Injuries and Suspensions

Premier League Team News - Barclays Premier League - ESPN Soccernet

At the time of this writing, Soccernet still doesn't have all of the content entered into the link above (and they seem to be having a few issues with the graphics as well) but it is the best one-page consolidated review so I'm linking to it...

Here is my take on the fantasy impact of this week's injury news...

Wolves v. Pompey - With Segundo Castillo out it looks like Kightly will indeed start this weekend, great option for fantasy managers given the opposition.  Not much else to add to what I posted in TWA about Kightly and Doyle.  No significant news from Pompey.

Burnley v. Brum - The big news here is that Benitez will be in Ecuador on compassionate leave to visit his father who was in a car accident.  Definitely a bummer for both the Benitez family and fantasy managers alike - we wish the senior Mr. Benitez a speedy recovery.  As for this match, we expect it to be an ugly slug-fest between two defensive-minded clubs so expect lots of cards and not so many fantasy points.

Hull v. Wigan - Three matches reviewed and each of them potentially ugly. At least both teams here are pretty much entirely healthy - so much so that there's even news that Jummy might start playing again soon.  The big question for fantasy managers is what Jordi Gomez's fate will be.  He was on the bench against Chelsea and Wigan won, not good news if you were hoping he'd make a quick return to the starting XI.

Bolton v. Spurs - Elmander is definitely out and Defoe is extremely doubtful.  I'm pretty sure the first part of that sentence is irrelevant to fantasy managers but the second part could be very relevant.  Crouch is really the only other healthy starter (PVC is struggling with an injury as well) so he should cross your mind as a serious option.

ManYoo v. Sunderland - Foster is back, Owen is out (shocking, I know).  Foster should be high on your list of goalkeeping options this week but otherwise, not much of note here since SAF didn't reveal anything about his midfielder rotation policy and how it will impact this weekend (will he continue to tempt fate and start Giggs regularly? Which of his other mediocre midfielders - Scholes, Park, Valencia, Nani, Carrick, Anderson - will join Fletcher who should be starting each week?  No major news of fantasy import from the Sunderland side unless you're considering Lee Catermole - if you are, I don't think I can help you.

Arsenal v. Rovers - Walcott and Bendtner are back while EdS will not make the 18.  Not sure what that means for the starting XI other than that EdS won't be in it.  If I had to guess I'd assume Arshavin, RvP, and Bendtner will start with Theo replacing Bendtner at about the 65 minute mark.  Oddly, Almunia continues to be "hurt" - I assume all Arsenal supporters are hoping that his "injury" lasts all season with the way that Mannone has been playing (you know, actually stopping shots and stuff).  Good news for those who got on that bandwagon before the price went up.  Arsenal attackers could be even more valuable on the news that Ryan Nelsen and Chris Samba have fitness concerns with their backs.  Either they will pass their fitness tests and be at something less than 100% or they will make way for reserves who will have a hard time keeping up with the Arsenal attack - just saying.

Everton v. Stoke - Followers of the blog will chuckle (or cry) at the news that Tuncay "could make his first start of the season" but really? do you believe it will happen.  If anyone has stuck with him at 1.00, I hope it happens for you but I'm not holding my breath.  In other news, Yobo is a question mark but no word on which two of Bily/Pienaar/Osman will start on the wings.

West Ham v. Fulham - In the battle of the frequently-injured Duffman is out for Fulham while Upson is back for WHU.  Not too much else to report really.

Chelsea v. Liverpool - No definitive statement on which of Hilario or Turnbull will replace Cech in net (not sure you'd want either one with Liverpool as the opposition).  Ballack should be back in contention after returning from his never-reported calf issue from last weekend that sent a bunch of fantasy managers over the edge.  Masch back for Liverpool but otherwise, you should expect the usual suspects from Rafa.

Villa v. Citeh - The return of K2 is really the only significant news here unless you think Sidwell is somehow relevant and if the latter is the case, well, like I said above, I'm not sure I can help you.  On K2, will be interesting to see if he has retained his form while sitting on the bench, he was always one to ebb and flow for little apparent reason.  No news on Robinho so I am assuming that MPet will get the start again which could be a good thing to get in on. 

Good luck with your selections and I'll look forward to seeing you on the Live Chat tomorrow.