Quarter Final 3 - TDon69 v Duffy
- Thread starter Brwned
- Start date
I wouldn't give Leandro and Junior licence to go forward as if it were up to them they would spend all game upfield and that really exposes TDon on the counter. If that back four plays conservatively I can see the midfield dominating possession, TDon better controlling the game and scoring sooner or later. As it is, the game is a lot more open than needed.
I would have swapped Ancelotti's and Ceulemans positions if I were Duffy. Either way, he has two advantages:
1) A favourable pace imbalance relative to the rival defence, he can safely defend high up, while TDon would take more risks doing so. Regardless of what TDon chooses to do, this is important as it enables Duffy to squeeze TDon's attackers and midfielders further up the pitch.
2) A significant physical and height advantage which he can leverage aerially in set pieces. Ceulemans, Robbo, Blokhin and Keegan charging to head a cross from Houseman should be a frightening prospect for Southall.
I would have swapped Ancelotti's and Ceulemans positions if I were Duffy. Either way, he has two advantages:
1) A favourable pace imbalance relative to the rival defence, he can safely defend high up, while TDon would take more risks doing so. Regardless of what TDon chooses to do, this is important as it enables Duffy to squeeze TDon's attackers and midfielders further up the pitch.
2) A significant physical and height advantage which he can leverage aerially in set pieces. Ceulemans, Robbo, Blokhin and Keegan charging to head a cross from Houseman should be a frightening prospect for Southall.
As it stands I'd fancy Duffy to dominate the flanks which would present crossing opportunities for his midfield runners to attack.
OK, let's get this moving!
With 30 mins gone Duffy's work on the flanks behind Junior and Leandro's backs has given him the upper hand: 1-0.
I'll probably be out all day so that's my vote then.
With 30 mins gone Duffy's work on the flanks behind Junior and Leandro's backs has given him the upper hand: 1-0.
I'll probably be out all day so that's my vote then.
I thought coming into this I'd be a huge underdog, but looking at how things are laid out there's definate opportunities for my main attacking threats.
It seems to be a even game in the middle, with Ancelotti, Ceulemans and Robbo coming up against Tdon's midfield trio. I'd say Tdon's French pair have the more class, but my Robbo & Ceulemans have the drive and dertermination (both players captaining their respective clubs and countries).
We then seem to have Back 4's v's Front 3's. I think the way things have begun have given clear opportunity for Blokhin and Houseman to have a go at the wingbacks, with little cover if they are beaten, I think this provides huge opportunities for my wingers to get behind the defence and create chances for themselves and Keegan. I think it would also work with Keegan dropping deep for the ball and having Blokhin and Houseman, running in behind the wing backs, but being able to break the offside trap due to how deep the 2 centrebacks are - Giving Keegan time to use his pace to join the attack in the centre, along with Ceulemans and Robson breaking from midfield towards the edge of the box.
It seems to be a even game in the middle, with Ancelotti, Ceulemans and Robbo coming up against Tdon's midfield trio. I'd say Tdon's French pair have the more class, but my Robbo & Ceulemans have the drive and dertermination (both players captaining their respective clubs and countries).
We then seem to have Back 4's v's Front 3's. I think the way things have begun have given clear opportunity for Blokhin and Houseman to have a go at the wingbacks, with little cover if they are beaten, I think this provides huge opportunities for my wingers to get behind the defence and create chances for themselves and Keegan. I think it would also work with Keegan dropping deep for the ball and having Blokhin and Houseman, running in behind the wing backs, but being able to break the offside trap due to how deep the 2 centrebacks are - Giving Keegan time to use his pace to join the attack in the centre, along with Ceulemans and Robson breaking from midfield towards the edge of the box.
Odd that you see them as fron 3's. You are well placed to take advantage of those two wingbacks going walkabout, but he only really has one out and out forward player and he doesn't even have the pace to beat your defenders.
This means your defensive line is very high up, which means that although TDon technically outnumbers you with 5 midfielders to your three in central areas, there isn't actually enough space for his to operate effectively and translate that into an advantage, while you should be more fluid and with more options available (Keegan dropping back and helping build up, two genuine wide options, etc.).
Your side is the most improved from one round to the next, no question.
This means your defensive line is very high up, which means that although TDon technically outnumbers you with 5 midfielders to your three in central areas, there isn't actually enough space for his to operate effectively and translate that into an advantage, while you should be more fluid and with more options available (Keegan dropping back and helping build up, two genuine wide options, etc.).
Your side is the most improved from one round to the next, no question.
I say front 3's, I mean the 3 foremost attacking players really.
I think my defence is sturdy enough to deal with his attacking threat. I can't see him getting in behind, as my defence play as almost a flat 4, leaving little room.
Totally agree, adding Ceulemans in there has given me a very strong midfield - a similar player to Robbo - who was my first pick - just the type of player I like leading the team.
I think at this stage, leading 3-1 with not long left i'd have Robbo drop in front of the back 4, Ceulemans and Ancelotti man the midfield, Keegan dropping in to help in the middle, while still using the wingers as my outlets. I may think about bringing Chalana on for Houseman. Chalana's pace and trickery, cutting in from the right onto his left foot in the closing stages will cause TDon's already overworked Wingbacks even more problems.
I think my defence is sturdy enough to deal with his attacking threat. I can't see him getting in behind, as my defence play as almost a flat 4, leaving little room.
Totally agree, adding Ceulemans in there has given me a very strong midfield - a similar player to Robbo - who was my first pick - just the type of player I like leading the team.
I think at this stage, leading 3-1 with not long left i'd have Robbo drop in front of the back 4, Ceulemans and Ancelotti man the midfield, Keegan dropping in to help in the middle, while still using the wingers as my outlets. I may think about bringing Chalana on for Houseman. Chalana's pace and trickery, cutting in from the right onto his left foot in the closing stages will cause TDon's already overworked Wingbacks even more problems.
I find it weird TDon hasn't checked in at all 
What has really helped you here is him not having any significant pace upfront. On paper, your three would be busy with his three but Zico and Bochini would be destroying you if unaccounted for. Once Dinamite doesn't present a significant risk, and there's no wide threat either, your four move up squeezing Zico, Bochini and Dinamite into an attacking midfield three with no room between the lines.
If he had pace upfront you would probably be dead and buried now (well, at least it would be 2-2
).I've scraped through the group stage and surprised myself winning the QF, looking forward to the semi now, pondering my next draft pick...what's the deal with the next picks, common pot or do I draft directly from tdon?
Directly from your rival from now on. Two picks.
And his team will improve that much more once he adds Zico and Giresse/Tigana.
No kidding
I hope I get either him or Gio next. No idea how either would fit Zico AND Platini effectively into their teams, but that would be a daunting final for whoever is on the other side!
After a bit of consideration I'm going for Tigana and Zico.
WTF???? How did I miss this? I kept checking over the last couple of days and never saw this thread.
I can't believe I missed my own match.
Oh well, congratulations Duffy. Use Zico and Tigana wisely, they dragged me through many a match.
Zico likes it when you ruffle his hair after a good performance and Jean gets stroppy if there isn't a packet of jaffa cakes waiting in the changing room for him.
Good luck in the next round, you'll be favourite now, I'd say.
I can't believe I missed my own match.
Oh well, congratulations Duffy. Use Zico and Tigana wisely, they dragged me through many a match.
Zico likes it when you ruffle his hair after a good performance and Jean gets stroppy if there isn't a packet of jaffa cakes waiting in the changing room for him.
Good luck in the next round, you'll be favourite now, I'd say.
Weird, I did check what your last activity had been at one point and you had been active a few minutes earlier so I assumed you were working on some masterplan... Oh well.
It's a shame, I'd much rather have a game like antohan and I had first game (9-9) where we talk through the balance of the game trying to get votes as opposed to how this game went, but I suppose I have to take the win.
Will be sure to use the 2 lads wisely! Cheers!