The aim of this poll is to decide the winner in this fantasy game contested between two sides assembled through the method of drafting. For the purpose of this game, all players would be considered as being at their respective peaks. I invite all posters to go through the formations, tactics and arguments that will follow in the thread and kindly leave their vote. Thanks.
There's nothing fancy about these tactics. It's simply a matter of playing to the strengths of the players I have at my disposition. Amoros and v. B'horst will provide outlets out wide when the opportunity arises - but they won't continually push forward. In that sense they will act more like old school fullbacks than the modern kind. When defending you can imagine them tucking in a bit, making the gaps between CB and FB smaller - Fergie's old formula, if you will.
Tactics
The midfield trio will keep possession (something they are ideal for - the Red Star lads aren't easy to dispossess) while aiming to get to ball up to the forward trio. Larsson is dangerous from anywhere around the box. Caniggia is exceptionally dangerous from a wider position on the right: He will lurk out there, waiting for the ball (both a shorter pass from either Larsson or Stojkovic - or Prosinecki - or a long ball from Albertini could be very effective here, as Caniggia will use his deadly speed to make himself available. Lineker will do what he does best: Remain a constant threat in the area, preying on anything that might come his way.
It's a team capable of hitting the opponent on the counter (the Albertini-Caniggia connection strikes me as particularly potent here, but both fullbacks are also more than capable of bombing forward when called upon) - but also of building up play through the middle, capitalizing on the dribbling and passing strengths of the Red Star duo, both of whom are excellent at beating their man and carrying the ball into dangerous areas, where Larsson, Caniggia and Lineker all provide different outlets for lethal short passes.
My plan here is to gain an advantage, not necessarily an early lead, but to get ahead at some point before the 60th minute. When this happens I will sit back and ride it out. The Rock of Gibraltar will come on for Lineker, who has done his job (grabbing a poacher's goal from a parry gone astray - hardly an unlikely event) and the team will look something like this:
With Amoros/v. B'horst now as wingbacks - and Caniggia lurking in a free role to the right - I'm more able than ever to punish my opponent on the counter. But the main idea in this phase is nevertheless to defend my lead and ride it out. The new CB trio (with the best keeper in this draft behind them) will be important - but also the technical proficiency of my midfield men, ideally suited for keeping possession to the increasing frustration of my opponent, who needs the ball as much as possible.
That's it. 2-1 win is what I predict here.
PLAYER PROFILES
Team Chesterlestreet
Team Gio
Team Gio
