Following on from Sunday’s part one, here’s further thoughts on our learnings from the first gameweek of the season…
Liverpool are struggling…
Yes it’s only one game but Rafa’s men took their pre-season form into the game at White Hart Lane and put on another lacklustre and flat performance. Spurs had greater desire and created far more clear cut chances and could have won by a larger margin. Rafa has been quick to criticise the decisions surround their second-half penalty claims but he has also admitted that his side didn’t perform on the day. The home game with Stoke now looks like a massive banana skin, particularly when you bear in mind that Pulis’ side earned a 0-0 draw at Anfield last season. In fantasy terms Torres and Gerrard need to show form after looking jaded at Spurs, otherwise their owners are going to experience some early season fidgets. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gerrard brought back to central midfield and Benayoun start against Stoke. Watch for that and it’s effects on Gerrard’s involvement at the sharp end.
Harry has an embarrassment of riches…
Redknapp left Crouch on the bench against his former club on Sunday, starting with the in-form Defoe and club skipper Keane. It’s difficult to see him changing a winning side for the trip to Hull in midweek but presumably Crouch will earn a start in this one. Defoe would seem most likely to make way with Keane’s industry away from home earning him another start. Regardless, Redknapp’s options are so plentiful, in fantasy terms, the Spurs strikers look far too risky. Opt for Modric if you want to earn from Tottenham’s form and fixtures, which both look good (hul whm BIR).
Rio Ferdinand has more glass bits than a chandelier…
His absence from the United lineup was down to a thigh strain sustained whilst with England in midweek. However, he went into the international break with twinges in his back and that weak spot remains a concern which could see him nursed at times this season. Vidic is reportedly in line for a return against Wigan this weekend and will surely present far more security when it comes to fitness. Personally, I’d keep with O’Shea until Vidic has a few games under his belt. Judging by Fabio’s performance on Sunday, O’Shea will shift to right-back very soon for at least two or three games.
Carrick has issues…
It’s a mystery why the imperious midfielder failed to show on the pitch or bench against Birmingham. There’s a definite suggestion of a fall-out with Ferguson with the United boss remarking – “There’s no injury to Michael Carrick. You’ll have to ask him why he’s out,”. Mmmm. Surely he’ll be restored to the side for the trip to Burnley in midweek?
Birmingham really are potential misers…
McLeish’s side were the stingiest in the Championship and last season’s commitment and organisation was on show again at Old Trafford. United were far from fluent but Birmingham showed enough to indicate that, at home, they will be hard to break down. Budget investment in Hart and Johnson looks well placed based on Sunday’s evidence, particularly with home games with Portsmouth and Stoke to come next.
Carew had a dodgy toe…
It turns out that the striker ruled himself out of Saturday’s opener against Wigan with an infected toe. He sat on the bench watching Martinez’s Wigan inflict a 2-0 defeat on an unconvincing Villa. Carew is set to miss out for the Europa league clash with Vienna this week and could remain a doubt for the trip to Anfield at the weekend. Judging by Villa’s form against Wigan, there will be few takers for Carew or his team-mates in the coming weeks. That clash with Liverpool will be an edgy one.
Dyer looks good value if he stays fit…
Most of the pairs of eyes were on West Ham’s new Chilean, Luis Jimenez but Dyer, flitting around at the sharp-end of a midfield five, won the plaudits by constantly troubling the Wolves defence. If he stays fit, he will surely start earning attacking points in West Ham wins.