Episode three starts with the start of our FA Cup journey. In PES all FA Cup games are played at neutral venues so the game against Norwich will be played at Burg Stadium. I wanted to put out a strong lineup but still integrate some of the players that haven’t had much game time yet, so this is the lineup I went with; Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (RB), Tielemans (CM), Goretzka (CM), Mkhitaryan (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST) in my favoured 4-3-3 formation. Below is the highlights.
After going behind to a great ball over the top, I finally started taking my chances and came back from a goal down to lead 3-1. I took Goretzka off at HT to save him for future games. There was a slight scare towards the end when they brought it back to 3-2, but in the end I was well worth the win. Next up is the third Europa League tie, at home to Malmo. I’ll be simulating the game, with this lineup. Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Ajer (CB), Mustafi (CB), Toure (RB), Tielemans (CM), Xhaka (CM), Mkhitaryan (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Kluivert (RW), Aubameyang (ST) as always in the 4-3-3 formation.
The match ended 4-2 to the Gunners and with Real Sociedad beating Vitesse 2-0 it leaves us top of the table, three points clear at the half way stage. Onto the seventh league fixture and this time we away from home at Watford who currently sit 13th with one win, three draws and two losses. I have tinkered with the lineup again to keep things fresh. The following is what I went with. Alisson (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Bellerin (RB), Tolisso (CM), Goretzka (CM), Asensio (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Highlights below.
Well that was definitely my worst performance of the season. Very lucky to get the 2-1 win in the end. It even took an own goal to seal it. Despite the bad performance the game did feature my best goal of the season so far. An outside of the foot curler from outside the box by Marco Asensio. We’ll dust ourselves off and need to continue improving to stay at the top of the league.
Next up is Burnley at home. Unlike their real life counterparts, Burnley sit second bottom of this league having only scored one goal so far all season, conceding nine. Given the poor showing last time out I would normally stick out my strongest lineup and try to regain momentum, but this is a Saturday fixture and I have Liverpool away in the league on the Tuesday, three days later, so I’m going to have to rotate strongly. The lineup I have went with is Ospina (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Holding (CB), Bellerin (RB), Tielemans (CM), Xhaka (CM), Mkhitaryan (CAM), Balde (LW), Kluivert (RW), Aubameyang (ST). I’m really hoping that fragile defence holds together against a non prolific team. Highlights below.
Another positive result but disappointing performance. The first half was a slog, but at least we took the lead. Then, in short order two more goals made it 3-0. At that point it should have been game over, but the defensive frailties showed through and in the end I basically had to hold on for the 3-2 win. Liverpool away next will be a much tougher fixture.
That’ll do for part three. Next up is Liverpool away, who are currently one point behind me in second place. A much better performance required next time out. Until then, get in touch using the comments below or on Twitter @VizualDze.
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