A solitary clean sheet, a hat trick for a formerly out-of-sorts Adebayor, two Liverpool goals against United at Anfield – it was more “tales of the unexpected” for fantasy managers.
Here’s my bloated and belated notes on all the games from another week in the Premiership..
Tottenham 1 Aston Villa 2
Ramos gave debuts to Corluka and Pavlyuchenko as expected but his lineup included some puzzling changes elsewhere. Bentley and Jenas were benched, presumably with Thrusday’s UEFA Cup tie in mind. That saw Zokora move from right back to a central midfield role alongside Huddlestone, with Modric on the left and Lennon on the right of midfield. King’s dodgy knee saw him miss out and Dawson start alongside Woodgate.
Villa are also in UEFA Cup action on Thursday but in contrast, O’Neill kept an unchanged side which meant that Cuellar and Milner were benched. Sidwell again missed out through injury.
In truth, the scoreline flattered Spurs. Villa should have put more daylight between themselves and Spurs long before Bent’s fortuitous goal late on. Barry was superb in midfield for the visitors while Agbonlahor and Young were threatening as ever, buzzing around the significant nuisance value of Carew.
Spurs were disappointing again and Ramos’ decision to rest both Jenas and Bentley backfired badly with Spurs quickly put on the back foot by Villa. From his selection, it appears that Ramos values a UEFA Cup run above Premiership results, even when his team lie bottom of the Premiership. The decision is somewhat surprising considering Spurs are at home to Wisla Krakow in the first leg, while an unchanged Villa travel to Litex Lovech for their first leg.
Bentley’s value will have to take a hit after tonight with the threat of rotation in mind. Even when selected, it’s clear from this game that Pavlyuchenko will need time before he will be at a level to convert some of the service that Bentley can provide.
Spurs and Ramos at least have the comfort of some pretty decent fixtures to come, with home games with Wigan and Hull sandwiched around a trip to Portsmouth. Confidence however, is low at both ends of the field and it’s hard to endorse players like Bentley and Bent after tonight’s showing with the likes of Wright-Phillips, Cahill, Arteta, Zaki, Yakubu and Defoe all available as similarly-priced alternatives. Defensively meanwhile, Spurs are as inconsistent as ever with King still unable to string appearances together.
In contrast, Villa’s stock will have risen once again with this performance. While the Carling and UEFA Cups will provide major distraction, O’Neill is reassuringly consistent with his team selection. Premiership fixtures against West Brom and Sunderland over the next two, appear to promise decent returns. Carew’s injury will be a concern but any absence could see Milner get a start with Young deployed up front – although Harewood is an option, should O’Neill go for a like-for-like swap.
Injuries and Bans
Luka Modric picked up an injury and was replaced after 29 minutes. For Villa, John Carew sustained an ankle injury and was subbed on 63 minutes.
Blackburn 0 Arsenal 4
Ince made two changes from the side that had started at West Ham – Ooijer and Grella both picked up knocks whilst on international duty, so Andrews earned his first start in midfield, while Danny Simpson, on loan from United, came in at right back.
Wenger made just one change to his lineup – Nasri’s injury making it easy for the Gunners’ boss to throw Walcott in against Rovers. He lined up on the left of midfield with Eboue keeping his place on the right.
Adebayor’s hat-trick stole the show and saw him offer a massive reward to those fantasy managers who have stood by him after a shaky start to the season. He took the maximum FPL bonus points in addition to his goals, although Fabregas, once again, came away with two bonus points. The Spaniard’s overall fantasy contribution is slightly concerning however – it’s not often that Arsenal score four goals without him contributing at least an assist. I’m certainly feeling a little fidgety about his value already, given that Ronaldo is now looming on the horizon as a signing.
Patience should pay off though, as Adebayor demonstrated in this match. Arsenal’s fixtures remain kind with a trip to Bolton next followed by a home game with Hull and a trip to Sunderland. None of those games will intimidate an Arsenal side who have one 9 of their last 10 Premiership matches.
Van Persie and Adebayor are sure to be the centre of plenty of fantasy transfer activity over the next few days – although with Champions League football in midweek – caution on early transfers is advised, particularly with Van Persie’s injury record. Walcott’s performance will keep his bandwagon rolling, although when Nasri is fit, he looks likely to be rested and rotated on a regular basis.
What is perhaps most surprising with Arsenal so far is that they have the strongest defence statistically, having conceded just a single goal so far. Clichy remains a very popular signing as a result and Gallas is always worth a look.
One point of interest regarding Arsenal’s penalty taker – Adebayor took this one but Wenger made it clear that Van Persie is the designated kicker and that the Dutchman “allowed” Adebayor the opportunity to take the kick. Seems an odd one given that the kick wasn’t the goal to seal Adebayor his hat trick. Clearly the designated penalty take for Arsenal is a bit of a lottery right now.
As for Blackburn, they are shipping goals for fun – that’s twelve in four premiership games so far for Ince’s men. They face Fulham at home next – a game which should have more goals in it, certainly for Fulham who will be confident after their performance against Bolton this weekend. Interest in Santa Cruz is set to drop further then as Yakubu, Defoe and Zaki continue to maintain their form.
Injuries and Bans
Eboue picked up an injury in the incident that led to the Arsenal penalty for the third goal. He was subbed on 81 minutes. Gamst Pedersen picked up a knock for Blackburn and was replaced just after the hour mark.
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Hodgson made three changes to his lineup, restoring Pantsil to right back and Konchesky to left back after he made a recovery from injury. Stoor and Kallio dropped to the bench to make way. More significantly, Andy Johnson made his debut up front for Fulham following his move from Everton. Seol made way to the bench.
Megson kept an unchanged side – that meant that Gardner again played a midfield role on the left and Shittu remained in central defence with Cahill serving the second of his three match ban. Elamnder and Taylor were still sidelined through injury, while Riga was kept on the bench, despite looking lively against West Brom.
It was a stirring performance from Fulham, inspired by Zamora up front who bagged his first goal of the season and a pair of FPL bonus points. Gera also starred, opening the scoring and earning the maximum FPL bonus.
Hodgson will be confident going to Blackburn next weekend. Fulham don’t travel well but he will feel that Johnson and Zamora will cause a fragile Blackburn defence a good few problems. Bullard also had a big game their last season and could be prominent.
After the Carling Cup tie with Burnley, Fulham then take on West Ham at home before travelling to West Brom. That’s a decent run of games that should see interest in Fulham players increase. Zamora looks a very decent prospect up front given his price across the games. Bullard, Gera and Davies offer mid-price options in midfield and Hangeland is set to continue to rise in popularity at the back.
Bolton are struggling without Elmander and although the striker is closing in on a return, Megson faces Arsenal and then United next. Time to ship out the Bolton chaff if you have any lying around.
Injuries and Bans
Zamora picked up a knock and was replaced on 83 minutes.
Liverpool 2 Man United 1
Gerrard and Torres weren’t risked, despite being close to making this one and sat out the game on the bench. Rierra was given his debut for Liverpool on the left of midfield however as Rafa went with a 4-4-2 with Keane and Kuyt paired up front. Aurellio earned a recall at left back with Dossena dropping to the bench.
Ferguson handed Berbatov a debut up front, deploying Rooney wide right and Tevez alongside the Bulgarian. Carrick returned from injury to claim a place in the midfield, Anderson kept his starting role alongside him which meant that Fletcher dropped to the bench. Giggs, Hargreaves and Nani all returned and made appearances from the bench.
This was an outstanding result for Liverpool which defied the recent record books and my own belief that they would struggle to threaten United without Gerrard and Torres. The tackling and work rate of Mascherano and Keane proved decisive in the end – that, and some ponderous/calamitous defending at the back for United.
With the Champions League about to kick in this week, Rafa could go into rotation overdrive. Babel, Benayon, Rierra, Kuyt, Lucas, Alonso and Ngog are all set to come in and out of the side over the next month with Liverpool facing Marseille on Tuesday and PSV at the end of the month.
At the back, Skrtel continues to keep Agger on the bench although things could well get rotated here too. With Aurellio returning in this one, aside from the dependable Carragher, it is Arbeloa who looks the safest from roation at the back with Degan still injured.
Liverpool face Stoke at home next, followed by a trips to Goodison and Eastlands to face City. Stoke offer a good chance of a clean sheet if the defence can handle Delap’s bombardment from the touchline – Torres also looks good for that game. The fixtures to follow could be kinder though.
Berbatov’s debut for United was a bit of a surprise for me. I’d expected Ferguson to ease him in but cleary he felt the stage was set for his new striker. The decision to shove Rooney wide on the right was interesting and will surely be the death knell of his fantasy potential this season given his comparative price to Tevez and Berbatov.
Despite Berbatov’s arrival, United desperately need Ronaldo back in the side and Ferguson is clearly going to push the winger to return as soon as possible. There is talk of a return to the bench in Wednesday’s Champions League game against Villarreal or the trip to Chelsea next weekend. As a result of this, and the need to accommodate Rooney along with Berbatov and Tevez, Fletcher now looks likely to be relegated to his usual bit-part role while Nani’s involvement may also be minimal. Scholes looked a little lost in this one and his form will also be a concern for Ferguson and any fantasy owners, although Carrick’s injury in this game should guarantee him prolonged starts in the next couple of games.
Injuries and Bans
Mascherano picked up a knock and was replaced on 86 minutes. Carrick picked up an ankle injury for United and was subbed at half time. Ferguson has assured us that the initial x-ray showed that there was no break although Carrick will have further scans early this week.
Vidic will face a one match ban following his red card for two bookable offences. He will miss the trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.
Man City 1 Chelsea 3
Hughes gave debuts to Robinho (still can’t get used to his) and Zabaleta at right back. He replaced the departed Corluka, while the Brazilian came in just behind compatriot Jo, with Ireland shifting to the left to replace the injured Petrov.
Scolari dropped Belletti to the bench and restored Mikel to the holding role in midfield. Malouda came in to replace Essien who is sidelined for six months as the Chelsea boss kept faith with his 4-1-4-1 shape. Anelka started up front, although Drogba was fit to return to the bench and came on with 20 minutes to go.
Robinho’s debut was spoilt by a typically clinical Chelsea performance in which Deco and Lampard were again the driving force. Having said that, Joe Cole earned the maximum FPL bonus while Deco got ignored – obviously he’s out of favour with the FPL guys.
Robinho’s arrival and the form of Wright-Phillips has seen City get plenty of attention from fantasy managers. They have a busy programme coming up with UEFA Cup action on Thursday and Carling Cup the following week. In the Premiership, they host Portsmouth next before travelling to Wigan. To me, both those games look very tricky, with Defoe and Zaki likely to cause the problems. Defensively I’m being cautious about City then but, in attacking terms, they are likely to need a good few goals to win those games which could bode well for fantasy investors.
I’m still not sold on Robinho’s potential as a forward over the season, despite his goal here. However, Wright-Phillips continues to shine on his return and appears to offer very strong value in midfield. Good mid-price midfielders are commonplace right now however, particularly with Cahill making a scoring return for Everton this weekend.
Chelsea’s lineup continue to offer strong returns – Lampard justifying backing over Deco with a superbly taken goal here. Carvalho meanwhile, will get plenty of attention with Terry suspended and having scored his first of the season here. Terry’s absence is set to see Alex get consecutive starts against United and Stoke – a word of warning here though – the skipper is sure to be missed and United and Stoke will be thorough tests.
In attacking terms, Drogba is now a factor having returned to action from the bench. It looks a strong possibility that Scolari will start with him against United next weekend, particularly with Vidic suspended for the Champions.
Injuries and Bans
John Terry was dismissed for “serious foul play” and will now face a three match ban, starting with the United game next weekend.
Portsmouth 2 Middlesbrough 1
Redknapp went with the same lineup that won at Goodison a fortnight ago, keeping faith with the 3-5-2 with Johnson and Traore employed as wingbacks. Nugent and new signing Nadir Belhadj made the bench. Redknapp changed the system at half time however, bringing on Utaka for Bouba Diop and Belhadj for Kaboul. That saw Portsmouth adopt a 4-4-2.
Southgate was forced into changes with both Shawky and Tuncay picking up injuries whilst on international duty. Digard and Mido came in. Riggott also got a start as Wheater was benched having suffered from tonsillitis all week.
Defoe was once again the main attacking threat for Pompey, justify his selection in my picks with a brace that makes him the Premiership’s leading scorer with Wigan’s Zaki. Diarra was also a major factor in midfield – those two took the bulk of the FPL bonus points from this game.
With UEFA and Carling Cup fixtures looming, it’s a busy programme for Redknapp’s men which may see their resources stretched. Interest in their players should be delayed until after Thursday’s European tie then but, following that, I’d expect Defoe to continue to be a major target with City, Spurs and Stoke coming next. Diarra will also get further suitors as a cheap midfield option.
In defence, Redknapp’s tactical shift in this game is interesting with Belhadj and Traore continuing to offer potential defensively given that they are likely to rotate in the left midfield role with Kranjcar and Thomas both sidelined for several months.
As for Boro, they continue to impress in spells this season but consistency, as always, remains elusive. Sunderland, West Brom and Wigan provide decent opposition to suggest that the likes of Mido, Alves and Downing could offer potential but, quite frankly, there appears to be plenty of more reliable alternatives elsewhere right now.
Newcastle 1 Hull 2
Caretaker boss Chris Hughton had the thankless task for preparing a Newcastle team, riddled by injuries, for a match that was almost the backdrop to off-the-field events at St James’s Park. He was boosted by the return of Cacapa and Geremi, with the latter coming straight into the side in midfield. Elsewhere, Hughton went with 3 strikers pitching Xisco up with Ameobi and Owen. N’Zogbia took the left back berth with Enrique still sidelined. Edgar came in at right back with Beye struggling with an Achilles injury. Gonzalez made his debut from the bench.
Phil Brown made five changes in all after the big home defeat to Wigan last time out. McShane came in at right back for Ricketts while Gardner made a return at centre back for Brown. Mendy started out of position on the right of midfield for Garcia, while Halmosi came in for fantasy favourite Geovanni who was benched. King returned up front to some effect after being ineligible to face his former club – Fagan dropped to the bench.
You’ve got to hand it to Hull, they’re taking everyone by surprise right now and, despite the distractions for this game, they fully deserved the victory. Brown’s decision to drop Geovanni will disappoint many fantasy managers – He is a classic case of a luxury player who Brown may now only consider for home games. We’ll have to wait and see how that one turns out but no doubt he’ll be shipped out by plenty of managers over the coming week. Brown’s men have patchy fixtures – the home game with Everton should promise goals and after that they face very tricky trips to North London to face Arsenal and Spurs. I can’t see many takers for Hull’s budget buys then, despite the form.
Newcastle are currently a shambles off the pitch and sadly, it’s beginning to be reflected on it. It’s a trip to Upton Park next – the first of several games involving Newcastle which appear to have plenty of goals in them. A Carling Cup tie with Spurs is then followed by a home game with Blackburn and a trip to Everton. Martins and Duff should make returns from injuries next weekend but I can’t see either of them, or indeed any Newcastle player baring N’Zogbia perhaps, figuring on the fantasy shopping lists.
Injuries and Bans
Guthrie will serve a 3 match ban for a straight red for his ridiculous challenge on Hull’s Fagan. That incident also resulted in a suspected broken leg for the Hull man. According to reports Fagan could face a spell on the sidelines of between 6 to 12 weeks.
West Brom 3 West Ham 2
Mowbray made a string of changes as he went in search of a first Premiership win. Olsson made his debut in central defence with Meite sidelined. Hoefkens returned at right back with Zuiverloon out. Kim dropped to the bench with Brunt recalled, while Bednar was brought in for Miller up front who was suffering form a knee injury.
The Hammers caretaker boss Kevin Keen handed new signing Ilunga a debut at left back with Behrami pushed into midfield. That meant that Faubert dropped to the bench. Boa Morte came in on the left with Etherington also benched. Bellamy was on the bench as he continued his return to full fitness.
The Baggies have been playing decent stuff for a while, without reward so this result wasn’t a major surprise. After struggling for goals to this point, Mowbray’s side found the net three times, playing some lovely stuff in the process. Clean sheets don’t look to be on the menu but goals from midfield certainly look available.
It’s a local derby with Villa next for Mowbray’s men – a game which should promise goals at both ends. A trip to Boro is then followed by a home game with Fulham. For me, those three games promise some success for West Brom in attacking terms. The likes of Greening in particular – playing just behind the lone striker, could well be worth a look then if you’re after a budget midfield option.
For West Ham, the Zola factor is yet to kick in of course, with Keen in charge for this game. Clearly though, the former Chelsea man has plenty of work to do. The team changes for this game – most notably the decision to bring in Ilunga and drop Faubert to the bench, will be a concern to fantasy managers. Just what Zola will bring to the Hammers and the team sheet is anyone’s guess. Attacking football should be on the cards and that, and some favourable fixtures, should see plenty of managers keep faith with Ashton.
Injuries and Bans
Dean Ashton suffered a cut to the side of his head and had to be replaced on 19 minutes. He is set to make a full recovery for the home game with Newcastle.
Wigan 1 Sunderland 1
Steve Bruce fielded an unchanged side with Kilbane taking his place sporting a protective face mask after suffering a fractured cheek in the win at Hull. Scharner returned from injury but Bruce kept faith with Bramble alongside Boyce.
Keane made several changes to his lineup after defeat to City last time out. Ferdinand and McCartney got their debuts at the back with Collins and Bardsley dropping to the bench. Tainio returned in midfield with Reid also benched. Richardson replaced Murphy in midfield.
Wigan deserved the draw as Sunderland failed to hang on to the three points in an-end-to-end affair. Zaki will once again get the headlines for fantasy managers as he continues to look a must-have player given his budget price across the games. Four premiership goals in as many games speaks for itself.
Elsewhere, the secret could also be out on Figueroa who provided the assist for Zaki’s goal here. He’s been an impressive ever-present for Wigan and again, is available for a budget price across the games.
Bruce takes his side to Spurs next and, on current form, you can see them having some joy in that one. They then host City and Boro in games that again, you can easily see the likes of Zaki and Valencia continuing to profit. In short then, Wigan continue to be worthy of investment if you haven’t already taken the plunge.
As for Sunderland, Keane appears to have made them a more resilient outfit this season although they still clearly lack a major goal threat. Defensively they are tighter although they are yet to find a first clean sheet of the season. Overall then, there’s little for fantasy managers to get excited about in the Sunderland lineup barring a budget defender when the fixtures look strong. Home games with Boro and Arsenal come next, with a trip to Villa sandiwched in between. None of those games look likely clean sheets.
Injuries and Bans
Lee Cattermole is facing a one match ban following his red card for two bookable offences. He will miss the trip to Spurs next weekend.
Stoke 2 Everton 3
Stoke boss Pulis pushed Abdoulaye Faye into midfield with Amdy Faye suspended. Sonko filled the gap in central defence. Tonge was given a debut from the bench late on.
Moyes was able to welcome back Cahill to his lineup and he duly pushed him up just off of Yakubu in a 4-5-1. He also gave debuts to Castillo and Fellaini in central midfield, while Anichebe was deployed wide on the right with Arteta on the left.
Cahill’s return will attract the attention of plenty of fantasy managers – his value to Everton and fantasy potential was duly demonstrated in this game, although there are possilby better times to invest in Everton.
In the short term, the trip to Hull next weekend could offer some decent returns. After that Everton’s fixtures get decidedly tougher. A Merseyside Derby and games against Arsenal and United a coming up over the next four Premiership matches. I’d expect to see Yakubu and Arteta owners getting fidgeting before or shortly after the Liverpool game then.
Stoke’s style of play continues to cause problems and once again, it was Delap that caused the problems with his catapult of a long-throw. Along with Lawrence and Fuller, he could get some attention from fantasy managers although, like Everton, Stokes forthcoming fixtures look tough over the next few weeks. The trip to Anfield next will be a major test and that’s followed by home game with Chelsea before a trip to Portsmouth. It’s hard to see Stoke profiting too much from any of those games despite the promise they’ve shown over the first few games of the season.