Archive for March, 2008
A Couple of Polls
No, not a typo in a news story on some last minute signings by Harry Redknapp, instead two brand new polls for the site over in the left-hand menu.
For starters I’ve added one to canvas opinion on what’s likely to be a deciding factor over the rest of the fantasy season - just which striker will perform best. It’s funny, when you take Ronaldo out of all fantasy football equations, there’s suddenly a far more difficult decision to be made. When it comes to finding that goal machine for the last six games there’s actually more than a few reasonable candidates. It will be interesting to see how this one goes.
The usual FPL captains poll meanwhile includes Ronaldo of course so all bets are off on the winner. Those who get close to him though? That will again be interesting - there’s a couple of tasty looking fixtures about this weekend that could just tip the balance for a few contenders but I’ll shut up now and leave the voting to you.
ContinuedWeekend Scout Notes
A change in format for the Scout Notes this week. I’ve been looking to streamline these a little and focus on the key points rather than dwell on Derby’s lineup and similar matters that aren’t likely to be of interest, plus take me an inordinate amount of time to put together. Instead, from this week on, I’m going to focus on the teams and players that warrant interest and that are likely to be in your thoughts when it comes to future signings and squad tweaks. Have a gander at this week’s notes then.
ContinuedFabregas On The Edge
Amongst the drama of Arsenal’s comeback yesterday, Cesc Fabregas picked up his ninth booking of the season. That leaves him just one caution away from a two-match ban. In order to avoid that, Fabregas must get through next weekend’s game with Liverpool and the visit to Old Trafford a week after, without a yellow. The suspension curfew for ten bookings passes on the second Sunday in April, the day that Wenger takes his side to take on United.
Fabregas owners will be twitchy then. Admittedly, his stock has fallen with the rise of Gerrard and Lampard in recent weeks. However, the Arsenal man has steadily contributed assists with another pair in yesterday’s game. He’s also regained his position as FPL bonus darling - he has scored bonus in his last three matches having suffered a lean spell during Flamini and Hleb’s run of form. The temptation is to get rid but there’s no doubt that Fabregas is showing a glimmer of his early season form and even though his fixtures look tough - he has a proven record of producing the goods in big games. Tough one.
ContinuedVan der Sar Still Troubled
United’s Edwin van der Sar is a doubt for the Champions League clash with Roma in midweek after aggravating his old groin injury once again [source]. The Dutch keeper was left out of the lineup for the Villa game yesterday but is still looking touch-and-go for the Rome trip.
Clearly this groin injury continues to be a major concern which will undermine the fantasy value of Van der Sar for the remainder of the season. If United continue to progress in the Champions League then he will certainly become one of the players rested by Ferguson prior to their ties in Europe. Kuszczak could yet be a decent FPL bench keeper should Van der Sar’s injury persist then.
I’ve updated my player rankings early for this one, with Van der Sar dropping as a result of this latest setback.
ContinuedChelsea Fury At Fixture Change
Chelsea have issued an angry statement against the Premier League after their fixture with Everton was moved forward from April 19 to Thursday April 17. It means that Grant’s side must now face Wigan at home on the Monday April 14 and then travel to Goodison for a massive banana skin fixture just three days later. The fixture has been rescheduled to fit with TV schedules. Everton meanwhile, have it considerably easier with a trip to Birmingham on the Saturday preceding the rearranged game.
This is significant news for fantasy managers on two fronts. Firstly it increases the chances of massive rotation in Grant’s side against Wigan. Secondly, and rather bizarrely, right now it appears that FPL managers will have to contend with a Thursday deadline in Gameweek 35.
ContinuedWenger Set To Rest Adebayor
All the evidence points to the fact that Adebayor will be rested to the bench for today’s trip to Bolton. Arsenal face three games against Liverpool in 10 days and, with that in mind, Wenger has indicated that his top scorer needs a rest [source].
“I believe he has given a lot this year and so he would need a little breather, maybe,” remarked Wenger in his pre-match press conference.
“He has played a lot on his own up front and has had to fight very hard. So at the moment, to refresh him a bit would do him some good.”
Expect Bendtner to start alongside Van Persie at the Reebok.
ContinuedThis Weekend’s Scout Picks
Apologies for the lateness of the Scout Picks this week but, better late than never, here they come. Could be a rough ride this one - the threat of rest and rotation looms large with the Champions League in midweek. Lampard, Adebayor, Terry and Ronaldo all look at risk. Lovely.
ContinuedCahill KO Confirmed
Everton have today confirmed that Tim Cahill is out for the rest of the season with a broken metatarsal. Cahill suffered the injury against West Ham last weekend and was subbed after just 10-minutes.
“I think it’s obvious that he will be out for the rest of the season. It is disappointing but it happens” remarked Moyes.
The good news for Everton is that, aside from Cahill, Moyes will have a fully fit squad to choose from for the Merseyside Derby on Sunday. Cahill’s absence is likely to see Neville employed more often in a midfield role which could make an even better proposition in games where he is classed as a defender. Alternatively, it could see Moyes employ a 4-4-2 more often with Johnson benefiting.
ContinuedFletcher Gets Six Weeks
United have lost Darren Fletcher for six weeks after he picked up a knee ligament injury whilst playing for the Scots on Wednesday. Fletcher suffered the injury late on and could now theoretically, miss the rest of the season.
The injury won’t be big news for many fantasy managers but it will limit Ferguson’s options for rotation in his midfield - that can only be a good thing.
ContinuedWeekend Team News
Lampard and Terry doubts for Chelsea. The threat of a rest on the bench looms over our precious Ronaldo. Santa Cruz crocked by a teammate in midweek. These are uncertain times for fantasy football managers. Brace yourselves for another weekend of sweaty palms - click here for your early weekend team news.
As always, I’ll update this as more information floods in throughout Friday, so keep ‘em peeled.
Continued
