Fantasy Premier League Blog: Stoke City

Showing posts with label Stoke City. Show all posts

Injuries and Suspensions: Week 4

Premier League team news - ESPN Soccernet:

Here is the important news from behind the link along with the fantasy implications that the news implies.

Stoke City | News | Latest News | Latest News | Etherington Boost For The Potters

STOKE CITY have received a major boost ahead of their Europa League tie against FC Thun . . . with the news that winger Matthew Etherington should be available for the game in Switzerland after tests revealed no serious damage to his left arm.

Etherington was in the City squad that flew out of Manchester Airport today for Thursday's evening's away leg in the Play-Off tie after an X-ray revealed that he suffered nothing more than nerve damage in Sunday's match against Chelsea.

So you shouldn't have any worries about picking Eth against Norwich. Though, to be honest, his absence at the weekend would have been a real boost to Jermaine Pennant's value.

Season Preview - Stoke City

Quick Reminder, Real Life

Fortress at home, inept on the road. Slightly fewer wins than losses. Slightly fewer scored than allowed. By far the fewest goals allowed in the bottom half of the table (their 48 were 8 fewer than next closest Bolton). Lots of tall players and lots of bruising defending. Yup, it was a Stoke sort of season. Never really in danger of relegation but never really likely to do anything more than mid-table. Given that they’ve only been back up since 2007-08 it must be said that having solidified themselves in the top flight and not fretting over relegation is a big deal. With that goal achieved though, one wonders whether there is a next achievable goal along the path or if this is it. They are in the process of qualifying for the Europa League so maybe a protracted European campaign is the next thing they can treat their fans to. Hopefully, they can use it to catapult themselves into the top half rather than it becoming a distraction that sees them dip closer to the relegation zone in the league.

Quick Reminder, Fantasy

As usual at Stoke, there wasn’t an exceptional fantasy performer. There were, however, a few fairly solid performers between wings Etherington and Pennant, forward Jones, defender Huth, and keeper Begovic. The only downside to the season was that Pennant’s arrival and the typical injuries detracted a bit from Eth’s season. He took fewer kicks and the attack was focused down the left side of the field less because there was a second competent option for the first time in a while. Aside from the review of the regulars, Danny Higginbotham was excellent in limited duty. He managed two matches where he went over 20 points. Who would have guessed?

Summer Changes

Sturridge a doubt

Sturridge a doubt for Trotters - Yahoo! Eurosport

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is hoping striker Daniel Sturridge will have recovered from an ankle knock in time for Tuesday's Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham.

The on-loan Chelsea man scored his seventh goal in nine games in Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal but was forced off with the problem late in the game.

That would be a real kick in the teeth for fantasy managers. His ownership percentage jumped from 4% to 9% for this double week so clearly a lot of us have gotten on the bandwagon. However, 90% of teams don't have him - and points is points - so we're hopeful he'll play.

Meanwhile Zamora should be back for Fulham. Stoke lose Fuller but could get Carew back. And of course, SEB is a doubt for Wolves.

Update from Owen Coyle via BWFC.co.uk:

"Daniel Sturridge limped off near the end and we will give him until the last minute to see if he is available, and hopefully he is.

"Fingers crossed we will have the same squad, with 21 players in contention given that Ricardo Gardner, Robbie Blake and Marcos Alonso narrowly missed out on Sunday.

"We will look to pick the best team available."

FA Cup Causes League Postponements

Bolton Wanderers | News | Latest News | General | New Date Set For Fulham

Bolton Wanderers can confirm that due to the club's participation in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the trip to play Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Barclays Premier League will now take place on Wednesday 27 April.

The game had originally been set to take place on Saturday 16 April but following Wanderers' progress in the FA Cup the league game against Fulham has now been put back to Wednesday 27 April.

So Bolton, Fulham, Stoke City, Wolves, and Manchester City will all be idle the weekend of 16 April. ~~I think it's possible that Newcastle and Manchester Uniteds could still play their match on that following Tuesday.~~ I think the NUFC/MUFC match was rescheduled to that Tuesday from Saturday. But definitely a fluid situation.

Oh, and two-gamers!

UPDATE:

Stoke vs Wolves has been rescheduled for Tuesday 26 April.
http://xrl.in/8cw0less than a minute ago via webfantasyfootballscout
FFScout

Van Persie and Koscielny out of Stoke game

Van Persie and Koscielny out of Stoke game | News Archive | News | Arsenal.com

Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny will miss the crucial Premier League game with Stoke on Wednesday night.

The Dutch striker has a hamstring problem while the French defender is suffering from a back complaint. However both injuries are short-term and the pair may recover in time for the Carling Cup Final on Sunday.

Abou Diaby (calf) is injured but he is still suspended anyway.

Sad face for fantasy managers with Arsenal players in their line-ups... and this week that's a lot of us. I have Szczesny and van Persie so I'm light up front and vulnerable at the back. The only consolation, perhaps, is that I have Carew. So hopefully if Stoke do score it's through him.

And speaking of Stoke,

Matthew Etherington looks set to miss the Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium due to a fresh injury concern.

Etherington shook off a hamstring strain to play in Saturday's 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Brighton, only to be taken off with a back injury understood to be linked to a defect in his jawline

.Can someone explain that one to me?

Midweek Review - Day One

Day One in the books, and I'm as happy as Sylvie in the photo above. 46 points from Begovic, Van Der Vaart and Gyan. Day Two looks to me much more interesting, with the Manchester derby very much at the forefront - including the Nani's possible early return from injury.

But first a brief look back at yesterday.

Overall Outlook - By all rights, I should dislike Stoke as the logical successors to Big Sam's Bolton and Mark Hughes' Rovers as big, bruising purveyors of a direct and brutal brand of football but for some reason I find myself wishing them well in their push up the table. Perhaps I like the fact that they have tried something a little different in using Rory Delap's throws as a serious weapon. Perhaps I like the way they play tough football without it getting as dirty as Bolton and Rovers have been (or at least been perceived). Perhaps it's because they clearly don't have an alternative way of surviving and yet other teams can't find a way to beat them at the only game they are capable of playing. For whatever the reason, I find myself quietly and somewhat apologetically wishing Stoke good fortune. With today's rumor that they will sign Kenwyne Jones - a player I like - that affection will only increase as will the likely fortunes of Stoke who badly need a striker capable of more than the 5 goals that led the team last season. That Jones fits the rugged profile of the Stoke player is an even bigger bonus. I have a hard time seeing them getting significantly better but they seem poised to stay firmly rooted in the middle of the table.

Sunderland confirm Kenwyne Jones is holding Stoke talks - Transfers - ESPN Soccernet

Sunderland have confirmed striker Kenwyne Jones is to undergo a medical at Stoke on Wednesday afternoon.

Jones, 25, has been linked with a number of clubs in recent times, but he now looks set to move to the Britannia Stadium after the clubs agreed a fee reported to be in the region of £9 million.

KJ could step right into Stoke's starting XI ahead of Sidibe, Beattie and Kitson. It will still be a question who partners him - either Tuncay or Fuller.

He should feel right at home. Stoke's squad consists on no fewer than six former Black Cats including Sorenson, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Collins, Delap, and Whitehead.

For Sunderland the rumours are that Bruce is selling to buy. Perhaps Roque Santa Cruz from Manchester City or Alan Hutton from Spurs (still attractively priced at 4.81). Bruce will probably need both, or at least players in both positions.

Everybody Blames Dave

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

PULIS RETURNS KITSON FIRE

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has hit back at Dave Kitson's 'scapegoat' allegations and insists the club have got a great dressing-room spirit.

A disgruntled Kitson claimed at the weekend that he had become a scapegoat after the striker had previously been criticised by Pulis for his reaction to being substituted during the 7-0 thrashing at Chelsea.

But Pulis used a heavy sense of irony in givin little credence to these allegations.

He told The Sentinel: "Dave Kitson was spot on with his comment that everybody blames him for everything that happens at the football club.

"That's right - everybody blames Dave."

Unactionable Team News

King, Gomes doubtful

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is sweating on the fitness of centre-half Ledley King and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes ahead of their crucial Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester City at Eastlands.

King's long-standing knee problem means he remains a doubt while Gomes has a muscle injury sustained in the win over Bolton at White Hart Lane last weekend... Young goalkeeper Ben Alnwick stands by to replace Gomes.

Barry back for City

Gareth Barry is set to return for Manchester City as the Blues look to put themselves in line for Champions League qualification by beating Tottenham at Eastlands...

Joleon Lescott (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign and Stephen Ireland (ankle) will also miss out.

Fulham & ~~Sunderland~~Stoke City news to come.

UPDATE: Here we go.

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is unlikely to play any part in the Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke...

Clint Dempsey will continue to deputise in attack for Fulham's last home match of the season.

And...

Stoke captain Abdoulaye Faye remains an injury doubt ahead of the trip to Fulham in the Barclays Premier League...

Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise in goal for Thomas Sorensen, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow.

Cruel Irony

Or maybe just lousy timing.

Shawcross won't be rushed, Thursday, April 15, 2010

Meanwhile, Pulis has hinted that Asmir Begovic will be making his debut in goal for Stoke before the end of the season.

Begovic, who could have been Portsmouth's FA Cup final goalkeeper had he not left for Stoke in January, is likely to be blooded in the final few fixtures.

"He's been fantastic in training and it would be nice to give him an opportunity," said Pulis.

It would also give Thomas Sorensen a break ahead of this summer's World Cup assignment with Denmark. The Dane's warm-up begins with a pre-tournament friendly in Copenhagen against a Senegal side that could include club captain Abdoulaye Faye.

Further news, from whydelilah.co.uk:

"[Begovic]'s going to get some games now," Pulis added, "and hopefully the people in front of him will work a bit harder and make it more difficult for teams to play against us."

Steve Simonsen will take up residence on the bench against Everton next Saturday after already returning from a seven-match loan spell at Sheffield United.

Skipper Abdoulaye Faye is also struggling with a leg injury, but Stoke had the consolation of seeing Ryan Shawcross return for his first game since being sidelined by suspension and injury in late February.

Fulham Stoke Rearranged

STOKE's Premier League match against Fulham has been rearranged for the final week of the season.

The game will now take place on either Wednesday, May 5 or Thursday, May 6 at Craven Cottage.

The match was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 14, but Fulham have requested both to the FA and Stoke to move the game in an effort to spread their current fixture commitments.

Oh well, back to the drawing board. Another week of just one-gamers, though stretched through midweek. There's probably much gnashing of teeth over "wasted" barn door efforts. Schwarzer not looking so hot @LIV this week, for instance. But it's a level playing field. I don't know that I want either Eth or certainly Gera any longer. My current green players (selected, but not bought/saved) are Torres, Bullard and JCole having moved from Tevez, Eth and Gera. I'm liking that the for the week.

Then next week it has to be all Aston Villa, doesn't it? As ruinous as they were last time they had two good fixtures, they will play @POR and then ~~home to~~ @Hull. Freidel, Gabby, Carew, BFAY. Collect them all!

O'Neill fearful of virus

... and no, he's not talking about Nigel Reo-Coker.

MARTIN O’Neill fears a virus could be spreading through his Villa camp ahead of this weekend’s trip to Stoke.

Striker Gabby Agbonlahor was laid low with the bug for last Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final thriller at Reading and a member of O’Neill’s backroom staff has since been taken ill.

Now, as Villa prepare to recommence their push for a place in the Premier League’s top four at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, the Villa boss is keeping his fingers cross that the illness doesn’t claim further victims. “One of our physiotherapists, Stuart Walker, has gone down with something similar (to Agbonlahor) so I’m hoping this won’t be spreading around the team for the weekend,” revealed O’Neill. “But we’ll see how it goes...

“Gabby missed training earlier this week and I’m hoping it’s one of those 48 to 72-hour viruses or something like that.”

Matchday Open Thread

Sorenson, Hangeland and Shawcross all come into the match after being injury doubts though Wilkinson can only make the bench. He is joined there by former first team strikers Beattie and Fuller while Tuncay partners Sidibe on the pitch. Fulham also have Kelly in at right back in place of the injured Paintsil. Baird stays in central midfield with Murphy while Dempsey loses his place to Gera. AJ (all 7.28 in the fantasy game of him) partners Zamora.

For tomorrow's match, Arsenal expect to have Denilson and Arshavin back. However, Cesc has been definitely ruled out at least through the Everton match at the weekend. As for Bolton, the only word is about Coyle joining as manager, but that announcement will likely be face "late fitness test" to happen by match time.

Consider this your matchday open thread.

Fulham Game Set To Go Ahead

STOKE CITY remain confident at this stage that this evening's Barclays Premier League match against Fulham will go ahead at the Britannia Stadium.

The Club have conducted a review of the situation with match referee Mark Clattenburg and the Police at lunchtime which confirmed that the pitch itself and the footprint of the Britannia Stadium are in good condition for the game tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

City's Chief Executive Tony Scholes commented: "There is no reason to believe that this evening's game won't go ahead at this moment in time."

However, the Club have stressed that they cannot legislate for any sudden change in the weather later today, even though no more snow is forecast.

Stoke City Season Preview

Stoke City were very, very good to me last season. Their fixture list fell just perfect so that their last few months were a cake walk. Not that I cleaned up, but I did get good returns from Lawrence, Beattie and Wilkinson. Meanwhile, Fuller and Shawcross were point machines.

Now it's second season syndrome. Can the Britannia Stadium again be a fortress? Will teams remain vulnerable to Stoke's size, physicality and Delap's long throw? I think Stoke will need to evolve to survive, and I think they have it in them. They can play a bit of football. The likes of Lawrence and Etherington can move the ball around. They have some good, young defenders fighting for playing time. Perhaps they are a bit thin (if also a bit thick) in central midfield with the likes of Diao, Faye and Delap all having their limitations. I would also worry about their ability to cope with injuries to their forwards or wingers if, as I'm suggesting, they will have to add a bit more creativity to their game. But if healthy and still motivated, I think fantasy managers can count on Stoke players for points, especially at home, sweet home.

Possible Starting XI: Soreneson, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Ab Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Whelan, Delap, Etherington, Fuller, Beattie

Players to Watch:

Liam Lawrence: My absolute favorite type of player - a winger tasked with all of his team's set pieces. Last season I was able to pick Lawrence up for 7 after his return from a freak "dog on the stairs" injury. He was a solid point producer earning around 7 a week. And that was even factoring in his penchant for the stupid yellow card. Throw in a few goals down the stretch and I was a happy fantasy owner. I think more of the same will be expected this season, and he's going to have to do it from the off. He's a bit more expensive a player now, but if he can cut out the silly fouls - and maybe he can't - he's a useful addition to your fantasy team.

Ricardo Fuller: Fuller made more headlines last season for his slapping of Andy Griffin and his horrific shoulder injury than for his goal scoring. He was also overshadowed (in the press) by Beattie's arrival and impact at the club. There's no doubt that Beattie's goal came at the right time for Stoke, but that's a little unfair to Fuller who ended the season as the team's leading scorer. In fact it was interesting that in several matches Stoke scored two goals... one from each. Fuller was also the regular penalty kick taker, which only enhances his fantasy value. And at 3 less than Beattie, he's the smart money bet as well.

Andy Wilkinson: A rarity in the game these days - a cheap defender! Well, a relatively cheap defender. And he comes with lots of caveats. Is his place under threat from the veteran Griffin or the young-gun Shotton? Is Stoke a lock-down defensive club away from home? Will last season's trend continue where Wilkinson was the first player taken off the pitch as Pulis looked to lock things down or open them up? All that being said, Wilko could still turn out to be real value for money. Especially as the cheap end of the defender pool is very, very shallow.

Pulis gives youngster hope

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has confirmed young defender Ryan Shotton is in contention to start their opening Premier League fixture against Burnley.
Andy Wilkinson and Andy Griffin were widely expected to command the Potters' full-back positions this season, although Pulis believes the 20-year-old is a genuine contender...
"Wilko has been unfortunate with a shoulder injury of late, but he's now back, while Griff is now as fit as he's ever been, so we will see what happens."

I know a lot of fantasy managers were looking to Andy Wilkinson this season. Cheap, and with some good returns last year. But this must at least give one pause. I wouldn't expect Wilko to be displaced just yet, but he was the first man off the pitch a lot and even if Stoke can hold a clean sheet, will he make the required 75 minutes?

Just Not Good Enough

Today brings us two more entries for the "Just Not Good Enough for the Premier League" team. You know, that player that looks great in Holland or in the Championship but can't make the step up to the big time. The Darren Huckerbys and Mateja Kezmans of the world. (And why are these players invariably strikers?)

Kitson returns to Reading on loan

Stoke City's record signing Dave Kitson has gone back to Championship side Reading on loan until the end of the season, reports BBC Radio Stoke.
The 29-year-old striker signed for City for £5.5m in the summer, but has failed to find the net for the Potters in 18 appearances for the club.

Prica quits Sunderland for Norway

Sunderland have allowed striker Rade Prica to join Norwegian side Rosenborg for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old Sweden international held talks over the weekend and has clinched a move in time for Saturday's season-opener against Valerenga.
Prica played six times for the Black Cats, all of them as sub, after a £2m switch from Aalborg in January, 2008.