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)

GW 10 - reviews

Newcastle 5 - 1 Sunderland


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

  

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

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

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

Manchester United 2 - 0 Tottenham



He did handled the ball!

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

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

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

Wolves 2 - 1 Manchester City

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

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

Bolton 0 - 1 Liverpool 



A rare goal from a rare source.

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

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

Arsenal 1 - 0 West Ham



10 saves, 3 bonus points

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

Fulham 2 - 0 Wigan

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

Blackpool 2 - 1 West Brom 



Another penalty and 2 bonus points



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

Blackburn 1 - 2 Chelsea

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

Everton 1 - 0 Stoke City

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

Aston 0 - 0 Birmingham

Bore draw.

GW 9 - review and statistics

The jinx continues as Torres scored once I sold him. Really frustrated.

Anyway, lets look at MC vs Arsenal match as Arsenal is the ONLY TEAM that scored 3 goals in gameweek 9 in the BPL last weekend.

Manchester City 0 - 3 Arsenal

Walcott returns, Bendtner scored the third goal too after returning from an injury. Nasri continues his run of good form, scored a well constructed goal by Arshavin and made the third for Bendtner.

Boyata is the culprit here due to his inexperience being a young defender. A 4th-minute red card is enough for Arsenal to take the advantage and kill the game.

Nothing Adebayor can do despite scoring a hat-trick in midweek. Tevez was substituted at the 57th-minute.

Nasri's price rose up to $7.5 now, grab him faster as he will be facing West Ham at home that might be another match for him to snatch some points and possibly bonus points too.

Stoke City 1 - Manchester United 2

As mentioned in my GW 9 preview, you might wanna bet on Hernandez @ $6.9. Well, he proved to be a winning bet, scoring 2 goals and 3 bonus points at Stoke on Sunday.

An awkward back-header and a simple but precisely timed tap-in by Hernandez a.k.a Chicarito made him the player under the spotlight as he only cost $6.9 being a Manchester United first team striker (as long as Rooney stays injured).

Tuncay's wonder goal pulled them back into the game but Chicarito opted to spoil the joy of Stoke's players and fans by scoring the winning goal for MU (which he did as well in MU's Carling Cup against Wolves on Tuesday's night)

Rooney might be possibly out for another 2 weeks, so, Chicarito at $6.9, it's your decision.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Blackburn - All 3 goals happened in 6 minutes in the 2nd half. Krygiakos' display was superb. Torres scored the vital winning goal again. But Robinson isn't bad either. Still a long way to go, Hodgson.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Wolves - Drogba is awful. Nuff' said. However, Bosingwa's return and display caught my eyes. I'll put him on my radar.

Tottenham 1 - 1 Everton - will Everton start their unbeatable run? Anyway, Van Der Vaart scored again and cost $8.1 now. Still worth it as he plays like a $11 player and take free kicks + penalties too. Grab him while he's still hot.

Birmingham 2 - 0 Blackpool - Zigic the tallest player in the BPL did the damage to Blackpool. Blackpool talismanic captain did a silly mistake by sending the ball into Zigic's path and gifted him a free poke-in goal.

Sunderland 1 - 0 Aston Villa - Awful Dunne own goal. Both side's attacks and defences are equally match, thus, an own goal is proved to be fatal enough.

Wigan 1 - 1 Bolton - Elmander did it again! So did Rodallega. Both of them are the obvious and predictable players to be on the scoring chart in such game.

West Ham 1 - 2 Newcastle - Newcastle's inconsistency is what I am angry about as they will lose the game you expect them to win and win a game that you expect them to lose. Sorry Avram, it's Hughton's day.

West Brom 2 - 1 Fulham - I noticed that everytime West Brom wins, opponents' defenders did some silly mistakes or playing out of form (look at Arsenal's and ManUtd's errors). Luck or what? West Brom scored both goals on occasions where Fulham have only 3-4 defences in the box and leaving a huge space for West Brom players to roam and create free spaces for themselves. Rare scene to see West Brom to occupy the top half of the table after 9 games into a new season in BPL.

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.

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.