Quarter-final 2 - Demi vs KK

Jussi Jaaskelainen - A Premier league stalwart for Bolton. He signed when they got promoted to the Premier league, and aside from a cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out for a while, he has been established as the clear no.1 between the sticks for the best part of 10 seasons. Jaaskelainen was instrumental in helping Bolton secure a UEFA Cup spot for only the second time in their history. This feat lead to him being nominated for and winning Bolton's "Player of the Year Award" and also the "Players' Player of the Year Award" during that 2006-07 season. It may be notable that Bolton finally got relegated at the end of last season, when Jussi's talents were on the wane and he was ousted by Bogdan. Though some may also put that down to the defence he had in front of him(*cough cough* "Gary Cahill") Although, a current contract with West Ham, allowing Jussi to link up with his former boss Sam Allardyce, has helped him to revive his career and produce a glimpse of his best form during his Bolton days.


Denis Irwin - Not a lot to say about Irwin that hasn't been already been said by pundits, journos and fans alike. I'll let his medals do the talking. 7 Premier league titles, 3 FA cups, 1 League cup, 4 Charity shields, 1 Champions league, 1 Cup Winners cup, 1 European Super cup and 1 Intercontinental cup. Irwin was without doubt one of if not the finest LB the Premier League has seen. Denis Irwin also made the overall team of the decade(between 1992/3 to 2001/2) in the PL 10 seasons awards. Dennis Irwin was also included in the PFA Team of the year twice in the Premier League, and a further two times in the lower division when playing for Wolves. Irwin could also play at RB when needed and hardly ever let Man United down when asked to fill in their. Another string to Irwin's bow was his ability from dead ball situations. He took and scored numerous free kicks and penalties during his long Manchester United tenure which amounted to a very respectable 325 Premier league appearances. Sir Alex Ferguson once regarded Irwin, as his pound for pound, greatest signing. A ringing endorsement if ever there was one.

Daniel Agger - Probably one of the most technically gifted centre backs in the Premier League over the last few seasons. Agger has pretty much all you can ask for in a Central defender. If there was a weakness, it would be Agger's tendency to get injured, which says alot about his football ability. Daniel Agger strengthens any side he plays in, and is also his countries captain which is a measure of just how good he is. Agger has formed some solid partnerships at Liverpool, with previous players like Carragher and Hyppia and now with Skrtel. Daniel Agger won the League cup with Liverpool and was also a Champions league finalist all while playing in the Premier league. Agger has racked up almost 150 Premier league appearances, and at the time of writing, has just 13 yellow cards to his name. An impressive disciplinary record, aided by him only ever being sent off once in the Premier League. Lastly, he's also a reliable threat from set pieces, shown by his tally of 7 Premier league goals in his career so far.

Tony Adams - Adams is the rock at the heart of my defence. He is one of the great CB's of the Premier league era and epitomises the phrase; 'captain, leader, legend.'. Adams made over 250 Premier league appearances for Arsenal, scoring a very healthy 12 goals in the process. He was the captain of one of Arsenal's iconic back four's, partnering Steve Bould with Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn either side of them. Adams was superb technically and as a Centre back, he was renowned for his timing of tackles, aerial prowess, and great reading of the game. More than anything, Adams loved a good old battle. He had an insatiable appetite for defending and always gave 100%. Adams won plenty during his time in the Premiership, and was a vital cog in most if not all of the trophies he and Arsenal won. They included; 2 Premier league titles, 3 FA cups, 1 League cup, 2 Charity shields and a Uefa Cup Winners' cup. Tony Adams was also runner up in the Premier league on 3 separate occasions. Individually, Adams won a place in the Overall Premier league team of the decade and was also part of the PFA Team of the Year on 3 separate occasions. From the start of the 1990's, only Adams's Arsenal had consistently challenged Manchester United in title races, leading Ferguson to observe that "I can't wait for him to retire".

Lauren - Lauren was a very solid Right back for Arsenal. Dominant in his defensive duties, whilst also being a decent attacking outlet when going forward. In total, Lauren made 186 Premier league appearances and scored 8 times. A healthy figure for a defender. Most notably, Lauren was part of Arsenal Invincibles' season. An incredible feat, of which has yet to be matched in the Premier league. Lauren played 32 of his side's historic 38 games during that 03-04 season, showing just what a vital cog he was to their unbeaten run. He was included in the PFA team of the year for his role in that season too. Aside from that season, Lauren also won the Premier league in the 2001-02 season, along with 4 FA cups(one with Portsmouth) and 2 Charity shields with Arsenal.


Michael Essien - Essien is probably one of the best box to box midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. He's made over 150 Premier league appearances, scoring 19 goals in the process. A true power house; he had stamina, aggression, could tackle, and although not prolific, had a great eye for goal. A testament to this was when Essien won the award for Chelsea's goal of the season on 2 separate occasions. Essien was great at driving his team forward, due to his relentless work-rate, which he could be seen doing on numerous occasions for Chelsea. Unfortunately injuries got the better of him late in his career, and he's been a peripheral figure for Chelsea in the last season and a bit, leading to him going out on loan. At the peak of his career, Essien was a monster. This is shown by his trophy collection. 2 Premier league titles, 4 FA cups, 1 League cup, 1 Charity shield and a Champions league winners medal. Essien formed dominant partnerships at the heart of Chelsea's midfield with the likes of Lampard, Ballack and Makelele, showing how he could adapt to any situation, and with any style. Essien was also the winner of Chelsea's player of the year award in 2007.

Emmanuel Petit - Arsenal won their first Premier League title in the 1997-98 season. This was the year they bought Petit, who went on to be a vital part of that title winning squad. Petit demonstrated tidy passing and tackling throughout his Arsenal career, and proved to be a cultured midfielder, who was the ideal partner for Patrick Vieira at the heart of Arsenals midfield. Petit was a great long passer and usually started all of Arsenal's attacks from deep. He had great positional awareness, due to previously being a CB in France. Effective in breaking up attacks, and also in starting them. Along with the Premier league title, Petit also won the FA cup in his 1st season. Even though Petit and Arsenal were trophyless in his 2nd season, his efforts didn't go unnoticed, as he earned a place in the PFA team of the year. He was also an underrated deliverer of set pieces. An influential part of my midfield who, due to being a great reader of the game with positional sense to match anyone, will also cover for fellow team mates when they venture forward.

Luis Garcia - A flair player. Luis Garcia made 77 Premier league appearances for Liverpool, scoring 18 goals. He was by no means one of the league's best wingers, due to being as equally brilliant as he was inconsistent. However he was capable of lots of magical moments, and scored special goals throughout his premier league stay. The most notable goal he scored in the league would probably be the winner against Everton in a Merseyside derby in 2005. He had most things you could ask for in a winger; a great eye for goal, quick feet, versatilty, clever movement and an eye for a pass too. Overall, during his Liverpool career, although never winning a title, he was instrumental in Europe scoring vital goals, helping Liverpool to win the Champions league in 2005 and be runners up in the 06-07 season. Garcia also won the FA cup, Charity shield and UEFA Super cup with Liverpool. Furthermore, he was included in the UEFA team of the year in 2005, for his vital contribution in Liverpool's european run.

Darren Anderton - The Right winger in my team. Darren Anderton made over 250 Premier league appearances for Spurs, scoring 20 goals. Anderton possessed an amazing right foot and was the creator of many goals for Tottenham in the league. He provided countless assists, not just from his passing but also his expert dead balls. Anderton could play in central midfield too, and was good at tracking back and helping out defensively. A real team player who won the League cup with Spurs in 1999. A great playmaking footballer, who showed great link up with team-mates such as Barmby and Sheringham during his Spurs career too. Unfortunately, Anderton's time at Spurs was hampered with injury and he acquired the nickname, 'Sicknote.' However this shouldn't detract from the fact that when fit, he was influential in many Spurs victories.

Cesc Fabregas - Cesc Fabregas arrived in the Premier league as a highly rated teenager. It's fair to say that after he left the Premier league for pastures new, he was a man. A man who had developed into one of the best, if not the best attacking midfielder, the like of which the Premier league had rarely seen before. Fabregas has an incredible passing game, and was the orchestrator, general, chief creator, in many of Arsenals' goals. Fabregas found space effortlessly throughout the pitch, and despite not having searing pace, his vision and movement was enough to leave opposition players trailing in his wake. As time went by, he developed an increasing knack for scoring goals, and by the end of his career, Fabregas had scored 36 goals in just over 200 Premier league games, whilst providing countless assists. He was made Arsenal captain after the departure of Vieira in 2008 and this only increased his hunger to do more. It eventually resulted in his most prolific season for Arsenal in the Premier league to date. It came during 2009-10 when he finished on 15 goals and 15 assists. He enhanced his reputation later on that summer where he was to go the World cup finals with Spain and assist Iniesta's goal in the final against Holland that won them the World Cup. Fabregas had now truly announced himself to the world as an outstanding midfielder playing at the highest level. Despite only having an FA cup medal to show for his talents, Fabregas is still regarded as one of the best midfielders to grace the Premier league. He might not have a great trophy collection, but his individual honours say just a little something about how good he really was. While at Arsenal, Fabregas boasted a stunning collection of individual awards; the Golden boy award in 2006, PFA young player of the year award in 07-08, UEFA team of the year in 2006 and 2008, 2 PFA teams of the year in 07-08 and 09-10 and also the UEFA Euro Team of the tournament in 2008.

Wayne Rooney - Rooney will lead the line for my team. His goals and all round play are amongst the best the Premier league has seen. Rooney's ratio so far stands at 152 goals in 332 Premier league appearances, which is an insane record not bettered by many in the Premier league era. at 1 goal in just over every 2 games. Rooney is far from just a goal scorer, which makes him the complete footballer. Goalscoring stats aren't a true measure of how good Rooney is though, because what he does on the pitch can't be judged on goal tallies alone. He's more than just your everyday run of the mill penalty box striker. He's a marauding, game changing, free spirited and during his early years, bull dozing footballer, capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and is usually the attacking hub of any side he plays in. He can provide assists, as shown by his tally of 83 in the PL so far, whilst playing for both United and Everton. Wayne Rooney is powerful on the ball, and although he's lost the pace that made him so devastating as a teenager, he still has the guile and movement to go past players unnoticed, which makes him such a threat outside the box. Rooney is also one of the most unselfish elite players you'll see. He's been deployed out on to the wing too, to accomodate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. He's great at his defensive duties, which combined with his goalscoring, and goal creating, makes him the ultimate footballer, unrivalled by many in the Premier league or in Europe. At Manchester United, he has won everything there is to win in the game. 4 Premier league titles, 2 League cups, 3 Charity shields and 1 Fifa Club World cup. His individual honours make for great reading too; 3 PFA team of the years, Player of the year in 09-10, England player of the year twice, Fifa/FIFPro World XI, PFA young player of the year twice, Goal of the season on 3 occasions, UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the tournament, and winning best goal in the Premier league 20 seasons awards, for his sublime bicycle kick winner in the derby against Manchester City.

Tactics:

This formation is a 4-2-3-1 designed to get the best out of Rooney and Fabregas, the 2 World class attackers in the team. Fabregas will play behind Rooney and act as the chief creator in the team, Rooney will be allowed to concentrate solely on goalscoring, hence staying in and around the box, although will at times drop deep so as to not neglect his defensive duties. I believe in the central trio of Essien, Petit and Fabregas, that i have the ideal combination of, passing, tacking, starting attacks from very deep and in general driving the team forward.



Petit will play slightly deeper than Essien on the pitch and look to start attacks, utilising his short and long passing game. Essien will be tasked with picking up opposition attackers, and wnning the ball using his tenancity and energy in the tackle. Anderton will be the one to provide crosses for Rooney with his great crossing ability on his right foot. Garica will play on the other wing and is a different, more skillfull, direct winger to Anderton. He will add balance to the side and also provide a genuine goal threat with his shooting ability. My CB partnership of Adams and Agger provides a solid, intimidating core to my team. Agger will be the calm reassuring presence and be useful in bringing the ball out from the back, with his great passing ability for a CB. Adams will be less reserved and look to use his strength to get stuck in against opposition strikers, and look to win everything in the air. Both CB's are also well capable of bringing the ball out and playing it from the back. Irwin and Lauren are the full backs in my side, and will bomb forward at the right opportunities, linking up mostly with Fabregas, Rooney and Garcia. Anderton won't be rooted to the right wing, as it would be a waste of his playmaking abilities so he will come central at times to link up with Fabregas and Rooney aswell.


I expect the trio of Adams, Agger and Jaaskelainen to be fully concentrated for the duration of the 90 minutes and to be disciplined and act responsibly when the situation requires it.

Bergkamp:
Bergkamp has been described as having "the finest technique" of any Dutch international and a "dream for a striker". With Arsenal, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cup trophies and reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final. With the Netherlands national team, Bergkamp surpassed Faas Wilkes's record to become the country's top goalscorer of all time in 1998, a record later eclipsed by Patrick Kluivert. In 2007, he was inducted into the FIFA Hall of Fame, the first and so far only Dutch player ever to receive such a honor.

RVN:
Following his move to United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup ,FA Community Shield and was awarded the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, hitting 150 goals in just 219 games leading to him being United's all time European record goal scorer. In addition, he won the Dutch footballer of the year twice, a spot in the PFA team of the year twice and several other accolades.

Desailly:
For only £4.6m, Marcel Desailly was quite the bargain for the Blues. Even though the French powerhouse only managed to win an FA cup during his time at Chelsea, his performances were anything but lacking. Chelsea's captain at the time, along with Frank Lebouef formed one of the most formidable CB partnerships the Prem has ever seen.

Bale:
His move from left back to left winger was basically the key to unlocking Bale's "treasure chest" of skill. The heir to the label of "The Flying Welshman", Gareth Bale showed his true quality against Italian giants Internazionale in the group stages of the 10/11 Champions League when he skinned, then best right back in the world, Maicon not once, not twice, but three times to bag a hattrick. Since then, the Welshman has been putting in impressive performances week in week out, attracting the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the process. (Please appreciate the fact that, even though it pains me, I highlighted his massacre of Maicon)

Poyet:
Snapping up Gus on a free transfer, Chelsea went on to bring out the best of the Uruguayan's talents. Poyet 's first taste of glory came when he aided Chelsea in beating Stuttgart to claim the Cup Winners' Cup. On his 2nd season, he went on to score 14 goals, making him the club's 2nd highest goal-scorer of the season and helping his team qualify to the Champions League. After scoring the winner for Chelsea in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup against Spanish giants Real Madrid, Gus continued his prolific form by scoring 18 goals in his next season (also making him the club's 2nd highest goal-scorer) with memorable goals such as the scissors kick volley against Sunderland, a long range strike against Lazio and both of Chelsea's goals in the FA cup semi-final against Newcastle which led to Chelsea qualifying to the final and then winning the FA cup. Surplus to requirements with Ranieri's arrival, Poyet moved to Tottenham, scoring 14 goals in his debut season.

Keown:
3 Premier League trophies, 3 FA cups, 3 FA Community Shields, 1 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and 311 appearances for Arsenal mark this tough Centre Back's career.

Petrescu:
A gloomy day at the Bridge, Petrescu backheels the ball to Dennis Wise who immediately gives it back to the Romanian, Dan Petrescu takes on a Southampton player before impressively chipping the ball over the goalkeeper from a distance of approximately 19 yards. A goal which reflects the Romanian's raw talent and effectiveness at Chelsea which resulted in Chelsea winning the FA cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

David James:
784 appearances, 53 caps and the record for most clean sheets (173). Ever-present.

Nemanja Vidic:
4 Premier Leagues, 3 League Cups, 4 times in the PFA TOTY, 2 times Barclays Player of the Year and voted as the Players' Player of the year in 08/09. What more can I say? Powerhouse.

Parlour:
The "Romford Pele" as he was infamously labeled, Parlour was a prime example of an 'unsung hero'. 339 appearances with Arsenal proved to be fruitful as they won the Premier League 3 times and were runners-up 4 times. In addition, Parlour won the FA cup 4 times, the League Cup, the FA Community Shield 3 times and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Gascoigne:
A stunning free-kick against Arsenal in the semi-final of the 90/91 FA cup was one among six goals Gazza scored in Spurs' path to FA cup glory. Despite being stricken with injuries, Gascoigne's performances notably earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year not once, but twice. In addition, Gazza earned 57 impressive appearances for England, landing him a spot in the FIFA 1990 World Cup All-Star Team.

With Rooney up top by himself, one of the trio of CBs (Whoever is in the most appropriate position) will make sure he does not find much space to shoot and prevent any aerial threat he poses. Meanwhile, the other two CBs will receive aid from the WB's (Bale and Petrescu) in shunning any attacking threat from Anderton and Luis Garcia and attempting to force them into crossing the ball to Rooney, where the above strategy will then be put to test. Whenever Fabregas is on the ball, Parlour will work to make sure the former cannot put his creativity to use and thus pressure him into playing balls the trio of CBs can easily deal with. Poyet and Gascoigne will again interchange in going forward, with the deeper one contributing to the defensive duties. (No laziness will be tolerated). Whoever runs forward of the two will be aided by one of the WB's in order to prevent being pressured out of possession by Petit & Essien. Bergkamp's beautiful football along with Van Nistelrooy's 'blind-fold me and I will still score' mentality will be comfortably relied on to bring home the goals.