Fantasy Premier League Blog: Christian Benitez

Showing posts with label Christian Benitez. Show all posts

Benitez rejected by Blues

Birmingham fans finally see the back of him.

Benitez rejected by Blues

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will be in the market for a new striker this summer after sending Christian ‘Chucho’ Benitez back to Mexican side Santos Laguna.

The Ecuador international arrived on loan at St Andrew’s last summer and Blues had the option of making the move permanent for around £6m.

But McLeish looks to have baulked at the valuation in light of Benitez’s return of just four goals in his 36 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

Chucho was a good enabling striker mid-year when Birmingham had a good matchup or two-games. But he completely fell off the radar only reappearing at the end of the season in a cameo role.

If I had to guess though, I would say he'll reappear in England. Perhaps a promoted club in need of a striker *cough*WestBrom*cough*, or a Championship team looking to get over the hump and into the Premier League, or one who loses a striker to a bigger club *cough*Leeds*cough*.

Benitez returns home

via YahooUK!/Eurosport:

Christian Benitez has flown back to Ecuador, after the Birmingham striker's father was involved in a car accident.

Blues did not hesitate in giving the forward permission to return to his homeland and manager Alex McLeish admits it is doubtful as to whether Benitez will be available to face Burnley at the weekend.

I've been touting Chucho for a while now and finally picked him last week. He returned an honest 8pts for and investment of under 7 so I was happy enough. I had already sold him on the barn door, however, to try to boost my forward line. So best wishes for a speedy recovery and we'll be excited to consider him again upon his return.

Double blow for Birmingham City

In football, one day you are in and the next day... you are out.

via Birmingham Mail and hat tip to the Fantasy Football Scout:

BLUES have been dealt more injury blows as their fears over James McFadden and Franck Queudrue were confirmed.
The pair both suffered [muscle] tears in the derby defeat by Villa and are probably set to be out of action for around a month...
Because of Queudrue joining the casualties – among them are Stephen Carr, Cameron Jerome, Marcus Bent, Gregory Vignal and Martin Taylor – either Scott Dann or Giovanny Espinoza will figure on Humberside.

Queudrue has been the star of a very stingy Birmingham City team and they'll miss him tremendously. McFadden's injury perhaps changes their attacking formation if McLeish replaces him with Chucho Benitez. The Blues are at Hull City this weekend, so this could be a match they've penciled in as a must 3-points. I could see them going to a 4-4-2 with Chucho partnering O'Connor from the start.

Benitez to start against Villa

Via YahooUK!/Eurosport:

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is poised to hand a first Premier League start to striker Christian Benitez in Sunday's derby with Aston Villa at St Andrew's.
Benitez, signed from Santos Laguna, has impressed as a substitute and is now at full fitness after undergoing shoulder surgery at the beginning of the summer.
Former Scotland boss McLeish hinted the Ecuador international will play from the outset against Villa.
McLeish said: "I've felt in recent weeks that Christian was more effective as an impact player.
"But that may change in a week's time (against Villa). If I can't play him at home, then I will never play him.

Remember, you read it here first. Via the Monday Morning Manager:

It only remains to be seen if they have enough to win, or even draw, these close games. A lot will rest on Benitez, and I'm guessing that he'll start to get more involved after the international break - depending on his own travels. He's creeping up in price, but it may be worth a look at him on the barn door after the Villa match as Birmingham then face @Hull, Bolton and @Burnley.

Of course, Tuncay is now the bargain striker di tutti bargain strikers. But Christian Benitez is another good post-HRod option. I really don't like picking players going in to derby matches, especially one as historically contentious as the Second City derby but I'll plug him again for the stretch following.

Injuries and Suspensions

One in, one out.

Not much new news this morning, the latest being the casualties from yesterday's Europa League matches. Those claimed Andy Johnson and will force Jack Rodwell and Steven Pienaar into the dreaded "late fitness test".

Spurs have lost Gomes for a while and so Cudicini will sit behind their make-shift back line. Presumably King will be back to partner Bassong with Corluka moving to right back and Hutton dropping to the bench.

Rio will be out for a month, but Manchester United have Vidic back. That should solidify the back-line though presumably Brown and O'Shea will be the candidates for center and right back.

Ilunga is a doubt for West Ham meaning a likely start for Spector. N'Zogbia is a doubt for Wigan. Sunderland have questions over Lee Cattermole, Steed Malbranque and Martin Fulop. The latter is interesting if it gives Gordon a chance to claim the number one jersey. Doesn't sound likely, however.

Manchester City have some mixed fitness news after their 1-0 win over Barca midweek. Adebayor, Robinho, and Bridge are slight doubts but Tevez looks good to start against Wolves. Wolves themselves are missing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, but could have Berra and Doyle back if only from the bench.

Finally, Birmingham's Cameron Jerome turned his ankle. This may give Christian Benitez his first start, but I'm not sold on that as his play has been so limited in games and warm-ups. That being said, he's an interesting pick at home to Stoke for 6.04.

All the gory details at the links below: