The Midweek Meander
With the credit crunch hitting our fantasy returns over the last fortnight, we’re all hoping and praying for some lively stuff from this week’s premiership fixture list. Will Lineker be putting another brave face on it come Saturday’s Match of the Day? Maybe my meander through the weekend games will give us a clue…
Best For Clean Sheets…
The big three defences all look set to boost their clean sheet tallies this weekend with Bolton, Blackburn and Sunderland providing the opposition for them. There’s also some decent mid-price prospects. In short then, it looks another week that’s ripe for defensive investment.
Chelsea’s trip to Bolton, on paper, looks the strongest option or guaranteed defensive returns. Scolari’s side have not conceded an away goal in their last five trips, while Bolton are hardly productive at home, with just a single win in the last five. Improved form and a reborn Elmander could cause Chelsea issues but it’s hard to back against Cech, Bosingwa and the rest bringing in their eleventh cleanie here. Be wary of backing Ivanovic though, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Alex restored for this one having been on the bench against the Gunners.
The other all conquering defence is of course Liverpool. Their trip to Blackburn is another which should bring dividends for investors in Arbeloa, Carragher etc. Rovers are in poor form and have scored just three goals in their last five games at Ewood. Rafa’s side in comparison, have let in just four goals in their last five trips away from Anfield. Liverpool will be smarting after dropped points against Fulham and West Ham. That may see them go on the attack a little more in this one but you’d still have to back them as a very strong bet for another clean sheet.
United shouldn’t give Sunderland a sniff at Old Trafford. The only danger in defensive terms, is that United could get complacent if they bag a few strikes early on. Ferguson’s men have scored seventeen goals in their last five home games, while Sunderland have forced opposition keepers to retrieve the ball from their nets just three times in the last five trips. Those stats point to a big win and a ninth clean sheet for United.
Moving into the mid-to-low price bracket and Fulham will fancy their chances at home to City who just don’t travel well. Hodgson’s side has plenty of defensive resolve and even against the likes of Robinho, Ireland and Wright-Phillips, this looks another possible shut-out for the Londoners.
Newcastle come into their game with Stoke off the back of strong defensive form having stumbled on the apparently rock solid defensive partnership for Collocini and Bassong. They face a Stoke side who have failed to score in their last five away games. Surely this is another good day for Given and his defence then?
Finally, owners of Laursen and Luke Young should hold firm. Villa’s trip to Goodison looked an okay prospect before the injury to Yakubu but with Saha also a doubt and Everton down to just on striker in Anichebe, it would appear that O’Neill has a good opportunity to come away from Merseyside with a shut-out and perhaps a narrow win. I do have a gut feeling about this one that tells me it should be avoided though. More on that in bit…
Best For Goals…
As mentioned in this week’s podcast, there are two games that scream goals for me. Arsenal’s encounter with Wigan at the JJB promises two busy defences, with goals at both ends. The Gunners will be looking to build on their win at Stamford Bridge and with Adebayor and Van Persie restored, they now have the cutting edge to convert chances. On the flipside, Wenger’s men have conceded ten goals in their last five home games, whereas Wigan have a good scoring record on their travels with twelve goals from their seven away games thus far. I’m expecting a scoreline around the 3-1 mark here with Arsenal’s front two and maybe the likes of Nasri and Fabregas bringing back some profit for their owners. Wigan’s chances of scoring meanwhile could rely on the fitness of Zaki, although Camara is worth holding onto if the Egyptian fails to make it.
The other game that looks to have the potential for goals is the all-London derby at Upton Park. The Hammers have tightened up beyond recognition of late but they will face a Spurs side who will be eager to get back to winning ways and who have the away form to help them do it. It’s a return for Harry to one of his old stamping grounds of course, and he’ll want to make an impression. I’m hoping for belated profits for Bent - and I also see Bellamy as a key threat for West Ham in this one. He certainly looked sharp at Anfield on Monday and his luck must change soon having struck the woodwork in consecutive games.
Aside from those two you can of course, expect goals from United at home to Sunderland. Liverpool and Chelsea may have to settle for narrow wins but Newcastle may well put a couple past Stoke if they can make the breakthrough early. Elsewhere, I see it being another sparse week for goals.
Best For Frustration…
Don’t expect your City players to have an easy ride at the Cottage – Fulham have been spoiling attacking returns for several weeks and I see them doing that again this weekend. Owners of Geovanni, King and Marney could also face unexpected blanks – simply because Hull face Boro and Southgate’s side love to give fantasy managers very little to shout about. Could be a 1-1 here with no significant defensive or attacking returns all round.
Although I’ve mentioned the strong possibility of a Villa shut-out at Goodison, I still don’t trust this Villa defence for consistency. Everton are due a result at home after some poor displays and we could easily be looking at a 1-1 here with Cahill likely to step up his game in the absence of Everton’s key strikers. I’m not expecting too much from this one then.
I also expect Alex to be back.. Having a bet on him this week end
Reply by Tombo on December 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm:
No mention of any Pompey players ?
Thirst!
Thanks Mark
Reply by Like etc or something on December 4th, 2008 3:16 pm:
awkward
On this third day of the month, let me say that I vote for Van Persie for captain this week!
Reply by AndyC on December 3rd, 2008 6:37 pm:
As an outside bet, I’d say Berbatov is worth a look… he’s due a hatful of points at Old Trafford.
But I’ll no doubt lack the balls to captain him and give the armband to CR&, as per.
Reply by AndyC on December 3rd, 2008 6:38 pm:
CR7, that’ll be. Damn that shift key.
Mark,
if you aren’t expecting many goals, why not change your “weekly scout picks” XI to play 5-4-1, so you can cram some extra defenders in?
Reply by Aris on December 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm:
I think because Mark traditionally goes with a 4-4-2, and so enabling a sub (2nd option) in each category.
Reply by Roger Milla on December 3rd, 2008 6:37 pm:
Maybe it’s time for a change?
Mark, from people’s comments on here, plus your links to CTC and the FPL websites, it seems that 90% of readers play the FPL game, rather than TFF, TFFO or the others.
Maybe you should therefore consider changing your formation each week as can be done in FPL, although I realise formation options are more limited in some of the other games.
Reply by Mark on December 3rd, 2008 7:00 pm:
Nah, although clearly I’m biased towards the FPL in the articles here, I like to have some hard fast rules with the picks to discipline my selection each week. The picks aren’t meant as a complete team for people to replicate – its more like individual recommendations for each position which happen to be structured in a 4-4-2 with subs.
Also the subs allow you to see my selection in any change of formation. I make sure I always pick an extra for each position to allow for that.
Reply by Roger Milla on December 4th, 2008 8:56 am:
fair enough!
I hope Defoe/Crouch keep banging those goals in against the baggies, and hopefully Johnson will be providing those assists.
Will Defoe play or will Adams be a plonker?
Reply by Roger Milla on December 3rd, 2008 6:46 pm:
I hope so!
He’s fit, scoring and playing the 2nd worst defence in the league!
Reply by Rich Uncle Skeleton on December 3rd, 2008 8:45 pm:
he’ll definitely play bar an injury- it’s not Anfield
Reply by Ed on December 3rd, 2008 11:06 pm:
He’ll play for sure:).
Reply by Makara on December 4th, 2008 9:11 am:
unless injured tonight
Mark –
Great shout on Bellamy!!! I like what I’m hearing… Been monitoring him for a while and he is at the centre of everything great that WHam is doing – he’s just been so terribly unlucky not to bring in the goals.
Reply by Dhubanmonkey on December 3rd, 2008 6:48 pm:
Bellamy would be fine if he has any long term supply behind him.
Reply by Ibracadabra on December 3rd, 2008 6:52 pm:
Good point, but with Cole back up front attracting the bigger bodies as a target man, and Noble returning to fitness (along with breakout seasons and improved service from Faubert/Behrami) I think Bellamy can produce.. He takes free kicks and corner kicks and is involved in all the best attacking plays. I would not be surprised at all if he finished with over 10 league goals.
Reply by Mark on December 3rd, 2008 6:57 pm:
I’m not sure on his mid-to-long-term potential – his “tackle” on Monday demonstrated the problems there. However, on a short-term, one week basis, he’s worth a look. He looks lively, and if the fixtures are in his favour, he is worth considering. He’s getting close to my picks this week that’s for sure.
Reply by Ibracadabra on December 3rd, 2008 7:10 pm:
Good points. Definitely worth a look, as is AJ at Fulham – I feel like we are living in 2003 or 2004 all over again…
Reply by Granville on December 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm:
AJ is in the same league, playing for a side that won’t score too many goals. I’m considering him this week as they’re playing against Manchester midtablers and their wide open back door.
Reply by Granville on December 3rd, 2008 8:07 pm:
Sorry my mistake, Manchester Nearthebottomtablers.
Reply by dunk on December 3rd, 2008 9:50 pm:
Naughty Granville.
This is my team
Cech – Schwarzer
L Young Agger Arbeloa Figeruoa A Traore
Ireland Ronaldo Lampard Geovanni Delap
Zaki Bent Agbonlahor
I have 1.2M in the bank and am looking to upgrade Agger to Evra after gameweek 18, so to save 0.5M in the bank for that time.
Other immediate prospects include Defoe this week for Zaki?, Camara next week for Bent? (just to save $ for future moves), and maybe even Bassong for Figueroa in the defense…
what do you guys think is the most pressing need for this weekend and would you take a -4 to bring in Defoe…
has Delap’s “throw in novelty item” expired too? Ill keep him for 2-3 weeks max, then dump him too… let me know what you think…
thanks!
Reply by Ibracadabra on December 3rd, 2008 7:12 pm:
Zaki to Camara and Delap up to A Young? Then you are really riding Villa’s long term strength with L Young, A Young, and Agbonlahor…
test
————–Cech
—-Bosingwa–Evra–Johnson
Young–Geovanni–Ronaldo(C)–Ireland
–Van Persie–Martins–Defoe
Schwarzer, Teixiera, Pantsil, Figeuroa
Any attractive team for December me thinks but at a cost; after 12 GWs of no points hits I decided to take a 12 pointer last night..
Reply by Makara on December 4th, 2008 9:14 am:
Your midfield might come unstuck this weekend
So is it a risk to play 3 liverpool defenders this week?
namely reina, carragher and agger
im considering banching agger for delap
but……..delap has misfired for a few and newcastle are doin ok
decisions decisions! Liverpool 4 a cleanie? unpredictable (as this season has been so far(
Reply by Alan on December 3rd, 2008 7:29 pm:
hey, i’m cantona! Three Liverpool defenders is probably 18 points in the bag,
Reply by Cantona on December 3rd, 2008 7:47 pm:
Looks like you’re Alan to me
Hpefully a solid 18 points! Don’t have much faith in scousers though!
Reply by LoveMeThatCantona on December 3rd, 2008 8:36 pm:
I am Spartacus!
Reply by Barkerov on December 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm:
Thats still the best celebration in football.
the ol Spartacus looking down on all with contempt..
Reply by Makara on December 4th, 2008 9:16 am:
Blackburn will score goals. 5 in last 2
Reply by Granville on December 3rd, 2008 8:08 pm:
Eggs and basket come to mind. May well pay off but risky.
yeah can see you getting very annoyed when a goal comes in the 90+3min
Reply by Granville on December 3rd, 2008 8:25 pm:
That’s a thought. The biggest points loss that is possible with a single goal must be -12 points(3 defenders). And the biggest points haul with a single goal must be 9 points(defender + assist).
Reply by Cantona on December 3rd, 2008 8:43 pm:
Im really undecided over the whole eggs in basket as you put it
Last minute changes aplenty I think
Might stick with delap and play safe, but wheres the fun in that haha
Especially as newcastle will likely thump stoke
Reply by AB on December 4th, 2008 1:08 am:
I think you’ve got to be prepared to gamble a bit to get ahead – I’ve played 3 Liverpool defenders for each of the past three weeks and it has worked a treat. That said, I’ll be back to two this weekend.
Reply by LoreOfFrankalinho on December 4th, 2008 11:31 am:
Unless you’ve also captained one of those defenders.
Anyone any ideas on whether Rafael is likely to get the right back slot on a regular basis from now on? I realise this will always be under threat with Brown and Neville but if he becomes first choice he could be worthy of investment
Reply by Will on December 3rd, 2008 8:31 pm:
not on fpl he won’t
Reply by LoveMeThatCantona on December 3rd, 2008 8:42 pm:
What Will telepathically sent, TMills, was that Rafael is listed as a midfielder on FPL – and therefore will only receive 1 point for shutouts, rather than 4. Also, the consequence of playing fullback is that he will be less involved in goals/assists (although he does push up as much as Evra, so always a possibility) than he would if truly playing a middie. Hence, much of the negatives without the full positives in a player subject to rotation.
Reply by Barkerov on December 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm:
Next season if they class him as defender hed be a great buy
Chaps – any thoughts on Sidwell for the trip to Goodison? There’s something about this lad that makes me want to sign him.
Its probably just cuz I can afford him
Thoughts gentlefolk!
YMD
Reply by Ed on December 3rd, 2008 11:08 pm:
Well Everton have one striker fit so I can’t see them being too attack minded- Sidwell has looked good but in that price bracket I’d go for Ireland/Geovanni:).
Reply by Rich Uncle Skeleton on December 4th, 2008 2:14 am:
i refuse to have ireland or geovanni, and yes i know it’s foolhardy but what have we come to when even our cheap MF’s are all the same?!
was looking at sidwell last week but opted for milner as with a bit of research on villatalk discovered that villa fans expect sidwell to make way when carew comes back. not saying that will 100% be the case but certainly worth noting.
any thoughts on Man City’s supposed £129 mil bid for Casillas? Absolutely stupid money imo. If it was a real offer then Real should have jumped on it.
Reply by Cantona on December 3rd, 2008 8:46 pm:
city may continue to stiff glue for as long as they want, they are nowhere near good enough for a REAL quality player that has any common sence to join them and their brigade towards millionaire fantasy football
Reply by JWF on December 3rd, 2008 8:48 pm:
Agree with on that! Real should’ve bit their hands off!!
Why bid £129m for Casillas?! You could probably get Chech for about a third of that! Better still offer £8m for Green and spend the rest of the £121m on whoever else in the world you want!
Reply by JWF on December 3rd, 2008 8:49 pm:
Can you imagine how much he’d be in FPL?! That have to put him in at about £20-25m! Can’t see there being many takers!
Reply by Will on December 3rd, 2008 8:55 pm:
nah, I think he’d be 6-6.5, still crap value tho
Reply by Ed on December 3rd, 2008 11:13 pm:
I don’t think that City will be able to get the top stars until they are pushing for at least a top six finish. Younger players however will be in their grasp, I’d see a bid for Vela or Yaya Toure maybe in the window;).
Evra has gotten booked 5 times, doesn’t this mean he misses the next match?
Reply by Las Cebollitas on December 3rd, 2008 9:39 pm:
He is available for the next game (sunderland), but is banned for Spurs the week after.
Reply by luckyG on December 3rd, 2008 11:16 pm:
thanks for clearing that up
In my opinion I do not think a good idea- sidwell has not done too much yet apart from one beauty and a couple of mess ups.He was pretty bad in last game and subbed game before… cheers
sorry that was directed at Your mate Dave at 8:36pm
hey… im thinking bout going 4-5-1 this week…
cech
turner carragher bosingwa ( griffin meite )
lampard ronaldo ireland geovanni delap
bent ( miller agbonalahor )
So I will get rid of agbonlahor… n get maybe Fuller… but who should I take in for DEF… or get rid of Delap n get a new guy for MID… any ideas ?
Vidic ? Kuyt ? Arteta ? Arbeloa ? Who ?
Reply by denial on December 3rd, 2008 9:19 pm:
If it’s any use, I’m playing Miller this weekend and not Delap. You could play 3-4-2 without making changes?
Reply by denial on December 3rd, 2008 9:20 pm:
I wouldn’t get rid of Gabby Abong just yet…
Reply by Roger Milla on December 4th, 2008 9:06 am:
3-4-2? i would have thought you would want to at least start with 11 players!
;o)
Reply by tippo on December 4th, 2008 9:54 am:
yer ! hahaa ! im struggling here… 4-4-2 or 4-5-1… been gettin so shit points w strikers…
but who to upgrade and who to downgrade! thats is the question!
Reply by denial on December 4th, 2008 1:03 pm:
You can play 11??? No wonder I’m not doing very well at this game!!!
is the fiso site pretty accurate? Does everyone think johnson (pompey) will not go up tonight?cheers
Tevez really should be getting more games for Utd. Hat-trick tonight.
Reply by Rich Uncle Skeleton on December 4th, 2008 2:16 am:
come home carlos!!
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on December 4th, 2008 1:59 pm:
Tevez was great last night but pissed me off when he tried to be greedy and shoot when he could have squared in to Anderson for an easy tap in, which was exactly what Anderson did for him for his hat-trick when he could have easily scored himself to open his goal-scoring account for Man U.
Anderson is looking like a really complete and mature player who I think should be a regular starter.
As for Nani – He irritates me with flashes of brilliance and lots of failed attempts and wasted possesion (reminds me of Ronaldo when he first joined!). Nani – either improve or get out. I would give him a couple of seasons though for sure.
Tevez is there now only to play these other games that Rooney and Berb don’t play. In the press conference did you see the disappointment on SAF face when he said Berb was out for 2 weeks. Now, how many goals did Man U score when Berb was out. Hmmm 2 nil all draws. Nuf said.
Reply by Las Cebollitas on December 3rd, 2008 9:37 pm:
I would prefer to see Berba and Rooney and so would SAF, however, Tevez will start this weekend – not a shadow of doubt about that mate. What do you think SAF is saying to Tevez before these games, probably something along the lines of ’show me what you can do and give me a selection problem etc’ – you can’t do much better than a hat-trick. Rooney and Tevez at the weekend – no doubt about it. I don’t think SAF has put Berba and Tevez together yet for 90 mins – he obviously doesn’t fancy them as a pairing. Rooney won’t get dropped as SAF seems bessotted with him.
Reply by LoveMeThatCantona on December 3rd, 2008 9:59 pm:
How ’bouta four-pack?
Reply by Nico1 on December 3rd, 2008 9:56 pm:
Not sure about that Manuel. Berba did not have a single occasion against City and SAF might remember how well Man U attack was with Rooneeeeey and Tevez last year.
Not saying that Berba will drop on the bench but I would not be surprised if Berba is out after 60mins or might even be rested for a few games this year (like Wayne was a few games ago).
BENT! oh no, I took him out for Defoe…
Reply by Mark on December 3rd, 2008 9:30 pm:
Yeah..I nearly did the same tonight but just hung on in case he did what he’s just done. Still no guarantees for the weekend of course but I do see some goals at Upton Park. You’ll be alright with Defoe though denial as long as it was a free transfer.
Reply by CK on December 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm:
I took in Defoe for Bent costing me 4 points. I just can’t have Bent anymore! I had him start of the season too. Enough is enough!
Reply by Qubit on December 4th, 2008 9:44 am:
Bloody frustrating all these players hitting a little bit of form, then doing sod all and then to make matters worse just when you might transfer them out they do something that makes you think you should have held on to them.
Of course the players that you do hang on to will continue doing sod all until the week after you ship em out!!
i dont agree with the boro/hull prediction. hull are due a win and should take care of southgate easy…they shoulda won last week bar a dodgy peno..im only sayin this cos ive got geo, marney and turner!
Anyone any idea when Dawson is due back? I’d consider him this weekend if he’s back.
Argentina! Argentina! Argentina!
I really hope fergie starts playin tevez more often, I feel his pain, absolutely immense last season did so much for the club deserves to start week in week out
Just hard to play Berbs, Ron, Roon and tevez all at once
Reply by Comfy Coxy on December 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm:
PS. Please don’t cry for me Argentina.
Reply by dunk on December 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm:
I’ve got to agree with you Cantona, the desire and heart in the Argentinian would make him a fans favourite whoever he played for. He deserves the chance to become a United legend. Do you think he could be incorporated in an advanced midfield role? He’s such a hard worker he might prosper there. I certainly hope Fergie finds a role for him soon or he’s going to be a big loss.
Reply by Cantona on December 4th, 2008 8:57 am:
could even play rooney in an advanced mid role with ronaldo on the right, tevez left and Berba down the middle
Berbatov however drops back too much to do that I think
Reply by Pasqualinho on December 3rd, 2008 10:42 pm:
Berbatov, Tevez, Rooney, Ronaldo, Vidic, VDS to all start on Saturday, I think.
No-one else, just the six of them. It’s only Sunderland.
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Carlos Tevez (9.15 on 90 minutes).
Here’s a question…how many goals does a player have to score to achieve 10/10 on the BBC website?
Surely 4 from Tevez should be enough to be rated more than 9?!
Reply by Tombo on December 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm:
Youre right. Thats why he was rated 9.15
.
Reply by dunk on December 3rd, 2008 10:35 pm:
To give 10/10 would cause offence to the gods.
Reply by Rich Uncle Skeleton on December 4th, 2008 2:24 am:
i remember i had berbatov captain last year when he scored 4 against Reading- he only got 1 bonus point with defoe getting 2 for no goals in the less than 20 minutes he played!… sort of related… im just still bitter
Reply by Roger Milla on December 4th, 2008 9:10 am:
You do know that the ratings are based on viewer’s scores?
Therefore even a player who scores 100 goals in a match will not get a rating of 10.0 as enough people will always submit a lower score, as they might support a rival club, or are just mucking around.
Has anyone ever seen a higher score than Tevez’ 9.15?
Reply by Comfy Coxy on December 4th, 2008 4:39 pm:
I see what you mean but I don’t get how anyone that scores 4 goals in one match could ever get rated anything other than 10.
I see dead people!
Just voted for Ronaldo in the captains poll and see that he is way ahead this week. It should be a big one V black cats at home!
Who is the best striker in the prem fo fantasy footie-long-term?
Top three
Reply by dunk on December 3rd, 2008 11:05 pm:
Robinho, Torres, Drogba
Reply by Cantona on December 3rd, 2008 11:07 pm:
Hard one that Pierre
Defoe
Berbatov (isnt scoring much but gets assists/bonus) or Robinho (not consistent)
Agbonlahor
long term that is, anelka obv would be there but I dnt think long term
Reply by Cantona on December 3rd, 2008 11:08 pm:
thats regarding injuries and current form too
Reply by dunk on December 3rd, 2008 11:15 pm:
Yeah, my Robinho, Torres, Drogba was assuming long term and they’re all fit/selected. Berbatov would join them if we made it the four best assuming fitness and not in order!
Reply by cyberPUNK on December 4th, 2008 12:22 am:
i’d say:
defoe
torres
berbatov
Reply by Roger Milla on December 4th, 2008 9:12 am:
Long term:
1) Torres
2) Adebayor
3) Berbatov
Right Now:
1) Defoe
2) Robinho
3) Anelka
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on December 4th, 2008 12:46 pm:
I agree with Roger, although I think that Agbonlahor could squeeze into the top three over the next 3-5 gameweeks
(I hope so anyway cause I am too nervous about Adams to switch Defoe back in, especially for a 4 point hit like many seem to have done – Agbon is a guaranteed starter and can explode at any time without warning).
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on December 4th, 2008 4:31 pm:
(just like Frans nad-sack)
Reply by Sat on December 4th, 2008 4:46 pm:
RVP
Defoe
Anelka
I may be pointing out the bleedin’ obvious to the learned FFS contributors, but has anyone noticed our league is numero uno in the FPL game?? Well done chaps and chapettes. This of course has probably been going on for a while, but i only just saw today.
Reply by Rich Uncle Skeleton on December 4th, 2008 2:28 am:
if you ain’t in the top 5, you’re taking too much credit! it’s only their average, great to see though.
Reply by Granville on December 4th, 2008 9:42 am:
Mark mentioned those guys in the Scoutcast
I just swapped Zaki for Andy Johnson. It was between and King but I liked the idea of just playing Johnson when Fulham are at home, like this week.
Reply by Granville on December 4th, 2008 9:43 am:
Good swap Feanor, I’m thinking long and hard about this one, Fulham are bound to score.
Reply by Tim on December 4th, 2008 9:52 am:
Could Zamora even get in on the action?!
Just brought in Laursen for Traore paid 0.1 more than I should have though
What to do with Agger?
3 Liverpool defenders are the way to go, did this for 2 weeks in a row and it’s saved my bacon.
Why do people still bleet on about Berbatov? There are no signs of improvment at all.
we are a fair way into the season now and i feel like ive hit the wall, the side feels a little unbalanced, i’m partly happy but really need a defence overhaul
schwartzer (turnbull)
young – bosingwa – agger (figuora,garrido)
lampard – ronaldo – carrick – ireland (marney)
anelka – agbonlahor – defoe.
is it worth downgrading anelka to a 6mil striker to boost the defence?
maybe go bos/agger/evra/rotate the last spot
or better to play big up front and skinny at the back with 3?
thoughts would be apreciated
Reply by Makara on December 4th, 2008 10:52 am:
not a bad team.
You could have a punt on Djourou clean sheet this weekend?
Could any of you spare advice for my team, I got a merely 18 points last weekend, and my team is in tatters!
Cech | Schwarzer
Alex | Agger | Traore | Belhadj | Figueroa
Ronaldo | Lampard | Texiera | Ireland | Bentley
Defoe | Zaki | Bent & 0.8m in the bank
I think my problem is the pompey duo at the back, which I was going to change this week however pompey have WBA (a) and not too sure if to risk it, and I just jumped on the bent/bentley bandwagon for cash, but fancy both this week…
Any help would be appreciated!
Reply by JJ on December 4th, 2008 9:32 am:
I have the same problem with Traore and Belhadj and am thinking I might take the risk and swap one for Young. No doubt whatever decision I make it’ll be the wrong one
Also been debating getting rid of Lamps to get a big 4 defender.
I’d bench Schwarzer, Zaki, Teixiera, and Fig and swap Traore or Belhadj for Johnson, Hangeland or Young.
Reply by Tim on December 4th, 2008 9:36 am:
Just out of interest which one will go first?
Traore could be back in the team and playing in midfield. Belhadj seems more sure of a start but is playing left-back in a team that keep conceeding.
Reply by Tim on December 4th, 2008 9:38 am:
I just say that because for the last 4/5 weeks ive been giving Traore ‘one more week’ to see what happens, but thats got to come to an end eventually.
Other options for transfer are Zamora, but im struggling to see a decent similarly priced alternative- was definately going for Fuller, then Mark says stoke aint scored away for 5 games (and Newcastle have 3 cleanies in a row- not that I worry about that!)
Reply by Hman on December 4th, 2008 10:05 am:
Haha JJ/Tim
thats my exact dilemma, ideally i would like to swap both for Johnson, but my funds wont allow me to get an alternative
actually I think I can just, if I do a 4 point hit on Belhadj and Traore for Johnson and Paintsil…
But i really think pompey are due a cleany this week so would it be worth it
/
Oh the pain!
Reply by Makara on December 4th, 2008 11:18 am:
Pompey will not get a clean sheet away this
Reply by JJ on December 4th, 2008 1:43 pm:
Yup, I’m not convinced about Pompey getting a clean sheet either. Such a toughy. I’ve also got Bosingwa, Hangeland and Zayette and have been playing a 352. No idea who to risk playing or benching this week.
Reina (Schwarzer)
Bosingwa, Traore, Belhadj (Hangeland, Zayette)
Ron (C), Lamps, Arteta, Delap, Ireland – predictive I know and want to change over the next few weeks.
Bent, Crouch (Fuller)
Any ideas???
Reply by Dougw on December 4th, 2008 10:10 am:
Don’t drop Lamps
I am thinking of benching Ireland for Bassong. Am I crazy?
David – crazy.. Bassong maybe lucky to keep a clean sheet.. As a Newcastle fan, I’m not convinced about our defence.. Stoke are likley to score!
Hman – Alex out for Laursen?? and either Bentley/Bent out.. Bandwagon over
Reply by Hman on December 4th, 2008 10:02 am:
For whom?
Was going stick with alex for this weekend as i’m pretty sure he’ll play, but maybe get rid of bentley but not really sure for who.
Reply by Dougw on December 4th, 2008 10:12 am:
Kranjcar
Reply by Hman on December 4th, 2008 10:15 am:
I already have 3 pompey players
S
Hey guys I’m not convinced about and Olsson > Bassong trade with a 4 point hit.. but something is changing my mind!!! could play the 5 at back with Bassong as Olsson’s 1 point a week is annoying!!
Lol contradicted myself there.. either way, Olsson shits me!
At least Zamora will guarantee you 2 points!! I’d rather have Miller or Sidibe
Reply by Tim on December 4th, 2008 9:47 am:
There was that one week he got bonus taking him to a whopping 3 points!
Reply by Granville on December 4th, 2008 6:06 pm:
I had him the week he scored
Yeah hard to believe I know, a whopping 8 points.
Sorry if it’s already been mentioned (too many posts in non-specific threads, too little time) but Torres is out for at least a month. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h.....764335.stm
Reply by Marknlard on December 4th, 2008 10:15 am:
I like Rafa blaming the national team…
Does anybody know why Defoe’s price hasn’t gone up when he if nearly 150% on crack the code? over 20000 transfers in and no price rise???
Odd?