Season Review - The Midfield
Continuing my look back at the fantasy season, it’s time to focus on the middle of the park where we find one player showboating his way to a goal-a-game record and threatening to break fantasy football in the process. Ronaldo could well be heading out of the Premiership - we’ll know more in the next few days apparently. If he does depart Old Trafford it will be a devastating blow to United and the Premiership but I’m pretty sure the designers of next season’s fantasy football games would be pretty relieved.
Read on for a closer look at CRon’s season, who he lines up alongside in the team of the season, who spent more time snoozing than scoring points and just who I’ve got my eye on for next season…
Ronaldo’s incredible season may have created a Premiership benchmark that no other non-striker will ever match but in fantasy terms. The man tore up the rulebook and almost broke the season for us all. In short, any fantasy manager who refused to jump on his enormous, high-speed bandwagon quickly got left behind, particularly in the FPL where the strategy of picking a captain was made a farce. In the end the achievements of Fabregas and Gerrard, who both improved significantly on last season’s haul, went almost unnoticed.
What lies ahead for Ronaldo and Fantasy Football then? As I’ve mentioned, maybe he’ll be taken out of the equation by a move to Madrid. If not, designers have got to make a decision on whether to take the plunge and classify him as a forward, or risk unbalancing their games and growing the already huge gap between the United man and the rest of the available midfielders. Alternatively, they could overprice Fabregas, Gerrard, Lampard and the rest to allow for a Ronaldo price rise - an option that would only increase the value of mid-price contenders such as Barry, Bentley and Downing. Things are clearly going to get interesting should Ronaldo stay in Manchester. For now though, lets start my midfield round-up with the wizard himself.
The Scout’s Selection
Ronaldo
While we’ve seen scoring legends like Shearer and Henry unbalance our fantasy games in the past, never has a midfield player provided such consistent return of points over a season. Ronaldo returned a staggering 31 goals in 31 starts along with 7 assists and a haul of 35 bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League game. In the Fantasy League game that saw him almost double the return of Fabregas who ranked second for midfielders, while in the FPL the Arsenal man trailed by a massive 78 points. There’s plenty of speculation that Ronaldo could be on his way out of Old Trafford but if he stays he’ll undoubtedly be cornerstone around which thousands of fantasy teams will be built next season. Financial headaches and half a dozen budget buys beckon.
Cesc Fabregas
The Arsenal maestro enjoyed an incredible start to the season which saw him fire 6 goals in the opening 11 games along with a run of 6 assists and the usual bundle of FPL bonus. At that point it looked as though Fabregas was going to dominate the fantasy scoring charts but the run was to fizzle out following a mid-season injury which saw him miss 4 games. Fabregas returned in mid-December but scored just a single goal over the rest of the season. Assists kept things ticking over though, with Fabregas racking up 20 in total, the highest in the Premiership rivalled only by Ashley Young with 17. After declaring his loyalty to the Gunners, surely another season of fantasy success lies in wait. Expect a fairly sizable price hike across the fantasy games.
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool’s talismanic leader recovered from a slow start to the season to rank in the top three fantasy midfielders following a disappointing return of just 7 goals and 6 assists in 2006-07. Things looked bleak for Gerrard owners early on. He began the season with just a single goal and 2 assists in the first 9 gameweeks but turned this around between October and November with 5 goals in 6 games. By the end of the season Gerrard had notched 11 goals and 11 assists, earning 35 FPL bonus points in the process. His partnership with Torres, playing in an advanced role just off the Spaniard, was key to his flurry of points and if that tactic and relationship continues next season, Gerrard could well surpass this season’s tally.
Gareth Barry
The Villa captain enjoyed a superb season as O’Neil’s side peaked in form towards the final six games which handed Barry 4 goals and 5 assists. That final spurt saw Barry end the season on a total of 9 goals and 10 assists (11 in the Fantasy League) - easily surpassing last season’s haul of 8 goals and 4 assists. Not surprisingly then, Barry represented excellent value for those who jumped on the bandwagon during Villa’s periods of form. Next season’s potential relies of course on his future at Villa. With Liverpool circling, waiting to pounce, fantasy managers will have to assess whether such a move would boost Barry’s return or lead to a price hike that would reduce his value. That debate will be left until we know more.
In Reserve
Ashley Young
Like his team-mate Barry, Young had a superb season as Villa pushed for a European place. The former Watford man only misses out on a selection in my team of the season because his classification across the various fantasy games was ambiguous. In both the Fantasy League games and in the Telegraph, Young was classed as a midfielder and with 17 assists and 8 goals he easily ranked in the top four in that bracket. Even in the FPL, where Young was classed as a forward, his returns saw him sit fifth in that position ahead of the likes of Keane, Tevez and Rooney who were all priced considerably higher than him. Next season should see Young push for more England honours although in many ways, Young’s potential next term could well be influenced by the fate of Gareth Barry. If Villa hold on to their skipper then Young should flourish once more. His classification across the fantasy games could once again be a grey area but in simple terms, if he’s classed a midfielder again, he should be very close to topping your shortlist.
Sleepers
Morten Gamst Pedersen
A deeply disappointing return from the Blackburn man who has now gone into steep decline following a tepid 2006-07 season. Six goals and 11 assists in that season was followed by just 4 goals and 4 assists this term (3 in the Fantasy League). The Norwegian’s slump cannot be put down to a lack of opportunity having made 32 starts - presumably then, Blackburn’s tactics are not allowing for Pedersen to provide the attacking returns he once delivered on a regular basis. The emphasis of Blackburn’s play has seemingly switched to Bentley on the right and his role in set-pieces has also had an impact on Pedersen’s potential. We’ll need to see overwhelming evidence of that changing before Pedersen edges his way back into fantasy favour.
Mikel Arteta
The Spanish playmaker collected an impressive 9 goals and 15 assists in 2006-07 making him a prime target for fantasy managers this term. Sadly however, blighted by a troublesome abdominal injury, Arteta’s season was a miserable one bringing him just a single goal and 5 assists in 27 starts. That kind of return should see his price fall considerably next term although his value will be influenced by his powers of recovery following surgery in the summer and also by a possible transfer. Keegan has reportedly made Arteta his number one target having let Emre leave the club. It’s doubtful whether Moyes would let his most creative player leave Goodison but it’s certainly a situation we need to monitor. Regardless of where Arteta’s future lies, if he shows glimpses of the form we know he is capable of in pre-season, then he should be a notable member of many shortlists going into the season.
Ryan Babel
Four goals and 3 assists were certainly modest returns for a £11.5 million signing. Classified as a Forward in the Telegraph but in midfield in both the FPL and Fantasy League games, Babel should certainly progress next season and offer more significant returns. His potential is clearly going to be influenced by his price, classification and also his recovery from tearing his ankle ligaments in training last week, an injury that has ruled him out of Euro 2008. That’s likely to have a major impact on his pre-season which could harm both his fitness and his chances of pinning down a certain starting role come the start of the season.
Kevin Nolan
The Bolton skipper is becoming a perennial sleeper. He clearly has the potential to push to the kind of levels reached by the likes of Barry, Downing and Bentley this season having hit 9 Premiership goals for Bolton in both the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons. Last season saw him find the net just 3 times in 31 Premiership starts while this season he returned an improved 5 goals in 33 starts. Three assists was a meagre supplementary return while infeasibly, the Bolton man failed to score a single FPL bonus point despite being heralded as perhaps their most influential player by Megson. Can Nolan push on next term? It’s possible that Megson may allow Nolan a more attacking role and much will depend on Bolton’s summer purchases.
Florent Malouda
The Chelsea man, like Liverpool’s Babel, slotted into that “wait and see” bracket in fantasy terms although, of all the new midfield arrivals to the Premiership, he was the one I saw offering the best returns. I couldn’t have been more wrong - Malouda had a miserable season, particularly in terms of fantasy output which saw him notch just 2 goals and 2 assists from 16 Premiership starts. Malouda’s future at Chelsea is certainly in doubt and he seems likely to be on his way once a new boss is installed. He could yet remain in the Premiership however - bizarrely, Rafa is allegedly sniffing round.
James Milner
Milner’s season was restricted by a number of injuries and a shift in tactics from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 after Keegan discovered the new, deeper role for Owen. The former Leeds and Villa man brought in just 2 goals and 2 assists then in a disappointing campaign but clearly has the talent to bring greater returns for fantasy managers, should the opportunities come his way. Next season is a pivotal one for Milner who must surely be looking to push on his career and ambition for full England honours. That seems a world away right now and if Keegan doesn’t shift to a 4-4-2 then it would appear that Milner could be sacrificed as Newcastle look to shuffle their squad.
Tomas Rosicky
Just 15 starts for the Arsenal man in a season blighted by injury. Rosicky was troubled by a hamstring and then picked up a tendon injury in January that saw him miss the rest of the season and the forthcoming Euro finals. Six goals and 2 assists in just 15 Premiership starts however, clearly indicate his potential to be a key figure in Wenger’s attacking plans and with Hleb’s future in doubt, surely the role of Rosicky will only increase next term. Much will depend on how he recovers in pre-season but if he’s back in the lineup and firing in friendlies, he certainly looks a strong shortlist contender, particularly if this season’s injuries have an impact on his price.
Jimmy Bullard
Regular visitors will have noticed I developed a soft spot for Fulham’s permed midfield general on his return from injury. His influence on the Fulham side is without question and he played a major role in their escape from relegation. In terms of fantasy returns Bullard was a world away from threatening the big boys with just 2 goals and 3 assists. A very decent total of 20 FPL bonus in just 16 starts however indicates where his potential lies. Ravaged by injuries over the past two seasons, Bullard will surely increase his returns should he stay injury free this term and along with team-mate Simon Davies, he should represent an excellent low-to-mid price option.
The Scout is Watching…
Stewart Downing
The Boro winger quietly racked up a significant haul this season despite Boro failing to catch fire for sustained periods. Downing still found the net on 9 occasions but surprisingly ended the season with just 6 assists. That figure should change next term if Alves continues to show the promised he displayed towards the end. Downing should find double figures with his assists next term and if he can match that in his goals tally he should push for a place in the top four fantasy midfielders.
Andy Reid
The diminutive midfielder was brought into a central role after occupying a wide role for most of his career at Forest, Spurs and Charlton. Keane knew how to get the best from his former Republic of Ireland team-mate and it showed as Reid sparkled in the tail-end of the Sunderland season. One goal and 2 assists may have been humble returns but 15 FPL bonus points over the last 9 games tells you just how much of an FPL favourite Reid became. If he prolong his form and fitness over the season next term then he should be an excellent low-to-mid price option.
Luka Modric
Spurs will be looking to their £16.5 million signing to provide the creative spark that will perhaps have to compensate for the loss of Berbatov. Modric’s real-life price tag is likely to have an impact on his fantasy value which could place him firmly in the “expensive gamble” category as a new arrival to the Premiership. There’s no doubting his quality as a playmaker, which should guarantee assists and FPL bonus points. Twenty-nine goals in 98 games for Dinamo Zagreb is a stat that also appears to promise the potential for decent goal returns. Much will depend on how Modric adjusts to the physical demands of the Premiership but he’s certainly one I’ll be monitoring in pre-season.
Antonia Valencia
Three goals and 4 assists in 30 starts aren’t the kind of stats that will have many fantasy managers on alert but Valencia clearly has the potential to build on that return next season. Much will depend of course on whether Wigan can hold onto the Ecuadorian winger with United apparently eyeing up a swoop for the 22-year-old. Bruce should be canny enough to keep him installed at the JJB and if that’s the case he should be available for a low-to-mid price and could well present decent value if Wigan can boost their goalscoring threat with summer signings.
Seb Larsson
The Swede enjoyed an excellent season with 6 goals and 5 assists, despite Birmingham’s relegation. He seems almost certain to remain in the Premiership as a result. Where he’ll end up is still in doubt and his destination will obviously influence his potential returns and his initial value across the fantasy games. Another potential transfer we’ll need to keep an eye on.
Lassana Diarra
There are several question marks surrounding the Portsmouth man going into next season. Firstly there are doubts as to whether he’ll remain at Fratton Park with the likes of Spurs already showing an interest. Secondly, there are also doubts over the kind of role that Diarra will play. The FA Cup final saw the Frenchman claim the man of the match award in a more attacking role pushed up in support of Kanu up front. If he remains under the wing of Harry Redknapp next season, it will be interesting to see if he is employed more often in this free, attacking role rather than sat deep in front of the back four as he did for most of last season. There’s no doubting his influence wherever he plays, but if he can edge forward he has shown his potential to earn assists and goals.
Liam Lawrence
Stoke City’s player of the year in their promotion season is undoubtedly their creative force from a wide position. Last season’s stats saw him haul in 15 goals and 15 assists and he will start as this year’s Gary McSheffrey – the budget promoted player with plenty of promise. Let’s hope he doesn’t end like Gary McSheffrey.
Zoltan Gera
The Hungarian skipper is West Brom’s most creative player, providing that touch of flair from out on the right of midfield. Seven assists and 8 goals in 33 appearances last term hint at his potential but there are big question marks over his future. Shortly out of contract at the Hawthorns, he has a variety of clubs sniffing around, including Everton and Benfica. If he stays in the Premiership, he is certainly worth consideration depending on his initial fantasy value.
Ronaldo is certainly not a forward. He is an attacking player, yes, a winger, but not a forward.
I will be very annoyed if he is classified as a forward next time as he has only played there when our strikers have sat out.
It seems to me that some games(paticularly FPL where midfielders get more goal points) will classify him as a forward to reduce his points haul, because they don’t want one player to continue to dominate.
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Reply by Dr Sanchez on June 3, 2008 6:40 pm:
I’d like to see 4 points per goal wherever you play. I know it goes against fantasy football tradition, but it would be the perfect antidoet to the Ronaldos and Matt Taylors of the game.
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any chance of your tips and picks for euro 2008, mcdonalds are doing a dream team, and im stuck.
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Reply by Alex on June 3, 2008 10:13 pm:
Urm…top right of screen. Clearly McFadden will be the star of the tournament.
What else do you need???
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I could use some McDonalds picks too, the budget seems very tight this year!!
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Reply by puffinboy on June 3, 2008 10:43 pm:
Try the kids economy meal.
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Reply by yer dad on June 4, 2008 11:00 am:
With the happy meal you also get Panini Euro 2008 mini album and stickers how great is that. Any one want to swap. I have 2 Kazim’s the Turkish midfielder and would like Buffon the Italian goalie.
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Reply by puffinboy on June 4, 2008 11:28 am:
I have the Buffoon, but I’d like either a mint condition Thierry Henry in flipflops or a 1976 Stretch Armstrong for it.
Next time Cheggers visits Broadfield Park we could meet up and do a swap.
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Reply by Alex on June 4, 2008 12:06 pm:
Oh, I feel a swap fest coming on…
I have Thierry Henry. However, it is not a sticker but a doll - in - action in Arsenal kit. It is very flexible and I admire its butt frequently.
I might consider parting with it though, for a rare specimen of the 1980s Wrighty looking Wrong series; Wrighty in purple speedos.
Also on offer: an AC Milan Ruud Gullit Tonka Toy - 1989, still in the box, every dreadlock intact.
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Reply by yer dad on June 4, 2008 10:47 pm:
Ha Ha, the only thing swapped in Broadfield Park now are cans of special brew and small wraps of brown powder.If Cheggers came now he would take one look around and say “Maggie, get the fook back on that wagon, no swapping today love”.
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Reply by puffinboy on June 4, 2008 10:53 pm:
I reckon Chegs and Mags swapped a few fluids back in the day.
(Don’t sue me Keith, if you’re reading this. Which you probably are)
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Reply by Nick on June 4, 2008 2:30 pm:
Ha Ha I should know better on this site!! I normally stick to the pound-saver menu (clue is in the title) but sometimes I blow the budget!!
Are not many people tempted by a Euro FF??
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Fantasy games and captaincy tactics aside, if CRon leaves i will be sad to see him go and the league will be poorer in his absence. Although not a Utd fan, he has been amazing to watch and is a true star. That said, i don’t think a move will happen any time soon and reckon he’ll stay until/shortly before Alex steps down.
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Reply by Alex on June 4, 2008 9:58 am:
I have no intention of doing so, how dare you.
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Anyone interested in joining a Euro 2008 http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com FFS league?
The details are:
- League name: ffs_euro
- Code to join: 157808-28154
The team i am currently planning to run with is:
Cech
Puyol|Corluka|Evra|Senderos(sub)
Modric|Ballack|Robben|Pirlo
Benzema|Koller(c)|Podolski
Yes… i know… no CRon. 100 Euros doesn’t get you very far these days.
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Reply by NickH on June 9, 2008 1:41 pm:
Nice one Brad. I’ve been having withdrawal symptoms since the end of the season. Without any Brit teams at Euro’08 a fantasy team is the only way to stay interested.
My team:
Cech
Lahm, Nilsson, Thurham, Carvalho
Modric(c), Deco, Bilyaletdinov, (Smolarek)
Torres, Toni, Olic
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That is basically my team!
Cech
Senderos, Corluka, Puyol, Mellberg
Modric, Ballack, Pirlo, Dica
Koller, Podolski, Villa(C)
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hey ollie and brad very similar team here as well. might i ask why puyol over sergio ramos in your team? i have ramos for now for his goalscoring ability in my espn team (you pick 15) here in the states, but don’t know too much about puyol…let me know, thanks!
cech/casillas
corluka, sergio ramos, mertesaker, mellberg, rozehnal (croatia)
ballack, capt ronnie, ebu smolarek, xavi, ljungbeg
podolski, koller, zurawski
also JUST read that podolski may not start for germany in favor of gomez or kuranyi b/c of late form? we may all 3 be rethinking strikers…
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Reply by Ollie on June 6, 2008 10:23 am:
Don’t have enough money!
I swapped Podolski for Klose
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Brian..
No torres?
or Villa?
or luca toni?
my team
Cech
Melberg (swe) Corluka (cro) Grosso (ita)
Karagounis (gre) Plasil (czech) Ronaldo (por) Ballack (ger)
Torres Benzema Charisteas
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I just stumbled upon this site and I am thinking about doing the euro fantasy league, does anybody know about a website which states who is the starting 11 for every country?
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Reply by Brad on June 6, 2008 3:24 am:
Doesn’t exist mate. You will find websites which list the squads for each country but the starting 11 is something that is usually only released for general consumption by the team/coach an hour or so before kick off (i.e. too late for fantasy managers to utilise).
For the squads check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2008_squads
http://www.foxsports.com.au/st.....public_rss
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Howdy all,
Glad the discussion has started on Euro 2008 FF! I’ve joined in the league above. Ooo, it’s exciting…
I’ve gone with:
Cech
Ramos, Corluka, Carvalho, Jankulovski
Ballack, Modric, Petit, Kallstrom
Gomez, Ibrahimovic, Villa
I reckon picking players out of the “Group of Death” i.e. Italy, France, Holland is a risky ploy as it’s likely one of them is going out and top team games are hard to predict! No CRon for me either, too expensive.
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Reply by Phil on June 6, 2008 4:22 pm:
Whilst it’s tricky to pick 2 qualifiers from the “group of death”, I think it’s still worth picking players from this group because Romania will be the “Derby County” of the whole tournament. The rules allow for enough transfers without penalty to be able to rotate players in for the match against Romania. And, because it could all come down to goal difference, it’s difficult to see how any of the stronger teams could afford to rest their key players, even against Derbiana.
My plan: make sure I have two players from the team playing Romania in every group game.
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Reply by Phil Pino on June 6, 2008 4:39 pm:
Hmm, whilst your thinking is quite clear i’m afraid you are desperately underestimating the Romanians. You’ll find that they qualified top of their qualifying group with 2 games to spare, that funnily enough had Holland in it. They beat them 1-0 at home and drew 0-0 with them away. I’d say they were unlucky to get drawn in such a tough group but don’t expect them to be such a walkover (or “Derby County”) as you expect.
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Some very similar teams turning up here…..
Mines:
Casillas
Ramos, Miguel, Jankoluvski
Ronaldo, Pirlo, Schwiensteiger, Modric
Torres, Toni, Gomez
Thats a winner!!
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Ah, brilliant, this should satisfy my ff craving.
Cech
mertesacker Evra Grosso Bosingwa
Smolarek Fabregas Kranjcar
Torres Klose Borriello
+Dica
just wish i could include some English in the lineup..
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Reply by Brian on June 6, 2008 1:31 pm:
I hear you on including the English, Alan. It’s weird picking a FF team without the likes of Rooney, Terry, Lamps, Stevie G…
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van der Vaart or Smolarek or Modric? It’s my last midfield position to fill…let me know what you all think?
cech/casillas
corluka, ramos, mertesacker, melberg, fritz
ballack, ronaldo, xavi, ljungberg, and ?
koller, gomez, toni
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Reply by Phil Pino on June 6, 2008 1:30 pm:
Brian,
I’d definitely go for Modric (so that you can be the same as everyone else on here!) Croatia are favourites to go through from their group and are dark horses to go all the way. Modric is gonna be key to that. Personally i see Holland going out in the groups so VDV is risky. Smolarek is the star of the team but is likely to drop out after the group stages me thinks (if Croatia & Germany go through)
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Cech
Ferreira Evra Puyol (Senderos)
Ribery Ballack Modric Behrami
Viller Koller Gomez
What do you think?
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Reply by Phil Pino on June 6, 2008 1:38 pm:
Nick,
There’s some doubt over P Ferreira i think. I know Bosingwa has lately been playing there (although arguably Ferreira is a better player). PF can play left-back but he’s got 2 players to contest against there. Not sure he’s worth the risk. Otherwise your team is pretty strong (apart from Senderos maybe!)
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Alan,
Borriello is a brave call! With Donadoni playing a 4-3-3 and Toni up top i don’t think Boriello is likely to get many games. Whilst he can play as one of the wingers, there are much better players ahead of him in the queue (Del Pierro, Di Natale, Camoranesi…)
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Reply by alan on June 8, 2008 8:40 pm:
I think if he plays then he’ll do well, even if its just half an hour from the bench. If he doesn’t play at all then Dica will come in as an auto-sub.. But yeah, your right, definately could be the weak link!
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My team:
Cech
Zambrotta, Carvalho, Mathijsen, Evra
Modric, Kranjcar, Fabregas, Ballack
Torres, Benzema (Harnik)
Torres/Ballack/Fab for captain in Group stage 1?
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I’ve gone for a team of underdogs, but could all turn into superstars!
Boruc
Degen, Torodis, Kovac, (Prodl)
Barnetta, Dica, Arda-Turan(C), Smolarek
Gomis, Petric, Pavlyuchenko
20million in bank!
What do you think?
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Koller or Baros?
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Reply by Brian on June 6, 2008 9:00 pm:
Baros costs more in the league I am in (8.0 vs 7.5), which is the main reason I went with Koller. Baros seems to be very temperamental too, if he’s hot, look out, if not he’s just out there for 90 minutes…Koller is a bit more consistent in my opinion, and his size is always a plus on long balls and corners.
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Reply by Ollie on June 6, 2008 9:26 pm:
Koller is 9.0m
Baros is 7.5m
I’ve got Koller, but should I swap to free up some money?
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Reply by Phil Pino on June 7, 2008 9:25 am:
Ollie,
I’d stick with Koller, he was banging them in during the pre-tournament friendlies and Baros is off form. There’s also the possiblity he’ll be dropped for the rising star Fenin. Koller has no such competition.
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After suffering from Fantasy Football fatigue in my first season, I could not resist getting on the bandwagon for the Euro 2008 tournament. My thoroughly researched team is:
Cech
Ujfalusi/Barzagli/Senderos/Carvalho
Modric/Ribery/Arda Turan/Fabregas
Toni(c)/Gomez/Olic (sub)
My defence cheapened as it went on…
By the way Yer Dad, my tip for the Derby is Doctor Fremantle - it is currently trading at double figures and beat the Oaks winner today as a two year old.
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Reply by puffinboy on June 6, 2008 11:50 pm:
Was actually runner-up to the Oaks winner, but let’s not split hairs.
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Reply by yer dad on June 9, 2008 3:24 pm:
Decided to opt for Puffins Tartan fellow and would have been £££££’s in if the Derby was an extra half furlong. Good effort tho. Had chance to wear my England shirt yesterday to celebrate our win. Who needs football this summer.
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Reply by puffinboy on June 9, 2008 3:43 pm:
Me too, it was a right bugger. Big test for my Dutch lads tonight, I’ll be delighted with a draw.
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Reply by yer dad on June 9, 2008 4:24 pm:
Yeah, up against my Italians. I have the Italian shirt from a few years ago and have just tried it on and think I have put on a few pounds since World Cup 2002.I know they made them tight but might give it a miss tonight and put my tank top on instead.
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Reply by puffinboy on June 9, 2008 8:25 pm:
I’m not getting carried away but that’s a decent start. 16/1 at the start of the game, 6/1 after it - I should lay that off for a guaranteed profit… but I’m greedy so I won’t. Come on you Oranje!
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Reply by yer dad on June 9, 2008 9:26 pm:
Italians have gone up to 11’s now but they looked decent and did not get the rub of the green tonight so I am not too concerned yet. They should beat France and the home country of the ‘cheeky girls’to secure 2nd spot.
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Reply by Leighton on June 10, 2008 12:19 pm:
Yes the Italians were undone by the worst off-side (or should that be on-side) decision I have seen for a long time. However, the second Dutch goal, even at this early stage of the tournament, will be unlucky not to get goal of the tournament.
I was clouded by the memories of the tight Italy defences of old which graced the World Cup and Euro Championship scene - they looked very vulnerable last night, so going Dutch may be the way forward for the rest of the tournament.
My captaincy choices seem to carrying on where the UK season left off - crap - Toni will have to be replaced as captain though Romania are next..
Reply by yer dad on June 10, 2008 1:36 pm:
I am actually carrying everyone in the mini messiah scout pick euro league at the moment. So it goes to show at this moment european football is not my strong point and do not under any circumstances take advice from me. I did create the league though and if I continue to under perform I will delete all those above me and be crowned champion of the only one man league. You have been warned.
Reply by puffinboy on June 10, 2008 1:44 pm:
I don’t suppose I can see how crappily you’re doing without registering, can I Pops?
Reply by yer dad on June 10, 2008 2:17 pm:
You did the right thing Puffin. I should have listened to my elders and stayed well clear of Euro Fantasy Footie. My career will be tarnished now and even the Faroe Islands will be reluctant to take advice from me. Wimbledon soon. Do you manage to blag tickets for the Murray Mound being in the big smoke Martin?
Reply by puffinboy on June 10, 2008 3:02 pm:
I don’t mind a bit of tennis in my front room (playing or watching) but the thought of being surrounded by fat, middle aged Middle Englanders shouting ‘come on Timmykins’ or ‘bravo Andypoos’ is too much to bear.
Quick pick for a laugh, mostly going on players with quality rather than thinking about groups/teams:
buffon
grosso evra corluka (& token cheapo player- pazdan)
ribery ballack modric seb.larsson
torres koller henrik.larsson
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Does anyone think it is worth keeper Koller, he is expensive (9m) and he was useless against Switzerland and came off after 55 minutes, and he is playing Portugal next week!
Who would be a good replacement for gameweek 2?
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Reply by Phil Pino on June 9, 2008 2:41 pm:
Ollie,
I feel i must apologise for telling you to back the wrong horse. Personally i’d stick with him. Against Austria they tried to stifle his supply but i think Portugal are too attacking (and not as big at the back) than Austria and may struggle with him.
Failing that, i’d suggest either a Poland striker (against Austria - maybe Zurawski) or a Turkey striker (against Swiss - maybe Nihat, takes freekicks)
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Reply by Ollie on June 9, 2008 9:05 pm:
I was thinking of getting Nihat, but my choices so far haven’t been very good!
Changing my captain from Podolski to Ballack
Transferring Podolski for Koller
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Reply by Brian on June 9, 2008 3:30 pm:
I dropped him and picked up gekas of greece. koller wasnt as expensive in my league so i had to go with someone cheaper as i had no funds in the bank. i dont exactly love my pick of gekas, but greece have been playing surprisingly well and i thnk will sneak at least a few goals in the opening rounds.
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Cech 6.5
Senderos 6.0
Corluka 6.5
Fernandes 5.5
Koller 9.0
I don’t know which one to keep?
Was thinking of keeping Fernandes because he is the cheapest, but I want to get Sneijder. Probabley have to keep one of the defenders, but don’t know who?
Also have - Carvalho, Puyol, Pirlo, Ballack, Simao, Klose, Villa
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