2017 RealGM Soccer Board Draft- Group B (Spens1, Fury, DK-All Day, Man of Steel)

[kdawg32086]

The Rules:

1. You will have 24 hours to PM your tactics to Baphomet before each round of polls open (this applies to the second round of fixtures and onwards, don't worry about it for the first polls, we already have the tactics in the thread). If you don't get your match day tactics sent to Baphomet in time, your default formation from the squads thread will be used.
2. Each voter will get 2 votes per poll, one for each matchup per round of polls. Yes, you are allowed to vote for yourself
3. As per standard group stage rules, you will get 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss.
4. Tiebreakers in the group stage are determined thusly in this order: Head-to-head vote differential > overall vote differential (think goal difference) > total votes
5. When the group phase is finished, we enter the last 8 knockout phase, where the winner of Group A will play the runner-up of group B, and vice versa. The winner of Group C will play the winner of Group D, and vice versa.

Group B: Spens1, Fury, DK-All Day, Man of Steel

Match Day 1:
-Spens1 vs. Fury (3-4)
DK-All Day vs. Man of Steel (4-4)

Match Day 2:
-Spens 1 vs. DK-All Day - DRAW (votes 0-2)
-Fury vs. Man of Steel (4-3)

Match Day 3:
-Spens1 vs. Man of Steel (2-3)
-Fury vs. DK-All Day (3-3)

Code: Select all

                      W      D      L      Pts   +/-
Fury                  2      1      0      7     +2
Man of Steel          1      1      1      4     +0
DK-All Day            0      3      0      3     +2
Spens1                0      1      2      1     -2


[Spens1]

De Gea
Manolas-Koulibaly-Rudiger
Roberto-Matic-Kante-Ghoulam
Ozil
Aubameyang-Icardi

Subs: Gabriel Jesus, Julian Draxler, Andre Gomes, Inigo Martinez

This may not be the flashiest side in the world, but it will be effective. Starting at the back, De Gea is probably the best goalkeeper in the world, at worst, a top 3 keeper, he has proven it season upon season for United over the years.

This back three has three strong, physical presences who are also agile and most importantly, have been amongst the best 3 defenders in the Serie A. These three will be able to keep up with the pacy attackers of the world and stop them. Rudiger also can play it from the back nicely if we need to.

My midfield has the chelsea duo of Kante and Matic, two absolute engines who can run for day's, the PFA player of the year Kante is an absolute monster and everyone knows it, he is the most relentless player on the planet, he will be sprinting and chasing the ball for the full 90. Matic is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world himself, he is a master when it comes to interceptions and tackling, not to mention he is a pretty good passer of the ball. Roberto is so versatile, he can play full back or anywhere in midfield. Essentially he will be a jack of all trades, he will defend, pass the ball through midfield, run up the flank and cross it, you name it, he'll do it. Its the same for Ghoulam who has proven he is one of the best LB's in Serie A last year, he is quick, works hard, gets back and forth and most impressively, has a hell of a cross, grabbing 7 assists last year. He can even cut in if needed to.

With Ozil not having to worry about tracking back at all really with Kante and Matic behind him, he can just be the creative engine he can be. That 19 assist a game season, with a squad like this and the players behind him and the service he will get, i think he could better that. Ozil will be providing passes from everywhere to the strikers.

Speaking of the Strikers, what can be said. Aubameyang this last season was the most prolific striker in the world with over 30 goals for Dortmund, he saved their hides last year. Icardi himself was one of the most prolific goalscorers himself, getting 24 as well as contributing to the assist total himself.

As for the bench, Jesus can be a big time impact player himself, before his injury, he was on absolute fire, getting 7 goals in 10 games, in his debut season for city. Draxler has been one of the better wingers going around for a while now, who can add an extra dimension to this team if needed to. Gomes, well you don't play 30 games for Barca for nothing, he can play either as a DM, CM or even behind the strikers. Last but not least is Martinez, who really is one of the unsung hero's of La Liga and has kept Sociedad at times from not looking like a bad team (their defensive record would be a whole lot worse if it wasn't for him, they may have scored 59 goals but it wouldn't have meant much if they conceded 65-70).

Overall i think you would have a well oiled machine of players who feed into each others strengths, giving a complete and balanced performance. The large majority of these players have stamina for day's also so that doesn't hurt.

[Fury]

Don't know if the picture works but it's a 4-3-3:
Sanchez Belotti and Firmino because no one has an imagination
Verratti Wanyama Tolisso
Rodriguez Van Dijk Alderweireld Aurier
Asenjo

For this matchup, we will go in a 4-3-3 false 9 formation. We will use Firmino's skills to confuse the CBs and force one of them to cover no one allowing Sanchez to find space and penetrate the box. Felipe Anderson will benefit from this as well as he is a skilled passer. I also have Anderson in the lineup because he is a hard worker who get back, tackle and win the ball back. He is vital going up against a formation with 5 in the middle of the field. Rodriguez will be bombing forward while Wanyama covers the back. Virgil and Toby are both great on the ball and will use their passing to set up some counters.

The other major keys are Verratti and Tolisso who I expect to dominate the midfield with their work rate and skill. While it's a tossup as to which duo has more workrate, it's no secret that Verratti and Tolisso have more skills so when we win the ball back we'll be heading up the field. Verratti will be able to get into the box when Firmino goes out, forcing even more confusion and players out of place. Tolisso will try to long shots when this happens well.

On defense, Wanyama, Toby and Virgil will form a strong stout trio. Virgil is strong enough to matchup with Icard and Toby is smart enough to match up with PEA. Wanyama will serve as the destroyer and take Ozil out of the game by pressuring him and forcing him to make passes more quickly than he wants to.

If we are tied or aren't able to score, Andrea Belotti will come in for Felipe Anderson, I will shift Firmino to the CAM and Belotti will be supported by Alexis Sanchez.

[Baphomet]

Sorry if this isn't very good MoS, but you took too long buddy! Tactics vs. DK-All Day:



Subs:

Vallejo
Ceballos
Iniesta
Llorente

[DK-All Day]

Subs:

Douglas Costa
Marcus Rashford
Lucas Vasquez
John Stones

We really liked the team we put together in the draft and we think we can go all the way.

My team is running a 4-2-3-1.

Starting at the back, Navas is one of the best GK in the world. Great reflexes and shot stopping abilities.

Defense: We believe we have one the best back lines in this competition. Carvajal and Alaba are great tacklers who can overlap into the attack with the midfielders and striker when we are attacking. We will have Nacho and Mathieu stay back on the defense to not get caught on any possible counter attacks. Alaba and Carvajal overlapping will cause big problems for the defense.

Midfield : This is the bright spot on our team, even more than our back 4. We will have Fernandinho playing in a CDM role along side Kovacic, who can play this role effectively.

On the attack with Gareth Bale on the wings, this squad could be a dangerous counter attacking team. His pace is STILL one of the best in the world. Mkhitaryan up the middle brings his playmaking and finishing abilities to this team. Mkhitaryan will create chances for Benzema, Bale, Di Maria, etc. Di Maria is another playmaker we have on our squad. We will play unselfishly and stay patient for openings into the defense.

Striker: Karim Benzema scored 17 goals with 5 assists this year. We have the personnel to maximize Benzema and he will be a key player for us.

[treiz]

Spens1 vs. Fury

For this matchup, for me this all falls down on the tactics that both coaches employed. The 4-3-3 false-9 formation that Fury has is up against a 3-4-1-2 and this is where I feel Fury's team will struggle. Without a true striker to try and challenge the back 3 and instead roam and drop deep to try and entice a defender to bite I feel won't work due to Spens1 having 3 CBs (so there will always be 2 covering) as well as having Kante-Matic in midfield. Although Fury's team have decent FBs in order to stretch the opposition (in Rodriguez/Aurier) which is a decent way to counter Spens1's team, there just isn't enough quality there to overcome the congestion in the middle, especially against Kante-Matic. Even more so when the team is forced wide and is forced to cross the ball into the bos, Spens1 have 3 CBs who are really strong in the air and good on the ground too. I feel like if this matchup happens, it'll be a case of Spens1 parking the bus, Kante/Matic winning the ball or Manolas/Rudiger/Koulibaly heading or intercepting the ball out of the box straight to Ozil who initiates a counter attack with 2 of the deadliest strikers in the world in Aubameyang/Icardi. I just can't see how Fury's team will cope.

Verdict: Spens1 wins.

DK-All Day vs. Man of Steel

Very close matchup, I really like how both team are set up here and should this happen in real life, this would certainly be a very entertaining match to watch.

But in saying that I will have to give the slight win to MoS. With the attack and midfield being as good as it is for both teams and really difficult to choose between, it came to down to the defences and although I would Navas over Casillas any day of the week, the back four of MoS is just a lot more sturdy and more capable to handle the DK's attack. Sorry this one isn't as long as my previous verdicts, but this was such a close matchup for me that I had to judge it position by position in order to determine who won.

Verdict: Man of Steel wins.

[and1GS]

Finally back stateside...apologies for this being so late. Just going to use bullets for these matchups.

Spens over Fury
-I rate Koulibaly as world class and Rudiger isn't that far behind him, with a serious opportunity to prove his worth in a new environment this year. Roberto/Ghoulam are a bit too defensive as wingbacks for my taste, but that's clearly by design and it's not like they can't attack. Plus Ghoulam is huge IIRC and Roebrto is beig enough with a penchant for making good passes - so you're looking at a ton of whipped in corners.
-Matic/Kante chemistry is phenomenal, but the offense on Spens isn't super impressive. You know Ozil isn't scoring so you're basically just feeding the STs...but in reality this team will score a ton of scrappy tap-in goals. All of them count the same so I'd bet that's effective.
-As for Fury, the defense is a bit risky with Van Dijk dipping in and out of phenomenal form last year. Aurier and Rodriguez (assuming it's ricardo?) are moreso attacking FBs, so this team doesn't have all that much defensive cover with Wanyama likely playing as a stopper.
-Tolisso surprised this season, but I really don't rate Verratti. Talented player, but being that diminutive means you need a lot of things around you to offset deficiencies and accentuate what you're great at. With a 'give me the ball and get out of my way' player like Sanchez on his side, I'm not sure his pinpoint passing will be all that vital.
-Firmino is a good CF if you have a high powered attack already, but I don't think he can anchor a top attacking unit.
-In sum I just don't see any way you get through this ridiculous defense Spens has put together. They'll probably score two **** tap-ins a game and pull off consistent clean sheets.

DK over MoS
-Carvajal and Alaba on the same team is **** insane. Who allowed this to happen
-Attacking 4 on DK is incredibly potent. Imagine if Alaba crosses it into Benzema with bale at the far post? oof.
-MoS wins the CB battle by a country mile.
-I don't think Kovacic and Fernandinho can really slow Modric and James.
-IMO this comes down to one team wanting to play outside-in (DK) and the other wanting to funnel it through the middle (MoS). MoS may have an advantage at CB, but I think DK comes out on top with such an exciting wing-based attack. Risky style moving forward, but I'd give him the W.

[Baphomet]

Matchday 1

Spens1

De Gea
Manolas-Koulibaly-Rudiger
Roberto-Matic-Kante-Ghoulam
Ozil
Aubameyang-Icardi

Subs: Gabriel Jesus, Julian Draxler, Andre Gomes, Inigo Martinez

This may not be the flashiest side in the world, but it will be effective. Starting at the back, De Gea is probably the best goalkeeper in the world, at worst, a top 3 keeper, he has proven it season upon season for United over the years.

This back three has three strong, physical presences who are also agile and most importantly, have been amongst the best 3 defenders in the Serie A. These three will be able to keep up with the pacy attackers of the world and stop them. Rudiger also can play it from the back nicely if we need to.

My midfield has the chelsea duo of Kante and Matic, two absolute engines who can run for day's, the PFA player of the year Kante is an absolute monster and everyone knows it, he is the most relentless player on the planet, he will be sprinting and chasing the ball for the full 90. Matic is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world himself, he is a master when it comes to interceptions and tackling, not to mention he is a pretty good passer of the ball. Roberto is so versatile, he can play full back or anywhere in midfield. Essentially he will be a jack of all trades, he will defend, pass the ball through midfield, run up the flank and cross it, you name it, he'll do it. Its the same for Ghoulam who has proven he is one of the best LB's in Serie A last year, he is quick, works hard, gets back and forth and most impressively, has a hell of a cross, grabbing 7 assists last year. He can even cut in if needed to.

With Ozil not having to worry about tracking back at all really with Kante and Matic behind him, he can just be the creative engine he can be. That 19 assist a game season, with a squad like this and the players behind him and the service he will get, i think he could better that. Ozil will be providing passes from everywhere to the strikers.

Speaking of the Strikers, what can be said. Aubameyang this last season was the most prolific striker in the world with over 30 goals for Dortmund, he saved their hides last year. Icardi himself was one of the most prolific goalscorers himself, getting 24 as well as contributing to the assist total himself.

As for the bench, Jesus can be a big time impact player himself, before his injury, he was on absolute fire, getting 7 goals in 10 games, in his debut season for city. Draxler has been one of the better wingers going around for a while now, who can add an extra dimension to this team if needed to. Gomes, well you don't play 30 games for Barca for nothing, he can play either as a DM, CM or even behind the strikers. Last but not least is Martinez, who really is one of the unsung hero's of La Liga and has kept Sociedad at times from not looking like a bad team (their defensive record would be a whole lot worse if it wasn't for him, they may have scored 59 goals but it wouldn't have meant much if they conceded 65-70).

Overall i think you would have a well oiled machine of players who feed into each others strengths, giving a complete and balanced performance. The large majority of these players have stamina for day's also so that doesn't hurt.

vs.

Fury

Don't know if the picture works but it's a 4-3-3:
Sanchez Belotti and Firmino because no one has an imagination
Verratti Wanyama Tolisso
Rodriguez Van Dijk Alderweireld Aurier
Asenjo

For this matchup, we will go in a 4-3-3 false 9 formation. We will use Firmino's skills to confuse the CBs and force one of them to cover no one allowing Sanchez to find space and penetrate the box. Felipe Anderson will benefit from this as well as he is a skilled passer. I also have Anderson in the lineup because he is a hard worker who get back, tackle and win the ball back. He is vital going up against a formation with 5 in the middle of the field. Rodriguez will be bombing forward while Wanyama covers the back. Virgil and Toby are both great on the ball and will use their passing to set up some counters.

The other major keys are Verratti and Tolisso who I expect to dominate the midfield with their work rate and skill. While it's a tossup as to which duo has more workrate, it's no secret that Verratti and Tolisso have more skills so when we win the ball back we'll be heading up the field. Verratti will be able to get into the box when Firmino goes out, forcing even more confusion and players out of place. Tolisso will try to long shots when this happens well.

On defense, Wanyama, Toby and Virgil will form a strong stout trio. Virgil is strong enough to matchup with Icard and Toby is smart enough to match up with PEA. Wanyama will serve as the destroyer and take Ozil out of the game by pressuring him and forcing him to make passes more quickly than he wants to.

If we are tied or aren't able to score, Andrea Belotti will come in for Felipe Anderson, I will shift Firmino to the CAM and Belotti will be supported by Alexis Sanchez.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man of Steel



Subs:

Vallejo
Ceballos
Iniesta
Llorente

vs.

DK-All Day

Subs:

Douglas Costa
Marcus Rashford
Lucas Vasquez
John Stones

We really liked the team we put together in the draft and we think we can go all the way.

My team is running a 4-2-3-1.

Starting at the back, Navas is one of the best GK in the world. Great reflexes and shot stopping abilities.

Defense: We believe we have one the best back lines in this competition. Carvajal and Alaba are great tacklers who can overlap into the attack with the midfielders and striker when we are attacking. We will have Nacho and Mathieu stay back on the defense to not get caught on any possible counter attacks. Alaba and Carvajal overlapping will cause big problems for the defense.

Midfield : This is the bright spot on our team, even more than our back 4. We will have Fernandinho playing in a CDM role along side Kovacic, who can play this role effectively.

On the attack with Gareth Bale on the wings, this squad could be a dangerous counter attacking team. His pace is STILL one of the best in the world. Mkhitaryan up the middle brings his playmaking and finishing abilities to this team. Mkhitaryan will create chances for Benzema, Bale, Di Maria, etc. Di Maria is another playmaker we have on our squad. We will play unselfishly and stay patient for openings into the defense.

Striker: Karim Benzema scored 17 goals with 5 assists this year. We have the personnel to maximize Benzema and he will be a key player for us.

[Man of Steel]

Sorry if this isn't very good MoS, but you took too long buddy! Tactics vs. DK-All Day:



Subs:

Vallejo
Ceballos
Iniesta
Llorente

spot on essentially cheers bud

Modric linking lines and launching counters out the back and Llorente and Ceballos coming on for N'Zonzi and Ribery if the opportunity to control the midfield presents itself, while Iniesta subs for James to give him a rest here and there

[Baphomet]

Matchday 2

Spens1 (opted for the same tactics as before)

De Gea
Manolas-Koulibaly-Rudiger
Roberto-Matic-Kante-Ghoulam
Ozil
Aubameyang-Icardi

Subs: Gabriel Jesus, Julian Draxler, Andre Gomes, Inigo Martinez

This may not be the flashiest side in the world, but it will be effective. Starting at the back, De Gea is probably the best goalkeeper in the world, at worst, a top 3 keeper, he has proven it season upon season for United over the years.

This back three has three strong, physical presences who are also agile and most importantly, have been amongst the best 3 defenders in the Serie A. These three will be able to keep up with the pacy attackers of the world and stop them. Rudiger also can play it from the back nicely if we need to.

My midfield has the chelsea duo of Kante and Matic, two absolute engines who can run for day's, the PFA player of the year Kante is an absolute monster and everyone knows it, he is the most relentless player on the planet, he will be sprinting and chasing the ball for the full 90. Matic is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world himself, he is a master when it comes to interceptions and tackling, not to mention he is a pretty good passer of the ball. Roberto is so versatile, he can play full back or anywhere in midfield. Essentially he will be a jack of all trades, he will defend, pass the ball through midfield, run up the flank and cross it, you name it, he'll do it. Its the same for Ghoulam who has proven he is one of the best LB's in Serie A last year, he is quick, works hard, gets back and forth and most impressively, has a hell of a cross, grabbing 7 assists last year. He can even cut in if needed to.

With Ozil not having to worry about tracking back at all really with Kante and Matic behind him, he can just be the creative engine he can be. That 19 assist a game season, with a squad like this and the players behind him and the service he will get, i think he could better that. Ozil will be providing passes from everywhere to the strikers.

Speaking of the Strikers, what can be said. Aubameyang this last season was the most prolific striker in the world with over 30 goals for Dortmund, he saved their hides last year. Icardi himself was one of the most prolific goalscorers himself, getting 24 as well as contributing to the assist total himself.

As for the bench, Jesus can be a big time impact player himself, before his injury, he was on absolute fire, getting 7 goals in 10 games, in his debut season for city. Draxler has been one of the better wingers going around for a while now, who can add an extra dimension to this team if needed to. Gomes, well you don't play 30 games for Barca for nothing, he can play either as a DM, CM or even behind the strikers. Last but not least is Martinez, who really is one of the unsung hero's of La Liga and has kept Sociedad at times from not looking like a bad team (their defensive record would be a whole lot worse if it wasn't for him, they may have scored 59 goals but it wouldn't have meant much if they conceded 65-70).

Overall i think you would have a well oiled machine of players who feed into each others strengths, giving a complete and balanced performance. The large majority of these players have stamina for day's also so that doesn't hurt.

vs.

DK-All Day



Subs:

Douglas Costa
Marcus Rashford
Lucas Vasquez
John Stones


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fury

LF: Alexis Sanchez
CF: Andrea Belotti
RF: Felipe Anderson
CM: Marco Verratti
CM: Corentin Tolisso
DM: Victor Wanyama
LB: Ricardo Rodriguez
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Toby Alderweireld
RB: Serge Aurier
GK: Sergio Asenjo

Subs:

CF/RF/LF: Roberto Firmino
CM/RM/LM: Thomas Lemar
DM/CM: William Carvalho
CB: Stefan de Vrij

vs.

Man of Steel



Subs:

Vallejo
Ceballos
Iniesta
Llorente

[Baphomet]

Matchday 3

Spens1

De Gea
Manolas-Koulibaly-Rudiger
Roberto-Matic-Kante-Ghoulam
Ozil
Aubameyang-Icardi

Subs: Gabriel Jesus, Julian Draxler, Andre Gomes, Inigo Martinez

vs.

Man of Steel



Subs:

Vallejo
Ceballos
Iniesta
Llorente

--------------------------------------------------

Fury

LF: Alexis Sanchez
CF: Andrea Belotti
RF: Felipe Anderson
CM: Marco Verratti
CM: Corentin Tolisso
DM: Victor Wanyama
LB: Ricardo Rodriguez
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Toby Alderweireld
RB: Serge Aurier
GK: Sergio Asenjo

Subs:

CF/RF/LF: Roberto Firmino
CM/RM/LM: Thomas Lemar
DM/CM: William Carvalho
CB: Stefan de Vrij

vs.

DK-All Day



Subs:

Douglas Costa
Marcus Rashford
Lucas Vasquez
John Stones