The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 23
Filed under: The Preamble - Posted by: Mark
For a while it looked as though Rafa would be trumped by the weather as this weekend’s villain. Sadly for our Spanish friend, the snow looks to have subsided enough for the Premier League programme to progress unhindered. I can hardly wait to see the variety of gloves and snood-like apparel that’s going to be on offer. What are the odds on Mario Balotelli playing in Ugg boots?
So, with mittened hands wringing in anticipation, our thoughts turn back to Rafa and a supporting cast of Premier League bosses, threatening to tweak our ire for the Gameweek ahead.
It’s likely that every Saturday we’ll be forced to ask ourselves whether Demba Ba will lead Chelsea’s attack. Arguably it’s a compelling reason to forgo the benefits of Ba’s undeniable talent and opt for an easy, stress-free path of Fantasy management. After handing Ba consecutive starts in matches at Stoke and against Southampton on Wednesday evening, we would presume that, if Benitez is to put his theories into practice, we’ll see Fernando Torres start Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.
Ba has played 160 minutes, to Torres’ ten in the last two and has started three of the last four. You’d have to say that, looking at that route into Sunday’s game, should Rafa opt for Ba again, then we would have to presume that Torres is set to suffer a much reduced role over the remainder of the season. Certainly, we’d expect Torres to pick up on that vibe.
So Rafa will have his mettle tested. There’s little doubt that the Stamford Bridge crowd, in the majority, will be calling for Ba to start against the Gunners. He has the form and the physical presence to unsettle Arsene Wenger’s backline, much in the same way that Didier Drogba used to bully the Gunners centre-backs with regularity on each visit to the Bridge.
Give the Chelsea throngs what they want, however, and Rafa will be sending a message to Torres and the Russian gentlemen who invested the millions in capturing the previously renowned goalscorer from Liverpool. With many presuming that Benitez was brought in to get the best from Torres, will he now risk turning his back on the player?
This morning’s press are, predictably, torn on the matter. Both the Mail and the Guardian go with Ba, backed by the Independent. However, the Times and the Sun opt for Torres, with the media clearly as confused as us.
Interestingly, whilst examining the Chelsea lineups on show, John Terry is favoured in all this morning’s press with Rafa seemingly set to recall his skipper, despite concerns over his fitness. Reports suggest that Terry will train again today and, clearly there is confidence that he’ll be in the starting lineup to face the Gunners. For Fantasy managers, this appears to put Cesar Azpilicueta’s starting role at risk. Three of the morning papers leave the Spaniard out of their lineups – only the Times and the Sun consider Gary Cahill as the one to drop to the bench. David Luiz is shifted to midfield in all the press lineups, with Branislav Ivanovic also recalled.
With little conclusion to be drawn on the Chelsea team-sheet, we can turn our attention to Anfield where Daniel Sturridge looks primed for a full debut for Liverpool. Certainly the press seem to think so. Only the Daily Mail leave Sturridge out of their lineup, with our five other sources all backing the former Chelsea man to be given the opportunity to lead the attack against Norwich. That could yet prove significant for Luis Suarez, a player who has netted six goals in two matches against today’s visitors to Anfield.
Suarez could be set to be deployed in a wide role, with Raheem Sterling perhaps the man to drop from the lineup, as a result of the inclusion of Sturridge. Interestingly, this very morning, Liverpool’s official site have published an article with quotes from Suarez on the potential role change.
“Every player needs to play firstly where he feels most at home, but also where the manager tells him to play. If Daniel has a position where he likes to play, I’ll do it without any question at all. All the players here are ready to help the team and play in the position where the manager asks us to play.”
It remains to be seen if this materialises and if Suarez’s role is altered to the extent that his extraordinary output so far this season, is reduced.
Elsewhere on our radar this morning, there is concern about Lukas Podolski’s start at the Bridge following yesterday’s social media update from the Gunners striker. In truth, the press are unlikely to have picked up on Podolski’s Facebook status but, even so, it’s worth noting perhaps that only the Times miss the German out of their lineup, opting to include Olivier Giroud to lead the line, presumably with Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla set for wide roles.
Our Saturday morning stroll wouldn’t be the same without checking on Roberto Mancini and, with doubts over his choice of strikers once again, it’s worth paying some mind to the paper talk this morning.
With Sergio Aguero fit for selection, it’s questionable whether the City boss will remain patient with Carlos Tevez, having witnessed Mancini’s exasperation at missed opportunities in the Emirates victory.
The majority of the press stick with Tevez, however, with Edin Dzeko leading the line. Only the Times and the Guardian recall Aguero, the latter pairing him with Tevez and dropping Dzeko to the bench – an unlikely call given the Bosnian’s four goals in three league matches. With Aguero in our Scout Picks, you already know where we stand on this.
That provides a conclusive end to a precarious Saturday wander. Whilst our footing remained firm, despite the slippery conditions, we can now retire back to the warm and wonder whether the weekend teamsheets are set to pull the rug from under us.
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“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
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Ah damn. morning. » -
Morning lads :D » -
Any of you Londoners heading to Wembley to sample the build up to the game? » -
Haha that would be interesting indeed. F1 is still quite interesting, however I think they are overdoing it a bit this… » -
Aye. :-) » -
Memo to self: Win both the straight AND the head-to-head next Season! :-) »
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The small joys of life ;) » -
Sorry. I am no longer following it after the MUN game. I was wondering why he wasn't in your team. :-) »
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I think they should do F1 and cycling same tracks same time. Might make one of them interesting at least. » -
Hmm. http://bit.ly/126aoL8 »
“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”
Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution
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January 19 at 2:39 pm
WGN says:
Hmm.. My Wildcard team survived one hour before I switched it.. I need some criticism on this team:
————–Mignolet—————-
-O’Brien – Cameron – Zabaleta-
Michu – Fellaini – Walcott – Mata
—–RvP – Suarez – Lukaku——–
Bench: Cerny – Puncheon – Demel – Fabio
January 19 at 2:40 pm
Dante says:
No Bale.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
No michu for u?
January 19 at 2:41 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Bale will score 2 this game week. Watch.
January 19 at 2:42 pm
WGN says:
I “had” to switch him out to get Suarez.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
I meant 2 points btw. I can’t see Bale doing much. I purposely left him out for this reason. Next week I’ll want him though.
January 19 at 2:47 pm
WGN says:
Yeah, but if I get him in I have to downgrade something else. I don’t really want that.
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Berbilly Gilmore - Uefa council CL teams and groups announced. Click my link for further details says:
2pts or 2 goals?
January 19 at 2:44 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
See above.
January 19 at 2:46 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
doubt it.
January 19 at 2:40 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
Ur sub keeper needs to play. Other than that it’s decent.
January 19 at 2:50 pm
WGN says:
I do have cash to switch Cerny to Frederici actually. Thanks for the advice!
January 19 at 2:40 pm
alex234 says:
I know there’s nothing you can do about it now but your team value is almost the difference between Puncheon and Bale!
January 19 at 2:45 pm
WGN says:
Yeah, if i switched Bale for Puncheon I would have to downgrade my attackers.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
I would try and get Aguero and Sturridge in place of Suarez and Lukaku to try and get City coverage. But it looks pretty good overall
January 19 at 2:45 pm
WGN says:
I’m afraid of the rotation risk with City players. That’s why I don’t have Ba as well.
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Something Clever says:
‘I need some criticism’. It’s a really shit team. There you go, sir.
January 19 at 2:44 pm
WGN says:
Sorry, constructive criticism…
January 19 at 2:46 pm
Something Clever says:
It’s a pretty good team, much like mine, personally im not sold on Lukaku. That is all.
January 19 at 2:48 pm
WGN says:
Yeah, that’s kind of a gamble. At least I’ll probably grab some price appreciation. Depends on how well he does this GW though.
January 19 at 2:57 pm
the Penman says:
Keep him until Southampton’s fixtures swing again, then consider Lambert.
January 19 at 2:39 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Kelly debut for Reading at LB today. Shorey really won’t be back will he.
January 19 at 2:39 pm
Arnold Layne says:
Harte is LB, Kelly RB
January 19 at 2:40 pm
Psychobingo says:
He plays RB, Harte LB
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Make believe precdicted lineups at the BBC had Kelly LB. I should have known.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
mosstapha says:
shorey still not on bench even. wonder if it’s his “virus” or just been dropped? he was performing well enough i thought
January 19 at 2:39 pm
Bartowski says:
I can safely guarantee Swansea – Stoke will be 0-0 because I have benched both Shawx and Davies…
January 19 at 2:46 pm
4-4-who? says:
Good call – Stoke’s away goal scoring record is MIGHTY. Add in the weather conditions; Vorm back in goal…
…why didn’t I bench Davies too….grrrrrr
January 19 at 2:46 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
it won’t be 0-0.
January 19 at 2:39 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Papiss and Debuchy to run riot. 3 goals and 2 assists between them.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
debuchy is a great player
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
That’s why I have him, because I’m great as well.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Composed Under Pressure!
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Psychobingo says:
Papisse still playing wide right, Pardew is a silly man
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
What? No way!
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Psychobingo says:
Big Ameobi up front
January 19 at 2:47 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
hat trick coming up
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Yellowish says:
Debuchy only had ONE assist in entire half season at Lyon!
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Yellowish says:
*Lille
January 19 at 2:40 pm
Tin of Directors says:
CHRISSY WADDLE – LUCA MODRIC: THE GAIL TILSLEY OF MADRID – thank you so much for pointing out that Chamakh is ineligible on Wednesday.
Never thought of that and more importantly, neither did my rival! LOL!!!!!!
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Madine4Life says:
Rookie error from them, that and it is Chamakh
January 19 at 2:48 pm
Chrissy Waddle - Luca Modric: The Gail Tilsley of Madrid says:
No problem my good man. I think a txt to let him know is in order, don’t you.
January 19 at 2:49 pm
Chrissy Waddle - Luca Modric: The Gail Tilsley of Madrid says:
Great advice from two Owls supporters, what more could you ask for!
January 19 at 2:41 pm
GreenPL says:
Went for Walcott instead of Gerrard for captain. Already regretting it.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
Locarno says:
January 19 at 2:52 pm
Chrissy Waddle - Luca Modric: The Gail Tilsley of Madrid says:
Collective roll from the whole community…
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Madine4Life says:
Has Gerrard scored and assisted already?
January 19 at 2:43 pm
GreenPL says:
No. I was talked out of Gerrard yesterday and that usually ends in tears.
January 19 at 2:42 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
don’t sweat it, i think there’s gonna be alot of dissapointed people on here when liverpool don’t score more than one goal today.
January 19 at 2:44 pm
4-4-who? says:
1-0 Liverpool for me
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
Have faith.
January 19 at 2:41 pm
The Quiff says:
Would 1xWHM defender & 1xARS defender or 2xARS defenders work out better (or the same) CS-wise this GW?
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Locarno says:
Depends on the scores.
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Wild Rover says:
One of each imo
January 19 at 2:46 pm
The Quiff says:
Thanks. That’s what I’m thinking. GL in final, btw.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Mull- Bring back the old bonus points system!!! says:
I think West Ham will get one against QPR and there won’t be another one for the DGW teams.
January 19 at 2:47 pm
The Quiff says:
So WHM to score against arsenal, then? With their away scoring record?
January 19 at 2:48 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
arsenal should win that game 2-0 or something comfortable anyway
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Berbinho's Forehead - Don't Ba-lieve the Demba hype! says:
I’m interesting in seeing how Sturridge and Suarez will interchange. Sounds promising..
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Berbilly Gilmore - Uefa council CL teams and groups announced. Click my link for further details says:
+42
January 19 at 2:45 pm
ajay_kl says:
berbilly…
http://www.gravatar.com/avatar.....0d293b.png
January 19 at 2:42 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Is Cisse still play as a right wing?
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
6-4-0 formation
yes
January 19 at 2:53 pm
GREENDREAMS11 says:
copying that genius Levein, interesting
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
No, Centre Forward
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Rate My Username (RMU) says:
Will someone find me a new grav please
January 19 at 2:45 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
No.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Zep - Where's that confounded bridge? says:
http://i.qkme.me/3quq9y.jpg
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Silly Sausage says:
My main rival has got in Suarez and captained him, I have him too and now I just hope he doesn’t get a hatty again against Norwich. I captained Wally, people think he will score bigger than Suarez?
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Triggalicious says:
I hope so.
Anything less than 10 points for Suarez today and I’ve dodged a bullet.
January 19 at 2:43 pm
Marouannie! Get your guns!!! says:
NEW
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....ussion-61/
January 19 at 2:43 pm
mosstapha says:
£147 000 000 on city bench
January 19 at 2:44 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
feck me lol
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Rate My Username (RMU) says:
Really. Haha
January 19 at 2:44 pm
4-4-who? says:
Agueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…..NO
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Mulder says:
LOL
January 19 at 2:44 pm
The Viper says:
New Post
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....ussion-61/
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Indeh says:
Curse you FFS Week Picks! Persuaded me to ship Dzeko for Aguero. Here’s to hoping Dzeko gets a
January 19 at 2:44 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
That was pretty stupid.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
Don’t sweat, Aguero will come on and do something.
January 19 at 2:47 pm
4-4-who? says:
Assist Dzeko’s third…
January 19 at 2:46 pm
4-4-who? says:
Hattrick.
All you numpties who picked Aguero…Ha!
LOL
January 19 at 2:49 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Take responsibility for your own decisions.
January 19 at 2:44 pm
RayneWooney says:
Winter WC played last week, now thinking what team I should shoot for over next 4 GWs.
This team look like a good one to go for?
\/ \/
http://imgur.com/nq61ylT
January 19 at 2:46 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
I really like it. Only change i would make is Michu or Walcott > Fellaini for 2 weeks.
January 19 at 2:45 pm
Daniel - Captain, Leader, Legend. Super Frank !!! says:
Come onnnn the gamesss
January 19 at 2:52 pm
I Like Small Butts & I Can Lie says:
What are people’s thoughts on Ashley Cole – will Bertrand keep getting odd games ahead of him, you think?
January 19 at 2:55 pm
Porky says:
Mark Douglas @MsiDouglas
Confirmed: #nufc agree fee with Montpellier for Yanga-Mbwia. Potentially big coup! Personal terms/everything else to be done…
January 19 at 3:00 pm
andylowery says:
Keep getting? He plays in midfield when he does get a game, doesn’t he?