Berbatov hands some fantasy managers a late Christmas present while Ronaldo reminds a lot more that he’s human after all. Here’s my usual ramble on another wacky weekend in the Premiership…
Birmingham 1 Fulham 1
Birmingham were unchanged with Larsson recovering from a knock to take his place in midfield. They lost skipper Damien Johnson to injury in the first half but it was his replacement at half-time, Nafti, who provided the catalyst for Birmingham’s second-half performance.
McCleish’s side still can’t establish a consistent run of results and seem to have little to offer fantasy managers. Today could and should have been an opportunity for a second consecutive clean sheet but it didn’t arrive. They now face a hideous run of games that see them visit Old Trafford, take on Arsenal at the Emirates and then host Chelsea. Larsson grabbed his second of the season here but it’s difficult to see his tally increase over the next three games with those fixtures.
Plenty of changes in the Fulham lineup with new boss Hodgson in the stands. Omozusi returned from injury to replace Baird at right-back. Davis returned to the midfield in place of Smertin while Healy came in for Kamara up front.
It’s no win in eight for Fulham, a terrible run that has seen them drop into the bottom three. Hodgson has work to do then and it will be interesting just how many changes he’ll make in the coming weeks. Dempsey’s value to fantasy mangers could certainly drop considerably if the new boss relinquishes him of the strikers role. He may well be Fulham’s top scorer, but Hodgson is likely to have a new striker in mind if he is serious about keeping the Cottagers up – Marlon King is already one name that’s cropped up.
It’s Chelsea at home next for Fulham, followed by West Ham away and a home game with Arsenal. By the end of that lot we’re likely to see a very different set of players on the pitch.
Injuries and Suspensions
Birmingham lost Damien Johnson to injury in the first-half so he’s likely to be a doubt for New Years Day.
Fulham’s Bouazza will serve his 1-match ban against Chelsea on New Years Day. Davies is on the verge of a suspension after picking up his fourth booking here.
Chelsea 2 Newcastle 1
Avram Grant rang the changes in the Chelsea lineup. Some were forced of course with Ashley Cole and Carvalho suspended and Lampard sidelined. Shevchenko also picked up a knock against Villa and missed out here. Cech was also out, presumably with the muscle injury sustained against Blackburn, so Hilario started in goal. Bridge and Ben-Haim came in as did Wright-Phillips, allowing Kalou to take the lone striking role. Grant rotated the right-back spot, dropping Ferreira to the bench and bringing in Belletti. Ballack replaced Lampard as expected and skippered the side.
Crippled by injury and suspension, this was a scrappy victory for Chelsea against a spirited Newcastle side. Essien hit his third goal of the season, his first in ten games. He also came away with the three FPL bonus points. Kalou was the other star performer with a goal and an assist plus two bonus points. Four goals and eight assists so far this season make Kalou a fairly decent purchase but then both Kalou and Essien are due to depart for the African Nations next week. Indeed Chelsea are set to be stretched with Drogba and Obi also absent so Grant is likely to have to spend some cash to fill the gaps.
Chelsea still lead the way in terms of clean sheets, sharing the lead with United on eleven in twenty games. Their forthcoming games are favourable but the defence is lacking some key players. Terry is out until the end of the month. However, Ashley Cole will return against Fulham while Carvalho will return for the Carling Cup tie against Everton January 8, so will be available against Spurs. After those games Chelsea face Birmingham away and Reading at home. Alex could still be worth a look then as the one member of the defence who is likely to be ever-present whilst Terry is still sidelined.
In attacking terms, Lampard is likely to sit out the next two Premiership fixtures so Ballack should continue in midfield. Sidwell and Sinclair, subs in this game, could also get a look in. Shevchenko and Pizarro remain Grant’s only two striking options unless Grant dips into the January transfer market. The Ukrainian is certainly the better option but likely to be priced highly in most fantasy games.
For Newcastle, Allardyce bolstered his midfield by employing Faye alongside Butt in the centre. Geremi dropped out. Martins came in for Viduka up front as the lone striker with Smith playing a deeper midfield role from the start. Owen was on the bench and appeared on 74-minutes.
Despite the improved showing here, the Newcastle lineup remains inconsistent, offering little fantasy points potential. The return of Duff and Owen from injury has only clouded Allardyce’s vision of his strongest lineup further. Meanwhile, forthcoming games against City, United, Bolton and Arsenal certainly do little to sell their players to prospective fantasy buyers.
Portsmouth 0 Middlesbrough 1
Redknapp reacted to the criticism of his negative approach to the Arsenal game by switching to a 4-4-2 with Benjani partnering Kanu up front. Utaka came in out wide with Muntari dropped to the bench. Hughes kept his place in midfield and Johnson and Pamarot were both absent so Lauren and Hreidarsson started in the full-back positions.
The plight at Fratton Park continues then. That’s six home Premiership matches without a goal for Redknapp’s men and even the move to two up front couldn’t conjure the goal. That run has meant that Benjani has hit just one goal in the last eight. The defence should be a better option, but even in this department, Portsmouth have notched just one clean sheet in five.
It’s two away games next for Portsmouth at Reading and Sunderland, which should see an upturn in fortunes and results. It’s Derby at home to follow and then they take on United and Chelsea. I worry about the losses to the African Nations though – five players are likely to be absent – Muntari, Bouba-Diop, Kanu, Lauren and Utaka. Investing in Portsmouth during a time of such upheaval could be a gamble.
Boro were without Wheater through illness so Huth started alongside Woodgate. Boateng was serving a one match ban but O’Neil recovered from injury to take his place in midfield and Southgate handed a full debut to Shawky alongside him. Rochemback dropped out of the sixteen. Aliadiere missed out with a hamstring injury so Lee started up front with Tuncay. Riggott was back from injury and took his place on the bench.
A great result for Boro and only their second clean sheet in the last seven. Tuncay notched his fourth goal in six games and could be worth considering, although despite a series of improved performances, Boro are still likely to struggle for goals without new blood. Mido will continue to be absent through injury and the African Nations throughout January. Investment from fantasy managers then, will depend heavily on Southgate’s ability to invest in new players, particularly up front.
Boro have three of the next four at home with Everton and Liverpool coming next. A trip to Blackburn follows before they play host to Wigan. That doesn’t look like an easy passage in January with their current firepower.
Injuries and Suspensions
Boro replaced O’Neil with an injury after 86-minutes. O’Neil also moved on to four bookings for the season in this game along with Arca, Woodgate and Young.
Sunderland 3 Bolton 1
Keane brought Miller back into his midfield after he returned from a 3-match suspension. Waghorn dropped to the bench to make way. Richardson was fit enough to get a starting role, he came in for Wallace on the left. Cole came in up front alongside Jones with Chopra employed out wide on the right.
This was a massive result for Sunderland and one which was significant for a return to form for Kenwyne Jones and the return to fitness of Kieron Richardson. Both were amongst the points here with Jones registering a goal and two assists, plus all three FPL bonus points. Jones’ dip in form coincided with Sunderland’s slump. The goal here was his first in eight games and Keane’s side had won just one of those games – against Derby. Jones is clearly a crucial factor in Sunderland’s success and if they can string a few results together then Jones is highly likely to be amongst the points. Significantly, despite the lack of recent goals, Jones offers the best value as a striker in terms of points per million, in the FPL game.
The emergence of a fit Richardson is only going to aid Sunderland and Jones’ form. He got himself a goal and an assist today and is certainly worth watching as a cheap midfield option.
Sunderland visit Blackburn next, the face Portsmouth at home and Spurs away. Certainly not an easy run, however I wonder if this result will give them enough confidence to put a decent run of results together.
For Bolton, Megson made changes, dropping Campo and Guthrie to the bench and bringing in McCann and Samuel. Joey O’Brien came back at right-back with Hunt sidelined with a knock. Jaaskelainen recovered from a wrist injury to take his place in goal.
Bolton were certainly unlucky here, dominating chunks of this match but were unable to break down a stubborn Sunderland backline in which McShane and Higginbotham excelled. Their away form has been dismal, without a win or clean sheet all season. However, three of their next four are at the Reebok and Megson will see them as games that can all be won.
It’s Derby and Blackburn next, followed by a trip to Newcastle to take on former boss Allardyce (maybe), before they host Fulham. That’s four big and crucial games for Bolton and if Anelka is still at the club, then you’d certainly expect him to wade in with three to four goals. Nolan is another potential target during this run and Andy O’Brien would be a sound budget buy if you’re looking for defenders. Defence is one department that you can be sure Megson will be investing in but O’Brien would appear to be a certain starter no matter what personnel was brought in.
Diouf and Meite will both depart for the African Nations Cup after New Years Day. Both will be missed but as I’ve mentioned, Megson is likely to buy in a new centre-back regardless while Stelios is likely to replace Diouf.
Injuries and Suspensions
Kevin Davies picked up his fifth booking here but will only miss Bolton’s FA Cup tie with Sheffield United on January 5. Diouf picked up his ninth booking here and is just one away from a 2-match ban. However, he is of course absent in January at the African Nations so if he can get booked on New Year’s Day, he could serve this while he is away.
Tottenham 6 Reading 4
An incredible game – I did foresee goals here, but not quite the avalanche that arrived. In terms of the Spurs lineup, Ramos had Jenas back available after injury and brought him straight back into the side, dropping O’Hara out of the sixteen. They were unchanged elsewhere with Bent out of the squad and Defoe on the bench once more.
The day belonged to Berbatov, weighing in with four goals. Keane notched two assists here although it’s interesting that he missed his second penalty in a row here – could he hand the spot-kick duties over to Berbatov from this point on?
The Spurs strikers are the leading forwards in the FPL game and first and third in the Fantasy League. With eighteen goals and fourteen assist between them, it’s hard to ignore them in fantasy terms. The threat of rotation with Defoe and Bent has never really materialised, although it could be an immediate threat on New Year’s Day. After this, Keane and Berbatov appear to offer irresistible value.
Be wary though, the fixture list is a concern – three of the next four are away from the Lane. Berbatov has scored three times on his travels, Keane four times. Clearly the pairing are less potent away from home which could see their output stall a little in the next month. Villa, Chelsea and Everton provide the away opposition and none of those defences will be easy to breach, even with the quality that Spurs possess going forward.
Reading made just one change and as expected it was Cisse who replaced the suspended Gunnarsson who started a 3-match ban. Once again they performed well without earning themselves a rewards. Kitson was, once again, superb, picking up the three FPL bonus points despite Berbatov’s performance on the day. He and Hunt remain the key fantasy components in the Reading side although Shorey picked up three assists here, giving him nine assists for the season – only Fabregas has more. Reading continue to ship goals but Shorey’s attacking prowess and set-piece ability certainly makes him a worthy gamble in defence, particularly as he is available at a very modest price in most fantasy games.
Like Spurs, Reading face a tough run of games. They host Portsmouth next which could be another high-scoring game. That’s followed by a trip to Villa before they take on United and Chelsea.
Injuries and Suspensions
Shane Long moved on to the suspension tightrope with his fourth booking in this game.
West Ham 2 Man United 1
West Ham turned United over for the third game running, cashing on Ronaldo’s penalty miss to shock Ferguson’s side with two set-piece goals. Curbishley shifted to a 4-5-1, dropping Ashton to bench and bringing Noble into his midfield. They were unchanged elsewhere with Ferdinand coming off the bench to replace Parker and heading the crucial equaliser.
The result and performance was typical of a West Ham side who have been incredibly difficult to predict all season. Like Newcastle, they seem to have strung enough results together to keep them out of trouble and yet just cannot put a consistent run of results to together to push them further up the table.
Subsequently, fantasy managers haven’t made many calls on the West Ham squad other than to finance bigger deals elsewhere by investing in their mid-price defenders. In this respect, Upson continues to offer some value, chipping in with his first goal of the season here. Ferdinand could be another option, he seems likely to start on New Year’s day for Spector but Gabbidon could also threaten for the spot alongside Upson once fit. It’s just one clean sheet in seven for the Hammers though and a trip to Arsenal next is unlikely to help that record. A home game with Fulham follows this, before they visit City and take on Liverpool at home.
United brought back a number of players having rested them at Sunderland. Evra and Giggs came back in for O’Shea and Nani. Hargreaves returned from a back complaint to oust Carrick. Tevez came in for Rooney as Saha kept his place. Fletcher also kept a starting role with Anderson on the bench.
Despite defeat, fantasy managers won’t be panicking over the United players in their team. Indeed, in the long run the result may convince Ferguson to resist the urge to rest Rooney or Ronaldo for Premiership games which can only be a good thing. On the last two occasions he has taken this option, United have lost.
Ronaldo’s tenth goal in his last nine Premiership games was perhaps overshadowed by a careless penalty miss. Defensively this was a blip – only the second time they’ve conceded two in a Premiership match this season. The forthcoming fixtures suggests that yet more clean sheets and goals are on the way. It’s three home games in four for United with Birmingham, Newcastle and Portsmouth visiting Old Trafford. A trip to Reading is squeezed in between these games.
Injuries and Suspensions
West Ham lost Solano to a hamstring injury just after half-time. They also lost Parker to injury on 55-minutes.
Wigan 1 Aston Villa 2
A deeply disappointing result for Wigan, particularly having taken the lead here. Bruce picked the same side that nicked a win against Newcastle, with Ryan Taylor shaking off a knock to play on the left of midfield again. He added to his reputation with the assist for Bramble’s goal here – demonstrating once again his ability and the monopoly he has over Wigan’s set-pieces. Elsewhere in the Wigan side there are scraps of potential in Bent and Sibierski, although Heskey’s imminent return from injury will cast doubt over Bruce’s selection.
Wigan face Liverpool at Anfield on New Year’s Day. That’s followed by a trip to Derby and a home game with Everton. Not a particularly easy run of games which is unlikely to promote increased interest in their players. It will however, be interesting to see what Bruce does in the transfer market.
Villa were forced into one change with Knight suspended following his sending-off against Chelsea. Curtis Davies came into the back four to replace him. Maloney started his third game running, pushed up front alongside Carew with Agbonlahor out wide. Bouma passed a fitness test to remain at left-back.
A good result for Villa after a run of five without a win. Their lineup remains consistent – due mainly to a lack of resources for O’Neil. Carew’s injury here will be a concern but any absence would make Maloney a more attractive proposition given that he was employed up front here. Agbonlahor hit his first for six starts but was played in a wide role from kick-off. It’s no clean sheet in the last three but a run of three home games in the next four could change that. Davies was outstanding here, claiming the equaliser and all three FPL bonus points. That could mean he’ll retain his place in the back four against Spurs on New Years Day at Knight’s expense.
The Spurs game is followed by a home game with Reading, a trip to Liverpool and another home game with Blackburn.
Injuries and Suspensions
Bramble picked up his fifth booking of the season here. He will avoid missing a Premiership match and will instead sit out the FA Cup tie with Sunderland.
Villa lost to Carew to a knee injury after just 10-minutes here. There’s no definitive news of a length of absence as yet. Agbonlahor is on the verge of a one match ban after moving on to four bookings here.
Everton 1 Arsenal 4
Moyes went with a 4-5-1 again with Cahill pushed up alongside Yakubu. He made one change with Gravesen nursing a knock, Neville started in midfield again with Hibbert at right-back.
Everton’s run of four consecutive home wins was brought to a spectacular end here then in a bad tempered affair which demonstrated a different side to Arsenal’s game. Everton dominated the first half-hour and deserved their lead. The goal credited to Cahill although it looked very much like Yakubu had nodded it in. As Cahill’s goal it’s his sixth in eight games making him almost impossible to ignore in fantasy terms now. That’s even more the case with Arteta picking up a straight red here. The Spaniard will only miss one Premiership match but those managers with him in their side must surely be contemplating the straight swap for Cahill. The Aussie midfielder is assured of his place, particularly with Piennar due to depart to the African Nations in January, and his current role is allowing him total freedom to bomb up along the lone striker.
Yakubu and Yobo will also depart following the Carling Cup tie with Chelsea on Tuesday, so the visit to Boro will be their last Premiership match, potentially until February 10th which will see them miss five Premiership matches. Johnson is likely to take up the strikers role in Yakubu absence and Stubbs and Baines are now both fit, that gives Moyes cover at centre back and also allows Lescott the opportunity to move to central defence from his current left-back role.
Everton’s forthcoming fixtures are kind enough to allow them to recover from this defeat, even with their departed players. The Boro game will be an interesting test. That’s followed by games against City at home, Wigan away and Spurs at home. All arguably winnable games for Everton from which Cahill could well add to his goal tally.
Arsenal weren’t at their most fluent best but simply overpowered Everton in the second-half. Wenger took a gamble by dropping Adebayor and Rosicky to the bench bringing in Eduardo and Bendtner as a front two. Eboue was rested and out of the sixteen and Diaby started.
The changes looked like a mistake after 45-minutes. Arsenal couldn’t get their passing game going but Eduardo turned the game around with two very smart finishes with a little bit of “handiwork” thrown in. Bendtner did himself no favours with his performance and the red card, which should guarantee that Adebayor won’t be rested again in a hurry. Eduardo could well start again against the Hammers on New Years Day although with Van Persie already confirmed to be sidelined.
So its West Ham and Birmingham at home next, followed by Fulham away and another home game with Newcastle. That’s a very smart set of fixtures for Arsenal.
Fabregas and Adebayor look sensible signings again then and Senderos could be another option. Arsenal will lose Eboue from their midfield and, more significantly, Toure from the defence for January’s African Nations Cup. That should see Senderos get around 4-5 consecutive starts. Arsenal have kept seven clean sheets so far this season, five of which have been at the Emirates but they’ve only conceded two in the last four. The improved defensive qualities got some recognition here with Gallas and Toure picking up the lions share of the FPL bonus points.
Injuries and Suspensions
Bendtner is immediately suspended for the West Ham game on Tuesday. Flamini picked up his fifth booking of the season here but won’t miss a Premiership game, instead he’ll be out of the FA Cup tie with Burnley next weekend.
Arteta will serve a 3-match ban but will only miss one Premiership game at Boro on Tuesday. The remainder of his suspension will be served against Oldham in the FA Cup on Saturday and against Chelsea in the Carling Cup the following Tuesday.
Derby 1 Blackburn 2
Paul Jewell recalled fit-again Claude Davis for more who was the latest in a long line of casualties. Michael Johnson made a first start of the season alongside Davis with Leacock employed in midfield. Oakley also returned to the midfield to make up for the loss of Pearson who is out for a month with a dislocated shoulder. Price was in goal once again with Bywater still out with a shoulder injury.
Derby’s form has picked up even though the results fail to reflect that. Jewell has clearly given them more freedom to attack and Derby have now scored four in their last three games having struggled for goals all season. That won’t increase interest in their players, despite the assist for Barnes today and Oakely’s third goal of the season.
Blackburn were without Samba today due to his wife giving birth, so Khizanishvili continued, this time in central defence alongside Nelson. Emerton moved back to right full-back. Tugay and Mokoena came in for Dunn and Reid in midfield. McCarthy was recalled up front as Bentley moved back to right-midfield.
Once again it was Bentley and Santa Cruz who starred here. Bentley hit his fifth goal of the season to win the game, earning the three FPL bonus points in the process. Only Fabregas has earned more FPL bonus points so far this season. Santa Cruz meanwhile, hit his tenth Premiership goal of the season, his sixth in the last four games.
Blackburn’s forthcoming games offer plenty of potential to boost their points totals further. It’s Sunderland at home next, followed by a trip to Bolton and a home game with Boro.
Injuries and Suspensions
Derby lost Leacock to injury and replaced him at half-time. Johnson was also replaced with an injury after 53-minutes.
Man City 0 Liverpool 0
In a weekend with just one clean sheet, City and Liverpool played out a stalemate to deliver a couple more. Sven set the tone by opting for his usual 4-5-1 but with Corluka employed in a midfield role along with Hamann who was recalled. Vassell was the lone striker with Bianchi dropped to the bench. Onuoha continued at right-back and Ball was once again preferred to Garrido at left-back.
City are struggling to find the fluid football that was so evident early in the season. Elano certainly can’t seem to recapture his former sparkle. He started here but was subbed on the hour-mark. He’s now failed to register a goal or an assist in the last seven Premiership appearances.
City did at least defend well here, surviving a second-half onslaught thanks to the performance of Dunne and Richards who picked up FPL bonus points here. This was however, City’s first clean sheet in seven games.
Their forthcoming fixtures find them away from Eastlands for three of the next four. It’s Newcastle and Everton away next, followed by a home game with West Ham and a trip to Derby. The opposition could be tougher but then City have won only once away from home all season – on the opening day at Upton Park.
Rafa rotated his troops once again, shifting his lineup to something like what appears to be his preferred eleven. Hyypia was a notably absence having failed a fitness test on an ankle injury. Benitez employed Arbeloa in central defence with Finnan remaining at right-back. Aurellio continued at left-back with Riise rested on the bench. Mascherano and Benayoun came back in with Alonso and Babel benched. Voronin was also dropped to the bench with Kuyt returning.
Liverpool’s forthcoming games look good. The Wigan game on New Years Day is followed by a trip to Boro and a home game with Villa. Rafa then takes his team to West Ham. Those all look winnable games with plenty of goals and clean sheet potential. Gerrard, Torres and Carragher are likely to get plenty of interest – as will Agger who is about to return from injury after a lengthy period of absence.