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 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.

Gameweek Preview - GW 9

Well, the Rooney saga has ended when all of a sudden he wanted to stay at ManUtd instead of leaving and has signed a new 5-year contract. So, big clubs that have eyes on Rooney can keep their cheque books and looking for other "world class" alternative.

Stoke City vs ManUtd


(He is looking forwards to future with ManUtd instead with other clubs now)

ManU will be playing away at Stoke City this week. Although Stoke's playing hardball defences and hard to break down especially at home, but ManU should have no problem breaking their defences with Nani and Berbatov that are on-form.

Just play your Nani, Berbatov, or if you want to take a bet, Hernandez can be a cheap striking option from ManU as Rooney will be out for another 2-3 weeks.

Looking for cheap ManU defender? O'Shea's your man, as he is rested during midweek's UCL game and mostly will be playing against Stoke City.


Chelsea vs Wolves


This will be a free-pointer game for Chelsea's players. Play all your Chelsea's attacking players; Drogba, Malouda, Essien, even defender Ashley Cole loves to attack from the left flank. Chelsea will definitely take advantage against Wolves after draw at Aston Villa and lost at Manchester City.

As Alex is injured, Ivanovic possibly will be moved to central position and the right back will be open to Bosingwa vs Ferreira (i am backing Bosingwa to start though).


Tottenham vs Everton



VDV is suspended in midweek's UCL game and he should be FRESH in this coming match against Everton. He is in good form since joining Tottenham and adapted well for the BPL games.

He should grab some points against Everton.

Anyone noticed Bale that scored a hat-trick against Inter Milan anyway?

For Everton, I don't think they can make it at White Hart Lane this time.


Liverpool vs Blackburn



Liverpool drew again against Napoli. They are still searching for a win since the game against West Brom.

In this game versus Blackburn, the attacks might not be ignited yet but I think a clean sheet is possible at Anfield. Konchesky will be the cheapest option at only $5.1.

If you are still backing Liverpool to grab their second win, stick with Torres and Gerrard.


Manchester City vs Arsenal



MC is on hot form. Adebayor scored a hat-trick at in Europa league on Thursday night, and he will take this form to play against his ex-employer and ex-teammates.

Tevez's now is the highest goal-scorer in the BPL now. Silva has adapted well too to the squad and to the game (he has the advantage to be chosen over Adam Johnson too). Arsenal's players might find it hard even with the return of Fabregas this week.

Play all your MC's attacking options, but if you have Arsenal's players too, don't hesitate, play them all, they can get something out of nothing sometimes.


Wigan vs Bolton



The only player I can notice in this match up is Charles N' Zogbia. He is a fantasy selection at some time last season. He scored 2 well taken goals against Newcastle last week and he might bring that form to this home match against Bolton, who are not quite good in away matches.

However, Wigan's defence are still prone to goal leakage. Play Elmander, Lee Chung Yong and Petrov if you have them.


Birmingham vs Blackpool


(he is the highest paid player at Blackpool at £10k per week)

I really would like Birmingham to have a clean sheet this game but I just can't ignore Adam's good form recently. I am backing Blackpool to get a goal or two and points from Charlie Adam even they lose at Birmingham.


West Brom vs Fulham

West Brom are in good form aren't they? But Fulham who suffered their first defeat of the season last week might get things right here as I think Mark Hughes will take advantages against 'smaller' team like West Brom who are newly promoted. I am backing Dempsey to grab some points in this match.


West Ham vs Newcastle

Bad news for Newcastle's defenders owner such as Williamson and Perch but West Ham will take the advantage to win this game. Obinna will be the usual suspect to grab points as he will be there whenever West Ham build up attacks.


Sunderland vs Aston Villa

Can't predict this match but a draw is possibly the end result.

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.

The look alikes~

Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) & Cameron Jerome (Birmingham)



Ryan Reynolds (Hollywood actor) & Landon Donovan (L.A. Galaxy)



Robinho (AC Milan) & Michel Bastos (Lyon)



Eric Cantona (Ex-ManU) & Lizandro Lopez (Lyon)



Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool) & Jimmy Bullard (Hull City)



Carlo Ancelloti (Chelsea coach) & Guus Hiddink (Turkey national coach)



Berbatov (ManU) & Andy Garcia (Hollywood actor, catch him in Ocean 11, 12 & 13)

Gameweek Preview - GW 6

Well, put aside the League Cup's shocks away that saw clubs like Chelsea (losing to Newcastle), Everton, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool (a disgrace) out of the cup run in such early stage. We'll FOCUS back on the Premier League this coming gameweek.




- Fernando Torres ($11.5) has failed to make impact in games up to date and struggle to fulfill his lone striker role under the formation of 4-2-3-1 deployed by Hodgson which is similar to his predecessor Benitez. Poulsen a.k.a Lucas ver.2 was brought in and being positioned at the same position of Lucas. Mascherano's place will be filled either with the original Lucas or Raul Meireles.

- Anyway I still have great faith in Torres and he will got my captain armband for this coming gameweek against Sunderland. Although Sunderland performed well last week against Arsenal and shown a lot of threat in attacking, I do believe Roy Hodgson still have something left in his pocket and live up his expectation. Still remember the wonder goal Torres scored against Sunderland last season? :)




- It was reported that Mancini's defenders choices are very limited now and only Toure, Zabaleta and Kompany reported to be fit. Well well, $6.4 goal keeper Joe Hart will have a very busy day. Look at the "faster" Chelsea now, without Lampard (injured), they definitely play a faster style of football with Essien filling in Lampard's position. Anelka's and Malouda's swift moves are mouth watering and Drogba's beasty playstyle is threatening. Chelsea is on a goal scoring run (although they lost to Newcastle 4-3 by fielding a weaker side) and I think they can get something out from this game.




- The on-loan Marseille winger scored a stunning goal last week against Everton. He only cost $5 in FPL and definitely a bargain buy if he plays 90-minutes weekly. He has the class of Nani and definitely way more cheaper. Newcastle has gained momentum and on high-morale after defeating Chelsea in midweek's Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge.

- A win for Newcastle against Stoke? Likely... Barton, Nolan and Carroll are the few good choices too. Although it's not worth to get Carroll now ($5.7 now and I have sold him to fund others), Barton is still the set piece taker. Another player to be watched is goalkeeper Tim Krul ($4) who deputize Harper who might be out for up to 12 weeks. He is a good pick as Newcastle is a team who can get clean sheets at home and sometimes away.




- Nuff' said. It's time to bring Berbatov in. He is $9 now and if he can continue the run of form that outshone Rooney ($11.6 now) since GW 1, he can grab about 20 goals + 10 assists for the whole season plus bonus points. ManUnited have easy fixture ahead, don't they? (Bolton @ away, Sunderland @ away, West Brom @ home)




- Arsenal vs West Brom is an interesting fixture and many will bring Arsenal players in, thinking that this will be a free-scoring game and free points for those Arsenal players. But I doubt that, yea, Dranzer!, i really don't see that.

- Fabregas will be out for 2-3 weeks due to a hamstring injury. West Brom was in high spirit after sending ManCity out of Carling Cup in midweek. I know I know, most of you think that Arsenal's free-flow football style will tear West Brom's defence apart like Chelsea's 6-0 thumping.

-But since then West Brom have gained momentum and played well in the BPL. They only lost one goal to Liverpool at Anfield and came back from behind to defeat Birmingham 3-1 which made Odemwingie a player-to-watch. Dorrans did not live up to his expectation though, as I prefer Chris Brunt more if I was to choose a player from WBA.

- Nasri ($7.2) and Arshavin ($9.8) is the obvious choices if you think Arsenal will win like 3-0 or 3-1. But the worry is, will Nasri play 1st team after complete 120-minutes at White Hart Lane on tuesday night? Arshavin is substituted only after 57 minutes last gameweek (although he scored 1 in midweek after brought on as a substitute). They are the pro/con choices as we don't know what will be Wenger thinking =.= duh

- Chamakh ($8.4) will definitely playing 90 minutes so he is the safer choice, he is Bendtner ver.2 and he scores alot from headers. Oh ya.. Wilshere ($5) anyone?? He did shine in the Tottenham game in midweek.