Back from a world of tents, fancy dress and young people in tight jeans, I’m now reacquainting myself with another weekend in the Premier League. I heard Adebayor has been naughty or something…
Anyway, following on from Andy’s Part One on Saturday, here’s what I’ve dug up from the remnants of another gameweek…
Andy Reid is hot. Kieran Richardson is not…
The impish midfielder’s weight loss is not the only thing to catch the eye, having installed himself in the starting lineup, his close control and sumptuous touches once again worked their magic. Reid started on the left of the Sunderland midfield, with Richardson shifting to left-back to cover the injured McCartney. With the regular left-back out for several weeks, Richardson could well hold down that position which will further hamper is fantasy output, whilst allowing Reid to flourish further up the field. The Irishman scored one and had a hand in another two of Sunderland’s four goals that saw off Hull on Saturday. Two Fantasy Premier League bonus points duly arrived and, we know from previous seasons, just how Reid has the ability to hoover these up on a regular basis. Short-term fixtures are strong. His price is right. Reid looks a strong budget option.
We can add Dunn to our budget shortlists…
Yep, along with O’Hara of Portsmouth and Reid of Sunderland, Blackburn’s David Dunn was another cheap midfielder to catch the eye this weekend. The Rovers man made the bench in my picks as the only real threat from the Blackburn midfield against a weak Wolves defence. As it happens, Allardyce played Dunn just off the lone striker Jason Roberts. In his post-match interviews, Big Sam’s been talking up Dunn in that position, even comparing him to Steven Gerrard. While Blackburn’s fixtures aren’t brilliant over the next five (eve AVL ars BUR che), they’re not awful either, making Dunn another decent option for those looking to cut costs in their squads wth a canny midfield purchase.
Steinsson’s position shift puts him on the radar…
The Bolton full-back was not only employed on the right of Bolton’s midfield at Portsmouth, he also revelled in his new attacking position, earning himself an assist. Let’s not be hasty here though. Megson is likely to change his lineup given that Sean Davis is back from suspension next weekend. Plus Gardner is closing on a return from injury and a 4-4-2, with Klasnic starting is also on the cards. However, Steinsson could well hold down a starting role in the short-term, which coincides with a couple of decent fixtures (STK bir).
O’Neill fancies the Dunne/Collins partnership…
Villa defended well at Birmingham, although the new back four will clearly face sterner tests in weeks to come. Nonetheless, the fact that O’Neill started with James Collins and Richard Dunne partnered in the centre, was good news in fantasy terms. Both came away with Fantasy Premier League bonus points and Collins will represent strong value when Villa enter periods of form and strong fixtures. There is immediate value to be had here (POR bla), although those games are followed with tough home fixtures with Chelsea and City.
Stoke’s formation change is bad news for the wide men…
As mentioned by Andy in part one, Tony Pulis was a supreme shuffler this weekend, with Liam Lawrence dropped to the bench along with fellow winger, Matt Etherington. Lawrence owners perhaps shouldn’t panic just yet, given that Pulis changed his shape for the visit of Chelsea. He went with three centre-backs and two wing-backs against the league leaders. It’s doubtful whether he’ll employ a similar system against less illustrious opposition, which should mean eventual recalls for both wingers. Having said that, we could well see the same formation at Bolton next weekend witha a set-pice aerial battle on the cards. After that, Stoke face United at the Britannia which may well see both Lawrence and Etherington miss out. Plus there’s still the puzzle that is Tuncay’s starting role. Answers on a postcard for that one.
Carvalho continues to offer little security…
Ancelotti opted for the power of Ivanovic at the Britannia, leaving Carvalho benched again. Of course, this might have something to do with the Champions League ties in midweek. Even so, it illustrates that fantasy managers can get little or no security from Carvalho from week-to-week, particularly now that Chelsea begin their European campaign.