Deco’s brilliance wins it for Chelsea as they grind out the win at the JJB, while Elano betters him at Eastlands with a brace as City dish out a beating to the Hammers.
Here’s the notes on Sunday’s games…
Wigan 0 Chelsea 1
A sublime free kick by Deco was enough to hand Chelsea their second win at Wigan. While Chelsea’s attacking prowess took the headlines in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth last weekend, it was their defensive resolve that won the plaudits here. Despite intense Wigan pressure, the Chelsea rearguard and Cech in particular, just refused to be beaten.
Scolari was able to call on Ballack in midfield, despite suffering from a foot injury all week. Essien also returned to the starting lineup as Mikel was apparently “unavailable”. Other than that, it was an unchanged Chelsea side that took to the field.
Deco’s performance once again stole the show, earning him another 3 FPL bonus points although it could be argued that Cech perhaps deserved more than the solitary bonus point he came away with. He has already been in high demand across the fantasy games after the Portsmouth game and today’s return will doubtless see him continue to rise in popularity. He has already risen to 9.2 from 9.0 in the FPL game.
Wigan were forced into a change before kick off with Kirkland aggravating his pre-season back injury in the warm-up. That meant that Pollitt came in between the sticks. Scharner also missed out with an ankle injury that saw Bramble make a return to the defence. Koumas also came in for Kapo who dropped to the bench.
Zaki stood out for Bruce’s men today and could well be a sound budget investment going into September when Wigan’s fixtures turn a little kinder. Indeed, we shouldn’t be fooled by Wigan’s results thus far – unlike bigger sides like Arsenal and Spurs, they are in decent form and could well offer some budget/mid-price value over the next five games, starting with their trip to Hull next weekend.
Injuries
Ashley Cole suffered a dead leg but will apparently return to training on Monday according to reports.
Wigan lost Koumas to an ankle injury – he was replaced by de Ridder at half time.
Man City 3 West Ham 0
City swept aside West Ham who put up little opposition at Eastlands, hindered by the dismissal of Mark Noble for two bookable offences in the first half.
Elano helped himself to a brace converting two assists from Ireland, while Sturridge got things started with a 65th minute strike from a Petrov assist. Interest in Elano will no doubt pique as a result of today’s strikes – the Brazilian is sitting on 3 goals for the season, although he is likely to be overshadowed by the fantasy cash being thrown in Deco’s direction. The Chelsea man occupies a similar price bracket.
Sturridge meanwhile could get an opportunity to continue in the side after today’s goal although Jo seems likely to slot straight into the side next weekend having returned from the Olympics.
Hughes made several changes today – handing a debut to new signing Kompany in the midfield holding role where he replaced Fernandes. An interesting move that should be noted considering Kompany is classified as a defender across the fantasy games. He is certainly worth considering once City’s fixtures look slightly more favourable. He is currently priced at 5.5 in the FPL game. Sturridge came in for Evans up front, while Ireland got a start in midfield with Etuhu dropping out. Ball also returned at left back for Garrido.
City will be concerned about the head injury suffered by Micah Richards which saw him omitted to hospital but the return of Richard Dunne from suspension next weekend will cover any forced absence for Richards.
Curbishley opted for the same side that beat Wigan on the opening day with Ashton and Parker both fit to play despite being injury doubts in the week. His side didn’t really muster any resistance to City, even before Noble’s dismissal. Their forthcoming games are very kind indeed but beyond Ashton, there appears to be little value in their squad right now.
Mark Noble will serve a 1 match ban for the red card received today but will be eligible for the Blackburn game next weekend due to the 7 day rule that applies to two yellow card dismissals. He will miss the trip to West Brom on September 13.
Injuries
Micah Richards suffered concussion after a clash of heads with team mate Ben-Haim. He was omitted to hospital and will now be monitored. I believe there is an enforced ruling concerning concussion that will mean that Richards will miss the UEFA Cup second leg tie with Midtjylland on Thursday and could also make him a doubt for the trip to Sunderland next weekend.
Carlton Cole suffered a thigh injury and was forced from the field on the half-hour mark.