All eyes on Anfield this morning. Not only do Liverpool get the gameweek underway against Blackburn in the early kick-off, they also hold the key for thousands of Gerrard owners who still remain in the dark on whether the Liverpool skipper will run out in front of the Kop come 12.45.
Not surprisingly, the Gerrard situation dominates my thoughts as we wander the perimeter of another fantasy gameweek…
Rafa’s latest comments certainly appear to offer hope, with the Liverpool boss appearing to leave the decision up to Gerrard himself this morning.
“We will have a meeting before the game to see how he is. I was talking with Steven and the doctor on Friday about whether to take a risk or not. It depends on Steven and how he feels”, remarks Benitez on the official site this morning.
There’s more detail in this article this morning from the Daily Post, which includes some hints that for Rafa, Gerrard either plays against Blackburn or at Chelsea on Tuesday…
“He’s got an 80% chance of playing on Saturday,” Rafa states.
“We were aware of the injury before the first leg against Chelsea. The decision I have to make is whether I use him against Blackburn or Chelsea”.
“If we do play him against Blackburn it does not mean we are writing off the Champions League. But we must approach each game on its merits….Anything more could be a risk. Maybe we could keep him on the bench and use him if we need to.”
Make of that what you will. My thoughts on the matter have wavered but, having read that, I can see Gerrard at least being on the bench. Regardless, the tactic for Fantasy Premier League managers looks clear. Put him in your lineup and make sure you have the bench player to replace him. Of course, if he is benched, there’s every chance that he’ll see action late in the game, but right now I see that as unlikely. Unless Liverpool are struggling to break down Rovers, it’s unlikely Rafa will gamble on Gerrard’s fitness for 20 minutes at the end of game.
Not surprisingly, having led our poll for the majority of the week, Gerrard has slipped as a candidate for the FPL captaincy. Lampard has superseded him at the top and, without doubt, he looks the strongest option. Chelsea have struggled for goals at home but Hiddink’s side should be oozing confidence following the win at Anfield. Bolton have kept just 5 clean sheets all season – the worst in the division and you have to go into the gameweek expecting at least a couple of Chelsea goals in this one. If that is the case, then Lampard should be good for a steady return, including yet more FPL bonus points.
Ronaldo has some interest following his haul against Villa last weekend. United’s fragile defence, hindered by further injuries, may well bring out a greater attacking emphasis from Ferguson’s men and, with Rooney a candidate to be rested by Ferguson, Ronaldo could well find himself up front with Tevez. Add to this the fact that United have scored more goals against Sunderland than any other Premier League club and you have some evidence in favour on handing the armband Ronaldo’s way. Sunderland’s defence at home is no pushover however – they’ve conceded just 5 in their last 7 home games.
Crouch is ranked high in the captain poll and is very tempting should you be chasing a lead and searching for a differential. Portsmouth are scoring goals under Hart and Crouch is clearly the key attacking figure, going into the game against the hapless West Brom defence. The delivery from Kranjcar and Pennant will be a deciding factor and if they are both on their game then Crouch should bring home profit for his owners.
Personally, I thought long and hard about Crouch and Ronaldo but, having enjoyed a strong week last time out, I’m consolidating and taking the safe option with Lampard.
There’s no major last minute team news nuggets to discuss. Some sources are stating that Bosingwa remains a doubt for Chelsea, although I’ve seen squad lists that omit him from Hiddink’s options today. Ivanovic looks likely to remain at right-back and all the talk is that Alex will make for Carvalho in order to get him some match sharpness in time for Tuesday’s Champions League second leg.
Elsewhere, Ireland is quoted as a doubt in this article from the Mail in which the midfielder criticises some of his team-mates for a lack of bravery. Ireland completed the Hamburg game, apparently without any complications, so I can’t see him failing to start against Fulham on Sunday. On another note, how about Ireland’s tat in that picture? That certainly took bravery.
That’s about it from me for another Saturday morning ramble. I’m off to fetch breakfast and prepare for news from Anfield. Good luck to one and all for another gameweek.