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.

Gameweek Preview - GW 10

This weekend might be a normal FPL weekend where all players thinking to nab a much points as possible and climb the table in their mini leagues.

However, this weekend is anticipated long by Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Birmingham fans, players and managers as there are a double derby this weekend which might not be awared by some FPL players outside England.


Newcastle vs Sunderland derby

Newcastle are lying at the 9th place in the BPL table, well it is considered a comfortable position after 9 games, but, with only 11 points, they are actually 2 points above the relegation only.

Newcastle are one of the traditional big clubs with huge fanbase and financial power. The inconsistency into the new season is causing the speculation surrounding manager Hughton.

Despite 4 losses this season, Newcastle did pull out some superb performances by thrashing Aston 6-0, winning 1-0 at Goodison Park and sent Chelsea out of the Carling Cup, which makes the route easier for Arsenal and Manchester United.

Let's see:

Strikers to watch: Darren Bent vs Andy Carroll, both are English, physical, good aerially and have the ability to score goals. Play them if you have them.

Midfielders: Barton vs Cattermole, both are English, love to throw their boots around, have higher chance to pick up cards especially in such derby day. However, Barton remains a cheap stud at $4.7 and takes free-kicks and corners. Henderson is another player with growing reputation in the Sunderland squad that caught my eyes though.

Defenders: Elmohamady has established himself in the Sunderland squad and adapted well to the BPL. His price rose to $5 from $4.5 now and is the highest price increase for a player in Sunderland. He is worth it anyway, with such price tag, as he is the defender with the THIRD highest fantasy points in the FPL now with 44 pts. But I will not play any defenders from both side in this match. Hey! It's a derby.



Aston Villa vs Birmingham derby



Gerard Houllier won't mess this game up as I can see Aston will win this derby at home. They have a good record at home against Birmingham.

Strikers: Heskey vs Zigic. Heskey is rejuvenated under Houllier and proved to be important to the team now with Agbonlahor out injured and Carew not preferred by Houllier. Zigic being the tallest player in the BPL at 6'8" scored 2 goals in his last 2 games. But Heskey would be the 1 nabbing up points in this derby

Midfielders: Reo-Coker vs Ferguson. Both are hard ass holding midfielders. Reo-Coker is given the captain armband by Houllier with the absence of Petrov. Ferguson proved to be important in every Birmingham's victories or draws. However, attacking player might snatch up the spotlight with fantasy points in this game. Ashley Young and Downing particularly.

Defenders: Aston's defenders could grab a clean sheet in this match. But there's no guarantee. It's a derby anyway. But Foster, Dann, R.Johnson, Carr, or Ridgewell might be suffering. I recommend not to play them.


Others:

Wolves vs Manchester City


(Yet to score a goal in the BPL)

ManCity's defeat to Arsenal last weekend will make them to try their very best to win away at Wolves. They will take advantages against Wolves who are still in the relegation zone with only 1 win this season.

Tevez has flown home yesterday due to an "injury" (which might be a "shadow" injury as he might be homesick more to injury. If he is injured, do you think ManCity's medical staff will allow him to leave England? He is one of the highest prized asset of the ManCity's squad with 7 goals in the BPL now).

Thus, Balotelli and Adebayor shall start this game. Wanna gamble on Balotelli? $8.6 only and he might wanna prove himself and live up to his price tag, so, Wolves will be an opponent to ignite his season.

Anyway, Silva and Milner will be the usual stud to take points due to their participation in attacks plus the absence of Tevez.


Arsenal vs West Ham


(Talismanic Fabregas is back)

West Ham won 3-1 against Stoke in the midweek Carling Cup. What's wrong with Avram Grant? He is some sort like a specialist in CUPS instead of league (he led Chelsea to FA Cup and UCL finals in 2008, Portsmouth to FA Cup final in 2010, just to lost 1-0 to Chelsea). West Ham won't be hanging in the relegation zone if AG can transfer his team's cup form to BPL matches.

Back to the Arsenal side. Fabregas, Walcott and Bendtner are back to full fitness. Walcott scored twice in midweek against Newcastle, even Bendtner scored once too after picking up a pass from Fabregas who came out from the substitutes' bench.

Arsenal gonna win this one, no doubt. Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Walcott and even Song are way too good for West Ham.


ManUtd vs Tottenham

Former Tottenham striker Berbatov and on-hot-form Javier Hernandez will be starting against Tottenham. Hernandez was once mentioned to be a risky buy but not anymore. At $7 now, he is the cheapest first-team ManUtd striker and scored 4 goals in his last 3 games for ManUtd. Rooney still out injured there and Hernandez will use this limited time and opportunity to establish himself to be one of the 'untouchable'.

However, Tottenham is one of the "Big 7" now and to be more accurate, one of the top 4 clubs last season. With the addition of RVDV, their squad seems to be be completed and playing at the very top level. Even Modric said that they gonna break the jinx in this game, as they never win at Old Trafford before.

Berbatov, Nani and Hernandez will be hard for Tottenham's defenders to contain, but Van Der Vaart, Bale, Modric and Lennon are threats too. This will be a damn nice match to watch.

Bolton vs Liverpool

Is Liverpool's season back on track and ignited after the win over Blackburn last weekend? We will see in this match. Bolton won't be easy at home, with the likes of Elmander, Davies (got his first England cap recently) and Lee Chung Yong on form. Even youngster like Holden played so well and caught my eyes.

Torres only has 2 goals in his pocket after 9 BPL games, but stick to him, he is good, and good-looking too. As long as there's chance created for him, he will do his very best.

**Outside bet, very risky: Joe Cole might grab some points in this match if Liverpool can repeat their form like they play against Arsenal and ManUtd. I still vouch for Cole and trying to prove that he will not be a FLUKE!

Blackburn vs Chelsea

Sam Allardyce the boaster will make it hard for Chelsea this time. His defensive approach can be hard to break down.

It is all down to Chelsea players to tear up their defence and keep Big Sam's arrogant mouth shut.

Drogba played badly last weekend but I will stick to him. Bosingwa is the cheapest Chelsea's defender who plays as well as Ashley Cole from the right flank. Buy him if you can't afford Ashley Cole who is $8.2 now, even more expensive than Van Der Vaart!

GW 9 - review and statistics

The jinx continues as Torres scored once I sold him. Really frustrated.

Anyway, lets look at MC vs Arsenal match as Arsenal is the ONLY TEAM that scored 3 goals in gameweek 9 in the BPL last weekend.

Manchester City 0 - 3 Arsenal

Walcott returns, Bendtner scored the third goal too after returning from an injury. Nasri continues his run of good form, scored a well constructed goal by Arshavin and made the third for Bendtner.

Boyata is the culprit here due to his inexperience being a young defender. A 4th-minute red card is enough for Arsenal to take the advantage and kill the game.

Nothing Adebayor can do despite scoring a hat-trick in midweek. Tevez was substituted at the 57th-minute.

Nasri's price rose up to $7.5 now, grab him faster as he will be facing West Ham at home that might be another match for him to snatch some points and possibly bonus points too.

Stoke City 1 - Manchester United 2

As mentioned in my GW 9 preview, you might wanna bet on Hernandez @ $6.9. Well, he proved to be a winning bet, scoring 2 goals and 3 bonus points at Stoke on Sunday.

An awkward back-header and a simple but precisely timed tap-in by Hernandez a.k.a Chicarito made him the player under the spotlight as he only cost $6.9 being a Manchester United first team striker (as long as Rooney stays injured).

Tuncay's wonder goal pulled them back into the game but Chicarito opted to spoil the joy of Stoke's players and fans by scoring the winning goal for MU (which he did as well in MU's Carling Cup against Wolves on Tuesday's night)

Rooney might be possibly out for another 2 weeks, so, Chicarito at $6.9, it's your decision.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Blackburn - All 3 goals happened in 6 minutes in the 2nd half. Krygiakos' display was superb. Torres scored the vital winning goal again. But Robinson isn't bad either. Still a long way to go, Hodgson.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Wolves - Drogba is awful. Nuff' said. However, Bosingwa's return and display caught my eyes. I'll put him on my radar.

Tottenham 1 - 1 Everton - will Everton start their unbeatable run? Anyway, Van Der Vaart scored again and cost $8.1 now. Still worth it as he plays like a $11 player and take free kicks + penalties too. Grab him while he's still hot.

Birmingham 2 - 0 Blackpool - Zigic the tallest player in the BPL did the damage to Blackpool. Blackpool talismanic captain did a silly mistake by sending the ball into Zigic's path and gifted him a free poke-in goal.

Sunderland 1 - 0 Aston Villa - Awful Dunne own goal. Both side's attacks and defences are equally match, thus, an own goal is proved to be fatal enough.

Wigan 1 - 1 Bolton - Elmander did it again! So did Rodallega. Both of them are the obvious and predictable players to be on the scoring chart in such game.

West Ham 1 - 2 Newcastle - Newcastle's inconsistency is what I am angry about as they will lose the game you expect them to win and win a game that you expect them to lose. Sorry Avram, it's Hughton's day.

West Brom 2 - 1 Fulham - I noticed that everytime West Brom wins, opponents' defenders did some silly mistakes or playing out of form (look at Arsenal's and ManUtd's errors). Luck or what? West Brom scored both goals on occasions where Fulham have only 3-4 defences in the box and leaving a huge space for West Brom players to roam and create free spaces for themselves. Rare scene to see West Brom to occupy the top half of the table after 9 games into a new season in BPL.

GW 8 - review and statistics

Blackpool 2 - 3 Manchester City

Blackpool was among the candidate for relegation but after 8 games into the new season, the other 'pool' (Liverpool) was in the relegation zone instead. Blackpool's build up in attacks and defences are way better and entertaining than Liverpool.

Fighting against a club with £133 million annual wages bill (Blackpool only have £6 million wages bill annually), the Tangerines will just not give up and fight to the last minutes of the match. If it wasn't for Silva's classy goal, this match will end with both teams grabbing a point each.

Congratz to Tevez who performed so well and now the leading BPL goal scorer with 7 goals. Ferguson must be banging his head against the wall as he claimed the guy is not worth £25 million.

Fulham 1 - 2 Tottenham

Although Huddlestone's controversial goal was debatable, nevertheless this game resulted in Fulham's first defeat of the season.

Van Der Vaart continues his fine form. He cost $7.9 now.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Birmingham

Zigic started as Jerome was injured. The tallest striker in the BPL scored his first BPL goal with a nicely guided header with little jumping effort, due to his 6'8" height.

Chamakh, despicable - although he scored the winning goal, he dived to get a penalty which later converted by Nasri. So, where's Wenger now as everytime other clubs' players did something despicable he is the first one to come and criticise.

Manchester United 2 - 2 West Brom

Another relegation candidate shine in big matches against the "Big Four". After the victory against Arsenal in GW 7, West Brom grabbed a point away at Old Trafford due to some schoolboy error from Van Der Sar. Pathetic goal keeping.

ManUnited threw away another 2 goals lead and get their 5th draw of the season.

Nani and Berbatov continue their fine forms, but so do Brunt from West Brom.

Bolton 2 - 1 Stoke City



Nothing much to say in this game, it's a very close game for both team. The only thing that caught the headline is Ivan Klasnic, who scored the winning goal, then get booked twice in the injury time and get sent off.

Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool

Cahill and Arteta, the usual studs of Everton that perform consistently. Arteta's rocket ended Liverpool's hope for a come back and resulted Liverpool looming in the relegation zone at 19th place.

Roy Hodgson is a downgrade and all players he brought in are downgrades! (Out: Aquilani, Mascherano, Insua... Replacements: Poulsen?, Meireles?, Konchesky?).

You don't offload your playmaker who just got fit and wanted to prove himself in the BPL off for a £4.5 million Poulsen and dynamo powerhouse midfielder Mascherano who is SO VITAL to the team's midfield. Konchesky for Insua is a joke.

Aston 0 - 0 Chelsea

Without Drogba, Chelsea aren't threatening. Anelka can't do it by himself. Aston Villa's defence are getting tougher with the arrival of Houllier. No more 6-0 thumping will ever happen again.

Newcastle 2 - 2 Wigan

N'Zogbia came back to haunt his ex-club. Newcastle made it very late to grab a draw. Bad runs for Newcastle at the moment. Wigan show some recovery after a terrible start into the new season.

Wolves - West Ham

A fair result though. Nothing much to say.

Blackburn - Sunderland

Another fair result too. Blackburn's defensive tactics are tough to break. Sunderland's Elmohamady is another great addition to the club too.

After the international break - GW 8 is coming

OK, put aside the Liverpool saga as it's super frustrating to see a club to fight from within in the Board of Directors. Sale or no sale? Anyway let's just leave these fussy stuff to the management level as we ARE focused on the players and manager (although the instability and internal problems greatly affected the team's performance, but Gerrard is still Gerrard, Torres is still Torres, aren't they?)

Match of the week, the same old Merseyside derby...




Everton vs Liverpool



News: Torres passed the fitness test and will be included in the squad against Everton, Kuyt will be sidelined due to the ankle injury suffered when playing for Holland in midweek. Gerrard will still be leading Liverpool in searching for the tonic to kickstart their season (it's into the 8th game and yet Liverpool still need a so-called "kickstart")


In the last meeting between these two side, the game ended 1-0 thanks to a winning header from Dirk Kuyt despite playing 10-men most of the time at Anfield. But the dynamic Kuyt is out injured for some time as the ankle injury he suffered is quite serious.


However, Liverpool is boosted by the return of Torres and Konchesky. Thanks to the international break that allowed Torres to rehabilitate and recover, but how well he can do as he has just returned once again from injury and yet to find his touch and consistency since World Cup. The burdens are once again on him and Gerrard. (I hold the faith in Torres and did not sell him as I believed that he will recover in time, he still cost $11.6 despite being injured in Blackpool match)


Everton are strong at home (looked at the 3-3 draw against ManUtd, they just won't give up). Arteta, Cahill, Pienaar and Baines all looked good. A hard match to predict and a game worth dying for for both teams.


Hmm...: Try to avoid placing both team's defenders as both team are still shaky and doing badly since the new season began.





Manchester United vs West Bromich Albion



News: Rooney is back and seems there's a rift between him and SAF as he claimed he did not suffer from ankle injuries as told by SAF (everytime when Rooney did not feature)


Although Nani and Berbatov started greatly this season and totally shadowed Rooney (plus all the scandals and medias surrounding him), I put my focus on Wayne Rooney this weekend. His form has dipped greatly with only 1 goal (from a penalty) since the start of the new season. But, he only cost $11.4 now and with the penalty-taker responsibility still with him, why not gamble on him?


I know I know (I did not mention about Nani right?), Nani did greatly for both club (since start of 10/11 season) and country (scored twice and assisted 1 for Portugal against Denmark) and everyone is taunting him to be the new Ronaldo, he has since became a favourite choice in FPL (since Valencia was injured and Nani became indispensable). With the free-kick and corners taking responsibility, $8.6 is the best deal ever for a ManUtd player who is guaranteed a starting place and involved in attacking build-ups.


Hmm...: Captain Rooney this week and expect a surprise in return.



Arsenal vs Birmingham




News: Fabregas is back!


Fabregas is back and only cost $11.8 now. But he still needs time to gain back his touch and consistency. The Spaniard who is also bothered by injury and fragility (oh, the other Spaniard is Torres, who suffers from the same problem), have one of the best average points per game if you did notice (22 pts in 4 games for Arsenal)


But Nasri is out there to voice out and claim that he is better playing in central position than playing out wide, meaning that it will be back to Wenger to decide whether to put back Fabregas into the central position, who has super vision and passing accuracy, or sticking with Nasri in that position, who is so on-form right now (20 pts in his last 3 games playing in central position)


However, Fabregas is still the stud as he will be taking free-kicks, corners and penalties if he is playing, so, in a team like Arsenal, $11.8 is definitely worth it. He is a must-buy when Arsenal have a good run of fixture, but, but... I still need to observe him for a little bit longer. Be patient...


Hmm...: Arsenal are good at home and Birmingham s*cks at away games. Do I need to elaborate further?



Aston Villa vs Chelsea



News: Benayoun will be out for 6 months (WHO CARES!!?)


Drogba can't stop scoring. Malouda is enjoying his football and currently the highest scoring midfielder in BPL. Ashley Cole is the only defender that worth his value in FPL at $7.9... (Bad for those who bring in Alex as he was injured after the game against Arsenal.. HEY!! remember a guy called Ivanovic!?haha)


How many teams that score 23 goals in just 7 games into a new season? You'll be stunned if you looked at the goal differences at the BPL table and compare Chelsea's against all 19 other teams. Don't be surprised if they are tipped to retain the BPL title just after 7 games into the new season.


Aston Villa? Gerard Houllier? Yea yea, they are strong at home, they beat Chelsea 2-1 at home last season, but I don't see that coming again.


Hmm...: Aston Villa's defenders are not worth the value at all this season, except for Luke Young. Marc Albrighton is the best choice to fill in your midfield slot with a price tag of $4.6 if you need a cheap and guaranteed starting place player.



Van Der Vaart... a phenomena?




News: price shooting up!!


Since joining Tottenham, he adapted to English football at a very swiftly. The spot kicks, corners and penalty all belong to him. Why not, at only $7.8, playing in a team of Champion League calibre?


Hmm...: Tottenham will meet some tough teams in the next 4 games, so don't be surprised if he does not deliver. Fulham under Mark Hughes have a total different approach and do not expect to beat them easily at Craven Cottage.

Gameweek Preview - GW 7

It's gameweek 7 tomorrow and there will be no BPL next week until 16th October. So try to climb as high and grab as much points as possible this gameweek.

GAME of the week - CHELSEA vs ARSENAL



- Chelsea did a double over Arsenal last season and I expect a win at Stamford Bridge over the Gunners who just back from their Champions League match. Compared to Chelsea who played at home and won Marseille 2-0, a game where Drogba did not feature due to suspension, he is FRESH and looking forward the Arsenal game. A record of 12 goals in 12 matches against the Gunners shouldn't be overlooked. Expect him to do some damage to the Gunners' defences.

- Arsenal's captain and maestro Fabregas might not make it in time to return from an injury. Almunia is out too so Fabianski, the blunder-young-keeper-who-did-well-in-Champions League will be the first choice goal keeper Arsene Wenger only have. Can Squillaci and Koscielny handle the menace of Drogba & Co.? Doubt that.. but Arshavin is banging goals lately, well in Carling Cup and UCL but misfiring in the BPL.. Nasri and Chamakh will be the obvious attacking choices too, so if you do have them, play them as they have the abilities to inflict some damages too.


"Friendly" Liverpool vs Blackpool



- Gerrard's and Torres' prices are increased by 0.1 for both of them. Well, we can expect many to transfer them in as they have quite an easy features ahead compared to other big teams. But, are Liverpool now a "big" team material? They seems to be "friendly" and goal-shy.. or should I say, failed to create chances? Soon, they are not one of the "Big Four" anymore and will be replaced by Tottenham or ManCity if they still do not sort out a buyer and bring stability to the club.

- Anyway, Gerrard and Torres are still Liverpool's source of goals and with Kuyt returned from injury, a win for Liverpool is a must to keep their games and name alive. Although Hodgson deploys some shitty formation even against team like West Brom where 2 holding midfielders are used, and seems like not effective in maintaining possession, but as long as Gerrard and Torres is there, goals will come I believe. Joe Cole and Raul Meireles are doing great too.

- For Blackpool, a great start they might have since their promotion to the BPL, but it's time to get some real lessons here at Anfield.


Tottenham vs Aston Villa

- You cant ignore players like Bale and Van Der Vaart, they are doing great!!(just watch how they performed against FC Twente and you won't hesitate). You must play them if you have them. Well, Pavluychenko can be a nice gamble if he is chosen to play as the main striker along Peter Crouch.

- Aston seems rejunevated under Houllier, but, Tottenham are too tough for them at White Hart Lane.


WEST BROM vs BOLTON

- Odemwingie, Brunt and Thomas are studs!! Bargain and cheap options if they can perform like they did against Arsenal.

- Petrov finally shows his quality, but can he did it again? It's worth the gamble as West Brom's defences aren't that tough and Petrov is the set-piece taker. Elmander is a totally different striker compared to last two seasons. He is another striker that you can get if Bolton are playing against lower teams.


MC vs NEWCASTLE

- Tevez, Milner and Yaya Toure (cheaper option) are guaranteed first team in MC's BPL squad. They are the attackings catalyst too. Tevez is a good buy if you have $10+ to spend as MC's next match is vs Newcastle @ home and vs Blackpool @ away. Looking for a cheaper MC defender? Good news, Jerome Boateng is back and only cost $5.8

- Will they performed another 1-0-at-Everton thingy? Not likely.. But if you got Carroll, Barton, Nolan in your team, play them.. they are like 50-50 as they might grab an assist/goal if Newcaslte do score.


SUNDERLAND vs MANUNITED

- hard game to predict.. Sunderland is good at home and ManUnited have 3 successive draws away this season.