This episode starts with the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32. I’m 2-0 up from the away leg so it’ll be a makeshift team, especially with an away game at Stamford Bridge three days later.
The lineup chosen is; Ospina (GK), Lukaku (LB), Mustafi (CB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Hysaj (RB), Tolisso (CM), Xhaka (CM), Asensio (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Kluivert (RW), Lacazette (ST). I simulated the match and it ended 4-0 Arsenal so 6-0 overall.
Next up is the Chelsea game. They currently sit 6th and are having a disappointing season but still have very dangerous players and my lead at the top is only four points just now. the lineup I have went with is; Alisson (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (RB), Tielemans (CM), Goretzka (CM), Sane (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Highlights below.
A 3-3 draw in the end. For some reason the highlights has cut my third goal and just inserted a short clip of Poulsen celebrating. It wasn’t a great performance but at least we managed to come from behind twice to get something out of the game. Man Utd drew but Everton won 3-0 so they are now only two points behind. The biggest blow though was Leroy Sane getting injured. Estimates are he will be out for around a month, so I’m looking for either Asensio to step up his game or perhaps I’ll try Mbappe in that position. The February TOTM is up as well. Not one player this month! That’s a first.
The league games keep coming thick and fast. Next up is Huddersfield away. They are having a disappointing season sitting second bottom and four points from safety, but this means they will be fighting for their lives. A win is required so I have went with a strong lineup; Alisson (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (RB), Tielemans (CM), Goretzka (CM), Mbappe (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Poulsen (ST). Highlights below.
A good 3-1 and encouraging performance from Mbappe. He’s going to take time to settle but I think he will come good. Bergwijn came off the bench as well and I feel he is close to a breakthrough performance. I’m going to try and give him some more starts soon. Everton and Man Utd both won 2-0 away from home so the league table remain the same.
Next up is the first leg of the Europa League last 16. The draw has given us Nice, so I think we’ll risk continuing to simulate games for now. it’s the home leg first and I have mixed up the starting XI a little. Ospina (GK), Kolasinac (LB), Mustafi (CB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Hysaj (CB), Tielemans (CM), Xhaka (CM), Mkhitaryan (CAM), Balde (LW), Williams (RW), Lacazette (ST) is the lineup I have went with. The game ended 1-0, so it’s a win but not the most comfortable of leads going into the second leg.
Fulham is the next league match. There’s seven games to go in the league and I am currently two points clear of Everton in second and seven points ahead of Man Utd in third so no room for mistakes. The lineup I have chosen for the Fulham home clash is; Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Ajer (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (CB), Tolisso (CM), Goretzka (CM), Asensio (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Thauvin (RW), Poulsen (ST). It’s not my strongest lineup but I really think Bergwijn is close to a break through and Thauvin needs the confidence to get back on top form. Below are the highlights.
A great 4-0 win including a few great goals. Thauvin played well, as did Asensio. Both Everton and Man Utd won as well though so the pressure is still on. Next up is the second leg of the Europa League. I’m expecting a tough game as it is the away leg and we only have a one goal advantage going in. The lineup I have went with is; Alisson (GK), Lukaku (LB), Fosu-Mensah (CB), Koulibaly (CB), Toure (CB), Tolisso (CM), Xhaka (CM), Asensio (CAM), Bergwijn (LW), Thauvin (RW), Mbappe (ST). The match was simulated and ended 4-0. Definitely unexpected after the first leg. The quarter finals have been drawn and we got Spartak Moscow in the draw.
That will do for this episode. Next time around we have Swansea (a), Stoke (FA Cup semi), both legs against Moscow and a home league match against Newcastle. Until then get in touch in the comments and via Twitter @VizualDze.
VdZe