United finally bring the curtain down on Arsenal’s title challenge as Chelsea face two games in the space of four days to keep it a two-horse race. At the other end, Fulham and Bolton make it interesting with wins, as Birmingham and Reading slip back into the mire. Torres and Gerrard get back into the groove but overall the fantasy big hitters brought in modest returns so it was a “meh” week for most of us. Here’s my notes on how it all went…
Team Notes
Arsenal
Wenger’s selection showed a number of significant changes – some forced, some not. The absence of Almunia from the eleven and the bench was apparently down to an injured wrist sustained in training on Friday – Lehmann started in goal then. In front him, Song came in at centre-back alongside Gallas with Wenger’s patience with Senderos worn thin by his errors against Liverpool in the Champions League. Van Persie continued in the side but played the majority of the game in a wide role on the left, with Hleb furthest forward in support of Adebayor. Walcott started on the bench once more.
Arsenal’s title ambitions are over then despite putting in another decent performance at Old Trafford. It’s a familiar story but despite their run of disappointing results their players will represent a big temptation for fantasy managers going forward. Their next two matches are against a struggling Reading outfit and a dire Derby. Both look like points bonanzas. They appear to offer great opportunities for clean sheets and should also see attacking points for Fabregas, Adebayor and Hleb. The one consideration, certainly as far as Adebayor is concerned, is whether Wenger will look to hand some experience to young players in these games. Bendtner may get the nod over Adebayor with this in mind, while Walcott is also set to get a chance to shine.
After this pair of fixtures, a home game with Everton and a trip to Sunderland could also offer further returns, depending on how Wenger’s men react to having nothing to play for. Again though, it’s hard to read Wenger’s likely team selection. Of his attacking players only Fabregas and perhaps Hleb, look certain of starts in all four games.
Man United
Ferguson opted to keep Tevez benched then, going for the flexibility of a five man midfield to match the Arsenal formation. Ronaldo and Park pushed up to support Rooney while Carrick, Hargreaves and Scholes occupied the central roles. Ferdinand was past fit to play once again and Pique came in alongside him with Brown and Evra returning in the full-back positions.
Like Chelsea and Liverpool, United’s team selection going forward could well be influenced by the forthcoming Champions League semi. United face Blackburn next weekend, four days before taking on Barca in Spain. That could well have a bearing on Ferguson’s selection, although the Ewood Park clash is no gimme, so his options do appear limited. Tevez would seem destined to start while Anderson, O’Shea, Giggs, Neville and Silvestre could also be considered. Should Chelsea win both their games against Wigan and Everton in the week, it would appear very unlikely that Ferguson will rotate heavily for the trip to Blackburn. Ronaldo shouldn’t be at risk then.
Liverpool
Gerrard and Torres combine to some effect once more then – both ended the game with a goal and an assist. As I mentioned in my notes for this week’s picks they were always likely to add to their points tallies against Hughes’ side. However, from here on there is a realt threat of rotation with the pair given Liverpool’s involvement in the Champions League.
Rafa put out his strongest lineup against Rovers but sadly, that’s likely to be a very different eleven to the one that takes the field at Craven Cottage next weekend. That game precedes the Champions League semi with Chelsea and, based on previous evidence, we can expect some wholesale rotation, especially when you consider that Chelsea will have almost a week of rest with no game at the weekend.
Rafa’s approach to the Fulham game could well be influenced by Chelsea’s result at Goodison on Thursday. If Everton drop points in that one, it’s likely that Rafa to go to town with his rotation against Fulham. Kuyt, Babel and inevitably, Gerrard and Torres are all under threat then. You can read more of my thoughts on this in team news now and throughout the week.
Everton
Moyes’ side continue to stumble over the line. The draw at Birmingham, coupled with Liverpool’s win over Blackburn on Sunday, has surely put pay to their chances of fourth. Although they face 3 of their remaining 4 games at Goodison, they aren’t showing the form to warrant interest in their players. Defensively it’s just a single clean sheet in the last 5, while in attacking terms it’s just 4 goals in the last 6.
With Chelsea at Goodison next, it’s hard to see those stats improving this coming week. Niggling injuries hanging over the likes of Arteta and Pienaar, Everton are set to continue to struggle for attacking ideas while at the back, Chelsea, Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle all look to have the attacking threat that could have Everton struggling for clean sheets right to the end of the season.
Aston Villa
O’Neill’s men continue to end the season strongly. It’s 10 goals in 2 games for them and as usual, the goals and fantasy points are being spread across the side. Remaining fixtures should keep that momentum going, with decent home games against Birmingham and Wigan and trips to Everton and West Ham. They’ve kept two consecutive clean sheets and Laursen and Bouma will continue to offer potential returns whatever your budget. In attacking terms Young, Barry, Agbonlahor and to a lesser extent, Carew – should continue to add to their points tallies.
Portsmouth
Harry has admitted that the FA Cup Final is a massive distraction for his players and certainly Premiership form has been far from sparkling. Defensively they do remain very sound – this latest clean sheet against Newcastle was their 16th of the season putting them third overall behind United and Chelsea. With Redknapp unlikely to rotate his back four, the remaining fixtures against City, Blackburn, Boro and Fulham do have clean sheet potential then.
As for goals – Portsmouth are certainly struggling once again. Defoe’s record since his arrival, particularly at home, is superb but against Newcastle, Portsmouth created just a couple of chances. It’s just 3 goals in 4 or Redknapp’s side and the trip to City next weekend does appear to have 0-0 draw written all over it. With the likes of Young, Agbonlahor and Santa Cruz firing points this weekend, Defoe suddenly looks dispensable in fantasy terms, having looked untouchable in recent weeks.
Fulham
Hodgson’s stepped up the fight for survival with a deserved win against a subdued Reading side. There were a number of changes to their lineup with Dempsey coming in for Bouazza on the left, while Healy was rewarded for his goal last weekend with a start up front. It’s Bullard, Davies and McBride that have emerged as the leading figures in the Fulham side though and it was Davies who notched a pair of assists here – giving him an impressive 8 for the season to accompany his 5 goals. Bullard meanwhile, came out with the 3 FPL bonus points – giving him 9 bonus points in the last 6 games. More on McBride later on.
Fulham’s remaining games see them take on Liverpool at home next weekend. City, Birmingham and Portsmouth then follow. That Birmingham game will be a crunch affair, whilst Liverpool are set to name a weakened side before the Champions League game on Wednesday week. The final game against Portsmouth meanwhile, could see Redknapp resting players for the FA Cup final. In short then, Fulham’s players, in particular the key trio, are well worth considering as they fight for their Premiership status.
Sunderland
A disappointing result for Keane’s men but they were very unlucky against City. Reid continued to catch the eye despite the result, earning yet more FPL bonus to go with his assist for Whitehead’s goal. Jones was also nominated as man of the match by several sources, so these two should remain on fantasy managers shortlists – particularly as Sunderland’s next three games look fairly kind.
Middlesbrough
Another decent performance by Southgate’s men who certainly look a lot more confident now that Alves has got himself off the mark. Their remaining fixtures promise more fantasy points with 3 of the next 4 at home. Downing and Alves are worthy of attention then but you can also put Wheater in that bracket. Boro haven’t found clean sheets easy to come by but when you consider that he will come up against Bolton, Portsmouth and Man City at home – he is looking good. All three of those sides have struggled for goals away from home.
Derby
A pitiful display against Villa. Part of me thought that they’d go down fighting with players playing for contracts – couldn’t be more wrong. Derby are dropping like a stone with, it appears, little desire amongst the squad that Jewell has at his disposal. From a fantasy perspective it’s certainly worth continuing to target players in opposition over the remaining four games – that’s West Ham, Arsenal (gulp), Blackburn and Reading. All four will be looking for a clean sheet and plenty of goals, with good reason – Derby really aren’t providing any form of opposition.
Player Notes
Brian McBride
The Fulham skipper literally led from the front in the win over Reading. Along with Bullard and Davies, he is a key player if Hodgson’s men are to cling to their Premiership status. On paper next week’s encounter with Liverpool looks very tough for McBride, but Rafa’s rotation could hand Fulham an opportunity to seek another win. After that McBride will come up against City, Birmingham and Portsmouth. That’s a City defence ravaged by injuries, a Birmingham defence often exposed at set-pieces in a six-pointer at the Cottage, and a Portsmouth side preparing for an FA Cup final. He could yet be worth considering at a mid-price option.
Mauro Zarate
The Argentinian started on the bench with McFadden returning from injury. His performance in a 15-minute appearance as sub however saw him find the net for the 4th time in 4 games and with McFadden still feeling the effects of his injury, he has a chance of starting at Villa Park next weekend. It’s hardly clear-cut though so both players are far from certain of their starts, despite form. The injury to Forssell, which saw him withdrawn at half-time could be a factor – could McCleish start with both McFadden and Zarate against Villa?
Geremi
The Newcastle man notched a third clean sheet in four games as Keegan’s men continued their improvement, albeit with a 0-0 at Portsmouth. Somehow Newcastle are posing more threat up front but are also looking tighter at the back. Geremi remains the best option here, classed as a defender in fantasy games but employed in midfield by Keegan. A home game with Sunderland comes next, followed by a trip to Upton Park. Geremi then ends the season with games against his former club Chelsea and then Everton. Even if clean sheets dry up for the defence, Geremi’s advanced role and contribution from set-pieces, appear to make him a worthy purchase.
Stewart Downing
Outside of the FPL game, Downing’s current form has been unspectacular. In the FPL however, he’s picked up a bunch of bonus points of late – the 3 awarded at Spurs this weekend were his 10th in 8 games. That run of form has coincided with the arrival of Alves and, now that the Brazilian striker has broke his duck and is showing some lively form, you would expect Downing to continue to flourish. The fixtures should certainly help his cause – it’s 3 home games in the last 4 against Bolton, Portsmouth and Man City, a visit to Sunderland also offers potential returns.
David Wheater
As I mention in my team notes, Wheater looks a very good option over the last four. His home games look very favourable and he’ll continue to represent a threat from set-pieces regardless of how many clean sheets come his way.
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Two goals and an assist in his last couple of games – the Villa striker appears to have woken from his fantasy slumber to end the season with a bang. As I’ve mentioned, Villa’s fixtures look pretty decent and so he should have the platform to continue this form to the end. In the FPL Young is outscoring him for the same price, so it’s a close call between the pair.
Dean Ashton
Ashton has hardly been on fire but he has shown glimpses in recent weeks that he was edging his way back to fitness and sharpness in front of goal. He drew a blank at Bolton in a poor West Ham performance – however, with the Hammers at home for 3 of the last 4, including Derby next weekend, their players could be worth a look. Ashton stands out like the proverbial sore thumb in their lineup. With Ljungberg still troubled by a hamstring, there’s few alternatives.
Injuries
James McFadden was subbed on his return from injury against Everton. Given that he is still struggling for fitness and that Zarate had such an impact, it seems likely that McFadden will be benched next time out.
Mikael Forssell picked up a knock and was subbed at half-time.
Sebastian Larrsson picked up an injury and was replaced after just 23-minutes.
Steven Piennar was subbed on 63-minutes in the same match. He too, had just returned from injury and looked to be struggling when replaced by Anichebe. With Everton playing Chelsea on Thursday, Pienaar could lose out if Everton have other options.
Anton Ferdinand pulled up with a hamstring in the very first minute in the game at Bolton. He will be a doubt for the home game with Derby.
Daniel Sturridge picked up a knock against Sunderland (I’d wager it wasn’t as a result of Nosworthy’s challenge for the pen) and was subbed on 82-mintues.
Gary O’Neil suffered an injury against Spurs and was subbed on 73-minutes. He is suspended for the next 2 games regardless so Tuncay, his replacement here, could well get starts on the right of midfield – certainly for the home game with Bolton next weekend.
Pascal Chimbonda got a knock in the same game and was replaced on 69-minutes.
Suspensions
Kevin Davies will serve a 2-match ban after picking up his 10th booking of the season against West Ham. He will miss games against Middlesbrough and Tottenham.
Gary O’Neil picked up his 10th booking the weekend before last against United. He’ll now miss the games against Bolton and Sunderland.