The Technical Area- The Battle at the Bottom
Filed under: The Technical Area - Posted by: Sir Paulos
There’s now just two gameweeks left of the 2010/11 season and the battle at the bottom is nowhere near decided, with the threat of Championship football next season still hanging over six teams. As matters further up the table afford some clubs a chance of squad rotation, there’s no such luxury for those in danger of the drop. Good news, then, for Fantasy Managers eyeing up a cut-price option for Gameweek 37.
A glance at this gameweek’s highest-scoring Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfielders so far shows plenty of bargains to be had, with eight of the top ten scorers priced under 7.0. Gameweek 36 saw the bottom four clubs all grabbing at least a point in their fight for survival and, with that in mind, we analyse each of their star midfielders ahead of a crucial weekend, where big performances could be the difference between staying up or going down.
Charlie Adam: Price 5.8, Gameweek 36 Score=5pts
Pros
The Blackpool playmaker faces Bolton in what will, in all probability, be his final home game for the Seasiders. Bonus-magnet Adam will want to go out with a bang and the Trotters away form offers plenty hope for Ian Holloway’s side, having taken a paltry 1 point from their last 11 games on the road. With a visit to Old Trafford to follow, it’s essential Blackpool pick up the three points to have any hope of survival.
Cons
There’s no doubt Adam’s performances have tailed off lately; he has picked up just 18 FPL points in his last six gameweeks and has not been awarded any Bonus Points since gameweek 30.
Last Week’s Performance
Away to Spurs, Adam didn’t quite see the ball as much as usual, with Luka Modric stealing the show in midfield. When in possession, however, his distribution was not too impressive; 18 of his 46 passes were unsuccessful. Adam had 5 shots at goal, though, with his penalty duties accounting for 2 of these efforts.
Charles N’Zogbia: Price 5.5, Gameweek 36 Score=9pts
Pros
The Frenchman is really upping his game as Wigan push to beat the drop; 3 goals, 2 assists and 4 FPL Bonus Points in his last four league matches attests to that. The Latics face West Ham at home this weekend knowing a win would not only boost their own survival chances considerably, it would end the hopes of their relegation rivals and condemn Avram Grant’s side to the drop. Two wins, two draws and just one defeat in their last five at the DW Stadium should offer plenty hope for Roberto Martinez and co ahead of the crucial showdown, before a difficult visit to Stoke ends the season.
Cons
The only negative aspect of the last few weeks has been N’Zogbia’s game time; he’s finished the 90 minutes just once in his last nine fixtures. Having suffered a dead leg against Everton two weeks ago, there were doubts regarding his fitness ahead of last weekend‘s game at Aston Villa. In the end, Martinez gave him 70 minutes on Saturday but will continue to be careful with his main man.
Last Week’s Performance
N’Zogbia was deployed in the centre of a attacking midfield trio, as Wigan lined up 4-2-3-1 at Villa Park. With license to roam, he rarely stayed central, moving wide to link up with Victor Moses and Tom Cleverely time and again. In total, he made 37 Passes, with 10 Unsuccessful. N’Zogbia also had 2 Shots before departing the proceedings, but that was all he needed to grab a goal and 2 Bonus Points.
Thomas Hitzlsperger: Price 4.8, Gameweek 36 Score=9pts
Pros
The vital equaliser in the home draw with Blackburn was his first goal for seven gameweeks but it continues a pattern of impressive home scoring for Hitzlsperger; he has averaged 6.6ppg over his last five at Upton Park. The trip to Wigan is do-or-die time for the Hammers, with defeat sending them down a division. If Avram Grant’s side are still in with a chance of staying up, the final gameweek sees them host Sunderland at Upton Park.
Cons
West Ham have taken two points from their previous five away games, losing the last three on the trot. Hitzlsperger has played four games on the road this season, returning just 8 FPL points.
Last Weekend’s Performance
Stationed in central midfield with West Ham playing 4-3-3, Hitzlsperger was the Hammers main attacking threat; he had 5 Shots (though 3 were blocked) and made 58 Passes, with 40 Successful, as he tried desperately to inspire his side to victory in the clash with Steve Kean’s fellow-strugglers. Many of his corners were unsuccessful, but the German did play plenty of dangerous balls in and around the visitor’s final third.
Jamie O’Hara: Price 5.1, Gameweek 36 Score=3 pts
Pros
Wolves will be buoyed by the weekend win over West Brom that saw Mick McCarthy’s side jump out the bottom three. Despite their poor away form, a trip to Sunderland shouldn’t be too daunting for the Midlanders, given the Black Cats have lost five of the last six at home. A home tie with Blackburn in what could, potentially, be a winner-takes-all relegation shout-out is their final fixture of the season.
Cons
There’s no denying Wolves’ poor record on the road; they’ve managed just two wins away from Molineux all season, and have one point from their last three away games. They have scored more than one goal away from home just once since November. Since arriving in January, O’Hara has played six away games, averaging 4 ppg.
Last Weekend’s Performance
Wolves opted for a 4-4-2 against the Baggies, with O’Hara pivotal to their play in central midfield, pushing further forward than the wingers as Karl Henry stayed anchored in front of the back-four. He made 48 Passes all game, with 36 Successful, as he linked up with Stephen Hunt on the left wing to great effect. O’Hara also had 3 Shots at goal and was rewarded for his performance with 1 Bonus Point, overshadowed by the performances of goalscorers Steven Fletcher and Adlene Guedioura.
About The Author
“Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season.”
Sir Paulos @ffscout_paulos
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May 12 at 6:53 am
michang says:
Gents,
I have a dilemma on who to trade. My team at the moment is
Foster (Kingson)
Kolarov, Luiz, Djourou, (Flanagan, Baird)
A Young, Kuyt, Yaya, Nani, (VdV)
Drogba, Van Persie, Odemwingie
Considering:
A Young -> NZog and
Baird -> Baines
Have 2 free transfers this week.
Any thoughts?
May 12 at 6:58 am
Jason_Dozzell says:
Sounds good to me!
May 12 at 7:06 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Didn’t really like the Baines move. Better to invest in attack. Your defence is weak though so doesn’t help.
May 12 at 7:07 am
A Million Monkeys with Typewriters says:
Investing in Baines IS investing in attack. Seeing as he has only 1 defender that will def start (Flanagan) its got to be worth it.
May 12 at 7:09 am
snoopy2k says:
Whats everyones thoughts on the Maxi bandwagon, is it worth taking the risk?
I’m chasing a 18 point lead thinking of doing this for the next GW:
Rooney, Modric, Nolan out
Odemwingie, Lampard/Malouda, Maxi in.
Comes with a -8 hit though…
Thoughts?
May 12 at 7:12 am
In Like Flynn says:
I’m seriously considering him for VDV,who is looking dis-interested.
May 12 at 7:23 am
JimmyDeemo says:
I have been tearing my hair out this week. I can only make one transfer, and I’m trying to decide who to bring in. Maxi is one of the candidate.
Someone pointed out yesterday, that they keep making the mistake that people like Maxi, Odemwengie, Cahill (early in the season) won’t keep scoring.
Like TM said yesterday, this season seems to all be able form. Maxi is on it. Some how this still leaves me going back and forth!? Argh.
May 12 at 7:25 am
snoopy2k says:
I only have 1 free transfer but I don’t think it will make up the 18 points I need. I’m thinking Chelsea will kill Newcastle and the form Odemwingie and Maxi are on, well, thats just unmissable.
Could make up the -8 points just from play time (4 points from captain, 2 points each from other 2 players) but its still a risk.
May 12 at 7:33 am
iCon says:
I’m afraid that’s not making up the 8 points unless your team is only fielding 8 men at present…
May 12 at 7:34 am
JimmyDeemo says:
Yeah iCon is right, assuming that your original players were playing you would have gotten 6 points regardless.
May 12 at 7:35 am
snoopy2k says:
The play time from those 3 players (If i captain one) will make up the -8 points taking my opponent’s lead back to 18 points. If my transfers perform is a different matter…
May 12 at 7:43 am
iCon says:
But you’re not taking into account the playing time the players you transfer out would have gotten (i.e. 6 pts or 8 if you captained one)
May 12 at 7:46 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
The 3 players you sold would also get 8 points most likely. You need to score at least 8 points more than the 3 players you sold if you would have played them this week to cover the hit in one week.
May 12 at 8:00 am
snoopy2k says:
Yeah I agree, the thing I want to know if those 3 transfers will be worth it?
Also, Lampard or Malouda (If i did the transfers)
May 12 at 8:13 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Lampard over Malouda probably. Ronney could score well at Blackburn but outside of that the trades look worthwhile.
May 12 at 8:19 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Rooney*
May 12 at 7:36 am
JimmyDeemo says:
So talk to me about Bent people. I was thinking he is the obvious choice to ship out, away to Arsenal, but looking at his history. He kinda has a habit of scoring vs the ‘big’ teams.
What do you guys think his chances are at the weekend?
May 12 at 7:52 am
iCon says:
I wouldn’t buy him, but if I had him, I wouldn’t sell him either. Probably not very helpful, sorry
May 12 at 8:07 am
JimmyDeemo says:
Well kinda does help. Sort of indicates that there might be better candidates to ship out.
May 12 at 7:55 am
In Like Flynn says:
Arthritis! Is the main cause of most Bent people. I wouldn’t have him in my team if I were you.
May 12 at 8:13 am
big oak says:
he’s the kind of player that u buy at the start of the season and keep him till the end. consistent scorer, fixture proof…. but at the moment i dnt see much coming from him, if i had him id get rid
May 12 at 8:19 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Not sure I agree there. Bonus points & Bent aren’t great friends. 11 bonus points all season. 6th best striker but 3 ahead of him are cheaper. 10th in ppg for strikers. You get rid when there are 3 better options. Simple….
May 12 at 8:22 am
inalize says:
+1
Young has 25 boners, costs +/- the same, on corners/setpieces.
May 12 at 9:19 am
Blue Teets - 19 says:
I read the first line as: So talk to me about bent-people. I stopped reading.
May 12 at 8:20 am
markieffm says:
Tempted to get a UTD midfielder in for the final two. Who would be best bet? Nani?? My departing player would be VDV for him…
May 12 at 8:20 am
Retro says:
Maxi could be at risk from Carroll.
May 12 at 8:23 am
JimmyDeemo says:
You think Maxi is drop-able? Surely no manager would drop him after his last few games.
May 12 at 8:28 am
Connor's Calling says:
there was talk that Merieles was struggling with an injury?
Might be room to move to Kuyt back into MF, then Carroll up front? If carroll isnt going to play i need to waste 4 points on Suarez…(as below)
May 12 at 8:31 am
Retro says:
Carroll may not be fit. But if he plays at all he has to play somewhere. The theory would be Kuyt would move to wing and Maxi drop out.
May 12 at 8:20 am
inalize says:
Anyone else think the ManU vs Blackpool game in gw 38 might not be a goalfest? Adam + Nani/Berba might be enough cover?
May 12 at 8:25 am
Retro says:
Was thinking that. It said in the Guardian he could field 11 reserves and the intensity won’t be there.
May 12 at 8:26 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
MU Reserves will want to keep an unbeatable record at home. They are also trying to impress for the CL Final. Depending on results this week, Blackpool may have to win the game meaning big holes at the back.
May 12 at 8:31 am
iCon says:
Think Adam/Nani will be enough, but do think ther’ll be a few goals….even the reserves will play attacking football and Blackpool know only one way…..could be a big one for Adam…..have funny feeling he could be off to Utd in the summer so will be trying to make big impression…
May 12 at 9:10 am
Gyan the man says:
Nah, got to be a few goals in it. Maybe not 5/6 nil or anything but I can see man u bagging at least 2/3 and wouldn’t be suprised if blackpool got something as well. It all depends on this weekend. If blackpool don’t win then they’re gonna have to go gung ho the last game
May 12 at 8:25 am
Connor's Calling says:
Carroll OR Suarez -4?
Rival who’s 10 points behind has Suarez…
May 12 at 8:26 am
tosey says:
im thinking of shifting suarez after this week
depends what utd coverage u want gwk38 n how ur guna get it
May 12 at 8:30 am
Connor's Calling says:
was planning to do either Sturridge or Carroll/Suarez to Berba Gw38. Already have Nani.
Main worry is that Suarez goes nuts this week and rival gets ahead…Would be happy to keep Carroll i think if he;s going to start. can you see Sturridge getting anything at home to M.City? Cheers
May 12 at 8:33 am
iCon says:
Didn’t realise you had Carroll….tougher decision so
On Sturridge, i’ll defo be playing him….reckon he could well be a scout’s pick this week
May 12 at 8:46 am
tosey says:
tough one for a hit for just one week as if carroll starts he could outscore him like against man city at home
if i had sturridge id keep him
May 12 at 8:57 am
Connor's Calling says:
cheers. makes sense.
Just praying that Carroll plays. I wish Kenny was a bit more forthcoming in his team chats…!
Mainly worried that he’s going to be on the bench…letting Suarez score a couple, then come on for last 15 mins for 1 point.
what would you do if we dont hear anymore on carroll (given i’m defending a slim lead?)
May 12 at 8:58 am
tosey says:
i dont actually fancy that much from liverpool this week even tho i have 2 of their players so id just leave suarez. that said if spurs arent up for it he could go mad. ggo with your instinct i guess
May 12 at 9:01 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
I was thinking of selling Suarez due to my 3 mini league rivals not having him & I have a slim lead. Hope he plays another big game on the weekend. Still might sell him depending on rivals.
May 12 at 9:20 am
Qubit says:
Im keeping suarez myself. good enough to warrant it, ill have the cash by then to do a straight sturridge to berbs swap i think.
May 12 at 8:29 am
iCon says:
If it’s simply a matter of Carrol or Suarez, it’s a no brainer IMO
Carrol not even assured of a start
May 12 at 8:36 am
Jason_Dozzell says:
Baines n N’zog for me this week. Will finally get rid of kolarov
May 12 at 8:41 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Just found out you can change your country during the season. Thought you were locked in once FPL entered you. Very hopeful as I am leading an Australian residents only comp & I was registered in CAR. Even sent FPL an email just now until I worked it out.
May 12 at 8:42 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
helpful*
May 12 at 8:43 am
inalize says:
Traitor*
May 12 at 8:45 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
CAR doesn’t need me. CAR could have cost me a prize. I’ll probably choke like Arsenal anyway.
May 12 at 8:43 am
inalize says:
Anderson & Fletcher to play for ManU in gw 38?
May 12 at 8:44 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Probably, times must be tough for you.
May 12 at 8:45 am
Zizou says:
ah so close to bein in the top 1000, think i’m really gonna push for it the last two gameweeks, really stumped though as to this weeks transfers
foster begovic
luiz, rjohnson coleman smalling kelly
kuyt vdv silva lampard toure
rvp rooney sturridge
now i’m not too worried about defence even though it is a bit thin on the ground, but i’m prepared to make 2 transfers this week
any suggestions – possibly toure > Nzogbia
May 12 at 8:47 am
Zizou says:
what about coleman > baines and silva > nzogbia
May 12 at 8:55 am
Gargamel says:
Here’s something to be proud of for you Englishmen!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot.....ace-quotas
May 12 at 9:00 am
tosey says:
why all the baines love with wba/CHE to come?
May 12 at 9:00 am
Zizou says:
penalty duties
May 12 at 9:02 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
Desperation!
May 12 at 9:03 am
G-G-Granville says:
This can’t be for real.
http://mcfc.co.uk/News/FA-Cup-.....de-to-City
May 12 at 9:11 am
Gyan the man says:
It is. Absolute muppets.
May 12 at 9:20 am
JackBauer says:
Jesus…
May 12 at 9:56 am
denial says:
Embarrassing. What an awful football club.
May 12 at 9:11 am
markieffm says:
Can anyone help me with a quick team check.
For this week I have
Foster
Luiz Djourou Baines
Yaya Lamps(c) VDV Adam
Odem RVP Carroll
Begovic,Dempsey,Walker,Coleman
Got 1 free and 0.9 in the bank. Thinking of getting rid of dempsey for Maxi or VDV for Nani…
May 12 at 9:13 am
Mac1988 says:
Morning all,
Trying to work out transfers for the week. The guy I’m defending from overtaking me has already done four transfers this week so I have a bit of lee-way, think I will do 2-3 transfers if they are worth doing.
Team currently:
Foster
Djourou, Huth, Kolorov (Dawson, Walker)
VDV, Silva, A Young, Adam, Lamps
RVP, Suarez (Super Mario)
Thinking Silva + Young > Malouda + Nzogs?
Any better ideas?
May 12 at 9:16 am
Kings of Lyon says:
They are the transfers most are making looks good to me.
May 12 at 9:18 am
Mac1988 says:
Is Malouda a rotation risk though? Never trust Ancelotti.
May 12 at 9:21 am
Kings of Lyon says:
I’d say he is a bit of a rotation risk, with the options they have upfront but the past few weeks hes went back to drogba kalou and malouda the 3 which got them off to a cracking run at the start of the season. With the slim chance that chelsea can catch man u its a must win and i thin he’l stick with these 3
May 12 at 9:21 am
NeedleVor says:
Has N’Zogbia been confirmed as fully fit now then? He came off early last weekend, personally I wouldn’t risk it, especially not for a points hit.
May 12 at 9:25 am
Mac1988 says:
I’m not sure he’s been fully fit all season has he? Tends to play 70mins.
May 12 at 9:18 am
tosey says:
KOL can u just give me a quick run through of why lennon is hated so much by rangers and others? is it just religion or more to it??
May 12 at 9:23 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
I listened to the BBC podcast today. Terrible stuff.
May 12 at 9:26 am
Team Hayemaker says:
Lennon has been a hate figure to Rangers fans since his playing days in the same way Ian Ferguson and Nacho Novo were to Celtic fans.
He has never been helped himself by being antagonistic and the way he carries himself. Soemthing like last night was only a matter of time.
May 12 at 9:28 am
Kings of Lyon says:
Not just to rangers fans. There were a few neutrals on here the other day agreeing he is an immatture aggresive ned.
May 12 at 9:27 am
Connor's Calling says:
Think religion is part of it.
+he was always a fairly aggressive player for Celtic – something which he seems to have carried on to his management.
He is quite spikey to say the least…
you lay your bet tosey?
May 12 at 9:34 am
tosey says:
yeh i put £17 on celtic at 6/1 so either £83 up or £2 up
May 12 at 9:25 am
Retro says:
There’s history between him and Hearts if you Google it, never mind the sectarian stuff…
May 12 at 9:26 am
Kings of Lyon says:
haha, quick? could be a while. he is an agressive man who stokes the ifres t any opertunity he can get. He is passionate but he takes it to the next level, he blames everyone but himself or his team. He intentionally does things to wind everyone up. I have supported Rangers my whole life and alot of my close friends are celtic fans and I used to have banter with them its was all jokes and jest but this seasono lennon has made the majority of them agressive and more passionate about the club. Throw this into the mix with the small minority (or majority if you were at tynecastle last night) of bigots out there and there is a disaster waiting to happen. Sunday will be renamed ‘sunday bloody sunday’the majority of the press, I think there will be riots.
May 12 at 9:29 am
tosey says:
so theres not one particular incident that started it?
May 12 at 9:34 am
Kings of Lyon says:
Nothing specific I can think of, he was a dirty player and hated rangers to the core, when he was playing he was passionate and thats what fans like im not taking that away from him, but is taking that into management and it is causing far too much grief.
May 12 at 9:49 am
herman murman says:
i think u can take it back to him refusing to play for northern ireland because his family was threatened. there are lots of spikey, passionate men in football but none have recieved death threats or bombs in the post. i think we need to stop looking at Lennon and looking at at the narrow minded thugs who do these things.
May 12 at 9:27 am
TorresMagic™ - Current Forward Thinking Leader says:
FPL Open & Millionaire Club Update
39 left in MC after 2 got knocked out this week.
4 left in FPL Open. Semi Final draw ready in link.
May 12 at 9:27 am
Daniel - Please suggest me Zigic replacement says:
new post
May 12 at 9:40 am
Daniel - Please suggest me Zigic replacement says:
eh