[sbu_large_image] Preamble
31 March 2012 2135 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

You know how it is. You’re a multi-millionaire footballer, paid six figures a week to do magic things with your feet. So, when you get one trapped whilst playing on a child’s bike, you naturally decide to treat the unfortunate scrape with that spray you got from Boots. Okay, so the foot is burning and starting to look like bubble wrap but I’m sure if we just keep on spraying, everything will be fine.

We’ve all been there. Surely it’s a bit harsh to brandish such an act as “stupid”. Come on Roberto, you’ll be saying you don’t trust Mario Balotelli next.

Take some deep breaths. You need a nice walk to calm you down. Enjoy a pleasant stroll with us Fantasy managers while we pick the bones out of the morning’s predicted lineups…

Not surprisingly, Sergio and his chemically cindered foot are missing from this morning’s speculative starting lineups. Indeed, it’s arguably Roberto Mancini’s solution to Aguero’s antics and his misguided Mario that’s the most interesting item on the agenda in a Gameweek that otherwise, seems pretty cut and dry.

We’re half expecting Mancini to turn to Carlos Tevez to plug the gap and help revive the dozing City title challenge. With Sunderland at the Etihad, Mancini will surely be expecting to have to break down a well-drilled resistance from a Martin O’Neill 4-5-1 which will look to strangle the weaving of David Silva and Samir Nasri and outmuscle the raids of Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian could be the key figure – hence Toure’s inclusion in this week’s Scout Picks. Mancini may be forced into a 4-5-1 if he’s reluctant to throw Balotelli in the mix again. Toure will likely be the attacking force from midfield charged with supporting lone striker Edin Dzeko if that does prove to be the case.

However, the press, in the majority, go with a pairing of Dzeko and Balotelli – only the Independent and the Times are brave enough to predict that the City boss will put faith in a 4-5-1, leaving both Balotelli and Tevez benched. The Argentine fails to get a look-in across the board this morning, with the press boys showing understandable caution on his chances of earning a first start following his return to the fold.

Our predicted lineup goes along with that view but the introduction of Tevez for either Dzeko or Balotelli looks highly likely, particularly if the Black Cat’s resistance proves resolute. Tevez can do damage in twenty minutes – and with Aguero and Baltotelli causing a frown to scrawl across the distinguished brow, the script is written for Carlos to bring the smile back to the face of Mancini.

Elsewhere, we look pretty settled. Some holding the talents of Ashley Young will be nervous come Monday night’s United teamsheet, but we’d expect to see his name along with Antonio Valencia’s, on Sir Alex’s latest lineup. Off this morning’s papers, only the Telegraph dare suggest that Danny Welbeck will be shifted left with Young left twiddling on the Ewood timber.

Concerns are few and far between for most, then – a rarity. My only dilemma is arguably a good one to have – do I bench Ryo Miyaichi or opt for Gylfi Sigurdsson at the Lane. My head says that Sigurdsson has it in him to punish a benching, although having lost every home game in 2012, Ryo is surely in line to torment the Wovles defence. The luxury of two decent budget buys vying for the last spot in the side – it’s a pain in the neck. Maybe that spray under the sink will help?

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,135 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    No Nasri 😯

    Open Controls
    1. Manamongst
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Wow, glad I didn´t make that move...thought it over a dozen times...

      You twitter hawkin Jack? I'm just praying Yossi and Ramsey don't get a run-out today.

      Open Controls
      1. The Finnisher
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Ramsey 🙁

        Open Controls
  2. COMH
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    No Nasri?

    Open Controls
    1. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      That's what I said 😉

      Open Controls
      1. COMH
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        😉

        Open Controls
    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Someone on here said they captained Samir. ouch!

      Open Controls
  3. fridge
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Can someone rate my chances this week? Maybe I should have diversidied the team more?

    Reina
    Richards, Riise, Rangel, R. Taylor
    Ryo, Ramires, Routledge, Ramsey
    RVP (C), Rooney(VC) , Ruiz

    Ruddy, Rafael, Richardson, Reo-Coker

    Open Controls
    1. A2U
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Caution: Rated-R material

      Open Controls
  4. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    VILLA: Given, Lichaj, Collins, Baker, Warnock, Bannan, Herd, Ireland, Gardner, Weimann, Agbonlahor

    Open Controls
    1. Cheggers
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Lol that team is a mixture of hilarious and grim

      Open Controls
    2. Locarno
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      This kid Weimann is the real deal. Pity he's under such a crap manager.

      Open Controls
      1. JT's Dog
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Crap manager my arse, he has to juggle job with solving all those murders in Miami

        Open Controls
    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      That team is going to get smashed.

      Open Controls
    4. COMH
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      How terrible a lineup is that. F*cking nasty looking. Who the hell is Lichaj?

      Open Controls
      1. gledy
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        He's actually pretty talented, but a bit too much offensive minded for a game like that. Not to mention the lack of experience.

        Open Controls
    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Oh dear. 🙁

      Open Controls
    6. Manamongst
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      They're just missing an obscure American who's dad coached the national team, to round out the shitty.

      Open Controls
    7. Jax
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      7 home grown players

      Open Controls
  5. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    BWFC: Bogdan, Ricketts, Ream, Wheater, Alonso, Ryo, Reo-Coker, M Davies, Petrov, Klasnic, Ngog

    Open Controls
    1. Cheggers
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      442 noooooooooo

      Open Controls
    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Ryo 😀

      Open Controls
    3. Pat Mustard
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      RYO!!

      Open Controls
      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        He'll come on and do something probably.

        Open Controls
        1. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          He's starting dude.

          Open Controls
          1. denial
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 17 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Oh yeah.

            Open Controls
    4. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Vrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooom! Was a little concerned he'd get a rest so pleased with this. This should also see him on the right where he's been more dangerous.

      Open Controls
      1. Arse Craic
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        He's better on the left.

        Open Controls
        1. Gargamel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          That's a fair opinion, but his stats for Bolton are vastly better when playing to the right.

          Open Controls
          1. Arse Craic
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Petrov is stealing his points. I'd rather see Eagles on the right and Ryo on the left. To be honest Miyaichi can probably play in any position. He's gifted.

            Open Controls
            1. Gargamel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 17 Years
              14 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah, I agree. Look forward to following his career

              Open Controls
      2. Cheggers
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        The formation is 442 tho.. we never win playing 442. However, probably the right decision given the injuries

        Open Controls
        1. Gargamel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Klasnic and Ryo will fire you to victory!

          Open Controls
    5. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Klasnic eh!
      Dammit, almost got him in for the bottom 5 league.

      Open Controls
      1. Bad Pen
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Same, looked at K Davies though too so perhaps not so bad.

        Open Controls
      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Shoulda!!!

        Open Controls
        1. The Finnisher
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Fletcher - Zamora - Yakubu
          Zamora OUT

          Open Controls
          1. Dom Salahnke
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            +1, next week for me.

            Open Controls
    6. Jukesy
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Come on M.Davies (C)

      Open Controls
    7. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      COME on NGOG. If i knew Klasnic was starting he would be in my bottom 5 team!

      Open Controls
    8. Manamongst
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Damn you Tosey and every other Wanderers team forum for talking of the Klasnic ledge...

      What parallel world do their fans live in? They all would rather see Tuncay behind Ngog or Ngog heading the McCarthy special (4-5-1).

      Open Controls
  6. Spoiler
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    richards starts! woo

    Open Controls
  7. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Hennessey, stearman, johnson, bassong, ward, kightly, davis, edwards, jarvis, ebanks-blake, fletcher.

    Open Controls
    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      SEB!!!!!!!!!11

      Open Controls
  8. Ivan
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Any thoughts on my team for this gameweek?

    Begovic

    Richards - Evans J - Jose Enrique

    Valencia - Sigurdsson - Dempsey |C| - Bale

    Rooney - Ba - Suarez


    Subs: Vorm, Taylor R, Simpson, McClean

    Open Controls
    1. Spoiler
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      no rvp?

      Open Controls
      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        erm, he plays

        Open Controls
    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Bad timing with team sheets coming out man.

      Open Controls
  9. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ream (C) FTW.

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Cream 😉

      Open Controls
    2. Bad Pen
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Ream is my vc, hope he does well today.

      Open Controls
  10. Dom Salahnke
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Crouch brace today woohoo!

    Open Controls
  11. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ruddy, Martin, Morison, Whitbread, Surman, Hoolahan (C), Fox, Ward, Howson, Naughton, R Bennett

    Open Controls
  12. JT's Dog
    14 years, 3 months ago

    That kinda limits my chance of Nasri 1st scorer

    Open Controls
  13. SneakyPete
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Klasnic Playing means Goals

    Bet Ryo to get good score.

    Open Controls
    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Hope so! He's an assist machine.

      Open Controls
  14. nathanholt75
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know if Richards is likely to play whem Kompany and Lescott return?

    Open Controls
    1. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Kompany has returned and Lescott is a CB.
      Zabaleta is the problem.

      Open Controls
      1. nathanholt75
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        cheers mate

        Open Controls
  15. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    #QPR XI: Kenny, Diakite, Hill, Derry, Taarabt, Mackie, Barton, Taiwo, Ferdinand, Onuoha, Zamora.

    Open Controls
  16. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    EFC (v West Brom): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Gibson, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Cahill, Jelavic.

    Open Controls
    1. Dirty Dhalsim
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Come on (c) Jelavic! 😉

      Open Controls
    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Envious of people who have Jelavic.

      Open Controls
      1. Dirty Dhalsim
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        #followthejelavicroad

        Open Controls
        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          😆 Excellent!!!

          Open Controls
      2. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        For sure. Hopefully Pog does the business for me.

        Open Controls
    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Gibson ... hmmm.

      Open Controls
  17. Hate that rotation
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Now Coyle plays Klasnic! Dammit. Almost had him.

    Open Controls
    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      He's my (c) in the bottom 5 league 8)

      Open Controls
      1. Hate that rotation
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        I fancy brace from Klasnic.

        Open Controls
    2. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      +1 Ngog to smash it now

      Open Controls
  18. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Awesome, Demi! Just Awesome!!! 😀

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Coming thick & fast 🙂

      Open Controls
    2. COMH
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      They are just gliding in 🙂

      Open Controls
  19. SneakyPete
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    EFC (v West Brom): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Gibson, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Cahill, Jelavic. Subs: Mucha, Strac, McFadden, Distin, Neville, Gueye, Anichebe.

    Open Controls
  20. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Mata, Sturridge, Torres, Kalou

    Open Controls
    1. Hate that rotation
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Kalou!!! He is a bloody mid in FPL. Good option if he can continue.

      Open Controls
    2. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      No Drog? What a crock of Torres.

      Open Controls
    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Kalou, would have loved to punt on him. Thought he'd be rested for Benfica though...

      Open Controls
    4. Arse Craic
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I was tempted by Kalou after his heroics midweek....he earned himself a starting place.

      Open Controls
    5. Miro
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      No Cahill btw

      Open Controls
    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Wow!? Cahill on the Bench?

      Open Controls
  21. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    EL NINO STARTS!!!!!!! 😀 😀

    Open Controls
    1. Sarnab
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      😀

      Open Controls
    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      CHELSEA LOSE!!! 😉

      Open Controls
  22. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    No Cahill.

    Open Controls
    1. samcro
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Dodged that bullet.

      Open Controls
    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      So he isn't nailed on for PL then.

      Open Controls
    3. Bad Pen
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, the most noticeable absentee alongside Drogba.

      Open Controls
    4. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Oooo, I was thinking of getting him in.

      Open Controls
    5. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      beautiful news

      Open Controls
    6. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I just schadenfeuded in my pants

      Open Controls
      1. organdonor47
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        never post on here, but just had to for this comment. here it is: "haha! very good". (shame about the typo but otherwise perfect)

        Open Controls
        1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          🙂

          I'm honoured

          Open Controls
  23. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    sUNDERLAND: Mignolet, Bardsley, Turner, Cattermole, Larsson, Gardner, Kilgallon, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Bendtner

    Open Controls
    1. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Kilgallon 3.8!!

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Yep.

        Open Controls
    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      the ol' 3-6-1 formation for the black cats i see...

      Open Controls
  24. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    : Al Habsi, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Caldwell (c), Di Santo, Maloney, Moses, McArthur, Boyce, Beausejour, Figueroa.

    Open Controls
    1. Hate that rotation
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Maloney, Moses, that will do.

      Open Controls
    2. Kirby
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Come on you Latics 😀

      Open Controls
  25. kaz 96
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    is next monday a public holiday in england?

    Open Controls
    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

      Open Controls
    2. Dave Bauer
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Yup.

      Open Controls
  26. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal : Szczesny - Sagna - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Gibbs - Song - Arteta - Rosicky - Ramsey - Walcott - van Persie

    Open Controls
    1. Cheggers
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Rosicky starting... good good

      Open Controls
      1. Miro
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        But will play as winger once again. Thats not good. Screw you Ramsey 🙁

        Open Controls
    2. samcro
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      RVP (C) 8)

      Open Controls
    3. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Ahh go away Ramsey!

      Open Controls
    4. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      This is where the points are.

      Open Controls
    5. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      No Ox either...I have a team of misserentials

      Open Controls
      1. Kagawa-san-mia
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        i wanted Ox to start wats wrong with wenger man

        Open Controls
    6. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Gervinho instead of Ramsey i think.

      Open Controls
  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ah why did I play Bosingwa, was certain he would start 🙁 cue a 1-pointer

    Open Controls
    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      You have Bosingwa??

      Open Controls
      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Its a long, sad story... He's going next week for Kaboul anyway

        Open Controls
        1. COMH
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Haha long, sad story. It'll be over soon. 🙂

          Open Controls
        2. Jax
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          i wouldn't put kaboul in with spurs missing gw34

          Open Controls
          1. Bøwstring The Carp
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Gonna be missing a defender anyway - not planning on having a full 11. Instead gonna use my transfers and go all out on the DGW. The players that I will have playing are all heavy hitters...

            Open Controls
  28. bigwig
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    C'mon Balotelli (c)!

    Open Controls
    1. Pigvig
      • 17 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Nice username.

      Open Controls
  29. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Youth hosteling with Chris Eubank anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Knowing M.E. knowing you?

      Open Controls
  30. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal : Szczesny - Sagna - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Gibbs - Song - Arteta - Rosicky - Ramsey - Walcott - van Persie

    correction

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsey is still there ... 😉

      Open Controls
    2. kaz 96
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      whats the difference?

      Open Controls
    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Got me going there Demi, 🙂

      Open Controls