The Manager would like to be the first to welcome Danny Murphy back into the warmth of the fantasy family. He began as nothing but the man who killed ManU for Liverpool before becoming a full-tilt fantasy stud at the beginning of last season. Charlton looked great with he and Bent scoring. Then, for whatever reason, it went wrong and Murphy ended up stuck on Spur's bench. But now after two good games, including yesterday's where he actually earned the points for his play, I would venture to guess that he finds himself on a lot of fantasy squads this morning.Probably replaces Rosicky on most of them too.
Arsenal are winning these games that they should and Henry is getting his points, if not truly shining in the process. And even RvP (repaying the Manager's faith in him. woo hoo!!!!) came good after a shaky start and another yellow card. His 3rd of the season already! But Arsenal's midfield continues to be where fantasy points go to die. Even Cesc, who started the season on a 8-9 pt per game clip has faded. And worse yet, it's become a real 2 from 3 shell game for the wide midfield positions among Hleb, Freddie and Rosicky. Good luck to any fantasy manager brave enough to wade through that mess, though many will be tempted with Watford and Reading next up for the Gunners after the international break.
It's been a full month since the transfer window closed. Have we learned anything about our new options yet? One thing we learned yesterday is that Spurs bought well when they invested 10mil in Berbatov. He really looks to be a great player and Spurs really benefit from everything he does on the pitch. Shame his injury came when it did as he's now probably priced out of most fantasy manager's plans. However, he still may be worth the $ say if AJ's hamstring doesn't heal in the next 2 weeks. Speaking of AJ, let's just say Everton spent well and his record (on the pitch and for fantasy managers) with Crystal Palace wasn't a fluke. He's the real deal. Get well soon.
No other new striker has really made an impact yet. Martins scoring a brace in a 2-game week for Newcastle helped a lot of fantasy managers. But his lack of production otherwise has been a disappointment. Anelka and Tevez haven't done anything for their new clubs (who are heading in opposite directions themselves, but that's another post). Kuyt, to be fair, has been great. But Rafa's rotation policy really dampens the enthusiasm for any Liverpool player.
And then there is Sheva. The most prominent transfer and perhaps the biggest disappointment (at striker. Ballack has been the biggest nightmare. but that too is another post.). He's been scoring just enough fantasy points to make it worth keeping him at $5. Enough to make you think "this is the week he comes good". But not enough points that he's really going to help your team do anything other than afford Henry or Lampard.
In the midfield, Niko Kranjcar FINALLY takes over from Taylor on the left of Pompey's midfield. And while it resulted in a loss for POR, Kranjcar did earn 8 fantasy points. Hopefully he can take over where D'Alessandro left off last season. Anyone else catch your eye this weekend?
Until next time, which will sadly be a while due to the international break.
The Manager
liverpool's rotation is indeed a mare, although kuyt looks like a safe pick (if there're no important european games round the corner). suppose bellamy should come good soon. also, their back four dont look like keeping as many clean sheets as last season.
ReplyDeletedoes kranjcar spell the end of the taylor fantasy?
finally, the great epl sale: ballack at under 4 cents just to pad up the squad.
Ballack, the new JPA.
ReplyDelete(jual pablo angel, for those not paying attention at home)
how the mighty have fallen.
J
PS. as for krancjar... yes, taylor is officially 2nd string. it was only a matter of time. though if POR get back to their winning ways, he could be a substitute clean sheet option. a really, really expensive one though.