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Tactics due by 11.59 on Friday 8th March

PLEASE NOTE - this season you will receive a 1 point deduction if you do not submit tactics (as well as a default loss) and a 1 point deduction if you do not vote. If you know in advance you are unable to do either, then you must state so on the Holidays/Days Off page, to avoid the penalties.

Teams in the Premier League, PM tactics to Sodhat and GSC, send votes to Afro and Olly
Teams in the Championship, PM tactics to Afro and Olly, send votes to Sodhat and GSC

The Qatar Foundation Premier League

Deportivo la Chorizo - Gregers Under Brescia FC - Afro Bratwurst Mannschaft - Olly Dos Cervezas por favor - Marky No Respek FC - Bull
Pass the Deutschie - Viva

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The Hero Championship

Atalanta Falcons - Sodhat FC Murder On Zidane's Floor - Zinedine FC ElphickForJustice - Cherries Spanish Bank FC - GSC Moleicester City - Fernando
VFL Bassender Steigen - Treble

Top Scorers

Yes, its basically you just using snippets of rumors & here say to twist into what you would like to be FACKTS.

Where is the rumour in what I wrote?

Azzy = old

if you say so, but that's ageist.

strict anti Man United

not remotely, I've praised several players in recent weeks as you well know.

treatment of Man United players

why would I care about the treatment of Man United players?

Loves no one but WBA

incorrect. You forgot Walsall.

& Ben Foster as hes no longer a Man United player he can accept him as being a good keeper now

Apart from one League Cup final penalty saving-fest, he was dire for United. He's turned into a good keeper thanks to Albion, not United's mis-treatment of him.

You could also add trict anti Chelsea

You could, but you'd be wrong to do so.

treatment of Chelsea players

Again, you'd be wrong to do so.

Loves Lukaku as hes "not" a Chelsea player.

This is your biggest . I love Lukaku because he's BELGIAN,

Every single thing you wrote is tosh. But because you write so much of it, and it comes across as so angry / woe-is-me, you think people will just feel sorry for you / United / whoever is being discussed. Well how's this for a "FACKT": You have no facts. Only gibberish.

Gutted about Michael Owen, there was a time where he was nailed-on to become England's all-time top goalscorer. What a quality player he was in his day.

Foster was good for Watford and Birmingham tbf, just never worked at a top club for him

Still get goosebumps at that goal vs Argentina when he was like 18?

As well as that hat trick in Germany

Gary Cahill put, Steven Taylor in

It's a shame for Owen. Had he not gone to Real when he did he may have had his career pan out differently.

Different class as a goalscorer though when he was 17-25.

Championship results were calculated last night.

I just choose to keep them to myself

Get them out Afro hop to it! I need to congratulate Trebs on beating me as I have no DM.

Week 5 Championship Results

FC ElphickForJustice 0-1 Spanish Bank FC
Benteke

VFL Bassender 0-1 FC Murder on Zidanes Floor
Blaszczykowski

Atalanta Falcons 0-0 Moleicester City

Michael Owen won the balloon door in 2001

Michael Owen>Paul Scholes

*sits back and gets popcorn*

GSC wrote:Gary Cahill put, Steven Taylor in

Good. I rate him better than Cahill anyway. Although I have to say, without Smalling+Jones+Jagielka, England's CB department is looking decidedly dodgy. I'd be worried about that if I was Roy.

Yay

Though I've ruined my 1-1 streak

FC ElphickforJustice v Spanish Bank
0-1
0-2
0-3
0-2
0-2
0-1

Total goals = 0-11
Win votes = 0-6
Result = 0-1

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VFL Bassender v FC Murder
1-2
0-1
1-1
1-2
0-1
1-2

Total goals = 4-9
Win votes = 0-5
Result = 0-1

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Atalanta Falcons v Moleicester
1-1
0-0
0-0
2-1
0-0
0-1

Total goals = 3-3
Win votes = 1-1
Result = 0-0

Three games, two goals? #whosaysChampionshipfootballisexciting

FC ElphickForJustice v Spanish Bank FC
Comfortable win for Bank, Benteke was too powerful for FC defenders who should have played a smarter game. WB got a lot of joy out wide, FC need to bring in someone who can play a pass.

Elphick playing with 10 men really hurt them them Bony not even included in the match day team, even with him they would struggle as GSC has put together one heck of an attacking unit. The purchase of Bender has given them the balance their midfield drastically needed which gave them the platform to launch from. Alba and Piszscek really hurt Elphick and the service they provide is deadly. Belhanda and Bentekkers both popped up with one before Alba scored late on as he so often does.

Despite Cherries's team being decent, I still think the GK needs looking too and an experienced head at CB is needed to help marshal the defence. Bank do a good job on Bony, who gets roughed up by Dawson and pretty much nullified. Alba and Pisczek cause a lot of problems for Justice, whilst Benteke is able to get the better of Caulker and Nastasic, allowing Aspas/Belhanda to roam free and influence the game. A Bank win for me this. Cherries please invest in spell check as well.

Benteke scores the only goal in the game early on, in the end SPA managed to hang on to the win.

I think Elphick meant to play Bony based on tactics, but the teamsheet says Aubameyang, so I have to go by that (sorry cherries). With Aubameyang injured, this left Justice with no outlet and despite having a good midfield and defence, they couldn't hold out for a whole game without a striker.

Not sure Bank need to play such a defensive looking formation for this match, although it works with Alba at LWB it doesn’t suit the rest of the side IMO. Fortunately E4J played an injured striker, and despite the claims of mis-spelling from Cherries, tactics can’t be edited so has to be read as 10 men. It meant E4J were lacking upfront and Bank eventually took one of their chances to win.

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VFL Bassender v FC Murder on Zidanes Floor
Xavi needed to be played further up the pitch, he couldn't play his game with alot of defensive duties. Balotelli had the power to get better of the defence.

Two very evenly matched teams as Trebs has done an incredible job of turning around Bassender, the back 5 is fresh and really allows Xavi to play. It was weird of Zidane not to put someone on closing Xavi down. However the midfield of MC Murder will always score and that is how it turns out with Kroos popping up for the equalizer late on. Bassender are a team on the move though and FC Murder can count themselves lucky,

I think Trebs has missed a trick by not attacking the Zidane FB's with out and out wingers today. The middle of the field becomes extremely dogged and congested, meaning it is a pretty scrappy game, with neither side really able to take full control. Xavi has an influence, but not enough to win the game for Bassender. The Zidane FB's have license to get forward, and can, and cause a lot of trouble. Long up front runs his heart out, but Ogbonna has the athletic ability to deal with him mainly, meaning Bassender don't really ever get a foothold up the pitch. Zidane nick it just.

Bass took the lead first from a ball played by Xavi to Long who scored before Murders response back by having balo get the goal but bass jumped back by a header from long to win

A really tight game, but Bassender look to be relying on Xavi for everything. Xavi did his bit brilliantly as you would expect, but Lallana and Leitner were no match for Kroos and Lampard and Xavi's contribution was largely irrelevant. Long worked hard and provided some hope for Bassender, but ultimately the attacking from the Murder full backs gave them the edge

A cracking game, I’m glad Murder played a proper DM as it gives them a much better balance. LB is a weak area, if only they had someone like Nagatomo there… Going 4-3-3 with attacking fullbacks was bold but the 5-4-1/5-3-2 from Bassender meant it was mostly Murder attacking and Bassender counter attacking. A narrow win for Murder as Bassender have a lot of possession through Xavi but no real cutting edge upfront with Podolski behind Long. Bassender a great work in progress though.

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Atalanta Falcons v Moleicester City
Not much of a match both teams scared of each other, Falcons dealt well with City attack and long balls with the three CB. City I feel were the better in midfield but lacked the sharpness in attack.

Nothing but a draw in my eyes with the move to have a sweeper a stunning decision for Moleicester as Yanga-Mbiwa stiffled the attacking threat of El Shawaary and co, likewise Hernanes was nerfed completely. The decision to leave Verrati alone was interesting but his range of passing was unable to break through. In response Atlanta are very well drilled with three at the back negating the threat of Moleicester

This is my type of game! Pretty dire affair this would be imo, with both defence more than capable in handling the opposition's tactics. Moleicester try to play some hoofball, commendable, but it doesn't work as I think the Falcons CB's cover it well. Cazorla is a bit wasted imo, would have been better off trying to play through him. The FB's for both sides sort of cancel each other out. Falcons don't really threaten going forward, with Jones/Capoue doing a good job on Hernanes, meaning the CB's can handle Martinez/Funny hair dude. Good defensive stuff

tight game both teams played very well a draw was the fair result

A nice attempt at the aerial game from Moleicester, but I felt they needed someone who was going to play off the flicks and knockdowns more often. Cazorla did it at times including for his goal, but often he was out wide and to far away from the forward. In Vidic and Dante, Atalanta were suited by this aerial approach too. The real key point for me though was El Sha being asked to get the ball and run, and Moleicester not picking him up.

Both sides cancelled each other out with their almost identical 5-2-1-2 setups. I feel both teams missed their key attackers in Michu and Reus, and both sides had attackers who were constantly outnumbered in defence. The only difference was Cazorla v Bradley, and Jones and Capoue v Hernanes. Hernanes was marked out of the game by the two DM’s, but Cazorla was able to lose Bradley and score the only goal of the game.

Although actually, don't GSC and Zebs get an extra goal for +3 win votes?

They only get the +1 goal if it is needed to turn a draw into a win (or even in freak voting a loss into a draw).

As they won anyway, it doesn't get added

As they won anyway, it doesn't get added

Can I have it anyway?
No DM = loss, draw or nothing more than scraping a 1-0 win. So much influence is put on having a DM its unreal.

Bass took the lead first from a ball played by Xavi

The first ball Xavi plays in this league and its an assist shows what influence a name has on someone.

Xavi >> Andrea Scholes+

haha well done mate, I deserved to lose and you deserved to win #imstupid

Zinedine_Ze_Zebra wrote:

As they won anyway, it doesn't get added

Can I have it anyway?
No DM = loss, draw or nothing more than scraping a 1-0 win. So much influence is put on having a DM its unreal.

Some people are never satisfied...

I’m glad Murder played a proper DM as it gives them a much better balance. LB is a weak area, if only they had someone like Nagatomo there…

who said that? Who ever you were I you. I dont know if you emant to but it amused me

This is my type of game! Pretty dire affair this would be imo

Olly

Whoever said it was bang on Zebs.

Some people are never satisfied...

AfroJoe, one scrappy win doesnt change the DM influence situation. Too much importance is put on needing one.

FC need to bring in someone who can play a pass.

Thats a bit hard on Cherries.

Going off Falcons v Moleicester feedback thats seems like a dire match.

Whoever said it was bang on Zebs.

How you figure?
Ive played Mbia as a DM before & been slated for it.
Kolarov is better than Nagatomo so thats amused me.

As I said by PM, both your FBs are attacking minding, so a defensive minded midfield gives cover so they can play to their strengths.

FC need to bring in someone who can play a pass.??????????

really???

gerrard ? Nocerino?, Tiote?, Asamoah?

Zinedine_Ze_Zebra wrote:

Some people are never satisfied...

AfroJoe, one scrappy win doesnt change the DM influence situation. Too much importance is put on needing one.

I agree, although that is reflective of real football where most teams are having one these days. For me, the need for an out and out DM is dependant upon 1) who your other midfielders are, 2) how good your CBs are (i.e. do they need the protection) and 3) your system, such as having attacking full backs.

I don't really play with an out and out DM if I can help it, but then I have Marchisio in there which helps a lot

Lawyers sent to soddy.

Enjoying the prospect of a week off

As I said by PM, both your FBs are attacking minding, so a defensive minded midfield gives cover so they can play to their strengths.

I know that GSC. But as I said, Ive played Mbia as a DM before & been slated for it. So why is that then?
Thats what I dont understand. Surely having a DM be it not a brilliant Serigo Biscuit's but still a DM is better than having none (according to letter of league law). So when Ive played Mbia as a DM in the past Ive been criticised for it. I play no DM & two box to box, I get criticised.
From where I stand it seems like if dont have a big name DM or a one who plays for a top team IRL there's no way around it.
I have players that are capable of playing box to box but that doesnt work as because there not a DM they "dont" cover.

I try buy one within the league & all anyone wants it Kroos. Im stuck in a cycle here. Hoping I get good lawyers today so I can pick one up from TP's. Hopefully that solves my problem (which exists from the letter of league law).

Afro put is best tbf. 3) is my problem, as I have attacking fullback. Doesnt anyone else think its hard to find none attacking fullbacks nowadays?
Or more specifically, IMO, fullbacks dont get noticed/rated unless they are attacking.
IRL all the top ranked FB's are attacking minded. A lot of the focus has gone from solid defensive fullbacks to wanting attacking fullbacks.

If I could find good rated defensive fullbacks id much rather have them in my team as my mid+att could then flourish.

VFL Bassender v FC Murder
1-2
0-1
1-1
1-2
0-1
1-2

Total goals = 4-9
Win votes = 0-5
Result = 0-1

One the 2-1 should be to Bass as i voted for them to win?

Lessons cancelled so lawyers will be done around luncheon!

Yeah that was mine GSC, PROPER FOOTBALL BETWEEN THE FALCONS AND THE MOLEICETER'S!

In real life, every team plays with a DM of some description, it just depends on your definition.

Chelsea = Mikel
Arsenal = Arteta
Man City = Barry
Man Utd = Carrick
Barcelona = Busquets
Real Madrid = Alonso

And so on...

Oh and suggestion are welcome as I doubt Ive though of every good fullback in the football world.

Probably because M'Bia is crap Zebs

TheBrahmaBull wrote:One the 2-1 should be to Bass as i voted for them to win?

To be fair, you did think you'd put Bony in your team too

Agreed, Mbia is nowhere near good enough for this league now. Maybe when we first started out, but when you have the likes of Xavi, Lamela, Tevez, Farfan? He'd get murked every game. Plus I don't think he's a natural DM anyway is he?

TheBrahmaBull wrote:VFL Bassender v FC Murder
1-2
0-1
1-1
1-2
0-1
1-2

Total goals = 4-9
Win votes = 0-5
Result = 0-1

One the 2-1 should be to Bass as i voted for them to win?

You did but you put the teams the wrong way around in your result so I missed it.

It makes no difference to the result as it becomes 5-8 in goals which is still 0-1

Thats Bull not Cherries Azzy

I think somebody else voted for me to win which you missed Afro

GSC wrote:Thats Bull not Cherries Azzy

Oh yeah, I seriously cannot tell the two apart

When do the Prem results come out?

Soddy hasn't opened my votes or lawyers yet so a while I'd imagine.

Chelsea = Mikel - Started 2 in last 6 matches. Most frequent midfield partnership has been Lamps & Ramires, where the DM there??

Man City = Barry - Agreedm most of the time has played alongside Javi M when City play 3 at the back with wingbacks.

Arsenal = Arteta
Man Utd = Carrick
Barcelona = Busquets
Real Madrid = Alonso
When do you see these four running into the fullback position to cover their attacking FB's? Its not something they do a a tremendous amount during a match. They are midfield anchors, central distribution hub, break up play in the center of the pitch. TBF Busquets gets around actually. The rest dont, they all have a midfield partner who does that box to box running which allows them to sit central which from memory the most frequent combination I have can recall seeing throughout the season:
Arsenal - Ramsey
Man United - Cleverley
Madrid - Khedira

Who are Chelsea's FBs out of interest. Ashley doesn't push up as much as he used to.

It's not so much they go and stand in the FB position, but there presence sitting allows the FB's to go forward, as they know they have cover. If needs must they slot in.

It's like when a winger goes on a run, and loses the ball, the striker will slot in for the winger until they are able to go back into there positions

Who are Chelsea's FBs out of interest.

Cashley still pushes up the field. Maybe not the lung busting runs to the touchline & back but hes still an attacking FB.
How about Azpilicueta.........

Zinedine_Ze_Zebra wrote:

Who are Chelsea's FBs out of interest.

Cashley still pushes up the field. Maybe not the lung busting runs to the touchline & back but hes still an attacking FB.
How about Azpilicueta.........

he is very attacking

Appleton sacked by blackburn apparently.

Defies belief...

Azzy Mahmood wrote:

TheBrahmaBull wrote:One the 2-1 should be to Bass as i voted for them to win?

To be fair, you did think you'd put Bony in your team too

Agreed, Mbia is nowhere near good enough for this league now. Maybe when we first started out, but when you have the likes of Xavi, Lamela, Tevez, Farfan? He'd get murked every game. Plus I don't think he's a natural DM anyway is he?

i took over your team azzy and who is bony lol

Cole doesn't attack as much because Hazard doesn't track back, whereas Malouda and other LWs previously at least made an attempt to help out defensively.