More ramblings and wild theories based on this weekend lineups and results, as end of season desperation kicks in for Fantasy Managers everywhere….
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Villa were as expected against Liverpool, with Maloney missing through illness and Agbonlahor keeping his place as a result. Maloney did get a place on the bench though so is expected to figure when Villa entertain Everton next time around. Cahill continued in defence with Laursen still sidelined. Again, Laursen could return for the Everton game. Berger came on for Young and impressed once again. He could push for a start next time out which could concern owners of Young – his Fantasy points have dried up recently as Villa struggle for goals.
Rafa played Aurelio on the left of midfield with Riise at left-back. Mascherano and Sissoko occupied the centre of midfield with Alonso dropped to the bench. Gerrard was once again on the right of midfield and had little impact. He limped off in the second half but has been passed fit for England’s games. It does appear however that Mascherano’s arrival has not only put doubts over Alonso’s place but also limited Gerrard’s Fantasy potential. Liverpool’s defence, particularly the ever-present Finnan and Carragher, remain their best options although the rotation of Agger has slowed somewhat and he is almost in that “ever-present†bracket.
Blackburn vs West Ham
Blackburn were forced into changes with Nelson rested with his injury and Mokoena suspended. Hughes opted to bring Dunn back into midfield after suspension and Khizanishvili alongside Samba in defence. Elsewhere, Roberts replaced Derbyshire on 65 minutes and the young striker’s starting place could now be under threat with Roberts and Nonda competing for the spot alongside McCarthy. Bentley’s was the only sending off of the weekend. He was dismissed for 2 yellows and will now miss the United game at the end of March which should mean that Dunn keeps his place despite Mokoena’s return.
West Ham were without Upson so as expected, Collins came back alongside Ferdinand. Noble kept his place with Quashie struggling with a foot injury. West Ham are likely to have Upson and Quashie back for their next match and may also have Gabbidon in contention. The West Ham defence is therefore due a complete reshuffle in the next 2 matches. There’s also some uncertainty up front, with Zamora putting himself back into contention having come on and help turn the game. Tevez however, seems to be settled in the side and is perhaps the only West Ham player worth considering right now.
Charlton vs Newcastle
Charlton had Darren Bent fit to partner namesake Marcus up front but the striker did aggravate his knee injury and could be a doubt next time out. Charlton also brought back Hreidarsson to their defence as expected, although he slotted in at left-back with Thatcher still nursing an injury. The other change saw Zheng Zhi come in for Ambrose who had a knock. Both should be fit to return for Charlton’s crucial game against Wigan at the end of March, but Ambrose may have a fight on his hands to get his place back given than Zheng opened the scoring and won the penalty for Charlton.
Roeder made a host of changes after laying into his defence after the midweek defeat to AZ. He dropped both Taylor and Bramble to the bench and played Moore and Onyewu in the centre with Solano and Duff as full-backs. Elsewhere, Emre started in the centre of midfield in place of the suspended Butt, with Dyer and Milner employed wide. Sibierski partnered Martins up front. Roeder’s side continues to be hopelessly unpredictable for the weeks ahead. Butt’s return will see him competing with Emre and Parker for the central midfield slot, while Carr, Taylor and Bramble should be reinstated in defence. Only Martins really seems certain of his place, and, with the possible exception of Dyer, remains the only Newcastle player worth considering as a result.
Chelsea vs Sheff Utd
Jose caught us all out by resting Drogba. I had my suspicions but didn’t think he’d risk leaving his leading scorer out of the side. It does appear however, that Shevchenko is finally finding the form that can fill the gap should Drogba need resting and Jose’s confidence in him is increasing. Apart from the Kalou/Shevchenko partnership, the other changes saw Ballack also rested to the bench with Wright-Phillips coming in, while Boulahrouz came in at right-back with Ferreira and Diarra also on the bench. This right-back spot remains uncertain. I’d expect Geremi or Diarra to fill the shirt in Monday’s replay at Spurs, but it is certainly the one place in the Chelsea side that is up for grabs.
Sheffield Utd left Tonge despite his return from suspension on the bench and kept Jagielka in midfield. Montgomery was restored to the side however. The Morgan/Davis centre-back partnership now looks likely to continue, even with Lucketti returning from injury for their next match. Up front however, the Blades have real problems. With 10-goal Hulse now out for the season with the ankle break suffered in this game, it appears that Warnock will have to turn to Stead, Nade and Kazim-Richards to get the goals to keep them safe. Gillespie now seems restored to the side. With Kazim-Richards now likely to be employed up front, Gillespie should remain on the right of midfield after starting against Chelsea. I suspect that Sheffield United’s fate will be dependent on how secure they are at the back as I’m expecting very few goals from them from this point on. They should be safe, but I would certainly avoid their players for the next few weeks at least while they get used to live without Hulse.
Everton vs Arsenal
Stubbs was back in the Everton defence to partner Yobo with Lescott moving to left-back. Naysmith was dropped to the bench as was Beattie. James Vaughan partnered Johnson up front after scoring for the reserves in midweek. Osman continued in midfield with Neville at right-back. Hibbert remained on the bench. Presumably, Stubbs will keep his place from this point on, as the decision by Moyes was purely tactical. This makes him a decent bargain buy once more, particularly in a sqaud-based Fantasy game. Vaughan meanwhile, seems to have gone above Anichebe in the pecking order as an alternative to Beattie up front although Victor came on to some effect in the last 10 minutes.
Arsenal kept Gilberto in defence with Gallas employed at left-back. However, Clichy will return next time out to change that around. Diaby was preferred to Denilson and Flamini in midfield. Rosicky got a start as expected, while Baptista and Aliadiere continued up front. Adebayor will return from suspension next time out with Aliadiere likely to miss out. Senderos remained on the bench so is clearly out of Wenger’s thinking when it comes to his first choice defence.
Man Utd vs Bolton
United had Giggs up front with Rooney and Smith on the bench. They are likely to stick with this partnership until either Solskjaer or Saha are fit, but both could well be available for the next Premiership match against Blackburn. The injury to Neville will keep him out for 3 matches at least. That will mean a run of games for Wes Brown who could be worth considering. The Evra/Heinze situation is back in the balance. Evra was on the bench on Saturday having just recovered from a minor knock, but Heinze has taken his opportunity and is playing well. It will be interesting to see if Fergie brings Evra back in the 11 in Monday’s replay. Scholes will return for the Blackburn game, so O’Shea is likely to find himself on the bench after the Boro replay.
Bolton had Davies back in the side while Meite failed a fitness test and didn’t make the bench. Gardner was back at left-back as Pedersen was employed up front with Diouf on the bench. The Dane was selected for his defenisive sensibilities but was soon swapped with Diouf as United began to run riot. The Diouf/Anelka/Davies trio will be restored for Bolton’s next match. At the back, there is some uncertainty as to what Big Sam will do with Ben Haim, Meite and Faye all fit. He could employ Ben Haim at left-back but it seems more likely that Faye will miss out and find himself on the bench. Clearly, Sam needs to get his defence settled. Bolton have kept just 1 clean sheet in the last 7 and that was against Watford. In the same period, they’ve conceded 17 goals. As a side note, Campo picked up his tenth booking in this match and will therefore miss Bolton’s next two Premiership matches against Sheff Utd and Wigan.
Middlesbrough vs Man City
As expected Southgate rested Viduka and Woodgate for this match with Monday’s replay at United in mind. Arca also sat out with injury, so Euell took his place in midfield while Xavier and Lee came in for Woodgate and Viduka. Both should return for Monday’s replay, while Arca will have a fitness test. Pogatetz was strechered off in this game but the injury didn’t look serious. Davies came on for him and either he or Xavier will replace him if he doesn’t make it on Monday. Pogatetz should however, be available for Boro’s next Premiership match at West Ham.
City made just one change from the side that lost to Chelsea, Pearce bringing in young Michael Johnson for Ireland who was carrying a knock after the Chelsea game. I expect Ireland to return next time out. Once again, Isaksson continued in goal while Trabelsi was nowhere to be seen. However, while Fantasy Managers should perhaps give up on Nicky Weaver after this clean sheet, those still holding on to Trabelsi, may get a reprieve following the injury to Micah Richards. The Tunisian may get a look in if Richards’ injury persists, although Sun Jihai is still above him in the pecking order. Elsewhere you can now expect Mpenza to have a run of games. The Belgian has brought some much needed teeth to the City attack so Coradi, Samaras and Dickov are now competing for one spot alongside him.
Reading vs Portsmouth
The only real surprise in the Reading lineup was the inclusion of Duberry alongside Ingimarsson in place of Bikey. The centre-back, who has played 7 of the last 8 games for Reading, was dropped from the 16, Duberry’s greater experience was offered up by Coppell for the reason behind the move. Murty was passed fit so Halford had to make do with a place on the bench. Kitson and Lita were partnered up front but Doyle is getting sharper and is likely to return to the 11 for Reading’s next match at Spurs. With that in mind I’d avoid all of Reading’s strikers until Coppell has decided upon his preferred front two. My bet is that he’ll go with a 4-5-1 against Spurs next time out with Doyle employed in a wide position and either Kitson or Lita up front.
Portsmouth made several forced and tactical changes. The most alarming of which being the fact that Taylor was dropped to the bench. Stefanovic returned at left-back and Kranjcar was preferred on the left of midfield. This leaves Taylor’s place in the side in doubt for the rest of the season. Traore and Pamarot also face a fight to get back in the side with Portsmouth keeping their first clean sheet in 12 games. The Johnson/Primus/Campbell/Stefanovic back four could well see them through to the end of the season although Lauren should return next time out. Elsewhere in the side there is much uncertainty. Benjani and Kanu renewed their partnership but with Cole and Lua Lua both fit for selection, there could be plenty of shuffling ahead. Lauren should return for the Fulham game and Davis will be back from suspension so Harry will also tinker in midfield. Lauren could move to right-back but he is yet to play there for Pompey so right midfield looks more likely. Basically, my advice is to avoid Pompey players, at least until we get a better impression of Harry’s first 11 after the game at Fulham.
Tottenham vs Watford
Spurs had Rocha back in their defence but rested Berbatov, Lennon and Keane to the bench and had Tanio out through injury. Chimbonda returned to his familiar right-back role. Huddlestone kept his place in midfield, alongside Jenas who returned from injury. Jenas of course, got the opening goal, that’s 5 in 7, making him a prime target for Fantasy Managers. His place alongside either Zokora, Huddlestone or Tanio seems assured. The Huddlestone situation is worth watching. He was impressive again on Saturday but his appeal to Fantasy Managers depends on his assist and goal output. The Spurs defence remains unable to keep a clean sheet, even against a struggling Watford side. Spurs have gone 12 Premiership games without a shutout.
Boothroyd rang the changes for this game. He brought Williams back into their midfield for Francis who was dropped, while Chambers also got back into the side after a lengthy break through injury. He came in for Kabba with Bouazza up front with Priskin as expected. Meanwhile DeMerit was out with an injury so Doyley was paired with Shittu in the centre of defence. No news as yet on that DeMerit knock but, given that he’s remained in the USA squad for the forthcoming internationals, it doesn’t appear to be a long-term concern.
Wigan vs Fulham
Wigan welcomed back skipper DeZeeuw and played Unsworth at left-back in the absence of Baines as expected. Meanwhile Kilbane came in for McCulloch in midfield. Folan was a first half casualty and will undergo a scan this weekend to assess the damage. He has been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad so it could be long-term. The injury could mean a return to the side for Henri Camara. Baines, McCulloch and Hall are all back from suspension next time out, so expect a shake up. Scharner also appeared as sub and could come in for Landzaat when Wigan travel to Charlton. My advice however, is to sit tight and see which way Jewell goes in that game.
Fulham meanwhile kept Pearce and Bocanegra at the heart of their defence with Christanval still struggling with injury. Montella is likely to return to the side immediately, given the lack of goals in recent games. Radzinski could make way. The midfield looks settled, although both Pembridge and Jensen could come into contention next time out, as both have had recent reserve run outs. Montella, McBride and maybe Davies remain the only Fulham players worth looking at right now.