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.

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.

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.

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!