Rio’s crocked as United sweep Celtic aside at Old Trafford, while the Gunners roll into Istanbul and put five past Fenerbahce. Here’s the notes on the first night of this week’s European games…
Man United 3 Celtic 0
A few talking points with United’s lineup – first the absence of Rio Ferdinand with a “slight” groin injury. This one comes out of nowhere and has been described on the official site as “an 11th-hour injury”. According to reports Ferdinand had sustained the injury “warming-up” earlier in the day and had over-stretched, causing the injury.
There’s no definite word on the extent of the injury, although the suggestion that it’s a “slight” knock is reassuring. I’d like to think his absence was just a precautionary measure but I’m sure we’ll know more in the next 48 hours.
The other interesting element was the selection of Neville at right back. Ferguson has already stressed that Neville is unlikely to play at the weekend should he be selected in midweek and vice versa. Presumably then, with Evans preferred to Brown as Ferdinand’s replacement, we’ll see Brown start at Everton, although Rafael is a factor.
Finally there’s the selection of Ronaldo. All the talk was that Nani would get a run-out with Ronaldo rested to the bench. It didn’t turn out that way. Nani started but so did his compatriot. With two games in four days coming up, you have to wonder whether Sir Alex will hand Ronaldo a rest in either of them. Something to think about, particularly with regards to the gameweek 10 FPL captaincy.
As it turned out Ronaldo caught the eye on the night, although Berbatov’s brace and yet another goal from Rooney will deflect attention from him – just as they are deflecting his FPL bonus thus far.
We didn’t learn anything new then. Berbatov is easing his way into the United pattern of play, while Rooney’s outstanding form is ominous for former club Everton ahead of the weekend clash and for Tevez, who was again confined to the bench.
There will likely be changes over the next two Premiership matches with the trip to Goodison on Saturday, followed by a home game with West Ham four days later. Ferguson and fantasy managers will hope to have Evra and Ferdinand back available and there are plenty of questions hanging over the starting lineup. The right back situation is no clearer, while Ronaldo’s rest will likely come at some point, as will the start for Tevez. Tricky times for us fantasy managers trying to reap the rewards from the United points machine.
Lineup
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (Brown 59), Evans, Vidic, O’Shea, Ronaldo (Park 82), Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov (Tevez 60), Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Giggs, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson.
Fenerbahce 2 Arsenal 5
Wenger was forced into another change with Toure sidelined for a fortnight with a shoulder ligament injury. Song shifted to the centre of defence, with Eboue moving to right back. Walcott got another start wide right then. Nasri was fit and started and Diaby came in for Van Persie in an unfamiliar advanced role. Van Persie’s absence is good news for his owners in Premiership games. He now looks a certain starter at Upton Park at the weekend.
A superb performance from the Gunners then, in what was a potentially hazardous Champions League tie. The goals were spread throughout the side with Adebayor handing his owners a timely reminder that he does actually know where the goal is. Many are lamenting disappointing returns for him so far this season but assists have kept his total ticking over. Further Premiership goals are surely not too far away.
That’s particularly the case if Fabregas keeps providing the ammo. He set up both Adeabyor and Walcott tonight with delightful through-balls. Again, another player who reminded owners of his class throughout the game. Just one shot on goal however, again suggests that he appears to taking a backseat when it comes to putting himself in goalscoring situations. I’ve still got my reservations as to his role in Wenger’s Premiership 4-4-2 then, and therefore his fantasy value in comparison to the cheaper Young, Wright-Phiilips and Arteta .
One Arsenal player who could well represent superb value is Abou Diaby. So impressive tonight in a forward role, he is a budget midfielder across the games. Clearly a Wenger favourite, his position and contribution in the coming weeks will need to be monitored. If there’s a suggestion that he can possibly hold down a semi-regular role, then he will surely make a superb budget purchase in a squad game like the FPL.
While Arsenal appear to have countless, flourishing options going forward, defensively there remains serious doubts. Fenerbahce cut through the makeshift back four on several occasions and Almunia had to be at his best to keep them out. The Gunners have conceded in their last four Premiership games and you have to say that West Ham will fancy their chances of scoring at the weekend. That fragility at the back is eating away at Clichy’s value but should only go to boost the potential for Arsenal’s attacking players.
Lineup
Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Song, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott (Djourou 84), Fabregas, Diaby (Ramsey 73), Denilson, Nasri, Adebayor (Vela 86).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Van Persie, Bendtner, Gibbs.