Injuries

Paddy Says…Gameweek Twenty Nine

5 March 2011 396 comments
Money Mike Money Mike
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With Fantasy squads ravaged by key injuries and another double fixture to confuse matters, it’s time for our weekly sit-down with Paddy Power to assess whether their gameweek odds can throw up a last minute guiding light.

Who Will Keep a Clean Sheet?

  • Man City 1.83 (WIG)
  • Arsenal 2.00 (SUN)
  • Fulham 2.10 (BLA)
  • Chelsea 2.10 (blp)
  • West Ham 2.62 (STK)
  • Birmingham 2.75 (WBA) dgw
  • Bolton 2.87 (AVL)
  • Man United 2.87 (liv)

The scandal of Kolo Toure’s positive drugs test has seemingly not affected the likelihood of a City clean sheet against a struggling Wigan side at Eastlands. The Latics dwell at the foot of the table and are against a backline that boast an impressive average of 0.79gch (goals conceded at home). Even without Toure, Paddy believes there is too much quality throughout the City rearguard for Wigan’s 0.85gsa (goals scored away) to increase this week, particularly after two successive goalless encounters on home soil.

Arsenal and Fulham edge in behind City at around even money. Both feature as the home side in obliging fixtures against Sunderland and Blackburn. Arsenal, come in at a slightly shorter price than Fulham – although the Gunners sport a better defensive record (0.86gch to 1gch), they do have one eye on Barcelona in midweek and face Sunderland hitman Asamoah Gyan, who has still managed to net consistently even through a run of recent defeats for the Black Cats. Fulham meanwhile, have been defending like proverbial beavers of late and look strong candidates for a shutout against a Rovers unit who are known to misfire on their travels.

After Chelsea’s emphatic and perhaps controversial win over Manchester United midweek, it is no surprise that they are short odds to beat Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Ian Holloway’s side are without talisman Charlie Adam and leading scorer DJ Campbell, while Chelsea appeared to have unearthed a new defensive hero in David Luiz. The stats go against this low price, showing Blackpool’s average 1.69gsh (goals scored at home) up against Chelsea’s respectable 1gca (goals conceded away), but Paddy is looking at the bigger picture on this one. I fear the Tangerines’ fans will have to lift the roof to get their team anything out of this one.

Anytime Goalscorer

  • F Torres 1.57 (blp)
  • C Tevez 1.66 (WIG)
  • E Dzeko 1.72 (WIG)
  • D Drogba 1.72 (blp)
  • N Bendtner 1.90 (SUN)
  • M Chamakh 1.90 (SUN)
  • N Anelka 2.00 (blp)
  • M Balotelli 2.10 (WIG)
  • F Lampard 2.20 (blp)
  • A Arshavin 2.30 (SUN)
  • S Nasri 2.30 (SUN)
  • D Sturridge 2.30 (AVL)
  • O Martins 2.40 (WBA) dgw
  • S Kalou 2.50 (blp)
  • F Malouda 2.50 (blp)
  • J Defoe 2.50 (wol)
  • D Bent 2.50 (bol)
  • B Zamora 2.60 (BLA)
  • C Dempsey 2.60 (BLA)
  • D Silva 2.62 (WIG)
  • M Dembele 2.80 (BLA)
  • L Saha 2.75 (new) dgw
  • R Van der Vaart 2.75 (wol)
  • Rooney 2.80 (liv)
  • N Zigic 2.87 (WBA) dgw
  • D Ba 2.87 (STK)
  • L Suarez 2.87 (MUN)
  • P Crouch 2.87 (wol)

Every game he goes without scoring, the closer he gets to that debut goal. This at least is Paddy’s theory judging by the odds for £50 million man Fernando Torres. His opponents Blackpool look fatigued and understaffed this weekend, whereas Chelsea should be hungry, and feature three strikers and a midfielder odds on to find the target. Torres’ FPL value has almost dropped back to the season low of 11.5, but Paddy predicts this gameweek will likely mark the turn of the tide when it comes to the Spaniard’s form.

A smattering of City players join Chelsea around the top of this week’s Anytime Goalscorer market. Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have been turning in match winning performances in non-domestic competitions, but captain Carlos Tevez is best tipped to find the net, that despite opponent Wigan’s surprisingly good average of 1.46gca (goals conceded away). A 2-0 City win looks the most popular outcome in this one.

No Robin Van Persie, no Theo Walcott, no Cesc Fabregas, it looks thin on the ground for Arsenal’s attacking options at home against Sunderland. Fortunately for Arsene Wenger, his squad runs deep with proven talent, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner will jump at the chance to head up Arsenals strike force, and goals in the midweek FA Cup mauling of Orient will have instilled some confidence. Paddy ranks them both highly, although in Fantasy terms, it seems likely that pitch time will be shared which limits the appeal.

Carling Cup hero Obafemi Martins and reborn hitman Daniel Sturridge, feature amongst the big names this week. Martins perhaps might be favoured for his double gameweek, but the giant Nikola Zigic appears to be Birmingham’s option of choice for Fantasy Managers based on his showing in our polls this week. Sturridge meanwhile, has 4 goals in as many games and is up against a Villa defence nursing injuries at the Reebok – he looks a good option again.

This certainly seems to be a gameweek to back goals from midfield. The likes of Frank Lampard, Samir Nasri, Clint Dempsey, Florent Malouda and David Silva all feature highly in Paddy’s rankings and we should expect a few points to come from that pack. Expensive midfield purchases, coupled with one or two budget strikers could be the route taken up by Fantasy Managers this weekend as a result.

Paddy’s Scout Specials

With Samir Nasri a likely key target for Fantasy Managers this weekend, we put together some specials to allow you to back your investment.

You can get 13/2 on Nasri scoring a brace against Sunderland, with 8/1 available for the Frenchman to score direct from a free-kick. Alternatively, if you’re feeling less confident, Paddy is offering odds of 9/2 on a booking for the Gunners playmaker.

Paddy’s Money Back Special

Paddy is at Anfield this weekend and is offering to refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match if there is a red card in the game.

Bet £10 Get £20

If you’re new to this betting lark and new to Paddy Power then you can take up any of these odds and offers and get yourself a bonus. You can sign up via this site and get a free £20 when you register and bet a tenner.

Finally of course, we should state that all these offers are only available to those aged 18 and over and are subject to Paddy Power’s terms and conditions.

396 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. 7923dos
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    lampard in for mereiles or brunt?

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    1. statto
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      brunt if you can field 11 if meireles is ruled out, i have brunt too and want to get rid but cant cos barton is doubtfull and cant make 11 if hes out, brunt on 9 yellows aswell,suspension looming

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    2. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Brunt for sure.

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  2. potatohead
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    8 point hit? Suarez and Meireles out, Arteta and beckford/saha/zigic in?

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  3. Tin of Directors
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Help appreciated.
    Going from a fine February to a mad March.

    Have the following not playing either through rotation or injury:
    Rafael, Kelly, VDV, Walcott, Adam, DJ

    Jesus, looks even worse when I see that!! LOL

    1.5 in the bank.
    Rival has taken a 4 pt hit this morning so I'm OK for an 8 pt hit (possibly 12 if the players look right)

    Anyone I should defo get rid of.
    More tempted to ditch Rafael at the mo because Kelly (4.3) don't get you a lot.

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  4. Darren Caskey
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    A) Kelly to Distin (-4)
    B) Meireles to Bentley (-4)
    C) Kelly to Distin and Meireles to Bentley (-8)
    D) No hit ????? profit

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  5. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    My Team this gw:
    Foster
    Coleman R.johnson Djourou
    Arteta Nani Meirlies Yaya
    Tevez(c) Sturridge Saha
    Subs:Begovic Evra barton Kelly

    Is this team good for this gw ?
    Any advice/suggestion ?
    Thanks in advance.

    Is Meirles playing ?

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  6. Soop
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Donna picked Lampard as my captain. fingers crossed. Also took an 8 pt hit, but my rivals have made no changes. I expect they're asleep still.

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    1. Pez99
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      How can you see whether your rivals have made any changes before deadline ?

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  7. Dave Bauer
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Just about to confirm Nasri in for VdV - any reason not to?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Just read VDV not confirmed out for Wolves game on injuries and bans,but not seen any other info.

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      1. Dave Bauer
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks.
        I'm going to gamble that he's out to get Nasri...

        Just checking I hadn't missed "Nasri broken leg shocker!"

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        1. The Stock
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          Arry is on record as saying he won't play before the Champs League.

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    2. Twitter
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Four things I think all of you should be made aware of re GW29:

      1. Arshavin will outscore Nasri
      2. Dzeko will outscore Tevez
      3. Berbatov will outscore Rooney
      4. Torres will outscore all 3

      Good-day.

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      1. The Stock
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks for that Nostradamus.

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      2. Eatspressure
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        I fear you are right but will Torres score more than Zigic/Saha/beckford thats the big q

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    3. Johnny Unitas
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      No, VDV is too much of an injury liability at the minute, and Nasri SHOULD do well this weekend

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  8. Daffy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Saha or zigic? Im in the saha camp at the minute but all this zigic love is confusing me. Surely saha is a better prospect

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  9. statto
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    lamps in for barton and zigic in for odem worth a 4pt hit?

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    1. mozza
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      yes. but nasri is a better option if you want to keep cash available.

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  10. Zambere
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Can anyone offer advice on the following dilemma??

    Arteta and Bendtner

    or

    Nasri and Saha

    Thanks in advance

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    1. Daffy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Nasri and saha for me. If he starts saha should do well but its risky

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  11. Ponduskongen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Now i a have followed your advice, and made som adjustments to get my WC team more balanced, my forward line still abit weak, but i think i can make a double transfear next week and selling one of my midtfilders to losen opp som cash.

    Foster(Mignolet)
    Carr, Baines, Djourou (Smalling), (Simpson)
    Lampard, Nasri, Nani, Areta, (Albrighon)
    Zigic, Tevez, Saha[C]

    Once again, thank you for your expert input.

    Is the team FFS approved...?

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    1. Daffy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Saha c is the only risky move when you have tevez there but good luck . Nice team

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  12. mouldy_uk
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Can you see how many transfers your league opponents have made before 11:30?

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    1. mrmaniac
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Yep. Look in the transfer section on their team's page.

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  13. tbhogal
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Dilema who to sign Nasri or arteta?

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  14. mouldy_uk
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    New Post

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  15. Chupa
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    2 questions:

    Saha or Bendtner for RVP?

    Tevez or Baines as Captain?

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  16. Eddy
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Worth an extra 4 points to do Kelly > R.Johnson?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I think so. For two games, wouldn't if only one.

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  17. Suarezchomper
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Morning all, my team as it stands is the following:
    Begovic
    Coleman Carr kolarov
    Lampard young Barton nasri nani
    Tevez(c) rooney
    Subs: odemwingie Kelly tamas
    Does this look sufficient enough for the weekend?
    Already taken a 4pt hit getting rid of two injured players and I'm still unhappy with odemwingie, Kelly and tamas been on my bench as Barton may not play. What do you think?

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    1. G__100
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      yh, I've got the same dilemma except I've got VDV in my starting XI instead of Barton, with Odemwingie as 1st sub.

      I'm really considering another -4 hit to get Odemwingie out or to change Kelly to a DGW defender(but already have Foster and Coleman) or Fulham defender, as VDV is unlikely to play but saying that Barton is more likely to play than VDV.

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      1. Suarezchomper
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        I dont think vdv is playing! I took him out but i lost nothing on him so easy to get him back into my squad. Only three I can swap odem for are zigic, beckford or Sturridge but none of them have much appeal to me

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  18. UKG
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Zigic / Saha / Beckford or Sturridge

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    1. skully
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      SAHA..
      cuz eerybody is bringing ZIGIC in..

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    2. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Zigic safer bet as will play both, Saha/Sturridge for a punt.
      Zigic for me.

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  19. MARVELLUS
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench?
    1)Barton
    2)Odemthingie

    Cheers.

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  20. i hate leeds
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    zigic or saha???

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    1. skully
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      can u spend ur time to read what others had posted here...

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  21. Lrf
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Think one of Meireles/Barton will play this weekend?

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  22. Chockster23
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    For a 4 point hit....

    1)Fab > Lamps?
    2)Brunt > Dempsey?
    3)Fab > Arteta?

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  23. Lrf
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Quick question. Have done a 4 pt. hit bringing Nasri inn for Fabs. I am 45 pts behind #1 in my mini league and 20 pts before #3. Both #1 and #3 got Brunt, same as me. They have done one transfer each. Should I take another hit to bring inn Arteta for Brunt?

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