Dream Team League - Season 8

[Fods]

Unbeaten after two and through to the Europa league after good wins against Genoa and Vitesse. That 12th spot has become mine these last few seasons.

United already done the double.... And Villa.... well Immortal

[Redknapp69]

Mixed start for Swansea........

Won 2-1 away v Norwich - always good to get an away win and 3 red cards in the game Ebfatz had 1 man advantage for 37 minutes but didn' t take advantage then imploded with 2 red cards in 8 minutes! (Rooney with a Headbutt!)

Lost 3-2 at home to CPU controlled Ipswich - complete JOKE I lost this game - dominated them but one of those days when your keeper has a 'mare ...........and thier keeper has a blinder!

On the positive side - Suarez with 4 goals in 2 games

Won 2-1 away to Pyro's Fulham. Completely battered them with 10 men and could (and should) have been more. But will take any away win at any time!

So - 2 away wins and incredibly unlucky to lose at home. Happy with the start - worried about red cards again this season with 2 in 3 games though!

[peaceboy]

What a terrible start... that is all.

[vinjwoods]

2 played 2 wins in league - just what the Dr ordered.

Unlucky to lose super cup to Utd but league main objective this season so its not to much a blow.

[ebfatz]

Just caught up with the save.

Only just lost to Swansea with 9 men.
Another red but managed to sneak past Fulham.
And could barely hit the target against Boro.

Dodgy month all in all.

Gonna be short of midfielders with all these red cards and injuries though.

[AMC]

That'll do nicely to begin with

[trunky]

Dream Team League - Season 8 - September



As the summer drew to a close the DTL managers, except Jesus who couldn't be bothered to sort a team out, crossed their collective fingers, and in Bobmem's case, toes, as the games came thick and fast. With the Champions League starting in earnest for the lucky few plus the League cup, most teams were relying on their squad players and the Assistant Manager not to pick that 17 year old they bought just in case he turns out good in a few seasons.





AJ, after losing his first two league games, could be forgiven for thinking that his luck would be changing, seeing as his first game of the new month was at home against Swansea, but he would be wrong. After taking the lead through new signing Lacazette in the 9th minute after an assist from Phil Jones, Tottenham went to pieces in 2 second half minutes when goals from Fernandinho and Suarez meant Swansea came away with a 2-1 win.

A difficult European tie came up next against a very strong Shaktar Donetsk side which contained German stars Hummels, Bender and Welsh wing wizard Gareth Bale. And so it proved with Tottenham failing to find the net as Ideye and Traore scored in each half making the final score 2-0 to the Ukrainians.

Next up for Spurs was a home tie against Manchester United. In a fairly even game Callejon shot Tottenham in front only for Aguero to equalise for Utd. The game finished 1-1 but for Spurs things got a little worse as Jones, Callejon and Mustafi picked up injuries.

Tottenham continued their European campaign with an eventually easy 4-1 hammering of Juventus who took the lead in the 7th minute. 2 goals from debutant Layun, plus 1 each from Vietto and Diouf sealed the victory. The only downside was another injury, this time to Lacazette.

An away day at Norwich provided the Spurs reserves another chance to stake their claim for the first team and so they did with Diouf scoring another 2 goals. Unfortunately so did Norwich and the game finished 2-2.

Last up this month was another European tie against Zenit. The Russians scored in the 2nd minute and Spurs spent the rest of the game huffing and puffing to no avail until the flood gates opened when first Cahill and then Vietto (2) scored near the end. They even had the luxury of Zaza missing an 84th minute penalty. 3-1 to Spurs.

A poor month for AJ who will be disappointed with his league form although they do top their CL table.








Hull City won all 3 of their August league games and were looking to continue this run at home to Chelsea in their first Premier League game of the month. A goal from a rejuvenated Ibrahimovic in the 35th minute sent them on their way before Chelsea equalised in the 42nd minute through Chicharito. Cazola then put Hull in the lead before Cech was sent off for a professional foul which, fortunately for him, Chicharito missed. Hull, despite being a man down dominated the rest of the match and won 2-1.

With Cech banned Anders Lindegaard went between the sticks for Hull's next match,a tricky side on paper away at West Ham. I say on paper because a brace each from Cazorla and Ibrahimovic meant Hull raced into a 4-0 lead. Although Cheryshev replied for the Hammers in the 74th minute they couldn't add to their total and Hull ran out easy winners. 4-1.

The League Cup second round was next, at home against new boys to the DTL, Portsmouth, who were managed by Hull's ex boss. Bacca opened the scoring in the 9th minute and that was that. 1-0 to Hull.

Hull's last game of the month was at home to Newcastle. First half goals from Bacca (2) and Ibrahimovic meant that Hull ran out easy 3-0 victors.

AMC will have been proud with his team this month with 4 wins out of 4 including the league cup victory meaning they sit at the top of the league, having won all 6 of their league games so far. Time will tell if they can keep this run of form going.







West Ham started September with high hopes, especially after qualifying for the Champions League so easily the previous month and so it proved in the first game, away at previously unbeaten Southampton. Goals from Pelle (2) and Ozil saw West Ham run out 3-2 winners with the only downside being an injury to Mascherano.

A trip to Swiss side Basel started their European campaign and goals from Pelle (2) and Ozil again meant West Ham recorded an easy 3-1 win.

Back in dear old blighty saw West Ham take on league leaders Hull City. In a very uneven game West Ham were, erm...hammered 4-1 with the only consolation being a 74th minute goal by Cheryshev.

Having home matches against Barcelona is what the Champions League/ Cup/ Whatever it's called these days is what the fans look forward to and this match was no acception. A 6 goal thriller saw Barca take the lead, get pegged back by a Trippier goal and then score two more goals before first Smalling and then Miranda, with a 69th minute equaliser, made the score 3-3. A 66th minute Modric sending off was West Hams only disappointment.

Two away games followed. The first in the league against Champions Aston Villa proved to be a frustrating match for the Hammers as they led in the 38th minute through Fekir and thought they had done enough until Muller equalised for Villa in the 90th minute. Another injury, this time to Gibbs, dampened the mood.

The last game of the month, away at Roma, proved a dour affair, as neither team could be bothered to find the net and the game ended 0-0.

A disappointing month for West Ham kept them near the bottom of the league, although this is early days yet.







Southampton, after an unbeaten first month, would have been looking forward to the visit of West Ham, who had started thier league season badly, but their optimism was unfounded as West Ham took the lead in the 27th minute. Mata replied within 15 minutes but 2 more goals either side of half time saw West Ham race into a 3-1 lead. A 90th minute goal from Malli proved little consolation.

Still, a home tie against Belarus side Shakhtyor in the UEFA Cup 1st round provided a welcome distraction, as another goal from Malli and a first of the season from Mkhitayan saw the Saints run out 2-0 winners.

Next up for the South Coasters(TM) was an away tie against Newcastle. With a full squad to chose from Southampton were in buoyant mood and raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Malli again, Mata and Lavezzi after just 20 minutes. Although Newcastle scored 2 goals another Lavezzi goal and a 90th minute Rashford strike meant the Saints ran out easy winners 5-2.

The last game of the month saw Southampton take on Leeds United. After a poor first half first Mkhitaryan with a penalty and then Martinez gave Southampton a 2-0 lead. Although Leeds scored Hulk replied to make the scoreline 3-1.

A good month for Southampton saw them stay in the top half of the table.






After an unbeaten August the Premier League champions continued their campaign with a home game against Ipswich Town. They were stunned to fall behind after 32 minutes before goals from Iniesta and then Cavani looked to have secured the points. Unfortunately Mitroglou had other ideas with his 90th minute equaliser. 2-2.

The next match of a packed month saw Villa travel to German side Wolfsburg in the Champions League. Second half goals from Cavani and Varane were enough to secure a 2-0 win.

Another Premier League match, another Premier League draw, this time 0-0 away at Chelsea who were a little unlucky especially as Villa had Bonucci sent off in the 60th minute.

Another fantastic European night saw Villa entertain French moneybags Monaco. They took the lead through Muller in the 11th minute before adding a further 3 goals in the second half. Higuian making it 2-0 and Muller completeling his hattrick in the 56th and 90th minutes. 4-0 and thoroughly deserved.

How do you come down from such a fantastic night like that? Easy, you go 1-0 down in your next league fixture against West Ham only to rescue an ill deserved point when Muller scored in the 90th minute. 1-1.

The last game of a packed month saw Villa travel to Israel to face the not so mighty Maccabi Tel-Aviv. First half goals from Khedira, Di Maria and Muller saw Villa race into a 3-0 lead. Robben added a 4th from the penalty spot to make it 4-0 in the 72nd minute.

Villa will be happy to remain unbeaten in September but the amount of draws will cause concern.








Everton were unbeaten in the first month of the DTL and so were looking forward to carrying on this on in September. Their first game was a very dull effort against Man City. Everton only managed 1 shot on goal all match so it came as no surprise when Rode scored for City in the 54th minute resulting in Everton losing 1-0.

Next up for the Toffee men was a tricky away UEFA Cup fixture against FC Kobenhavn and so it proved when the home team took the lead in the 11th minute. It took another 60 minutes for Everton to reply through Wakaso making it 1-1. The same player then slammed home an 88th minute penalty making the final score 2-1 to Everton.

Another league game, another loss as Everton didn't turn up when they visited Ipswich Town. 0-0 at half time the game came to life in the 70th minute when Ipswich fired in 3 goals in 9 minutes. Despite Destro replying for Everton they eventually lost 3-1.

The final match of a disappointing month saw Everton take on Chelsea at Goodison Park. A first half goal from Ward Prowse proved enough to take all 3 points, much to the relief of the toffee fans.

Everton's league form means they stay near the bottom of the table after a poor month.







After only playing 1 league game in August, and losing it, Man Utd came back with a bang in their first fixture of September, beating Leicester at home 3-0 with goals from Chiellini, Lukaku and Pogba.

The good form continued during the week as another home game, this time against Porto in the Champions League, led to the same scoreline this time with goals from Gotze (2) and Odegaard. They even had the luxury of a Vidal missed penalty.

A difficult away fixture at Spurs was next who duly took the lead before an Aguero strike in the 43rd minute made the score 1-1. Which is how it stayed.

Man Utd travelled to Valencia in the European Cup for their next fixture hoping to provide a boost to their indifferent league form. And so they did with Aguero (Penalty) and Insigne both scoring in a 2-1 win. The only downside was the 79th minute sending off of Boateng.

Next up for Man Utd was a home tie against Swansea City which they lost 3-0. To compound matters they lost Aguero to injury in the 53rd minute, putting him out for around 2 months.

Finally in this topsy turvy month saw Man Utd take on APOEL in the Champions League. They ran out very easy winners thanks to 2 goals from Pogba and 1 each from Lukaku and Gotze.

A difficult month for Utd who top their European group after 3 games but find themselves near the bottom of the table in the league.









Middlesborough were hoping that their fine start to the season, winning both August games, would carry on into September, especially as they were at home to the managers previous club, Newcastle, a local derby. Unfortunately this proved not to be the case as, although having the majority of the shots on target, Middlesbrough lost 2-1 with Abdellaoue getting their only goal.

Next up was a feisty affair away at Leeds United which they won 2-1 with another goal from Abdellaoue and Hudson. They also had Rojo sent off in the 52nd minute.

Abdellaoue continued his fine run of form in the midweek League Cup 2nd round match against Blackburn when he scored after 5 minutes. Further goals from Le Fondre, in the 15th and 32nd minutes, saw the Boro run out easy 3-0 winners.

The last game of the month was at home to West Brom. It was that man again, Abdellaoue, who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before taking his tally to 9 for the season in all competitions in the 38th. Nothing else happened in the 2nd half leaving the score 2-0 to the Boro.

Despite suffering their first loss of the season, Boro continued their winning ways, and seem to have found a proven goal scorer.







After winning 2 and losing 1 of their opening fixtures, Swansea City's talented squad were looking for more of the same in September. A 30th minute goal from Sturridge at home to Man City seemed to do the trick before an Aogo equaliser stunned the crowd. 1-1.

An away game at Spurs followed and despite falling behind to a 9th minute Lacazette goal, Swansea rallied with second half strikes from Fernandinho and Suarez to record a fine 2-1 win.

Another home game followed, this time in the UEFA Cup against Ferencvaros and Swansea ran out easy 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Polish superstar Lewandowski.

Swansea's fine start to the season continued with their multi million pound strike force all getting on the score sheet against Arsenal at home. Suarez, Lewandowski (2) and Sturridge meant an easy 4-0 win.

Their last game of the season was billed as a tricky tie as away at Manchester isn't usually an easy game. Despite this Swansea came away with an unflattering 3-0 win thanks to goals from Suarez (2) and Alexis Sanchez.

A good month again for the Swans with their excellent league form keeping them on leaders Hull's tails.






Norwich were looking to improve on their start to the season when they took on West Brom at home in their first fixture of September. Unfortunately a dull game resulted in neither side scoring. 0-0.

Excitingly for the Norwich faithful, the next game, away at Leicester proved to be much more of an exciting affair as goals from Wilshere (2) and a Welbeck hattrick saw Norwich run out 5-2 winners.

With a good win under their belt in the league, the next game was a League Cup 2nd round home tie against division 3 side, Notts County. An easy game saw Norwich run out 2-0 winner sthanks to goals from Lascelles and Rooney.

The final game of the season saw Norwich entertain Tottenham Hotspur. A good game saw Norwich take the lead through another Wilshere goal before Spurs scored 2 without reply. A Berahino effort made the final scoreline 2-2.

An unbeaten month saw Norwich move up to 7th in the table.







After losing their first 2 fixtures in August, Fulham were hoping that the home game against Leeds United would prove fruitful and it seemed that way when Iborra scored after just 5 minutes. Unfortunately they couldn't add to the score and were punished when Leeds scored 2 second half goals without reply meaning a 2-1 loss.

They had a chance to bounce back in their next fixture, away at West Brom, and did just that as Nani scored after 32 minutes. The game then petered out leaving the score 1-0 to Fulham.

Next up this month was a League Cup 2nd round tie away at Cambridge United. Many thought Fulham would be too strong for the 3rd division side and they were right with goals from Nani (2), Ozdoev and Ighalo (2) meant Fulham won 5-1.

The last game of the month saw Fulham entertain Leicester City. Two second half goals from Ozdoev and Peruzzi saw them record a 2-0 win.

It was good to see Fulham record those 2 league wins meaning they sit mid table after 5 games.








After an indifferent start to the season Newcastle were looking to kick start their campaign with a tough fixture away at local rivals Middlesborough. A goal from Dybala set them on their way before the Boro equalised. Mirallas then sent the Geordie faithful home with a smile when he popped up with the winner in the 79th minute. 2-1. The only downside was an injury to Wijnaldum.

A home tie against Southampton followed and wiped any smile the Geordie fans still had as a first half blitz saw them fall 3-0 down after only 20 minutes. Despite goals from Icardi and Schweinsteiger, making it 3-2 midway through the 2nd half, two more Southampton goals made the score 5-2. An injury to Pasalic darkened the mood.

A League Cup 2nd round tie against division 2 side Shrewsbury proved an idea tonic and Icardi (2) and another Dybala goal meant that Newcastle ran out easy 3-0 winners.

The last game of this month saw Newcastle make the shortist trip down the east coast to league leaders Hull where they found themselves 3-0 down after just 37 first half minutes. A Kurzawa injury didn't help matters and the game finished 3-0.

A disappointing month for Newcastle who, despite beating Boro, had 2 heavy defeats meaning they end the month in mid table.






After an unbeaten first month, Man City continued their good form in their next match, away at Swansea. Despite falling behind in the 30th minute they equalised in the 78th, completely against the run of play, through Aogo. 1-1.

Next up for City was a tricky away tie at Everton. They came away with all 3 points in a game they completely dominated thanks to a 54th minute winner from Rode.

A home game against Slovenian side, Koper, came next in the UEFA Cup. Goals from Garay (2) and Llorente (2) meant the home side won 4-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish. The only downside was an injury to Valdivia.

They kept up their impressive form in the next match, a home league tie against Crystal Palace, winning 1-0 thanks to a Aogo goal in the 37th minute. The sending off of Diekmeier did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm.

City's final league game of the month was away at Arsenal. Goals from Mandzukic and Schurrle meant City won 2-0.

Manchester City had an excellent month, unbeaten, keeping them in touch at the top.









DIVISION ONE




After an unbeaten start to their campaign Derby County cam unstuck in their first game of September, losing 2-1 away to Brentford. Rafinha had equalised in the 45th minute before Brentford won the game with an 80th minute goal. To compound matters Derby had Velazquez sent off in the 52nd minute.

Next up for the Rams was a home tie against Bolton Wanderers. 0-0 at half time quickly became 3-0 to Bolton as Derby were blown away. A Januzai goal in the 69th minute gave some hope but Bolton soon scored again making the final scoreline 4-1. Derby weren't helped by a 21st minute injury to Negredo.

An away match at Reading helped stop the rot for Derby as a Ruiz goal in the 48th minute meant a final score of 1-0 to the Rams.

Next up on the Derby rollercoaster was a league cup 2nd round game at home to Wimbledon. Despite their manager going AWOL Derby couldn't contain the Dons who won this tie with an extra time winner. Derby had led briefly through a Januzai goal and equalised again when El Shaarawy scored in the 70th minute.

Despite being knocked out by a division 3 side Derby went into the next match with renewed optimism which proved founded as goals from Lingard, Ruiz and Immobile saw then run out easy 3-1 winners.

In their last game of the month Derby County met Burnley at home in a very high scoring game. A hattrick from Immobile and goals from Elyounussi and El Shaarawy meant they ran out 5-3 winners.

Derby will have been disappointed to lose 2 games this month but are not far away from the league leaders.

[AMC]

Go on Hull!

[Erkifino]

What the hell is this? I preferred Mark's write up as villa were winning... What the hell is with those draws? Two week wait for that. Ffs.



Seriously though, great write up. Maybe the table screenies were a bit common. Was happy out reading until I noticed villa weren't top. Scooted past a few then...

[AJ]

I give up. I suck. Hope they fire me quickly.

[trunky]

What the hell is this? I preferred Mark's write up as villa were winning... What the hell is with those draws? Two week wait for that. Ffs.



Seriously though, great write up. Maybe the table screenies were a bit common. Was happy out reading until I noticed villa weren't top. Scooted past a few then...

Maybe 1 at the bottom would be better but I got carried away!

Will do Division 3 tomorrow...

[Janis89]

Awful league form

[Dermotron]

Saints manager Dermotron was left red faced and owing an apology to new FA Chairman trunky after shouts of "ffs rigged" when seeing Hull go top of the league. Given trunky is no longer manager of Hull, Dermotron must now walk to the KC Stadium in nothing but a sandwich board with "trunky is great" as an apology. Walking a few miles over the road to Portsmouth didnt seem to fit the crime (or idiocy)

Nice one trunky.

Our defence is leaking like a sieve.

[Redknapp69]

Firstly – that was a MAMMOTH write up Mark

Very good month for Swans all in all

DRAW 1:1 v Man City – we BATTERED them – should have won that

WIN 2:1 v Spurs – VERY close game and draw would have been fair. But we caught Spurs off guard by 2 goals in 3 minutes! Sturridge MOM off the bench

WIN 2:0 v some Turkish team – nice and easy loosener to the competition

WIN 4:0 v Arsenal – convincing over CPU team who’s keeper had a shocker!

WIN 3:0 v Man Utd – always a pleasure beating our rivals! A very even game and a flattering scoreline for us being lucky that Iker Cassillas had a shocker for Janis! 



Janis – that loss to me was a killer – Aguero out for 2 months

AJ – Poor start to the season – WTF is happening? Time to change tactic already from a flat 442?

AMC – Helluva start – massive looking front line you have there – can you keep it going? We are on your tail

Vinjwoods – doing a fine job at Man City and you picked up a good squad but enhanced it nicely

Erk – perfect campaign in CL so far Couple of superkeeper performances against you in the league tho

Dermo – Looks like Malli is doing the business for you from Swans

Mark – great start! Who needs big names hey?! Unbelievable stuff- Abdelloue doing the business!

Ebfatz – nice squad built up there mate – best of British! Looks like you will compete well this year

Samsami – Aint got many defenders have you?! A greyed out player playing RB?!

Pyro – get the contracts sorted with your squad Love the flying full backs in the formation

Foddy – the 4 pronged attack not really bringing in the goals yet is it? Still gutted you got Sven Bender

BobMem – Ozil and Pelle are only ones really earning the wage packet at the moment?

Peaceboy – looks like a good month you just had – keep it going and should be challenging playoffs/promotion chasing

Trunky – smashing it in 3rd division! Couple of big injuries up top tho with Fischer and RVP…………….think you’ll be OK with Sane and Origi tho #loanhoarder

Jesus – can’t believe he’s doing so well considering he’s been AWOL

[Dermotron]

Firstly – that was a MAMMOTH write up Mark

[Redknapp69]

Trunky wrote it up

What's happening?!

Apologies Trunkmeister!

[Erkifino]

Just read the lot. Great stuff out of you trunky.

Always great to see 'redder's thoughts' too. Nice one.

Disappointed with the draws, particularly the home ones. Robbed by Ipswich and probably should have edged West Ham. Shocked at how atrocious we were vs Chelsea. Hope we can win all our Euro matches 4-0

ebz reaching new heights. Careful now!
City coping without Neuer. 1 conceded in 6!

[trunky]

Trunky wrote it up

What's happening?!

Apologies Trunkmeister!

I thought I'd give Mark a bit of help seeing as he's been promoted, got that dodgy wrist injury, RSI riiiight, and has just had a break.

Thanks for noticing I kept the writing style the same ..

[ebfatz]

ebz reaching new heights. Careful now!

I more often than not start reasonably well.

It'll all go wrong don't you worry about that.
Good to have two players on the top scorers list whilst it lasts!!

Nicely done by the way trunky!!

[Fods]

Awful awful month, time for a tactic change!

[peaceboy]

Manager goes AWOL? I have you know i was in the front row of the stands watching my team take a pounding.

Great write up - thanks all involved, it was a long two weeks - but im happy.

[samsami]

Bad month. Our defence was horrible. At least our strikers score goals, but a bad month anyway.

For details: http://champman0102.co.uk/showthread...015#post298015

[Dermotron]

I thought I'd give Mark a bit of help seeing as he's been promoted, got that dodgy wrist injury, RSI riiiight, and has just had a break.

Thanks for noticing I kept the writing style the same ..

Looks like he has popped up in the Pringles Euro 2016 advert too

[trunky]

Manager goes AWOL? I have you know i was in the front row of the stands watching my team take a pounding.

Great write up - thanks all involved, it was a long two weeks - but im happy.

Wimbledon manager went AWOL. Wimbledon.

[Mark]

I knew there'd be someone who'd think that I wrote that. I should have known it'd be Redders

Great stuff, trunky and thanks for volunteering to take that on. It was great to read it from someone else's perspective for a change

Got to be delighted with how things are going for Middlesbrough so far. The only blip this month is a defeat to Newcastle where I'd have loved to win. At least Abdellaoue bagged one against his old club as I had him there once too, before the Brazilians took over

Watch out Zlatan, Abdellaoue is coming for you!

It's strange to see Man Utd and Spurs being the two lowest ranking DTL managers. They're usually at the top!