Friday, August 11, 2006
Match Preview
(Nameless) All-Stars vs NIE Legends
Venue: NIE Time: 0930
After many instances of transfer speculation and rumours, the All-Stars have finally put together a team. First opponents, the NIE Legends, on the home ground of the Legends themselves. Never an easy away tie, even less for a sapling team. 'Nameless' in itself speaks volumes. There's talk of uneasiness, possible pre-disbanding even, put behind for a chance to make it good.
Any team has to begin somewhere, and the probable line-up for the All-Stars looks promising. The nucleus has awesome potential; Zhipeng, Bobby and Tay Yuxian won't look out of place in any team. Just the mixture of raw power, channeled and undefined. The supporting cast of Jx, Leo and Kanu would be main players in any other group but for the players who stand out. Such is the strength, and possibly weakness, of the All-Stars.
NIE Legends have always played well on their home court, reasonably against more than reasonable opponents. Alaric, always one to watch, provides the spine of a team more inclined to boot the ball downfield; always an effective tactic. Adrian provides the flair, Kenny the muscle, and Derrick, supposedly the Riquelme of the team, plays behind them. Ever-irrepressible Yeow and Kwok Ley make up the rearguard, which should see the latter make his energetic runs down the flanks.
The substitutes bench is somewhat overcrowded, with Kyle, Darryl, young Jianhao and utility man Renxin waiting for their opportunity, just to name a few. The ability to play two teams with almost equal standard remains a strength much unrivalled by many.
For Saturday's match, it should be Taffy in goal, with Tay and Leo taking on defensive duties, Bobby roving just in front of them. Zhipeng is a handful for any defence on any day. Kanu and Jx will keep the rearguard busy, if the latter decides to show up. Expect accurate shots on goal, especially from Kanu.
Key matchups possibly and most probably revolves on how Alaric copes with the multitude of threats. Leo and Tay should prove too much even for the enthusiasm of Adrian, and the only question is when Tay will decide to join the attack. Derrick remains second footing alongside Bobby.
Inpregnable defence with a fascinating array of attackers. Only teamwork stands in the way of greatness.
_'Jx]- faded at 8:08 PM