Euro Division LXVII

First topic message reminder :

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Enrique & J from 5ive League
 
FC WHU Do You Think You Are - Gregers
 
Bilbao - Afro
 
Would you dance, if Ajax you to dance? - Sodhat
 
Southampton FC - Marky
 
PSV - CF
 
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista - Nando                                                                              
 
Lille - Trebs
 
Glad t'be bach - Hero
 
FC Basel - Viva
 
FC ZwagAtletico - Zinedine_Ze_Zebra
 
The Nodge - Olly
 
Fool 'em FC - Azzy

Bradman retired ages ago Viva

Fair enough Viva. Sorry to hear that.
Tendulkar announced that last week. #GreatestBatsmanEver

The 40-year-old former captain announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket last week.

The Wankhede Stadium, where he made his first class debut in 1988, will host the second match of the two-Test series against West Indies from 14 November.

Still makes me laugh.

Afro because you love pretending to be Welsh and you even said you prefer Wales over England so it must be work related or your Mrs wanting to move out. 

GSC I said the greatest batsman not the second greatest.  Anyway Radford wow what a place and I don't mean that in a good way.

This place?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford,_Coventry

That has to be the most depressing church I've ever seen.

My missus is Welsh, so I can't see her forcing me to move to England and I work in the same place as always and I'm actually moving a bit further away if anything.

It is a nicer house in a nicer location and whether it is in England or Wales doesn't really matter to me. Ultimately, it's almost the same place I currently live, separated by a line on a map.

But it'll be nice to be able to wind the missus up about living in England!!!

sodhat wrote:This place?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford,_Coventry

That has to be the most depressing church I've ever seen.

That church looked more like a power station

Afro wrote:

sodhat wrote:This place?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford,_Coventry

That has to be the most depressing church I've ever seen.

That church looked more like a power station

There is no God in Coventry.

Steve Ogrizovic or Brian Kilcline must be the closest they get

The Nazis bombed Coventry to hell and back. Soddy is right, there is no God in Coventry

Mind you, they had Lady Godiva

sodhat wrote:This place?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford,_Coventry

That has to be the most depressing church I've ever seen.

That's a horrendous place to but no I'm on about this one http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford,_Nottingham

I've actually been there Viva. I took a girl back to hers when I was in Nottingham and then for some reason the deal was never sealed. It's not my fondest memory.

Maybe she was suffering from #RWAT

If she wasn't, she would have been later.

 

whens results?

You're lucky she didn't have her goons in the corner waiting to rob you. It's a horrible little place I don't know how people live there. Sometimes I'll let off a place if it has fit girls living there but nope not even one.  An some guy tried to stop us and I'm sure it was an act just to rob us.

VivaPaulScholes wrote:You're lucky she didn't have her goons in the corner waiting to rob you. It's a horrible little place I don't know how people live there. Sometimes I'll let off a place if it has fit girls living there but nope not even one.  An some guy tried to stop us and I'm sure it was an act just to rob us.

She was quite attractive if I remember correctly, which I may not. I suppose that should have made me even more suspicious of why she was interested in me.

VivaPaulScholes wrote:I don't know how people live there

Hey, some people like in Wales  ................................ 

sodhat wrote:

VivaPaulScholes wrote:You're lucky she didn't have her goons in the corner waiting to rob you. It's a horrible little place I don't know how people live there. Sometimes I'll let off a place if it has fit girls living there but nope not even one.  An some guy tried to stop us and I'm sure it was an act just to rob us.

She was quite attractive if I remember correctly, which I may not. I suppose that should have made me even more suspicious of why she was interested in me.

Perhaps it was Marky. He's clearly a fan of yours based on last weeks media questions

Afro wrote:

sodhat wrote:

VivaPaulScholes wrote:You're lucky she didn't have her goons in the corner waiting to rob you. It's a horrible little place I don't know how people live there. Sometimes I'll let off a place if it has fit girls living there but nope not even one.  An some guy tried to stop us and I'm sure it was an act just to rob us.

She was quite attractive if I remember correctly, which I may not. I suppose that should have made me even more suspicious of why she was interested in me.

Perhaps it was Marky. He's clearly a fan of yours based on last weeks media questions

 

I was going to go on to say "because as far as I know no-one except Marky fancies me"

And you're just jealous because you came 2nd.

sodhat wrote:And you're just jealous because you came 2nd.

That's what he said.

I care if we lose tonight.

Although I love the football board (John) calling Poland a rubbish, garbage side, just so when we lose he can rip into Hodgson and if we win it's cos the opposition is crap.

I also love the fact that they don't think we're very good (which we ain't), yet expect us to make the QF's of the World Cup.

I'll be happy if we make it out the groups if we even get there!!

Week 9 Results

Glad t'be bach 1-1 Lille
Benteke; Tevez

Fool Em 2-1 Basel
Di Natale, Ramsey; Neymar

FCWHUDYTYA 1-1 Athletic Ballbag
Mandzukic; Drogba

PSV 0-2 Ajax
Eriksen, Milito

Corinthians 1-2 FC Zwag
Muriel; Coutinho, Giroud

The Nodge 1-2 Southampton
Ben Arfa; Lukaku x2

Glad t’be bach 1 v 1 Lille
Two teams that have done their homework here, tough to pick a single area of the field that won’t be well contested. I see Gladbach taking a lead but getting caught on the counter for an equaliser.
Gladbach good: Use of wingers to whip the ball in for Benteke
Gladbach not as good: Hard to criticise anything really, but maybe it will be the full backs. I can see them getting caught on a counter attack if Lille pinch it back.
Lille good: Overall game plan was well tailored to the opposition.
Lille not as good: Tevez is a little isolated

Glad t’be bach 1 v 1 Lille

Gladbach 1-0 Lille - Benteke

Glad t’be bach v Lille
1-2
Glad
P - The much improved wings with Heung-Son coming in, Kreuse is an absolute gem given you started with him
C - Too predictable with 4-2-3-1 again, need improvements at fullbacks
Lille
P - A great tactical prediction, love the big focus on attacking their fullbacks, the tight back four is great as well
C - Need improvement in the middle of the park next

Glad t’be bach 1-1 Lille
Heung-Son - Tevez
Glad t’be bach: RB & Keeper needs improving. Wings are strong
Lille: Thauvin could be improved on, would make the midfield complete. Tevez is top quality.


Glad t’be bach 0-0 Lille
Packed midfield from Lille making it harder for Glad to expose the back line who did well against Benteke when he got the ball. It was Glad who was the team on the front but couldn't make it count when the possesion.
Glad GP: Benteke brings a nice focal point to the attacking players behind him but they also have Aubameyang to switch things up.
Glad BP: No glaring weakness if I had to I would bring in a new CB to partner Benatia
Lille GP: Tevez gives them a good cutting edge upfront who will take chances
Lille BP: Not really bad point more craft in the centre of midfield

Gladbach 1-1 Lille
(Benteke) (Tevez)
Gladbach ever improving but Lille's approach prevents them from creating too much while giving themselves every opportunity. A draw for me.
Good/Bad: Gladbach's team improving weekly, just Kruse left to upgrade on. Lille great tactically and do a great job on Gladbach but Tevez isn't a lone striker IMO and is isolated at times.

Glad vs Lille: 1-2 (Xavi) (Rami, GroBkreutz)

Glad t’be bach 1-0 Lille
Scorers: Christian Benteke
Summary: A tight game, decided by Benteke's movement up against the Lille CBs.
Bach Good/Bad: Best CB pairing in the league. It would be ace irl / I'm personally not a fan of either Bernard of Ming face. I'd prefer you to have different wingers. Obviously feel free to disregard!
Lille Good/Bad: You're nearly there for a cracking side, just a couple of improvement to go. Tevez was an inspired acquisition / your subs when chasing the game made no difference - it would be great to see a game changer come on. It could have grabbed you a draw.

Gladbach 1-1 Lille
I can’t really split the teams and I am a little underwhelmed by both sides tbh. Gladbach have far the better XI, but Lille’s tactics are far stronger. Also a rare opportunity to see Dortmund’s 2 back-up RBs go head to head
Gladbach
What I liked
I think Kruse behind Benteke is a good combination and works better than when Aubameyang Is being used. Son is a great signing and brings a bit more directness to the side.
Next improvements
I’m not sure Durm is the answer to the RB conundrum. I wasn’t that impressed by him v Moenchengladbach IRL (albeit on the left) and once the injured are back, then he goes back to being 3rd choice at RB there, behind Pisz and Grosskreutz
Lille
What I liked
Tactics are strong as ever and Tevez is an improvement on a front line that looked terrible tbh.
Next improvements
The flanks probably. Not sure I would keep playing Grosskreutz on the left wing and would look to improve there. Also as Navas’ rating continues to plummet with each City appearance I would be cashing in and using the money to improve two positions

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Basel 0-3 Fool Em
A game of attack of defence played right into Fool Em’s hands. Basel, played defensively but Fool Em saw it coming and took the invite with attacking football and an attacking formation.
Basel
What I liked
It was a nice idea to contain them defensively and against a team set up less attacking ,it could work quite well
Next improvements
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that you have weak players (relative to the rest of the league) across the park. Just keep building!
Fool Em
What I liked
Good use of form players, particularly in Barkley and Ramsey
Next improvements
The formation worked against the defensive set-up, but against a more expansive formation it would leave your defenders too exposed.

Fool vs Basel: 2-1 (Ramsey,Barkley) (Safari)

Fulham 2-2 Basel
Pirlo closing down Neymar? Yeah that's not happening is it. Can see this game bursting into life in the last 15 mins with Basel losing but then dramatically changing their set up and going for it that gives options and more importantly people to take the pressure off him.

Fulham 2-1 Basel - Di Natale x 2/ Neymar

Fool Em FC 2 v 1 FC Basel

Fool Em FC 2-0 FC Basel
Di Natale x 2
Fool Em FC: Hard tp pick any bad point, strong team, maybe start to improved CB's & buy a top quality one.
FC Basel: Improvement throughout the whole side required as they are falling behind a lot of the teams in this league. Neymar/Streller combo works well.

Fool Em FC 1-0 FC Basel
Excellent tactics from Viva in an attempt to stifle Fool Em. Ultimately it has to come down to whether I think Basel can hold out against Fool Em entirely and I’m not quite convinced, despite the defensive set up.
Basel good: Tactics are excellent and you make use of what limited options you have.
Basel not as good: You have limited options.
Fool Em good: Great midfield 3 and a solid plan to get Lambert involved and Di Natale poaching off of him.
Fool Em not as good: No way will Pirlo contain Neymar. A flick of the hips and Neymar will be past him, I don’t see Andrea chasing him down in case it messes up his hair.

Fool Em 1-1 Basel
Both teams have lined up with five at the back and are trying to make things difficult for one another. But while Fool Em have the ability in their side, something about their team just doesn't click for me, apart from their quality at central midfield. Viva has three midfielders sitting deep in front of the defense which makes it difficult for Barkley and Ramsey and Streller is an under-rated striker who works well with Neymar to cause problems. A hard fought draw today.

Fool 'em 1-2 Basel
(Lambert) (Neymar x2)
Both sides playing with wingbacks and I see Basel doing a better job dealing with Fool Em's strikers than I see Fool Em doing with Basel's strikers. An open game but Basel nick the win today.
Good/Bad: Fool Em creative and plenty going forward, but a little weak defensively and no real DM to help them out. Basel playing to Neymar's strengths and being very solid centrally.

Fool Em FC v FC Basel
1-1
Fool
P - The tactic writing is fantastic, the editted 5-3-2 really works
C - Pirlo couldnt mark Neymar for 90 minutes, could do with a big bruiser for these sort of matched
Basel
P - Resurgance continues and Neymar is Neymar, 5-3-1 is a good way forward
C - Still need more quality, Neymar cant carry you forever!


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FC WHU Do you think you are 1-1 Athletic Ballbag
WHUDYTYA good: Ever improving side that fits the system well.
WHUDYTYA not as good: Not convinced the full backs are perfect for the formation.
Ballbag good: Splendidly balanced side, really defensively sound.
Ballbag not as good: The gameplan to exploit the wide areas doesn’t seem to me to be the easiest way to get at this team any more. More forwards through the middle would be harder for them to deal with than balls into the box because Reid will just get to them all day.

West Ham 1-2 Bilbao
For me Bilbao have more to counter the attack of West Ham than vice versa and for that reason Bilbao edge it.

FC WHU Do you think you are 0-1 Athletic Ballbag
None - Drogba
FC WHU Do you think you are: Centre backs need improving. Morrison brings some good energy & enthusiasm.
Athletic Ballbag: Fullbacks could do with improving, RB especially. Gonalons & Alonso is a great midfield pairing.

WHU 2-1 Ballgag - Mandzukic x2/ Herrera

FC WHU Do you think you are 0 v 2 Athletic Ballbag

WHU 2-1 Ballbag
(Mandzukic, Morrison) (Drogba)
A close game but for me WHU are one of the best improved sides of the season and they earn the win. Ballbag still lacking in the AM area for me, Villa isn't a natural winger.
Good/Bad: WHU's 3-5-2 and front pairing. Also their recent signing of Umtiti and playing Morrison. More quality CB's needed but you already know that. Ballbag a great side but despite signing Alonso they need to focus on the AM's next.

WHU vs Ballbag: 1-1 (Umtiti) (Martinez)

West Ham 1-2 Athletic Ballbag
A thrilling game today. Ballbag do the right thing and have a go out wide, trying to peg back their wing backs which is the key to winning the game. Diame and Verratti in midfield try to stop Ballbag and get some success, but the quality makes it difficult for them to get a foothold. Deserved win for Ballbag but West Ham can take pride in their work. Oh and keep hold of Diame, he's your most important midfielder.

FC WHU Do you think you are 3-2 Athletic Ballbag
Scorers: Mario Mandzukic + Ravel Morrison + Ashley Cole / David Villa + Ander Herrera
Summary: A wild game, both teams really went for it. Ballbag were too gung ho out wide and it allowed West Ham's midfield three to link up well with the strikers. One of the best games of the season, well done to both!
WHU Good/Bad: I like the formation, I like the strikers, I like the midfield, I like the FBs / I still don't like the CBs. You're getting there though Laugh
Ballbad Good/Bad: Herrera is fantastic there / I felt that with two attacking FBs, that played into West Ham's hands...especially with the movement of their two strikers.

FC WHU Do you think you are 1-1 Athletic Ballbag
Reid-----------------------------Drogba
Two even matched sides here who both played to win the game but matched each other all the way.
WHU GP: Nice blend in midfield that can attack and defend and quickly adapt to different situations.
WHU BP: Jenkinson and Cole are not natural wing backs and will not offer the attacking threat as Maggio or a Lichenstiner.
Atletico GP: Good spine to the side and the addition of ALonso makes them even stronger.
Atletico BP: Silly to say a bad point but for improving maybe the wide attacking positions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PSV 0-2 Ajax
A big Dutch grudge match that proved a bit of a mismatch in the end
PSV
What I liked
Not a bad start. The attak of Bony and Gabby will cause teams problems, whilst keeping hold of Ogbonna looks a good move.
Next improvements
Still need a bit more work on tactics. Some of the tactics are more information than tactical instruction. Also work on a more balanced formation. Your formation is all over the place with square pegs in round holes. You appear to have Pieters and Pereira the wrong way around, Manolev is a RB whilst Toivenen in the middle of a midfield 3 with Paulinho just ahead is plain wrong, especially with Benat on the bench.
From the players you picked, I would have gone
Oscar---Paulinho
Townsend--------------------Toivenen
Agbonlahor---Bony
Maybe switch Toivenen and Gabby around
Ajax
What I liked
Strong team all round so difficult to highlight one area. Eriksen is obviously the star, but Clasie behind is a great player.
Next improvements
This isn’t a bad point as you are strong throughout and it’s a case of where to improve next. It would be a shame to break up the De Jongs, but either of those might be the next one to improve, or at CB.

PSV 0 v 3 Would you dance, if Ajax you to dance

PSV 0-4 Ajax
'Bony and Agbonlahor up top. Gabby provides pace, Bony provides goals' This is not a tactic, this is stating the obvious and then opinion.

PSV 0-1 Would you dance, if Ajax you to dance
--------Varela
This PSV side is very good and deserves more care, Paulinho playing high up did not allow him to get into his stride. The pace upfront was a worry for Ajax who struggled to contain. As the game wore on the attacking quarter got more time and got the win they deserved.
PSV GP: Very good players at the club with pace upfront strong in midfield and a depednable defence
PSV BP: Clear to see the side needs more then the bare minumum in terms of tactics, they won't win much if they don't improve on tactics.

PSV 0-4 Ajax - Varela/Eriksen/De Jong x2

PSV 2-2 Ajax
(Bony, Agbonlahor) (Eriksen, Milito)
A good game with PSV going for it against Ajax, only issue is stopping Eriksen, which doesn't happen. Bony and Agbonlahor cause Ajax's CB's all sorts of problems!
Good/Bad: PSV with tactics and a decent line-up, great strike force. lacking personalised instructions which would boost your chances. Ajax still lacking a presence upfront, Milito is a good finisher but does little else. CB's run ragged by the PSV front two.

PSV v Would you dance, if Ajax you to dance
0-2
PSV
P - Solid foundation of a squad to build on, its clearly hurt with GSC's abandoning of the side
C - Need proper tactics, outclassed today
Ajax
P - Going attacking paid off well, love the scouting of Paulinho. Best XI in the league
C - Having Anelka on the bench when he was injured, still need much more strength in depth

PSV 0-1 Ajax
none - Eriksen
PSV: More required from manager in terms of tactics. Good line up, Toivovnen should be playing behind the striker & Paulinho central IMO.
Ajax: Defence needs improving, stronger tactical opponents would of seen Ajax struggle at the back, top centre forward required. Well organised setup got the best out of some mediocre players.

PSV 0-2 Ajax
It's difficult to understand where CF is going with his team. A few instructions but it really doesn't seem to go anywhere. There are no defensive structures in place and Agbonlahor reverting to left wing, it all just is a bit of a mess. They could do with giving more tactical structure. Ajax are good value for the win and have a decent side, but a new striker wouldn't go amiss.

PSV 0-2 Would you dance, if Ajax you to dance
Scorers: Jordy Clasie + Luca Antonelli
Summary: Good first game for PSV, although their choice of Toivonen and Townsend at CM, with Paulinho ahead of them, was bizarre. Ajax eased to a comfortable victory.
PSV Good/Bad: You have a great side to work with, Bony and Agbonlahor is a good strike partnership / your team selections are awful - LB Pieters at RB? winger Townsend at CM? Check your players' best positions and play them there, you will win games! Also, you need to expand your tactics, you won't win any games with such brief instructions I'm afraid.
Ajax Good/Bad: Mirallas and Varela are great wingers, what a threat they possess! / that defence is so under-baked compared to the rest of your side, it's okay but there are no stars there, just hard-working plods. Next season if you get a bid-name defence, you will be flying even higher than you are right now (even though you're top...)

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Corinthians vs Zwag: 0-2 (Yoon, Coutinho)

Corinthians 1-2 FC ZwagAtlético
Scorers: Luis Muriel / Olivier Giroud + Steven Gerrard
Summary: Two good sides, Zwag have a touch more quality about them and squeezed a win.
Corinthians Good/Bad: Ginter is a star in the making. He needs to be your linchpin from now on, not Vidic / injuries did you a kipper, not much you can do about it but keep improving on squad depth.
Zwag Good/Bad: Superb tactics, if a bit long-winded. Won you the game, for sure / same as Corinthians, your squad depth needs work. Peluso isn't the best of replacements for someone as dangerous as Loic Remy.

Corinthians 0-1 FC ZwagAtlético
--------------Giroud
Zwag sitting back and hitting on the break worked a treat, quick to break forward not allowing the opposition to settle when coming back from offence to defence. Corinthians hurt by the injuries not allowing them to show their true strength.
Corinthians GP: Knew Zwag weakness but putting it to the test is another thing nice scouting
Cornthians BP: Stronger depth in the side needed as some players not able to do what instructed
Zwag GP: Nice blend of power and speed upfront
Zwag BP: Get in new fullbacks and Gerrard more license to get forward

Corinthians 1 v 2 FC ZwagAtlético

Corinthians 1-2 QPR
Somehow without ever trading with anyone else since the dawn of time Nick has managed to start building a nice looking formation that you can see working well.

Corinthians 1-2 Zwag
(Muriel) (Coutinho, Giroud)
Zwag much stronger across the pitch, even hiding their injuries well with their setup. Corinthians look a lot weaker although their front two save some dignity, a comfortable win for Zwag.
Good/Bad: Corinthians' front two, Pjanic behind Muriel = problems. No strength in depth which showed today. Zwag's midfield trio of Carrick/Gerrard/Coutinho also causes problems and in possession is one of the best. Without the ball is when they suffer and the CB's still need upgrading.

Corinthians v FC ZwagAtlético
1-2
Corinth
P - The signing of Januzaj helps on the wings, probably the most improved strength in the history of these leagues
C - Still needs more work, especially at fullback
Zwag
P - The attacking of the fullbacks gets the win this week. Coutinho in the hole is very strong
C - Need more strenght in depth, looking forward to your upgrades coming through

Corinthians 2-3 Zwag
A good game here. Muriel's pace is a real problem for the Zwag defense, who correctly counter it playing a deep line. Some of the Corinthians tactics seemed a bit weird, not adding up with players being mentioned who weren't playing. The Zwag side also has more quality throughout, with Carrick and Gerrard dominant in the centre and Giroud upfront getting a couple of goals to give them the win.

Corinthians 1-2 Zwag
A good match up which I nearly went for the draw. But I was very impressed with Zwag’s tactics and that just tipped me over the edge to a Zwag win
Corinthians
What I liked
Strong at CB with Vidic in particular, and in attack with Pjanic behind Muriel looking a tricky pair to deal with given the right tactics
Next improvements
Out wide, you have talented, but not full proven players. Both could be match winners, but may not get the ratings as they have to prove it over a period of time.
Zwag
What I liked
Great tactics this week, that earnt you the win from me in a very tight match. Carrick, Gerrard and Coutinho looks a tremendous midfield three!
Next improvements
The back four stands out. Campagnaro aside, the other three looks like you could easily get at them

Corinthians 1-2 ZWAG
Cor good: Balls out and leaving them waving in the wind, I like it.
Cor not as good: I think you leave the wings exposed to the counter attacking style, which your opponent is playing. Your CMs would have been well served covering for the FBs when they’re up the field.
Zwag good: Counter attacking style works well and having three back in defence helps slow Corinthians attacks.
Zwag not as good: Hard to say really. Probably improve the defence if you have any money too, the rest of the side is sound as a pound on the ground.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nodge 0-1 Saints
None - Defoe
Nodge: Giving both Ben Arfa & Valubuena free roles wasn't the best move, attacking fullbacks provided width so Ben Arfa & Valubuena would of been better staying central. Fer & Howson bring great energy & work ethic.
Saints: Hard to pick a bad point, very strong resilient midfield three are great at turning over play & ball retention. Lukaku's hold up play & knack of bringing other players into the play proved to be the difference.

The Nodge 1-2 Southampton
Nodge good: Nice AM pairing that could be a real handful.
Nodge not as good: Formation doesn’t work for me. The two CMs are pushing up the pitch so there will be gaping gaps between midfield and defence for Totti to work in.
Southampton good: Nice defence and a strong midfield base in front that allows the flair players to attack. Tough to break down.
Southampton not as good: Maybe need a bit more creativity against the stronger sides. Totti is good at AM but when you need to change it up I can’t see wingers in your squad to worry me.

Norwich 0-1 Southampton
Whilst I'm not that impressed by Southamptons midfield going forward they have a lot more threat than a toothless Norwich.

The Nodge 2-1 Southampton
Southampton clearly surprised Nodge somewhere, playing a high line against Lukaku and Defoe is suicidal, which is the only mistake within their tactics for me. As everything else, with the full backs getting forward would cause problems. There is confusion for Southampton with Ben Arfa and Valbuena, who are marked by central midfielders but the full backs are also watching them, leading to a doubling up. This makes it easy for the Nodge to stretch Southampton out, and with Fer and Howson encouraged to attack, they make a lot of room. Maybe a bit of a shock, but a Nodge win today.

The Nodge 0-3 Southampton
Scorers: Romelu Lukaku x2 + Francesco Totti
Summary: Nodge attempted to stop the Southampton juggernaut, but their trump card, the free-ranging Ben Arfa and Valbuena, was easily dealt with by Saints' midfield 3. As such, it was left to Lukaku, Defoe and Toti to destroy the unimpressive (in comparison) Nodge defence. A tactical misfire from Nodge.
Nodge Good/Bad: Thinking outside the box, and I love Ben Arfa and Valbuena tag-teaming / get the tables, that Saints defence is not being troubled by your side. You need a goalscoring striker, plus someone able to set goals up (BA and V were well shackled today)
Saints Good/Bad: Your side. It's immense / if keepers mattered, Schwarzer would be a huge weak link.

Norwich 1-2 Southampton - Ben Arfa/ Lukaku x2

Nodge vs Saints: 0-2 (Flamini, Lukaku)

Nodge 1-1 Saints
Firstly, is Valubuena like a cheap market own brand version of Valbuena? I think Saints have thr stronger team, but played into the hands of Nodge today as the narrow formation gave the Nodge wingbacks an easier day and they could match up centrally and nullify the Saints strength.
The Nodge
What I liked
The French pairing will cause problems as they will create chances for a decent striker
Next improvements
Not sure on the formation. Although in gives you more attacking threat, two in a free role and two box to box midfielders leaves you horribly exposed.
Saints
What I liked
Another strong all round team. The spine of the team is great, with Dante, Defour and Lukaku
Next improvements
As with Ajax, it is not a weak point as the team is strong all around. It is more where the next move is made. Probably Lovren or Nocerino.

The Nodge 1-1 Southampton
Valbuena------Defoe
A stronger looking Nodge side here who caused problems at times for Southampton with 5 at the back it made it harder for Saints to open them and with enforcers in midfield rather than anyone who can pick up the defence they struggled to get much joy.
Nodge GP: Ben Arfa and Valbuena make a massive differnece to the attacking of the side.
Nodge BP: The link from DM to attack needs to improve
Saints GP: Nice use of FB who can get down and give the width and balls to cross
Saints BP: Would like to have seen a playmaker in the deeper central position

The Nodge v Southampton
0-2
Nodge
P - Going for a unique formation, Valbuena and Ben Arfa are cracking signings
C - Still too many players that arent good enough, need more in depth tactics
Saints
P - I believe that Ajax might have competition on their hands, superb side. Lukaku/Totti/Flamini are bang in form as well
C - Um maybe improve on Defour next? Strength in depth is getting their but could do with more

Guess who gets to go home early for eid bitches .  Meeeee haha laters gay boys

Which means:

Pos.	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points
1	Ajax	9	6	3	0	17	7	21
2	Fool 'em	9	6	3	0	15	8	21
3	Southampton	9	5	4	0	14	7	19
4	Ballbag	9	5	4	0	14	9	19
5	Lille	9	4	3	2	14	9	15
6	Gladbach	9	4	3	2	13	11	15
7	WHU	9	3	2	4	12	11	11
8	Zwag	9	1	5	3	8	12	8
9	Nodge	9	2	1	6	9	14	7
10	Corinthians	9	1	0	8	8	16	3
11	Basel	8	1	0	7	5	14	3
12	PSV	8	0	2	6	4	14	2

Oooh, title decider this week then!

Corinthians 1-2 FC Zwag
Muriel; Coutinho, Giroud

Ohhhh My Daaaaaays. I won a match Whooop  Whooop.
Well played Nando.

I was looking at the large number of draws the other day (which coincidentally is less this week) and how we could reduce it slightly.

How about for next season, we reduce the +3 wins = 1 goal down to +2 wins instead?

Azzy well done on the win mate didn't expect to win at all and didn't think we'd give a close game as we did.  Proud of my players they played their hearts out. Good progress from based thanks for the feedback guys.

Zinedine_Ze_Zebra wrote:

Corinthians 1-2 FC Zwag
Muriel; Coutinho, Giroud

Ohhhh My Daaaaaays. I won a match Whooop  Whooop.
Well played Nando.

Well played ZZZ. Lovely feedback this week one saying build around Ginter & not vidic other saying build around Vidic

I'd be okay with that Afro

Unlucky Viva my lad, nice try with the formation and all, your boy Neymar can't do it all himself though. Next season will hopefully be a different story for you xx

I am all ready to concede the title, based on my injuries vs soddy's injuries this week. Not suer I have the squad to cope with losing Lambert and Amorebieta

Don't start with mind games Azzy Mourinho

I am the Special Needs One.

Well played Marky, must admit when I saw the tactics I thought I was in for a right spanking

Was kind of banking on you going 4-4-2

Anyone want Adam Maher?

Willing to listen to offers to fund some TPs

Congrats to Zebs on his first win

Fool 'Em are up for deals. Hit me up

Fernando wrote:

Zinedine_Ze_Zebra wrote:

Corinthians 1-2 FC Zwag
Muriel; Coutinho, Giroud

Ohhhh My Daaaaaays. I won a match Whooop  Whooop.
Well played Nando.

Well played ZZZ. Lovely feedback this week one saying build around Ginter & not vidic other saying build around Vidic

I know, doesnt help. Personally id say Vidic.
My feedback was consistent this week, sort my defense out. Got no monies to do so though so bits stuffed.

Btw, Costa scored last Friday in the internationals, man is a beast yo yet no one rates him. I dont get it lads, is it because he plays for Valencia or something? or is it because he doesnt have a sick haircut?

INeedMoney #HowHigh to I can sort my defense out.

Also, 5 draws, I am the draw king!!!

can we add out £1m tactics & votes on time monies now?

Right anyone got a CB available, as well a CDM?

Also any of my strikers can go. Think an overhaul up top might be needed

If you find yourself 15m you can have Vidic.

I can find myself that, but I don't think I'll pay that much for him tbh, good/great CB seems to be on the decline this season tho

Ginter I would be interested in however

Azzy, lef you an offer yday, reposted it again now, can you check it please.

Can we add our £1ms now?

And I do think it's harsh that I brought CF back in, he did tactics and voting, and I get bugger all

No bonus this week. Too many people did everything on time and we are struggling to raise the funds to pay out.

Therefore to be fair, we are cancelling all bonuses

Come on now, you had me for a second

Soddy is the man with his hands on the league purse strings.

Up to him when to pay out

Azzy Mahmood wrote:Come on now, you had me for a second

We just didn't plan on ZZZ doing everything. It caught us out completely.

Soddy is trying to sell some of those rare clouds he occasionally sees to fund the bonuses

Everyone, except:

Nando
Olly
CF
Azzy

Can add their 1m