Pat_Mustard/Sjor Bepo
Formation: 4-3-3
Arturo Vidal replaces the underappreciated Tugay in midfield for this match, and ushers in a change of emphasis stylistically. The box-to-box heavyweight allows us to adopt an aggressive counter-pressing style out of possession, and a quicker tempo to our attacking game. Complemented by Redondo’s superlative technique and reading of the game at the heart of midfield, and Gascoigne’s dynamism and thrust slightly further forward, they’ll form an imposing three man midfield. With Viva/Edgar looking set to sacrifice numbers in the middle in favour of (admittedly excellent) attacking width, Redondo/Vidal/Gascoigne should enable us to establish a decisive level of control over the match.
Our attackers have the dynamism and workrate to support our aggressive pressing strategy, with Villa in particular having impeccable pedigree after excelling in one of the most demanding pressing systems of all. Moreover, with two brilliant finishers in Villa and Larsson and the outstanding winger on the pitch in Figo, they’ll provide a deadly cutting edge to our attacks.
We’ve shifted the defensive line back a few yards compared to our last match but it’ll still be moderately high, dropping back further if our initial press to regain possession fails. Ferrara organises the defence again, and his partner Boli should be in his element here engaging in a bruising physical duel with Shearer.
VivaJanuzaj/EAP
Formation & Strategy:
Counter Attacking 4-4-2. Defend through the middle and counter-attack through the flanks.
Midfield battle:
Redondo-Vidal-Gazza is a very creative midfield, but in Cambiasso and Effenberg we have two very hardworking and tactically intelligent midfielder who will sheild our defence when out of possession. Both have good vision and passing range to be able to start counters and push balls out to flanks when we have possession. I'd expect his creative players to be playing in a crowded area in front of our defence with far less space to operate in which works in our favour.
Defence:
Abidal in his prime was a quick and tenacious defender. Comfortable as a Centreback too, he's perfectly placed to face Figo. Our counter attacking strategy will be opted to try and minimize the gaps for Figo to exploit. By defending through the middle, Cambiasso will alway be on hand for support when opponent has possession. Villa is more an inside forward than a classic winger. He squares off against Lahm, who himself having operated as a DM is well qualified to track him when he drifts inside.
Chiellini-Pepe are two of the best defenders of current era. A tenacious, tough tackling duo, they should be able to hold the line against Larsson.
Attack:
Lahm/Overmars is one of the best flanks in this draft, imo. I also rate Pires as a better player than Petrescu. I expect Pires/Suarez to be similar to Pires/Henry partnership that set blazes at Arsenal. Both fullbacks will need support against our wings and while Figo can put a shift defensively, it will take a lot of firepower from their attacking threat, and Villa won't be helping much.
Shearer circa 1996 was a monster. 31 goals in 35 League games, 8 goals in 9 International games, Golden Foot in Europa 1996, 3rd in Balon d'Or...at this form, he's clearly couple of levels ahead of Boli.
Formation: 4-3-3
Arturo Vidal replaces the underappreciated Tugay in midfield for this match, and ushers in a change of emphasis stylistically. The box-to-box heavyweight allows us to adopt an aggressive counter-pressing style out of possession, and a quicker tempo to our attacking game. Complemented by Redondo’s superlative technique and reading of the game at the heart of midfield, and Gascoigne’s dynamism and thrust slightly further forward, they’ll form an imposing three man midfield. With Viva/Edgar looking set to sacrifice numbers in the middle in favour of (admittedly excellent) attacking width, Redondo/Vidal/Gascoigne should enable us to establish a decisive level of control over the match.
Our attackers have the dynamism and workrate to support our aggressive pressing strategy, with Villa in particular having impeccable pedigree after excelling in one of the most demanding pressing systems of all. Moreover, with two brilliant finishers in Villa and Larsson and the outstanding winger on the pitch in Figo, they’ll provide a deadly cutting edge to our attacks.
We’ve shifted the defensive line back a few yards compared to our last match but it’ll still be moderately high, dropping back further if our initial press to regain possession fails. Ferrara organises the defence again, and his partner Boli should be in his element here engaging in a bruising physical duel with Shearer.
VivaJanuzaj/EAP
Formation & Strategy:
Counter Attacking 4-4-2. Defend through the middle and counter-attack through the flanks.
Midfield battle:
Redondo-Vidal-Gazza is a very creative midfield, but in Cambiasso and Effenberg we have two very hardworking and tactically intelligent midfielder who will sheild our defence when out of possession. Both have good vision and passing range to be able to start counters and push balls out to flanks when we have possession. I'd expect his creative players to be playing in a crowded area in front of our defence with far less space to operate in which works in our favour.
Defence:
Abidal in his prime was a quick and tenacious defender. Comfortable as a Centreback too, he's perfectly placed to face Figo. Our counter attacking strategy will be opted to try and minimize the gaps for Figo to exploit. By defending through the middle, Cambiasso will alway be on hand for support when opponent has possession. Villa is more an inside forward than a classic winger. He squares off against Lahm, who himself having operated as a DM is well qualified to track him when he drifts inside.
Chiellini-Pepe are two of the best defenders of current era. A tenacious, tough tackling duo, they should be able to hold the line against Larsson.
Attack:
Lahm/Overmars is one of the best flanks in this draft, imo. I also rate Pires as a better player than Petrescu. I expect Pires/Suarez to be similar to Pires/Henry partnership that set blazes at Arsenal. Both fullbacks will need support against our wings and while Figo can put a shift defensively, it will take a lot of firepower from their attacking threat, and Villa won't be helping much.
Shearer circa 1996 was a monster. 31 goals in 35 League games, 8 goals in 9 International games, Golden Foot in Europa 1996, 3rd in Balon d'Or...at this form, he's clearly couple of levels ahead of Boli.
