They’ll be more changes to come after Wednesday’s Premiership games but prior to that, here’s a little blurb on the changes I’ve made since the weekend to the player rankings for the next five games. Decode this little lot…
Reina drops off the top of the Keepers chart with Liverpool facing United, Everton and Arsenal over consecutive games. Howard takes the top spot for now with both Van der Sar and Cech injury doubts. That could change after the weekend but for now, Howard looks the best selection with superb form and some decent fixtures to come. James climbs to second with some smart fixtures. Robinson also climbs with 6 games in 5 weeks, 4 of which are at White Hart Lane. Kirkland climbs as Friedal drops with Hahnemann coming into the rankings with good fixtures and two consecutive clean sheets to his name.
In defence Ferdinand is the big climber with 6 games in 5 and decent opponents, particularly over the next 2 games. Carragher drops then with some tough games to come. Hutton climbs with 6 games in 5. Scharner and Shorey also climb with good form and fixtures. Dunne drops out altogether with an injury and bad form.
Ronaldo climbs above Gerrard in midfield with better fixtures and 6 games in 5. Rest could be a factor but without Champions League fixtures, Ronaldo could be set for a solid run of games and points. Elsewhere Bullard is the big climber with good form and excellent fixtures. Bentley drops slightly while Hunt is a climber from a lower position with good fixtures to come. Taylor is a new entry with 6 games in 5, Birmingham’s Larsson and Fulham’s Davies both come in with good fixtures. City’s Petrov is close to a return from suspension but is ranked low due to club form.
Up front Berbatov takes the top spot with 6 games in 5 and decent form. Torres has outstanding form but fewer and far tougher games over the next 5 weeks. Tevez is a climber with 6 games in 5 again – only the risk of being rested prevents him from overtaking Adebayor who has dipped in form. Anelka and Drogba are kept low despite having 6 in 5, while Grant sorts out his team selection. McFadden and Forssell climb with Birmingham’s fixtures looking strong. Long is a new entry with decent fixtures although he is threatened by Kitson should his form drop.