D2 Matchday 1: DelPiero22 vs Martin Cranie

[Scarface]

Del Piero

-------------------------------Isaksson-------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
------Maicon-------Van Buyten----------Salcido--------A.Lopez------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------Pirlo--------------De Rossi---------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
--------Schweinsteiger----------------------------Van der Vaart------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------Saviola----------Gilardino----------------------

Subs: Weise, Perea, Valencia, Ben Arfa, Martins

vs

Martin Cranie



---------------------------Robinson---------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
--Eboue-----------Dawson---------Metzelder-----------Bridge--
---------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------Parker------------Senna--------------------
----Giuly----------------------------------------------Hleb----
---------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Gudjohnsen-----------------------------------
------------------------------------Forlan---------------------


Subs: Akinfeev, Hyypia, Emre, N'Zogbia, Berbatov

[Nedy]

A very tough match, I will vote later.

[Charlie: 9]

Another decision that Ill have to delay till later on. Right now Im leaning towards Del's team with that midfield of his. Ill hold my vote till later...

[Scarface]

I'm surprised this game hasn't received more comments. It's one of the games of the week.

This could be the 'best team' going up against the 'best squad' in Division 2. On this occasion, I feel the best team will win.

Del Piero's midfield is simply the best I have seen outside of Division 1. All top-class players, who can pull something out of the bag at any given time. I don't think i've ever seen Martin Cranie's very good midfield look slightly vulnerable, but on this occasion, I think it is.

Both teams have very few weaknesses, so it's likely this match will come down to what stars perform better on the day, and who will win the midfield tussle.

I like the combination of Daniel Van Buyten and Carlos Salcido. It has strength, pace, aerial ability and dominance. Gudjohnsen is a clever customer, but he'd find it difficult to find a way past that duo, or find a way through for his strike partner, Forlan. I like the strike duo, though, they could link up well together, but the biggest threat could come from Ludovic Giuly. He has the pace to get in behind Antonio Lopez, but with Carlos Salcido being adept to playing on the left side, he could cover the Spaniard when necessary. There's a chance that a burst from Giuly could put him in a goalscoring chance, which is Martin Cranie's best chance. In fact, the right side is the important territory for MC. With Eboue's runs down the right, this could either help earn the side a draw, or cause some defensive problems, with Van der Vaart being able to find space when Eboue makes his runs, and if given the chance, the talented Dutchman could find a goal. He will probably need to work hard doing and provide defensive cover, as if Eboue and Giuly can double team Antonio Lopez, they could find some joy. Therefore, I see that battle being a bit of a stalemate, as Eboue will be wary of the threat from VDV, and vice versa, so the Ivorian will probably be more defensive minded during this game.

The nippy Saviola could cause the biggest impact out of any of the strikers, I feel. Although Gilardino and Forlan if given the chance, can put one or more away, the Argentine's intelligent runs and pace could prove the difference. Dawson and Metzelder both lack pace, so a clever pass from any of Del Piero's midfielders, could give him a chance to get in behind the backline.

Bastian Schweinsteiger would also be one of the key men. He can cause Wayne Bridge problems. He doesn't have explosive pace, but he's a very intelligent footballer, and his movement, footwork, and ability to create space and pick a pass will pose a big threat.

To sum up, Del Piero's midfield, strong defensive duo and possibly Javier Saviola will do enough to pick up the 3 points, in a exciting encounter.

Good luck to both of you for the season. Should be an exciting battle for promotion, with Preki and Charlie being your main challengers in my opinion, and HP could probably have a say in it too.

[Nturtle]

Del Piero for me, even though the wingers are potentially weaker...the defence and attack are strong.

[Hunter]

Del Piero for me, even though the wingers are potentially weaker...the defence and attack are strong.

Agreed.

I feel come the 2nd match between these two this season, Martin may take it as with Del Piero possibly having to rest one or two and Martin havign a very strong squad, it would go in his favour. Unfortunately for him, this wasn't that occasion. Both teams have fielded solid teams and will obviously do well this season I think it's fair to say.

Good match guys.

Del Piero 2 - 1 Martin

[Del Piero]

Thanks for all your comments guys, really appreciated.

[Barry]

I'm leaning towards Rich for his balanced team who I feel could work extremely well together, just seems the right amount of workers and thos with a creative touch. He also has the better backs, but Del takes it here slightly because Van Buyten and Salcido are really tough defenders.

A draw!

[Highway Penguin]

A draw for me as well. Very, very tight game. Should be fun competing with these guys. :)