D2 Matchday 1: Highway Penguin vs Preki

[Scarface]

Highway Penguin

---------------------Gianluigi Buffon---------------------
-Lauren----Ricardo Carvalho--Kakha Kaladze----Capdevila-
---------Marcos Assuncao-----Alou Diarra----------------
--Yoann Gourcuff------Adrian Mutu---------Robert Pires--
----------------------Hernan Crespo--------------------

Subs: Maarten Stekelenburg, Taye Taiwo, Emmanuel Adebayor, Manuel Fernandes & Johann Vogel

vs

Preki

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4536/fixture1mz6.gif

[Nedy]

I go for HP here.
His defense look more strong and Crespo is in better form that Preki strikers.
In the midfield, both teams are equals (very good).

[Scarface]

Very close one.

I feel HP's defence is better equipped to handle Preki's attack, than vice versa. Adriano and Crouch are both capable of scoring goals, there's no question of that, however as a partnership, I think it's missing something. I don't see them gelling into a prolific partnership, and Didier Drogba's unpredictability and strength would have given Kaladze and Carvalho much more to think about. As it is, I think the combination of Kaladze and Carvalho would be on top for most of the game.

Preki's central midfield is fantastic. Didier Zokora and Michael Ballack will be a dominant force against any team in the League this season. Alou Diarra and Marcos Assuncao is a fine partnership, itself, so it should be a good battle here, but the class of Ballack could shine through.

Out wide, Simao is a threat, however Lauren usually has more problems against pacy wingers, and I think he could do a reasonable job containing the Portuguese.

The front four of HP wins top marks from me. They could be a potent quartet, all chipping in with goals. It's very dynamic, and would always be a threat.

It's most likely this match would end in a draw, however if there was to be a winner, i'd have to go for HP, for the reasons I mentioned about his defence. I'll keep hold of my vote for now, and see how the voting goes.

[Del Piero]

Im going for a draw.

I think HP defence is better, but i prefer Prekis midfield. Ballack for me is a great all round midfielder and any team with him in is going to have that extra bit a flair.

I like both strike forces but as nedy said crespo is in better form, however crouch and adriano will be great together i feel.

[grimmer101]

Me to all think ill go for a draw as both teams are powerful

so 0-0 for me

[Charlie: 9]

A draw for me here, though Im not 100% sure yet. Im just home not so long ago and Im tired so Ill have another look tomorrow, but for now at least Ill settle for a draw...

[Figо10]

Can't comment in a specific direction for this match, Preki has great attacking players like Ballack, Simao and Crouch but HP's central defence is probably the best in the league. Crespo might sneak in a goal but his service wouldn't be great, with Pires not in the best of forms and Preki having two good full-backs as well. Elsewhere probably cancels themselves out, so I'd give this a draw.

[Nturtle]

HP for me...

[Highway Penguin]

Thanks for the votes and comments guys. :)

Good luck Chris.

[Preki-USA]

yup yup

you too

[Billy Minof]

I didnt vote in this pole but it is showing me the results and I do not have the choice to vote...

[Preki-USA]

its closed
two days of being open...and then it closes ;)

[Billy Minof]

its closed
two days of being open...and then it closes ;)

Cheers mate,
I have some catching up to do in the Dream Team section as I was all up in a heap about my team and was gonna give it up but now I have seen the light and am back from the Dead.

[Preki-USA]

it happens, its all about dedication, don't lose the faith.