New Fantasy Draft Quarter Finals

[Cal?]

New Fantasy Draft Semi Finals

1 phelans shorts: Pato, Hamsik, Sahin, Fellaini, Shawcross, Matteo Mussachio, Albrighton, Simon Mignolet, Adam Matthews, Lewis Holtby, Roberto Canella, Hazard, Higuain
3 KM: Alexis Sanchez, Banega, Szczęsny, Felipe Caicedo, Otamendi, Moussa Sissoko, Alex Witsel, Dedryck Boyata, Kyle Walker, Lucas Da Silva, Jordi Alba, Smalling
4 Cling Bak: Ozil, Bojan, Walcott, Adam Johnson, Micah Richards, Seamus Coleman, Jordan Henderson, Tim Krul, Douglas Franco Teixeira, Fabrice Muamba, Armand Traore, Di Maria, Busquets
5 DanNistelrooy: Wilshere, Jovetic, Pjanić, Rodwell, Benedikt Höwedes, Zdravko Kuzmanović, Eren Derdiyok, Diego Capel, Marcel Schmelzer, Ahmed Elmohamady, Fraser Forster, Sakho
6 Cal?: Chicharito, Mata, Subotic, Anderson, Andrea Ranocchia, Renato Augusto, Granero, Jeffrén, Atsuto Uchida, Marcos Rojo, Tobias Sippel, Bale, Wilshere
7 IBleedRed: Mueller, Busquets, Marin, Hummels, Papastathopoulos, Thiago Alcântara, Miralem Sulejmani, Ivan Obradovic, Isaac Vorsah, Oliver Baumann, Marko Arnautović, De Gea
13 Mighty Boosh: Nasri, Balotelli, Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng, David Ospina, César Azpilicueta, Luiz Gustavo, Daniel Carrico, Willian, Abel Hernandez, Erik Pieters, Higuain
16 Solius: Marcelo, Benzema, Asenjo, Badstuber, Defour, Douglas Costa, Breno, Alan Dzagoev, Andre Ayew, Sotiris Ninis, Daniel Opare, Song, Smalling
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Quarter Final
Match 9 - KM 21-21p Solius
Match 10 - Mighty Boosh 16-17 phelans shorts
Match 11 - DanNistelrooy 14-21 Cal
Match 12 - Cling Bak 29-7 IBleedRed

Semi Final
Match 13 - Cal 23-20 phelans shorts
Match 14 - Cling Bak vs Solius

Final
Match 15 - Winner of Match 14 vs Cal

Please kindly do not post your comments on this thread until everyone in the SF has had a chance to post their updated teams.

You can post your comments in the original thread: https://www.redcafe.net/f7/new-fantasy-draft-325813/

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QF Winners, please post your updated teams below and the semis will get underway after United celebrate the title (with the trophy).

 

[Solius]

Manager: Solius
Assistant: Aint Gota Kalou

Sergio Asenjo is regarded as one of the best young keepers around. A key part of Atletico Madrid's side til De Gea overtook him and he went on loan to Malaga.

Daniel Opare broke into the Ghana national team aged 17 and is a regular for Standard Liege. He is a very composed defender (converted from a midfielder and also has an excellent precise whipped cross in his locker when going forward.

Holger Badstuber is a regular centre-back for Bayern Munich having broken into the team in 2009. He can also play at left-back. A bonus with the very attacking Marcelo on the left side as he can cover if needed. He also plays for the German national team.

Breno is another Bayern Munich centre-back. Broke into the team in 2008 and has spent time on loan at Nuremberg as well as he learned his trade.

Marcelo is widely regarded as the best left-back in the world. His defensive abilities are underrated because his attacking ones are so good. A major threat going forward, can also play left-wing.

Steven Defour is the captain of Standard Liege, and is a central midfielder more in the Carrick mold than anyone else. He is a leader, and is known for his accurate passing and reading of the game. Fergie has kept an eye on him in the last few years.

Alex Song is the lynchpin of Arsenal, improved immensely in recent years to become one of the best holding midfielders in the Premiership, trusted in that defining role at such a young age.

Alan Dzagoev is an attacking midfielder who plays for CSKA Moscow and is a regular in the Russian national team. A very clever player with an eye for a killer pass. Compliments the other two midfielders perfectly as he is more relaxed and mentally astute. You may remember him scoring against United from a near impossible angle in the Champions League.

Douglas Costa is another player with a superb turn of pace. He can play on the right, the left or as an attacking midfielder. He can cut in from any side and provide a threat, and is very skilful. You may have seen some of his performances for Shaktar in this seasons Champions League.

Andrew Ayew plays for Marsielle so you've seen him this season. Broke into the team 4 years ago and is still only 21. Electric pace and known for his direct wing play and assists for his team. Can also play as a striker if needed.

Karim Benzema is hardly going to be unheard of on here. The Real Madrid star is one of the worlds top strikers.

 

[KM]

Szczesny- Despite being an Arrogant cnut, there should be no denial to Szczesny’s talent. At the age of 21(which is extremely young for a GK) he has gone on to become Arsenal’s No.1 after impressing at loan to Brentford and then impressing at Arsenal in some fringe matches. Definitely one of the best young GK’s in the world

Walker- Signed by Spurs from Sheffield United(where he became the youngest Blades player to play at Wembley), he has been a revelation at Aston Villa, so much so that he broke into the English Squad at the age of 21 but had to withdraw due to an injury. Naturally attacking right back but a solid defender also, he has been a shining light in Villa’s bad season so far.

Otamendi- Anyone who becomes a regular fixture in Argentinian National Team at the age of 23 deserves a lot of credit. The centre back who can also perform adequately at the right back is a defender in the Rio Ferdinand mould but with the added bonus of scoring goals. His record for Porto(5 goals in 16 matches) is really a phenomenal return for a central defender.

Smalling- Nothing to say, you all know about him

Jordi Alba- An excellent dribbler with pace to burn, the energy to get up and down that wing all day and the ability to pick out an excellent cross. Versatile enough to play as a left back, winger or centre mid with the variety of qualities to play each to a strong level. A late developer without doubt, he got his chance in the Valencia first team following a number of injuries and he made an immediate impression with his energy, technique and willingness to get forward season. An attacking threat that any team should worry about, will not only provide terrific width but has genuine quality in that left foot.

Witsel- Blessed with an impressive physique, a very high technical level and an excellent driving mentality, he is extremely well rounded. A strong short passing game, excellent close control, good dribbling and plenty of flair. Along with this he's got a great engine (well combined with a smart pressing game), is quick across the ground, is physically imposing and strong in the air. Best used as the most adventurous in a midfield three, linking midfield and attack with his passing and intelligent movement, but very comfortable as an orthodox centre mid adding presence and composure in deep areas.

Moussa Sissoko- A midfielder in the Yaya Toure mould. His most used asset is his dribbling and strong running. His passing's extremely crisp, incisive and reliable, his stamina's excellent, his awareness is very good and his tackling is very formidable - alongside a creative holder like Banega, Carrick or Alonso he can flourish, allowing him the freedom to push forward while being able to pick him out in threatening areas with incisive passing. A feature of every France youth team, debuted for the full team last year in a friendly and will continue to establish himself further following a move to a larger European club.

Banega- The Creative hub of my team, Banega has become one of the best midfielders in Spain outside the Top two. On his top form, he is really amongst the most complete midfielders in the world, he won the League with Boca Juniors playing as a Holding Midfielder, however after coming in Spain, he has really transformed into a top creative player. Various Pundits have labelled Maradona’s decision not to include Banega in the WC as his worst decision of his controversial management.

Sanchez- The Jewel of Italian Football, the Chilean since from his teenage days has been labelled as the New Cristiano Ronaldo and for a change this label is somewhat quite accurate. Graduating from the excellent Colo-Colo football academy, he has always been a talented player but has really come into his own at Udinese this season. Moving him to the “in the hole” position by the Udinese manager has been a real masterstroke and his Partnership with Di Natale upfront has smashed all kinds of records.

Lucas- Need no more than a succinct description from his manager at u20 level: "Lucas gives the coach the option of changing the team during the game. He can be a second forward, a centralized playmaker, a winger, or even a deep lying midfielder. He plays in direction of the goal. Lucas uses his strength a lot and finishes well too". Added to that he has tremendous pace, a wonderfully low centre of gravity, excellent work rate and a very strong incisive short passing game. He is very impressive with his tackling, regularly winning the ball high up the pitch, and along with Sanchez, Witsel and Sissoko he will be involved in intense pressing.

Caicedo- I wouldn’t write anything about him, I would just quote what Sid Lowe wrote about him a month ago “. He has scored 11 goals this season from just 17 starts. No one else has more than four in the whole team. And it's not as if that's because he has been fed loads of chances, or because he shoots wildly and often. In fact, he has the best shots-per-goal ratio in the league. Sometimes asked to hold the ball up and bring others into play; more often asked to smash his way past defenders almost on his own. Quick, skillful, strong. And unaided.”

 

[Cal?]

A little background on the players:

Sippel - Kaiserlautern keeper who has recently been called up to the German internationa squad
Uchida - Schalke & Japan regular, decent defensively and going forward, also great for marketing
Subotic - Dortmund and Serbia regular, one of the reasons why Dortmund ran away with the Bundesliga
Ranocchia - Signed by Inter during the Winter and a regular for them as they saved their season after the disaster of Rafa
Rojo - Won the Copa Libertadores with Estudiantes, then joined Spartak Moscow, recently called up for Argentina, has 3 caps.
Renato Augusto - One of the stars taking Leverkusen above Bayern and into a CL place, recently called up by Brazil and has 2 caps.
Granero - El Pirata, a Real Madrid squad player who can do a bit of everything, Mourinho called him the hardest worker at RM.
Anderson - Guess there is no need to describe him...
Bale - PFA Player of the Year for some reason, but it cannot be denied he's had some great performances this season.
Mata - Regularly in the squad (11 caps) for the World and European champions, the star of the 3rd place La Liga side.
Chicharito - Little pea

 

[DanNistelrooy]

Dynamo DanNistelrooy

Assistant: ParkJiSy

The Players

Forster - Quick off his line, agile and above all, an absolute beast in goal, Forster has the potential to be a future England number one. Won promotion with Norwich last year, before looking likely to win the league with Celtic, he looks set for a bright future in the game

Schmelzer – Left back for the side that has just won the German league who also boast the tightest defensive in the division. Schmelzer has had a fantastic season on a personal note as well having made his breakthrough in the national side. Tough in the tackle and highly composed on the ball, Schmelzer is probably one of the most in form left backs currently.

Howedes – Vice captain for the surprise package in the champions league, Howedes is a commanding centre half and hisorganisational skills will be a great asset to our side.

Sakho – a commanding centre half with over 100 appearances for PSG at the age of 21 is impressive.

Elmohammedy – at right back comes a player who, on form, can be devastating down the right flank. Quick enough to get up and down, he easily turns defense into attack. Tailed off recently, but having already won 42 caps for his country his experience will be invaluable

Rodwell – Complementing Howedes will be young Jack Rodwell. Questions may be asked as to why centre half, but this is his natural position, and with a great ability to read, as well as distribute accurately means our two centre halves form a formidable partnership.

Wilshere – Our box to box central midfielder. At the tender age of just 19, it speaks volume that Capello has already tried to build the national side around him. Pure class on the ball, terrier like in the midfield, I’m pretty sure Barcelona have been going after the wrong Arsenal centre midfielder..

Pjanic – our midfield playmaker. Dangerous on the ball, this man has an eye for goal as well as the ability to pick a killer through ball. He will also be our main set piece taker, and his deliveries are normally bang on the money.

Capel – an exciting wide player and Spanish international before injury. Capel offers an excellent delivery into the box, and has the trickery to beat his man to devastating effect. Another young man with plenty of experience. Capel will be the man to provide the team with width and together with Elmohamady will provide danger down right flank.

Jovetic – sound technically and great close control dribbling, Jovetic is the ideal man to have on the other flank of Capel. He offers something completely different, and with much more of a goal threat as well. Likes to beat his man and get his shot or cross off, his delivery is key to our target mans goal tally.

Derdiyok – Tall, strong and powerful, Derdiyok was the ideal front man for us to lead the line. Excellent heading abilities so is deadly from set plays, his strong frame allows him to hold the ball up for our more creative influences to get involved. This ability is invaluable to our team.

 

[Mighty Boosh]

Manager: Might Boosh
Assistant Manager: The Taurean

The Players

David Ospina: Hugely talented Nice and Columbia shot stopper. At the age of 22 he has already established himself as first choice for club and country making over 200 senior appearances. He has excellent reflexes, controls his area well and is one of the main reasons his club OGC Nice have remained in the French top flight despite their limited resources.

Cesar Azpilicueta: A right wing back who narrowly missed out on the Spanish World Cup squad. Started his career at Osasuna making over 100 first team appearances before moving to Marseille this Summer where he established himself in the starting line up before suffering a bad knee injury. Capped at every youth level for Spain making 17 u-21 appearances.

Jerome Boateng: A fast, tough tackling, physically strong and composed German centre back currently playing in the Premier League with Man City after joining them in a £10 million deal from Hamburg. Having made over 120 appearances at club level he has also established himself in the national side and was part of the German U-21 team that won the 2009 European Championships before representing the senior team at the 2010 World Cup earning 13 caps. I've selected him in his preferred position of centre back but he is equally adept at both right and left back.

Daniel Carrico: Sporting Lisbon's captain and leader he has been touted as the next Carvalho in his homeland. Linked with a £15 million move to City in January as a possible solution to their defensive problems it won’t be long before he moves to a top European side.

Erik Pieters: PSV and Holland left back who has been everpresent for the Dutch league leaders this season. Capped 5 times by the Dutch national team he also has plenty of European experience playing in the Europa League. Defensively he is very solid.

Javi Martinez: This man will boss my midfield, he's a teriffic player and was part of the Spanish World Cup winning squad. Atheltic Bilbao have been rewarded for splashing out nearly €6 million on a raw 17 year old who hadn't yet made a first team appearance. He has since played over 160 games for the scoring 18 goals and has become the heartbeat of the side. Standing at 6 foot 3 and weighing 86 kg he offers a physical presence in the midfield and is a player I think would thrive in England after being linked with joining us on a number of occasions.

Luiz Gustavo: Vastly experienced and will act as my midfield enforcer. He was an integral part of the Hoffenheim side that took the Bundesliga by storm a few years ago until he was sold to Bayern Munich in January which prompted current Schalke manager Ralf Rangnick to resign as Hoffenheim manager. He has made a very positive start to his career at Bayern playing 18 games many as a starter.

Willian: Pacy Brazilian Attacking Midfielder who has had an excellent season for Shakhtar Donetsk and is on the fringes of the Brazilian squad. He's been extremely productive this season playing in 38 games with 12 assists and 7 goals. He was particularly impressive in the Champions League for Shakhtar and scored a stunning goal against Roma to help them through to the quarter finals. A summer move looks likely as he is in the final year of his contract and there are many potential suitors including Chelsea and Arsenal.

Samir Nasri: Nasri long touted as the new Zidane has had a superb season with Arsenal, scoring 10 goals and was included in the PFA team of the season as well as being nominated for player of the year. Named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year when playing for Marseille he soon joined the Gunners in a £15 million move. He has really stepped up to the plate in the absence of Fabregas this season and can play as a left attacking midfielder or in a withdrawn central role or tucked in behind a lone striker. His excellent vision and impressive passing ability make him an ideal playmaker for my team.

Mario Balotelli: The man everyone loves to hate. Balotelli is undoubtedly hugely talented and is finally starting to string a few games together with City. An impressive strike rate of 20 goals in 59 appearances for Inter earned him a big money move to City where he has scored 6 times in 16 games. Capped twice for Italy and a winner of the Golden Boy Award given to the top under-21 year old playing in Europe he has already achieved quite alot in a short career. Agile, quick and powerful he has the key attributes to be a top quality striker.

Gonzalo Higuain: Ruthless finisher who will provide the goals for my team. Scored 10 goals in only 17 games in an injury interrupted season for Real Madrid and an impressive 7 goals in 13 games for the Argentine national side.

 

[phelans shorts]

A bit of background.

Simon Mignolet- Belgian international and some impressive performances in the PL this season mean the Sunderland man's stock is high.

Adam Matthews- One of the jewells in Cardiff's crown this season is the young full back and already signed for Celtic whom he will join this summer, the Welshman has a bright future ahead.
Matteo Mussachio- There has been a meteoritic rise for the Argentine centre back who has gone from Villareal reserve to the heart of their defence in the last year, an international call up is surely just a matter of time away.
Ryan Shawcross- Former Manchester United man and heart of Stoke City's defence Ryan Shawcross could end the season with an FA cup medal and more importantly a potential Fantasy draft winners medal!
Roberto Canella- the stunning left back was hugely impressive for Spain's U19 side not long ago and looks set to be at one of Spain's biggest clubs before too long following some impressive performances for Sporting Gijon.

Nuri Sahin- The Turkish star has been a vital cog in Dortmunds runaway side this year, showing himself as a top quality playmaker at every opportunity.
Maroune Fellaini- The Everton man has proven lots in his time with England, including that 6ft 7in men with an afro can occasionally play football quite well, and of course his enormous height means he can always be seen as a threat from set pieces.

Eden Hazard- The main key in the Lille side looking certain to lift Ligue Un side it is easy to forget how young the Belgian is, often described as "a defenders nightmare" and drawing comparisons of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in fact Lyon manager Claude Puel even described him as "little Messi", Eden's already one of Europe's top names.
Marek Hamsik- The Slovakian may not be well known to Alan Shearer but the educated football world have known about his talents for a long time, with his performances being a large reason Napoli seem destined for Champions League qualification.
Lewis Holtby- The young English/German attacker is a player who has been hugely impressive this season, aiding Mainz in some great performances and breaking into the Germany side, a starring role for Schalke next season seems to await.

Alexandre Pato- The Brazil international and AC Milan star is a player that strikes fear into the hearts of many defences all over the world, and an appropriate man to lead the line for such a side.

 

[Cling Bak]

Cilit Cling Bangers

More experience, more goals and a World Class player has been added in the form Angel Di Maria.

Tim Krul - This season: 22 apps. Total: 66 apps; 10 Netherlands U21 caps.
Recently taken the goalkeeping jersey from Harper at Newcastle, Manchester United fans will recall that including a clean sheet against their boys. 6ft2, 23 years of age, Krul is already proving he can play top level football.

Seamus Coleman - This season: 36 apps, 6 goals. Total: 115 apps; 14 Ireland U21 & Senior caps.
He can play as a right sided defender or midfielder, but the Irishman is set to play in his natural position at the back and make those marauding runs forward that has seen him nominated for PFA YPOY.
Micah Richards - This season: 25 apps, 3 goals. Total: 157, 9; 12 England caps, 1 goal.
Douglas - 87 Eredivisie apps, 6 goals; 2009/10 Eredivisie title. This season: All 540 minutes for Twente in Champions League.
Twente's assassin at the back. He completes a physically imposing central defensive pairing equipped with pace and power.
Armand Traore - This season: 11 apps (Juventus on loan). Total: 69 apps, 1 goal. 8 caps at U21 level for France.
Like Coleman, he'll be encouraged to push on at full-back and as a pair, get crosses in from the left and right back areas.

Jordan Henderson - This season: 36 apps, 3 goals. Total: 89, 6.
Two full seasons of PL football under his belt (33 PL apps 09/10) the 20 year old made his England debut in November in this deep lying midfield role and that's also where he's excelled for Sunderland.
Fabrice Muamba - This season: 34 PL apps, 1 goal. Total: 179 league apps; 30 England U21 caps.
His further experience is going to be vital. A quick and mobile pairing we have here, both lads can put their foot into a tackle and deliver a pass, breaking up play and pulling the strings from deep.
Mesut Ozil - 22 German caps, 3 goals; This season: 48 apps, 10 goals and 20 assists for Real Madrid. Werder Bremen 2008-10: 91 apps, 14 goals and 41 assists.

Theo Walcott - This season: 34 apps, 12 goals, 11 assists. Total: 193 apps, 35 goals, 30 assists; 13 England caps, 3 goals.
"One of the most dangerous players I have ever played against." - Lionel Messi, 2010.
Angel Di Maria - This season: 52 apps, 9 goals, 20 assists. Last season, for Benfica, he managed 45 apps, 10 goals and 19 assists. A man who is consistent, has over 200 career appearances and can unlock a defence as well as any player in the World.
Bojan - This season: 36 apps, 6 goals. Total: 161 apps, 40 goals.
At just 20 years old, he's one of my youngest players but one of the most talented. Anyone getting over 30 appearances for this Barca side is a threat. Playing centrally, he'll thrive on the support from wide and Ozil in a deep position.

Club career appearances: 1,521.
International caps: 225.
Total: 1,746.

Can this experience be matched?

 

[IBleedRed]

David De Gea:
I probably dont have to save much about Athletico Madrid's talented young shot stopper. He has become hot property in Spain playing 37+ times this season and becoming one of the top targets to replace veteran ace Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford next season.

Mats Hummels:
Borussia Dortmunds's rock in central defense, he is an integral part of their first place defensive record in the Bundesliga. Hummels has already earned 4 caps as a full international and has 21 caps in Germany's U21 team. He has an especially impressive scoring record with 10 goals for Dortmund in 2009-2011 (scoring 5 in each season) and 5 goals while playing for the U21. With 30 plus games already this season and just as many in 09/10 he has a wealth of experience at the top level for a young defender.

Isaac Vorsah:
Partnering Hummels in the central defense is another defender more than happy to chip in with a goal now and then. Vorsah has 3 goals already this season and an impressive appearance record at Hoffenheim of 71 games total in the last 3 seasons (29+ in 10/11). Vorsah has also earned 15 call ups to Ghana's national team in recent years giving him experience from in and outside of Europe. At 6ft 5 (192cm) he is extremely imposing and not afraid to get physical.

Ivan Obradovic:
The Real Zaragoza and Serbian full back has 20 appearances this season for his club and an impressive 16 caps for Serbia scoring 1 goal. He has good pace and likes to play with his left foot.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos:
AC Milan's versatile defender slots in at rightback. As well as having a cool name he has been called up to the Greek national team 18 times and though only having played 5 times for Milan this season he has plenty of club experience at Genoa playing 51 times and scoring 2 goals from 2008-2010.

Sergio Busquets:
Despite a questionable personality and ethics its hard to take anything away from his abilities as a player. Since early 2008 Busquets has played 82+ matches for arguably the best club midfield of recent years. He has won every trophy possible including the Champions League and World Cup and has also amassed an impressive 28 caps for the world champions.

Thiago Alcântara:
Though he may not have the minutes/caps of his other team mates Alcantara makes up for it by experience at the very top of the game. 10 games for the first team this season show that he can fill the huge expectations of being a Barcelona midfielder. He also played a major role in Spain's 2008 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship triumph and was again instrumental in Spain's 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship campaign.

Marko Marin:
An established German international Marin is one of the promising youngsters that were brought to the World Cup in South Africa. At only 22 He already can claim 16 caps for the elite international side. Marin currently plays for Budesliga side Werder Bremen and has an extremely impressive 89+ games from 2009-2011 scoring 12 goals and 24 assists.

Miralem Sulejmani:
Playing on the right wing is the Ajax and Serbian attacker. Another player with loads of experience Sulejmani has played 115+ times for Ajax over the past 3 seasons and has 13 goals in 2010/2011. He has been capped for Serbia 7 times as a full international. Sulejmani is an extremely versatile player able to play in most attacking positions.

Thomas Müller:
Another versatile attacking option, Müller was the top scorer at the 2010 WC in SA and one of Germany's most important players. He can boast an impressive 15 caps for Germany with 7 goals to his name. On the club side Müller has played for Bayern Munich over 98 times in the last two seasons scoring 19 last season and 19+ in 2011.

Marko Arnautović:
Spearheading the attack is the 192cm forward from Austria. Arnautović currently plays for Werder Bremen already has 31 appearances 4 goals and 4 assists for his club this season. For Austria he has 9 caps scoring 4 goals for his country.

The Team:
I took a gamble with no United or premier league players and tried to find players with large amounts of experience for top European sides and countries. My team has a strong German and Spanish backbone with multiple players that have existing chemistry from playing together regularly. They also have the advantage that most the players are fluent or at least familiar with the German and/or Spanish language so communication will be significantly easier.

Tactics:
Attack Attack Attack! The team may seem a bit lopsided with so much offensive talent but its evened out by world class defensive players like Hummels and especially Busquets anchoring the midfield. De Gea's presence between the sticks will radiant confidence to the defense and make it difficult for even the most talented attackers to break through. Most of the attacking players are versatile and can switch positions when necessary to keep the opposition guessing. Muller will be assuming the role Rooney has been recently for United and will be the nexus of the offense. Marin will put Cling's less experienced fullbacks under pressure and Sulejmani will be required to drop back at times to nullify the threat of Cling's wide players especially Di Maria. Busquets will also be utilized to monitor the threat of the flanks but will always have one eye on ozil to keep his influence on the match at a minimum. Most of the attack will probably come through the middle or on the left with Marin supplying Müller and Arnautović from the left and Müller moving the ball from deeper areas in midfield to more advanced positions.

 

[Cal?]

SF teams below please...

 

[Cal?]

A little background on the players:

Sippel - Another product of world class German goalkeeping school, played regularly for the U21s and recently earned a call up for national team; also played a big part in taking Kaiserlautern to a very respectable 7th place in the Bundesliga in their first season back in the top flight.

Uchida - Schalke & Japan regular, key to Japan's success in the Asian Cup 2011 and World Cup run last year. A regular for national team since he was 18 and already has 39 caps for the country ranked 14th in the world. Joined Schalke last summer and has been an important player for them reaching the CL semis and winning the German Cup.

Subotic - Superb pace, strength, incredible aerial ability and a great tackler. Subotic is undisputedly the best young defender in the world (think a younger Vidic). He was key to Dortmund's Bundesliga triumph and there are strong rumours that Chelsea, City and United are all fighting to get him.

Ranocchia - 23 years old Italian international center back, joined Inter Milan in January after the chaotic reign of Benitez and contributed a great deal to turn Inter Milan's season around. He was voted the best young defender and came second in best defender category in 2010/11 Serie A awards.

Rojo - 20y Argentine living a dream in the past few years. He won the Copa Libertadores with Estudiantes, got called up to the natioal team and landed a contract with Spartak Moscow. He may lack the attacking threat of someone like Rafael or Evra but more than compensates by his very solid defending.

Renato Augusto - Renato Augusto has quietly marshaled an underrated Leverkeusen squad which finished second in the Bundesliga (ahead of Bayern). His pace and touch enables him to create scoring opportunities for both himself and teammates where most other players would be dispossessed. At age 22, he is quite young and seemingly destined for a move to a bigger club, also recently called up by Brazil.

Wilshere - He is the PFA Young Player of the Year, and was also named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2010–11 season. Wilshere is the brightest hope of English football since the breakthrough of Wayne Rooney in 2004. He can play in any role in central midfielder, passing, dribbling, vision, movement, combination play he has it all. Perfect all rounder.

Anderson - Guess there is no need to describe him...

Bale - PFA Player of the Year. He may have been a controversial choice for the award. But it cannot be denied that he has put in some performances that very few players in the world could better. He looks more and more of a complete winger whose only weakness is not having a proper striker in the Tottenham team to give him support in attack.

Mata - Star of the Valencia team and full Spain international with 11 caps. Started off as a striker at the Real Madrid academy and developed as winger for Valencia. Mata has managed to master the attributes of both positions, which lets him become a unique attacking weapon.

Chicharito - Little pea

My team is back in red this time as we're the home side.

 

[puNANI]

On behalf of Phelan's Shorts.



Simon Mignolet- Belgian international and some impressive performances in the PL this season mean the Sunderland man's stock is high.

Adam Matthews- One of the jewels in Cardiff's crown this season is the young full back and already signed for Celtic whom he will join this summer, the Welshman has a bright future ahead.
Matteo Mussachio- There has been a meteoritic rise for the Argentine centre back that has gone from Villarreal reserve to the heart of their defence in the last year. An international call up is surely just a matter of time away.
Ryan Shawcross- Former Manchester United man and heart of Stoke City's defence Ryan Shawcross. Good aerial ability, marking and strength in the tackle which will complent Mussachio well.
Roberto Canella- The stunning left back was hugely impressive for Spain's U19 side not long ago and looks set to be at one of Spain's biggest clubs before too long following some impressive performances for Sporting Gijon.

Nuri Sahin- The Turkish star has been a vital cog in Dortmund’s runaway side this year, showing himself as a top quality playmaker at every opportunity. Compared to Carrick on these forums due to his great positional sense, but his ability to get forward and score goals and create has been highlighted through his 8 goals and 6 assists in the league.
Maroune Fellaini- The Everton man has proven lots in his time with England, including that 6ft 7in men with an afro can occasionally play football quite well, and of course his enormous height means he can always be seen as a threat from set pieces.

Eden Hazard- The main key in the Lille side looking certain to lift Ligue Un side it is easy to forget how young the Belgian is, often described as "a defenders nightmare" and drawing comparisons of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact Lyon manager Claude Puel even described him as "little Messi", Eden's already one of Europe's top names and it has been said that he has attracted the likes of the top European clubs like Man Utd and Arsenal.
Marek Hamsik- The Slovakian may not be well known to Alan Shearer but the educated football world have known about his talents for a long time, with his performances being a large reason Napoli seem destined for Champions League qualification. He has the ability to sit back in a midfield three and provide the links between midfield and attack, or take a further advanced position to score goals and create.
Alexandre Pato- The Brazil international and AC Milan star is a player that strikes fear into the hearts of many defences all over the world. His speed and skill from anywhere in the front line gives headaches to nearly every defender in the world.

Gonzalo Higuain- What more has to be said about the spearhead of this attack. He is a recognised goal scorer who plies his trade for one of the best teams in Europe. He has had an injury plagued season but still contributed with 10 goals from 17 games, and scored 29 goals from 34 games in the league last season. He has kept the likes of Benzema out of the first team, who is one of Europes most touted prospects.

 

[Cling Bak]

Cilit Cling Bangers

Sergio Busquets in, Fabrice Muamba out.

You either like my team, or you don't. But here's their numbers anyway...

Tim Krul - This season: 24 apps. Total: 68 apps; 10 Netherlands U21 caps.

Seamus Coleman - This season: 36 apps, 6 goals. Total: 115 apps; 14 Ireland U21 & Senior caps.
Micah Richards - This season: 25 apps, 3 goals. Total: 157, 9; 12 England caps, 1 goal.
Douglas - 87 Eredivisie apps, 6 goals; 2009/10 Eredivisie title. This season: All 540 minutes for Twente in Champions League.
Armand Traore - This season: 12 apps (Juventus on loan). Total: 69 apps, 1 goal. 8 caps at U21 level for France.

Jordan Henderson - This season: 36 apps, 3 goals. Total: 89, 6.
Sergio Busquets - This season: 44 apps, 1 goal. Total: 168 apps; 6 goals. 28 caps for Spain.
Mesut Ozil - 22 German caps, 3 goals; This season: 48 apps, 10 goals and 20 assists for Real Madrid. Werder Bremen 2008-10: 91 apps, 14 goals and 41 assists.

Theo Walcott - This season: 34 apps, 12 goals, 11 assists. Total: 193 apps, 35 goals, 30 assists; 13 England caps, 3 goals.
Angel Di Maria - This season: 52 apps, 9 goals, 20 assists. Last season, for Benfica, he managed 45 apps, 10 goals and 19 assists.
Bojan - This season: 36 apps, 6 goals. Total: 161 apps, 40 goals.

 

[Solius]

Manager: Solius
Assistant: Aint Gota Kalou

Sergio Asenjo is regarded as one of the best young keepers around. A key part of Atletico Madrid's side til De Gea overtook him and he went on loan to Malaga.

Daniel Opare broke into the Ghana national team aged 17 and is a regular for Standard Liege. He is a very composed defender (converted from a midfielder and also has an excellent precise whipped cross in his locker when going forward.

Chris Smalling you know all about him.

Holger Badstuber is a regular centre-back for Bayern Munich having broken into the team in 2009. He can also play at left-back. A bonus with the very attacking Marcelo on the left side as he can cover if needed. He also plays for the German national team.

Marcelo is widely regarded as the best left-back in the world. His defensive abilities are underrated because his attacking ones are so good. A major threat going forward, can also play left-wing.

Steven Defour is the captain of Standard Liege, and is a central midfielder more in the Carrick mold than anyone else. He is a leader, and is known for his accurate passing and reading of the game. Fergie has kept an eye on him in the last few years.

Alex Song is the lynchpin of Arsenal, improved immensely in recent years to become one of the best holding midfielders in the Premiership, trusted in that defining role at such a young age.

Alan Dzagoev is an attacking midfielder who plays for CSKA Moscow and is a regular in the Russian national team. A very clever player with an eye for a killer pass. Compliments the other two midfielders perfectly as he is more relaxed and mentally astute. You may remember him scoring against United from a near impossible angle in the Champions League.

Douglas Costa is another player with a superb turn of pace. He can play on the right, the left or as an attacking midfielder. He can cut in from any side and provide a threat, and is very skilful. You may have seen some of his performances for Shaktar in this seasons Champions League.

Andrew Ayew plays for Marsielle so you've seen him this season. Broke into the team 4 years ago and is still only 21. Electric pace and known for his direct wing play and assists for his team. Can also play as a striker if needed.

Karim Benzema is hardly going to be unheard of on here. The Real Madrid star is one of the worlds top strikers.