Week 5 - Preview/Results
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 3:12 am
Closing up to half way through the season and the PSL is thriving full of action. It's now week 5 and with a few teams battling in the middle of the table, the mid-week clashes in week/round 5 could prove to be the start of the turning point of the season. It's safe to say that all teams have picked up points, and while Swifts have asserted themselves as the ones to beat, big spending Mortis Mercatoria may be a team that can stop them in Wednesday's televised fixture.
Farvælska v Vankarha Phyyta Raikoth
Two teams which are struggling at the bottom, two teams that are lacking ambition. Since joining to the top-tier, Farvaelska's season has been rock bottom. Meanwhile, Raikoth have been marginally better; however with 4 games in, Raikoth are only sitting second from bottom due to goal difference. The Walruses find themselves in a tricky position without a win as they still search for their victory. A few players, are starting to get restless, with left back Eamonn Colleran unhappy about the team's form as they may struggling to hold on to their players during the winter break when the transfer window reopens.
The away side will be heavily depending on Sdeli Korotion. The 25 year old target man will be dependent on to hold up play and bring the rest of his team into play. Raikoth will be without Tsvi Wasserman, who picked up an injury in the previous match, which results in a change in formation to a 4-3-3 with Eamonn Colleran being brought up to the left wing of a 4-5-1 formation, with Tenshi Anarion taking place at left back. Siv Larssen is also expected to start in the centre of the pack as manager Landi Mursinion dropping Finian Ross to the bench as he looks for a more defensive approach, despite fans echoing concerns about lack of victories.
Farvaelska will look to build on their steady 1-0 victory against Cerce 2 weeks ago whilst forgetting about last week's defeat to Apollo. The white's will look to advance with a 4-4-2 formation with an unchanged squad that faced Cerce. Razdjani Emiri will be the one to watch as he looks to extend his goalscoring run, while 21 year old Håkon hin Ældri will be looking to pull the strings to untie what seems to be a very defensive minded Raikoth team.
With so much hanging over this match, this may be a good one to keep an eye on. The desparation of both teams to escape from the bottom of the table may lead to mistakes and goals, and possibly even more drama on the pitch. If we look at the statistics though, drama on the pitch seems to be hype more than anything as both sides have the best disciplinary record in the league so far.
Imperial United v Apollo
Believed to be one of the frontrunners, Imperial United have so far stunned everyone after poor performances. With their last game being a 4-1 victory against Cerce, the Robins will look to build on momentum as they try to reassert themselves in the title race. Fans at the Docklands Stadium have so far been unimpressed with the team so far, as the Dockland Stadiums returns to host an Apollo side who also wishes to build on momentum from their victory against Farvaelska.
Imperial United are still without Michael Madison, who was sent off earlier on in the season away at Mortis Mercatoria. The team will keep its usual shape, although Carlao has been dropped to the bench as Rob Anthony joins the back 3 alongside Sharukh Masood and Billy Keys as they look for extra pace to fend off the Apollo pace threat up front. Talsin Llwrran is one yellow card away from a suspension, although the manager has still opted to keep him in the centre of midfield, primarily on the basis that he is too important of a player to not play. Zig Cee will come out captaining the side due to Carlao's demotion to the bench.
Apollo will look unchanged, with the threat up front from Adolf Mather, whose pace may pose a real threat to the Robins defence at the 3 men backline, who have brought in Anthony in order to counteract with Mather's ability to run at players. Jens Overstag and Albert Gotha will try to pose a threat down the wing as Apollo look to dominate down either flanks.
The two sides have previously got wins on the score board from last week and will look for another three points today. Neither side will be looking for a draw and we expect a fairly action packed side with attacks followed by counter-attacks. On paper, Imperial United remains the favourite however Apollo may take the game to them and spring another upset.
JHI LK v Cerce
JHI-LK are sitting pretty at the top and will look to make Cerce's misery worse after their 1-4 defeat against Imperial United at home despite a good start to the season. Cerce will undoubtedly be willing to bounce back following their loss and will certainly not be holding back which will leave to another eventful game.
The home side make one big change to their squad, dropping Llwrran Sättsa in goal in favour for Toketian Loran ronAjain. The 18 year old is son of former world cup goalkeeper Turk ronAjain and will look to build on his senior's success by winning the title here. Undoubtedly the young ronAjain has talent; however with a lack of experience, this could prove to be a risk that might not pay off.
Manager jënRoijani explains: "Upon signing Loran, we expected to start him from the beginning of the season. ellUnfortunately, we weren't impressed with his play in the preseason, and decided to wait until he had improved. We have had a great season so far, and we are ready to test him in professional play."
Elsewhere in the JHI-LK team, they team will be looking to dominate the midfield with Zack Scott down the left posing a threat, as well as Mickey Graves in the playmaker role. Although a left midfielder by trade, Mickey Graves has been playing in the middle in recent times, relishing the role by feeding the strikers with through balls and clever play, with Sdeli Liurion the prime target as the creative forward has the ability to create something from nothing.
Avaikair's Tidal Force will be without Tucker Falken, who is suspended so coming onto the right side of the front three will be Liam ronHamuji.
Cerce will look to play a 4-4-2 formation that has worked for them so far this season. We expect Cerce's game to be long ball as usual, sending the balls forward for the strikers to get to. Undoubtedly their main threat will come from Kurt Lamberti. The newly-capped Shirerithian international will look to continue adding to his goalscoring as he leads the way on the top goalscorers list. It's not just Lamberti who can score though, as Clayton Edmund also has made the scoresheet this season for Cerce. Both strikers will be eager to test out Loran ronAjain in what looks to be a tretcherous début for the young goalkeeper, and a huge ask from the manager to do so.
Mortis Mercatoria v Syrelwynn Swifts
Many pundits within the nation have been saying, "If there is one team that can beat the Swifts, it has to be MMFC." Well the time has come for this eagerly anticipated clash, with Mortis Mercatoria needing to do exactly that. The Ghosts are sitting 1 point behind the Swifts in 3rd and will look to capitalise in this home game that could potentially put them top providing JHI-LK don't win.
MMFC will be without Billy McVeigh, who is still suspended for his red card. We expect that Lydveldt Jonmikeltsen will be brought into the starting 11 to stand in for the Hammish international, although manager Pitilo Shamosa is not giving anything away before the game. Gary Smith will look to be the main threat as the top goalscorer for the side this season with 4 league goals, whilst the big signings of Tor Svensson and François Germaine will be depended on to pull the strings in the centre of midfield. The Ghost's skipper Giacomo Tedeschi left the media hanging, leaving them with one statement: "We must win."
Syrelwynn Swifts may be sitting pretty at top, but with JHI-LK breathing right down their necks they will be under as much pressure as MMFC to win this match. Losing this match will definately drop them from top, and if JHI-LK win they could come out of this game third at worst. It looks to be an unchanged squad from last week as Jalal Akwá has come to a sudden rise in form. The Shirerithian international will be looking to add to his goalscoring form as the Swifts look to play him as the lone man up front with skipper Sébastien Focán just behind.
Despite the early week claims from opposing skipper Giacomo Tedeschi that Focán is past his game, the media are in disagreement and believe he still can pose a threat, especially when playing in the role just behind the striker. Laurent Zandine will also play an important part in the squad as they look to use him as a man marker for Germaine to prevent any attack from the Ghosts, whilst Rudi Mathijsen will continue to be used on the right flank despite being left footed.
With both teams usually playing a defensive, counter-attacking game, the match may seem like one to be eagerly anticipated. But in reality, we should expect a cagey battle between the two sides with both teams expected to allow their opponents to come forward before trying to quickly break.
Farvælska v Vankarha Phyyta Raikoth
Two teams which are struggling at the bottom, two teams that are lacking ambition. Since joining to the top-tier, Farvaelska's season has been rock bottom. Meanwhile, Raikoth have been marginally better; however with 4 games in, Raikoth are only sitting second from bottom due to goal difference. The Walruses find themselves in a tricky position without a win as they still search for their victory. A few players, are starting to get restless, with left back Eamonn Colleran unhappy about the team's form as they may struggling to hold on to their players during the winter break when the transfer window reopens.
The away side will be heavily depending on Sdeli Korotion. The 25 year old target man will be dependent on to hold up play and bring the rest of his team into play. Raikoth will be without Tsvi Wasserman, who picked up an injury in the previous match, which results in a change in formation to a 4-3-3 with Eamonn Colleran being brought up to the left wing of a 4-5-1 formation, with Tenshi Anarion taking place at left back. Siv Larssen is also expected to start in the centre of the pack as manager Landi Mursinion dropping Finian Ross to the bench as he looks for a more defensive approach, despite fans echoing concerns about lack of victories.
Farvaelska will look to build on their steady 1-0 victory against Cerce 2 weeks ago whilst forgetting about last week's defeat to Apollo. The white's will look to advance with a 4-4-2 formation with an unchanged squad that faced Cerce. Razdjani Emiri will be the one to watch as he looks to extend his goalscoring run, while 21 year old Håkon hin Ældri will be looking to pull the strings to untie what seems to be a very defensive minded Raikoth team.
With so much hanging over this match, this may be a good one to keep an eye on. The desparation of both teams to escape from the bottom of the table may lead to mistakes and goals, and possibly even more drama on the pitch. If we look at the statistics though, drama on the pitch seems to be hype more than anything as both sides have the best disciplinary record in the league so far.
Imperial United v Apollo
Believed to be one of the frontrunners, Imperial United have so far stunned everyone after poor performances. With their last game being a 4-1 victory against Cerce, the Robins will look to build on momentum as they try to reassert themselves in the title race. Fans at the Docklands Stadium have so far been unimpressed with the team so far, as the Dockland Stadiums returns to host an Apollo side who also wishes to build on momentum from their victory against Farvaelska.
Imperial United are still without Michael Madison, who was sent off earlier on in the season away at Mortis Mercatoria. The team will keep its usual shape, although Carlao has been dropped to the bench as Rob Anthony joins the back 3 alongside Sharukh Masood and Billy Keys as they look for extra pace to fend off the Apollo pace threat up front. Talsin Llwrran is one yellow card away from a suspension, although the manager has still opted to keep him in the centre of midfield, primarily on the basis that he is too important of a player to not play. Zig Cee will come out captaining the side due to Carlao's demotion to the bench.
Apollo will look unchanged, with the threat up front from Adolf Mather, whose pace may pose a real threat to the Robins defence at the 3 men backline, who have brought in Anthony in order to counteract with Mather's ability to run at players. Jens Overstag and Albert Gotha will try to pose a threat down the wing as Apollo look to dominate down either flanks.
The two sides have previously got wins on the score board from last week and will look for another three points today. Neither side will be looking for a draw and we expect a fairly action packed side with attacks followed by counter-attacks. On paper, Imperial United remains the favourite however Apollo may take the game to them and spring another upset.
JHI LK v Cerce
JHI-LK are sitting pretty at the top and will look to make Cerce's misery worse after their 1-4 defeat against Imperial United at home despite a good start to the season. Cerce will undoubtedly be willing to bounce back following their loss and will certainly not be holding back which will leave to another eventful game.
The home side make one big change to their squad, dropping Llwrran Sättsa in goal in favour for Toketian Loran ronAjain. The 18 year old is son of former world cup goalkeeper Turk ronAjain and will look to build on his senior's success by winning the title here. Undoubtedly the young ronAjain has talent; however with a lack of experience, this could prove to be a risk that might not pay off.
Manager jënRoijani explains: "Upon signing Loran, we expected to start him from the beginning of the season. ellUnfortunately, we weren't impressed with his play in the preseason, and decided to wait until he had improved. We have had a great season so far, and we are ready to test him in professional play."
Elsewhere in the JHI-LK team, they team will be looking to dominate the midfield with Zack Scott down the left posing a threat, as well as Mickey Graves in the playmaker role. Although a left midfielder by trade, Mickey Graves has been playing in the middle in recent times, relishing the role by feeding the strikers with through balls and clever play, with Sdeli Liurion the prime target as the creative forward has the ability to create something from nothing.
Avaikair's Tidal Force will be without Tucker Falken, who is suspended so coming onto the right side of the front three will be Liam ronHamuji.
Cerce will look to play a 4-4-2 formation that has worked for them so far this season. We expect Cerce's game to be long ball as usual, sending the balls forward for the strikers to get to. Undoubtedly their main threat will come from Kurt Lamberti. The newly-capped Shirerithian international will look to continue adding to his goalscoring as he leads the way on the top goalscorers list. It's not just Lamberti who can score though, as Clayton Edmund also has made the scoresheet this season for Cerce. Both strikers will be eager to test out Loran ronAjain in what looks to be a tretcherous début for the young goalkeeper, and a huge ask from the manager to do so.
Mortis Mercatoria v Syrelwynn Swifts
Many pundits within the nation have been saying, "If there is one team that can beat the Swifts, it has to be MMFC." Well the time has come for this eagerly anticipated clash, with Mortis Mercatoria needing to do exactly that. The Ghosts are sitting 1 point behind the Swifts in 3rd and will look to capitalise in this home game that could potentially put them top providing JHI-LK don't win.
MMFC will be without Billy McVeigh, who is still suspended for his red card. We expect that Lydveldt Jonmikeltsen will be brought into the starting 11 to stand in for the Hammish international, although manager Pitilo Shamosa is not giving anything away before the game. Gary Smith will look to be the main threat as the top goalscorer for the side this season with 4 league goals, whilst the big signings of Tor Svensson and François Germaine will be depended on to pull the strings in the centre of midfield. The Ghost's skipper Giacomo Tedeschi left the media hanging, leaving them with one statement: "We must win."
Syrelwynn Swifts may be sitting pretty at top, but with JHI-LK breathing right down their necks they will be under as much pressure as MMFC to win this match. Losing this match will definately drop them from top, and if JHI-LK win they could come out of this game third at worst. It looks to be an unchanged squad from last week as Jalal Akwá has come to a sudden rise in form. The Shirerithian international will be looking to add to his goalscoring form as the Swifts look to play him as the lone man up front with skipper Sébastien Focán just behind.
Despite the early week claims from opposing skipper Giacomo Tedeschi that Focán is past his game, the media are in disagreement and believe he still can pose a threat, especially when playing in the role just behind the striker. Laurent Zandine will also play an important part in the squad as they look to use him as a man marker for Germaine to prevent any attack from the Ghosts, whilst Rudi Mathijsen will continue to be used on the right flank despite being left footed.
With both teams usually playing a defensive, counter-attacking game, the match may seem like one to be eagerly anticipated. But in reality, we should expect a cagey battle between the two sides with both teams expected to allow their opponents to come forward before trying to quickly break.