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 10 - reviews

Newcastle 5 - 1 Sunderland


Nolan: Scored the 1st goal with the net behind him and his butt on the ground

  

Instead of Manchester United's victory over Tottenham, Newcastle stole the headline by thrashing Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday. Newcastle's really unpredictable aren't they? Nolan scored a hat-trick and earned him 20 points including 3 bonus points. Ameobi aren't bad too on 2 goals & 2 assists (18 points). Even Carroll grabbed 2 assists and 8 points.

Steve Bruce who said earlier that he was right to turn down the Newcastle job earlier really got his team's asses kicked in front of his own eyes. Bent's consolation goal meant nothing, many might even hated him for costing Newcastle's defenders a clean sheet. Too bad for players who owned Newcastle's defenders.

5-1, amazing for a club that are just promoted back to the top flight to bring out such scoreline. Do remember Sunderland already held Arsenal, ManUtd, Liverpool to a draw and eventually defeated Aston Villa and ManCity earlier. Newcastle did it earlier against a tough team too, Aston Villa, 6-0.

Manchester United 2 - 0 Tottenham



He did handled the ball!

Nani's controversial second goal ended Tottenham's hope to get back into the match. Although Gomes and all other players protested fiercely, nothing can change the referee's decision. Well, Sir Alex said it's Gomes' error, and in the other way round, Redknapp and Gomes slammed the referee hard. Who's wrong? Who's right? Well, this is football and 2-0 it is. Nuff' said.

But Nani's fluke goal also earned him 3 bonus points, which does not make sense to me.

Anyway, Van Der Vaart has proven himself even against a big team like ManUtd. He is the type of player that can simply end the season with 180+ points.

Wolves 2 - 1 Manchester City

Adebayor's price tag can possibly equal the 11 first-team players of Wolves and a week of Yaya Toure's wages can possibly pay out the whole Wolves' squads' salaries. But 2-1 is the final result. Wolves win.

Imagine what Mick McCarthy can do if he is given the resources like Mancini? LOL

Bolton 0 - 1 Liverpool 



A rare goal from a rare source.

Maxi Rodriguez helped Liverpool to jump to 12th spot and out of the relegation zone. A nice and neat backheel by Torres found Maxi who is on run perfectly. The finishing is not very convincing though.

This is an equal match as Bolton's display aren't bad either. Anyway, congratulation to Liverpool for winning back to back since April.

Arsenal 1 - 0 West Ham



10 saves, 3 bonus points

Robert Green's performance only allow Arsenal to win by a goal margin through Alex Song's header few minutes before full time. Why didn't he perform like that during World Cup in South Africa? 

Fulham 2 - 0 Wigan

Both goals from Dempsey is enough to seal Fulham's win against Wigan. Dembele has returned too.

Blackpool 2 - 1 West Brom 



Another penalty and 2 bonus points



Even with 2 men down, Blackpool only managed to win the match by a goal margin. Anyway, congratz to Adam's owners as he net a penalty and scooped up 2 bonus points.

Blackburn 1 - 2 Chelsea

Chelsea won unconvincingly. Thanks to Anelka for the leveller and Ivanovic for the winner.

Everton 1 - 0 Stoke City

Yakubu scored once in a bluemoon. Cahill and Arteta each grabbed 6 points. Stoke are having difficulties to keep clean sheets this season. Sorenson isn't the Sorenson last season anymore.

Aston 0 - 0 Birmingham

Bore draw.

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.

Quick Review for GW 8 (Sunday's matches)

I think among all matches in GW 8, the match between Blackpool vs Manchester City was the most entertaining game among all... ManCity won 3-2 thanks to 2 goals from Tevez and a superb solo performance from David Silva that sealed ManCity's win over Blackpool.

Tevez's the man, but who really caught my eye in this match is David Silva


(I really thought he will be a high-profile fluke in BPL)

Tevez scored a brilliant first touch goal assisted from a cross by David Silva, scored another deflected goal and David Silva scored the third goal with a superb solo performance which is really top class, superb footwork that led all Blackpool's defenders tackling air and finally drilled a curving shot into the left of the goal.

The first thing in my mind when Silva played his first few match for ManCity in the BPL is, will he be another fluke like many foreign players did, where they excelled superbly in their previous clubs but can't adapt to the pace and playing style of the BPL (eg: Shevchenko, Robinho, etc)

Silva wasn't cheap, signed for 24 million Euros from Valencia during the summer. I really think that he will be a fluke as he seems ineffective and his fantasy value dropped $0.5.

But since the game against Red Bull Salzburg where ManCity won 2-0, Silva seems has started to adapt Mancini's tactics and ManCity's playstyle. He contributed regularly in attacks and finally he scored his first BPL goal in such a classy way (plus an assist too)

If he continues to play like that, with a starting place guaranteed, he definitely will be filling one of my midfielder slot with a price tag of $8.5 only, as ManCity are playing regularly with a sole striker (Tevez) and Silva is like a second striker that plays behind the main striker and sometimes outwide (like he did in Valencia behind David Villa)

Meanwhile for Blackpool, have produced some entertaining and constructive playstyle too. They did try hard to come back but it was too late and ManCity are too rich to lose a game against a newly-promoted team with that amount of money invested into the squad. However, if Blackpool continue to play like this, it will NOT BE A PROBLEM for them to survive in the top flight. (Hey, Adam is a bargain buy too!)

Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool (New owner, same old problems)

(He is in deep sh*t as Liverpool are in 19th place now after 8 games)

While Spaniard like Arteta and David Silva shined in Sunday's matches, Torres can't produce like he did in the past two seasons. He really tried hard, but Everton's defence are too tough for him to handle alone with minimum supports.

Cahill and Arteta each scored one. Both's goal are piledrivers, too fast even for a world-class keeper like Reina to stop in time.

Liverpool really failed to threaten the Everton goal line and Howard looked pretty comfortable, saved some well attempted shots from Torres. New signings like Joe Cole, Raul Meireles, Paul Konchesky all are so-so only. N'Gog, Babel and Jovanovic were subbed into the game between 70th-80th minutes but nothing they can do to save the game. (They aren't any high-profile supersubs either)

New owner for Liverpool, great news! Same old problems for Liverpool, bad.. bad news!! Since the arrival of Roy Hodgson (which I consider is a downgrade compared to dictator Benitez), all his signings aren't high profile as well other than Joe Cole and Raul Meireles. The worst signing definitely will be Poulsen!