How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Newport County A.F.C.

'17-'18 November Update

Spoiler

The Roster

Spoiler

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (69 OVR). Joe Green available to be recalled from loan if needed.
Fullbacks: Jerome Binnom-Williams (72 OVR), Moses Odubajo (70 OVR), Nicolai Fernandes (68 OVR), Mehmet Çelik (67 OVR), Magnus Dahle (59 OVR), Atsushi Nagatsuka (54 OVR).
Centre-backs: Juan Komar (70 OVR), Tyler Blackett (69 OVR), Taylor Moore (66 OVR), Andrew Hughes (61 OVR), Kieran Parselle (60 OVR), Jean Ambrose (60 OVR), Tafari Hunt (59 OVR).
Midfielders/Wingers: Rohan Ince (73 OVR), Konsta Salo (72 OVR), Clark Gordon (70 OVR), Bondz Moore (69 OVR), Jack Giles (69 OVR), Ben Potter (66 OVR), Devante Parker (66 OVR), Cristiano Dall'Oglio (63 OVR), Hikaru Ichigawa (62 OVR).
Strikers: Jack McKay (70 OVR), Marcus Thuram (67 OVR), Patrick Miller (64 OVR), Kjetil Ringdal Støvland (61 OVR), Aaron Collins (61 OVR).

Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond Wide)

Martinez

Odubajo/Komar/Blackett/Binnom-Williams

Ince

Giles ------------------ B. Moore

Gordon

Thuram ------- McKay
___________________________________

J. Paint Trophy - Area Quarter Final
Doncaster - Newport County (0-2)
Gordon 8'
Thuram 90+' (Odubajo)
Gordon 45+' (Sprained ankle, out 3 weeks)

Marcus Thuram continued to be a pain for opposing defenses, having a hand in both goals as The Exiles continue to move in the JPT. Gordon's score early in the game came as a result of a Thuram shot that was saved, the ball deflecting towards a wide open Gordon. Unfortunately for the academy product from Scotland he once again starts the month with an injury that will keep him out about 3 weeks.

League Match 16
Portsmouth - Newport County (0-0)

Spoiler

Gotta complain about the game here. On the calendar this game was the day after a friendly with Finland and for some reason after said friendly was over the calendar sat on game day but only with the option to advance without showing the game happening. Some sort of glitch obviously. I guess I'm just happy I didn't get an L.

League Match 17
Newport County - Bury (4-2)
Miller 8'
Giles 38' (Potter)
Mayor 52'
McKay 69' (Thuram)
B. Moore 84' (Potter)
McKay 90+' (B. Moore)

Bury gave The Exiles a run for their money but in the end Newport was able to equalize the game twice then run away with a two-goal lead thanks to big games from Jack McKay, Ben Potter, and Bondz Moore.

Spoiler

Jack McKay celebrates his goal in stoppage time of the 2nd half.

League Match 18
Rotherham Utd - Newport County (1-0)
Newell 62'
Dall'Oglio 26'
Parker 70'

The Exiles' B-squad created a few scoring opportunities but couldn't outplay a Rotherham squad that earned their goal to pull out this victory. Furthermore, Dall'Oglio's third yellow card in league play meant he'd have to miss the next game.

League Match 19
Newport County - Walsall (2-1)
Fantom 9'
Ichigawa 44' (Salo)
Potter 86' (Giles)

Marccelino chose to play his B-squad in back-to-back games and with Dall'Oglio's absence the club decided to promote Hikaru Ichigawa from the academy, a move that paid off as the CDM scored an equalizer as the half neared its end. Both teams pushed each other in the second half looking for the victory and it would be The Exiles who would find the game winner as Potter handled backup duties at CAM.

Spoiler

Salo feeds Ichigawa who would go on to score his first career goal in his first career game as a pro.

League Match 20
MK Dons - Newport County (3-1)
Jennings 32'
Randall 78'
Giles 89'
Randall 90+'

A much-awaited match-up between the top two teams in the league went to the Dons, who were hosting The Exiles. Newport came into this game as the highest scoring team in the league but the hosts countered with the best defense in the league and they, at least for this night, proved their defense was better than Newport's offense.




Top Scorers
1 - Winnall (Barnsley) - 13
T2 - MacDonald (Oxford United) - 10
T2 - Driussi (Sheffield Utd) - 10
T5 - Thuram (Newport County) - 7

Assists
T1 - McKay (Newport County) - 6
T1 - Sawyers (Walsall) - 6
T2 - Carruthers (MK Dons) - 5
T2 - Thomas (Coventry City) - 5

Clean Sheets
1 - Martin (MK Dons) - 8
2 - Day (Gillingham) - 7
T3 - Piedrahita (Luton Town) - 5
...
T4 - Martinez (Newport County) - 4

Spoiler

Review: As you might be able to conclude from looking at the standings we had gone into that last game of the month with a 3-point lead for 1st place but unfortunately we were unable to get the job done against a good MK Dons squad. In retrospect maybe the simmed draw at Portsmouth hurts a bit since that looked like a winnable game. But still, it seems like every month we cut into the Dons' lead so have to be happy about that with still more than half a season left. It was a special moment to promote Ichigawa out of necessity then get him scoring on his very first game (which out of necessity was also a start). His overall and Dall'Oglio's are pretty much the same but the Italian's game is slightly more well-rounded so he'll continue to be ahead of the Japanese in the pecking order for now. Other than that, obviously happy about continuing to move in the JPT and a bit worried about Gordon suffering injuries in back-to-back months though not quite ready to put him in Giles' territory just yet.

In academy news, there's still no news as we keep our scouts on hold so we'll just update you on the guys in the youth squad:

- Gregorio Miranda (LB,61 OVR, 81-87): The now 17-year old from Argentina is actually right-footed and may project as an option at RB. Pace-wise he's currently similar to Fernandes in that he's close to average although he has better acceleration (and obviously isn't as advanced in his overall development).
- David Fox (RM, 61 OVR, 78-84): 16-year old from Scotland has very good agility and our scouts are very pleased by his progress in the academy last season which may lead to promotion at some point this season.
- Satoshi Kagome (CDM, 47 OVR, 78-84): 17-year old from Japan who is physically strong. Coaches will look to develop him into more than just a defensive stopper.
- Hayato Matsuki (GK, 61 OVR,75-81): This Japanese prospect was the first goalkeeper to join the academy and after recently turning 17 he now stands 6'7" and 196lbs, making him a very special prospect for the club. His potential may not be as high as we initially thought but he has been working hard in the academy, impressing coaches and improving his skillset (AND his potential is higher than any other GK in the game with his measurements).
- Bondz Laslie (CB, 55 OVR, 77-83): 18-year old from England who seems like a carbon copy of Tafari Hunt who was recently promoted, and we hope he'll develop his game as quickly.
- Daniel Seager (CM, 54 OVR, 76-82): After recently turning 17 this Englishman decided to focus on using his 6-feet, 176-pound frame towards being a defensive midfielder to maximize some of his best attributes such as strength and aggression.
- Yoshi Ishinomori (CM, 46 OVR, 75-83): The 17-year old from Japan is a commanding physical presence standing at 6'5" and 189lbs and the club will try to develop his skill set to quickly match his physical abilities.
- Eiichi Suzuki (GK, 57 OVR, 76-82): The 16-year old from Japan represents the second keeper signed by the club and will battle with his countryman in the academy.
- Juan Pablo (LW, 58 OVR, 72-78): The final evaluation for this Argentinian prospect is that the 17-year old's potential isn't as high as initially thought. Still, he possesses very good quickness and swiftness and his outstanding skills in short spaces could be a weapon of value for us.
* Recent addition.

Having recently taken over for a Finland national team that has qualified for the 2018 World Cup, the few friendly games the team will have before the big dance will be important for Marccelino to get a good grip on this squad.

International Friendly
Finland - Norway (3-0)
Ring 30' (Hurme)
Ring 45+' (Pukki)
Pohjanpalo 48' (Ring)

Finland was rusty adjusting the 4-1-2-1-2 and for the first 29 minutes of the game Norway had a sizable advantage in possession but they themselves weren't being too sharp on offense. A couple of counter-attacks by Finland gave them a 2-0 lead at the half and they managed it from there.

International Friendly
Bulgaria - Finland (0-0)

Neither team was able to create many opportunities though Marccelino can walk away from this game proud of holding the opponent to just one shot that wasn't even on target.

That's all for this update!

^^^ Previous update

Newport County A.F.C.

'17-'18 December Update

The Roster

Spoiler

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (69 OVR), Hayato Matsuki (61 OVR).
Fullbacks: Jerome Binnom-Williams (72 OVR), Moses Odubajo (70 OVR), Nicolai Fernandes (69 OVR), Mehmet Çelik (67 OVR), Gregorio Miranda (61 OVR), Magnus Dahle (60 OVR), Atsushi Nagatsuka (54 OVR).
Centre-backs: Juan Komar (70 OVR), Tyler Blackett (70 OVR), Taylor Moore (66 OVR), Andrew Hughes (61 OVR), Jean Ambrose (61 OVR), Tafari Hunt (60 OVR), Kieran Parselle (60 OVR).
Midfielders/Wingers: Rohan Ince (73 OVR), Konsta Salo (72 OVR), Clark Gordon (70 OVR), Bondz Moore (69 OVR), Jack Giles (69 OVR), Ben Potter (66 OVR), Devante Parker (66 OVR), Cristiano Dall'Oglio (63 OVR), Hikaru Ichigawa (63 OVR), David Fox (62 OVR), Juan Pablo (59 OVR), Daniel Seager (55 OVR).
Strikers: Jack McKay (70 OVR), Marcus Thuram (68 OVR), Patrick Miller (64 OVR), Kjetil Ringdal Støvland (63 OVR), Aaron Collins (61 OVR).

Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond Wide)

Martinez

Odubajo/Komar/Blackett/Binnom-Williams

Ince

Giles ------------------ B. Moore

Gordon

Thuram ------- McKay
___________________________________

F.A Cup - Round 2
Newport County - Barnsley (2-2)
Thuram 21' (B. Moore)
Williams 52'
Boutaïb 79'
Blackett 89' (Salo)

Barnsley goalkeeper Adam Davies played out of his mind all game long, pushing The Exiles to the brink of elimination until a shot from outside the box by the one of the unlikeliest scorers essentially sent this match-up to a replay later this month. Davies was worth the price of admission all on his own, making 8 saves, each one seemingly more impressive than the previous one. Newport put together 12 shots, 9 on goal, and needed every bit of it to simply draw against a squad they undoubtedly outplayed but was simply more decisive with their chances.

Spoiler

Adam Davies did not see this shot to his right from Tyler Blackett in the 89th minute until it was too late due to all the bodies between him and the ball.

J. Paint Trophy - Area Semi Final
AFC Wimbledon - Newport County (2-3)
McKay 13'
Beere 31'
Ince 39' (McKay)
Taylor 80'
Gordon 90+' (B. Moore)

Clark Gordon turned in a full game effort and put a bow on it with a game-winning goal on practically the last play of the game in stoppage time.

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With consecutive cup games in a four-day span and league game lurking four days later Marccelino did not want to use Konsta Salo in the game so Gordon was asked to go all the way. It was a hard-fought game the way these match-ups used to be in League Two action, but the best team prevailed at the end.

League Match 21
Newport County - Chesterfield (1-1)
P. Miller 42' (Salo)
Evans-Blake 84'

Sylvan Ebans-Blake was relentless all game long and the fourth time was charm for him as he finally got a shot on target and turned it into the equalizer for the game's final score. The Exiles' B-team turned in a respectable effort but were unable to create many scoring opportunities and it was Emiliano Martinez who would walk away with MOM honors after Chesterfield's 9 shots (5 on goal).

League Match 22
Oldham Athletic - Newport County (1-1)
Cassidy 5'
McKay 35' (B. Moore)

Martinez saved a penalty kick in the 31st minute to keep The Exiles in the game and McKay scored four minutes later to allow Newport to steal a point on the road. Although the team are far separated in the standings the hosts kept possession about even while creating more opportunities for a score.

F.A Cup - Round 2 (Replay)
Barnsley - Newport County (1-2)
Gordon 25' (Odubajo)
Giles 49' (Thuram)
Williams 58'
Giles 75'
Gordon 75'
Ince 62' (Bruised shoulder, out 5 days)

The Exiles stepped up to the challenge of playing this replay on the road and won this game behind a constant attack (8 shots, 7 on target).

Spoiler

Clark Gordon opens up the scoring for The Exiles.

League Match 23
Newport County - Luton Town (2-2)
P. Miller 38' (Salo)
Vildozo 49' (pen)
Marriott 71'
Potter 85' (Ichigawa)

The Exiles B-squad could only put together enough offense to earn a draw against a familiar foe. Konsta Salo found Patrick Miller on a counter attack to open up the scoring but Luton Town goalkeeper Kevin Piedrahita shut it down for most of the game thereafter, keeping his squad in the game to help them turn around the score. Fortunately for the fans at Rodney Parade, Ben Potter was able to turn the corner against his defender for an unstoppable shot that would net Newport a point.

League Match 24
Newport County - MK Dons (4-0)
Thuram 7' (Ince)
Giles 62'
Dall'Oglio 83' (Salo)
Salo 86' (McKay)

The Exiles blitzed the Dons to avenge their loss at Milton Keynes at the end of last month, attacking without mercy from the get-go and frustrating their opponents to leave them with no shots on target on six attempts. Marccelino knew this was an important game and his team responded with perhaps their best game of the season to date.

F.A Cup - Round 3
Newport County - Nott'm Forest (0-1)
Assombalonga 29'

Forest played suffocating defense for the entirety of the game to conceal The Exiles' offense and walk away with the 1-0 victory in this cup tie. On the other hand, Britt Assombalonga was a force to be reckoned with all game long so it was fitting he'd score the only goal of the game.




Top Scorers
1 - Winnall (Barnsley) - 13
2 - Driussi (Sheffield Utd) - 12
T3 - MacDonald (Oxford United) - 10
...
T5 - Thuram (Newport County) - 8
T6 - McKay (Newport County - 7

Assists
T1 - McKay (Newport County) - 7
T1 - Salo (Newport County) - 7
T1 - Cole (Bradford City) - 7

Clean Sheets
1 - Martin (MK Dons) - 9
2 - Day (Gillingham) - 8
3 - Alnwick (Peterborough) - 7
...
T5 - Martinez (Newport County) - 5

Marccelino's Diary: More draws than I would had liked which made the win over the Dons that much more important. On a separate note it was frustrating to be eliminated from the F.A. It's important to note we were eliminated from both the COC and the FA by teams from the Championship, which is the tier of The Football League we're trying to get and we're on track to join this season. This doesn't go unnoticed by me and we need to continue to improve our squad if we're going to succeed and achieving promotion and if we're planning on continuing to have success next season. This upcoming transfer window could be an opportunity to improve our roster if we figure out a way to obtain some funds. At least we've moved on to the Area Final of the JPT which now more than ever is a trophy I'd like to raise.

Towards the end of the month, and with the upcoming transfer window in mind, I decided to promote a number of guys from the academy to give us some flexibility with some decision and to maybe get some of those lads some playing opportunities on loan. Therefore, our academy only has three players left in it:

- Satoshi Kagome (CDM, 48 OVR, 78-84): 17-year old from Japan who is physically strong. Coaches will look to develop him into more than just a defensive stopper.
- Yoshi Ishinomori (CM, 47 OVR, 77-83): The 17-year old from Japan is a commanding physical presence standing at 6'5" and 189lbs and the club will try to develop his skill set to quickly match his physical abilities.
- Eiichi Suzuki (GK, 58 OVR, 76-82): The 16-year old from Japan represents the second keeper signed by the club and will battle with his countryman, Hayato Matsuki, to become the club's main backup goalkeeper.
* Recent addition.

Gregorio Miranda, David Fox, Bondz Laslie, and Juan Pablo were promoted at my own request. Daniel Seager requested promotion and we granted it. The plans is for youth scouts to go in search of more talent once the transfer window closes and we can assess how much of our funds we'll be able to put towards scouting more young talent.

What's next

1/2/18: at Southend United (JPT)
1/5/18: at Walsall
1/8/18: vs Southend United (JPT)
1/13/18: vs Oldham Athletic
1/27/18: at Chesterfield
1/30/18: vs Rotherham Utd

Two games against last seasons' JPT champion as well as four games against teams competing for a playoff spot. Plus, of course, the much discussed transfer window. SPOILER ALERT: one of our top-rated prospects is sold for over twice his value, who will it be?

Stay tuned

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Moose - I support your mentality to play a 4-2-3-1 because I can see that's what you're comfortable with, you seem to feel safe having a 6/4 split between defenders and attackers with both your CDM's obviously being box-to-box guys and with that in mind I can also see why Antonio is key for you since he's good on both ends of the pitch. All that being said, I'll probably remain a critic of the way you're utilizing your players unless I see some changes in the upcoming transfer window. You can sell Dybala all you want at CAM but after seeing him be the league's leading scorer at ST it's hard for me to buy. You also obviously noticed Payet isn't being utilized best out in the wings. Before Lacazette's acquisition Payet was thriving in that CAM role from what I could see. I can't hate on acquiring the French striker who arguably might have scored more than Dybala in the first half of the season but in my eyes you're misusing Dybala at CAM and WASTING a class CAM like Payet on the bench. The most reasonable thing I can see happening is you selling Dybala to get an elite winger to go along with Tello, a rich man's version of Antonio if you will, since I can sense a 4-1-2-1-2 isn't your cup of team which is really the only formation in which you can properly use Payet/Lacazette/Dybala. I don't see you going with the 4-4-2 classic which is the other option you listed and even if you did chose that then it'd make sense to sell Payet in order to get that elite winger (with Carrillo/Antonio being excellent bench options). I'm also for the idea of getting an elite CDM and I think you can move on from Kouyate in order to achieve that.

HOT TAKES! Love actually, I think you're very right and make some great points. Definitely things I shall take into account. I'm trying to put together my shortlist for next season and it's been very tough, but I think you're right that I'm going to have to make some tough decisions to get the best out of the team. The only way I think I can realistically keep Dybala, Lacazette, and Payet and use them all correctly is because I'll have a few more games with European qualification for next season, but agreed. Going to have to make the tough calls this summer window.

As for you Moose - I say that whether we suggest something, it is just an idea! The best way for you to find anything out is to actually try! Give it a shot, you might like it.

Holy hell, that elastico. Also, with Dybala playing with Lacazette, don't you think he will get more of those "poacher" chances, just like Lacazette? All in all, good two games man! I hope you pull it off and get the title!

Fair play, I do love the suggestions! True, haha you both are really pushing for that 2 striker approach I can see. I think I'll have to give it a shot next preseason as a real alternative.

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Episode #56: DYBALA PULLS THE STRINGS!

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[southernmetalhead]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I've tried to become a WBA fan since Rondon was signed but can't nobody become a fan of a Pulis team, that's absurd. Would be fun to see that team actually reach his potential (please play Gamboa/Poco at FB). Malaga would also be fun because they have like 3 Venezuelans depending on which roster you use.

Thanks rabbit and everyone who voted.

The poll was a tie, but I decided to go with Malaga.

[moose141]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Episode #57: FA CUP FINAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED!

Guys, thank you so much as always for all the support so I hope you enjoy this live FA Cup final video that I played actually on the road for work because I couldn't wait haha!

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[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Remind me what your team is again?

The famous CFC: Chelsea Football Club.

[Keano16]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

The famous CFC: Chelsea Football Club.

I just want this season to be over already.

[stlducks]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Match day 4 featuring showdowns between Liverpool v West Ham, United at Swansea and Spurs hosting Everton. Also end of the month wrap ups with team of the month and league leaders.

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Still working on some formatting and sound issues. Also looking for some good songs to play in the background highlights where it is not too loud that it was take away from the action. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

The famous CFC: Chelsea Football Club.

well that's interesting, that's the first I hear of interest on him from a Chelsea fan. Y'all could have pretty much anyone you want so that's high praise I guess. Wouldn't you guys be big players for Zlatan?

[Keano16]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

well that's interesting, that's the first I hear of interest on him from a Chelsea fan. Y'all could have pretty much anyone you want so that's high praise I guess. Wouldn't you guys be big players for Zlatan?

Not exactly true for the coming season due to no Champions League football. Zlatan would never come to Chelsea imo and tbh we don't need him. A centre half, defensive midfielder and a right back are needed for me.

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Thanks rabbit and everyone who voted.

The poll was a tie, but I decided to go with Malaga.

looking forward to this

[indiblue]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Sunderland 2017/18

Summer Headlines

Egypt defender Hazem Emam (68) to join Sunderland on free transfer

Sam Byram (70) agrees one-year loan move to Ipswich Town

Tottenham sign wantaway Charis Mavrias (78) for bargain £12 million

Breel-Donald Embolo (77) to swap Basel for Sunderland in £11 million move

Sunderland seal £18 million deal with Nacional for Egypt's Ali Ghazal (80)

Chelsea sell Diego Costa to PSG, sign Bayern's Robert Lewandowski

Aston Villa secure two-year loan deal for Josh McEachran (76)

Sunderland sign Kyle Walker (81) from Tottenham for £16 million

Gareth Bale agrees £54 million move to Manchester United

Jack Butland (76) to join Celtic under Roy Keane on short-term loan

Adam Matthews (76) makes £4.8 million move to Tottenham

Sunderland set to sign Liam Moore (76) from Leicester for £7.5 million

August 2017

PL: Sunderland 3-0 Aston Villa
24' Defoe
38' Gerrard (P)
85' Defoe

PL: Norwich 0-2 Sunderland
41' Butko (OG)
74' Rodriguez

PL: Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
72' Rodriguez

LC: Sunderland 2-0 Southampton
18' Afobe (P)
40' Watmore

SUNDERLAND DRAWN IN GROUP OF DEATH

The UEFA Champions League group stage draw for the 2017/18 campaign has pitted first-time participants Sunderland AFC of England with Spanish giants Real Madrid, French icons Olympique de Marseille, and Swiss upstarts FC Basel in what promises to six exciting games. Sunderland supporters who travelled to Switzerland for the draw were thrilled with its surprise outcome.

"We've dreamed of playing in Europe for decades," said 72-year-old Brian King. "To finally get in and be given right away the opportunity to visit a stadium like the [Santiago] Bernabeu is wonderful. I know the team will put in 100% and make us proud on the grandest of European stages."

PL: Fulham 1-1 Sunderland
26' Rodriguez
73' Mitroglou

PL TOP 4
12 Arsenal
10 Chelsea
10 Sunderland
10 Watford

UCL GROUP H
0 Real Madrid
0 Sunderland
0 Marseille
0 Basel

September 2017

PL: Sunderland 2-1 Tottenham
18' Gerrard (P)
60' Démbélé
90' Sneijder

CL: Basel 1-3 Sunderland
12' Rodriguez
43' Embolo (P)
63' Kakitani
74' Buckley

PL: Liverpool 1-2 Sunderland
4' Walker
20' Embolo
74' Lallana

IN CONVERSATION WITH EMBOLO

Breel-Donald Embolo may have been born in the capital of Cameroon, but he's as Swiss as they come. The former Basel youth product made a move to Wearside this past summer for £11 million, in a deadline day deal that took Europe by surprise. After all, it's not every day that one of the hottest young striker prospects on the continent moves to Sunderland. But then this is not the same beast that was fighting relegation as recently as 2015, and Embolo knows that. It is the entire reason behind why he is here.

"I had offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. But I wanted to play regularly. I wanted to join a club that was ready to help me grow into a better player, not one that wanted me so that the others could not," Embolo says, highlighting a wisdom that belies his age.

Embolo, who counts Ruud van Nistelrooy and Samuel Eto'o among his role models, says that the growth and development he expects to enjoy at Sunderland have been given a huge boost. "The manager knows what I'm good at and lets me play my game. Right now, we're not worrying too much about how many goals I'm scoring. It's important to link up with the others in the team and get my movement right. Find out how to deal with a player or situation that's unique to the Premier League," Embolo states, adding that Indi Blue has added to his already-fierce desire to be the world's best.

One would not count against him achieving that goal in the near future.

LC: Fulham 1-3 Sunderland
5' T. Walker
42' Emam (OG)
47' T. Walker
88' Buckley

PL: Sunderland 1-1 West Brom
26' Sneijder
62' Rondón

CL: Sunderland 4-0 Marseille
17' Embolo
53' Rodriguez
69' Ghazal
90' Gerrard

PL: Manchester Utd 2-3 Sunderland
22' Bale
38' Buckley
78' Sneijder
87' Hernández
90' Ghazal

PL TOP 4
22 Chelsea
20 Sunderland
19 Arsenal
13 Watford

UCL GROUP H
6 Sunderland
4 Real Madrid
1 Basel
0 Marseille

October 2017

PL: Sunderland 2-0 Stoke
33' Buckley
87' Sneijder

CL: Real Madrid 1-2 Sunderland
55' Vázquez
71' Gerrard
74' Sneijder

DEFOE UNHAPPY WITH REDUCED ROLE

Jermain Defoe has taken to the press to express his dissatisfaction with his limited role this season at Sunderland. The former Spurs star, who netted over 15 goals last season for the Mackems, wrote a guest column in the Daily Mail in which he lamented his lack of opportunities in Indi Blue's side.

"Performing at high level means you get used to playing every week, so it isn't easy to see my name on the bench come the weekend. Especially as the manager is really happy with my application in training. But you have to look at how Benik Afobe has come through and how Breel Embolo is being groomed to know that competition is getting fierce. Sunderland is not the club it was when I joined, and that's a testament to the manager's ability to get the very best out of the players at his disposal," the article read.

Reading between the lines, one may assume that Defoe would look to make a move in January. With his contract expiring next summer and the club unsure about whether to extend, a loan move could work in Defoe's favour, with a permanent switch made when he is out of contract in the summer.

PL: Manchester City 1-2 Sunderland
44' Defoe
63' Defoe
74' Cavani

LC: Swansea 1-2 Sunderland
83' Defoe
90' Éder
101' Montero

PL: Sunderland 1-1 Leicester
11' Kramarić
33' Ghazal

CL: Sunderland 2-2 Basel
45' Embolo
57' Elneny
80' Sneijder (P)
88' Boëtius

PL TOP 4
27 Sunderland
26 Arsenal
26 Chelsea
22 Newcastle

UCL GROUP H
10 Sunderland
7 Real Madrid
3 Marseille
2 Basel

November 2017

PL: Swansea 0-0 Sunderland

PL: Sunderland 2-1 Southampton
35' Buckley
70' Braithwaite (P)
90' Gauld

CL: Sunderland 0-1 Real Madrid
44' James

PL: Chelsea 2-3 Sunderland
5' Buckley
20' Rémy
37' Sneijder
45' Embolo
90' Oscar

SUNDERLAND KEEN TO SECURE INDI BLUE FUTURE

Sunderland have issued a guarantee that Indi Blue will continue at the club.

Speaking at a general meeting of the club's official supporters' trust, the chairman Ellis Short personally promised to renew the manager's contract, which will expire at the end of the ongoing campaign, no matter the cost.

"Indi has been key to the success of Sunderland AFC over these past two and a half seasons. I promise you that we will not lose our manager over simple things like transfer decisions or salary. We'll do everything in our power to guarantee that the club keeps moving forward at a sustainable pace, even if that means a massive overhaul of the playing squad every three seasons," Short said, eliciting great cheers from those in attendance.

Blue joined Sunderland in the summer of 2015 after Dick Advocaat walked out on the club. He led the club to a 5th-placed finish in his first season, qualifying for the Europa League. He followed it up with astute signings and a genuine yet shock title challenge, losing out to Chelsea in the last weeks.

Sunderland are atop the Barclays Premier League table with a 7-point gap.

PL TOP 4
34 Sunderland
27 Arsenal
27 Chelsea
26 Newcastle

UCL GROUP H
10 Sunderland
10 Real Madrid
4 Marseille
3 Basel

December 2017

PL: Sunderland 4-0 Arsenal
16' Ghazal
38' Sneijder
87' Defoe
90' Buckley

CL: Marseille 1-1 Sunderland
7' Omrani
69' Rodriguez

SUNDERLAND TO FACE SCHALKE IN KNOCKOUTS

Sunderland will face German side Schalke 04 in the Champions League round of 16, with the first leg to be played in the last week of February 2018. The Mackems lost the opportunity to finish at the top of Group H when they drew to Marseille, who have dropped into the Europa League.

Key ties include Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid vs. AC Milan.

PL: West Ham 1-3 Sunderland
3' Zárate
35' Sneijder
58' Rodriguez (P)
87' Kaboul

PL: Sunderland 0-2 Hull
45' Clucas
89' Jelavić

PL: Sunderland 2-1 Everton
68' Embolo
72' Caicedo
78' Rodriguez

PL: Watford 1-4 Sunderland
27' Capoue
40' Defoe (P)
45' Watmore
57' Afobe (P)
90' Nyom (OG)

PL: Everton 0-0 Sunderland

FA: Sunderland 2-0 Portsmouth
43' T. Walker
90' Defoe

PL TOP 4
47 Sunderland
39 Chelsea
35 Arsenal
32 Tottenham

UCL GROUP H
13 Real Madrid
11 Sunderland
5 Marseille
3 Basel

Manager's Thoughts

Fantastic start to the season, a slight dip in defensive form towards the end of October, and a massive resurgence in November and December to put us in pole position for the title. We have settled on the 4-4-1-1 as our preferred system, which yielded fantastic results against Arsenal & Chelsea.

Buckley, Sneijder, Gerrard, Pantilimon and Walker are absolutely bossing it out there. Gerrard tops the league (8) and Europe (4) in assists, Buckley is our best-performing player with an 8.2 average rating, and Sneijder is the club's leading goalscorer with 9 goals and 7 assists in all competitions.

Butland and Rodwell are on the way out in January. A workhorse midfielder with H/H work rates is on the way in, and we could be looking to get a conventional winger as well to rotate with Buckley and Rodriguez. Defoe had been asking to go but is now happy to be involved as a super sub. Afobe might just be surplus to requirements and could go if a decent bid comes in. Gauld is a player I really like but he doesn't have the stamina to play 90 minutes every week, plus his low strength sees him lose the ball a bit too often for my liking. Probably will wait until the summer on him and everyone else, because it looks like we have a serious title challenge on our hands and disturbing the squad now would be foolish. We'll have to see if we can get some loans for our reserves as well, just to get them off my back about their game time. The likes of T. Walker, Gooch, Flannigan, etc.

Thank you for reading the long post. I'm sorry it's all crammed into one!

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Newport County A.F.C.

'17-'18 Winter Transfer Window Update

It has been a very exciting first half of the season for The Exiles, battling for the top spot in League One since the beginning of the season and currently in a close fight with MK Dons and Southend United for the lead. Through their performances Newport County has confirmed that they have the roster to battle to be the best in the league this season but losses to Championship teams in the Capital One Cup (to QPR) and F.A. Cup (to Nott'm Forest) are a reminder that this roster will need more improvement as it heads for possible promotion to that next level of competition in the Football League. So what moves did Marccelino make in order to improve the squad going forward? Let's check it out.

TRANSFERS

OUT: Konsta Salo (CAM, 72 OVR), sold to En Avant de Guingamp for €8.5 million. Jack McKay (ST, 70 OVR), sold to Bournemouth for €3.8 million. Andrew Hughes (CB, 61 OVR), sold to Crewe Alexandra for €280K. Jean Ambrose (CB, 61 OVR), sold to Doncaster for €275K. Joe Green (GK, 54 OVR), sold to Longford Town for €100K.

IN: (A.K.A. Luan) Luan Garcia Teixeira (CB, 75 OVR), reached pre-contract agreement with the club on a 5-year deal for €35K weekly wages. Thierry Ambrose (ST, 72 OVR), acquired from Manchester City for €2.8 million. Hwang In Beom (CM, 72 OVR), acquired from Daejeon Citizen for €2.9 million.

Transfer window recap

The Exiles were not going to be able to make any acquisitions unless they acquired funds through a sale first. Initially the only offers the team was receiving were for Jack McKay but they weren't being considered seriously by the team, which instead was looking to acquire Jack's twin brother - Paul - from Doncaster. However, MK Dons spiced up the rivalry by beating Newport to Paul McKay's acquisition. Reportedly soon after that the club looked to involve Jack McKay into negotiations with Tenerife to acquire Cristo Gonzalez but the Spanish striker was quickly acquired by Granada. It was around this time that offers for Konsta Salo started to come in. The club anticipated the offers would come for at least one of their talented young players but didn't know who would be targeted.

Bolton Wanderers, Bournemouth, FSV Mainz, and Hamburger SV were initially involved along with EAG in acquiring Salo but only the first two and the eventual acquiring club were willing to negotiate above double of Salo's €4.1 million value. Newport asked for €9 million and subsequent to agreeing to sell for €8.5 million to EAG the club received offers of €8.75 million for the Finnish player from Bolton and Bournemouth but the French club acted quickly in closing the deal with the player. Although Newport only had 75% of the new income available this money represented a significant improvement over the €1 million transfer budget the board provided at the beginning of the season.

Recognizing the availability of Luan the club moved quickly to reach an agreement with the Brazilian central defender who will surely step in as a starter next summer. The offers then continued to come for McKay and after 1) failing to re-unite him with his brother and, 2) having the budget to make a significant acquisition, the club came to peace with the idea of moving on from the English striker to replace him with a more potent option. Once his sale to Bournemouth was finalized the club moved quickly to acquire Thierry Ambrose for a very good prize as pundits were surprised MCFC didn't try to get more for the French striker. With a void at backup CAM The Exiles also sped up negotiations for In Beom, a Korean midfielder Marccelino has been looking into since he first took over as HC. They also looked into Chilean midfielder Gabriel Suazo from Colo Colo but Ipswich Town got involved in the bidding and Marccelino didn't feel the need to get into a war when In Beom was his top choice.

Finally, the club was happy to move on from Andrew Hughes and Jean Ambrose at CB as they look to give their recently promoted CB's from the academy some playing time with the B-squad. On that same note, with the promotion of Hayato Matsuki the club rolled the dice on recalling Joe Green from loan at York City (where he was getting no PT) and successfully sold him during this window, leaving Matsuki and fellow Japanese prospect Eiichi Suzuki (in the academy) as the potential goalkeepers of the future. Reports indicate that Valencia CF made a €2.4 offer for Nicolai Fernandes on deadline day but Marccelino didn't want to rush into a decision he might possible regret regarding the 16-year old from Denmark (69 OVR).

How the new French partnership of Ambrose and Marcus Thuram works up front for The Exiles will undoubtedly be the most intriguing aspect to watch for during the second half of this season for Newport County.

[vrabbit]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

Match day 4 featuring showdowns between Liverpool v West Ham, United at Swansea and Spurs hosting Everton. Also end of the month wrap ups with team of the month and league leaders.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbiZj1LKZhI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Still working on some formatting and sound issues. Also looking for some good songs to play in the background highlights where it is not too loud that it was take away from the action. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I'm confused, thought you were doing a Tottenham CM?

[stlducks]

Re: How's Your FIFA Career Mode Going?

I'm confused, thought you were doing a Tottenham CM?

Spurs are my main team and the team I play every match with. But I'm playing every premier league game to make things more interesting and I like being able to set the cpu line ups before matches to make sure they are at their best.

This has been the best fifa games I have played and I am losing a lot (shows how important formations and lineups are).

I did make "transfers" before I set up the tourney and that is where the headlines came from. To me, I never make it multiple years in so youth academy players are not as important to me.

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