Week 29 - Saturday & Sunday

Week 29 already seems a long time ago, but the long delay in Yahoo updating the points combined with my hectic Easter schedule meant I haven't had the chance to update the blog properly until now.

It wasn't a great week - 84.5 points, with 3 of my players starting on the bench, but I actually stayed in more-or-less the same position overall...312th (down 3 places), so perhaps it was around an average score.

As I mentioned briefly in my update on Sunday, it was also a terrible weekend for Tottenham as they were deservedly beaten by a Sunderland side filled with ex-spurs who were more committed to winning the game. Had it not been for Gomes it could've been worse, as he pulled off 2 penalty saves from Darren Bent, but I doubt Bent will be too bothered after scoring 2 anyway.

One thing I don't agree with is Bent running in front of the Spurs fans pointing at/kissing the Sunderland badge when he scored. We were nothing but encouraging to Darren when he was at the club, always supported him & he got a big cheer earlier in the season when his name was announced at White Hart Lane. His beef should be with Redknapp if anyone.

To add insult to injury, Man City then go & tonk a woeful Burnley side 6-1, boosting their goal difference to within 2 of ours in the process. Burnley were pathetic & it's safe to say they are going down with Portsmouth. Garrido didn't start, but lots of points for Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy & Adam Johnson.

Man Utd v Chelsea was full of controversy, but I feel Chelsea deserved the win despite an offside winner from Drogba. United looked lethargic, clearly missing Rooney's energy & although Ferguson will moan about the officials, he should remember he's had his fair share of favours in the past, and should accept they were beaten by the better side on the day. I'm certain the title race will swing again before the end of the season.

It's a title race that Arsenal are still in after Bendtner came off the bench to grab a late late winner vs gutsy Wolves. The starting 11 fielded by Wenger was the weakest Arsenal side I've seen in the Premier League, but he managed to secure 3 points & rest players for the Barca game tonight, so you have to say he just about got it right. Nasri proved a waste but Arsenal defenders plus Rosicky & Walcott all secured great points.

Villa edged past Bolton 1-0 thanks to an Ashley Young winner, Stoke beat Hull 2-0 with Myhill handing out negative 5.5, while Portsmouth & Blackburn played out the dullest of 0-0's, with only Chris Kamara (in the video above on Sky's Soccer Saturday) providing any entertainment.

On Sunday we saw Fulham come from behind to end a run of 3 straight league defeats vs a Wigan side still deep in trouble along with Hull & West Ham. The Hammers did show fight at Goodison as they twice came behind to draw 2-2 with Everton, with Howard also saving a Mido penalty. Saha was the disappointment of the week coming up with just 1.5 points. Birmingham v Liverpool ended 1-1 with Benitez subbing Torres when the game was there to be won, much to the bemusement of Gerrard.

As I mentioned on Sunday, I'm not too keen on loading up on Stoke & Fulham for Week 30, despite their two games. Admittedly it's tempting to go for broke at this stage of the season & have 8 or 9 double gamers, but when you look at the fixtures the two teams have they don't fill you with excitement. I also have quite a few single gamers at discount with great fixtures, so I'm reluctant to switch them for the sake of it.

Currently on my page...

Given

Bale  Hangerland  Faye

Gera  Malouda  Bullard  Etherington  A.Johnson

Tevez  Bendtner

The team above leaves me £4.4m in the bank, but it's all a bit of a mess at the moment. Given will probably be downgraded to Myhill, which will leave me even more spare cash.

Hangerland & Etherington will both stay but Gera & Faye aren't certainties yet. Malouda at home to Bolton & Bullard at home to Burnley will stay & I've also brought in AJohnson on the barndoor as he's on all set pieces, facing Birmingham at home.

Tevez & Bale aren't going anywhere but I'm actually considering dropping Bendtner to try to force Torres in with all my spare cash. That may prove tricky, but surely I'm not going to consider Hugo Rodallega as an alternative, even if he is home to Portsmouth...? :)

How did Week 29 go for you? Have you got any ideas on how to approach Week 30?

Cheers,
AM