Rafa’s risks backfire as injuries pile up
Rafa Benitez’s decision to throw both Alonso and Torres back into the firing line against Arsenal today could have backfired spectacularly as both players broke down. Torres appeared to be the shadow of the player we’ve seen early this season and was eventually replaced at half-time after limping off with more leg muscle problems. Alonso meanwhile also hobbled off and has suffered further damage to his metatarsal, an injury that has already seen him miss over a month of action. To compound matters, Mascherano was also struggling with ten minutes remaining after suffering a knock to his ankle.
These latest setbacks follow the news on Friday that Jermaine Pennant will be sidelined for around 10-weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his leg. Benitez is hopeful that the injuries are minor but it seems likely that all three will be missing from Liverpool’s next Premiership fixture against Blackburn with the crucial Champions League trip to Besiktas following three days later. This is likely to hand both Benayoun and Crouch the opportunity to start at Ewood.
Not only that, but they can’t seem to play without D’Alessandro-like bitching and whining for an entire game. Of course, it’s their right since they A-R-E Liverpool FC and all.
[Reply]
Ha ha ha, ‘Rafa’s risks’? You’re kidding, right? Xabi was clearly fit and in top form. Torres was somewhat of a risk, but had Rafa not played him and Liverpool lost, your headline would have read ‘Rafa’s rotation policy costs Liverpool again.’ Really, criticism of Rafa is just getting old. When you have won more than two La Liga titles, an UEFA Cup, a Champions League Trophy, and a FA Cup, your opinion will be considered. Until then, keep living in your fantasy world.
As for Kent, all teams whine and Arsenal did just as much if not more on Sunday. Their flopping was horrendous.
One player to look out for in the near future is Harry Kewell. At the latest he should be back in League action in two weeks.
[Reply]
lol! love the passion fellas!!! go the reds =] hahaha
[Reply]
If Harry Kewell does anything eveb remotely effective ever again I will eat my own face off.
[Reply]
Is Brian the only one on here who does not know how to be polite? I’ve seen two posts from him, one that calls someone an idiot and another that criticises the author of this website. Perhaps he should make his own website.
As far as I am concerned I go on this website for polite exchange about fantasy football, not personalised rants about the team I support.
Mark, keep up the good work.
[Reply]
Fair play Tom well said
Dont take Brian’s posts too seriously anyway….Harry Kewell, does he even play anymore….!?
Fantastic site, keep up the brilliant work!
[Reply]
Harry Kewell my arse
[Reply]
Brian’s comments as always are laughable. Take no notice of the bitter Liverpool supporter who’s simply frustrated that despite the spending spree in the summer, his team are going to win nothing once again.
Now, moving on to the real issues, it was a bit of a mixed bag for most of us I suspect this weekend, with nearly all the ‘top four’ sides conceding goals. I know I didn’t get much of a return from a normally ’safe as houses defence’! lol.
I also have Torres, which is a bit disconcerting, but Fabregas once again came good. The lad is a genius. If I was to replace Torres, one play I would definitely take a look at (as much as it pains me to admit it) is Robbie Keane. The guys has been quietly going about his business over the last few weeks and has notched up a fair few points, despite the tumoil at Spurs.
[Reply]
Rich- have you got Lampard?
If not I reckon it’s worth making two changes- Torres and one of your midfield for Lampard and a cheap striker (maybe Kenwyn Jones?). I think Lampard is set for an excellent run- he was really on form this weekend, and he is a confidence player (Avram Grant must be whispering him sweet nothings during training)
Plus Chelsea have some very winnable games
[Reply]
Hi Brian. Any criticism you’ve seen of Rafa on this site up until now is purely from the perspective of a Fantasy Manager. His rotation policy is nightmare in that respect. If you feel I’ve been negative about Liverpool in the past it’s because they are so tricky to draw players from - not because I’m particularly down on them as a side.
It’s my opinion that Torres and Alonso weren’t 100% - that was born out by Torres and Alonso did tire before he picked up the injury. As a result I interpreted Rafa’s decision to start with them both as a risk. We’re seeing quotes from Rafa saying it wasn’t a risk, probably as a result of post-match interviews and I’ve read articles by Liverpool fans today commenting that they were of the opinion that neither were fully fit, so it’s far from a controversial viewpoint. Sorry you don’t agree but then fiery debate and difference of opinion is all part of football and fantasy football alike and I’m fine with that on the site. Just don’t misinterpret my frustration with Rafa’s rotation policy for criticism of his methods - I’m a great admirer of what he has achieved. Kuyt and Voronin out wide was a bit odd though
[Reply]
I think im going to take out Ronaldo for Lampard (is that a smart move?). This will free up some cash to strengthen my defence (get Carvalho in for Geremi).
Would you guys recommend me taking out Adebayor? He has been a bit quiet lately. If so who should i replace him with?
[Reply]
Will work on some Scout notes later but I can say I was toying with opening the Lampard vs Fabregas debate seeing as Arsenal have a run of away games and Lampard has found some form. Thing is, I was debating this in my head just as Fabregas reminded me what a little diamond he is by slotting home Arsenal’s goal. Now I’m not so sure. I’ve got an article in mind which brings in some other considerations which I hope I’ll time to put together this week which should spark some lively debate on this.
[Reply]
I’m well aware that teams whine, not all of them, but a good number of them. For my $ (and you can disagree), Liverpool’s given a pass (with cards, penalties, criticisms of players and Benitez) unlike other clubs. Just yesterday, Carragher (sp?) bitched and moaned like someone stole his Subbuteo set every time he was involved in a tackle or lost the ball. Gerrard? Same thing. Benitez? Yeah, you see where I’m going.
[Reply]
Keane - yes, Lampshade - yes, sack Adebayor?, a striker who didnt score in a 7-0 romp of steaua - yes, definitely
Brian, are you an aussie? Otherwise whats the rationale behind watching out for Kewell in particular? i’m going to keep a close eye on him if you know something i dont, although i’ll prob still give him a couple of games to see how he shapes up
[Reply]
Rather than Lampard vs Fabregas, I’m more inclined to see it as Lampard vs Ronaldo…
I’ve got Fabregas and I had Ronaldo as captain this weeked. But perhaps rather impatiently I have already transferred Ronnie out for Lamps not Fab.
My thinking was that Fabregas will always be central to what Arsenal do, whereas Ronaldo doesn’t seem to be the main man anymore- his burden is shared with Nani, Anderson, Tevez and Rooney. the Ronaldo of last season wouldn’t come out of a 4-2 victory with no assists or goals..
Having said that, I will probably be eating my words in a few days time
[Reply]
Sorry- 4-1 victory!
[Reply]
fellas, any ideas on who to replace bellamy with in FPL? i have no money in the bank and already have kenwyne jones. so a 7.9m starting forward, any ideas?
[Reply]
I would go with Agbonlahor for Villa as a good replacement for Bellamy, Villa have a nice little run of games coming up - ones that you would expect them to breeze through with a nice array of goals..and especially since he is becoming Villas number 1 choice striker and also a consistent performer
[Reply]
Short-term maybe Agbonlahor- Derby, Boro and Birmingham next three games…
Off course there is always Benjani
[Reply]
im a bit scared that he’ll end up playing out wide again :S you reckon he’ll start upfront for sure?
[Reply]
and when is big johnny carew back?
[Reply]
I’m in the same position as you Scarface. West Ham have a great run but I don’t know how long the injury will last. The international break gives it a rest but I’m probably gonna have to find someone to change him for too
[Reply]
scarface, I would go santa cruz, 7.3 last weekend, plus in gameweek 14 blackburn play two games so keep an eye out. Although someone else i am considering is getting hleb in, he has finally added the end product to his skill. He appears to be a danger behind adebayor.
Mark, this website is absolutely the dog’s ********, keep up the work this site forms an important function in my selection process. I salute you!
[Reply]
I opened the debate last week asking for advice on whether to swap Ronaldo for Lampard. Good job no one give me any as I swapped anyway and made him captain. Trouble with swapping players is making that final click to confirm transfer and then sweating at the weekend to see if you got it right. I say go with instinct and a little look at this website of course.
Oh by the way, what do think about Benny Mccarthy for Adebayor, especially as he has a double week coming up.
[Reply]