All Time Premier League Fantasy Draft: R1 - Cutch vs Berbasloth4

With players at peaks in the teams indicated, who will win?

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Skizzo

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................................. Team Cutch............................................................................Team Berbasloth4..........................................

TEAM CUTCH

Sub: Roland Nilsson

Formation
The classic Premier League formation of 4-4-2 with Gudjohnsen dropping into the hole where necessary.

Team
In goals, one of the most consistent and renowned goalkeepers of the Premier League Era, and a massive game raising cnut. Brad Friedel.

Gary Neville, undoubtedly the PLs greatest rightback and the jet heeled Gael Clichy (07-09 version) lineup at fullback. Legendary England and Sheffield Wednesday defender Des Walker (93-95 PL peak), one of the best readers and man markers in the game is paired with the more cultured footballer Thomas Vermaelen, who had a stunning introduction to the premiership in the 09/10 season.

On the flanks Ryan Giggs needs no introduction on the left with the brilliant Steve McManaman on the right in the sort of form that seen him eventually move on to Real Madrid to be one of Britains greatest ever football exports. Gareth Barry, one of the Premier Leagues most consistent servants (4th on the all time appearance list) lines up to the left of the tireless physical monstrosity Michael Essien (05-08), arguably the best all round midfielder in the world in his first 2-3 seasons under Jose Mourinho before injury got the better of him.

Upfront is one of the great PL strike pairings, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who instantly hit it off and had a magical 4 years together at Chelsea. This is the Leeds Utd version of Hasselbaink admittedly but one who was just as deadly before a big money move to Atletico Madrid, with Gudjohnsens success resulting in a move to Barca.


Opposition

Strong through the middle for sure. Stam-King looks a solid enough pairing to break through in defence but the fullbacks look particularly vulnerable against 2 of the great Premier League widemen, and the inside channel between FB/CB is the one that Hasselbaink usually targets to unleash a quick shot on goal, and Gudjohnsen is a man with the eye for a pass, deftness of touch and execution to find him.

Caf draft legend Gary Kelly may have had Zinedine Zidane in his pocket before, but Ryan Giggs will fancy his chances here. McManaman on the otherside will drift and roam a bit more allowing Neville to overlap and Macca is another that should fancy his chances up against the slightly underwhelming Jose Enrique.

The opposition is also strong in the centre midfield with the Matic-Vieira pairing. Matic is still a relative newcomer (52 apps) to the PL compared to his opposite number, the tried and tested Barry (562 apps) who's been there and done that, and so good circa 2008 that he caused the beginning of the end for Alonso in the Premier League. Barry and the powerhouse Essien will both get stuck in and i think it will be an intriguing battle.

On the wings Nasri is a bit of an enigma who you never really know what you're gonna get from. G Nev will take great delight trying to rile him all game and i don't think he's the sort to respond well to a good kicking. Clichy will have the pace to keep tabs on Damien Duff to hopefully keep him quiet.

Des Walker, at the time the most natural English defender since Bobby Moore will keep tabs on goal machine Ruud. Walker admittedly not the flying machine he was pre 1992 but one that still played over 300 PL games, adored and considered one of Sheff Wed's greatest ever players. The classy Vermaelen providing cover and a coolness bringing the ball out of defence.

Overall

Admittedly a tough test with the opposition probably having a slightly stronger spine. The notable difference in the 2 sides must surely be out wide though with the Neville-McManaman and Clichy-Giggs pairing looking much more mouth watering than Kelly-Duff and Enrique-Nasri.

Its also worth noting that Berbasloth's team is rather er.. sloth like, with a rather one paced team without the sort of searing speed that i have in my ranks with Clichy, Giggs and McManaman and the power of Essien and Jimmy Floyd.

Prediction:
For the reasons outlines above i hope to nick this one 2-1. Ruud is usually good for a goal, but i think theres too much pace, power, work rate and overall quality out wide to take advantage of this game and i think i've got natural complementary partnerships all over the park.
 
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TEAM BERBASLOTH

Well guys, I think I have went with a bit of a shock. I am sure I will be expected to play a 4411.

However my opponents strengths are without doubt the wingers, giggs and mcmanaman.
With me playing an extra man (Poyet) it will allow an extra mans cover. When I am facing a counter attack I need matic or vieira to be alert to the danger and help support the full backs. Nasri will only be asked to track the full back, Duff however due to his high work rate will also provide cover down his wing. Thats my opponent and his strengths taking care off.

My team..

In nets Schwarzer 3rd in the all time clean sheet list. He got better with age and has great command over his area.

My defence my right back Gary Kelly one of the steadiest full backs in premiership history, he was quick, strong in the tackle and enjoyed a battle also liked to get forward and had a great delivery. My left back quite the same as Kelly. Jose Enrique good defender and a good at getting forward, his positioning is fantastic which would be essential versus wingers like mcmanaman and giggs. My centre half pairing Stam and King. Jaap stam is the most complete centre defender to ever play in the premiership. He had it all he could play the ball out, he could take man and ball, he was strong as an ox and was extremely quick. King what a sensation he was spent the majority of his career not training during the week but playing on a saturday and being the best player on the pitch.. he was very smart, very strong and his timing in a tackle was exceptional.

Their jobs will be to stay as a back four. King and stam alongside each other, kelly and enrique will be allowed to get forward and join attacks - however when one goes the other stays.

On to my midfield protecting my back four is one of the main reasons chelsea won the league last season Matic, reads everything wonderfully well, is strong in the air and very commanding, the perfect man to stop any counter attacks. In front of him is Patrick Vieira it is no coincidence that it took arsenal 8 years to win something without him. The engine, drive and determination that man has is incredible. He takes games by himself. Beside him is Gus Poyet, he brings a more creativity and goals. He could score all types of goals long range efforts, arriving late with a header - that volley versus sunderland speaks for me.. like vieria he has a great engine, a great box to box midfielder who could run 90mins with ease.

Their jobs - Matic simple protect the back four make sure giggs or mcmanaman never find themselves one on one with a full back.. if it isnt him going across to help then he can fill in the centre so stam or king can move across. Vieira and Poyet will be old fashioned box to box midfielders. They defend when we are they attack wwhenwe need attackers and help drive the game forward.

My attackers

My wide men are Nasri and Duff. Nasris creativity is fantastic, hes ability on the ball can be incredibly effective and his ability to beat a man is exceptional. On the left I have Duff a fearsome winger who can shoot and cross with both feet and is exceptionally quick

My lone striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy enough said.

Their jobs Nasri to use his brain come off the line and stretch the centre backs making space for van nistelrooy in behind or for kelly to get down the line and produce a cross. Duff will play a traditional winger use his pace take neville on make him commit himself win fouls and use his wand of a left foot to get crosses on to van nistelrooys head.

Why I would win?

I have combatted my opponents strengths, my centre half pairing are more than capable of bullying hasselbaink and Gudjohnson. My midfield winning that midfield battle is a foregone conclusion. With through passes from nasri poyet and vieria and with brilliant crosses from duff nasri and my full backs, van nistelrooy will feel like all his christmases have came at once and we know the man only needs one chance.

A few videos just to refresh your minds

My skipper Vieira



The ultimare predator (I got nostalgic watching this)



I had to post that poyet goal



And Nasri what talent

 
@Rado_N @Damien

If you could put up a poll please :)

With players at peaks in the teams indicated, who will win?
Cutch
Berbasloth4

votes visible without voting
votes can be changed
24 hours

Think thats the usual deal. Cheers
 
Two nicely constructed teams here. Cutch with a classic PL 4-4-2 with top notch quality on the wings, while at first glance Berba has a distinct advantage through the middle of the pitch. If Duff can provide a decent stream of crosses then Poyet's late runs into the box could be a real menace here. Leaning towards Berba as I'm not a huge fan of Cutch's central defence. Vermaelen started well enough at Arsenal but never entirely convinced, and I was never too impressed with PL Walker at the time. Van Nistelrooy will get joy against those two if he gets adequate service.
 
Good luck Berba.

An interesting change of formation to what i expected.

Certainly didn't expect Ruud to line up as a lone frontman in a totally different environment to that which he flourished at United.

I think it's made it easier to defend against without the support striker dropping deep and i don't think Ruuds the type to enjoy ploughing that lone furrow without the service that made him one of the worlds deadliest strikers.

It now looks very reliant on support runners from midfield, but my whole midfield is one with the athleticism and discipline to work up and down and cover runners from deep.
 
My strike pairing

Would go on to become one of the great and most natural PL strike partnerships, in their 4 years at Chelsea. Over 50 goals between them in the 01/02 season.

They instantly hit it off knowing exactly where to find each-other on the pitch and their link up was a joy to watch.

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Heres 10 minutes of of beautiful on pitch chemistry.

 
Really interested to see the discussion on this one because so far, it's very tight for me. I think Berba has the much better spine with a top CB partnership and excellent midfield, but Cutch has real ability on the flanks and a proven forward partnership up top.

Looking forward to being convinced on this one!
 
It's hard to improve on Cutch's flanks. What is important therefore is if his central pairings can hold their own and do the necessary. Jimmy and Eidur up front is a great partnership and Hasselbaink was an under-rated and emphatic goalscorer who could bully the best. I can also see Barry and Essien doing the necessary, working their bollocks off and keeping it simple. Up against Ruud, the centre of defence looks a little leaky as Vermaelen occasionally has an error in him while Walker won't be able to cover him as immaculately as he did at his very best. Berba's centre-half partnership is exceptional, as good as any in the draft, and I can see the Duff to Ruud route, proving problematic for Cutch. Not as clear on the role of Nasri in this and whether Poyet can have the level of influence on this game that, for instance, Gudjohnsen, would expect to have at the other end.
 
The reason I went for the third man in the middle of the park is to help stop the wide men.

It allows vieira or matic to come across and help or matic can drop in and provide cover as a centre back goes across..

If his wingers are quiet I win simple as.

Van nistelrooy played many games up top alone we all seen it.

Dont under estimate poyet either he is a very good box to box midfielder greT arriving late in the day for a pulled back cross or delivered to his head.
 
berbasloth4 said:
Dont under estimate poyet either he is a very good box to box midfielder greT arriving late in the day for a pulled back cross or delivered to his head.
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Aye, I suppose the difference is that Poyet could be free if your three overloads Cutch's two which may be decisive given his 1-in-2/3 goal return.
 
Essian and barry at their best were a bit conservative. Which will stop my three midfielders being streched as well..

I think if this game was played 10 times I would win 8 and probably draw the other 2
 
berbasloth4 said:
Essian and barry at their best were a bit conservative. Which will stop my three midfielders being streched as well..

I think if this game was played 10 times I would win 8 and probably draw the other 2
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Ridiculous. What are you saying here, that Essien isn't going to get forward much? The man will cover every blade of grass. An unstoppable force in his peak years at Chelsea
 
Cutch said:
Ridiculous. What are you saying here, that Essien isn't going to get forward much? The man will cover every blade of grass. An unstoppable force in his peak years at Chelsea
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I didnt say he wont get forward just he can be conservative.. it would just be limited because thats just his mentality.
 
berbasloth4 said:
I didnt say he wont get forward just he can be conservative.. it would just be limited because thats just his mentality.
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Doesn't look too conservative in this video.

A box to box midfielder of the highest order. At the time would have probably walked into a World 11. Just a shame that injuries meant his Chelsea career eventually fizzled out a bit.

 
berbasloth4 said:
When essien played his attitude was to make sure defense was covered before going.
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That may be so, but in his pomp getting forward in a genuine b2b style was very much what he was about.

So, I don't quite buy the argument – unless it be that Essien, here, will be required to defend like a madman for the full ninety.
 
Cutch said:
Doesn't look too conservative in this video.

A box to box midfielder of the highest order. At the time would have probably walked into a World 11. Just a shame that injuries meant his Chelsea career eventually fizzled out a bit.

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Great video that, I remember how gutted I was when we missed out on Essien.
He turned out to be even better for them than I thought he would. Cracking all round midfielder.
 
crappycraperson said:
Are you serious? I would defo start Teddy over Poyet here. Your CM two still edges Cutch's and Teddy will link up with the CMs better than Eidur.
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I went with an extra man in midfield to help with the wingers it allows me to double up on them either matic or vieria goes across to help.. or a centr half can go across and matic fills in..
 
berbasloth4 said:
Well barry and essien wont be strong enough to beat a midfield of matic vieria and poyet..
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berbasloth4 said:
I went with an extra man in midfield to help with the wingers it allows me to double up on them either matic or vieria goes across to help.. or a centr half can go across and matic fills in..
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Which is it then? You say you've an extra man in the middle then in the next breath you say one of them will be dragged out wide to help combat the threat of my wide men
 
Cutch said:
Which is it then? You say you've an extra man in the middle then in the next breath you say one of them will be dragged out wide to help combat the threat of my wide men
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Its both.. if you are playing through the middle I have three strong centre midfielders in the middle if your trying to play wide if an extra man to help mark the wingers..
 
my god that left side of cutch defense is shit....other then that pretty good teams, will read it all later and decide. Guddy and Hass :drool::drool::drool:
 
Went for Cutch, great strike pair!

Out of interest, who is Berbasloths 12th man?
 
berbasloth4 said:
Its both.. if you are playing through the middle I have three strong centre midfielders in the middle if your trying to play wide if an extra man to help mark the wingers..
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Sounds like you're worryin too much about my offensive threat sacrificing Teddy and getting a centre mid to be dragged out wide, and not just letting your players play their natural game like mine are. There's no doubt which team is gonna be playing this on the front foot.

A cohesive 2 banks of 4 attacking and defending as a team in the system all of them played in, with match winners out wide and in attack.
 
Šjor Bepo said:
my god that left side of cutch defense is shit....other then that pretty good teams, will read it all later and decide. Guddy and Hass :drool::drool::drool:
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If we're talking 2015 form then not a chance would i be picking either.

However Clichy at Arsenal was so good that Ashley Cole wasn't missed and only his last season with them did his form inexplicably drop. Vermaelen was a sensation in his first season before injuries started taking their toll and again is picked here for his peak form. Played brilliantly for 33 games (8 goals) with Arsenal looking like they'd win the league before he got injured missing their last 5 games in which they then only got 4 points from 15 costing them the league.
 
Cutch said:
Sounds like you're worryin too much about my offensive threat sacrificing Teddy and getting a centre mid to be dragged out wide, and not just letting your players play their natural game like mine are. There's no doubt which team is gonna be playing this on the front foot.

A cohesive 2 banks of 4 attacking and defending as a team in the system all of them played in, with match winners out wide and in attack.
Click to expand...

I will have the game controlled. Your only way of beating me will be counter attacking thats why matic sits. Thats why the extra man..

I will create far too many chances for ruud via nasris creativity or duffs crossing or vieiras through balls. There is no other outcome.
 
crappycraperson said:
Are you serious? I would defo start Teddy over Poyet here. Your CM two still edges Cutch's and Teddy will link up with the CMs better than Eidur.
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Problem is he;s better off with a 4-3-3 given the type of wide men he has, who don't particularly strike me as wide midfielders who would make a 4-4-2 work.
 
Cutch said:
If we're talking 2015 form then not a chance would i be picking either.

However Clichy at Arsenal was so good that Ashley Cole wasn't missed and only his last season with them did his form inexplicably drop. Vermaelen was a sensation in his first season before injuries started taking their toll and again is picked here for his peak form. Played brilliantly for 33 games (8 goals) with Arsenal looking like they'd win the league before he got injured missing their last 5 games in which they then only got 4 points from 15 costing them the league.
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i know but i never rated Clichy, even at Arsenal i saw him as brainless chicken with great athletic ability.......as for Vermaelen, his great form was more because of his ability on the ball and his goalscoring form then it was because of his defending.

But to not be only critical of you team :D Think berbs fullbacks would have a lot of problems with your wingers and i can see creativity problems in his team. Not sure who will bring the ball up and who will create something, the only one offering some spark is Nasri and i never saw him as dominant creative force, he was always more of a support guy for the main playmaker.
 
diarm said:
Really interested to see the discussion on this one because so far, it's very tight for me. I think Berba has the much better spine with a top CB partnership and excellent midfield, but Cutch has real ability on the flanks and a proven forward partnership up top.

Looking forward to being convinced on this one!
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was going to post.
 
Šjor Bepo said:
i know but i never rated Clichy, even at Arsenal i saw him as brainless chicken with great athletic ability.......as for Vermaelen, his great form was more because of his ability on the ball and his goalscoring form then it was because of his defending.

But to not be only critical of you team :D Think berbs fullbacks would have a lot of problems with your wingers and i can see creativity problems in his team. Not sure who will bring the ball up and who will create something, the only one offering some spark is Nasri and i never saw him as dominant creative force, he was always more of a support guy for the main playmaker.
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Have you never seen vieira pass the ball.. and you are underrating nasri?? He is very intelligent and can slip a ball through unexpectedly
 
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