Thursday 1 April 2010

Week 29 - Player Picks

I've just about got my breath back after witnessing one of the games of the season at the Emirates last night. I don't think I'll ever see a side "out-football" an Arsene Wenger team more than Barcelona did for 60 minutes last night. How it ended a draw I really don't know, but Arsenal showed some bottle to give themselves a sniff of a chance in the 2nd leg.

Yet the fantastic fight back has come at a big cost to the Gunners - Fabregas thinks he may have broken his leg & would therefore be out for the season, Gallas was rushed back, has re-injured his calf & is likely to be out for the season & Arshavin has a reoccurrence of his calf injury that could see him miss the next 2 weeks.

After Rooney's injury, you'd have to say that Chelsea are the big winners this week.

Talking of this week, Week 29 is single games for all...

Saturday, 3 April 2010
Arsenal v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Bolton v Aston Villa, 15:00
Burnley v Man City, 17:30
Man Utd v Chelsea, 12:45
Portsmouth v Blackburn, 15:00
Stoke v Hull, 15:00
Sunderland v Tottenham, 15:00

Sunday, 4 April 2010
Birmingham v Liverpool, 15:00
Everton v West Ham, 16:00
Fulham v Wigan, 15:00

...but admittedly there aren't too many attractive fixtures.

Obviously the big game is Man Utd v Chelsea, but it's one of those I like to avoid when it comes to picking fantasy players. Hard to predict, likely to be fiercely contested, lots of cards, not many goals, plus all their players are expensive after big wins last weekend.

So even with injuries, Arsenal at home to Wolves stands out, as does Everton home to West Ham & Man City at Burnley. I'd expect Fulham to win at home to Wigan (although Roy may rest players again) & Stoke should beat Hull, although Ian Dowie will have the Tigers up for it.

It's tough to call Bolton v Aston Villa given the current form of both, but I suppose Bolton will feel they can win while Villa will feel they have chance to get back to winning way - I see a draw. Blackburn should beat a broken Portsmouth at Fratton Park, while Sunderland v Spurs & Birmingham v Liverpool could both end up draws.

So those are the fixtures ahead of us - here are the players:-

KEEPERS
Howard
Given
Brown
Jussi
Myhill

A lack of attractive fixtures means a lack of keeper choices this week, so I'm not particularly happy with the list above. Howard & Given are the top picks but you'll pay a fair wedge for them both (unless you've held them for a while), with Howard shading it because I trust Everton at home more than City away.

Jason Brown is a risk, but at a fraction over £6m & facing a Portsmouth side with both eyes on the FA Cup semi final next week, he could prove a shrewd move & it's one I'm considering. Jussi @ 4.5 & at home is also tempting me but that nagging fear that Villa could bounce back is stopping me clicking the "save" button.

The final alternative for those of us who still hold Myhill at 1.6 from last week is to keep him & hope Hull's new found fight is on display at the Britannia. Stoke don't score many goals & I could see a possible 0-0, but sticking with him is risk city.

DEFENDERS
Vermaelen
Bale
Jagielka
Garrido
Campbell
Heitinga
Smalling
Konchesky
Wilkinson
Alexander
Ricketts
Vanden Borre
Finnan

A real mix of defensive choices including a huge number around the £6m mark means you don't need to break the bank this week.

I don't need to mention Bale, but Vermaelen is back below £10m & should have a decent shout of a clean sheet. He hasn't scored for a while either, so I wouldn't be surprised if he grabbed a goal. If you can't afford him then Sol Campbell represents outstanding value at just 5.79.

Jagielka, Heitinga & Garrido will all start in games their sides should win, although I'm not sure I'd pay full whack for Johnny despite the fact he's playing in midfield. I've got a couple of Fulham defenders on the list although it's tough to know exactly who will start. We might have better idea after tonight's UEFA tie, but Konchesky tends to score well & United bound Chris Smalling is a bargain at just 3.

The final batch of defenders are slightly risky but all very good value. Alexander is surely due a penalty soon & his value is at 7.5 for the first time in ages & Wilkinson could be back in the Stoke line-up if Faye fails to recover. Sam Ricketts has done well for Bolton, Vanden Borre has been playing attacking midfield for Portsmouth & Finnan always gets forward.

MIDFIELDERS
Arteta
O'Hara
Nasri
Etherington
Walcott
Gera
Dempsey
Pienaar
Rosicky
Dunn
A Johnson
Osman
Bullard
Maxi

The 2 top picks in this list yesterday were Fabregas & Arshavin, but with both certain to miss the Wolves game it's time to reassess. Arteta remains a doubt with his groin strain, but if he's fit he's pretty close to a must have.

I imagine Nasri will be asked to play the Fabregas role & tends to do very well in that position, and we know exactly what we'll get with O'Hara & Etherington in home games - free kicks, corners, successful crosses, shots on target & the chance of a goal...all 3 could be great picks.

Walcott's goal from the bench last night could mean he starts on the right, as could Rosicky in Arshavin's place on the left. Gera & Dempsey will get opportunities vs Wigan - they may even be the strike partnership if Zamora doesn't make it - while Pienaar & Osman become very interesting picks if Arteta doesn't make it.

David Dunn is back to match sharpness nows & should continue to do well vs Portsmouth, Jimmy Bullard will be running around like a crazy man at Stoke & we finish with Adam Johnson & Maxi as possible fillers around the £7m mark (is that too expensive to be classed as a filler?)

STRIKERS
Bendtner
Tevez
Saha
Torres
Fuller
Bent
Crouch
Roberts/Kalinic
Adebayor
Zamora

Not a huge variety of strikers to pick from this week with Rooney out & Drogba doubtful. Bendtner is probably the best value at home to Wolves although a fully fit & flying Louis Saha is going to cause West Ham huge problems at Goodison. I'd expect at least 1 goal from both players this weekend.

Carlos Tevez is fresh from another hat-trick so is sure to give Burnley the run around & I'm finding it very difficult to drop Torres. Yes, Birmingham away is far from ideal, but in his current form he'll score against most & he has a piss-easy run of fixtures to follow.

Fuller scored a wonder goal last weekend so should start at home to Hull & Darren Bent will be desperate to get one over on Spurs & Harry Redknapp. Yet Spurs are playing well & will fancy this - Defoe is back in training but we now have to work out which 2 from him, Crouch, Pav & Gudjohnson get a start. My guess is Crouch continues after his goal last weekend.

It's the same problem with Blackburn - you would love to pick a striker playing Portsmouth but Big Sam can't decided between Jason Roberts & Kalinic at the moment so how are we supposed to? If you can find some useful team news then going with one of these 2 could give you the edge if you're looking to do something different. Adebayor & Zamora won't be in my team but may interest some.

Player Picks done....

My team currently: Brown, Bale, Campbell, Smalling, Arteta, Malouda, Etherington, Nasri, Bendtner, Tevez, Torres.

I don't like it at the moment so it will change...

If Arteta is going to miss another week I think he might go for Osman, Pienaar or O'Hara & I still haven't decided on Malouda. I'm not happy with my defence or keeper (I still hold Myhill) but Bale, Nasri, Etherington, Bendtner, Tevez & Torres will almost certainly stay, so sadly there won't be room for Saha.

That's it, another week done, only a few more to go now! As always I hope you find the player picks useful. Any advice on my team would be appreciated & of course let me know how yours is shaping up!

Please remember to join the Facebook Group if you haven't already. You'll get notifications whenever I post something new on the blog, I'll be able to alert you about new cup competitions planned for next season & it's also nice for me to put some faces to names...we're approaching 550 members - join us! 

Cheers,
AM

134 comments:

alper said...

great team I m also thinking to pick smalling and campell but wenger can choose song as a defender and denilson can play in midfield...my team is currently: myhill,bale,vermealen,r.johnson,nasri,malouda,arteta,a.johnson,torres,saha,bendtner

Anonymous said...

Hi AM,

Ethers makes sense, as also Nasri.

Instead of Malouda, do you want to use Stevie G ?

Also, why not Jags , very good value, epitome of consistency.

My team currently is

Howard

Bale (@ 2.65) Verm Konchesky Jagielka

Ethers Stevie G NZogbia Walcott

Saha Bendtner

I am just toying with the thought of replacing Walcott with Macheda, as I can see him scoring a last minute winner like against Villa last year

Still have 0.03 points

SL

Anonymous said...

great post as usual. after my post last nite doubting Sol, looks like he should start now.. touch wood. can't understand why he wasn't brought on last nite. maybe just saving him for wolves. will keep an eye on Smalling tonite. still really confused on whether to just accept the zero on hutton.

S.P.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the clear and useful info again AM

Bargain basement picks week 29:

For all of you in need of cheap fillers:

After last week's picks brought in 55 points from 33.24m invested (a return of 160%)here's the latest in Pauly's top picks in the sales:

GK
James (ports) 1.00
Jaaskelainen (bolt) 4.54*

DF
Campbell (Ars) 5.79*
Smalling (ful) 3.01** ?
Konchesky (Ful) 7.01**
A Faye (stoke) 7.00** ?
Ferreira (Chels) 6.84*

MF
Rosicky (ars) 6.99**
Cohen (bolt) 6.15*
Cattermole (Sund) 3.93*
Mokoena (Ports) 1.58*
Scholes (m u) 4.93 ?
N'Zonzi (bbn) 3.35**
Maxi (lpool) 7.99 (bit expensive!)
Brown (ports) 5.27* ?

FW
Fuller (stoke) 7.85**
Tuncay (stoke) 5.77* ?
Benitez (bham) 7.45 *
Roberts (bbn) 6.70**

? - unsure starter
** - top pick

Good luck to all
Pauly

init said...

Hutton not worth the zero IMO even if his match-ups are good after this weekend, he is only 2 pts more so you can get him back... Smalling is good alternative I think at 3...

I know you have Bender at discount AM and I know he has a good match-up but he is still shit so get rid and go for Saha - he will be back to fitness and should grab one or two. Jealous of Torres but I can't get him at current prices.

I like the picks - have you considered "spiller" James between the sticks? If he plays it will be home to not exactly free scoring (although solid and improving) BBurn, and even if he doesn't play, is a nice zero for 1m still not a good option? COuld be safer than Myhill? Also I know he's expensive but I think Schwartzer should be on the list ahead of Given since he is under 10 and tends to be good on making saves, home to Wigan too...

Currently I am on this, but have 8.42 to spend so lots to be done before weekend (or is there!!)

Myhill
Jagielka/Campbell/Smalling
Arteta/Etherington/Walcott/Nasri/Bullard
Tevez/Saha

Anonymous said...

from Arteta's twitter site;
I hope to play on Sunday against West Ham, what is this spring weather we are having in Liverpool ? M.A.
9:42 AM Mar 30th via web

dazconnor

Bojan said...

Big SAam told he might give some chance to other players... I think that Hoillet or Di Santo could start and that Dunn will be rested for next season in next few games...

Bojan said...

# Manchester United have confirmed Wayne Rooney has not suffered a fracture but a minor ligament damage. No timescale yet http://bit.ly/bK0myA
# ermain Defoe returns to face Sunderland, Spurs hope Michael Dawson and Vedran Corluka will be ready too. http://bit.ly/9quGL4 41 minutes ago via web
# Arsene Wenger hopes that Robin van Persie will return to training in the next two weeks. http://bit.ly/d3sKLy about 1 hour ago via web
# Andrey Arshavin has revealed that he will be out for between two to three weeks. http://bit.ly/cpl82Z about 1 hour ago via web
# Drogba misses training and is still a concern for Old Trafford clash http://tinyurl.com/ya3dqd5 about 2 hours ago via web
# Aquilani ankle injury could end his season http://tinyurl.com/y88oepn

PJR said...

AM and gang,

Nicely put. Any thought to Martin Olsson from Blackburn? Probable attacking role now and could still pick up CS pts v. Portsmouth. A bit expensive (about 10), but not a lot of appealing options across the board this week.

Keep up the good work all-

PJR

Bojan said...

finsihed my B team in 5 minutes like always:

Jussi

Bale Verm Jagileka

O'Hara Pienaar Walcott Etherington

Bender Tevez Saha

i dont know what my A team will be but B team will def outscore my A team...

Bojan said...

why take risk with James @1 when you can get Fullop for 1,81 and take 0 with no risk...

AM great post, and Paulie great help...

For those who have Zabaleta - he is suspended for next 2 game after picking his 10 YC this season...

And Olsson is a great pick, i have him on BD but if there is any(1%) chance he wont start he is going out... He was man of the match against Burnley... Defender playing winger role...

Bojan said...

I have Malouda and he is staying for sure... he will score 7 points blindfolded in new chelsea formation... i will drop arteta is he is out against WHU and get Pienaar in his place... I have torres but he might make room for Saha... i think Torres will score but if he score a goal and get 15 points that doesnt mean anything... and if doesnt he usually go negative with his new thing - get stupid yellow cards...

Bojan said...

David James won't be rushed back into action. http://bit.ly/9bJ7Pk

greginho said...

init
i think you are being a bit harsh on bendtner. you guys all keep panning him, but you have to remember he is young and has only recently had a string of games starting at center forward. he has started on the wing, to little effect. you folks expect him to play perfectly every game. he is still finding his place and rhythm. since the first game that i picked bendtner up at 5.56. he has had games of 15.5, 11.5, 15, 17.5, and 7 points. all home and away he has produced points double, almost triple his value. saha has had 6, 25.5, 1.5, 2 and 2.5. everton just doesn't score through the forwards anymore. the best example was that donovan scored more when he was in the mid. when put up front he drop down alot fantasy wise!

i just think you need to think before you call a player shit, that saved arsenal's season. if young, inexperienced hadn't come on and held the ball up, passed for his teammates to score and drew penalties, arsenal would be fighting tottenham and man city for fourth. he is clumsy, but quite effective for a new guy, remember wenger got rid of adebayor, not strictly because he was bad in the lockerroom. he did it because he missed so many chances, would not link up with his teammates.

Ferdinand said...

Yo!

Thanks AM for the great post. You said you've climbed into the top 400 in the last few weeks right? I just want to say good job (!) and that has seemingly led to a fall in the amount of those stupid comments about your abilities earlier in the season. Coincidence? Nah, but great job with your blog, helping me a lot. I've been trying to listen to your advice on discounts and that has seen me get further away in my private group, since people pay so much attention to them and stare themselves blind at them, e.g. roo is now out for a month, drogba hasn't been anywhere near his form before ACN since his return etc. Good advice once again!

I like your team, just wondering whether campbell will actually get to play, might be rested for barca game since gallas is out...? I know he didn't come on, but perhaps his experience could have led to better positioning in zlatan's goals yesterday...? Also, will smalling play ahead of the Europa league game next week? Think malouda will repay his value or is it just one of those discounts? :)

My team so far;

Myhill

Bale, Terry and Jagielka
Changed Zabaleta since i heard he's suspended due to 10 YC? Thanks Bojan!

Also I kicked out Malouda (on discount) since I've got Terry, can't keep both as a United fan :) just wondering who's a better pick? I can't predict how United - Chelsea will go. Who will score for United?

Gerrard, Etheringthon, Nasri and A Johnson. HAppy with these apart from A.Johnson... Got about 7 if i get rid of him so any advice?

Bendtner, Torres and Crouch up front...
Liked this until you said Defoe is back... Will Crouchy play? Also i totally agree that Bendtner is shite but he atleast assisted both goals against Barca last night. Perhaps finding his feet, finally...?

That's it.

All Best!

Ferdinand

Assistant Manager said...

Greg - I actually think Bendtner is a decent young player doing a good job for his club, but he doesn't help himself by doing newspaper interviews claiming he'll be the be the best striker in the world in a couple of years.

There's confidence & then there's arrogance & he hasn't done anywhere near enough to suggest he'll become a world class player. Of course he's still young, but he's set himself up for a fall & unfortunately anyone who isn't an Arsenal fan will jump on him as soon as he has a 'mare (e.g. vs Burnley).

I'll slate him as much as the next man, but I also hold him at 5.56 & he ain't going anywhere.

It's all part of the game :)

Assistant Manager said...

Bojan & Pauly - Nice work, thanks for all the updates.

PJR - I actually like the Olsson pick, I'd missed him, nice spot!

Alper, SL - good looking teams

SP - time for Hutton to go in my opinion, he was benched vs Liverpool.

init - see above for my opinion on Bendtner, he stays :)

Ferdinand - thanks mate; I'm 309th overall now & yes all the haters seem to have disappeared ;)

I think Campbell will play, but still unsure on Smalling.

the dude said...

Um, how is Malouda on your team, AM, but not even listed in your MF picks for the week?

Assistant Manager said...

thedude - I do not recommend picking Malouda for Week 29, hence he is not in my list of picks. I only hold him because of a £7m discount I don't want to lose.

Bojan said...

Sir Alex Ferguson has won only one and lost five (including Community Shield on penalties) of his six meetings with Carlo Ancelotti.

Man Utd have won three and lost none of their last four home games against Chelsea.

The Blues have only scored one goal in their last four visits to Old Trafford.

Man Utd have won 10 and drawn one of the 11 games that Rooney has not played for them in the Premier League since the start of 2008-09.

Man Utd have only conceded two goals in their last 11 Premier League matches at Old Trafford - both were headers.

Since Darren Bent scored for Sunderland in October, Man Utd have gone 19 hours and 23 minutes at Old Trafford without conceding from a shot; all four goals shipped since have been headers.

Didier Drogba has failed to score in eight Premier League appearances against Man Utd.

Nicolas Anelka scored in each of his first four Premier League starts against Man Utd, but has netted just one in his last eight starts versus the Red Devils.

Frank Lampard has scored eight goals in the last four Premier League games that Didier Drogba has missed

Dimitar Berbatov has scored eight goals in his last nine Premier League starts for Manchester United.

Since 2004-05, Chelsea have gained 2.36 points per game in April, Manchester United only 1.81.

Baz said...

My team

MyHill
Jags Salgado Wilkinson
Arteta (7.9) Malouda (10.9) Maxi (BD) Walcott
Tevez Torres Saha

If Arteta does not make it I think I'll drop him despite the discount and drop Saha in favor of Bendt. The extra unit I pick up will go to the midfield spot. I'm keeping Malouda. Apart from Jags my defence looks dodgy.

BCB

greginho said...

AM
you think it is easy as an arsenal fan to see a guy in pink boots, who wasn't even getting game time, say he is the best in the world. i personally don't like bendtner, but what he has done for arsenal cannot be underestimated. also we are here to talk fantasy football and on the basis of that people should just hold there comments unless, they are relevant. christiano ronaldo was an asshole, and we all lined up to pick him up. rooney is not the nicest person, as his long list of red cards, will attest and we all want him on our team. john terry, robinho, diamanti, darren bent, adebayor, anelka and many more.

AM is doing the real talking he is keeping a fantasy producer at 5.56, rather than pick up saha, who has never had a nice word for a teammate, coach or opposition, at 10+.

we should start a list of the biggest shiites who are good fantasy players, that would be fun.

Anonymous said...

what's wrong with darren bent? Bellamy falls into the dickhead/good fantasy player bracket rather nicely though

greginho said...

bellamy is the most obvious. i didn't even think about him. great job. what about robbie keane. is he like bellamy?

Anonymous said...

bojan now this is realy confusing.u talking about dunn being rested? i hope thats true and i dont end up wasting 14.50 coz i can take djiuof for that case n he will have a good game.

Caleb said...

AM, I agree with your point that we should not lose a discounted Malouda; and IMO might be Arteta as well, unless I got a confirmation of the missed out of Arteta.

What's your opinion on a discounted ($6.21) Fox? I also BDed Collins of Stoke @$7.09, worth to keep him?

Saul said...

Great picks AM and thanks to Bojan and Pauly for giving us very valuable info. Thanks to your advice I've come up with a team...

Myhill
Bale/Jagielka/Vermaelen or Olssen
Bullard/Johnson/Walcott/Ether/D.Dunn
Tevez/Saha

Have 2.01 to spend and wanted to upgrade Walcott to O'hara but was short by 12 cents. Walcott is good, but I just don't think Wolves are going to be that easy to beat the way they've been playing lately.

AM - A suggestion from me is...play the game match by match. United-Chelsea game is always tough to call and is usually decided by small margin. I understand you have Malouda on discount and you want to save him for the next upcoming matches but, what if he gets injured? Wouldn't you rather play D.Dunn vs. Pompey this week and choose players that have good fixtures next week?

Good examples of holding on to discounts are Rooney and Fabregas who will be out for a while.

I just thought I'd give my opinion regarding discounted players, since I stopped caring about them I've done much better...of course Drogba and Bendtner are exeptions but I got rid of Drogba earlier in the season and Bendtner because I need to catch up and surpass my competition.

Anyways, I'm done rattling. That's my team atm and feel free to comment, any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

my team this week
myhill
d.fox,jagielka,sylvinho(filler)
nasri,dunn,etherington,dempsey
tevez,saha,crouch

should save team? am dropping drogba finaly lol.

what do u all think about my team? will appreciate some advice.
wish u all the managers the best.

from supercoach.

init said...

greginho - sounds like you might be holding a little flame for Bender there? I think he is taken, but you never know you might be able to get in there!!

Fair enough if you want to keep him - I just think he's shit and was merely presenting an opinion (which I believe is the point of this blog!)

init

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry I don't have the time to answer some questions myself, but I just have a problem in 3 spots:

Howard
Bale Campbell Heitinga
Malouda Nasri Etherington Rosicky
Bendtner Tevez Saha

I can either downgrade Heitinga to Givet or Campbell to Jordan and upgrade Rosicky to Walcott (whom I really like) or even change Rosicky to Wilshere with the money I have to spare.

Advices?

SF

STM said...

@Anon 3:39 PM: No names were mentioned by Allardyce. However, as there were concerns about Dunn's fitness previously, it is reasonable to presume he won't start every game.

"Lets see how far we can finish, I'll try a few more players along the way and lets try to be a bit more comfortable with our Premier League experience."
http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/blackburn-rovers-fc/126342-blackburn-rovers-boss-sam-allardyce-to-experiment-after-securing-safety.html

Because of this, Hoilett, who is rather cheap, is provisionally in my lineup.

@Caleb & supercoach: "Burnley return to action with a tricky home game against Champions League contenders Manchester City in a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, and Laws is optimistic that Stephen Jordan will be fit to face his former club after a knee injury forced him to go off just before half time against Blackburn."
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/burnley/news/5501562.Burnley_boss_Laws__Give_me_the_stick_____not_the_players/

Jordan will get the start IF he is passed fit. Fox could be rested.

Anonymous said...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=764753&sec=england&cc=4716
"Francesc Fabregas will be out for at least six weeks with a cracked bone in his right fibula.It means the Arsenal skipper will miss the rest of the Premier League season and is a serious doubt for the World Cup finals."

Arsenal jinx continues!
~Newbie

Anonymous said...

Etherington or Bullard (at discount)?

Pls help



D2D

Anonymous said...

Bullard (at discount) or Etherington?

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the double post, my comment did not appear the 1st time

D2D

Anonymous said...

Drogs to play:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/01042010/58/premier-league-drogba-start-against-united.html

Saul said...

My team is set with .11 to spare...

Myhill
Bale/Jagielka/S.Campbell
Bullard/Etherington/Dunn/O'Hara
Saha/Tevez/Crouch

I love the midfield, they're all kick takers...even if they don't score goals they should bring in good points. I'm pretty satisfied with my forward line as well but sometimes that's not enough, what do you guys think?

@D2D - I'd keep Bullard at discount because I don't think you're gonna be able to get him cheaper from now on but, I do believe Etherington's a must have as well...any chance you can get them both?

Saul said...

Looks like we only have 4 players in common AM, may the best team win.

joshtottenham said...

RE: Fabregas @Newbie. Well I for one think its disgusting, how are the team supposed to continue when other sides set out to play "anti-football" against them - how many broken legs does this make it now? Its becoming ridiculous...what do you mean it happened against barca in an innocuous challenge!?

joshtottenham said...

@Ferdinand, I had the same dilemma, swapped adam out for Rosicky, costs around 7, decent match up, likely to start due to injuries.

Alex said...

To Malouda or not to Malouda that is the question, I want to drop him, I really do, I wish he got a niggle in training to help me out, I want Dempsey in, more so as I see Fulham and Stoke have a double week next week....but just cant do it....yet!!

Anonymous said...

sup room,i just corrected my team and i ended up with this
myhill
d.fox,jagielka,smallin
nasri,dunn,etherington,t.cahill(i think he will have alot of shot on goals if not goals)
tevez,saha,crouch

what do u think all? i dropped dempsey coz of fulham playing today they might be tired just like before.am holding on fox till tommorow.

saul,kellz i need ur help what do u all thinnk about my team any advice?

saul i like ur team too i see we have 7 same players.goodluck

supercoach.

greginho said...

init,
sorry i have enough room for one man crush and that is cesc and messi. bentner is too awkward for me. those pink boots don't help either!

PBS said...

My only question is: Bullard (at 10.95) or Nasri (10.05)? Please enlighten me :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks to AM, great post.

My team :
Given
Verm Jagielka Smalling
Arteta Nasri Etherington O'Hara
Bendtner Saha Tevez

with 0.00 in the bank
Happy with my team. Hope Arteta can play I don't want to drop him and make any change. Smalling maybe my filler whether he'll play or not.
Any suggestions?
Iceberg

Saul said...

@supercoach - I like your team, in my opinion Cahill is a good hunch...I'm just bummed I can't switch O'Hara to Cahill, just a few cents shy.

Only thing is keep an eye out on team news by Friday as I have read that Jordan is back and may limit Fox's playing time.

@Iceberg - I'm jealous of you for being able to afford Given with that solid team, well exept for Smalling but he's a good filler.

@PBS - More people are leaning toward Nasri as they're playing Wolves. I'm going with Bullard though as I know there're more fantom points to be had(Corners/FK's/Penalties, etc.).

Good luck to all and good luck to my Manchester United on Saturday!

Anonymous said...

hi all!

is viera@5.84 worth the pick?

Saul said...

@anon 10:34 - Viera isn't a great Fantasy points producer, you're better off gambling on Rodwell @5.99 or someone else. He's also a risk at not even starting.

Saul said...

...In addition to my previous post, Man City have Barry, DeJong, Kompany in Viera's position which limits him playing time.

Anonymous said...

myhill
bale,jag,smalling
dunn,malouda,arteta,nasri
torres,tevez,bendtner

any thoughts? smalling,nasri and bendtner at full price.. only like nasri from the combo.. should i drop torres to upgrade smalling and bendtner? really hope someone can help me..

Anonymous said...

zamora/arteta@8 or saha/walcott?

JT

Anonymous said...

My provisional team:

myhill
givet,smalling,bale
malouda,arteta,nasri,o'hara
tevez,torres,bendtner

Anonymous said...

my team, once again is a mite awkward but I had my best single week ever last week with 163.5. I actually feel Chelsea will take it to manure and win 3-1. With that in mind I am keeping both malouda and lampard on discount. Chelsea's play has become smoother which benefits both players. Here is my team, strange but I think it they will perform.

myhill
Bale Alexander Campbell
Malouda Lampard Dunn(all on discount)pienaar N'zonzi
Saha Diamanti.

Saitofall

Anonymous said...

folks,

any news on arteta?

Anonymous said...

hi all,

thanks to saul for advice on p.viera.

kindly advice current team:

Myhill
Bale,Jagielka,Elokobi
Malouda,Nasri, O'hara,J.Mikel
Bendtner,Tevez, C.Fagan

roberrrto said...

I just wanted to throw in a kudos for this almighty blogster. You're the best I've gotten a chance to follow. Thanks so much for the insight -- so many other future blogs are just so much bullocks... to throw a British-sounding term in there.
And cheers...

Anonymous said...

Should I drop Drogba (bought at $18 and next round is week29)?

Saul said...

Anytime Anon @4:28 am - Hope the advice helps.

Kellz said...

Hey guys been really busy with wok so haven't been on much, but very exciting week with the title potentially decided on Sat.

@Anonymous 4:44am: Drogba @18 is tough because its a very large discount. However his track record against Utd is not good, you could make the case hes having an unbelievable season. So if you have a good team with him then keep him, but if you want to bring in other pricey players he should be the one dropped.

@JT: I am waiting until Friday for news on Arteta, if hes out then go for the 2nd option. This late in the season I don't want to have any unnecessary 0's in my team. But if hes fit stick with the 1st option.

@Anonymous 11:23pm: Very nice team, its very similar to mine. I am unsure on Arteta's injury and Smallings starting status. But I will say Myhill is certainly a risk. Stoke are tough at home and should have no problem scoring on Hull, I wouldn't let last weeks match blind you. You could drop Arteta with news hes out and fill in a stronger keeper, AM's player picks is a very good guide so follow what you think is best from that.

Kellz said...

My team so far:

Given
Bale, Garrido, Jags
Malouda, Arteta, Nasri, Maxi
Torres, Bendtner, Tevez

Malouda will stay, since Ancelotti went to a 4-3-3 formation Chelsea have scored 12 goals, so he'll play off the striker more and takes corners. If I do decide to drop him Ethrington is first on my list.

Arteta's injury is a concern, I think he should be fit, but it may be a last minute fitness check, so will make me very nervous without definate answers. If he is injured I will try and swap in Ethrington dropping one of my backline.

My forwards will stay, Torres is really a pick for his remaining fixtures. Tevez will be dropped after this next match as Citeh hit a rougher schedule.

Cheers and good luck!

Anonymous said...

HUHUHU..

I going with..

Brown
Bale Sol Smalling
Walcott MGP Demp Eth
Torres Bendtner Zamora

well? still didn't click save yet,..but i can swap MGP to O'hara..

but thinking pompey focused more seriously on FA..maybe..maybe Grant resting some players?

MBasil

AdmiraLord Nelson said...

TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Sorenson Hutton Mancy Micah Muamba Arteta Nasri Rosický Walcott Torres Tevez

Anonymous said...

Vermalen will miss the match against Wol due to suspension, right? I've read it in Premiere League site, hmm...

Finn.

Anonymous said...

And I didnt see the suspension of Zabaleta. ??? Will he play???

Finn.

STM said...

I think Smalling and Riise may get starts against Wigan. The return match @Wolfsburg on Apr 8 is going to be a crucial and massive massive game for Fulham. So Hodgson will be thinking to rest some key players and prevent any injuries.

@MBasil: Zamora was only accessed and passed fit before the Wolfsburg game, so I am not sure he will be risked against Wigan.

@Finn: You need to spend some time to do some reading and research.

Vermaelen served out his suspension against Birmingham last week, so he is back against Wolves.

Zabeleta picked up his 10th YC against Wigan, so he will be suspended for 2 games (@Burnley, BIRMINGHAM).

Kellz said...

I have been back tracking and reading a lot of the posts and I might reconsider some of my picks:

Torres, Maxi, and Garrido dropped for Olsson, Ethrington, Saha

Comparing the two choices it really stands out as 2 mediocre players to accomodate Torres at 19mil or 3 players that have a very good chance to play and score very well. Judging by Torres today you'd be severely dissatisfied with his output of 1 SOT. If Bham can muster a strong defensive stance, Torres may score, but as Bojan pointed out, 15pts for 19mil is never worth it. Thus his price should fall a bit, making it easier to pick him up come West Ham.

These changes are unsaved and I will wait until friday to make them. If Arteta is truely out I have 3mil left in the bank to upgrade him to Piennar. If not I can downgrade Saha to FUller who should be an interesting pick not many will have.

lets just say I am willing to gamble the last 7 games of the season :D

STM said...

@MBasil: Oh yeah, regarding Portsmouth, the FA Cup seem to be a priority. However, Portsmouth are playing Spurs in the FA Cup semifinal, so O'Hara won't be eligible to play against his parent club.

O'Hara will only concentrate on the EPL for now, and always give his best in matches, so he will still be a good pick.

* Note: Portsmouth are requesting for permission from Spurs to allow O'Hara to play in the FA Cup tie, but no way in hell that Spurs will allow that.

Anonymous said...

My team

Myhill
Bale, Campbell, Jagielka
Nasri, Arteta, Walcott, Etherington
Bendtner, Torres, Saha

Still have 5.71 units left.
Consider upgrading Myhill to Jussi. Any suggestion will be appreciated.

DK

Anonymous said...

shud i drop drogba???

Birty said...

AM - quick note. The lovely Georige Thompson said on Sky Sports News yesterday that Paul Robinson is back in contention for this weekend's game

Anonymous said...

Thanks guys..

i'll going for fagan for zamora

it just a hunch..

MBasil

Anonymous said...

currently holding:

myhill
bale,jag,smalling
dunn,malouda,arteta,nasri
torres,tevez,bendtner

can swap to:

myhill
bale,jag,olsson
dunn,malouda,arteta,nasri
saha,tevez,bendtner

or, if arteta injured:

given
bale,jag,campbell
dunn,malouda,nasri,8.73 (gera/walcott/bily/maxi)
saha,tevez,bendtner

any thoughts guys?

SM

Gasper said...

My team for now

Myhill
Bale, Jags, Campbell
Arteta, Modric,Ether, Cahill
Bendt, Fuller, Tevez

I will make my final decision tomorrow before the deadline, so that I'll see what happens with Arteta. I still have 9,4 to go, so there will be some changes.

Anonymous said...

@mbasil

strange....i had that hunch last night too!

so far...

howard
bale/smalling/salgado
andrews/bentley/eth'/eagles(hunch again!)
bendtner/drogs/fagan

after an amazing 43 points last week it just can't go that wrong again..can it!?!?

DeviLxDeviL said...

So who will take all the SP for ASSenal?

Anonymous said...

My team:
Given(7.1)
Verm(9.59), Jagielka(7.89), Smalling(3.1)
Arteta(7.9), Nasri(10.5), Rosicky(6.99), Cohen(6.15)
Drogba(18.5),Tevez(16.93), Tuncay(5.77)

any thoughts guys?


Calucifer

Anonymous said...

i think nasri will be given big role for 2nd leg CL vs barca. so, he will be bench this week. any thought of it?
arsenal's line up could be
almunia
sagna,campbell,verm,clichy
diaby,song,denilson
walcott,bendtner,rosicky

areg

Anonymous said...

@devilxdevil

if nasri play, he will take SP.
if not, rosicky/denilson will take it

Anonymous said...

At the moment I have the combination of O'Hara Nasri and Smalling..

I have 4.29 left which I can use to either 1: Upgrade Dikgacoi to Michael Brown or 2: Upgrade Smalling to either Richards or Garrido..

The second thing and most difficult, if you need to choose 2 from 3 between Nasri, Etherington, and O'Hara which 2 do you take? I have scrolled down the whole site and read most of the comments and I havent gotten anywhere..

Any help would be much appreciated.. Cheers

Ahmad

Anonymous said...

@areg:
I cant see Nasri being benched at this stage of the season with the title race hotting up.He's in my team anyway!

@calucifer:
Tuncay is not sure to start, but may get a substitute role, so he's a good filler

@ahmad:
1 Etherington
2 Nasri
3 O'hara
IMO

Not sure that Dikgacoi will start after a poor showing in his last match...

Pauly

Anonymous said...

@AM or anyone:

Any news on Arteta yet??

Pauly

Anonymous said...

Poss Arsenal starting 11
after doubts with Clichy & Denilson -

Alm
Verm/Camp/Sagna/Silvest
Song
Rosicky/Nasri/Diaby
Walcott/Bendt

Good luck from Pauly

Anonymous said...

Well, Hate to bring this up but:
"Drogba will start"

see: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6068992,00.html

Not good news for me, but Im sure many managers will breathe a sigh of relief! (Well those that haven't sold him yesterday, that is ;)

Pauly

STM said...

Not good news... Arteta 'unlikely' to face Hammers

"Arteta was unfit last week and is probably unlikely to be fit this week as well," confirmed Blues boss David Moyes, who also has concerns over Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe.

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2010/04/02/arteta-unlikely-to-face-hammers

Anonymous said...

Should I move Heitinga&Rosicky to Givet&Walcott? Already got Howard to cover an Everton CS.

SF

Rick said...

AM, great blog as always. Any opinions greatly appreciated as I am at an impasse, Etherington or Dempsey? Cost is almost the same between the two, Currently have Dempsey but am looking at Ether as that seems to be the current wisdom.

Thanks

Sulldaddy said...

So far I have
Myhill (1.69)
Bale/Salgado / Smalling
Arteta(7.59)/ Dunn (10.63)/Etherington/Nasri
Tevez(15)/ Saha/ XXXX

23.34 in the bank....thinking about Torres, but would like to upgrade GK to Given I think.

May also consider going to 5 MFs, as I am not sure of the next FW I really like maybe Bent or Defoe, but is Defoe guaranteed a start?
Dempsey seems an intriguing pick in MF as he should be less tired due to missing the recent run of games for Fulham due to injury.
I also think Torres is better choice for next week than this week @ Brm, so that frees up some $ for me to upgrade GK.

good luck!

PBS said...

Hey guys I got one more question: Nasri + Jaaskelainen or Rosicky + Howard? I find Jussi rather risky facing Aston Villa who gotta improve their goal difference from last weekend but I also think Nasri is a great buy since Fab4 is out for season...what do you think? Thx.

greginho said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
greginho said...

i dropped cesc for nasri and now i have 10.88 to spend. not really sure i am gonna spend it. like my team too much
brown
vermaelen, bale, salgado
nasri, arteta, malouda, dunn
bendtner, tevez, carew

any reason, noone is mentioning carew? he scored at chelsea, and certainly, can score at bolton. if carew is a bad choice or injured, i will change him.

Kellz said...

@Greginho: Carew is injured last I checked and it was an article that listed him as a doubt even for the FA cup semi clash with Chelsea.

with 10.88 I'd upgrade Brown, considering all reports I have read list PRobbo as back in training and in contention for this weekend. Might I suggest Given?

Instead of Carew you can try Saha/Fuller/Sidibe/Crouch

Arteta is also a doubt for this weekend, with Moyes admitting he is probably not fit enough. So I suggest Ethrington or Piennar for his slot.

Salgado should be fit again but why not take a punt on Citeh defense since you lack in that department. Garrido/Onuoha

Hope that helps good luck!

Unknown said...

where is kranjcar?

greginho said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
greginho said...

thanks kellz the robinson info is great help. i knew about arteta, i am switching hime to bentley now!

Anonymous said...

My,team:

Given
Bale, Elokobi, Smalling
Malouda (15.xx), Etherington, Mokena, Rosicky
Drogba (12.44), Tevez (16.xx), Saha

It is something. Good luck and let the games begin!

A1

Chi said...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/765186/ce/uk/?cc=5901&ver=us

sounds like Jagielka could be rested too!

Anonymous said...

Jagielka wouldnt play? Now, I'm completely not sure about my defenders.. I'm not sure Campbell will play as well... Arsene tried to make song as center back last match... Any news from Campbell guys?

-Cuy

Anonymous said...

hi AM and all!

Jagielka rested???

my current team. pls..pls advice
D.James
Bale/Elokobi/Salgado
Malouda/Nasri/O'Hara/Etherington/Mokoena
Bendtner/Tevez

Anonymous said...

Great tips guys! Any comments on my current team:
Myhill
Jagielka Campell Smalling
Etherington Dempsey Dunn Rosicky
Tevez Bendtner Saha

Unsure about swapping Dempsey(at full price) for Pienaar/T.Cahill...

BigEl said...

Any comments on

Brown
Verm Bale Hutton
Johnson Nasri O'Hara Etherington
Tevez Bendtner Saha

Thnx in advance for any tips

Mèo Ko Ăn Cá said...

myhull
Jagieka - heitinga - Bale
Arteta - adam - wattcot - mokoena
Tevez-torres-benner

rate my team plz!!

Cescy said...

comments please, urgently in need of help...have finally come up with this team...have 0.85 left!

schwarzer
jags verm smalling
rosicky cahill nasri etherington
tevez bendtner fuller

please comment/help/suggest!!!???!!!

cheers, Cescy.

P.s. Am=LEGEND, along with all his helpers and contributors to this blog...long may it continue.

Mèo Ko Ăn Cá said...

myhull
heitinga - Bale - bassong- sylvinho
Arteta - adam - wattcot
Tevez-torres-benner

rate my team plz ^^!

Anonymous said...

Really struggling with picks this evening, thanks to my bargain basement backline (Bale at 5.45, Campbell and Smalling. If I play the percentages and go with the home sides up front (Bendtner, Saha and Roberts or Fuller or Jerome) I could have up to 11 bills left over! I'm a bit reluctant to go with the usual big guns (Drogba, Torres, Tevez, Lampard, Gerrard) because they're all away from home. I'm doubtful either Tevez of Lampard will repeat their huge weeks, so it'll probably be Torres.

Chi said...

@BigEl

Hutton is ineligible for the Spurs game, you want to take a 0 when the season is coming to an end?

@Cescy
your lineup looks fine

@Cusut07
get rid of Arteta as he's very unlikely to play, Replace Sylvinho with Garrido maybe?

Mèo Ko Ăn Cá said...

Arteta i bought at 7+, and he make so much points :D, i will keep him to end of this season
Sylvinho is last man i pick, i only have 2.84 @@

Anonymous said...

B. Myhill(1.69)

G. Bale (2.84) Verm (9.59)Smalling (3.01)

M. Arteta (7.56 Malouda (10.90) Nasri (10.05) Gera (8.03)

Drog (18.90)Tévez (16.93)Bendtner (9.26)

with 1.24 spare.

anyone and anyone.. please comment, should I drop Drogs or arteta?? but with who?? thanks!!

eT

BigEl said...

rosicky for arteta IMO but really depends on your ambitions. I've gotta try and make up 150 points on the leader of my group of friends so don't want to take a 0 if I can avoid it

Caleb said...

@ Cuy: Campbell+Verm will start since Song is suspended for 2 matches after he picked up his 10th yellow card of the season. Gallas is injured as well.

I am still thinking will Jagielka be rested? As I do have him in my team. Same as Arteta, should I dropped him for Walcott or Osman?

Anonymous said...

@ chi
@ cuy

IMO Jagielka will start, of course that's just my opinion :)
Hutton however will not start
and Salgado is unsure..

Wishing you all points galore,

Pauly

Anonymous said...

@caleb

Song is not suspended, do your homework before confusing people

Anonymous said...

great post as always AM
arteta really threw a spanner in the works for me this week,i've sold him rooney and drogba this week,and all at big discounts.
my team for this week is
Howard,
Bale,Jagielka,Vermaelen.
Bullard,Nasri,Walcott,Rosicky.
Tevez,Saha,Bendtner.

Anonymous said...

@anon 10.18

Your team starting status is very doubtful.

I can see nasri and bendtner given a rest, even jagielka too.

Anonymous said...

drogba and arteta in?

chibai said...

drogba any news??

Anonymous said...

myhill,bale,hutton,salgado,
arteta,dunn,kranjar,nasri
drogba, bendther,tevez

comments??

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys

Arteta very doubtful.

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2010/04/02/arteta-unlikely-to-face-hammers

Great post AM as always.

Cheers

Kitmyster

Chan Chi Bai said...

Ancelotti rested Drogba for last Saturday's 7-1 drubbing of Aston Villa but said the striker, who has already scored 30 goals in all competitions for the west London side this season, would return at Old Trafford.

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/chelseas-drogba-troubled-by-hernia-for--fbintl,reu-englanddrogba.html

Efthymios said...

My team now:

James (Sure 0, no risk with myhill)
Bale, Campbell, Salgado
Cahill, Dunn, Etherington, Malouda
Tevez, Bendtner, Saha

I dropped bullard @10.98 and Torres @ 19,56

I didnt save and a'm thinking to get back Bullard

Caleb said...

Sorry guys, I read some old news. Song is NOT suspended for this week. His suspension is already over!

Caleb said...

@ Efthymios: James is not sure risk as he MIGHT return, according to physioroom.

Mèo Ko Ăn Cá said...

myhill
hetinga-bale-garrido
arteta-adam johnson-wattcot-mokoena
tevez-torres-bendner

rate plz!!

Anonymous said...

rosicky+vermaelen or campbell+ohara ???
any comments???

Anonymous said...

campbell ohara

Anonymous said...

@ greginho

Sure Bentley will start?

Pauly

Anonymous said...

guys 30 minutes to go any advice i will take it at the momement.this is the squad

myhill
smallin,jagielka,konchesky
nasri,dunn,cahill,etherington
crouch,saha,tevez

am not sure if crouch will start i dont trust redknapp.

will appreciate any last minute advice.

supercoach.

STM said...

Bentley will start, no questions about it. No Palacios, Huddlestone, Dawson or Corluka though... Defoe on bench and won't be rushed...

Pedro said...

So, will arteta and jagielka play?

Anonymous said...

jagielka will pay,i dont know where people r getting this "resting" idea from aty the end of the season.

Pedro said...

@supercoach

what about 3-5-2, swap crouch for walcott, or 4-4-2, crouch for olsson. If he plays in defence he should get clean sheet, if he plays upfront he should get clean sheet points and possibly a goal. Just got a hunch tbh

Anonymous said...

@ Pedro

Take 5 mins to read the above posts & you'll see!

Pauly

Anonymous said...

pedro

arteta is injured.

i like that idea too of walcott but i dont trust him that much.n i saw someone saying maybe defoe will start from the bench so crouch will likely start.olsson is at 10 right? i have 0 in the bank with that squad.

was thinking about diouf will have a good game with pompey having none of the defenders he will run the show.

supercoach.

Anonymous said...

Mine is

myhill
bale verm jagielka
nasri etherington o'hara pienaar
bendtner tevez saha

last minute advices??

Dens

Anonymous said...

dens ur team is perfect.

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