5 of the worst sacking decisions

It's not a great feeling for either party when the manager is let go, but it's even worse for the club when they realise in hindsight it was the wrong decision. Here are five of the worst sackings in the modern game:

1. Roberto Di Matteo - Chelsea 2012

Perhaps the most infamous sacking decision ever, the man known affectionately by the fans as 'Robbie', was sacked just six months after guiding the Blues to the F.A Cup and a more than surprising Champions League title, becoming the first London club to win Europe's most prestigious cup competition. He was let go by owner Abramovich after a disappointing start to the 2013 season in both the league and Champions league (which they only qualified for after winning the preceding tournament), despite many objections from the fans. To make things worse, he was replaced by Rafa Benitez, who is far from a fan's favourite and now, in every 16th (shirt number when he played for the Stamford Bridge club) minute of a match, he is sung about passionately by the crowd.

Di Matteo was sacked by Chelsea less then 6 months after winning the Champions League and F.A Cup 

2. Mick McCarthy - Wolves 2012

When McCarthy was sacked by the Wolves board in 2012, they were lying 18th in the Premier league, only in the relegation zone on goal difference; by the end of that season, they had finished bottom, six points behind 19th place and 12 points from safety. After he was sacked, Wolves turned to assisstant coach, Terry Connor, who had no experience of managing and struggled to win a game before the end of the season, only gaining four points from the 13 games after McCarthy's sacking. This was also a strange decision as McCarthy was the man who had brought the molineux side into the Premier League and kept them there against all odds for two seasons; this was a blatant sign that owners no longer have respect for mangers anymore, especially ones who put so much work and effort into the club like the former Ireland boss did.

3. Sam Allardyce - Blackburn 2010

Big sam was sacked by new owners, the Venkys, in December 2010, after a run of three losses in five games. For a team fighting for survival, that is not even too bad and, when you consider he was replaced by the inexperienced Steve Kean, it doesn't look any better. Too make things even worse, if that's possible, when Allardyce was sacked, Blackburn were 13th in the league, by the end of the season they finished 15th, and the next season resulted in relegation. This sacking started the ongoing decline which has seen them fall from premier league winners in 1995, to relegation candidates in the Championship.

4. Mark Hughes - Man City 2009

Hughes, in my opinion, was treated very unfairly by Man City's rich owners. He was doing a fine job, but they were impatient for the results, and I feel if Hughes had stayed the Title that eventually came last year, may have come even earlier. When Hughes was sacked, City were lying sixth in the league, but had only lost twice all season, and were in the semi-finals of the league cup. At the end of the season, after hiring Mancini, they had only managed to improve to 5th place, which probably would have happened, even if Hughes still had his job. They also did not win a trophy that year, which was the target.

5. Chris Hughton - Newcastle 2010

Hughton was an unexpected saviour in Necastle, reinstating them back into the top flight after only one year out of it; but although many thought he would get a full Premier League season to see what he could do at the top level, he was sacked just three onths into the season when his side were in 11th. He was sacked by the board because they wanted a more experienced manager who could lead the team forward, however Pardew had the opposite effect as they ended the season 12th, a place lower then Hughton was, who enjoyed noteable wins against rivals Sunderland and Aston Villa. We have also seen later on, that Hughton is a great manager, making Norwich punch way above their weight.

So these are my worst five sackings, but if you can think of any others, don't hesitate to comment below!

County Championship - the lowdown on each team

Next week is the start of the County Championship and different teams will have different aspirations. Warwickshire will look to defend their 2012 title whilst 2011 champions, Lancashire, will be hoping they can bounce straight back from a disappointing 2012 season that ended with relegation. Meanwhile, there has also been some big signings in the close season, including some T20 superstars. So here is the lowdown on each team, their signings and where they will hope to finish next season:

Derbyshire:
Captain - Wayne Madsen
Overseas - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI)
Last year - CCD2 champions, 5th in FLT20 group, 4th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Derbyshire's main aim will be to avoid relegation from the CCD1. They were promoted last year to the top flight and many pundits are already predicting that it could be a short stay there, probably going down again straight away this year. Their season will be based on the reliable trio of Madsen, Wes Durston and Chanderpaul with the hope that their runs will propel them to safety and even more. In the shorter forms of the game, this season may be a transition year, with their teams being mainly made up of the younger generation who could gain some valuable experience this year in the hope of doing well in the future.
Player to watch - Apart from their key three batters, another possible star man could be Billy Godleman who they signed from Essex this year. He is also a very talented batsmen with a lot of potential and this year could be his best yet.

Durham:
Captain - Paul Collingwood
Overseas - None
Last year - 6th in CCD1, 3rd in FLT20 group, 5th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Durham have once again got a very good squad on paper, but that is not where the game is played, and this year they have the lost two key players, in Michael Di Venuto and Ian Blackwell, through retirement. They will therefore be aiming for a high mid table finish in the CC and this will be their main aim, with smaller ones for high group finishes in the shorter forms of the game competitions.
Player to watch - With spinner Blackwell retired, it is time for Scott Borthwick to really step up to the mark as number one spinner, and this year, with more overs needed from him, could be his chance to shine.

Essex:
Captain - James Foster
Overseas - Rob Quiney (Aus), Shaun Tait (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - 5th in CCD2, 3rd in FLT20 group, 5th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Essex will be looking to be promoted this season, with strong players like Ten Doeschate and Shah, even when Cook is with England. However, some key players will be missing at some points, whether it's through IPL or internationals meaning they will be very dependent on Mark Pettini and the young batsmen. They also have a strong bowling unit, with David Masters and new signing Saj Mahmood.
Player to watch - This could be Tom Westley's year, with the young Batsman playing a key role in the line up whilst senior players are absent. This is a real chance to create a place for him in the long term.

Glamorgan:
Captain - Mark Wallace (CC), Marcus North (One Day)
Overseas - North (Aus), Dirk Nannes (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - 6th in CCD2 , 5th in FLT20 group, 6th in CB40 group 
This year's aspirations - Last year was a dreadful season for the Welsh side, they finished low in all the competition's tables and failed to make any impression on any side. This year they will hope to make a larger impression on the league, coming in the top half of the division. They will also hope to compete in the FLT20 tournament with the added bonus of signing Dirk Nannes.
Player to watch - Murray Goodwin may be 40, but his vast experience and calm head when batting could be what this young side needs to steady their batting line up.

Gloucestershire:
Captain - Michael Klinger
Overseas - Klinger (Aus), Dan Christian (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - bottom of CCD2, quarter finalists FLT20, 3rd in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Gloucestershire's squad is miniscule compared to the other counties and that really tells when it comes to the end of the season and their team is hit by injuries. Last year they were unable to deal with the loss of three key players but this year if they all stay fit, they could spring a surprise and challenge for a high CC finish. They will also target another good year in the shorter forms of the game.
Player to watch - Chris Dent missed half of last season through injury and was still their second highest scorer. The 22 year old will learn from opening with the experienced Klinger and his runs will be vital to how the team do.

Hampshire:
Captain - Jimmy Adams
Overseas - George Bailey (Aus), Saeed Ajmal (Pak)
Last year - 4th in CCD2, won FLT20 and CB40
This year's aspirations - Although they would love to win more trophies this season, the main target of the year will be to regain a D1 spot for next year. They will hope that after rebuilding last year, this term will be the one where they can really push for a top two spot. With the help of number one spin bowler in the world, Saeed Ajmal, this target is definitely achievable, but it remains to see whether they can perform over the course of the year.
Player to watch - Liam Dawson was the England under 19's captain a few seasons back, but now, as a 23 year old, he must perform again, with an important role in the side as the number 3 and a spin bowling option when necessary, this could really be his year.

Kent:
Captain - James Tredwell
Overseas - None
Last year - 3rd in CCD2, 4th in FLT20 group, 3rd in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - After near misses last season, Kent will be desperate to achieve something this year and their main goal is to achieve promotion. If that is to happen, much will be depended on ex-captain Rob Key to score runs and the availability of new captain Tredwell in regards to international performances.
Player to watch - Sam Northeast played very well last season as opener alongside Key, and this year could be much the same, perhaps with him even pushing for an international spot in the future.

Lancashire:
Captain - Glenn Chapple
Overseas - Simon Katich (Aus)
Last year - 8th in CCD1 (rel), 4th in FLT20 group, semi-final in CB40
This year's aspirations - They will be determined to go straight back up into D1 after the drop last season, and with Katich and Prince they have a strong nucleus to their batting line up as well as one of the strongest bowling unit in the whole county championship with Chapple, Ali, Kerrigan and Hogg. They will be one of the favourites alongside Hampshire and Kent. They will also be hoping for a strong season in the shorter forms of the game.
Player to watch - Kyle Hogg had one of his best seasons in the 2011 title winning year, but last term he lost his way, leading to their relegation and this year he will be determined to perform again and lead them back up.

Leicestershire:
Captain - Ramnaresh Sarwan (CC), Josh Cobb (One day)
Overseas - Sarwan (WI), Shakib Al Hasan (Ban, FLT20 only), Joe Burns (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - 7th in CCD2, bottom of FLT20 group, 6th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - With the addition of two class players in the form of Al Hasan and Burns, they should be a dominant force in the shorter forms of the game, and that should be their aim. Meanwhile, in the CC, they will be looking to improve on last season's poor showing by at least claiming a top half finish and some useful acquisitions this winter should help.
Player to watch - Niall O'Brien could be their missing component in regards to a stable batting line up, and this season if he can perform, they should meet their aims.

Middlesex:
Captain - Chris Rogers (CC), Neil Dexter (One Day)
Overseas - Rogers (Aus), Adam Voges (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - 3rd in CCD1, 5th in FLT20 group, 2nd in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Last year was a success beyond even the most optimistic fans wildest dreams, and this year they will be hoping to challenge for the CC title. After keeping most of their key players and the addition of the much sought after seamer, James Harris from Glamorgan, Middlesex will have one of the most feared bowling attacks in the country, led by of Harris, Tim Murtagh and Toby Roland-Jones. They will also be hoping to have a more successful year in the shorter games, and will be expecting the signing of Voges to help in that cause.
Player to watch - Toby Roland-Jones will be disappointed not to be included in the England set-up and will be looking to prove a point on return to his county. His ability to take wickets and the fact that he is more than handy with the bat will mean that he will be one of Middlesex's key men, especially if they miss Finn through England duty.

Northants:
Captain - Stephen Peters (CC), Alex Wakely (One Day)
Overseas - Trent Copeland (Aus), Cameron White (Aus, FLT20 only)
Last year - 8th in CCD2, 6th in FLT20 group, 6th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - After an appalling year in 2012, the main aim this year will be to at least be competitive in all aspects of the game. They will hope that the signings of Crook from Middlesex and Spriegel as well, will help them to pick up more points in all forms of the game. Another key component will be the addition of White to Bolster the T20 squad, and, in White they have one of the best shorter forms specialist who could help them reach finals day this year.
Player to watch - Steven Crook is a great signing for this side. He joined from Middlesex because he felt he wasn't getting enough game time, and so the club receive a talented all rounder, and he gets the chance to play every game and become one of his teams star players - a win-win situation!

Nottinghamshire:
Captain - Chris Read
Overseas - Ed Cowan (Aus), David Hussey (Aus, latter half of season only)
Last year - 5th in CCD1, Quarter Final of FLT20, 4th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Notts will be looking to push for as many titles as possible, but mainly the CC. They will be hoping the Australian duo of Cowan and Hussey can support their batting line-up, who are likely to lose some key players to international duty. They will also have to cope with the loss of key bowlers, Swann and Broad who will be called away mid-season for the ashes. However, they do have strength in depth and will still be right up their come the season close.
Player to watch - Josh Taylor will hope he can have a brilliant season with the bat, especially as he will want to create an ashes spot for himself. If that were to happen though, Notts will sorely miss him in the middle of their order, holding together their innings regularly.

Somerset:
Captain - Marcus Trescothick
Overseas - Abdur Rehman (Pak), Alviro Petersen (SA)
Last year - 2nd in CCD1, Semi-final of the FLT20, 3rd in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Somerset will be hoping to challenge for the CC title once again after finishing runners up last year and 4th the year before. They will be dependent on the availability of some key players, whether through injury or internationals. Their batting line-up is based around Trescothick, Buttler and Trego and if they can all stay fit, this could be a successful season. The bowling department is also strong with Irish spinner Dockrell, Trego and Thomas certain to pick up plenty of wickets throughout the season.
Player to watch - George Dockrell has got masses of potential, picking up 34 wickets last season in just 10 matches and at the young age of 20. This year though, he will be promoted to frontline spinner and there will be more pressure on him to perform, whether he can do so is another matter.

Surrey:
Captain - Graeme Smith
Overseas - Smith (SA), Ricky Ponting (Aus)
Last year - 7th in CCD1, 6th in FLT20 group, 2nd in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - After being tipped for a title challenge last year, they ended up finishing towards the wrong end of the table and only just escaping relegation straight back where they came from. This year, however, they will again be tipped for the top, after clever summer signings, such as Smith, Ponting, Keedy and Solanki. Their batting line-up is almost like a dream team, with Smith, Ponting, Solanki, Burns, Harinath and De Bruyn. As for the bowling, as well as Keedy, they also have Meaker, Dernbach (when available) and Trremlett (when available).
Player to watch - Rory Burns is coming off of his best season yet, and the 22 year old will hope that can continue in 2013. With an average of almost 50, he is certainly one for the future.

Sussex:
Captain - Ed Joyce
Overseas - Steve Magoffin (Aus), Scott Styris (NZ, FLT20)
Last year - 4th in CCD1, Semi-finals in both FLT20 and CB40
This year's aspirations - Sussex look the best they have for a while, with all their players fit and some good signings in the close season. Their batting line-up is full of experienced players like Hamilton-Brown, Yardy and Joyce as well as some talented under performers in the form of openers Wells and Nash. In the bowling department, they now have Jordan from Surrey to support the so often relied upon Magoffin as well as Yardy and possibly Panesar.
Player to watch - This year could see a breakthrough year for seamer Chris Jordan who rarely bowled for Surrey. However, here he has a chance to come to the fore and show his talent to everyone.

Warwickshire:
Captain - Jim Troughton
Overseas - Jeetan Patel (NZ)
Last year - CCD1 champions, 4th in FLT20 group, CB40 runners up
This year's aspirations - Last year was a dream year for Warwickshire, the only thing that would could have made it better, would be if they had won the CB40 final. This year, they will hope that they can defend their CC title from the chasing pack. Their defense will be based on a strong batting unit made up of Chopra, Porterfield and Clarke and an even stronger bowling set-up with Wright, Hannon-Dalby and Patel certain to take wickets, even if Woakes is selected for England. They will also want to do well in shorter form matches.
Player to watch - Oliver Hannon-Dalby is full of talent, and the youngster may be forced to show it this season if the senior bowlers are called away. He performed extremely well in the preseason matches, taking nine wickets in just one match! Another certain future star in the making.

Worcestershire:
Captain - Daryl Mitchell
Overseas - Thilan Samaraweera (SL), Jacob Oram (NZ, FLT20 only)
Last year - bottom of CCD1 (relegated), FLT20 quarter-finalists, bottom of CB40 group
This year's aspirations - Worcestershire will be aiming to be promoted back to the top division, but this may not be possible. They have lost Solanki to Surrey and so will be heavily reliant on Samaweera and Moeen Ali to score runs and Alan Richardson to pick up the wickets. In the FLT20, the signing of Oram should help them at least repeat last years quarters and perhaps go even further.
Player to watch - Alexei Kervezee is a dangerous opener in all forms of the game. He is particularly destructive in the shorter forms but his runs could be vital in the CC this year to get them promoted. The Dutchman was prretty ineffective last year but will be needed to perform this season.

Yorkshire:
Captain - Andrew Gale
Overseas - None
Last year - 2nd in CCD2 (promoted), runners up in FLT20, 5th in CB40 group
This year's aspirations - After being promoted straight back up again last season, they will hope to reinforce their D1 status. In order to do so they will need to stay up and so will be hoping that either Root, Bairstow or Ballance are not selected for England as their runs could prove vital as the season goes on. If, however, they are, they will expect Jacques, Lyth and Lees to give them the brunt of their runs. They will also need some wickets from new signings Plunkett and Brooks as well as the regulars of Bresnan and Sidebottom. Rashid will also be needed to take some wickets.
Player to watch - Apart from Lees, Joe sayers may also be given a chance if the first choice players are away. Sayers has great potential, but he may need to speed up his development in order to keep his, and his team's first division, place.

Opening week's fixtures:
Durham V Somerset
Notts V Middx
Derbyshire V Warwickshire
Yorkshire V Sussex
Gloucestershire V Essex
Glamorgan V Northants
Hampshire V Leicestershire
Worcestershire V Lancashire
My Title Predictions:
CCD1 - Middlesex
CCD2 - Lancashire
CB40 - Hampshire
FLT20 - Somerset

One club players XI

A team made up of the most loyal players ever to have played in world football is likely to have some big names in.

This list is no different, although some of the names might not be as well known as others.

Goalkeeper: Rogerio Ceni | Sao Paulo

Ceni has played over 1000 games for Sao Paulo and has managed to do what no other goalkeeper has - score over 100 goals! Ceni scores the majority of his goals from penalties and free-kicks and, while that isn't his main job, his goals have certainly helped his lifelong team.

Right-back: Gary Neville | Manchester United

Neville was one of the main faces of United over the course of his 19-year stay. He was one of the reasons they won so many Premier League titles, while he also played a key role in the 1999 Champions League final triumph. Unlike his brother Phil, Gary stayed at United for his whole career.

Centre-back: Jamie Carragher | Liverpool

Carragher has announced he will finally end his career at the end of this season and, after starting his career at Liverpool, he will end it there as well. He was a rock at the back for the Reds, helping them to many domestic cups and the 2005 Champions League title.

Centre-back: Tony Adams | Arsenal

Adams was the leader at Highbury, leading the Gunners to many trophies, including their 2002 Premier League and FA Cup double. Since he retired, after that double winning season, Arsenal have sorely missed that type of leader and the character traits he showed during his 19-year stay, making him a fan's favourite.

Left-back: Paolo Maldini | AC Milan

Maldini is the definition of a one-club man. He played at Milan for an incredible 25 years, winning a host of trophies along the way. He was the base of all good things at the San Siro, even managing to deal with the younger players towards the end of his career.

Right-wing: Tom Finney | Preston North End

Finney was the fan's favourite at Deepdale during his 14-year stint there. That does not sound like a particularly long time, but in those days it was an eternity. He led the line superbly well during his 433 league appearances for the club and was knighted for his contribution to the sport in 1998 at the age of 76.

Centre-midfield: Steven Gerrard | Liverpool

From old to new, Gerrard has been the face of Liverpool throughout his career and through their ups and downs. He is still playing at such a high level for the Reds, even after 15 long and hard years, and still manages to make the England team.

Centre-midfield: Paul Scholes | Manchester United

Scholes retired back in 2011 but soon decided he couldn't get enough of the game, rejoining his only club Manchester United later that season. He had been a fixture in the Old Trafford side's line-up until very recently and is now getting occasional games when the fixture list is clogged up. He still hasn't lost his skill though.

Left-wing: Ryan Giggs | Manchester United

Giggs doesn't cease to amaze; playing for 23 years for the same team at the highest level, scoring a goal in every Premier League season and still making the champion-elect's first team - and all whilst approaching his 40th birthday. Dedication.

Striker: Matt Le Tissier | Southampton

Le Tissier is the Saints' hero - and will always be. He is the second highest ever scorer for the south-coast club and spent his entire career there, despite considerable interest from other clubs such as Tottenham and Chelsea. Arguably his most notable trait was his ability to score penalties, converting a massive 47 out of the 48 he stepped up to take - talk about being accurate and composed.

Striker: Nat Lofthouse | Bolton Wanderers

Lofthouse plied his trade for Bolton from 1946 to 1960. He will always be a hero in the eyes of the Bolton fans, and still has one of the greatest goals-per-game ratio of any player to have represented England.

These players have all stayed loyal to their clubs, but are there any others who should have made the XI? If so, please comment below.

Tall XI V Short XI

A stereotypical team is made up of tall defenders and small midfielders, but what if there was a team entirely made up of tall or small players? Who would win - leave a comment below.

These teams are made up of very tall and small players, but not neccessarily the tallest or smallest. They are the best players to play in those positions who are also the right height.

Small XI

Goalkeeper - Iker Casillas (5"11)

5"11 may not seem like a small height, but for a keeper it is in fact very small. Despite his height handicap, he still manages to produce some of the greatest saves and is considered by many the best keeper at the moment.

Right Back - Evra (5"8)

Evra has been the starting full back at Man Utd for so many years now; he has been one of the first names on the team sheet in almost every match, consistently performing well at such a high level for champions-elect of England so it is an amazement he isn't thought of so 'high'ly (pardon the pun).

Centre Back - Puyol (5"10)

Puyol has been the base of this star-studded Barcelona team. All their trophies and cup runs have been based on his relatively small frame and it is a wonder he can still play at such a high level even after all these years.

Centre Back - Richards (5"11)

There aren't many small Centre Backs, so again, 5"11 is small for this position. Although he is considered a full back by many, Richards is very versatile and has played in the middle for many of his previous clubs.

Left Back - Lahm (5"7)

Lahm is captain of Germany, holding the weight of the entire nation on his shoulders (perhaps they are weighing him down). He has also been the one fixed player at an ever changing Bayern side for many years now, and still making the team every match.

Right Midfield - Silva (5"7)

Silva is tiny and yet so good, he plays a nippy little game, twisting and turning past opposition defenders, using his height as an advantage. It also means he has a low centre of gravity and so can go on mazy runs with ease.

Centre Midfield - Xavi (5"7)

Xavi pulls the strings for Barca, not only dictating the pace of the play but also playing the killer through ball or the neat one twos. He plays with so big an aura that it's shocking he's only 5"7!

Centre Midfield - Iniesta (5"7)

Alongside Xavi, Iniesta also controls the Barca tempo, with the ability to score many goals as well. He is the chief assisstor to Messi, setting up the majority of the argentine's goals.

Left Midfield - Ribery (5"7)

Ribery has so much strength and speed that it's amazing he's only 5"7. He makes lung busting runs down the wings with the skill and power to hold off defenders. One advantage to his height is that he can easily jink between the bigger defenders.

Striker - Aguero (5"8)

Aguero is so good that it's mad to think he isn't even included in many of his national side's games, behind Messi and sometimes club mate Tevez. His height makes him a real handful to deal with, making him hard to pick up and stop without committing a foul.

Striker - Messi (5"7)

The man you've all been waiting for, Messi was born with a handicap meaning he can't grow as tall as other people, however, he's definetely made the most of what he has, being the world's best player seasons in a row.

Squad players - Akinfeev, Sagna, Baines, Lennon, Wright Phillips, Arshavin, Sneijder, Parker, Rooney, Defoe

Crouch features for the tall XI whilst past strike partner, Defoe, plays for the Small XI

Tall XI

Goalkeeper - Zeljko Kalac (6"8)

Kalac isn't the greatest keeper, but he's certainly very tall, standing at an intimidating 6"8, he puts pressure on any opposing strikers. Having had a relatively failed stint at Leicester (2 apps), his greatest team was Sydney Utd, playing 122 games for the club over two different periods.

Right Back - Chris Smalling (6"4)

Smalling has bucketloads of potential and the height of a centre back. However, at Fulham, he had been mainly utilised as a full back; one of his key plus points is his versatility.

Centre Back - Per Mertesacker (6"6)

The 'lanky' German has made his fair share of mistakes for the gunners, but generally he is solid and with his height advantage, will win anything in the air. He also provides attacking options from set pieces, scoring goals with headers.

Centre Back - Zat Knight (6"7)

Knight has been very successful at Bolton, he played so well that at one point he earned two England caps in an era with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, and that's quite impressive. He has great aerial ability and can show quick feet when neccessary.

Left Back - Taye Taiwo (6"0)

Taiwo may not seem tall, but for a full back 6"0 is actually very tall. Because of his height and long legs, he is very fast and so is a great attacking option for his team, as well as being able to outmuscle opposition players. 

Right Midfield - Christiano Ronaldo (6"1)

Again, 6"1 doesn't seem too tall but wingers are usually small so Ronaldo is actually one of the tallest in his position. He puts his height to good use, scoring many headers and using his long legs to have a very fast sprint speed.

Centre Midfield - Maroune Fellaini (6"5)

Fellaini's afro makes him even taller than he already is, and, for someone who is 6"5, that makes him very tall indeed. He scores many goals from crosses and can be physical in the centre of the park when tackling someone. 

Left Midfield - Gareth Bale (6"1)

Bale is another tall winger who has utilised his height. He is extremely fast and can head the ball as well as many strikers or defenders can. He can also tackel because of his physical presence.

Striker - Peter Crouch (6"7)

Crouch is thought of by many as the world's tallest player, but actually he's nowhere near. Crouch has had a travelled career, playing for many teams across England, from QPR to Tottenham to Stoke, and all the teams have used his height well, like the fact that Stoke do the long throw-ins to him.

Striker - Fernando Llorente (6"5)

Llorente is not the tallest striker there is, but he is one of the better tall ones, scoring many a headed goal and being able to flick on hoofed balls forward. His team mates depend on his ability to hold up the play using his size to shield the ball from defenders, before passing it on.

Striker - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (6"5)

When tall strikers are thought of, Ibra would be one of the frst to come to mind. Not only is he tall but also strong and he uses these traits to his advantage, scoring headers, holding up the ball and winning flick ons.

Squad players - Van Hout, Samba, Hangeland, Cissokho, Y. Toure, Abou Diaby, Hogne Aaroy, Carroll, koller, Zigic

Now that the teams are done, I think that the small XI would win in a match because they have the better players, with closer control and more skill against the lumbering tall XI. The only way I feel the tall XI will threaten is via set pieces and crosses where their height is an advantage. What do you think?