The Midweek-ish Meander
With the fixtures rolling towards us a such a rate, it’s been a while since we afforded ourselves a leisurely stroll through the fixture list. This weekend hands us a welcome opportunity then, just before another barmy midweek programme and yet more double gameweek distractions.
Let’s not fret too much about those right now though. Instead let’s take our time, savour the tranquillity of a normal gameweek and pick apart it’s fixtures, assessing the likely sources of our defensive and attacking points…
Best For Clean Sheets…
There are two prime clean sheet candidates in the gameweek. Manchester United’s defence has been caught on many occasions this season. Even so, they trail Chelsea in the clean sheet stakes by just one, having returned ten shut-outs so far this term. This weekend they come up against a Portsmouth side who have scored just two goals in their last six away trips. It’s difficult to see Grant’s men notching at Old Trafford, making United’s defence ripe for picking. Patrice Evra is perhaps the best target given his increased role going forward on United’s left flank. Outside of him you can look to Rafael and Jonny Evans as cheaper options, while Wes Brown should also be in line for a start with Vidic still sidelined. All three look likely starters then.
The resolute Birmingham defence is the next strongest option. Like United they have a decent defensive pedigree this season with nine clean sheets overall and just seven goals conceded at St Andrews. They also face favourable opposition this weekend. Wolves are the visitors for what is likely to be a lively local derby but certainly one that McLiesh’s side will be favourites to win. The Birmingham rearguard has conceded just three goals in their last five home matches, whilst McCarthy’s Wolves have only registered three strikes in their last five games on the road. It all points to a tenth cleanie for Birmingham and more returns for Hart, Johnson and Ridgewell – all likely transfer targets this week.
Beyond these two things get a lot tougher. With Liverpool facing Everton and Spurs hosting Villa, we’ve got four strong defences meeting each other. Those fixtures could produce cleanies but both look risky in terms of defensive investment. If I had to be pushed I’d opt for the Spurs defence at home to Villa. O’Neill’s side may have scored two at the Cottage on their last away trip but did go four games without a goal prior to that.
Instead of those four I’m looking to Bolton earning a second clean sheet of the season against Fulham and possibly Burnley keeping West Ham at bay in their Turf Moor encounter. Owen Coyle’s side kept their first clean sheet of the season against his former club last time out at the Reebok. This time around they face a Fulham side stung by injuries and low on confidence. Burnley meanwhile are severely out of form but showed spirit against Chelsea in their previous home game. They face a West Ham outfit who have just two goals in their last five away games, although Zola may have a new strikeforce on show with McCarthy, Mido and Ilan as options and Carlton Cole possibly back from injury. I still see this as a good opportunity for Brian Laws to endear himself to his home fans and earn a first league victory with a clean sheet possibly thrown in.
There’s also potential cleanies amongst the Stoke vs Blackburn and Sunderland vs Wigan fixtures. None of those four sides are in strong scoring form and both games are candidates for 0-0 draws.
Best For Goals…
You have to tip United to put Portsmouth away by a decent margin. Ferguson’s side average three goals a game over their previous five home matches and the Portsmouth defence arrives having lost five of their last six away games. The issue for Fantasy Managers is whether Ferguson will choose to rest Rooney and rotate Nani. Both players are current fantasy favourites but look under threat given that United travel to Villa on Wednesday. Even if Rooney does sit this one out, you have to imagine that Berbatov and/or Owen, will be amongst the points here.
While United look odds on to win by a decent margin, finding goals elsewhere on this weekend’s fixture list is not an easy task. Again, with Liverpool facing Everton, Spurs facing Villa and Chelsea up against Arsenal, we have six strong sides involved in potentially tight encounters. That’s an awful lot of attacking talent tied up in uncertainty. At a push, I’d back the Chelsea vs Arsenal fixture as the most likely to hand us a few goals, although much will depend on the space allowed in midfield and the form and fitness of Drogba for the home side.
There are options elsewhere. Mancini’s City also look good for a couple given that Hull are scoring relatively freely at the KC stadium and seem set to push City. Tevez and Adebayor will surely cause the Hull defence problems and both, along with Petrov (should he start) could be in profit here.
Elsewhere I also like Bolton at home to Fulham. Hodgson’s side have conceded ten goals in their last five away games in the league, whilst Bolton boast nine goals in their last five at the Reebok. I can see a home win here but a two or even a three goal margin. The likes of Taylor, Lee and Kevin Davies all look favourable options here. Burnley have little or no form but I am tipping them for a home win against West Ham. I see a couple of goals for Brian Laws’ side, with Fletcher, Eagles and Elliot all looking decent budget options. Chris Eagles bonus points? You betcha.
Best For Frustration…
This week’s fixture list is a minefield of potential 0-0 or 1-1 fixtures. The big encounters – Liverpool vs Everton and Chelsea vs Arsenal, could easily be tight affairs that see very little fantasy profit for the players involved. Likewise Tottenham’s clash with Villa could potentially see both defences on top, with few goals on show. Then we have the fixtures between Stoke and Blackburn and Sunderland and Wigan, both of which involve teams low on confidence and crucially, struggling for goals.
It’s Alex Ferguson’s team selection which could undoubtedly be the most frustrating element of this weekend’s games. Wayne Rooney may well rip Portsmouth apart at Old Trafford but he can’t do so from the United bench. There’s mixed views on whether Rooney will be rested given his electric form but even if he starts, you have to wonder just how quickly he’ll be withdrawn if United establish a lead. The trip to Villa Park and the Champions League fixture with Milan next Tuesday will surely be on Ferguson’s mind when he selects his side on Saturday. How much damage can Rooney do in the pitch time he is afforded? That’s the crucial question going into the weekend. Tomorrow’s press conference from Ferguson could tell us more.
Before I head up to London / Twickenham for weekend (Cmon Wales!)
Could you be so kind for final QA on my Starting XI?
Hart
Dann, Ivanovic, Dawson
Milner, Fab, M Taylor, Collison
Rooney (c), Bent, Tevez
Bench: Robbo, Ivan, McCarthy, Baird.
I appreciate weve had the Dawson V Ivanovic debate
Gethin Jenkins a big loss for you EVS! come on England!
You seem to have ivan playing and on the bench!?
Oh yeah. Sorry amend to the above… READ Evra for Ivan.
Gutted Gethin is OUT mate, he is one of the best players in the world, his work rate for a prop is immense.
We will miss him Paul James cant scrummage for Shit !!!! Smiler is a loss, but I rate Gareth Williams. Could have done without losing x2 Lions front rowers as I bet Gatland & co would have targetted your lot come scrum time. Now… It maybe the other way round
Roberts should tear up the 6 Nations this year, and I have always liked Tait as a player, so two interesting match ups there
Robets is always better with a good foil with him.
The NEW wales philosophy is to play hook with in centre to add a touch of class on creativity in a similar vein to the Bo’D lions combo.
When shanks plays theres too much crash ball.
England will target roberts as they did last year and bascially had Worsely “man marking him” too tackled (yawn…). I expect the same this time out . . .
if Roberts can bring his form in the Lions to the plate he is unplayable, even if the missing link Worsley is man marking him, I fancy Wales to do a bit this year, England I still believe to be in too much turmoil to be effective, and I really don’t rate Borthwick as a player or a captain, enjoy the weekend dude
Cheers Man. Where you from (Country?)
are you benching Evra?! and playing Collison over him?! I would bench Collison if I were you and play Evra, United have best chance of a clean sheet this weekend, albeit with Brown/Evans centreback pairing
No sorry Jonny. Evra & Collison plays.
Bench: Robbo, Ivan, Baird & McCarthy !
Then I would definately be playning Ivan over Collison Evs, Chelsea could shut up shop, even if they don’t Ivan is lethal from set piece and had a great game bombing up and downt he wing against Hull, I have A.Cole and Ivan and am going to play Ivan after seeing him the other night, I just dont rate Collison and don’t rate his chances of scoring either, he is Welsh isn’t he?! That may be clouding your judgement if so!
Bench looks about right to me…making transfers?Would be Ok without though mate, think its an annoying game week to be honest so go with that!
any news on kranjcar?
Had a virus when he was dropped two games ao so would think better now, but with Modric/Bentley form its a tough call-wait for tweets, best source of info!
Hi guys-team at min
Hart/Sorenson
Dunne,A Cole, Dann, Baird, Evra
Fab,Lamps,Duff,Dunn, Henderson
Rooney,Tevez,Piq
Planning transfer: Dunn-Lee this week
Bench: Baird/Piq/Henderson
Agree?Ideas/suggestions?
Cheers
Lee is a good move for some Bolton exposure and you are benching the right people. I would have concerns re Piq/Henderson in the long term though, better value out there in the likes of O’Hara and McCarthy for Wigan in midfield and also Jerome or depending on your cash situation Rodallega for Piq
Thanks mate. To explain briefly, I know those two are issues, but you get them in to save cash and then cant get rid can you! Next few weeks thinking Lamps-Milner (get in for his good run) Piq to Drogs (think that can wait a bit, everton away after arsenal). Def looking at O’hara or Mcarthy yeah, got Henderson when Ohara position in doubt and henderson was a safe bet. That change may come first. Rod may be good call too, not thought about that…Ill check the cash!2.1 in bank after lee comes in
Seems decent.
I would look to get shot of Piq in the not so distant future mate.
PS – go for Hart in goals, got to play him v Wolver – derby or not !!!
That was my next qu!think double up on brum at back? Was planning dann and sorenson?
hey all,
used my free transfer to bring in rooney, is it worth taking a 4pt hit to do gallas > evra bearing in mind the man u double coming up?
Yes – Why not !
Everyone agree it’s wildcard time for me?
Hart Sorensen
Alexander Evra Casley Baird Wilkinson
Modric N’Zogbia Cohen Fabs Lamps
Jerome Bent Anelka
Was thinking initially:
Anelka>Drogba
Jerome>Rooney
Lamps>Etherington
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as this decision will have to be made with a hangover
If you were to use your wildcard I wouldn’t bring in Etherington and i’d add Alexander, Wilkinson, Modric & Cohen to your list to take out.
Consider Ridgewell, Huth, O’hara and McCarthy as your cheapies.
Thanks Xabi, i definately need a new defense. Would agree Cohen has to go but why Modric?
Because he looks good and is vital to spurs but just doesnt get the rewards on this game…he’s a really good player but doesnt mean he is for FPL. Would think he’d get more bonus, but he doesnt, for a creative player that doesnt score many goals that hurts…
id bring in tuncay for the double .
id also consider swapping rooney for bent and leaving jerome in due to their fixtures or bring in rodallega?
mmm, sounds like i need to get rid of this bad head & try think straight!
If i wait til tomo though i think Drogba will go up
Did anyone see how little Jackie Wilshire played in his last match. I’m considering a swap for Jarvis…
Victor Moses 5.5 Midfielder. Surely a bargain?!
I need to know if Garrido starts otherwise its time for a third transfer as my subs are awful
To play, Carr or Dawson?
If you have Hart in goal, Dawson, if not, Carr
Sorenson in goal, Carr starting, Dawson first sub.
Any thoughts of which 1 to play out of Duff, Dawson & Nelson
I’ve got all 3 and im thining ill play Dawson.
Guys,
Sorry to be a div (that’s right, haven’t used that word since i was at school) but can you tell me how you work out people’s Form in your team?
I’m going to captain Rooney and want to make sure i get my back up choice as good as possible, which means going for, of course, either Form or Price. Given that i’ve got Fabs as well, i’d presume he’ll get the arm band either way as i’d imagine he has the second best form, and is my second most expensive player.
Cheers
press data view on my team page
Any suggestions for best defender for long term purchase??
Evra
what kind of price?
I’ve got cash but also looking for @ value for money
From GW 29, Villa have a very nice run in till the end of the season. So someone like Warnock (even though he is injured at the moment) would be a very good buy. Birmingham defenders are good value and offer quite alot of clean sheets.
Cheers Lawman
cheers dude, looks like it’s the Fab man whichever option i choose
that works out quite well. if i captain rooney and he doesnt play, lamps would come in over Fabs either way. Which im not keen on.
Sorry new dilemma.
I’ve used my free already to bring in Rooney.
I wanted to do Gallas > Evra for a 4pt hit but have insufficient funds.
Thinking:
cech > given
gallas > evra
worth an 8 pointer?
Don’t so it, Evra has played every game, they have Villa in the week, he may get a rest…..
dammit, can’t believe im contemplating an 8 point hit. Seriously need to get rid off Dunn, was thinking of a swap to Lee (reasonable fixture and a double next week).
Also doubling up on the chelsea defence appears to be a less than stellar plan so i need ivan or cole out (probably to ridgewell,good fixtures, and most importantly this weekend) and finally Drogs in for Bent. (opponent has drogs, his price may rise and Bent/Sunderland not firing great at the moment)
These may seem slightly unecessary, but most have sound thinking behind them. Just doesnt feel right. Still this season appears to be less harsh on points hits than previous seasons.
would leave Bent in for one more gameweek, has kind opposition this week then i’d get rid…at least that’s what i’m doing, Bent – Tevez next week which will give me a nice trinity of Drogs, Rooney, Tevez.
Dunn burned me good so haven’t got a nice word to say about him, as for Lee, the little scamp is looking really good at the mo and is definetly a worthy consideration for the Double GW. i’ll be bringing him in for Duff probably.
Yes, tempting to leave him. But price rises might make a straight swap difficult. If i did the swap this week i would have drogs, rooney, tevez myself then.
true, factoring in price rises is a consideration.
I’m in the same boat with the Chelsea defence, though i’m gonna go with Cashley, Dawson and Scharner this week and bench ivan, then in time, probably the GW after next, do something about ivan.
with scharner playing a double gw i don’t mind keeping him in for a bit longer
scharner is a problem for me too. but ill be getting rid post double for collins at a guess – sure they have a missing gwk, but they also have Burnley and Sunderland at home either side of it.
hey si, stepped away there
let the discussion continue
i see what ur sayin but surely evra is worth it for the dgw and with pompey and villa before it, i think hes worth having now
as both my transfered players will be having dgws
i think a 4 point hit is justified?
especially sinne i have no villa, hammers or hull players so cane asily field 11 on 28?
(for anyone who wants t lend a bit of advice the transfers im talkin about are..
anelka ->tevez
ivanovic/cole ->evra
cost: 4 points
)
from ireland si, jus a shit typer
I think Anelka to Tevez would be worth it. With the Evra transfer, he “might” get rested this week, just like the Rooney saga. And with Villa and Everton away i doubt there will be CS’s there. So only one possible is at home to Westham. And then even a CS there would only equal out the 4 point hit.
Drogba has just finished protection according to FT.
I’ve somehow managed to get myself this poor squad (after looking pretty good for quite a while):
Sorensen Hart
Cahill Evans Dawson Ivanovic Baird
Arshavin Valencia Bowyer Duff Lampard
Rooney Klasnic Zamora
Loads of funds available, so what do I do? Any help will be much appreciated!
I’m thinking of:
Klasnic > Tevez
Arshavin > N’Zogbia
Valencia > Lee
Zamora > Drogba
but probably not all at once as this would
obviously cost a lot of points!
Any other suggestions or good ideas of what to do when?
I’m sorry I can’t reply to this because I doubt you’re worthy of your username.
I am absolutely not worthy, it is merely my humble
tribute to the greatest man who ever lived.
do klasnic->tevez, and arshavin->lee. since both are doublers, the 4 pt hit should be okay.
need to pick 2 out of this 5…
scharner (already have nzogbia playing), hunt, ivan (already have cole playing), duff and richards (injured?)
any thoughts?
a selection nightmare. i have one of those too.
i’d go for richards and either duff/scharner.
i am debating which 3 to bench from: dann, scharner, n’zogbia, bowyer, zamora.
Aiming to wildcard after GW26. Currently thinking of:
Green, Hart
Baines, Cuellar, Song, Insua, G Cahill,
Fabregas, T Cahill, Milner, Eagles, McCarthy
Rooney, Bent, Rodillega
No Chelsea, City or Spurs, you will see….
Any thoughts?
Think you need Drogs in somewhere or another big-pointer (Lamps, but he’s a bit expensive)! You might have to choose between cahill and milner to free up some cash.
Maybe go for collins instead of cuellar, and maybe even distin instead of baines to free up some cash to get in drogs for bent
Cech > Hart
Thoughts?
I want the spare cash so i can get Drogs in the next few weeks, and this change would allow me to get him in for Rodallega rather than Tevez. Or is Tevez not worth it now Adebayor is back?
guys my thoughts on my team this week is… this is without making any transfers and having 1.1m in the bank.
Hart
Dawson, Cahill, Evra (C) Dann
Lampard, Valencia, Milner
Anelka, Defoe, Bent
Subs Gomes, Ivanovic, Collison, Gera
evra captain is tough one but i’m more wanting your thoughts on whether or not to make any transfers! I was thinking of transfering anekla and valencia for rooney and ireland but i’m not sure either will play enough minutes!
thoughts?
guys, im currently have roon as capt ( duh) but i raelly dont want lamps to be my vice ( based on value) so if i put it based on form.. who would be my vice capt? any way to find that out?