A Big Challenge Ahead: FisiFan91 Season Preview
The 2nd of our Division 1 debutees is the well known FisiFan91, the founder and head of the AOR league. The real question though is where will Fisi finish this season and will he be able to avoid the dreaded drop?
Looking back at Fisi's performances so far in the leagues it is safe to say we have a pretty large mix of results. Back in season 1 Fisi finished 14th, picking up less than a point a game on average. In season 2 Fisi was forced to withdraw due to issues with the game. Season 3 was Fisi's best finish, coming across the line in 3rd and getting promoted due to the lack of numbers in Division 1 last season.
Whilst Footie and Ryan both finished confidentiality ahead of our other promotees that's doesn't mean we should expect to see Fisi struggle this season. Fisi may have dropped off with some disappointing form mid-season but on the whole he proved himself to be just as skilled as those at the top of the Division. How he ranks up in Division 1 could be perceived differently. It's hard to say exactly where he'd come in as we don't have documented games against the majority of the league since season 1 but I feel Fisi may be in for a very challenging season.
I'm not necessarily saying relegation is assured but it's going to be a tough fight to stay up. He'll have to make the most of his team choice, Everton, and retained composure throughout the coming campaign. With the fixtures announced we also know he'll be playing seasons 2 and 3 champions for his opening week which should really let us see how he shapes up in comparison.
Everton don't have the strongest squad
but there is a lot of physical ability
in there for sure.
InfamousVader chose Everton in season 3 and whilst he got relegated he did seem to enjoy the team he got to play with. They have a very good mix of technical and physical ability along with some very strong individuals, especially with how this FIFA works. Looking at the team as a whole I honestly found it really hard to fit everyone in and so I can't really recommend a single starting XI and I'd heavily recommend rotation with this team. Despite this I've given it my best go using the 4-4-1-1 formation.
Leading the upfront is none less than Lukaku who may just be the strongest player on the team, both literally and figuratively. Playing in behind him I had a real dilemma but in the end I opted for Cameroon veteran Samuel Eto'o to take up the CF role. I considered pushing Barkley forward but didn't feel he had shooting stats to do a good enough job. I even looked at the possibility of Atsu taking up this role but outside of his pace I didn't feel he offered anything of interest.
Looking at the midfield we have McCarthy and Barkley taking up the two central midfield spots. It's a pretty common sense partnership to have the more defensive minded CM and the more offensive minded CM together and within those criteria I felt these two were best suited. Barry is also an option to rotate in for McCarthy. I decided to put McGeady LM as I feel his 5* skills and rapid pace give Everton something entirely different to use but Pienaar is also worth a shout with his frightening 90 agility stat. Finally, Mirallas finishes the midfield off at RM with his high pace stats and impressive skill attributes including 84 dribbling, ball control and crossing as well as some solid finishing.
Everton's defence is pretty solid on the whole starting off with Baines, my favourite LB in the league. Not just does Baines offer some great defensive stats but also some nice set piece stats as well as a wide array of impressive attacking stats. The two CB spots were closely competed for but in the end I went with Jagielka and Distin due to their heights and defensive stats. Stones was a close 3rd but I felt he lacked that certain something. Coleman sweeps the RB position without much competition and just like Baines he offers some impressive attacking stats to overlap with. The final spot is the American goalkeeper, Tim Howard, we is about as solid as it comes as an all rounder. He may not have the ability of De Gea or Lloris but he is still a great goalkeeper and Fisi should be able to rely on him when required.
Potential XI
So to summarise I have to admit I see Fisi in for a difficult season. Relegation can't be crossed out but neither can safety and it'll be far easier to make a judgement once we get to see more of what he can offer in Division 1. It should certainly be a chance for Fisi to prove himself as a top FIFA player within the league.
PREDICTION: 5TH - 8TH