Scout Scribbles – Lampard Rested for Sparta Clash
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Paul
Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic are rested for Chelsea’s Europa Cup clash with Sparta Prague this evening. Alan Pardew is uncertain whether Hatem Ben Arfa will be ready to return this weekend, Andre Villas-Boas reckons Emmanuel Adebayor will find his form again, Brek Shea could be handed a league debut for Stoke this Saturday, while Titus Bramble is determined to keep his first-team berth at the heart of Sunderland’s back-four:
Squad rotation was the main topic of conversation for Rafa Benitez’s press conference yesterday. The Chelsea boss was speaking ahead of this evening’s Europa League last 32, second leg against Sparta Prague and with the Blues 1-0 up from the away trip, he has decided to omit a couple of regulars from the squad ahead of Sunday’s crucial trip to City:
“It’s important to be fit and train properly, and Frank (Lampard) will not be in the squad tomorrow as we have to manage the group and think about all the other games. Obviously Demba Ba is unavailable, but Branislav Ivanovic will also not be involved. To play every game because we didn’t have the options is a problem, but at least now we will have fresh legs almost for every game…We have a lot of confidence and the good thing is that there’s competition between the players, that’s important, especially if you play twice a week. We have more competition now, which is a problem, but it’s good for me. It’s good because we have so many games and it’s important to have the whole squad available.”
Benitez’s decision to hand Lampard a rest bodes well for the midfielder’s game time at the Etihad this weekend. Having started nine of the last 10 in the league, he’s been one of few players who seemed immune to his manager’s obsession with rotation but with John Obi Mikel back from African Cup of Nations duties, Lampard can finally put his feet up. With eight goals in those nine matches, the veteran has been a huge differential and despite rising 0.2 in FPL over the past couple of Gameweeks, still has just 5% ownership. Ivanovic’s owners will also be boosted by Benitez’s decision to hand him a rest – with John Terry and David Luiz both fit and available to cover at centre-half this evening after recent injuries, the Serbian looks likely to return refreshed for the City clash. Although Ba is cup-tied, which may suggest a return to league action this weekend with Fernando Torres leading the line this evening, Fantasy managers have clearly had enough of trying to second-guess Benitez – over 43,000 have already sold him on prior to the weekend’s deadline.
Alan Pardew has admitted Hatem Ben Arfa remains a real doubt for Newcastle’s home clash with Southampton this weekend. Speaking ahead of the club’s Europa Cup trip to Metalist Kharkiv this evening, the Magpies boss – who also revealed Davide Santon has been left behind due to an ankle knock – conceded the Frenchman is still some way short of fitness after spending months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury:
“He has only been with us for two days from Clairefontaine, who have put him in a fantastic physical condition for us. We are very pleased with their contribution and we thank them for that. He looks short of match-fitness, but we hope to get him up to speed perhaps for the next round, if we make it. Sunday might me be too early for him too, but certainly Swansea, I would be looking for him to have some sort of cameo role from the bench if he progresses well.”
The upcoming schedule is sure to earn Ben Arfa new investors, once finally fit and ready. With games against Stoke, Wigan, Fulham and Sunderland in four of the five after the Gameweek 28 trip to Swansea, there’s certainly plenty potential for points if Newcastle maintain their encouraging form – Moussa Sissoko has already racked up 50,000+ new owners heading into the weekend but with just 4.5% ownership in FPL, Ben Arfa looks a real differential if he can make it for this weekend or the following Saturday’s trip to the Liberty.
Andre Villas-Boas remains optimistic that Jermain Defoe will be back in time for Tottenham’s trip to West Ham this Gameweek. The forward has been left out of the squad that travelled to Lyon ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash but according to his manager:
“Hopefully he’ll be back on Monday, but we don’t want to rush any decision.”
Reports in the Telegraph, however, suggest Defoe has yet to return to training since limping off at West Brom earlier this month and may be struggling to recover in time. It’s perhaps telling that Villas-Boas went out of his way to talk up Emmanuel Adebayor yesterday – despite the Togo international scoring just twice in the league so far, his manager remains confident he will soon hit the goal trail and also dismissed any notions that the forward has been affected by criticism over a perceived lack of work rate:
“”He can still be the player we saw last season. We’re trying to unlock the best out of the player. Last year shows as an example for what we’re trying to get out of him. Strikers live off goals and we’re doing everything we can to try and unlock his full potential. I’m not sure if it bothers him (the criticism). Players build their own motivations. Perceptions and media opinions can influence the public in general, but I think the player strives on his own motivation in the end. I think he’s working as hard. The injuries he had and the African Nations Cup took him out for lots of games and Defoe’s form this year had been magnificent.”
Stoke coach Mark O’Connor has revealed new boy Brek Shea could come into contention for this Saturday’s trip to Fulham. The US international has featured for the reserves twice in the past week and found the net in a recent match with Burnley – having recovered from a recent injury, he is now in Tony Pulis’ thoughts for the Cottagers clash:
“It was nice for Brek to play another game. He’s getting to know his team-mates and developing that understanding the more they play together. He comes into our thinking for Fulham. He is in the mind of the manager… his position is definitely on the left-side of midfield.”
Earlier this morning, however, Pulis spoke of Shea’s chance for the Fulham game in a 9am press conference and also commented on Marc Wilson’s situation, after the left-back came through another reserve match unscathed earlier this week:
“Brek’s had four months off with injury so it’s like a pre-season for him. Whether we start him on Saturday remains to be seen…We’re desperate to get Marc back into the team. He’s taken his time, and he’s now very close to coming back.”
While Stoke’s away record has been dire, with a single goal in their last five road trips, they’ve impressed in front of goal at the Britannia in recent matches – scoring at least twice in four of the last five in front of their own fans. With three home games in the following five (WHM WBA, AVL) Shea, who is priced at 5.0 in FPL, could well be an intriguing option, should he nail down a starting berth. Matt Etherington has started 15 of the last 16 league matches but could well be under threat from the new boy, given that he’s failed to produce a goal or assist all season.
Titus Bramble has spoken of his determination to retain a starting berth in the heart of the Sunderland defence:
“Every player wants a run in the side and in recent weeks I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do that. You never know if you are going to be in the team from week to week, so it’s important to keep working hard in training to make sure of your place. This is one of the longer runs I’ve had and I’m really happy to be playing. I’m enjoying my football. Everyone wants to be in the team and that’s when you’re at your happiest. That’s why you have to keep impressing in training, so that when the chance comes you’re ready for it. There’s been chances for everyone this season because injuries and suspensions do happen.”
A hamstring injury to Carlos Cuellar afforded Bramble the chance to partner John O’Shea at centre-half in Gameweek 22 and, at home in particular, he’s been impressive with just one goal conceded in three at the Stadium of Light. Despite Cuellar’s return to fitness for the Gameweek 26 clash with Arsenal, Bramble still kept his place ahead of the Spaniard and other options such as Matt Kilgallon and Kader Mangane – he’s now started the last five under Martin O’Neill and coming in at 4.3 in FPL, could offer a cut-price route into the Black Cats backline ahead of four decent looking fixtures (wba, FUL, qpr, NOR).
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Brendan De Jonge is gonna go low tomorrow/tonight, smack some each way and thank me later, Over and Out » -
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“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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February 21 at 12:43 pm
Tom-Dwan says:
suarez,sturridge,davies,michu,sagna,demel and kebe all in my squad, 2 free transfers .1 in the bank! suggestions?
February 21 at 12:53 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
Use the transfers on mids and forwards, as you’ll likely get a bigger return
February 21 at 12:43 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
So my FPL Cup opponent hasn’t made a transfer all season…
February 21 at 12:44 pm
AGUEROOOOO!!!!! says:
February 21 at 12:45 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
That is impressive
February 21 at 12:45 pm
manehi says:
Mine hasn’t since January and is ranked in the 700,000′s. Scored 127 last week.
February 21 at 12:45 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
Thats bloody impressive then.
February 21 at 12:46 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
Also link.
February 21 at 12:46 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
http://fantasy.premierleague.c.....istory/26/
February 21 at 12:47 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
Suarez (c) this week then, perfect.
February 21 at 12:48 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
Watch Ba smash a hat-trick vs City.
February 21 at 12:51 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
Looks like it will be
Jussi, Evra, Walker, Noble, Dempsey, Ba (c) +4
vs
Begovic, Baines, Walcott, Sissoko, Fellaini, RVP (c) Lambert
February 21 at 12:48 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
February 21 at 12:57 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
He’ll have no idea that I made his team my bitch this weekend.
February 21 at 1:01 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
How has he got through so far!?
February 21 at 1:03 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
No idea. But I don’t think Friedel, Williamson and Maiga helped much.
February 21 at 1:03 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
No RVP or Michu either.
February 21 at 12:44 pm
Christian says:
Great news regarding Wilson.
Lets hope he can treat us to a goal with that sweet left foot of his
February 21 at 1:04 pm
thetinkerman says:
We’re not sure it is great news.
As Demi pointed out, great news would have been:
“Marc has trained this week and we’ll be glad to welcome him back into the team.”
February 21 at 12:44 pm
Anonymous says:
On last page … Has the next round of the members cup been announced?
February 21 at 12:45 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Mark replied
February 21 at 12:54 pm
Anonymous says:
Thanks
February 21 at 12:44 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
Steven Taylor – worth the risk or is Yanga-Mbiwa likely to come in and take his place?
Could do Davies > Taylor which could work out quite well over the next few weeks.
February 21 at 12:46 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Seems to be first choice. Reckon Mbiwa has been signed for next season when Colo leaves.
February 21 at 12:47 pm
nashi says:
If its a FT, go with Taylor.
February 21 at 12:49 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
I’d go Taylor over Santon/Debuchy if I was making the move for a Newcastle defender
February 21 at 12:50 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
If he’s rested tonight then we’ll be clearer I suppose.
February 21 at 12:56 pm
heco87 says:
Playing really well at the moment … will start on Sunday but could easily lose his place in a few weeks.
February 21 at 12:45 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
So i should be avoiding Giroud, Rooney/RVP if i haven’t already got them and opt for a striker who plays GW29 yes?
February 21 at 12:47 pm
Holtbius Mac says:
Yep.
February 21 at 12:50 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
I feel like we should just swallow our pride and get RVP back. Lambert looks like the only option.
February 21 at 12:45 pm
nashi says:
For this gameweek:
Mignolet (wba) or Bunn (EVE) ???
February 21 at 12:46 pm
AGUEROOOOO!!!!! says:
Bunn – evidence rvp 2 pointer what more do you want
February 21 at 12:51 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
Bunn
February 21 at 3:11 pm
FFAdviser says:
I would go to Bunn… My prognostic gives great possibilities of a clean sheet for the norwich!!
Check it out:
http://fantasyfootballadviser......eview.html
February 21 at 12:45 pm
Finbarr Saunders and his Double Entendres says:
Anyone remember the old leather ball?
When new they were soft – you had to stick your nozzle in a hole between the flaps (avoiding the string), and fill it until it was hard. You could press it with your finger to see when it was hard enough.
When they got old, they could get quite hairy – not like today’s shiny balls. If you hit them right on the button, you could open up the leathery flaps. You had to be careful not to get a flap in your eye when going for it with your head.
When wet the ball got very heavy – if thumped into a guy on the receiving end, he could be knocked right back and end up with brown all over his shorts.
Fnarr! Fnarr!
February 21 at 12:51 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Not another novelty account!?
February 21 at 12:58 pm
J'accuseunreal, J'accuse! - Click my link for a scoutcast/Full Jonty teaser! says:
I used to always wear my muff when it was cold outside, but last week I had a Brazilian over my place…and she said that keeping a muff these days is very unfashionable, so that was a close shave!
February 21 at 12:46 pm
Chuck Norris - "Keep Calm and Pass me the ball" - Berbatov, 26/12/12 says:
Who’s still in the cup? o/
Matched up against a guy ranked 3k but I’m quietly confident since he has 4 blanks as well as Sagna, Gibbs, Demel, C Cole and only has 1FT and no WC.
February 21 at 12:48 pm
Home Run Baker says:
Failed to qualify all 3 times
February 21 at 12:48 pm
Home Run Baker says:
Oh, you meant the big cup …. oops
February 21 at 12:52 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
Moi.
February 21 at 12:52 pm
Pasqualinho says:
I’m out of all of the cups. And the league. So now I’m concentrating on my hair.
February 21 at 1:01 pm
Gopher says:
Moi
February 21 at 12:46 pm
Arseman1213 says:
Rooney > Cisse for a hit?
Otherwise i’ll be left with just Giroud up front
February 21 at 12:50 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
Rooney to Aguero
February 21 at 12:55 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Need a grav with a name like that
February 21 at 1:13 pm
Back on the horse says:
http://www.90schild.com/images.....design.gif
as in Seinfeld
February 21 at 12:49 pm
Flying Asasssins says:
Which transfer should I make?
A) Davies –> S.Taylor
B) Enrique –> Debuchy
February 21 at 12:51 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
A if it’s a freebie
February 21 at 12:52 pm
Flying Asasssins says:
For a hit. Should I just play 10 instead?
February 21 at 12:55 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
I might end up playing with 10 if Demel doesnt start… but I wouldnt spend 4 points getting in a defender as they need a cleanie just to make it worth while
February 21 at 12:50 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Never mind Fat Frank, I am more concerened about Ivanovic being rested and the implications for Azpi’s chances of starting at the weekend. I need Azpi to play as I only have 11 to play!!
February 21 at 12:51 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Unlikely.
February 21 at 12:52 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
That makes 2 of us… not taking a hit though…
February 21 at 12:56 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
I wouldn’t take a hit. Thing is, I still have another free transfer (Suarez > Aguero is my first) but I really want to save it until we know what is happening with the blanks in week 29. The only one I would consider bringing in is Evans but they may well have a blank so that seems daft.
I still think (hope?) Azpi may play
February 21 at 12:57 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
He will I think. There’s no way Rafa’s not playing him in a big match.
February 21 at 12:59 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Hope you’re right – I thought he was nailed on but now I’m not so sure with Rafa
February 21 at 12:53 pm
Abhishek - Steven Gerrard : "I was heartbroken when Fernando Torres Left " says:
Any news about Kebe ?
February 21 at 12:54 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Come back tomorrow.
February 21 at 12:54 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
None since you last asked I’m afraid… picked up a ‘knock’ thats about it
February 21 at 12:55 pm
Dynamic says:
I’m now reliant on Demel and Cameron to play, chances?
February 21 at 12:57 pm
David Brains - OH NO! says:
I’m waiting on Demel, but let’s be honest, even if he plays, how many points are we expecting? 1, maybe 2… it’s pretty insignificant
February 21 at 12:57 pm
Pasqualinho says:
Both possibles. Not sure I’d advocate a hit to swap them out.
February 21 at 12:57 pm
unitednations says:
A: suarez >> augero
B: GJ + suarez >> santon/sagna/wilson + augero for a 2 point hit (will allow me to field 11 players)
C; GJ + suarez >> baines + giroud
dilemma’s:
- I need to bring in a defender to play for me this week and next gw as it will allow me to save an FT
- I am leading my monthly ML by 15 points so making an extra emphasis to do well this gw
- I like C but both ars and eve have a blank in gw 29 but if i save my FT next gw, i will have 2FT in gw29
- Not sure which striker to get…my other strikers are rvp and sturridge
February 21 at 1:00 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
don’t get baines. giroud + debuchy/turner imo. focus on a defender that has a gw 29 fixture
get giroud as he is a great pick for this week and then will give you another week to figure out about gw 29 and to make up your mind who you want from aguero cisse and lambert or if you want another striker
February 21 at 1:03 pm
CHANCING PUNT says:
+1
February 21 at 12:58 pm
Squerly4568 says:
somehow im still in the FPl cup, its strange though as they dont tell you have many round are left and how many players are still in? am I missing a link?
February 21 at 1:02 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
I would imagine that its through to the last week of the season, I don’t know though – I’ve never been in it long enough to take that much of an interest!
February 21 at 1:04 pm
Squerly4568 says:
haha – thats how ive been in previous seasons too mate, dont think it will last for long
February 21 at 1:04 pm
Serenity Now says:
They tell you in the rules. Last 2 standing play off in GW38, so that means there’s 2048 players left going into this week.
February 21 at 1:07 pm
Serenity Now says:
4096 even…
February 21 at 1:06 pm
Gopher says:
It runs until gw38, I think
Stated with 2 mil+ ppl, every round the number of participants is halved
February 21 at 12:59 pm
Abhishek - Steven Gerrard : "I was heartbroken when Fernando Torres Left " says:
Your team for today Europa fantasy
February 21 at 1:03 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
February 21 at 1:02 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
alright, i’m off to bed. night lads!
p.s. Jonty, I replied to you on the previous page
February 21 at 1:04 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
lol, only 5am
Night mate
February 21 at 1:06 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
I recon you’ll be up in about 5hrs when its 5am there ;P.
night mate
February 21 at 1:07 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
No chance! The latest I’m up is 4 and that’s pretty bad!
February 21 at 1:04 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Night!
Is it Thursday tomorrow or Friday?
February 21 at 1:05 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
it’s the morning of Thursday.
see you around mate
February 21 at 1:07 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Oh right, today (Thursday) is crap by the way, sorry to break it to you! Bye
February 21 at 1:03 pm
GreenWindmill says:
Get your Premier League Focus…
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....e-focus-17
February 21 at 1:03 pm
bradbury1 says:
Anyone know when the cup matches will be drawn?
February 21 at 1:03 pm
Chris_White says:
McAuley or Debuchy?
February 21 at 1:05 pm
Home Run Baker says:
McAuley
February 21 at 1:10 pm
nashi says:
Debuchy
February 21 at 1:09 pm
El Magico says:
What are Sagna owners doing? Getting Nacho Libre or someone from another team like Evans?
February 21 at 1:15 pm
jelly.john says:
Who is Your C for this GW ?
My C is walcott and V is Bale
February 21 at 1:20 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Onouha (c).
February 21 at 1:49 pm
jelly.john says:
do you know who is really my C ?
HAHAHAHAHA
February 21 at 1:17 pm
What Else says:
Will Santon be fit for this GW?other good Newcastle alternative (nailed on)?
February 21 at 1:19 pm
buteobuteo says:
Anyone else taking a silly amount of hits for the coming gameweek.. ???
Already ditched Gerrard for Bale
Subs bench for Suarez
***Swansea Conundrum*** have Michu and Williams
Guess it just needs tweaked a little… … … Any one else up shit creek???
February 21 at 1:22 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Well as you asked, I’ve not done a poo for a while.
I suggest you ditch Williams for someone, can’t be bothered to suggest anyone as feeling lazy.
February 21 at 1:27 pm
buteobuteo says:
You should see a doctor about that mate. On the other hand, you could use a coat hanger to prise it out…!
February 21 at 1:27 pm
I Like Small Butts & I Can Lie says:
So people bringing in Evans – not worried he may miss GW29, and so putting yourself in further potential trouble? I have Evra but think Enrique > Evans could mean I have 8 missing GW29, instead of 7.
February 21 at 1:38 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
Because of the doubt I am not bringing in Evans
February 21 at 1:37 pm
Kings of Lyon says:
The Tinkerman – you still about?
RE PL & CL games being played on the same night. I looked into this the other week. Aston Villa v Bolton in the PL was played the same night as Chelsea v Barca in the CL only last season. The fact that the United v WHU game was meant to be televised does muddy the water but it is possible for a PL game to be played the same day as a CL one
February 21 at 1:48 pm
Pasqualinho says:
True – but it is a last resort for the clubs concerned. More often than not they won’t want to compete with a CL game on TV for revenue purposes – so they will avoid it if at all possible.
February 21 at 1:44 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Are we worrying too much about GW29? It’s impossible to plan for if Arsenal, Everton, Utd, West Ham, City, Wigan, Chelsea & West Ham blank. Everyone will be in the same boat, so should we really be worried about getting Evans etc… in now? It’s 2 GWs away and if they miss one GW so be it, like i said, everyone will be in the same boat. At least if you have them, you’ll already a player with a potential DGW.
February 21 at 2:07 pm
CE says:
Yes and no.
I’m still putting Baines(and Gerrard>Sissoko) in this week (looks like for LaSagna now instead of Demel, just can’t get rid of him), but if you’re going to struggle to field 11, it would probably prudent over the next few weeks to only transfer in players who’ll play in GW29.
February 21 at 4:20 pm
stupendous says:
So Shreks out of Qpr match then???
Great news.
My …………….Aguero Rooney Suarez doesn’t look too good all of a sudden.