Review GW 15 - unexplainable BPL season

Luis Nani - The first player to hit 100 Fantasy Points this season. Anyway, back to the results.

Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Skrtel scored at both ends. The wrong end's proved to be costly as Lennon leave it late to scored his first goal of the season which also is the winning goal for Tottenham. VDV limped out after 9 minutes, bad news for his owners.

Newcastle 1 - 1 Chelsea

Andy Carroll's price rocked up to $6.1 now, a $1.1 increase from his base $5 price tag. Yea, he scored his 9th goal of the season, 9 goals from a $5 base price striker. The difference between him with Rooney, Drogba, Torres? He is $5 + cheaper.

And Carlo Ancelotti is about to hide in the snow as Chelsea stumbled again, Drogba is totally ineffective. Who says Newcastle is fragile without their two main center-backs?

Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal

Arsenal won the game, yea, but my eyes are on future BPL stars of Aston Villa such as Clark, Bannan, Herd and Albrighton (he did not feature in this game). Chamakh showed how unsportmanship he is although he scored 1 and assisted 1. Wilshere is a bright prospect too.


Manchester United 7 - 1 Blackburn

Blackburn who are known for their tough defensive play are thumped 7-1 by the Red Devils. Put aside 5-star Berbatov, which all goals were scored with his right foot, Rooney and Nani look sharp too. Vidic is the only player with a "virtual clean sheet" this gameweek.


Stoke 1 - 1 Manchester City

Manchester City's multi-million strike force are useless as they need a defender to score the opening, which is struck quite beautifully, and conceded in the 90th minute that resulted a draw. Clueless attacks and defences from ManCity.


Bolton 2 - 2 Blackpool

Ian Holloway has bring on a new wave of attacking playstyle into the BPL even with his players who most of them are mainly from lower league. No kidding, the orange armies are threatening and dangerous. Sorry for Elmander, Lee and K.Davies owners as someone name M.Davies stole the limelight instead.

Everton 1 - 4 West Brom

Talking about Blackpool, West Brom's Roberto Di Matteo did the similar things that is done by Ian Holloway too, also with a squad with players from lower league and limited budgets, but they successfully stunned Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park. Beckford = Fail.


Fulham 1 - 1 Birmingham 

The American did it again when Fulham need rescue. Mark Hughes' side yet to kickstart. Birmingham are still good at their defences and a point from Craven Cottage is considered a good result.


West Ham 3 - 1 Wigan

Avram Grant just love pressure. He won't perform until he is told he will be sacked if the team don't start winning. As usual, Obinna, Piquionne and Parker (I missed him as I did not realize he is back from injury, or I definitely will bring him back into my squad as I sold him last week)


Wolves 3 - 2 Sunderland



Sunderland who won 3-0 at Stamford Bridge last week are beaten 3-2 by lowly Wolves. What is happening in this season's BPL? Nobody can explain.

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.

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.

Footballers' Twitter battle..

Two of the hottest prospect in football world begin battle in Twitter prior to their clash in UEFA Champions League. Each of the Dutchman represents one of the best football clubs on the planet. Rafael Van Der Vaart of Tottenham will meet Wesley Sneijder's Internazionale on Tuesday night.



Rafael Van Der Vaart: Influential figure since joining Tottenham

Wesley Sneijner: The key player that led Inter Milan to treble last season.

 
The two Dutchman are good friends who started their career together at Ajax. However it was Sneijder who started the battle of words with funny examples, full of passion and winning mentality.

Sneijder: "I'm cleaning the Champions League trophy with a Tottenham shirt"

VDV: "Thanks for cleaning it up for me. I'm already creating space in my cup cabinet."

Sneijder: "We're gonna give you a football lesson in London."

VDV: "I met your defence in Milan, it didn't look good. It was like cheese with holes in it."

Sneijder: "I found a good goalkeeper on eBay. Shall I send you the link?" (taunted VDV as Inter scored 4 goals in the first meeting in Milan and giving idea that the goalkeeper is going to be sold by Harry Redknapp soon")

VDV: "We don't need him, you won't come into our penalty area!"

Sneijder: "In that country football is a game where you have to run as hard as you can from the one end of the pitch to the other, isn't it?... Nice goal, but even my six year old cousin would have scored this one." (about Van Der Vaart's goal against Everton)

VDV:  "These goals also count but at White Hart Lane against you guys I will score from every angle."

-end-

Funny isn't it? Well, good to see the two good friends act like other social website users and it was fun to see them throw some sarcastic words to each other as both of them are winners football world.



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!

Van Der Vaart scores again..

I am in the middle of the Tottenham vs Everton match and yet, Van Der Vaart grabbed his 4th goal for Tottenham in the BPL. He joined Tottenham on the last day of transfer deadline and has sinced florished for Tottenham since he started his game in Gameweek 4.

He definitely deserved a single blog post. Cost only 8 million from Real Madrid... so far the best bargain buy ain't he?

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.

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.