| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Raya Martin | ARS | C |
| No Change |  Alisson | LIV | C |
| No Change |  Donnarumma | MCI | C, Sus |
| Up |  Kelleher | BRE | C, Vs |
| Down |  Ramsdale | NEW | C |
| No Change |  Dubravka | BUR | C, £ |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  van Dijk | LIV | C |
| No Change |  Jurriën Timber | ARS | C, Inj |
| No Change |  O’Reilly | MCI | C |
| Up |  Andersen | FUL | C |
| Up |  Marc Guehi | CRY | A |
| Up |  van den Berg | BRE | C, Vs |
| No Change |  Thiaw | NEW | A |
| No Change |  Milenkovic | NFO | C |
| No Change |  van Hecke | BHA | A |
| No Change |  Mukiele | SUN | C, £ |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Saka | ARS | B |
| No Change |  Bruno Fernandes | MUN | A |
| No Change |  Foden | MCI | A |
| No Change |  Semenyo | BOU | C |
| Up |  Szoboszlai | LIV | C |
| No Change |  Minteh | BHA | B |
| No Change |  Bruno Guimarães | NEW | A |
| No Change |  Schade | BRE | C, Vs, Sus |
| No Change |  Anderson | NFO | B, £ |
| Player | Club | Factors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Change |  Haaland | MCI | B |
| No Change |  Thiago | BRE | A, Vs |
| No Change |  Mateta | CRY | C |
| Up |  Ekitiké | LIV | B |
| Down |  Welbeck | BHA | C, Rest |
| Down |  Woltemade | NEW | B |
Mark With template midfields and forward lines now commonplace, recent goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Joleon Lescott demonstrated the value of points from our defenders as a method of boosting Fantasy ranks.
In this latest article for Members, we use Opta data and our own ICT Threat scores to examine the defenders who have presented the most potent threat so far, whilst discussing any worthy options who are potentially due improved returns before the season is out.
a bit harsh.
there was a lovely fashion show event after the game.
Awesome AB post last night and mammoth string of replies, didn't want it to end. These are the little gems that get you through the day and this boring 2 week FPL break.
So much has been said about Arsenal, I don't think there is much to add. They let themselves down last night, whether that was because of Wenger, the board and/or the players I don't know but I really don't think Milan are a "great side" and their pitch was truly awful. Admittedly Milan put in a great performance last night, Boateng's goal (the pass as much as the shot) was a fantastic goal but the closing down and defending from Arsenal, specifically in regards to the other 3 goals, was pathetic. I don't think Milan's play warranted a 4-0 victory, but Arsenal's hopeless performance definitely warranted a 3 or 4 nil defeat.
It was also very interesting in that post last night to see fans of other teams chipping in with their disappointment. Quite a few Chelsea and Liverpool fans bemoaning the current state of affairs at their clubs too. There was an overriding sentiment of disappointment in the English game, not many United and City fans were posting replies but then again we've already had our inquests and postmortems. We have to settle for the scant consolation of a visit to the "Home of Football" tonight. Says it all really.
I think Arsenal being poor was a lot down to how well Milan played, that's certainly my views.
The Arsenal of a few years ago would have AT LEAST got a draw out of that opposition last night and then beat them at the Emirates.
Wenger must be losing his love for managing them with what's happened - he brings players into the club only for them to leave just as his side is becoming close to winning the Champions League.
They have Ox but still need a Fabrgegas/Nasri type player.
No impressed with their defence either. Not a fan of Koscielny. All he did yesterday was either lump the ball up field or instead of making a simple pass to midfield, decided to take it to the byline and then try and lump it down the wing. He didn't look at all confident on the ball.
Thought Koscielny was a lot better than Verm to be honest...
🙂 See below. I was typing this and didn't see you got there first.
Hmmm fair enough but I have to add a few things.
- Arsenal have not been close to winning the Champion's league for about 5 or 6 years now.
- Koscielny wasn't great BUT for me, Vermalaen (slip or no slip) was even more awful last night. Don't forget Kos had to come off injured midway through the game and was replaced by Djourou 🙁 What surprised me is that Kos and Verm are supposed to be competent "ball players" but seemed paniced anytime Robinho or Zlatan even half heartedly attempted to close them down. I understand the pitch negated some of their quick 1-2 passing to get out of tough spots but my word just "Carrick it" and pass it back and sideways until they tire out. They didn't make the two Milan strikers work hard enough at all.
Koscielny has been fantastic this season IMO, but last night he was poor, probably his worse of the season.
Saying that, Vermaelen was worse, needs a few more games at CB to get back into it. We aren't going to have a solid defense unless/until we can have a consistently playing back 4 (or at least CB pairing)
^ This
You need a LB in my opinion. With Gibbs/Santos you have one defender who is far too cavalier in attack and another who is not nearly cavalier enough! That said it's obvious the best back four is:
Sagna Kos Verm and one of Gibbs/Santos
If we can get that out on the park each week we should be good..
But we simply can't.
I believe Gibbs can be a good player if he gets over injuries, but his career so far has been too stop-start.
Jack(off). Please don't make false statements about me. Find out what was said exactly and comment about that.
Thanks.
I replied.
Care to link?
Prev page
Oh it's nothing exciting, I was just letting Granville know I replied to his older comment about it.
The page before this I think, under Isacki's post about Arsenal..
Actually you of all people would find the original post interesting IT.
I loved Isacki's post if that is what you are referring to.
I was actually requesting a link to Granny's original comments (as I don't think they were part of AB's original thread last night) as I wanted to see exactly what was said before making assumptions but to be fair yous have cleared it up now on the last page so no point now. 🙂
Spurs will represent English football well next year!! (hopefully) 🙂
Not unless you sign a striker and some CBs. I hope so though.
That was such a nice read. It really is impossible to say what will happen to Arsenal from here. Seems that Swansea have almost stolen their title as "The best passing football Team in the Premier League" as well, so not like they even really have that to fall back on.
All this being said, Gervinho was mentioned a lot last night and I really agree that he has been a missing element. He was their main transfer in the Summer window and what they wanted to try and build the team around. If they can get him playing confidently and consistently, as well as AOC, then I think they have a chance to salvage something this season. If they don't then, imo, Wenger will be gone.
Wilshere has also been missed I think Frats. Him in the centre would help 10 fold.
Ramsey makes Wilshere look like a world beater.
Ramsey was an embarrassment. He should have been taken off at half. This should have been a match that saw Sagna AND Gibbs start from the bench. Coquelin and Yennaris would have been the choice I would have made. Sagna is crippling the right side, and we saw Theo tucked deep within his own half as a result. Arteta was even a bit shocking as he felt it necessary to take every ball at his feet and have at least 2-3 touches instead of one touch passing it on. But Szczesny and the CBs hoofing ball indiscriminately down field just set the bad tone. To be honest Milan were always in impeccable positioning for counters and the build-ups were a thing of beauty. I'm dumping Verm fast, and to not play AOC is just foolish, you'll notice from the time he cam on the field Ambrosini (Italian scott parker) was assigned centrally and he also commanded a double-team everytime he touched it...even wide.
Yeah, I kind of agree with this. I'd place the biggest blame on the defence too. You don't go to San Siro and score loads of goals, and in fact not scoring would not have been the end of the world if they had at least kept their defence fairly tight.
I actually do think 4-0 reflected the game well. Milan had plenty of opportunities, for example two counters in the last few minutes where they were 3on2 and 2on1, but Emanuelson and Pato screwed them up instead of squaring them.
Regarding the state of the English game we'll just have to wait and see. I think signs are that they've fallen behind the two Spanish giants at least, but even that might not be true.
Is there any chance of Cahill starting against Bolton? I'm currently contemplating the following transfers:
Senderos > Cahill
Caulker > Santon
or if no chance Cahill will play, might do the following punt:
Senderos > R.Taylor
What looks best/least risky?
keep senderos, change caulker for santon, save yourself four points
Bayer Leverkusen players Michal Kadlec and Manuel Friedrich will have to auction off Barcelona shirts from Lionel Messi in a 3-1 Champions League defeat after sports director Rudi Voeller said they were too enthusiastic in their quest for a souvenir.
"I can guarantee you that these two players will auction off the tops for a good cause," Voeller told the Bild newspaper.
"What they did was too much of a good thing. I have not yet spoken with them but I will do it."
Jeez Rudi, calm down! It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a Messi shirt for those players – it was the closest they got to him all night anyhow! It isn’t like they tried any less to win the game though. I just think that is a tad harsh from Sir Permalot there.
It's a bit more complex than that. Kadlec exchanged shirts at half-time with Messi, and then had an argument in the tunnel with Friedrich who tore the shirt out of his hands. Kadlec then exchanged shirts again with Messi after the final whistle. Völler was concerned that his players (Schwaab as well) seemed more bothered by getting the right Barcelona shirt than preparing for the second half.
That said, Rudi Völler made an idiot of himself last night in a different way. At half-time he was asked (politely) by the German TV reporter Ecki whether Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt had set the team out too defensively. Völler flew off the handle in a sarcastic way. Then when the reporter ended the interview by saying "Thank you", Völler stormed off saying "And I *don't* thank you!" Very childish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69uhbLZj6Ug
I see. You are always a very informative and insightful poster PB. I had thought something must have gone on at half time as obviously Messi wouldn’t have had two shirts on him at the end of the game. That is a little unprofessional to say the least so I can see why Voller was disappointed. Surely everyone is allowed to make mistakes though? A quiet word afterwards would have done the job as opposed to publicly saying this before he has even spoken to them.
Voller is a strange man.. Not sure I’d want him involved with my club myself.
Oh yeah, I agree - Völler should have dealt with the matter behind closed doors. But in his role as Leverkusen's sporting director, he's developed a siege mentality all season, with fans and media alike questioning his decision to appoint - and then stick with - unpopular coach Robin Dutt.
In addition, Völler and Bayer CEO Wolfgang Holzhäuser's recent heavy-handed criticism of Michael Ballack was another PR disaster. Holzhäuser called the signing of Ballack a "failure" in January and announced (to Ballack's surprise) that his contract wouldn't be renewed when it runs out at the end of the season. It's all unnecessarily divisive.
Inner feuding – The recipe for disaster! It sounds as if there are similarities here to the Hicks and Gillett saga at Liverpool - Although money isn’t the issue here, it seems to be more decisions and opinion. Abrasive characters trying to score points on one another is never good. I wonder if any further confrontation arises after the surely inevitable defeat at Camp Nou.. Watch this space!
Soooo, Newcastle getting relegated? I've still got my June bet of £15 riding on it 😕
still hoping my 20/1 villa to be relegated comes in. it could happen??
No one could have predicted they would "survive" the loss of Carroll, Nolan, Barton and Enrique. Even losing Saylor for the season has not made the wheels come off.
They have stunned everyone this season.
Can some people please look at my mini league “skin os premiership” I am panicking for some reason about the guy in 3rd who has spent all his money on defence. my team surley is better but think he will catch me with city clean sheets. 2nd in league is not a worry as its my wife. the league is 70 strong and has a massive payout for winning. thanks everyone in advance. This is a repost as i only had one reply. Would really be grateful if people could take the time to help.
Are you having a laugh. He has ferguson and de laet, ha ha!
I know mate but for some reason he is jamming points. for example ramsey last week. and i am ruing getting rid of ade, bae and rooney in last few weeks. although i know the moves were sensible at the time.
You worry too much.
I know, but just last few weeks Man city are keeping clean sheets and not looking like scoring more than one. Its funny how you can get squeeky bum time as i would not swap teams with him and surley he will end up copying my team. as he is starting to with a few players.
Playing at home should equal more than 1 goal, no guarantee they won't concede either.
Yeah blackburn still have that unbelievavle record of scoring in every away game so far this season....although they concede for fun so I'd be amazed if silva/aguero weren't amongst the points.
Have taken a look. You're dealing with a similar situation to me, fighting it out with someone who is simply picking up jammy points (he put BAE in this week and only kep hold hold of Ade as he had 2 other pllayers pit, though he has sold Kompany and Silva) He's also been copying me all year, getting players in 1 week after me or straight after i sell them (were BAE not so high up to scoring list he would never have got him)
Lescott is a rotation risk and Verm will hot get much out of Spurs next week, nor will ShawX post-Europa. He also has Ferguson and De Laet, meaning if Sturridge and Lescott are rotated he will only get 10 out.
IMO (and hope) people playing the game with some forethought, knowledge and skill will eventually triumph over people picking up jammy points as eventually their luck will run out.
Will Man City take the Europa League serious?
9/2 favs.
Has to be between the Manchester teams, if they try!
One to play please
McClean Siggy Evans
Also playing Sess. Thanks
Elnino?
With your permission I would like to steal Zep Guardiola and use it as my name tag for the duration of my survival in the competition...
Thanks in advance...
im going to role play this thing to death. I encourage everyone involved to do likewise, if only to make me feel less douchebaggy.
Seems I am in your group Turbodog. Hope we both can go through. 🙂
2 simple questions re Arsenal/Arsene Wenger.
1. Do you think any of the 'top 3 + other (Chelsea)' Managers would have kept there job after almost 7 years without a single trophy?
2. Do you think Wenger should be gone?
1. No
2. No
The reason why I think that Wenger should stay is that Arsenal will be in a fantastic position come 3 or 4 years - no debts, stadium paid off, and a fantastic attacking team...Saying that there have been a few poor defending acquisions to though...but I think the positives outweigh the negatives with Wenger.
People forget all this and having lived in North London as a Forest supporter - I would also say that Arsenal fans are amongst the most fickle set of fans I've ever come across.
1. Prob not with exception maybe of fergie. However I think if Wenger had the money to spend like the other top 3 teams it would be a different story. Due to certain players leaving and not getting the right players in for one reason or another. Wenger sometimes trying to keep afloat a sinking ship.
2. Wenger is a great manager no doubting it. Who would they replace him with?? Working with what he has not sure i would want anyone else. The other thing people forget about is that Wenger ensures the club is in good standing and ensures the books are balanced. Not many managers in any league do that. Buy, buy buy then get sacked and leave the clubs screwed
There is no doubting he is a great manager I agree, but some of his tactics are very questionable I reckon.
Working with what he has is his decision though.
He does play his money well in regards to 'buying low, selling high' but that won't win you premierships.
I personally think he needs to change his tactics and get in 1 or 2 world class players if we are ever a chance to win the league..but he won't.
p.s this is the first ever season that I have doubted him in charge, hopefully Ash is right and in 3-4 years we have a fantastic team, although that doesn't help now..
You are suffering as a result of Chelsea and Man City's new business model of finding someone to payroll the whole club, and who work in a totally different financial sphere.
Before they came in, you we're the main competition to Man United.
You would hope that the UEFA FFP regulations will address the problem and put you back on a more level playing field.
You're right, we can't compete at the moment... 🙁
Arsenal need Steel.
They have never replaced Viera and their defence needs a complete revamp. If RVP decides to go then I must admit, Arsenal will stuggle to make the Europa Cup.
Agree though...Arsenal do need to spend a bit on considered acqisions (they need some English CB's, and a strong DMF to break up play, and decent cover for RVP) - not like the rush to get in Arteta (Fabs/Nasri replacement), and Mertisacker.
I think AB said this earlier, but I believe Arteta is more of a Wilshere replacement, at the moment, we have no player that is playing the same role as Fab/Nasri (or at least no where near as good) and we essentially had Ramsey, who missed a year of football, replacing Fabregas. Ramsey was actually playing brilliantly early season, but since the Christmas period he has looked a shadow of the player he was before that. Hopefully a few weeks out of the XI will freshen him up a little.
I do think if Koscielny and Vermaelen can play together as CB's for a few games in a row they can be one of the best pairings in the league, but last night we showed signs of a back 4 who haven't played together.
Most won't agree but i actually rate Mertesacker more then Vermaelen. Tommy V's reading of the game is poor. Would like to see Coq given a chance in midfield, think he could be the real deal.
I don't agree, for one 🙂
Vermaelen was poor last night, no doubt, but I still think he is a very good centre-back when playing there consistently.
It was a domino effect Verm was horrible positionally because for some reason they weren't expecting to have to play against that many accurate medium length passes. The pace of Robinho and Prince killed them.
You will hear this over and over from me: I want to see Coquelin and Yennaris playing FB until the Gibbs and Sagna can prove themselves. We need quickness and speed and the ability to stretch the defense. Seeing 4 defenders bracketing RVP was quite disheartening...what was even more foolish was seeing Sagna try and hoof balls into him from that vantage-point.
Ramsey has never played brilliantly. Sorry Jack. Lots of activity not much work done.
1. Fergie & Redknapp wouldn't get sacked. Whether they decide to stay there for 7 years without winning a trophy is another story.
2. No. Let's see what he does in the Summer. He has at least one more season.
1, Wenger has done a massive amount on and off the pitch for Arsenal so I can see why he has been given time.... If they do not finish in the top four this season there will be massive pressure on the club to act. United would never sack Fergie, but if he knew that he could do no more he would retire/move upstairs.
2. Give him till the end of the season, if they stay in the top four he will stay! (Remember they are still in the FA cup)
I definitely agree he should see out the season, and over the summer, of course!
I am not sure I agree about: "and over the summer, of course"
If they finish outside of the top four and do not win anything, I think the board should act earlier rather than laters....
This gives the new manager time to settle in, get to know the players and decide who he thinks will improve the team.
Morning all, would really appreciate any suggestions on how to improve my team! Thanks!
Krul, Vorm
Richards, BAE, Evans, Santon, Caulker
Silva, Bale, Dempsey, McClean, Reo-Coker
RVP, Aguero, Ba
1.7 in bank
Fergie maybe
Yes
Reply fail to J(O)A
With my next two transfers I will have the following team:
Hart
Kompany / Jones / Evans
Silva / Bale / Dempsey / McClean
RVP / Rooney / Ba
Sorenson / Surman / Santon / Caulker
Jones & Silva in will be the two transfers I make. I could instead have Nani/Richards meaning I would triple up on Man City defense. Any thoughts?
I am so monumentally pissed off not to have made it into ENR's Cup!!! 😡 That is all!!! 👿
My team for next week, any critique would be lovely:
----------------------Sorensen---------------------
Richards----------Simpson---------------Taiwo
McClean-Valencia-Dempsey-Bale-Silva(vc)
---------Aguero(c)----------RVP----------
Bench:
Vorm - Evans - Yakubu - Kelly.
Had 2 FT's but have only used one:
Cisse > Yakubu, not for this week but for next weeks fixtures.
Morning guys
Would appreciate some recommendations as i have 2 FT
Sorensen (Vorm)
Richards Evans Santon (Enrique Senderos)
Silva Walters Valencia Bale (McClean)
RVP Ba Aguero
0.9 in bank
ElNinoRules: “Also, seeded 24th in the Cup, GreenWindMill decided to play it safe and got his first-choice team, Trabzanspor”
Michaelangelo: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark”
😉
