MASTER LEAGUE - THE NEXT FEW GAMES!

Hello and welcome back to the Pro Evo Masters League.

Today's post is just a quick recap on my latest progress with my offline master league featuring Blackburn Rovers.

Since the thrashing of Liverpool in the first round of the FA Cup, I have managed to play another 6 games.

The fitness of my players has been a worry for me, as my squad is not that large, and I only have a few select players to choose from when it comes to match day.

As some of you will also be aware with your own master league teams, having your players above the blue arrow is a must if you want them to play. Sometimes this is not always possible and you may end up playing certain players who are under performing. If you have top class players who show a blue arrow, they may play slightly lower than their stats, but generally, this should not affect you too much. If it was a player with much lower ability, then it would be pointless to field that player, especially if you were up against stiffer competition.

With a few decent players in my master league squad, I try to use them as much as I can, and when playing an easier game, put them on the bench or not play them at all to allow for squad rotation.

Now down to the recent results. 

LF8 (League Fixture):

Blackburn 1-0 Wigan

I was happy with this result as Wigan played some good football. I managed to score just before the 80th minute with a Pederson toe poke past the keeper. 3 points in the bag!

LF9

Pes Utd 2 - 2 Blackburn Rovers

One match which surprised me very much! Pes Utd did not have good stats. They hadn't managed to buy any new players and had been promoted from division 2 at the end of last season. I had been ahead twice, but sloppy defending and non L1 control resulted in the points being shared. Good to have plenty of goals in a game, but you feel let down by stupid mistakes!

LF 10

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Sunderland

This game was a tough one. Sunderland had gone ahead about halfway through the first half. I had tried everything to get back into the game, with shots flying everywhere but their defence and in form keeper held the fort well. In the dying minutes of the second half, a chip through to Robinho led him free of the defenders and 1 on 1 with the keeper. He shoots............the keeper saved.............but didn't catch! Grella, very surprisingly had joined the attack and knocked the ball into the net after the keeper fumbled! He got man of the match, mainly down to his hard work in midfield, but the goal may have helped. A point saved and still without a loss!

Champions league

Blackburn 3 - 1 AFC Fiorentina

Having fielded a half decent side, and keeping a tired Defoe and Robinho on the bench after recent internationals, I had doubts about a good performance from Blackburn in this game. M Dioff and Benjani were up front and Malouda (on blue arrow) and Pederson dominated the wings. 

The first half ended 0 - 0, with most of the team truly needing a rest. However, I made no changes in the break and carried on with my game. I was gifted a 1 - 0 lead after Dioff had smashed the ball against the post and the opposition keeper and defender both went for the ball. One knocked it against the other and they had scored an own goal! Perhaps a gift from Konami, but I DOUBT IT! 

Fiorentina then levelled within 5 Min's and were clearly intent on applying the pressure. In the 60th minute (or thereabouts) I subbed Benjani and Diouff and bought on Defoe and Jeda. Robinho deserved more of a rest, so I left him on the bench. Alvarez came on for Pederson and I pressed on for a point.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Defoe and Jeda dominated the Fiorentina box and knocked shot after shot against the keeper. Eventually they managed to score 2 (1 each) and each get an assist.

So happy with the result and still top of the group!

LF 11

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Not much to tell really. Neither had many chances on goal, and Villa went ahead in the first half. Blackburn equalised at the start of the second and there must have been about 4 shots in the whole half between the teams. Nuff said!

FA CUP Second round

Blackburn 2 - 0 Man Utd 

With a full strength squad, Man Utd were going to be on top form, and they showed it! I let my guard down a little early as they kept possession and shots were all over the place. After the first ten minutes of this, I knew I had to do something! I set my possession game to defence and also used quick counter. If I had a corner, I just took off the defence which made my more of my players come for the ball.

It was nearing the end of the first half, and Blackburn had fended off all of the attacks and kept a clean sheet. The same was said for Man U, but both had equally had good chances to take the lead. Just before the half ended, I was graced by a wonder goal from Defoe that rocketed about 30 yards and crept straight past the keeper before he knew it! He just stood there.This was a volley assisted by Dioff. Robinho was playing on the wing which gave Dioff a chance up front and it was worth the switch.

Emerton down the wing to Robinho. He got a great angle on the goal and lobbed the keeper! Cracking goal and glad I finally manged one! (thanks to those who gave me the info!)

So rounding off 3 wins and 3 draws in all competitions, I would say that I have been blessed with luck on these occasions.

Until next time, I hope you all have some good luck with your games and hope to see you back here soon!