Didier Drogba (And Kalou) Back For The Double?
There’s nothing like the African Cup of Nations of all tournaments to muddy the waters for us. With the Ivory Coast having just been knocked out of the tournament by Algeria (I hope you were watching, Mr Capello) Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou look like they will be heading back to the Chelsea squad sooner than they will have hoped – and just before their impending double gameweek. Interesting.
However having travelled to Africa to participate in this tournament will most certainly have taken a certain toll on Drogba physically as well as mentally. Thanks to Togo’s unfortunate disqualification Drogba has only had to take part in three games before being knocked out tonight – but alongside the stifling heat, having just played 120 minutes and needing to fly back to London, the Birmingham fixture this Wednesday certainly seems too soon for the Ivorian…
When Drogba played his last game for Chelsea (in the 2-1 victory over Fulham) he picked up his fifth yellow card and the commentators of the game set speculation abound when stating that he would have to serve his suspension on return from international duty, rather than while he was away in Angola. The FA’s own suspension lists (here and here) don’t seem to back this up, and Chelsea’s own match report differed in opinion as well:
Drogba will be suspended for our FA Cup match against Watford on Sunday. Five yellow cards before the end of December results in a one match suspension.
It seems we can breath a sigh of relief on that front, but what of Chelsea going forward now? Nicolas Anelka has been in top form for the Blues of late but if Mr. Ancelotti decides to throw Drogba back into the game right away will he have to be second fiddle to a man who lit up the Premier League in the first half of the season (a man who certainly caught our eye)?
Will his early return also have an effect on Frank Lampard? The Chelsea midfielder bagged two goals playing in the christmas tree formation for Chelsea last week, will a potential return to the diamond again stifle the premium midfielder? Can we even add Didier Drogba to the list of considerations going forward for the impending double fixture, or is his participation a risk too far?
So many questions while answers are few and far between for now. Given that Chelsea are due to host a stingy Birmingham defence this coming Wednesday (also picked out by us); if you can it may even prove to be prescient to hold fire for now while we wait for word to come out of the Chelsea camp. Hopefully they will give us some hints as the week progresses – and if and when they do, we will be on hand to let you know all about what they have to say.
Oh, and Kalou will probably be back too.
About the Author
Andy has scored fantasy own goals since before the game began.
with diaby and ohara beggin to be knocked out of my team and with me wantin tevez for defoe next week along with my reluctance for point hits i’ve resigned myself to being stuck with arshavin through his tough fixtures.. which means i might as well resign myself to seein him in my team all season.. sigh
Anyone know when the fantasy cup draw might be made?
P.S. could you might having a peek at my team and make any suggestions.
I have already made Dempsey > N’zog
Cup draw should be on your screen now!
Let the games begin. Can’t wait anymore!!!
Regarding the Utaka tweet just posted, I put him on my watchlist yesterday because my mate who’s a Pompey fan says A) this is the first time this season he’s been played in his preferred position through the middle rather than on the wing, and he scored 2 goals, and B) with the lack of players they’re suffering, Pompey will be forced to make full use of Utaka. It’s a long shot, but desperate times…
At 5.0 in FPL he’s in the same bracket as the likes of Gera, Collison, Eagles & Lee. Portsmouth’s fixtures could be worse too. They have leaky West Ham at Fratton Park, then an away DGW, a trip to Old Trafford, and then two mid-table home fixtures and a trip to Turf Moor: WHM mcy/ful mun SUN STK bur.
Piquiene. Cheaper. Safer. Better.
Utaka’s classed as a midfielder though, which helps.
I was looking at him too bud. Bullard being back fit will likely scupper his chances for my team team tho. But thats just me.
so utaka’ll play upfront? wont KPB play behind the striker?
I think KPB is doubtful
Guys, who do you reckon is the best option for a 5.4m or less midfielder for this week and this week only? (thinking of using WC next week)
Cheers
Dunn if fit and then Lee Bolton.
Utaka? See above comments.
Lee
2 weeks from now when someone asks where the hell did the utaka bandwagon start from and why do i have him in my team.. i can say i was present
Weiss – Bolton
Using a WC I’m under the assumption that you can continually make changes until the next deadline?
i.e. on tuesday after the deadline I could use the WC but I can continue to make changes until the Saturday deadlinne?
Yup. It lasts from the start of the GW (Including any transfers already done) up until the GW closes. All transfers are free.
Correct!
Cheers. This is the situation where making transfers early i.e. Tevez makes sense as you can act before any price rise take place and replace them if nessessary later in the week due to injury etc
I think Utaka could be a good thing based on the fact that he is registered as a midfielder, but will def play upfront tomorrow night. Not sure, he or Pompey will do very well in the DGW though.
For me its between Gera or Utaka. I’m probably going to go for Utaka based on the fact that Pompey should give West Ham a good game but I think Fulham will struggle at Spurs.
Anyway, Fabregas or Anelka for captain? Would appreciate help. I am struggling as I don’t think any of the fixtures this week are easy predictions.
I’m personally going for Kuyt as a differential captain because I am a madman.
is it true fat frank is injured??
dunno but mAtt taylor is!!!!!!!
whats chances of matty playing this week??
Wildcard Time. This is my first stab:
Gomes (Robinson)
Nelsen Ridgewell Dawson Baird (Garrido)
Fabs Eagles Lamps Gera Dunn
Anelka (Rooney Tevez)
Drogs to come in next week. Im ditching Arshavin, ACole and Evra to have Drog, Lampard, Rooney and Tevez.What you think?
Would like to see at least one high price defender in there. You have 5 high prices players, which comes at a cost – i.e. the rest of your squad is pretty budget.
yeah, looking at my team’s performance this year, Its the pricey attacking players along with some overperforming cheap players who are making the points. Mid priced players are not really scoring that well for me.
too many big guns imo
You should ditch lamps from that team and upgrade the likes of eagles (I think the could do a hull on it like the second half of last season with the managerial change), garrido (swap for someone who will actually play) and at least one decent top four def (I would hold onto cashley or evra but up to youself), dunn (too injury prone for my liking and you should defo not have three bburn players in a wc team imo)
Also if you are looking for an extra 0.2m kelly for fulham might be better than baird.
So lamps to another midfielder (modric maybe who could be swapped for arteta when he is back) and this should give you nearly 5m for your upgrades.
cheers lads
Who should I buy for Valencia? Up to 10M to spend!
dirk
Am already looking at Insua for Evra. Not entirely sure if I can trust two ‘pool lads in my team as of yet. But an interesting thought to ponder nonetheless!
Im planning my WC for GW24:
This is the team im considering:
Hart Robinson
Baird Evra Ivanovic Zabaleta Ridgewell
Fabs Milner Duff Dunn N’Zogbia
Tevez Rooney Drogs/Anelka
Any comments…
Lovely.
Jealous
Just a couple of points. Be careful over Zabaleta, i heard Man City might be signing a right-back so he could fall out of favour. Does Baird play? I dont know dont follow Fulham much. Is Dunn fit? Again dont know havent seen much about him.
Apart from those 3 small points team looks very good.
Im unsure over Zabaleta and he is a risk. Baird has played in the last 15 or so games for fulham. Not sure in which position mind?
Dunn is again a gamble. But knowing blackburn only have the league now to concentrate on makes him more likely to play each game.
no1 really gives a shit unless its this gameweek, too much could happen. its like talking about the shit youre gonna shite IF you eat beans on toast. you havent even eaten the beans on toast yet, so speculation would be pure shitetalk.
Well Im planning on making the move tomorrow night making it quite relevant. Knowing that I can make changes right up until the deadline.
To be fair he’s bought the beans, and the bread, and even knows what time the toast is going on!
I know what you mean though
Is it possible to have all those stars in one team?
Sorry I don’t have time to do the numbers.
0.1 to spare
I need to pick one striker to play this week and this week only, any value. (WC used and bringing Drog in next GW)
Logic says I should pick a game this Tuesday and make sure i pick a striker that is playing, say Defoe. But I just don’t trust Spurs and would rather Saha i think…which in itself is very risky. Klasnic also tempts me but he will never get a full 90 mins.
What striker would you pick?
You should be safe with Anelka
Sorry, forgot to mention I have Anelka and Tevez already. Need someone to keep Drog’s shirt warm for a week.
Double fronting the Chelsea attack? Bold move.
As you say, I would take my pick from the starters tomorrow – and Defoe should probably be top of the list.
As long as there are reassurances that Drog is back and likely to feature I will get him in.
I don’t really see this is an issue for Anelkas’ output.
They will both start both games if fit.
Oh, and i will have Lamps….eeek.
Yeah, now with Droggy draws maybe eing back I’ll be keeping Rooney (crossing my fingers Man City win) and make a decision on one of the Chelsea strikers on friday.
I’ve got Ivanovic and can afford one more Chelsea bod, be it Lamps or another defender.
diamanti
RBJ – behave.
one week Si? i was serious man! i have him
Would rather have Bent for one week than the snood man for two. Is diamanti definitely going to start? Risky in my book.
You’ll know if he starts by 1930 tomorrow.
I am bringing in Saha this week and this week only myself. I was just a little worried about his potential to get a full 90 minutes. But I reckon he’s in anyways.
I may even captain him, but that really does get me a bit worried.
Its a tough call…what about Kalasnic of Blackburn?
If I knew Saha was starting I would pick him but with a real lack of back-up this GW, I just cant trust him enough to actually be fit.
He has a track record of late injury declarations.
Yeah, my worry with him too. Had a look at Landon Donovan but I haven’t seen enough of him play to decide on him. He does seem to have been up for it in the last couple of games tho.
Wait for tomorrow – might be news of Carlton Cole. I know WH don’t have a DGW anymore, but their fixtures are really strong, and he is a real bargain.
I have a similar dilema Si. I currently have Tevez, Bent and Rod upfront – one of which is going to have to make way for the Drog double (if he plays in it). Problem is, they all have great fixtures coming up..
Great strike force. I will copy You and relax. Great value all of them. Maybe Tevez after the double for Rooney or Drogs. Stick with it. IT will pay of.
Yeah they are all great value – but not having drogs when he’s back and firing will just seem so wrong!
Easy peasy Alan. Bring in Drog and N’Zog for Rod and a midfielder.
Good shout B&B. Almost completely rhymed too which would have been excellent.
Bent, seems to be able to score against anyone?
Defoe, risky as he often does nothing, but Fulham are useless on the road.
Bent does have a great record but I feel if Spurs score quite early, then Defoe has the potential to fill his boots where as I dont see Bent scoring more than once at Goodison.
Not impossible that Defoe will get rested this week? At least I should be able to get their 8pm team news in time.
Going to be frantic though.
i really need help…2 free transfers, what do i do??
gallas and arshavin out for nelson and lampard????
Gallas>Nelsen is fine, but do Taylor>Duff.
News is just in that Taylor is injured.
Its my first year of FF, and I made a balls of it earlier in the season by playing my wildcard without knowing what it did! Oops.
Right now I’m struggling to field a team for this gameweek.
I’m crazily tempted into making 5 transfers this week, taking a 16 point hit, but improving my team immensely. How do you guys feel about these transfers? (Click my name to see current team)
Sorensen replaced by Green
Sagna replaced by Baird
Shawcross replaced by Nelsen
Fletcher replaced by Fabregas
Fletcher replaced by Piquionne
I could possibly then swap Rooney for Drogba the following week, or, in another fit of “madness” Could swap Tevez and Diaby/Modric out for Drogba in.
Thoughts on all of this?
Cheers
I can’t say all transfers are sound. As a rule of thumb, take point hits for players who you are intending to keep for the long haul.
Green has some good fixtures in the next few weeks, including a DGW, always good for save points too even if they don’t keep clean sheets.
I was always aiming to bring in Nelsen, as I feel Blackburn are about to hit a decent stretch of games/results.
Sagna is overpriced and an underperfomer. Arsenal aren’t too good for the clean sheets, Baird on the other hand is a cheap player, and “downgrading” to him will make no difference in points yield, but frees up cash elsewhere.
Fletcher for Fabregas is a guaranteed keeper. Simple
S.Fletcher hasn’t scored enough for me to keep him on as my 3rd striker, whereas Piquionne has a DGW coming up, and is likely to be the only real goal threat at Portsmouth?
Green’s DGW has been postponed.
I think Fabregas is worth taking a hit for, and getting rid of DFletcher makes sense.
I’d get rid of Diaby this GW so you can be sure of 11 players. You currently have Sorensen, Shawcross, Valencia, DFletcher, Rooney and Tevez missing fixtures. Diaby is injured. You have Jensen as cover in goal, but I’d shift DFletcher, Diaby and Valencia/Shawcross.
I don’t think Green, Baird or Piquionne justify 4 point hits this week.
help not sure who to transfer
hart/ sorenson
evra/cole/dunne/craddock/r johnson
fabregas/valencia/milner/nzogbia/edwards
rooney/tevez/bent
thinking of rooney for anelka… any thoughts?
Edwards is injured, right? So you’re down Evra, Valencia, Rooney, Tevez & Edwards?
I’d do Rooney to Defoe and Valencia to Lampard if you can stretch. Edwards would be a worry though.
For one week and one week only…
Dawson or Cahill?
tough but Dawson Id say
id go with cahil
Definitely Cahill…though i have both, but i’d start cahill given the choice
Hi guys, would really appreciate some advice and reasons!
Thinking Shawcross and Valencia to Nelsen and Kuyt
Also looked at Zog/Gera, but if Kuyt striker for Liverpool he’s worth a pop no? Drog in next week, along with someone for Arsh. Thoughts appreciated!
Technically I shouldn’t advice a guy higher than me in the rankings, but I have my reservations about Kuyt, especially at 9m.
What if Rafa gives N’gog a chance up front with Aquilani in the hole? that will shunt kuyt to the right wing & from there, its pretty hard for him to return his value imo.
Drog is next week is absolutely fine.
id matbe bench valencia as i think he’s in for the long hall
Cheers guys. Good point Deovrat, although I dont think Rafa will put Kuyt out wide, it could happen.
Finest warriot-I wonder about keeping Rooney and Valencia….he seems to do it against the weaker teams but im not sure about the rest of the time..plus he;s not playing this week but you could have a point!haha
Maybe Zog neds more attention….
tevez and Drog in next week, was planning to keep Rooney too…
kuyt does hit the odd purple patch but his pts/gm last season (except for the last 6 games when he hit such a purple patch) was only 4.2 and that was an exceptional season for him imo.
Not worth the 9.1m for me. Might be worth a punt at around 7m maybe
Think thats Kuyt gone, good points! Maybe Zog and Nelsen then…. But then would have a front line of Tevez,Rooney and Drog and that seems excessive!
it does a bit toon but there will be quite a few with that line up I would imagine
I guess they are some of the closest players to sure points, although Rooney will probably go after Pompey at home. What you thinking for this week Dino?-good score
haven’t a clue tbh toon, still waiting on injury/team news from press conferences etc b4 I make too many plans as my head hurts sometimes when I make plans only for a player to get injured and feck the whole thing up
that would leave you with an extremely weak midfield toon depending on who you put in for arsh so maybe that front line might be excessive
I know, its tough. Think Im starting to get brain freeze too now! Might just be simpler and save points in long run to drop rooney for drog, then dont have to sell rooney two weeks later for a cheaper striker to free up cash for the midfield! You can over think this game! If they didnt have pompey at home I wouldnt even consider keeping him!
Nothing wrong with a front line of Roo, Drogs and Tevez. Its what I’m going for anyway!
I’m a tad stuck, I don’t have a striker playing this week, currently my forward line is Tevez, Rooney & Zamora. I’m definitely taking Rooney out but want to wait until after this GW when there will be more news on Drogba. Obviously don’t want to take Tevez out because of good fixtures and on fire, Zamora was the one I was going to take out but there’s a huge possiblity he’ll be back for the DGW so not sure now.
Help?
I am nearly in ur boots. I have Zamora, Roon & Defoe. But I’m gonna keep rooney & zamora & shunt defoe for drogba next week.
If I were you, I would keep Rooney on bench this GW & wait for news on Drogba & do the business next week.
Keeping Rooney will be good idea but if the value diff is very low, like .2/.1 then go for anelka or wait for Drogba’s news..
think im going to bring ballack in for dempsey. with chelsea’s injuries ballack has to start the next 3 games
good decision. also consider duff. will also play 3 games.
Is this ok or poor?
My current team
Hart / Jensen
Gallas / Vermalen / Terry / Dunne / Faye Ab
Dunn / Milner / Arsh / Valencia / Stanislas
Tevez / Klasnic / zamora
I’m dropping Vermalen for Emerton or Nelson and Valencia for Gera (I’m 150 points behind in my league so don’t want to take more than a 4 point hit)
This means for GW23 I’ll play
Hart
Gallas / Emerton or Nelson / Terry / Dunne
Arsh / Gera / Dunn / Stanislas / Milner
Klasnic (lone striker!)
Then next week I’m hoping Zamora is back for the DGW. I’m putting Drogba in for Klasnic, and Ivanovic for Terry. I MIGHT try and slot Ballack or Malouda in for Arshavin, before getting Fabregas in at a later date.
Good or pap?
What about Gerrard for this gameweek? Thinking of getting him in stead of Lampard in my Wildcard team.
Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: “He was training on Saturday and then a full training session on Sunday, and today was the same.
“Normally he’s someone who, if available, can play. We’ll decide later but I think he can be available. We’ll decide tomorrow.”
source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news.....y-latest-2
Until Liverpool show a remote semblance of form I wouldn’t touch any of their players with Fran.
liverpool looked good against spurs..could have won 5 or 6..
Pretty sure that he wasn’t injured?? Seems a bit strange to me???
However if he is back then surely Kuyt is an even better bet??
I’m very seriously consdering getting Gerrard myself.
I can afford to have Gerrard and get two big Chelsea strikers, sorely tempted – teamsheets will decide for me.
I was stung by Mr G earlier in the season, he just never got going and I think it’s that lingering groin injury that’s to blame.
hey guys what do u guys think of this transfer?
milner>kuyt for a 4 pt hit.
i had bad experiences from kuyt last time and do not want to make a mistake again. but people are saying that he is coming to form and will be worth getting in. so what do u guys think?
don’t do it..
Yeah Milner is a good thing to have around. Kuyt is well overpriced right now surely?
Not worth 4 point hit in my opinion. All it needs an assist for milner to outscore kuyt with a 4 point hit, whatever the latter may do.
if you don’t have both players (With out a point hit) who do you go for
Kuyt or Milner
Guys someone mentioned above that Matt Taylor is injured. Anyone have information on that?
he’s a doubt. info on right
doubtful.. see the tweets! hopefully we will get team news just before deadline 2moro..
see scout tweets
cheers.. I didn’t notice it!
The fact that we’ll see the line-ups on Tuesday before the transfer deadline does a bit make up for the fact that so few players are playing in our teams. So for Taylor and Defoe (for example) we can see if they’re in, and if not, they can be transferred out in time.
is defoe also a doubt?
He was limping at the end on Sat apparently, plus he’s woefully off-form, so Crouch and Keane might get the nod (with JD on the bench).
May even start Pav as he he looked good when he came on.
that would put a right spanner in my plans !! anyways, not sure I’ll miss his 2 points if he doesn’t play!!
8 goals in last 9 starts in the league woefully off form???
3 in the last 8?
3 in two months?
Alternatively, 3 in his last 8 starts.
Hey guys… is Lampard available for 2moro’s game? heard that he’s injured during the FA cup match? Is the injury serious? thanks..
Who is still bringing in Anelka and who is awaiting Drogba?
any news on lamps?
If Defoe is not playing tomorrow I’ll bring in Anelka, otherwise it’s Drogba in for Defoe for GW24. And captain.
mine same as you DB…thats why worried about Defoe news.
Defoe news?
I will take out Rooney for one of the two before the DGW, just awaiting news on it first.
Hey guys, thinking Evra OUT Fulham DEF IN for my 8 point hit (already got N’Zog IN and Duff on the cards). Holding onto Valencia for now as I don’t know what to do with his cash this week (may downgrade to get Drogs in next week).
My question: Who’s the best Fulham DEF/nailed-on starter for the DGW?
Cheers.
Go for hughes. But I think you’ll be better off replacing valencia instead of evra.
I reckon Baird is a better bet as he’s cheaper AND playing in midfield.
Lol, if Valencia is better to ditch than Evra and I already have Duff is it worth getting Ballack or another FUL in, like Gera this week?
Thanks for the input, looks like its between Hughes and Baird…
never ever am I making early transfers again!! Thats my capt choice in matt taylor fooked
I m planning one more potential transfer if M. Taylor will be confirmed as injured so I have to pick 2 out of these 3.
which 2 would you suggest
N’zogbia Pienaar Collison and Gera
zog and gera myself.Pienaar fixtures are tough although I like him, I had him earlier when he wasnt on it! Collison i dont get the hype round.
N’zog & Gera. Collison has 2 fixtures to Gera’s 3 & pienaar has difficult fixtures coming up.
Just a quick check-Petrov went off for man City at half time last game for an injury right? Which he overcame, as he played last night. So good chance he’ll play at weekend? Have to check!
if he’s fit, he plays is the Mancini motto
Know sounds silly but didnt see the game as as he played in cup last night (not all first team) thought maybe he had fallen out of favour, if not he still a good prospect
Still risky IMO.
off topic, does anyone think that Petrov reminds one of Robben when he makes one of those runs?
Its those gloved hands flapping about…kind of like Lennon too