Archive for February, 2007
FA Cup Team News
While I don’t plan to cover Cup games on my team news page, given that there are plenty of Fantasy games out there that include FA Cup scoring, I thought I’d be kind and throw you some pointers for tomorrow’s replays…
ContinuedThe Carling appeal is in
As widely expected, both Arsenal and Chelsea have submitted their appeals to the FA over the dismissal of their players in Sunday’s Carling Cup Final [source]. Adebayor and Obi Mikel are the affected players, with Toure’s red card seemingly accepted by Arsenal. The worry with Adebayor of course is that he could face a further ban, on top of the standard 3 matches for a red card, for refusing to leave the field of play. This could see the striker miss 2 additional games at a time when Arsenal are already without Van Persie. Significantly, it now appears to be widely accepted that Adebayor’s red card was a case of mistaken identity, with Eboue identified as the player who threw the blow that struck Bridge. You just never know with FA appeals though, this may not be enough to get Adebayor off the hook and could land Eboue in hot water.
Toure will miss the Cup replay against Blackburn on Wednesday and, depending on the outcome of tomorrow’s appeal, Adebayor and even Eboue, may join him on the sidelines.
ContinuedSpurs in Keane appeal
Not surprisingly, Spurs have appealed against Robbie Keane’s red card handed out in Sunday’s game against Bolton [source]. Keane was given his marching orders after being seen by Graham Poll, to have handled Campo’s goal bound effort. Replays showed that the ball appeared to strike Keane on the chest which should mean that Spurs will have Keane’s 1-match ban overturned. However, they may get the same panel that judged Wigan’s appeal of Fitz Hall’s red card against Watford. In which case Keane will probably be handed an extra match ban for a “frivolous” appeal.
ContinuedAshton out of reserve outing
Dean Ashton is not turning out for West Ham’s reserves tonight after all [source]. The Hammers striker was due to appear against Charlton tonight with a view to being on the bench for the first 11 on Saturday but he is apparently being rested instead after some intensive work in training. Looks like it will be at least another week before we can even consider him. Even then, his return is going to have to have a dramatic impact on West Ham’s form before he’s going to be worth a look.
ContinuedCarling Cup - the aftermath
The aftermath of Sunday’s Carling Cup Final seems to be half a dozen “baffled†players and managers. Toure, Mikel and Adebayor have all spoken today at their bewilderment at being dismissed during the Cardiff fracas. The rest of us meanwhile, remain baffled as to how other players got away with tainting a decent Cup Final in front of millions of viewers, given the almost random card dealing by referee, Howard Webb.
This morning, Toure seems to be under the impression that Arsenal will make a successful appeal [source].
“I do not think so [will get banned]. When they look at the tape, they will see I have done nothing wrong,” said Toure.
Mmm..not so sure about that Mr Toure. Particularly when you consider Mikel’s rather confused account of things…
ContinuedThis week’s shortlists
Sunday’s Scout Notes
A pitch battle at Cardiff, Wigan’s Taylor emerges as a “Bridge solution” and time could be up for Milner. My thoughts on Terry’s bloody Sunday…
ContinuedSaturday’s Scout Notes
There are few interesting team selection decisions to note today. In the evening kick-off, David Moyes restored the Lescott/Yobo partnership at the centre of Everton’s defence. Stubbs was out with a hamstring injury so Naysmith came in at left-back with Lescott moving back to the centre. While Stubbs was injured, even when fit, I can’t see Stubbs dislodging the Lescott/Yobo partnership. With Pistone and Hibbert also returning from injury, Stubbs’ opportunities look limited now. For Fantasy Managers who had bought Stubbs at a bargain price in recent weeks, it could be time to sell.
The Everton situation is interesting. Moyes played 4-4-2 today, which meant no place for Osman. He duly popped up with lovely goal to give Moyes a nudge. But Osman’s place is doubtful now that Fernandes has arrived and is performing well. Even if Everton adopt a 4-5-1 formation once more, it could be that Hibbert returns at right-back, pushing skipper Neville into midfield, leaving no place for the unlucky Osman.
Earlier today, we got some clues as to how severely the likes of United and Liverpool will rotate their lineups following Champions League ties. United fielded an almost full-strength side, indicating that the likes of Ferdinand, Evra, Scholes, Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo should not being sitting out too many games, at least while the title race is still on. In contrast, Liverpool rested Alonso, Bellamy, Kuyt, Agger and Arbeloa. Evidence enough that Fantasy Managers should be cautious before considering Liverpool players while their Champions League run continues. Only the likes of Carragher, Gerrard, and maybe Finnan look safe from “Rafa rotation”. As a sidenote, Rafa later announced that Reina didn’t appear because his wife was giving birth. How inconvenient.
Darren Bent looks sharp enough to be considered again - although West Ham’s defence is perhaps not an ideal barometer. Johnson’s performance at Watford also indicated the he could well hit a streak of goals. Kitson came on for Reading and made things happen - I’d expect him to start the Cup replay against United although Kevin Doyle’s return is another variable in that particular equation. Julio Arca continued in midfield for Boro despite Cattermole’s return.
More ramblings to come. Let’s see what tomorrow’s matches bring.
Continued
