Monday Morning Manager

Week 2, and Monday Morning Manager finds itself in a bit of a quandry. The games have only been half played as everyone but the European con(pre)tenders will go another round Tues or Wed. Are there lessons to be learnt from the weekend games? Or do we wait and see what the mid-week brings?

One thing for sure, the Manager missed Friday's "Hey, let's all pick up Robert and Pedersen as they're sure to kick ass this weekend!" discussion. A set-piece goal from Larry Bob, and a goal and an assist for MGP but their owners (and most folks seemed to have had both or none) in a good mood today. Danny Murphy also showed well again v. a promoted side. Time will tell if Charlton (and Murphy and Darren Bent in particular) will keep up the pace once they face sterner tests. But in Robert, Pedersen, and Murphy you have players who will score fantasy points regardless of what their team does.

Hanging in that category, but just barely, is Jermaine Pennant as Birmingham seem to be stuck in the furrow they plowed all last season. Still Pennant seems to be lively and is winning corners and putting over lots of crosses. He just needs to get free off the wing and come in for a few more shots and hopefully goals. Perhaps when BRM have solidified their midfield with Dunn and Izzet back from injury (no offense to Butt or Jarosik... who am I kidding, they should take that personal) Melchiot can get forward more often and drag a few defenders wide of Pennant.

Falling out of the "points no matter what" category is Claus Jensen as Fulham didn't generate much of anything. And with the other Jensen (Niclas) now an option on free kicks Claus' value will drop and Niclas' will rise. However, Jensen is still good and cheap. Maybe he was just tired from tearing the England squad apart last week. So until some of this season's transfers start making an impact, he may stay in the Manager's squad.

Speaking of squads, starting lineups are still a moving target, especially with teams playing games back-to-back this week. While the Manager usually recommends picking the sure starter, he is chastened by Crespo and Drogba alternating in the super-sub role for Chelsea. Now Mourinho says that Robben will be on the bench @WBA, so look for him to do something special on Wednesday.

ManU fielded a settled side, but with Ronaldo and Giggs coming back to health, for how much longer? Ruud and Rooney seem the best bets, though Rooney is playing in the midfield and Ruud can be boom or bust. How long can RVN keep up his Pires-like run of 2 goals on 2 shots? Ditto Scholes. The only player who could ruin dead-ball responsibilities for ManU. For god's sake, before Henry there was Beckham.
(photo for Kate)