Endangering yourselves with too much knowledge..

I don't bother to post about the FPL at the moment as my team continues to slip further and further down.

Anyway, one of NCNB's post fully and precisely describe the situation that are happening to me and my team at the moment. 

The post below, every words are purely from NCNB's website:


Week over week, year over year, I find myself wondering if too much knowledge – in fantasy football – is a dangerous thing.
I’d be very interested to hear what other veteran players have to say about this matter as my opinion is that there is a fine line between “preparation” and “research” and “information overload” / “insanity.”


Here’s a perfect example that would never have happened back in the 2005 season when I was playing 6 years ago, because the number of blogs on the internet, and access to up to date team by team news was just impossible to aggregate and source at once:

• Mikel Arteta is suspended for three games. I decide at the beginning of the week to bring in Samir Nasri for my one free transfer. No big deal. They are similarly priced. Arsenal have a home game with Fulham – a team that hasn’t won at Arsenal in something like 100 years. I watched the Aston Villa – Arsenal game last weekend and Nasri / Arshavin looked great. Pretty simple analysis. Did some research (Fulham away record) as well as some gut instinct analysis (watching Nasri this season). Good research. Good time spent. No-brainer.

• What really happens: Samir Nasri features in a Carling Cup game on Tuesday. He picks up a knee injury. Wenger specifically mentions this knee injury in his press conferences / interviews on Wednesday and Thursday – I start to have some minor doubts over transferring Nasri in, but Wenger is “hopeful” he will play. I decide to leave my decision to Friday.

• Friday comes around – I research the previews for every team game in the Premier League. [This is where information overload / insanity may come in] I find out that my striker, Peter Odemwingie, is a doubt with fluid on his knee. I have high hopes for Odemwingie. He is playing at home and facing Newcastle – a team without their regular centre backs – who are both suspended. A team that has been inconsistent. I know, from past research, that Odemwingie was a star in Russia during the cold weather / snowy months. I know he has taken penalties for WBA. He’s cheap. I love him. I have never had a single thought all week of dropping him. He’s fit, it’s cold and snowy, he’s playing at home against a slow Sol Campbell – this is awesome. Or not….

• Information overload causes a panic – if Odemwingie is out, and I have 5M in the bank, shouldn’t I upgrade some part of my team rather than make my initial Arteta to Nasri transfer? Shouldn’t I take Odemwingie out if his knee is such a problem that he’s a doubt. I research further. Odemwingie already missed a chunk of the season earlier with a knee problem. OH NO! Is this a recurrence? Conspiracy theories enter my head. Odemwingie won’t make it! He surely won’t make it…

• On to Plan Z – a last second, panicked, information overload induced transfer leads me to take out Arteta and Odemwingie – and replace them with N’Zogbia and Tevez. I take a – 4 points hit, as required under the rules of the Official Fantasy Premier League for making more than the 1 allowed transfer per week. I watch the early games and Carlos Tevez has scored after 4 minutes. I feel proud. Smug. But then it happens…

• SAMIR NASRI scores two goals. Ends up with 15 points.

• PETER ODEMWINGIE plays on Sunday. Scores two goals. WBA beat Newcastle 3-1.

Due to information overload, I have left 30 points out of my fantasy team. 30 points that could be the difference at the end of the season between losing a mini-league and winning one. Between bragging rights (and cold hard cash) amongst my friends and former college soccer teammates, and being labelled a “pundit” with talk only…
So I ask you, logically (no sour grapes here) – have you ever been a victim of fantasy information overload?


My best seasons in the fantasy game (ironically) were the 3-4 years before I started writing this blog. 2005 – 2008. The reason? Perhaps I spent more time doing the preliminary research and looking after my own team, rather than researching every single player in the league, injury news, form, statistics, etc. in order to provide a commentary on it all – for everyone.


That immense absorption of knowledge has (I hope) helped others in their weekly decision making, but more times than not, it leaves me in an ‘unclear’ state as I make decisions for my own squad. I just rely on too many rumors, injury reports, and speculation that is unclear with this information overload. I can’t ever remember being in an ‘unclear’ state back in 2005 when I finished 1,900th in the world out of 2,000,000 players – The 99.999th percentile.


You get the point.


Sure – losing Odemwingie’s 2 goals and failing to gain Nasri’s 2 goals – a 4 goal swing – or about 30 points – is painful mid-season. And I have to “blame” it on the fact that perhaps too much knowledge is a dangerous thing, but at the end of the day, I continue on in the hopes that this community is enlightened, entertained, and more knowledgeable as a whole, despite the detriment to my overall fantasy ranking.
When all is said and done, I am what I am. I’m a curious person. I love web research. I get excited after making mini statistical discoveries week in and week out, and providing you guys – the community with tips and information – so that just won’t end even if I am providing my mini-league rivals with the ammunition to shoot me down in our own fantasy football conflagration.


There is no “I” in team. I’m here for you. So, in our utopian community that is Never Captain Nicky Butt, good luck to all fantasy managers, and let’s all hope for a Charles N’Zogbia hat trick next weekend.


Cheers.

Review GW 15 - unexplainable BPL season

Luis Nani - The first player to hit 100 Fantasy Points this season. Anyway, back to the results.

Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Skrtel scored at both ends. The wrong end's proved to be costly as Lennon leave it late to scored his first goal of the season which also is the winning goal for Tottenham. VDV limped out after 9 minutes, bad news for his owners.

Newcastle 1 - 1 Chelsea

Andy Carroll's price rocked up to $6.1 now, a $1.1 increase from his base $5 price tag. Yea, he scored his 9th goal of the season, 9 goals from a $5 base price striker. The difference between him with Rooney, Drogba, Torres? He is $5 + cheaper.

And Carlo Ancelotti is about to hide in the snow as Chelsea stumbled again, Drogba is totally ineffective. Who says Newcastle is fragile without their two main center-backs?

Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal

Arsenal won the game, yea, but my eyes are on future BPL stars of Aston Villa such as Clark, Bannan, Herd and Albrighton (he did not feature in this game). Chamakh showed how unsportmanship he is although he scored 1 and assisted 1. Wilshere is a bright prospect too.


Manchester United 7 - 1 Blackburn

Blackburn who are known for their tough defensive play are thumped 7-1 by the Red Devils. Put aside 5-star Berbatov, which all goals were scored with his right foot, Rooney and Nani look sharp too. Vidic is the only player with a "virtual clean sheet" this gameweek.


Stoke 1 - 1 Manchester City

Manchester City's multi-million strike force are useless as they need a defender to score the opening, which is struck quite beautifully, and conceded in the 90th minute that resulted a draw. Clueless attacks and defences from ManCity.


Bolton 2 - 2 Blackpool

Ian Holloway has bring on a new wave of attacking playstyle into the BPL even with his players who most of them are mainly from lower league. No kidding, the orange armies are threatening and dangerous. Sorry for Elmander, Lee and K.Davies owners as someone name M.Davies stole the limelight instead.

Everton 1 - 4 West Brom

Talking about Blackpool, West Brom's Roberto Di Matteo did the similar things that is done by Ian Holloway too, also with a squad with players from lower league and limited budgets, but they successfully stunned Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park. Beckford = Fail.


Fulham 1 - 1 Birmingham 

The American did it again when Fulham need rescue. Mark Hughes' side yet to kickstart. Birmingham are still good at their defences and a point from Craven Cottage is considered a good result.


West Ham 3 - 1 Wigan

Avram Grant just love pressure. He won't perform until he is told he will be sacked if the team don't start winning. As usual, Obinna, Piquionne and Parker (I missed him as I did not realize he is back from injury, or I definitely will bring him back into my squad as I sold him last week)


Wolves 3 - 2 Sunderland



Sunderland who won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge last week are beaten 3-2 by lowly Wolves. What is happening in this season's BPL? Nobody can explain.

Record-breaking day in the BPL and 5-star Berbatov

What a day in the BPL, with a whooping total of 36 goals scored on Saturday GW15, in eight different matches, a new BPL record for total goals scored in a single match day.

5-star Berbatov

Berbatov stole all the spotlight today as he scored 5-goals (he last scored a hat-trick against Liverpool) against Blackburn Rovers and ManUtd won 7-1 at Old Trafford.

 More to come.....

Gameweek Preview - GW 15

Let's cut short and get directly into some important points this GW 15.

The 'cold' stuff:

Cesc Fabregas: Injured and out for 2-3 weeks, decide yourself to keep or release the $12 midfielder.

Florent Malouda: Totally dip in form. Dropped from $10.5 (peak) to $10.2 and expected to cont. dropping.

Didier Drogba: Did not score since GW 7, cash him out and you can buy any players you want.

The "hot" stuff:

Samir Nasri: Fabregas is out, Nasri's the man.

Carlos Tevez: He is hot (I mean his form.. ehem), he can assist, he can score, he takes free-kicks & penalty

Kevin Davies: Earned his England call-up and he continues to shine for Bolton playing alongside Elmander.

Morten Gamst Pedersen: His free-kick is Beckham-alike, just that he is using the left-foot. Great buy at $5.8

Luis Nani: Rooney is back, hope he can turn Nani's ball from crosses into goals. Anyway, Nani is still far from Cristiano Ronaldo. Expect something from him, but not too much.

Johan Elmander: Formed a formidable partnership with Davies, 8 goals up-to-date, more goals scored than both of his previous 2 seasons combined.

Do I need to mention Van Der Vaart and Bale?Guess not. Anyway, Defoe's return might rob VDV's penalty duty. Mark Defoe down too. 

Preview GW 14 - The North London Derby

The north London derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham

Definitely will be a fiery match, with the addition of Van Der Vaart
and current's Bale, the derby is never the same again

Gonna be a fiery match. A golden change for Arsenal to occupy the top of the table with a win. But Tottenham aren't gonna let these young Gunners go through easily. Play every attacking players of both team you have. Just see how Bale torture Sagna, and Fabregas at the opposite side, penetrates Tottenham's defence with his through passes.


Liverpool vs West Ham

Gerrard's injury: Liverpool will get some handsome payment from FA

Yea, Gerrard is hamstrung and will be out for four weeks, injured during England's friendly against France. The only fire power left is Torres. Nothing much to say, God bless Torres and keep him safe from injuries as he will be marked real tight as he is the lone target man.


Blackpool vs Wolves

Captain Adam will be out, who will be taking spot kicks and penalties?

Charlie Adam set to miss this week's game against Wolves at home. Awww.. what a wonderful chance and match for the Blackpool's captain to grab some points. He is one of the best bargain buy under $6 category, the 5th leading scorer in the midfielders' section, owned by 19.2%.

Wolves will take the advantage to do something after some awful results in the past 2 months and without Charlie Adam, how will Blackpool be doing?


Birmingham vs Chelsea

Drogba: Did not score since GW 7

Chelsea aren't the same again, seems to lost their momentum, not a free-scoring side anymore. 3 losses so far, the humiliating defeat to Sunderland at home is the hardest to accept and forget. Away at Birmingham? Might be boring, even Birmingham might have some chances bringing them down with the absence of Terry and Alex.

Fulham vs Manchester City

Mancini: The master of bore game tactician

What can I say? Continue to fire blank and the blue/white stripes scarf surrounding your neck can be the same scarf to be used to hang yourself soon. Go go Mark Hughes!

Others:

• Manchester United vs Wigan - sorry Wigan is all I can say and have to say.

• Sunderland vs Everton - Gyan is on hot form. Do you realised that Sunderland only lost 1 game this season beside MU who have not lose a single game so far.

• Bolton vs Newcastle - Both teams are bold and dare to play attacking formations despite their average defences. Will be a nice game to watch. Still, look out for Elmander.

• Blackburn vs Aston Villa - Hmm, a tight match, might be a low-scoring match. Downing and Young in my radar.

• West Brom vs Stoke City - It's time for West Brom to grab a win after winless for 4 games. Odemwingie is back and he is performing well.

Review GW 13: Black Cats = Bad Luck for Chelsea (and ME!)

The Black Cats stole all the limelight.

Sunderland without Darren Bent? No problem, Asamoah Gyan recaptured his World Cup form and brought it here to the BPL.

Gyan's on-hot form. 4 goals in 3 games for Sunderland

Out of all clubs in the BPL, even Chelsea, it was Sunderland a.k.a. Black Cats who have the BEST RECORD THIS SEASON against the so-called TOP 7 CLUBS.

The win against Chelsea at Stamford Brigde really f**ked up my FPL team that happened only once in a blue moon caused my FPL team to suffer from terrible gameweek points as all my hope was on Chelsea players in GW 13.

My position in my mini league is the worst in my 5th season in the FPL and it dealt a blow for my FPL team to regain competitive edge as the leaders are leaving me far behind.

Sunderland's record against "Big" clubs this season:

• Sunderland 1 - 0 Manchester City
• Sunderland 1 - 1 Arsenal
• Liverpool 2 - 2 Sunderland
• Sunderland 0 - 0 Manchester United
• Sunderland 1 - 0 Aston Villa
• Tottenham 1 - 1 Sunderland
• Chelsea 0 - 3 Sunderland (totally unexpected and can't be accepted!)

This really demotivates me to continue my blog and my FPL team and game.


Others:


Manchester City 0 - 0 Birmingham City - I was wrong. Mancini definitely will rather to settle with 1 point with a club like Birmingham by removing Tevez and replaced him with Barry when goal is needed. (plus my Dann is kept at the last slot in the subs bench)


Stoke City 2 - 0 Liverpool -  Liverpool's win against Chelsea is just a smoke screen. Same to Lucas' performance too. Defence? Crappy.


Everton 1 - 2 Arsenal - Well, I was lucky to predicted correctly for this one as what written in my GW 13 preview for Everton vs Arsenal. Arsenal did win and Cahill did put one goal into the back of Arsenal's net.


Aston Villa 2 - 2 Manchester United - Unlucky for Houllier. Lucky for Ferguson.


Tottenham 4 - 2 Blackburn - No reason for Tottenham to lose points for this game right? As predicted. Van Der Vaart continues his FPL's great form and Bale finally scored and brought their happy owners 18 points!


Newcastle 0 - 0 Fulham - Draw as predicted.


West Ham 0 - 0 Blackpool - Another chance wasted by WHU to seize a win. Avram Grant in deep sh*t hot water.


Wigan 1 - 0 West Brom - A game that is hard to predict, anyway, congratulate to Wigan for a narrow win.


Wolves 2 - 3 Bolton - Bolton on hot form as well, Elmander too! Owen Coyle's management seems to bring result and they are in the 5th position now.

Some interesting facts after 1/3 of the season has gone..

What's are the some of the interesting statistics to all football clubs in the BPL so far after 1/3 of the season has gone?

Chelsea: The master in offence and defence this season

 1) Most goals scored by clubs so far:

1. Chelsea - 28 goals
2. Arsenal, Manchester United - 24 goals
3. Newcastle - 21 goals
4. Blackpool - 19 goals
5. Bolton - 18 goals

ManCity and Liverpool scored 15 and 13 goals respectively after 1/3 season gone. Surprised to see Newcastle, Blackpool and Bolton in the top 5.


2) Most goals conceded by clubs so far:

1. Blackpool - 26 goals
2. West Ham - 22 goals
3. West Brom, Wigan - 21 goals
4. Wolves - 20 goals
5. Stoke City - 18 goals

- Chelsea conceded least goals, only 5 up to now, and the second club is Arsenal, 11 goals conceded.


3) Most clean sheet - Chelsea  with 8 clean sheets


4) Least clean sheet - Wolves, ZERO clean sheet


5) List of top goal scorers - here


6) Top assists - here


7) BPL table with complete statistics - here

GW 13 - previews - They are back!

These fantasy hot prospect are all back from injuries and a few of them made surprise return too as earlier than predicted.


Manchester City vs Birmingham

Carlos Tevez is back from injury and Birmingham have bad records playing away. Take note of Tevez, the trouble maker, scorer and bonus point magnet when he is playing against smaller team.

What I think: Mancini said he'll be happy to settle with 1 point against ManUtd rather than nothing but won't be settling with 1 point against Birmingham



Tottenham vs Blackburn
 

Van Der Vaart made a surprise return from injury on Tuesday night and scored one too. He has scored in every home game for Tottenham this season and seems like to have become a master of tap-in (good in positioning or always lucky to be at the right place at the right time?)

Blackburn won against Newcastle at St.James Park but I don't see them to win two in a row. Sorry Blackburn. Tottenham will win this one for sure after four winless runs.

What I think: Play your Bale, Modric and Van Der Vaart!



Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Yea, Nani is back too and completed 90-minutes against Manchester City that ended 0 - 0. He is one of the best fantasy prospect this season's FPL.

But Aston Villa aren't easy at home. But I don't see them to be tough too to concede 2 goals from a Blackpool side with 10-changes made, not to say to need a 90th-minute goal from Collins to win the game 3-2 on Wednesday night.

What I think: Tough match. Aston without fit experienced strikers. Only Delfouneso available. ManUtd without Evra, Rafael, Hargraeves and Giggs. Berbatov & Hernandez seemed to lose their sparks.



Everton vs Arsenal

Yeap, Van Persie is back too and he is lethal when he is fit. With Fabregas, Walcott and Song added to the squad, a win can be possible for the Gunners. Chamakh might hold his starting place as he scored twice against Wolves on Wednesday night.

Anyway, Cahill might head one in with the fragility of Arsenal's defences.

What I think: I am backing Arsenal to win this one.



Stoke City vs Liverpool

Torres isn't injured actually but I listed him in "They-are-back"- category as Torres is really back to his old-self. No kidding, the goal against Wigan is just awesome to watch, watching Torres to outpace the defender and poke in the goal after Gerrard's perfectly weighted pass created the path for him.

What I think: Liverpool to win if their defences work real hard. Liverpool are not in a position to score 3-4 goals like Chelsea and only able to win narrowly with a Gerrard-Torres combination, so the defences really need to give their best.

Extra: Kelly might establish himself as the preferred right-back choice in the absence of Johnson and at a super bargain price at $4.2



Chelsea vs Sunderland

                                               

Lampard is tipped to be back by Ancelotti yesterday but from the updated news, he will be out for another 3 weeks. Drogba under-performed again due to his illness, affected by malaria. Recently, Chelsea's attacks are really disappointing as the returns for Drogba, Malouda and Anelka are really low value for money. Drogba's $13.1 price is not returning what we paid for.

However, Chelsea's back four are the most reliable in the BPL as Chelsea only have conceded 5 goals this season after 12 games! Take note on Ivanovic, Bosingwa and Ashley Cole (Cole's return on the past 6 games is better than Drogba's)

What I think: Chelsea to win? Of course.


Others:


West Ham vs Blackpool - Avram Grant's side failed to take advantage to clinch their second win against West Brom, but this is another chance against Blackpool. However, Blackpool won't not held back and love to play attacking games. West Ham do need to improve on their defence.



Newcastle vs Fulham - Newcastle still can't make their home a fortress, their inconsistency are giving me big frustration. One week they can win away against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and 3 days later they can lose to Blackburn at home. However, this can be a tight match, expect a draw maybe?



Wigan vs West Brom - Both have the chance to get a win out of this game, but I would like to see West Brom to continue their dream start in the BPL under Roberto Di Matteo. Odemwingie is back and he is a promising striker.



Wolves vs Bolton - Bolton are playing good this season, home and away. Wolves are still lying in the relegation zone with only 9 points from 12 games. I think Wolves will need to do something against Bolton if they want to enjoy another season in the top flight or else. However, Bolton's Davies and Elmander are playing pretty well at the moment, a fact that we can't defy, sharing 9 goals between them. (Bolton's 6th in the table, this explains all)

Gameweek Preview - GW 12

 
Congratulation to Liverpool as they beaten Chelsea 2-0 which made the headline in last weekend (other than Arsenal's loss at home to Newcastle which was one of the top headline too)

Since this is a midweek game, I will cut the preview short and simple.


1) Manchester's derby:

MC: Tevez is back. Silva and Milner is not on hot form, but not in dip form either. With Mancini's defensive approach, this might be hard for ManUtd to score with their current squad.

MU: Without Nani, United's offence are weak. Let's assume Berbatov is back (which is a doubt), he will be leading the attack with Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung. I don't think they can make it through MC's defences easily.

Will be a low-scoring game, perhaps, a narrow MC win. Look out for Tevez who loves to score against his old club.



2) Chelsea vs Fulham

Chelsea will not suffer back to back defeat in the BPL, at least under Ancelotti. Drogba is reported to be suffering with malaria but this will not keep him out from this game. Anelka, Malouda will be the usual studs to lead the attack. Essien might return but Lampard is still out, so Drogba will still be taking penalty and free-kicks. Perhaps a 2-0 win for Chelsea?



3) Wigan vs Liverpool

If Liverpool can bring on their momentum from the previous 3 back-to-back wins in the BPL to this game, I can see no reason for Liverpool to not win this one, with Torres on-hot-form. Kuyt has returned and Meireles played extremely well too in the right midfield.

Let's say another 2-0 win for Liverpool?



4)  Tottenham vs Sunderland

Bent is out and will not face his ex-club. So Gyan will lead Sunderland's attack. But Sunderland's pretty weak at away, a narrow win for Tottenham perhaps?

Bale, Modric played quite well and even Hutton participated alot in attacks. I might get it wrong but it seems Pavluychenko will be the one taking penalty if he does play.




5) Newcastle vs Blackburn

Three back-to-back wins for Newcastle as well, the win against Arsenal was totally unexpected and it proved Hughton really has some quality. But he is still not awarded a new contract.

Anyway, back to the game, Blackburn will make it hard again for Newcastle as I think Big Sam will play some hard-ass defending again. But Carroll does sure want to impress as he is called up for the England team by Capello. Hope he does not injured himself while trying to impress Fabio Capello.

So, what about Newcastle to continue their momentum to win this game? The other 2 Englishmen looked good too. Nolan and Barton.




6) Aston Villa vs Blackpool

Aston were so close to an away win last week after being denied by Hangeland in the last kick in the injury-time. Too bad.

However, Aston will do their best to win this one. Albrighton played so well and Ashley Young is still menacing from the flank.

What about 3-1 to Aston Villa? Cool?




7) Everton vs Bolton

Cahill and Arteta again to win this for Everton.

Bolton's Davies and Elmander are on-form but Goodison Park is not a place for them to score for fun.




8) Stoke City vs Birmingham

I can see a boring draw coming. Or a narrow win for Stoke City is possible.




9) West Ham vs West Brom

Avram Grant was so close to win his first away game for West Ham last weekend, so this will possibly be his second win for West Ham United. Go Obinna and Piquionne!




10) Wolves vs Arsenal

Arsenal disappointed many FPL managers last weekend fantasy wise, as all the hot studs scored like 1 or 2 points maximum.

Wolves played quite well this season at home, so Arsenal can expect a tough match but I believe they can pull something out to make this into a victory to compensate their fans over the embarassing defeat to Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium 2 days ago.

GW 11 - The week of two-goals heroes

Torres 2 - 0 Chelsea

2-goals hero no.1

Torres is back. He found back his soul that is long gone since the injuries suffered before World Cup. Two classic, superb goals with perfect touch and finishing is enough to defeat Chelsea at Anfield.

The atmosphere at Anfield rocks. Despite Torres' two-goals, Lucas grabbed the spotlight by grabbing all bonus 3 points, being so influential in midfield this night, possibly the best performance in his career so far.

Kuyt's return made an immediate impact as well, as he is the one that lofted a perfectly weighed pass to Torres to score the first goal.


West Brom 0 - 2 Manchester City

2-goals hero no.2

From zero to hero to zero. This young dude here turned from zero to hero after scoring 2 goals in the first half after back from injury and trying to prove himself. He succeeded, scoring 2 goals in the time frame of 6 minutes. But 1+1 yellow cards = 1 red card caused him to be sent off. Nevertheless, MC won 2-0 where both goals are scored by Balotelli

Bolton 4 - 2 Tottenham

2-goals hero no.3

Playing 2 matches in a row is too hard for Tottenham. Davies scored 2 goals and assisted 1, that is enough to win the game 4-2 despite Hutton's beautiful left-footed curler and Pavluychenko's superb mid-air volley.

Hot prospect fantasy striker Elmander made 2 assists as well.

Sunderland 2 - 0 Stoke City



2-goals hero no.4

Darren Bent is absent and Asamoah Gyan steals all the limelight. He scored 2 goals and gained 3 bonus points. He is the striker tipped by NCNB's blog for this week by the way. Sunderland won 2-0

 

Manchester United 2 - 1 Wolves

2-goals hero no.5

Despite his small eyes, he has a great vision for goal. He scored two goals, including the injury-time winner against a Wolves team that played so well and do not deserved to be beaten on this day.


Others:-

• Arsenal were humiliated again, what a shame, to be defeated by another newly-promoted team at home after West Brom. Carroll scored the winner before half-time due to a misjudgement made by goalkeeper Fabianski.

• Birmingham drew 2 - 2 at home to West Ham. I got this right. West Ham will get something out of this match.

• Blackburn won 2 - 1 over Wigan. Pedersen scored a screamer from a free-kick, where no one will expect him to score from there. Wigan's N'Zogbia scored from a free-kick as well.

• Blackpool drew 2 - 2 at home to Everton. Still enjoying the Tangerine dream start in the top flight.

• Fulham's 94th minute equalizing goal scored by Hangeland from a set-piece. What a heart-breaker for Aston Villa and Gerard Houllier after Marc Albrighton's goal and Villans think they should have won the game.



Paul II the new psychic octopus??

"They named me Paul II. WTF?"

Not long after Paul the psychic octopus died, Germany unveils new 'psychic' octopus Paul II. Anyone know what happen to the previous dead Paul? Will Paul II become the second celebrity octopus after Paul?

Gameweek Preview - GW 11

 Bolton vs Tottenham

Van Der Vaart will be definitely out as he is labeled "red" in the FPL. So, Tottenham's attack will be led by Crouch, Modrid, Bale and Keane/Pavluychenko. Since Van Der Vaart will be absent, all the spotlight will be on Gareth Bale who performed superbly in both games against Inter Milan, where he 'killed' a world-class right back such as Maicon.

For Bolton side, the only attacking threat only comes from Elmander as I can see. Holden is a good choice to fill in your 5th midfielder option at $5.0 as he will only will get better.

Manchester United vs Wolves



Hernandez and Berbatov will lead the attack in this match with the absense of Nani. Who will fill the midfielders slot? That's a question. The only player that I can see to be starting is Paul Scholes. Carrick has high chance to start too with Fletcher's absense. For the flank, Obertan and Park Ji-sung perhaps?

For Wolves side, not any players will be recommended by if there's any scoring chances from set-pieces or penalty. perhaps Jones or Milijas? (if you don't think ManUtd can keep a clean sheet)

Liverpool vs Chelsea 

Gerrard scored a hat-trick against Napoli. Can he bring that form to this match against the mighty Chelsea? Torres who is rested is expected to start the game.

Drogba and Anelka, both scored in midweek UCL games will definitely start the game too as Malouda is definitely out and Essien is doubtful for this match. So Kalou is a cheap Chelsea midfield option as he can bring some threats too wide areas.

Others:

Arsenal v Newcastle - Arsenal will win this one for sure. Fabregas is doubtful due to injury but I have a strong feeling that he will be featuring. Nolan ain't gonna repeat his luck form like last weekend against the Black Cats who looked so strong after held Arsenal, Liverpool and ManUtd to a draw.

Birmingham v West Ham - Birmingham are always good at home, but I am backing Avram Grant this match as he is under pressure now and need to get result. Birmingham is an easier team.

Blackburn v Wigan - 3 points for Blackburn, but a narrow win. Jones is the defensive stud and Benjani might grab something too out of this match

Blackpool v Everton - Everton will win this one by doing all they can. Arteta and Cahill will grab something. Start Adam too if you have him as he has the advantages by taking free-kicks and penalty.

Fulham v Aston Villa - Tight match between them. Aston has no fit strikers, so expect Young to deputize the striker position. Dempsey is on-form too and Dembele has returned as well.
 

Sunderland v Stoke City - Sunderland need to win this for sure to bounce back from the 5-1 humiliating derby defeat. Bent and Gyan should be played together to penetrate Stoke's stubborn defensive approach.

West Brom v Man City - Hey guess what, I would like to see ManCity to lose again to a lowly team.

Gerrard shines, Malouda out (and other latest updates)

The coming match of the week, Liverpool vs Chelsea is anticipated by many fans of both side. In midweek Europa Cup, Gerrard scored a hat-trick to help salvage Liverpool from an embarassing defeat to Napoli at Anfield. All three goals scored by Stevie G came in the final 15 minutes, including a penalty.

Hat-trick hero against Napoli. Liverpool won 3 - 1

Torres was rested in the match against Napoli to keep him fresh for the match against Chelsea this weekend. Steven Gerrard came out from the bench on 46th minute to replace Milan Jovanovic and scored a hat-trick.

His last hat-trick was against Aston Villa two seasons ago when Liverpool thrashed Aston Villa 5-0 at Anfield during Benitez' tenure. Glen Johnson returned from injury that might boost Liverpool's offences from the right flank.

No chance of playing against Liverpool this weekend due to an injury

Frank Lampard might feature this weekend for Chelsea but Malouda definitely will be out. It will be a dilemma for FPL managers; to keep him or to cash him for other players that are on-form too, such as Van Der Vaart.

Other major injuries doubts and question marks:

Arsenal vs Newcastle - Will Fabregas features? That's really 50-50. As Wilshere returns from suspension, Wenger has a lot choices to choose from; Song who is on-form, Arshavin, Rosicky, Denilson, Diaby, Nasri and Walcott.Who will he start? If Fabregas does feature, he is definitely my captain's pick. Chamakh is the only stable pick as he will definitely start the game.

ManUtd vs Wolves - Nani definitely will be out for sure. But since Giggs, Valencia and Fletcher are out injured as well, that narrows down Ferguson's choices of midfielders. Will it be Park Ji Sung and Obertan playing on both flanks? Or will he convert Anderson to left midfield and play Carrick and Scholes in center midfield? Gibson has a chance to start the game too. Awh.. too many uncertainties.

West Brom vs ManCity - ManCity's mega million squad suffered another embarassing 3-1 defeat to Lech Poznan. Anyway they need to move on and concentrate on this weekend's match against West Brom. West Brom is playing well this season and has already shrugged off the relegation candidate's tag. But will Tevez be featuring in this game like Mancini said? If he plays, he is definitely a good pick. Silva and Milner are the one to watch too. If ManCity stumble again at West Brom, Mancini will be in deep shit be in REAL DEEP SHIT!

Bolton vs Tottenham - Van Der Vaart is a hot property now. But he limped off in the victory against Inter Milan on Tuesday night. He is doubtful for this coming match at the Reebok Stadium. But he has an outside chance to be playing too. Will he play? Who knows? Will Bale play? Or will he be rested after the superb performance against Inter Milan? Among Keane, Crouch and Pavluychenko, who will start the game? It's all question marks. Ask Harry Redknapp.

MIdweek studs and updates

Some updates on the BPL players that played in the midweek UEFA Champions League:

Nani suffered an injury and he will definitely missed the Wolves game at home on Saturday. He is not faking an injury this time.

Obertan scored. With Valencia, Nani and Giggs out, he has a good chance to start on Saturday.

Malouda is ruled out for the midweek game against Spartak Moscow. He has a chance to return on Sunday against Liverpool at Anfield as said by Ancelotti.

Ivanovic continues his scoring form AS A DEFENDER. He scored twice against Spartak Moscow. Chelsea won 4-1.

Both Drogba (penalty) and Anelka scored as well in the 4-1 win against Spartak Moscow.

Lampard did not play in the midweek UEFA Champions League game but will definitely be playing against Liverpool. Can he perform right away after long absense due to injury?

Walcott scored the opener for Arsenal against Shakhtar Donetsk. But an own goal from Eastmond and a goal from former Gunners Eduardo resulted a 2-1 defeat for Arsenal in Ukraine.

Van Der Vaart's display is superb against Inter Milan. He did scored a goal as he said in his Twitter earlier where his message was pointed towards Sneijder.

Bale's display is the most eye catching on this matchday and can be one of his best performance so far by seeing him "killing" Maicon. He totally outplayed Maicon with his pace and lightning speed. He provided two well assists where Crouch and Pavluychenko only have to tap in the ball. Amazing young lad.