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.

MIdweek studs and updates

Some updates on the BPL players that played in the midweek UEFA Champions League:

Nani suffered an injury and he will definitely missed the Wolves game at home on Saturday. He is not faking an injury this time.

Obertan scored. With Valencia, Nani and Giggs out, he has a good chance to start on Saturday.

Malouda is ruled out for the midweek game against Spartak Moscow. He has a chance to return on Sunday against Liverpool at Anfield as said by Ancelotti.

Ivanovic continues his scoring form AS A DEFENDER. He scored twice against Spartak Moscow. Chelsea won 4-1.

Both Drogba (penalty) and Anelka scored as well in the 4-1 win against Spartak Moscow.

Lampard did not play in the midweek UEFA Champions League game but will definitely be playing against Liverpool. Can he perform right away after long absense due to injury?

Walcott scored the opener for Arsenal against Shakhtar Donetsk. But an own goal from Eastmond and a goal from former Gunners Eduardo resulted a 2-1 defeat for Arsenal in Ukraine.

Van Der Vaart's display is superb against Inter Milan. He did scored a goal as he said in his Twitter earlier where his message was pointed towards Sneijder.

Bale's display is the most eye catching on this matchday and can be one of his best performance so far by seeing him "killing" Maicon. He totally outplayed Maicon with his pace and lightning speed. He provided two well assists where Crouch and Pavluychenko only have to tap in the ball. Amazing young lad.

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 8 - review and statistics

Blackpool 2 - 3 Manchester City

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

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

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

Fulham 1 - 2 Tottenham

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

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

Arsenal 2 - 1 Birmingham

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

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

Manchester United 2 - 2 West Brom

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

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

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

Bolton 2 - 1 Stoke City



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

Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool

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

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

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

Aston 0 - 0 Chelsea

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

Newcastle 2 - 2 Wigan

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

Wolves - West Ham

A fair result though. Nothing much to say.

Blackburn - Sunderland

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

After the international break - GW 8 is coming

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

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




Everton vs Liverpool



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


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


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


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


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





Manchester United vs West Bromich Albion



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


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


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


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



Arsenal vs Birmingham




News: Fabregas is back!


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


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


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


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



Aston Villa vs Chelsea



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


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


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


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


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



Van Der Vaart... a phenomena?




News: price shooting up!!


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


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

Review for GW 6

Result of CKW's XI prediction:

GK: Foster (7)

D: Dann (5), Konchesky (1), Sagna (4)

M: Parker (3), Malouda (2), Arshavin (5), Gerrard (6) , Nasri (12)

S: Torres (C)[14], Berbatov (2)

Subs: Krul, Jerome, Williamson, O' Shea

Total: 61 pts

Verdict: Another above average week with an average score of 39 pts. Konchesky's was substituted early game due to injury. Aww..

What can be more shocking than Arsenal's loss to newly-promoted West Brom? Biggest shock so far this season.


Arsenal 2 - 3 West Brom



Hey, saw Arsene Wenger's frustration? It's not the loss, it's the hero turned villain acts of Almunia that made him to show such expression. Priceless huh? Almunia made a penalty, saved it and he is suddenly against all the critics. A moment later, 3 goals were conceded and West Brom were in dreamland when they are leading by 3 goals at the Emirates stadium. The 2nd and 3rd goal were definitely Almunia's fault. Even Robert Green can handle the 2nd shot and why was he leaving the GK post and allow Thomas to tap in a simple goal.

Nasri's burden was too heavy to lead Arsenal's attacks as he did pull 2 goals back, but it was already late... too late...

Arsenal's next match was against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and without injured goalkeeper Almunia, blunderish Fabianski might be the first choice goal keeper and I can see no reason NOT to captain Drogba next week.


Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea



Well, the battle among the rich clubs and rich boys, seems like the richest got the result. Although a narrow one, Tevez's stats against Chelsea was superb. 5 goals in 4 matches against Chelsea. Well, this is a tight game, Mancini (defensive coach/style/tactics) vs. Ancelloti (attacking style/tactics/formation). Obviously the old rivalry among the once compatriots in the Italian national side was brought to an intense level. It's already a common thing to see during their spells with AC Milan and Inter Milan respectively.

ManCity's defensive tactics are obviously succeed in neutralizing all Chelsea's attacks. Trio Anelka, Drogba and Malouda can do nothing when they were totally sealed off from the back by the 2 holding midfielders (Yaya Toure and De Jong) plus incoming defenders from the front when Chelsea are attacking.

A nice counter-attack paid off and Tevez's strike is the only goal that wrapped up the 3 points against Chelsea. A good record thou as ManC's last season double against Chelsea are still fresh in my mind.


Bolton 2 -2 Manchester United



Owen Coyle continues to upset SAF's ManU team away from home like he did against them when he is still in-charge of Burnley. Well, another Bulgarian shines in this game, not Berbatov, but is Martin Petrov which I rated highly during the start of the season. A goal and an assist for the free transfer from Manchester City.

Nani once again showed his magic (1 goal 1 asst 2 bonus pts) and he is still working hard to fill in Ronaldo's boot. Rooney continues to struggle and his form and price continues to plummet too. For those who brought in Berbatov, disappointed huh? Well, his price do increased to $9.1 over the week but you really cant judge his performance by merely one-game's form right?


Liverpool 2 - 2 Sunderland



Does Liverpool have a habit of drawing on the same scoreline when they are dip in form? I remembered two seasons back, they got a draw with 4-4 scoreline at Stamford Bridge and lost 7-5 on aggregate and crashed out from Champions League. The next game they got another 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal with 2 last-gasp goal scored by Torres and Benayoun.

Well, it repeats again. 2-2 against Northampton 2 divisions below them, crashed out of Carling Cup on penalties. Another 2-2 draw against Sunderland. 2 goals and 3 bonus pts for Darren Bent. Thanks to a smart Torres who take the advantage of Turner's backpass to goal keeper which considered as already taken the free-kick (which fat-head Steve Bruce described as unsportmanship) and assisted Kuyt to score the opening.

Thanks to Poulsen a.k.a Lucas ver.2 to give away a penalty and Johnson who failed to be a defender and too obsessed in attackings that let Darren Bent snucked in and scored a header from the right side.

Gerrard did good enough to spare Liverpool's blushes. Torres still struggle to score goals as he is all on his own to create chances and to score goals.


West Ham 1 - 0 Tottenham



Actually this win is predicted as sooner or later West Ham will get their first win anyway and this is a good chance as Tottenham faced defender crisis once again and they need to prepare themselves too for Champions League game in the midweek.

Piquionne did listed himself in the "miss-of-the-season" 2 weeks ago against Chelsea but he did score the winning goal in this match.

Anyway, why Avram Grant always looks sad?


Newcastle 1 - 2 Stoke City



Newcastle's brace in midweek Carling Cup win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but failed to bring that form back to St. James Park. Stoke's record signing Jones continues to score and James Perch's own goal ends it all.

Carroll's price hiked to a high $5.7 so far and is the player with the highest price rise in FPL with +$0.7. I sold him as he did not perform for a few games and sadly after I sold him he grabbed an assist though as he is brought down in the penalty box and Kevin Nolan ($5.7) converted the penalty.

Put Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton (3 bonus pts despite loss), Hatem Ben Arfa ($5.1) and Carroll in your radar as all of them are bargain buy as Newcastle definitely is top flight material.


Blackpool 1 - 2 Blackburn



Adam's form in the BPL and FPL is considered good. You actually can see him in all attacks-build-up of Blackpool as he is involved in most of the attacks. He is the captain and set-pieces/penalty taker as well so he is worth the buy as a cheap midfield option at $5.1.

However, a miscommunication between the Tangerine captain and goal keeperGilks caused an own goal as Adam headed back the ball to the GK expecting he will fetch it but it ended up in the Blackpool's net.

Blackburn's defense are still mean and tough to break. Australian international Emerton scored the winner in the dying minutes.

Is Big Sam being sarcasm as few days back he claimed to have enough materials to coach Real Madrid and being successful and before the match he claimed Ian Holloway to be on par with Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson, and Big Sam defeated Ian Holloway's Blackpool. So what he is trying to tell?


Wolves 1 - 2 Aston Villa



Aston Villa continues to excel under Houllier and Gerard Houllier seems to bring back the best in Heskey (who used to play under him too in Liverpool). Aston came back from a goal down and scored 3 goals against Blackburn in midweek Carling Cup.

Downing and Ashley Young should be put under your radar as you don't want to miss them out from your FPL squad if they winger pairs continue to perform well under Houllier.


Fulham 0 - 0 Everton

David Moyes on the brink of getting sacked? Everton plunged into the bottom of the table. With the calibre like Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Howard, Jagielka, Heitinga, Baines, Yakubu and Beckford (more like a flop to me, he should stick his foot to League 2 football), Everton still failed to get their first win of the season despite coming back 2 goals down and drew 3-3 against ManU.

For Fulham, bargain striker Dembele is out injured for 2-3 weeks, so, Dempsey should be a good attacking option for Fulham if you wanna have any player from the team.


Birmingham 0 - 0 Wigan

Well, the result is kinda disappointing as Birmingham is normally strong at home, their fortress to win game. They are super duper weak away. They missed a chance to seal a win against Wigan who are dip in form. Birmingham can do better with the attacking options like Hleb, Zigic, Jerome, and Gardner.

Foster and Dann are still the defensive studs. Bargain buys!