Some Injury Updates
With Thursday FPL deadline looming, here’s a quick run through of the injury news that’s doing the rounds so far today, plus some confirmed news on Lampard.
First off, just confirmation on the Frank Lampard situation. It’s been revealed that he made a dash to attend the sick bed of his mother - leaving the pre-match warm-up last night to do so. According to reports, Lampard’s mother is “gravely ill” and Grant is unclear as to whether the midfielder will be available to him for the trip to Goodison. I’d say that was very doubtful at this stage.
Elsewhere, Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson will undergo a scan on his medial knee ligament injury sustained against Everton at the weekend. McCleish is still sounding optimistic on this one with the Derby game against Villa looming.
“Seb has tweaked his medial ligament. He is a good healer, as he showed when he came back so quickly last time,” said McLeish.
McLeish was also confident over the fitness of Mikael Forssell who picked up an ankle injury at the weekend. Forssell was subbed at half-time but according to McCleish, “the physios are optimistic about his recovery”.
Nafti is another slight doubt for the game with Villa but he declared himself fit today after suffering cramp in the game against Everton. That will be a relief for McCleish who is missing Johnson in his midfield through suspension.
West Ham’s injuries are legendary this season but they do have some good news going into the weekend. Freddie Ljungberg is set to return to the squad for the home game with Derby. The midfielder has missed the last two games after suffering an inflamed nerve in his leg against Sunderland a fortnight ago. Apparently there was no damage to the hamstring as first thought.
To counter that, the Hammers have learnt that Anton Ferdinand is likely to miss the rest of the season with the hamstring injury suffered in the opening couple of minutes of the game against Bolton. Ferdinand will have scans but Curbishley is already writing him off for the remaining games.
Boro are likely to have Andrew Taylor available to them for the home game with Bolton this weekend. Taylor missed the Spurs game with a rib injury but Southgate is sounding very confident that he’ll make a return to the side this weekend. Grounds is set to make way.
Newcastle’s James Milner will return to training this week according to Keegan. The England U21 winger has missed the last five games with a foot injury. However, he’ll surely face a losing battle to regain his place given Newcastle’s turn of fortunes since then. Indeed Keegan has already stated that he’ll stick with the same eleven for the Derby game with Sunderland at the weekend. Milner could be a factor as a sub over the last four though, which could see him take some minutes from the likes of Martins.
Still at St James’ Park - Keegan has more or less ruled out Given for the rest of the season despite that fact that the keeper could return to fitness before the season is out.
Over at the Emirates, Justin Hoyte picked up a minor hamstring injury in a reserve outing last night. He could be in line to get a start at the weekend if fit as Wenger looks to hand opportunities to fringe players over the final games. Hoyte’s opportunity against Reading is now in doubt of course. Rosicky meanwhile has remained in Prague to undergo further treatment on his knee injury. Wenger has yet to confirm that the midfielder’s season is over but it’s looking that way. Rosicky is clearly concerned on his chances of making Euro 2008 but insists, “in the last few days I have been feeling a bit better.” Yeah, see you next season Tomas.
Finally there are a few players on the comeback trail to report on. Sunderland’s Ross Wallace will play a reserve game tonight as he bids to make a return to Premiership action before the end of the season. He’ll have Valeri Bojinov in opposition to him as the Man City striker steps up his return to fitness. Castillo also lines up for City, while Sunderland are also fielding Stokes, Leadbitter and Higginbotham.
Mark,
Who do you suggest i replace Lamps with? I already have ronaldo and gerrard. I can’t buy Barry as i already have 3 villa players.
Any suggestions would be great. Thanks Steve
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Reply by Mark on April 15, 2008 8:10 pm:
I’m mulling this over myself. Right now, outside of Barry, Downing looks tempting given his fixtures and with Alves looking sharp. I plan to update the rankings before Thursday so that will hopefully give you some contenders.
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Reply by Alex on April 16, 2008 9:22 am:
What if you have both Lamps and Gerrard and a defence worthy of a golden raspberry?
I’ve never done more than 2 transfers, but it’s getting tempting now.
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With only a few games left it might just be worth getting rid of Lamps given this news. Who do you all think are good replacements???
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I think I’ll take Torres out for Adebayor. Can’t see him starting vs Fulham (only a maybe IF Everton beat CSKA Moscow on Thursday). Going to risk holding onto Gerrard (at least for this week), think he’ll play some part in all of Liv’s last games. So…Bullard & Fabregas OR Barry & J.Cole…Hmmm, tempted by the later…Any ideas Ladies & Gents?
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Guy’s.,
it’s make or break for me 3rd and about 30points behind
Hart
Geremi,Taylor(wigan),Melberg
Fabs,Ron,Gerrard,Lamps,Barry
Berb,Defo
Scharner,Boyce,Fossell
Now looking at getting rid of Lamps for Lungberg and bebertov for Adebeyor.
My thinking is Westham give derby a spanking - Arsenal nothing to play for and give Reading an absolute kicking.
Plus next week Arsenal have Derby.
So questions: Do I just transfer in Lungberg this week - Or take a 4point hit and transfer in Adebeyor as well.??
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Lads, do we think Fabregas is gonna play the last few games? Im pretty sure he would, I cant see a reason wenger would rest him for these games??? Opinions welcome!
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Reply by CK on April 15, 2008 9:43 pm:
Yeah of course he’ll play mate and what’s more I am expecting him to close the season the way he started it. He is playing really well at the mo but just hasnt scored, it’ll come though IMO
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Bring in Fabregas for Lamps?
Arsenal got nothing to play for - so may go all out?
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Mark
what’s the latest on Almunia?
Will we be treated to another start by the Mad German on the weekend?
Cheers
-TheNecromancer
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Reply by P-Willy on April 16, 2008 8:22 am:
I’d also like some guidance on NM! I was gonna bring in the Arsenal keeper to replace Howard as the Gunners run-in looks good on paper… Any recommendations on whether to pick Almunia or Lehmann (i think he might get a run as it’s the end of the season) or just to steer well clear?
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Guys roughly 70 points off 1st and 8 points off 2nd, but 40 points clear of 4th:
James (Hart)
Lescott Ferdinand Laursen Geremi Wheater
Lampard Barry Ronaldo Huddlestone Pienaar
Berbatov Yakubu Defoe
I need to take a few risks, so I thought Ashton for Yakubu, and Fabregas for Lampard.
Any thoughts?
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Any news on Arteta?
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Nick, what about Alves for Yakubu instead, bringing Fabregas in sounds like a great move given their remaining fixtures. And not many of your competitors will hvae him, so great if you need to make up ground (if he notches that is).
I had defoe also and I’ve dropped him for Adebayor and taking a 4 point hit, what do you reckon? Brought in Hleb as my other transfer, expecting him to push up and get in amongst the action. I think city will keep it tight against pompei who are a bit out of sorts at the moment which might mean another blank for defoe - also, morale might be a bit low due to personal reasons earlier in the week. The way reading are playing I can see arsenal winning 3 or 4 nil. Although I really want the royals to stay up…
Mark any news on Pienaar? I know he’s battling out a transfer but I’m hoping he’ll play a full match against Chelsea.
My team for GW35:
Howard
Lescott, W.Brown, Dunne, Scharner, Terry;
Ronaldo (c), Gerrard, Hleb; (Pienaar, J.Obrien)
Berbatov, Adebayor; (Forsell)
Sitting on 1876 -4 points, 4th spot (3rd-24)
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Reply by Nick on April 16, 2008 1:53 pm:
Cheers Al, Fab does look good for the remaining fixtures, hadn’t thought about Alves, would be a big gamble.
I also have Pienarr, who was a bargain til the injuries!
I am unsure about Defoe, after taking a 4 point hit to bring him in, he first didn’t play, then drew a blank, I have a habit of missing form this season.
Got some pondering to do
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My end of season philosophy seems too good to be true - transfer out Torres this week and replace him for the next 4 weeks with strikers who are coming up against Derby (whose hearts are now clearly not in it).
Liverpool have three away games out of 4 - the stats show just how much Torres is ineffective away from home - and the Champions League will take preference for the next two weeks.
This fantasy game is so simple isn’t it?? Just got to pick the right West Ham striker now…Ashton looks favourite at the moment.
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I’m testing my theory of whether or not 4 point hits are ever worth it - Hunt and Torres out for Fabregas and Adebayor…
Looking for visible gains within the next 2 weeks but this game has made me very sceptical of any of my seemingly inspired schemes!
On those lines I contemplated West Ham strikers (by which I mean Ashton) but I think waiting for the arsenal v derby game is a better decision lads.
P.S. I’ve stuck with Hunt all the way through out of sentiment but I figure a smart gaffer would have got rid weeks ago.
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Reply by puffinboy on April 16, 2008 10:01 am:
Here’s some very unscientific data from Prof Puffin.
This year I’ve taken 4pt hits 10 times; when doing so I’ve gone up in the overall standings 4 times (3 of which was near the start when I wasn’t doing well at all) and down 6 times (inc 5 out of the last 6).
They haven’t been too successful for me so I’m sticking to just my freebie for the last 4 weeks, injuries permitting.
(I’ve never taken an 8pt hit, btw - that takes balls/stupidity)
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Reply by Dr Sanchez on April 16, 2008 10:30 am:
Never taken an 8 pointer? I’m curious, what’s your current team value / total points (108.3 and 2025 for me)?
I always reckon that multiple transfers are the way to build up team value for that big post-Christmas push, plus you need to look in the medium term (5 games or so) and not just at the week after you do them. Having said that, I’ve just looked at the overall leaders and they’re all at around the 30 transfer mark, so it only goes to show what I know.
Anyhow after a month or so of being good and taking no hits, I’ve swapped Gerrard, Torres and Bullard out for Downing, Fabregas and Berby this week. Probably a bit late in the season for such a big deduction but I’m optimistic….
On the subject of keeping players all season, how about a post season poll to find out peoples favourite players for the season?
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Reply by puffinboy on April 16, 2008 10:42 am:
103.7/1922. Doesn’t seem to be any definitive stats on whether 8pt hits are worth it - the leader in the Scout Picks league has only taken one and his team’s worth the same as yours. Maybe some spoddy type with time on their hands can do some extensive research for us
?
Edit: the overall FPL leader has never taken an 8pt hit, and only once taken a 4pter!! Flukey bastard…
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Reply by yer dad on April 16, 2008 10:52 am:
Throughout the season, I have taken numerous 4 point hits and out of the last 4 gameweeks I have taken 3 eight point hits. Taking a 8 point a couple of weeks ago allowed me to join the 100 club. I have a good lead on my leagues which has allowed me to do this. What is the point of this waffle??? Well, I don’t know but this is my first season and I guess the secret is to hold on to your team and have faith, but I am an impatient f##ker,so I sell the lazy f##kers if they don’t perform.
Points 1984, value 104.???
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on April 16, 2008 1:41 pm:
Injuries are the only reason I’ve taken the 4 point hit at any stage, 8 is a bit steep for me. A cautious first season in the game for me… Now that I’m assured of Premier League status for next season I can plan on a more adventurous gameplan next time around!
Lescott, James, Ronaldo (except when suspended) are my ever presents and I’ve recently offloaded Evra and Hunt despite fondness for both… Heart ruled head for too long!
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To Gerrard or not to Gerrard that is the question… considering Rafa’s comments to the effect that holding onto 4th is crucial… what are the chances he will play?
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Reply by Al on April 16, 2008 10:40 am:
I reckon he’s going to get benched at some stage Brad. Mark normally gives us a decent heads up on that likelihood, then I’ll be swapping him for Fabregas - very possibly in GW36. I think they have 4th sewn up now surely - perhaps the Chelsea game on Thursday will give us a better idea.
BTW thanks for your comments on taking a ‘4 pointer’ or not. Years of playing Championship Manager > Football Manager make me transfer happy even in the FPL, I just can’t help myself! (over 50 transfers this season so far)
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I think he’ll play him this week, try to wrap up 4th, then rest him in later games.
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Why risk Gerrard when Fab is bound to play and has better fixtures?
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Reply by Roberto on April 16, 2008 11:05 am:
Because if you’ve already got him & think he’ll play you won’t have to use a transfer on him ’til nextweek.
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Yeah i’ve already got Fabs.
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My first season, and I got a littel carried away with transfers (48 to date).
I once took a 12 point hit for the Chelsea Man U double gameweek, and joined the 100 club.
Big transfers rarely pay off in my experience, but sometimes you gotta take a gamble.
Next season I will make less transfers, although my team is worth 108.6, points win prizes!!
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One bit of strategy for the run in directed at all you managers 30+ points down:
It’s time to take some chances and make sure that your squad isn’t the mirror of the team you’re trying to catch.
No point doing the obvious at this point as that is what your higher ranked opponents will be doing as well.
So get out there and take some risks!
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Reply by puffinboy on April 16, 2008 3:42 pm:
Unless you’re in 3rd with prize money going down to 5th. Like me.
The question is whether to stick or bust. I don’t want to end up like that greedy dog who tried to get two bones and ended up dropping it into the river…
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What does that mean?
Ooooo, don’t you know????
I am in third, 70 and 8 points behind 1st and 2nd, 40 points clear of 4th, prize money pays 1st, 2nd & 3rd, so I am gonna take some risks, who remembers 3rd? (or even 2nd)
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Reply by puffinboy on April 16, 2008 5:14 pm:
46 behind 2nd, 42 ahead of 4th; whatever I do it looks like the bronze for me.
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1887 points 107.9mil 53 transfers and still about 90 behind the leader. need to 30 points to get third and win some cash.
Dr Sanchez score would suggest multiple transfers are the way to do it. Wish i’d found this website sooner and mabe i’d be doing better?
I take it you have a league set up for regulars on this site. I’d love to have a go in it next season.
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ok lads looks like we are all in a similar boat here and we gotta take risks!..
So who are the players we HAVE to have this week? I’ll kick off;
Fabregas, Berbatov, Adebayor
(When is Mark doing the rankings?)
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reckon you’ve got to have a villa striker, I’ve gone for gabby.
What about hammers defenders?
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don’t know what to do to catch up, is anybody thinking in ASHTONishing terms.
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Downing is worth a shout. Alves is still too unknown for me.
West Ham started their summer holidays along with Curbs 2 months ago. Be careful if you pick their players…..
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Yeah I’m not keen on Hammers player even against Derby! I don’t think there will be many goals
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Glad I saved my wildcard as this week is a tricky one. Just finalising my choices, but down to 3 positions and need some help…
Gerrard, Noble, Murphy (in my squad currently) or
Bentley, Hleb, Murphy
Kranjcar, Hleb, Agbonlahor/Young
The rest of my squad is strong, so don’t have to worry about keeping Murphy/Noble as they can easily be benched
any thoughts???
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