Showing posts with label Gameweek Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gameweek Preview. Show all posts

Friday, November 26, 2010

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. 

Friday, November 19, 2010

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.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

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)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

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.
  • Friday, November 5, 2010

    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.

    Friday, October 29, 2010

    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!

    Saturday, October 23, 2010

    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.

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    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.

    Friday, October 1, 2010

    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.

    Friday, September 24, 2010

    Preview - CKW's XI for GW 6

    GK: Foster

    D: Dann, Konchesky, Sagna

    M: Parker, Malouda, Arshavin, Gerrard, Nasri

    S: Torres (C), Berbatov

    Subs: Krul, Jerome, Williamson, O' Shea

    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.