Matchday 4: Preview

AS Roma (2-1-0) vs Fiorentina (2-1-0)
(Stadio Olimpico)

The Viola come to Rome behind manager Roberto Garisto's claim that his side will "take all three points. Guaranteed." When asked to respond to his rival's bold prediction, Giallorossi bench boss Daniel Campoli said, "Rodrigo who, said what?" Garisto's remarks come as a bit of a surprise considering how Roma captain Francesco Totti had his way with Fiorentina last time the visitor's ventured to the Olimpico:

EA Sports: Roma 1 - 0 Fiorentina

Both sides will look to pick up three very important points in what is the MFL's biggest match to date. Consider the winner here to be the odds on favourite for the Maple Cup.


Internazionale (1-2-0) vs AC Milan (1-0-2)
(Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)

Coming off a big derby against Roma last week, Milan step right back into the derby fray with their match against flatmates Inter. The visitors will hope to get back to their winning ways while Inter is looking to continue to move up the table and place added pressure on league leaders Roma and Fiorentina.


Manchester United (0-0-3) vs Juventus (1-0-2)

(Old Trafford)

The second brother derby of the season sees two struggling squads meet up at Manchester's historic Old Trafford. United, still looking for their first points of the season, will look to build on a decent performance last week against league co-leaders Fiorentina, while Juventus will hope to avoid losing their third straight in what has so far been a disappointing season for the Bianconeri.

Matchday 3: Results

Week 3 marks the rise of the underdogs. Despite the losses, Man United and Milan put forth great efforts and Inter continued their impressive play with a win over Juventus.

AC Milan 2 vs AS Roma 3
(San Siro)

The much anticipated Big Brother Derby in Milan did not disappoint Monday night in an entertaining, back-and-forth, spectacle. The away side struck first on a clinical finish from Julio Baptista but Milan answered shortly after on a Cicinho own goal. The two teams then traded goals in a series of chances that ended with Totti's late winner in the second half. The result keeps Roma top of the table, but the match was not without controversy. Ronaldinho, who scored Milan's second, appeared to be fouled in the box when he was hauled down by Phillipe Mexes late in the second half on a play that looked like a sure-fire penalty. Milan continued to apply heavy pressure but could not find the elusive late equalizer. Despite the loss, Milan's strong performance marks the arrival of a new force in this year's campaign

Juventus 1 vs Internazionale 2
(Stadio Olimpico di Torino)

Del Sole's Review: Juve came into the fixture looking to rebound after a tough loss to Fiorentina the week before whereas Inter was looking to cause havoc with the more experienced side and leave with at least a point.

The match got underway on a clear day at Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Juve established themselves from the get go carrying play for the first 20 minutes as Inter held back in a very defensive 5-3-1-1. The strong early play resulted in a superb goal for the away team as a strong low shot reached the back of the net. 1-0 Juve.

In an effort to change the momentum and create some chances, Inter changed their formation and the results paid off. Shortly after Juve's tally, Eto'o was sprung clear from center and made no mistake, cheekly chipping the ball over the charging goal keeper. 1-1.

Inter kept up the pressure, generating chances, and shortly before half-time, Milito came in from the wing and as the keeper ran out, once again chipped the ball over for an easy goal.

Both sides were settled in the second half with Inter simply sitting back waiting to counter-attack. The strategy was almost successful as Eto'o and Milito both hit posts in the second half. Juve was able to muster a couple chances in the half but were unable to capitalize.

Manchester United 2 vs Fiorentina 5
(Old Trafford)

Rob's Review: Manchester United hosted Fiorentina at Old Trafford as heavy underdogs in a rainy Monday night fixture. Fiorentina's bursted out of the gates expecting to run up the score on an inexperienced United side but were surprised to be matched chance-for-chance in the opening 25 minutes. Murgu opened the scoring for Fiorentina while Rooney soon tied it. United had several opportunities to take the lead and surprise the road team, however a tactical adjustment propelled Fiorentina to score two unanswered goals and go into the break 3-1. After the break, Fiorentina scored another goal and continued to pressure the United side trying to match Roma's 7-goal drubbing of United in the opening week. Fiorentina were surprised to be scored on once again but they quickly answered by scoring a 5th goal to make the final Fiorentina 5- Manchester United -2. After the game United boss Sir Alex Sirianni answered reporters by saying "I didn't join this league expecting to win, I just joined so I can play". If United continue to show improvement, this humbled attitude might help catch other clubs napping and at some point surprisingly influence the Maple FIFA league table! Fiorentina on the other hand are now playing with arrogance and class and expect nothing less than a positive result against rival Roma in the clash of the season next week, boss Garisto stated: "We will take all three points. Guaranteed".

Matchday 3: Preview

Marco's Week 3 Preview:

Week 3 still has all 4 teams reaching to the top of the table. All the teams genuinely believe they have a right to be there. Lets see who is sitting at the top Sunday night.

AC Milan (1-0-1) vs AS Roma (1-1-0)
(San Siro)

The first clash of the brothers. Who will prevail, the stronger favorite younger brother, or the elder brother who has the odds stacked against him? Momma Camps is quoted saying “It’s Daniel versus David! The winner will be showered with praise, the loser will be taunted and booed until my throat is sore.”

Juventus (1-0-1) vs Internazionale (0-2-0)
(Stadio Olimpico di Torino)

This match is being built up to be a real nail biter. Del Sole has been nothing but belligerent towards all the participants of the Maple Fifa Tournament...particularly Marco. He has proven to be a lot more than a guaranteed 3 points. He has shown some success in his first two games but has yet to come away with a win, while Marco has shown mixed results posting a big win followed by a big loss and now feels he has something to prove.

Manchester United (0-0-2) vs Fiorentina (1-1-0)

(Old Trafford)

Another nail biter in week 3. Fiorentina is coming from a huge win and boost in confidence with a win over superior Juventus. Watch for Fiorentina to come out of the gates light footed due to last week's win. Man United however have fallen victim two weeks in a row and are out to prove they aren't gonna finish at the bottom of the table.

Matchday 2: Results

AS Roma 1 vs Internazionale 1
(Stadio Olimpico)

Heavy rain bogged down play in this defensive struggle between two league favourites. Inter continues to impress against top opposition while Roma's attack seemed stale after Simone Perrotta's early strike.


Fiorentina 3 vs Juventus 1
(Stadio Artemio Franchi)

Rob's Recap: Juve got off to a quick start by taking a 1-0 lead on an elegant finish by Del Piero. Juve continued to pour it on but finally Fiorentina settled in. Going into the second half it was 1-0 for Juve and it was looking like they were going to start the season off with 6 points in the bag. However in the second half, Fiorentina demonstrated why they will be a force to be reckoned with. The trio of Gilardino, Murgu and Jovetic turned it around and began peppering Buffon, but to no avail. FInally, Gilardino setup Murgu just outside the box and he slipped it home to tie it at ones.

For the next 15 fifa minutes both teams went back and forth exchanging chances. Del Piero had a chance to take the lead for Juve but Frey made a tremendous fingertip save. At about the 65th minute, both coaches made adjustments and Fiorentina seemed to be the ones to get it right. Off of a corner, Donadel made a tremendous individual defensive play to start the counter-attack which Gilardino finished off with class to give fiorentina the 2-1 lead. Juve began to attack leaving them vulnerable at the back. Fiorentina had numerous chances to make it a 3-1 game while Juve also had many chances to earn a well-deserved road tie. But in the 90th mintue, the ball fell to Gilardino's foot and he put it home to make it 3-1.

AC Milan 2 vs Manchester United 0

(San Siro)

Milan pick up their first points of the season by posting a clean sheet against the struggling Manchester side. Marco Borriello and Pato struck for the Italians while the English side's anemic offense remained problematic. United must now head back to the practice pitch to get their play sorted out.

Matchday 2: Preview

AS Roma (1-0-0) vs Internazionale (0-1-0)
(Stadio Olimpico)

Inter will look to build on last week's strong first half performance against Fiorentina while Roma will be looking to continue their high scoring ways. Inter will do well to pick up points away from home.
Prediction: Roma 2 - Inter 0


Fiorentina (0-1-0) vs Juventus (1-0-0)
(Stadio Artemio Franchi)

The first big match up of the year finds Fiorentina trying to pick up their first win of the season against a Juve side who underwhelmed in their opener, despite the win. Expect the teams that scores first to take the 3 points.
Prediction: Fiorentina 3 - Juventus 2


AC Milan (0-0-1) vs Manchester United (0-0-1)

(San Siro)

After opening season losses to Polo Trophy favourites, both teams will be looking for their first points of the season in what will most likely be their best opportunity to move up in the table.
Prediction: Milan 3 - Man U 1

A Warning

I've been laying waste to legendary Manager Mode. Learned how to upload videos for the sake of sharing this ridiculous goal:

EA Sports: Fiorentina 0 - 4 Roma

Matchday 1: Results

Week one is in the books. Roma and Juve moved top of the table with opening season wins and Inter proved they were a force to be reckon with by playing Fiorentina to a 2-2 draw.

AC Milan 0 vs Juventus 2
(San Siro)

Could have been much worse for Milan as Juve carried most of the play in this season opener. Milan managed little attack against the defensive juggernauts who themselves were less than impressive in the attack.

Fiorentina 2 vs Internazionale 2

(Stadio Artemio Franchi)





After jumping out to a 2-0 lead at half, Inter could not hold off an impressive Fiorentina in the 2nd half. After Inter's domination in the first half, both teams looked like different squads in the 2nd. A formation change brought the best out of Fiorentina who was able to rescue a point late in the game.

AS Roma 7 vs Manchester United 0
(Stadio Olimpico)





Roma was too much for an inexperienced Manchester as the home side took no prisoners by running the score 7 clear. United was probably a bit unlucky not to score and van der Sar was less than stellar in a match that puts Roma top of the table.

Matchday 1: Preview

Editor's note: Before we play our first games I just wanted to set a few ground rules for the upcoming season:
1. Games will be played at 8 minute halves (this must be changed by the home team when creating the game invitation).
2. Make sure the home team (the team listed first on the schedule) creates the game invite. This is how the home team is determined. According to Del Sole, the home team has a slight advantage (eyes roll) so make sure you get this right.
3. After the game, the home team emails me the result. I will post all the scores on the blog.

Marco's Week One Preview:

Week 1 promises to set the tone of the entire PS3 Maple Fifa League season. The masses are quick to dismiss this first week as an easy week due to none of the BIG 3 playing each other. I will be the first to quell these falsities by stating it here first, not on goal.com or football-italia.net, but here, on http://maplefifa.blogspot.com/ that this week will be filled with everything that makes soccer/football the beautiful game that it is. If it were possible for us to do this, I'd tell you all to look out for dizzying footwork moving the teams up filed, a few crackers from outside the 18 and some spectacular fouls we wont soon forget. Here are the fixtures for week 1:

AC Milan vs Juventus: Game of the Week
(San Siro)

In a remarkable twist of fate, the two titans of Serie A meet simultaneously this weekend on both the virtual pitch and Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Both the virtual and live games promise to be action packed and exciting with the occasional (lets hope) blunder by one of the many meatheads on the pitch. In both versions of this weekends fixture, all eyes will be on Juve to see what they are made of.
Prediction: AC Milan 2 – Juventus 4 (Virtual) AC Milan 2 – Juventus 2 (Live)

Fiorentina vs Internazionale

(Stadio Artemio Franchi)

This fixture sees one of Serie A's most recognizable squads square off against a rising star. Unfortunately neither side will have an easy go of it, as they will in their live Serie A games. Both players bring something unique to the game, however I'm deeming this game “snoozer of the week”.
Prediction: Fiorentina 3 – Internazionale 1

AS Roma vs Manchester United
(Stadio Olimpico)

Beginning their journey with a tremendous hurdle Manchester United square off against a Roma side that can potentially frustrate them out of the competition (just kidding Al). I expect this match to be tough for both sides, as Manchester is out to prove they belong with the big guns of the PS3 world, while Roma will be playing to their potential in an effort to solidify them as the team to beat. Should be a good game.
Prediction: AS Roma 4 – Manchester United 2

Pre-season Preview

Fiorentina - As the most experienced FIFA player, Rob will undoubtedly be a force this season. He can both attack and defend and is especially dangerous on the counter. But will the disappointment of being a lifetime loser be too much to overcome for this round little man? Likely position: 1st


Inter - As a relative newcomer to FIFA, Del Sole has ascended to the highest ranks of the FIFA world in a remarkably short time. If he can get permission from Candy to play in all of this season's fixtures, he will be a force. This season's dark horse pick. Likely position: 2nd


Juventus - Marco enters this season as the second most decorated FIFA player after Rob. His masterful defending will make him the odds-on favourite for the 107C Trophy, but his uncontrollable, Hulk-like, rage will likely be his undoing. If he finishes the season with two functional controllers consider it a victory for the Sirianni household. Likely position: 3rd


Milan - As another newcomer to the world of FIFA, David has the benefit of remaining off of most squad's radar screens. This is largely because he's not very good. His inability to defend players running in a straight line up the middle of the field will probably have him battling Alex for relegation. Still, as the only league member who owns a house and has a family, he doesn't need FIFA success to be happy in life. Likely position: 5th


Roma - Along with Rob and Marco, Daniel is the last of the "big three" experienced FIFA league members. His ability to score from distance exists as his most lethal attacking option, making him an ever-dangerous opponent (something that the poll voters seem to understand well). Despite this, expect Daniel's run of mediocrity in everything he does to continue, leaving him mid-table by season's end. Likely position: 4th


Manchester United - As a last minute addition to the league, Alex is a bit of a mystery. It's likely that he will start off slowly due to his inexperience, but as the season drags on, expect a marked improvement. Also, expect to wait anywhere between 5-10 minutes for Al to show up to scheduled game times. Likely position: 6th


And Now, An Alternative View:

Christ's Maple FIFA League Projections

I have taken the liberty to provide my projections for the long anticipated FIFA Premier League Season. My projections are based on very little information, so if you feel I am underestimating you, there is only one way to prove me wrong... THAT'S ON THE PITCH. So here we go, from bottom of the table to top:

6th Place: Manchester United- Alex
Al may be the most inexperienced gamer in the league. Although Al makes a mean sauce, the FIFA pitch might prove a little too much for him. Maybe Al will take advantage of his haggle and utilize his power house team to his advantage and prove me wrong, but based on his inexperience I am going to have to predict a bottom of the table for my good pal Alex.

5th Place: Inter - Delsole
I have never faced Delsole in FIFA and I have nothing to base this prediction on. I have heard that Delsole has earned some good results in friendlies, however Delsole's lack of football knowledge might haunt him early on in the season and it might be too late for him to climb up the ladder. He is new to the PS3, new to the FIFA franchise so I suspect his inexperience might come into play when playing the big guns. Delsole is using a strong team and he is a pretty intelligent fruit but this FIFA league is a little different than making ice. Delsole, prove me wrong. Fruit.

4th Place: Milan - David (aka. DeeCamps)
I'm not gonna lie, the only reason I put David in front of Delsole is because I like him better. I know that David has a knack for the beautiful game however I have never played him in FIFA and I am not sure how he performed in friendlies. David will have to quickly realize that this FIFA league is no YRAA North Division, where you travel to Sutton to play hosers who have never heard of soccer before; this is the real deal. Could the wife and kid have an influence on David's performance? We will wait and see. For now, I predict David to sneak into a playoff spot and possibly upset one of the big guns later on in the playoffs.

3rd Place: Juve - Marco (The Lead)
Although he is known as the Lead, I think Marco has to do some work before he can ever 'Lead' the Maple FIFA League. Marco is one of the more experienced FIFA players and I think this experience will propel him to crack the top 3. But like his beloved Juve, he just doesn't have enough to win it all. I will admit that Mark is a contender to win, the things that stand in his way are his emotions while playing and his ability to finish. If Mark can control those emotions he will find some success and scare the top two.

2nd Place: Roma - Daniel (aka yeahbaby)
Besides Ross, Dan has definitely given me the best run for my money in FIFA. Dan has had tremendous success against myself and others during friendlies and I would be surprised if he didn't crack the top two. I think there is very little that separates Dan and I, so my projection of myself finishing ahead of him is simply based on my hubris.

1st Place: Fiorentina - Rob (aka Christ)
Let's face it, I am the man who made this game famous. I'm like the Beatles of FIFA, I introduced the western world to this franchise. Am I over confident? Yes. Do I have a reason to be? Yes. The experience, football knowledge, and NEED for success will boost me to the top of this FIFA league. I expect nothing less than finishing at the top of the table. By being so confident in myself, I know that I am putting a target on my chest. So to make things clear, if you think I am underestimating you, prove me wrong. To quote the famous Calgary native: "I am the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be". I make a Messieresque projection and state that CHRIST WILL FINISH TOP OF THE TABLE.

I will make playoff predictions based on regular season perfomances.

Good luck to all.