League.
• In 2002 voted the best player of all time by Leeds fans.
Colin Hendry
• Signed for Blackburn by Kenny Dalglish in November 1991 for a fee of £700,000 and helped them to great success including winning the FA Premier League
• A key figure to Blackburn winning the Premier League in 1995, their then manager Kenny Dalglish said that Hendry was the driving force behind the success.
• Captained Scotland
• A no nonsense defender, very strong and marked top players out of the game.
• A BEAST from set pieces, Hendry scored over 45 career goals (36 for Blackburn in the Premiership).
• Voted the 2nd greatest Blackburn player of all time.
Gael Clichy
• The youngest player to win a Premier League medal.
• At the age of 15 while playing for Cannes, Clichy nearly died as his heart stopped beating due to a problem with his lungs. It restarted after 15 seconds. The doctor who led the operation described Clichy's survival as "a miracle"; while the player himself admitted that the ordeal changed his attitude towards football and gave him extra desire.
• Highly consistent defender with superb pace, marking and tackling with unrivalled stamina.
• He was a member of Arsenal's famous Invincibles team before leaving the club in 2011
• Selected in the PFA team of the year (2008)
• One of few players to have won the Premier League with 2 different clubs.
Did Hamann
• Hamann gained a reputation for being a highly consistent and reliable player.
• Didi was very consistent throughout his Liverpool career. He acted as a shield for the defence and did a tremendous job every time.
• The catalyst for Liverpool winning the 2005 Champions League Final. Hamann's substitution at half time after being 3–0 down to bring the game back to 3–3. Hamann also showed a great amount of composure and bravery, as he took and converted the first LFC penalty with a broken foot.
• Steven Gerrard said of Hamann “Didi did all my defensive work for me, the best holding midfielder I’ve ever played with”
• Didi Hamann scored the last ever goal at the old Wembley.
Juninho Paulista
• Voted in a PFA fan's poll as Middlesbrough's greatest ever player
• World Cup winner who could handle the physicality of the Premier League.
• Technical genius on the ball, flair player with creativity from open play and set pieces.
• Boro fans would put out both their arms and bow forwards in worship during matches
• 23 Premier League goals in under 100 games for Boro and registered countless assists.
• His Manager said of him “Juninho's idiosyncratic offensive style and world-class ball skills, coupled with his humble and affable demeanour, often make his jersey the most sought after for opposing players after matches.”
David Ginola
• Ginola was renowned for his "magical" touch on the ball and his ability to get past players from any type of position and then manage to score a goal.
• In 1999, Dutch legend Johan Cruijff remarked that it was his belief that Ginola was currently the best player in the world
• Part of Newcastle’s most successful Premier League squad
• Scored 22 Premier League goals.
• Won French Player of the Year
• PFA Team of the Year 1995–96, 1998–99
• BBC Sport Goal of the Season
• Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Player of the Year 1998
• PFA Players' Player of the Year 1998-99
• FWA Footballer of the Year 1998-99
Gianfranco Zola
• FWA Footballer of the Year: 1997
• Chelsea Player of the Year: 1999, 2003
• Zola could score the sublime and won countless Goal of the Month awards
• Chelsea Centenary XI: 2005
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2006
• During his time at Stamford Bridge, Zola won two FA Cups, a League Cup and a Cup Winners' Cup, Super Cup, Charity Shield becoming the club's most successful import. He was integral to all this glory and was voted the 2nd best Chelsea player of all time (behind Didier Drogba) in October 2012.
• He has vision that cannot be matched, and assisted so many Chelsea goals.
• Big game player, Zola always relished the big matches and so often put in man of the match performances during them.
• Such a clever player, he is currently showing his mental attributes as a manager with Watford (and previously West Ham). He understands the game and he see’s things that make him and those around him successful.
Robbie Fowler
• Fourth-highest goal scorer in the history of the Premier League
• PFA Young Player of the Year Award (2): 1995, 1996
• Liverpool voted Fowler as their “greatest goal scorer of all time”
• Throughout the mid and late 1990s, Fowler was widely considered to be the most natural finisher playing in England. Fowler sealed this reputation as he scored more than 30 goals for three consecutive seasons, up to 1997. He remains the only player to have scored 30 plus goals in his first three full seasons in England scoring 98 goals with a total of 116 in 3 and a half years
• Scored 166 Premier League goals.
• Simply known as ‘God’ by Liverpool fans.
Didier Drogba
• In October 2012, he was voted by Chelsea supporters as the club's greatest ever player
• The Big player for the big-games, never before has the Premier League had such a consistent scorer in the most important matches.
• His key attributes include his physical strength, ability in the air, and his ability to retain possession of the ball
• Scored 100 Premier League goals including 2 seasons winning the Golden Boot.
• Drogba is unplayable and is such an important asset to have.
Team Tactics
After winning my first match vs. Andy which was a very tough match in my opinion, I thought long and hard about which of his players I should bring in. There’s no doubt over the class Zola Torres and Le Tissier, but I wasn’t sure if they would really suit my system of playing. They are superb players and until the very last minute I was due to keep my team the same. Then something hit me in the face, I came across a video of Zola and it gave me goosebumps. It’s easy to get caught up in present day players, but I don’t think there ever will be another Zola; he’s one of a kind. I’m confident that my team has such a strong defensive 6 that I can facilitate him in. Zola is in for Dennis Wise!
I believe my team to have the perfect balance to be a complete team. My team will play a rigid system in which the defenders will defend and the attackers will attack – simple eh?!
The team is built on a quality back 4 in front of the best ever Premier League Goalkeeper by far Peter Schmeichel. Call me old fashioned but I want my defenders to defend, not go roaming *cough* Glen Johnson. Defensively all my defenders are quality and can deal with any attacking threat quickly giving the ball to a more attacking player. Lucas Radebe, Colin Hendry, Gael Clichy & Des Walker will provide a reliable backbone to my team.
Didi Hamann will shield the back four throughout. Big man Hamann can play as anchor man and can pick out a pass. He is great at distribution and can hold the ball up when needed; he is a pivotal part of my system.
David Ginola and Juninho can run, pass, cross, shoot and will be a nightmare to deal with as they can interchange positions and roam freely knowing they will not leave the team exposed because of the disciplined defenders. These players need to have the freedom because in the tight system my team will play, sparks will be created out of nothing and supply the formidable strike force.
Gianfranco Zola, wow, what a legend. He was one of the first foreigners to come over here, and just shone an shone for Chelsea. He is possibly the best technical player the Premier League has ever seen, and can assist goals as well as score. He will play in just behind Drogba and Fowler (scary triad eh?) and he will link the passes between them as well as getting forward himself.
Strong, Pacey combination of Drogba and Fowler will cause every defence insane problems. Drogba can hold the ball up can pick a pass, attack headers, while Fowler has pace, awareness and is the most natural finisher the Premier League has seen. Fowler can score off scraps while Drogba can take players out of the game and win the ball aerially every time.
I have a strong big team when it comes to set pieces, as well as gifted dead ball specialists in Ginola, Zola, Juninho and even Drogba. I think when I have free kicks and corners to be hard to deal with.
Specific Match Tactics vs. aditya2991
My Defence vs. Adi’s Attack
• Adi’s team is very strong technically and will of course be a threat. The problem for his team is that they are very 1 dimensional, I don’t think he has enough variety in his team to surprise me, and do not have the attacking strength to cause me problems
• His attack foursome will consist of Kanchelskis, Giggs, Henry and Suarez. All of these are good players, with Henry and Giggs clearly the better ones. My back 4 will be Hendry, Radebe, Clichy and Des Walker. All of my defence have enough pace to deal with Adi’s foursome especially as I play a deep line of defence meaning there will no chance of any attackers getting in behind my back 4. Each defender has the capability of coping with the threat which will inevitably be along the floor.
• His team will not be able to attack in any other way then along the floor, as my bigger stronger team will deal with balls in the air every day for breakfast! Along with the back4 I have Didi Hamann shielding the defence playing a deep lying anchor. He will be pivotal in breaking up plays and distributing accordingly to transition to my attack. Once again Hamann is tall and strong and should not be caused problems. Henrys and Suarez’ chances will be limited as I don’t expect them to receive the ball in dangerous areas past my watertight defence, which could lead both players to move away from central positions to out wide in a desperate attempt to gain the ball. I think my back 6 is such a strong base for my team and I can’t really see him getting past my organised and combative players, making it virtually impossible for Adi’s ‘pretty football’ to work.
• Should Adi’s attack get any shots at goal (whether from distance or not) I have the best goalkeeper the Premiership has seen (by miles) in between the sticks. Peter Schmeichel is superhuman and although I don’t expect him to have a busy afternoon vs. Adiyta’s team, he will be able to pull off great saves to keep his sheets clean.
My Attack vs. Adi’s Defence
• My attack has such variety and free roles for my technically gifted players I believe I can cause any defence big problems. Adi’s defence is no different. Let’s take a look at his back 4, Sagna, Kompany, Winterburn, and Southgate. OK so I’ll grant Kompany is his best defender by a distance, but even he has weaknesses. For all Kompany’s composure, tackling timing and awareness, he has often struggled when facing strong challenges in the air. I don’t believe Kompany can cope with the aerial threat that Drogba will pose, and will certainly not be in for an easy game (as he’s got used to with Man City). Drogba will be challenging Kompany for every ball and I would expect him to win the majority fashioning chances for him and my other attacking players. Southgate next, well, he’s not exactly a top defender he reminds me a bit of Matthew Upson. He’s OK in the air but is not mobile at all and with Fowler running in behind, around, over him Southgate won’t be able to cope, especially when Drogba is making knockdowns and my super creative wingers and putting in crosses left, right and centre. Fowler is the most natural finisher the Premier League has ever seen.
• Next we have the winger/fullback contest. Winterburn was a member of a successful Arsenal team; however Arsenal would have been successful without him. He will give 6-7 out of 10 every week, but it won’t be every week when he comes up against Juninho. World Cup Winner Juninho is a legend at Middlesbrough and won the Premier League player of the season award. His pace, trickery and crossing ability means Winterburn will be wishing he stayed at home. For those unsure of Juninho’s class please view this YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUyy_2eixDM Similarly on the battle on the other side, Ginola will tear Sagna apart. Sagna has often been comfortable when Arsenal are playing teams mid/low in the Premiership but when he comes up against quality wingers (even Malouda) he gets torn apart. Ginola is possibly the most creative genius Winger in modern times and for those (CHEMI) who don’t know about him please view this video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q0fPoTupd0 Both Juninho and Ginola have so many tricks to offer and they can switch flanks, play through the middle, with the defensive cover they are free to attack attack attack.
• Alonso and Batty as the shield in front of the back 4 I believe will be a bit of overkill as there are so many different ways I can attack. I could use winger’s trickery, balls through to Fowler, balls in the air to Drogba. I have Gianfranco Zola to just be…well…Zola. My team will close down from the front meaning Alonso won’t have much time on the ball, but once again I think the many threats of my team will cause Batty/Alonso to drift out of position leaving more pockets of space for my team to exploit. Zola is one of those players that finds space no matter where and he is extremely clever in retaining possession whilst opening defences like a knife through butter. Once again for those unaware of Zola’s magic please view this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25MZuCzK1U. He will be impossible to handle in creating chance after chance for himself and team mates alike.
• Jo Hart, is a good keeper, but not a great goalkeeper yet. Last season he conceded many goals and started this season very shaky and is not the most reliable when it comes down to it. I shouldn’t think he would be able to withstand the sheer threat my team possesses.
Summary
• If you are unaware of any of my players please don’t hesitate to ask me before you vote, I know that many of my players are vintage, and you may not be so familiar with them. I do have plenty of stats and videos to back up my claims and would be happy to share them.
After winning my first match vs. Andy which was a very tough match in my opinion, I thought long and hard about which of his players I should bring in. There’s no doubt over the class Zola Torres and Le Tissier, but I wasn’t sure if they would really suit my system of playing. They are superb players and until the very last minute I was due to keep my team the same. Then something hit me in the face, I came across a video of Zola and it gave me goosebumps. It’s easy to get caught up in present day players, but I don’t think there ever will be another Zola; he’s one of a kind. I’m confident that my team has such a strong defensive 6 that I can facilitate him in. Zola is in for Dennis Wise!
I believe my team to have the perfect balance to be a complete team. My team will play a rigid system in which the defenders will defend and the attackers will attack – simple eh?!
The team is built on a quality back 4 in front of the best ever Premier League Goalkeeper by far Peter Schmeichel. Call me old fashioned but I want my defenders to defend, not go roaming *cough* Glen Johnson. Defensively all my defenders are quality and can deal with any attacking threat quickly giving the ball to a more attacking player. Lucas Radebe, Colin Hendry, Gael Clichy & Des Walker will provide a reliable backbone to my team.
Didi Hamann will shield the back four throughout. Big man Hamann can play as anchor man and can pick out a pass. He is great at distribution and can hold the ball up when needed; he is a pivotal part of my system.
David Ginola and Juninho can run, pass, cross, shoot and will be a nightmare to deal with as they can interchange positions and roam freely knowing they will not leave the team exposed because of the disciplined defenders. These players need to have the freedom because in the tight system my team will play, sparks will be created out of nothing and supply the formidable strike force.
Gianfranco Zola, wow, what a legend. He was one of the first foreigners to come over here, and just shone an shone for Chelsea. He is possibly the best technical player the Premier League has ever seen, and can assist goals as well as score. He will play in just behind Drogba and Fowler (scary triad eh?) and he will link the passes between them as well as getting forward himself.
Strong, Pacey combination of Drogba and Fowler will cause every defence insane problems. Drogba can hold the ball up can pick a pass, attack headers, while Fowler has pace, awareness and is the most natural finisher the Premier League has seen. Fowler can score off scraps while Drogba can take players out of the game and win the ball aerially every time.
I have a strong big team when it comes to set pieces, as well as gifted dead ball specialists in Ginola, Zola, Juninho and even Drogba. I think when I have free kicks and corners to be hard to deal with.
Specific Match Tactics vs. aditya2991
My Defence vs. Adi’s Attack
• Adi’s team is very strong technically and will of course be a threat. The problem for his team is that they are very 1 dimensional, I don’t think he has enough variety in his team to surprise me, and do not have the attacking strength to cause me problems
• His attack foursome will consist of Kanchelskis, Giggs, Henry and Suarez. All of these are good players, with Henry and Giggs clearly the better ones. My back 4 will be Hendry, Radebe, Clichy and Des Walker. All of my defence have enough pace to deal with Adi’s foursome especially as I play a deep line of defence meaning there will no chance of any attackers getting in behind my back 4. Each defender has the capability of coping with the threat which will inevitably be along the floor.
• His team will not be able to attack in any other way then along the floor, as my bigger stronger team will deal with balls in the air every day for breakfast! Along with the back4 I have Didi Hamann shielding the defence playing a deep lying anchor. He will be pivotal in breaking up plays and distributing accordingly to transition to my attack. Once again Hamann is tall and strong and should not be caused problems. Henrys and Suarez’ chances will be limited as I don’t expect them to receive the ball in dangerous areas past my watertight defence, which could lead both players to move away from central positions to out wide in a desperate attempt to gain the ball. I think my back 6 is such a strong base for my team and I can’t really see him getting past my organised and combative players, making it virtually impossible for Adi’s ‘pretty football’ to work.
• Should Adi’s attack get any shots at goal (whether from distance or not) I have the best goalkeeper the Premiership has seen (by miles) in between the sticks. Peter Schmeichel is superhuman and although I don’t expect him to have a busy afternoon vs. Adiyta’s team, he will be able to pull off great saves to keep his sheets clean.
My Attack vs. Adi’s Defence
• My attack has such variety and free roles for my technically gifted players I believe I can cause any defence big problems. Adi’s defence is no different. Let’s take a look at his back 4, Sagna, Kompany, Winterburn, and Southgate. OK so I’ll grant Kompany is his best defender by a distance, but even he has weaknesses. For all Kompany’s composure, tackling timing and awareness, he has often struggled when facing strong challenges in the air. I don’t believe Kompany can cope with the aerial threat that Drogba will pose, and will certainly not be in for an easy game (as he’s got used to with Man City). Drogba will be challenging Kompany for every ball and I would expect him to win the majority fashioning chances for him and my other attacking players. Southgate next, well, he’s not exactly a top defender he reminds me a bit of Matthew Upson. He’s OK in the air but is not mobile at all and with Fowler running in behind, around, over him Southgate won’t be able to cope, especially when Drogba is making knockdowns and my super creative wingers and putting in crosses left, right and centre. Fowler is the most natural finisher the Premier League has ever seen.
• Next we have the winger/fullback contest. Winterburn was a member of a successful Arsenal team; however Arsenal would have been successful without him. He will give 6-7 out of 10 every week, but it won’t be every week when he comes up against Juninho. World Cup Winner Juninho is a legend at Middlesbrough and won the Premier League player of the season award. His pace, trickery and crossing ability means Winterburn will be wishing he stayed at home. For those unsure of Juninho’s class please view this YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUyy_2eixDM Similarly on the battle on the other side, Ginola will tear Sagna apart. Sagna has often been comfortable when Arsenal are playing teams mid/low in the Premiership but when he comes up against quality wingers (even Malouda) he gets torn apart. Ginola is possibly the most creative genius Winger in modern times and for those (CHEMI) who don’t know about him please view this video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q0fPoTupd0 Both Juninho and Ginola have so many tricks to offer and they can switch flanks, play through the middle, with the defensive cover they are free to attack attack attack.
• Alonso and Batty as the shield in front of the back 4 I believe will be a bit of overkill as there are so many different ways I can attack. I could use winger’s trickery, balls through to Fowler, balls in the air to Drogba. I have Gianfranco Zola to just be…well…Zola. My team will close down from the front meaning Alonso won’t have much time on the ball, but once again I think the many threats of my team will cause Batty/Alonso to drift out of position leaving more pockets of space for my team to exploit. Zola is one of those players that finds space no matter where and he is extremely clever in retaining possession whilst opening defences like a knife through butter. Once again for those unaware of Zola’s magic please view this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=b25MZuCzK1U. He will be impossible to handle in creating chance after chance for himself and team mates alike.
• Jo Hart, is a good keeper, but not a great goalkeeper yet. Last season he conceded many goals and started this season very shaky and is not the most reliable when it comes down to it. I shouldn’t think he would be able to withstand the sheer threat my team possesses.
Summary
• If you are unaware of any of my players please don’t hesitate to ask me before you vote, I know that many of my players are vintage, and you may not be so familiar with them. I do have plenty of stats and videos to back up my claims and would be happy to share them.
@aditya2991- Formation/bio/tactics:
1) Joe Hart
Great reflexes, good positional sense and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Currently the best keeper in the league and since his breakthrough at Birmingham two time keeper of the year out of three occasions, nominated for European Footballer of the Year, the only keeper to be so. He’s a fearless young Goalkeeper and currently England’s NO1.
PFA League Two Team of the Year 2005-06; Birmingham City FC Player of the Year 2009-10; PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2009-10, 2011-12; PFA Young Player of the Year nominee 2009-10;
2) Bacary Sagna:
named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2007-08. Sagna is a strong defender who has good positional awareness and is an adept reader of the game. He also has the capability to overlap down the right hand side. One of the top right back, not only in the PL, but also for France.
3) Nigel Winterburn
Slots in nicely ahead of Hart in this defence where he performed so admirably for over a decade. If you can look past his annoying face you'll see he was an ultra-dependable, astute and experienced fullback that no winger enjoyed facing up to. 2 Premier League titles & 4 runners-up medals, 4 FA Cup titles & 1 runners-up medal, 352 Premier League appearances.
4) Vincent Kompany
Best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.
5) Gareth Southgate:
highest achievements in the sport were winning the League Cup with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He also reached an FA Cup and UEFA Cup final as a player, and made 57 appearances for the England national team . His playing career ended in May 2006 after he was appointed Middlesbrough manager. Very Under-rated central defender and in his b=very first season for Boro, he had won the POTY year and became a firm favorite.
6) David Batty
David Batty a fans favourite and undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the draft, selected in the PFA Team of the Year on 3 occasions. A member of the title winning Blackburn and Leeds sides, as well as coming runner up twice under Newcastle, Batty was instrumental in any team he played in. An unbelievable workrate and tireless running, combined with a ruthless competitive streak makes him on of the leagues best ever ball-winners.
7) Xabi Alonso
A deep-lying midfielder, Alonso is a wonderful passer of the ball and has vision to rival any in world football.. Alonso is an expert manipulator of a football as well as reading the game superbly.
He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup
8) Ryan Giggs
Tireless running and important goals have been the hallmark of a terrific career, but his intelligent retention of the ball and ability to create goalscoring opportunities for those around him cannot be underestimated. He is one of the best wingers one would ever see, owning the left flank, going past defenders in such a speed and scored in every season of Premier league since its inception. The opposition right backs would never enjoy the presence of Ryan Giggs.
He was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009. He is the only player to have played and scored in every completed season of the Premier League. He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007,the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003, as well as the FA Cup Team of the Century.
Zidane said:"Giggs is a great player.I still vividly remember the games I played against him. My shock after watching Giggs play for the first time was very similar to the shock after seeing Luiz Ronaldo."
9) Kanchelskis:
Kanchelskis is the only player in history to have scored in each of the Glasgow, Merseyside and Manchester local derbies. Kanchelskis was United's leading goalscorer in the 1994–95 season with 15 goals in 32 games (14 of them in the Premier League). He was a fans’ favorite and was one of the top wingers in the premier league. It was delightful to watch Kan Kan running down the flank at sheer pace.
10) Thierry Henry:
One of the most complete forwards of recent times, Henry boasts electric pace, superb control, complex technique and supreme composure in front of goal. His creative streak is put to good use when unselfishly teeing up team-mates with finesse and he has a strong character and a winner's mentality. Also a threat from set-pieces.
Henry was at his peak when Arsenal went the entire Premier League season unbeaten in 2003-04, scoring a highly impressive 30 goals in 37 league appearances and being named both PFA Players' Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year. Enough said!
“If you look at the whole package, with everything Henry has, I don't think you can find that anywhere else. You give him the ball in the right place and his acceleration will take him past any defender in the world.”
—Former teammate Dennis Bergkamp
11) Luis Suarez:
Technically excellent and full of running, this deadly striker is a threat from long range, in the box or in the air. He is also versatile and likes to attack from wide positions, making him an elusive presence. A prolific forward and certainly can score from any range.
"The 'Hand Of God' now belongs to me. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy". Luis Suarez.
Great reflexes, good positional sense and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Currently the best keeper in the league and since his breakthrough at Birmingham two time keeper of the year out of three occasions, nominated for European Footballer of the Year, the only keeper to be so. He’s a fearless young Goalkeeper and currently England’s NO1.
PFA League Two Team of the Year 2005-06; Birmingham City FC Player of the Year 2009-10; PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2009-10, 2011-12; PFA Young Player of the Year nominee 2009-10;
2) Bacary Sagna:
named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2007-08. Sagna is a strong defender who has good positional awareness and is an adept reader of the game. He also has the capability to overlap down the right hand side. One of the top right back, not only in the PL, but also for France.
3) Nigel Winterburn
Slots in nicely ahead of Hart in this defence where he performed so admirably for over a decade. If you can look past his annoying face you'll see he was an ultra-dependable, astute and experienced fullback that no winger enjoyed facing up to. 2 Premier League titles & 4 runners-up medals, 4 FA Cup titles & 1 runners-up medal, 352 Premier League appearances.
4) Vincent Kompany
Best defender currently in world football, let alone the Premiership, and currently the reigning Premier League Player of the Season – one of only two defenders to ever win the award. A revelation since moving to central defence, being quick, strong, great in the air and also positionally Kompany does not have a weak link. Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.
5) Gareth Southgate:
highest achievements in the sport were winning the League Cup with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He also reached an FA Cup and UEFA Cup final as a player, and made 57 appearances for the England national team . His playing career ended in May 2006 after he was appointed Middlesbrough manager. Very Under-rated central defender and in his b=very first season for Boro, he had won the POTY year and became a firm favorite.
6) David Batty
David Batty a fans favourite and undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the draft, selected in the PFA Team of the Year on 3 occasions. A member of the title winning Blackburn and Leeds sides, as well as coming runner up twice under Newcastle, Batty was instrumental in any team he played in. An unbelievable workrate and tireless running, combined with a ruthless competitive streak makes him on of the leagues best ever ball-winners.
7) Xabi Alonso
A deep-lying midfielder, Alonso is a wonderful passer of the ball and has vision to rival any in world football.. Alonso is an expert manipulator of a football as well as reading the game superbly.
He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the FA Community Shield and the FA Cup. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup
8) Ryan Giggs
Tireless running and important goals have been the hallmark of a terrific career, but his intelligent retention of the ball and ability to create goalscoring opportunities for those around him cannot be underestimated. He is one of the best wingers one would ever see, owning the left flank, going past defenders in such a speed and scored in every season of Premier league since its inception. The opposition right backs would never enjoy the presence of Ryan Giggs.
He was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009. He is the only player to have played and scored in every completed season of the Premier League. He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007,the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003, as well as the FA Cup Team of the Century.
Zidane said:"Giggs is a great player.I still vividly remember the games I played against him. My shock after watching Giggs play for the first time was very similar to the shock after seeing Luiz Ronaldo."
9) Kanchelskis:
Kanchelskis is the only player in history to have scored in each of the Glasgow, Merseyside and Manchester local derbies. Kanchelskis was United's leading goalscorer in the 1994–95 season with 15 goals in 32 games (14 of them in the Premier League). He was a fans’ favorite and was one of the top wingers in the premier league. It was delightful to watch Kan Kan running down the flank at sheer pace.
10) Thierry Henry:
One of the most complete forwards of recent times, Henry boasts electric pace, superb control, complex technique and supreme composure in front of goal. His creative streak is put to good use when unselfishly teeing up team-mates with finesse and he has a strong character and a winner's mentality. Also a threat from set-pieces.
Henry was at his peak when Arsenal went the entire Premier League season unbeaten in 2003-04, scoring a highly impressive 30 goals in 37 league appearances and being named both PFA Players' Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year. Enough said!
“If you look at the whole package, with everything Henry has, I don't think you can find that anywhere else. You give him the ball in the right place and his acceleration will take him past any defender in the world.”
—Former teammate Dennis Bergkamp
11) Luis Suarez:
Technically excellent and full of running, this deadly striker is a threat from long range, in the box or in the air. He is also versatile and likes to attack from wide positions, making him an elusive presence. A prolific forward and certainly can score from any range.
"The 'Hand Of God' now belongs to me. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy". Luis Suarez.
This time I will go for a 4-4-2 with mainly focusing my strength on the wide players. I guess my wide players can do a decent work running down the flank and making Ben’s full backs’ life miserable 
.
No doubt Ben has got quality fullbacks and so I have to come better off him on the flanks.
And, by playing 4-4-2, my central mids will be in their positions and not get exposed and hence I opted for this formation rather than 4-3-2-1 where my central mids might have to go wide and sort out and hence getting exposed centrally.
I suppose Ben will go with the same formation and this could be a good contest to watch out for
Fowler and Drogba are his key weapons and my defence will have to be at their feet. And so, I’d ask Xabi to play a bit deeper than Batty ,in front of the back 4 when Ben attacks . It boasts a strong defence if players drop back and hence he can play as the 5th defender if Ben’s team counter-attacks and hence Xabi is an important player in my team for this game.
Going wide can often stretch the oppositions defence and create openings in the central area to give strikers more space and time. This option of play is slightly safer as the midfield players can focus on controlling midfield by picking up loose balls and making tackles if necessary. A sideline defender can attack over the wing and the corresponding midfielder immediately responds defensively covering his side.
Henry and Suarez can expect a lot of crosses from Giggs and Kanchelskis and full backs (Counter-attacking play) and Henry, particularly, suits in this formation.
It is common in this system to have one striker playing high up the field capable of holding the ball up and laying it off to his partner. This player furthest up the field is often a big target man, with the physical strength to hold off defenders and bring his teammates into play. And I so I find Henry and Suarez having a formidable relationship.
I am hoping overall my team looks good on paper!
.No doubt Ben has got quality fullbacks and so I have to come better off him on the flanks.
And, by playing 4-4-2, my central mids will be in their positions and not get exposed and hence I opted for this formation rather than 4-3-2-1 where my central mids might have to go wide and sort out and hence getting exposed centrally.
I suppose Ben will go with the same formation and this could be a good contest to watch out for
Fowler and Drogba are his key weapons and my defence will have to be at their feet. And so, I’d ask Xabi to play a bit deeper than Batty ,in front of the back 4 when Ben attacks . It boasts a strong defence if players drop back and hence he can play as the 5th defender if Ben’s team counter-attacks and hence Xabi is an important player in my team for this game.
Going wide can often stretch the oppositions defence and create openings in the central area to give strikers more space and time. This option of play is slightly safer as the midfield players can focus on controlling midfield by picking up loose balls and making tackles if necessary. A sideline defender can attack over the wing and the corresponding midfielder immediately responds defensively covering his side.
Henry and Suarez can expect a lot of crosses from Giggs and Kanchelskis and full backs (Counter-attacking play) and Henry, particularly, suits in this formation.
It is common in this system to have one striker playing high up the field capable of holding the ball up and laying it off to his partner. This player furthest up the field is often a big target man, with the physical strength to hold off defenders and bring his teammates into play. And I so I find Henry and Suarez having a formidable relationship.
I am hoping overall my team looks good on paper!
