After that brief MLS interlude, its time to ignore the fact that Chelsea has wrapped things up because there's still some chance that the Galway Galacticos will choke under the pressure of pending nuptuals and there will be the opportunity to catch them for the Bad Idea Teams title. Injury updates aren't available yet, but here's the early line on who to play on this most fantastic of sports weekends - EPL in the home stretch (OK, doesn't matter this year), Final Four, Opening Day for MLB and MLS. Good times people. Here are the match-ups that are important as you make your line-up decisions...
Chelsea is going on the road to Southampton - doesn't matter where they play.
Arsenal will be hosting Norwich and future Arsenal striker Dean Ashton - if Henry plays, it seems like a good bet that Arsenal will score at least 3 goals.
ManYoo at home to Blackburn who are playing excellent defense but have nothing on offense - look for a 1-0 home win - 2-0 max. ManYoo defenders and Roonaldo are probably your best bets.
Everton are travelling to struggling Fulham - Everton aren't particularly hot but lots of people seem to get hot when they play Fulham these days. Is this the day Beattie breaks out? Cahill?
So, here's how they line up...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - if he's healthy, of course
AJ, Crystal Palace - Home to waning 'Boro - just because he hasn't been in the news recently is no reason to sleep on him
Roonaldo, ManYoo - Still pains me to do this, but he's been getting more and more consistent.
Midfielders
Joe Cole, Chelsea - What can I say, he's on fire and Robben shows no signs of playing anytime soon.
Frank Lampard, Chelsea - Remember the evergreen list...'nuff said
Duffman, Chelsea - I'm going for the Chelsea midfield trifecta - nothing else gets me fired up.
Downing, 'Boro - Can't believe I'm advocating two players in the Palace/Boro game but you'll thank me for it
Defenders
John Terry, Chelsea - Again with the evergreen list
Heinze, ManYoo - Ditto
Gallas, Chelsea - OK, perhaps an uninspired choice...
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - I'm not sure there's any reason to go away from this now although if you're looking for a point of differentiation go with T-Ho
Are you ready for some...
MLS? Who would have guessed that the MLS could create compelling soccer news while the following were still going on:
1) European Domestic League Seasons - OK, England and Spain are pretty much done thanks to Roman's riches and the ravages of the aging process on the gentlemen of Madrid. But Juve and Milan are still fighting it out in Italy, Bayern are trying to hold off the competition in Germany and PSV are just barely on top in Holland (and no, no one cares about the French first division so it doesn't deserve a mention).
2) Champion's League - Liverpool vs. Juve? Yikes
3) World Cup Qualifying - How is it that there are no good match-ups in European qualifying?
Anyway, with all that still going on MLS somehow managed to get my attention this week in a few different ways:
1) Landon Donovan - um, is there any evidence that he actually landed in Germany and played for Leverkusen? I'm starting to think that this is just a continuation of Germany's attempt to get inside our collective head because they realize that we were better than them in JapOrea '02. Does it mean that we're making progress as a soccer nation now that we've started throwing people tabbed for super-stardom under the bus before they turn 24?
2) Ruiz-to-Dallas - the fallout of Donovan-to-LA might lead to the first legitimately frightening strikeforce in MLS history. OK, its not exactly Ronaldo and Raul (circa 2003, that is) but tell me that Blackburn Rovers or West Brom wouldn't rather have Ruiz and Johnson than the chumps that they're sending out there right now. OK, maybe they will and maybe they won't forge a productive partnership but on pure talent, MLS has never had anything close.
3) Hunter Freeman - OK, this one is purely speculation on my part but I'm going to back this kid as Rookie of the Year. Somehow I've gotten pretty good at reading reports on athletes and deciding which ones are blowing smoke and which ones have something to them. This kid is going to be our first legitimate wingback. He'll play pretty good defense and still manage to be a difference-maker on the offensive end of the field. Sort of like the role that Albright has started carving out for himself - except he'll be better at the defense part and the offense part.
Not exactly the stuff that national sports headlines are made of in this country and I'm sure no one in Europe other than Landon Donovan's neighbors in Germany have noticed any of this as they watch their national teams beat up opponents who can barely fit both a soccer stadium and a practice pitch inside their national boarders but I'm here to make sure that at least the 5 people that read this blog have noticed.
1) European Domestic League Seasons - OK, England and Spain are pretty much done thanks to Roman's riches and the ravages of the aging process on the gentlemen of Madrid. But Juve and Milan are still fighting it out in Italy, Bayern are trying to hold off the competition in Germany and PSV are just barely on top in Holland (and no, no one cares about the French first division so it doesn't deserve a mention).
2) Champion's League - Liverpool vs. Juve? Yikes
3) World Cup Qualifying - How is it that there are no good match-ups in European qualifying?
Anyway, with all that still going on MLS somehow managed to get my attention this week in a few different ways:
1) Landon Donovan - um, is there any evidence that he actually landed in Germany and played for Leverkusen? I'm starting to think that this is just a continuation of Germany's attempt to get inside our collective head because they realize that we were better than them in JapOrea '02. Does it mean that we're making progress as a soccer nation now that we've started throwing people tabbed for super-stardom under the bus before they turn 24?
2) Ruiz-to-Dallas - the fallout of Donovan-to-LA might lead to the first legitimately frightening strikeforce in MLS history. OK, its not exactly Ronaldo and Raul (circa 2003, that is) but tell me that Blackburn Rovers or West Brom wouldn't rather have Ruiz and Johnson than the chumps that they're sending out there right now. OK, maybe they will and maybe they won't forge a productive partnership but on pure talent, MLS has never had anything close.
3) Hunter Freeman - OK, this one is purely speculation on my part but I'm going to back this kid as Rookie of the Year. Somehow I've gotten pretty good at reading reports on athletes and deciding which ones are blowing smoke and which ones have something to them. This kid is going to be our first legitimate wingback. He'll play pretty good defense and still manage to be a difference-maker on the offensive end of the field. Sort of like the role that Albright has started carving out for himself - except he'll be better at the defense part and the offense part.
Not exactly the stuff that national sports headlines are made of in this country and I'm sure no one in Europe other than Landon Donovan's neighbors in Germany have noticed any of this as they watch their national teams beat up opponents who can barely fit both a soccer stadium and a practice pitch inside their national boarders but I'm here to make sure that at least the 5 people that read this blog have noticed.
Selling my soul...
Not a pleasant thought on a weekend that started with the single greatest day on the sports calendar - St. Patricks Day and the first day of March Madness combined. As might be imagined, that quickly led to the hangover that comes from realizing that lots of good fantasy players are hurt and those that might ordinarily be second tier choices are playing away to good defensive teams (AJ meet the Chelsea back 4, Thierry, Didier, Arjen meet the trainer). The sad conclusion that I am left with is, as the title suggests, selling my soul to the Devils. That's right, 3 of those bastards up top this week and praying that this is the week that Ruud finally puts it all together.
Here's how they line up in my little part of the world...
A - Ruud, Rooney, Ronaldo
M - Lamps, Duffman, Downing, Robert
D - Gallas, Terry, Heinze
K - Cech
And don't think I'm not bitter about this but Bergkamp has a knock and I have no idea where Arsenal will get their offense if that is the case. Drogba is questionable and Morhinio killed me last week so I'm not going back there. Plus, its hard to get excited about the notion of Fulham doing a great job on the road at OT.
Here's how they line up in my little part of the world...
A - Ruud, Rooney, Ronaldo
M - Lamps, Duffman, Downing, Robert
D - Gallas, Terry, Heinze
K - Cech
And don't think I'm not bitter about this but Bergkamp has a knock and I have no idea where Arsenal will get their offense if that is the case. Drogba is questionable and Morhinio killed me last week so I'm not going back there. Plus, its hard to get excited about the notion of Fulham doing a great job on the road at OT.
Better Late Than Never
In an abbreviated week of games, the rule of thumb should be All Chelsea, All The Time. With apologies to Liverpool and the two guys from their squad I included in my line-up (Garcia and Gerrard) its all about Chelsea back close to full strength playing at home. Here's the quick rundown:
F - Drogba, Defoe (ok, he doesn't play for Chelsea yet)
M - Lamps, Robben (he's back...), Duff, Garcia, Gerrard
D - Terry, Gallas, Carvahlo
G - Cech
Not the most creative line-up ever but it should get the job done. Of course, if Chelsea find themselves reverting to their beginning of the season 1-0 ways, this line-up will look like a terrible mistake.
F - Drogba, Defoe (ok, he doesn't play for Chelsea yet)
M - Lamps, Robben (he's back...), Duff, Garcia, Gerrard
D - Terry, Gallas, Carvahlo
G - Cech
Not the most creative line-up ever but it should get the job done. Of course, if Chelsea find themselves reverting to their beginning of the season 1-0 ways, this line-up will look like a terrible mistake.
Gonna be a quick one...
because the day job beckons and no one seems interested in paying me for my opinion on Fantasy Footie...
Arsenal are devastated by injury and suspension and can't seem to figure out who will start opposite a recently gimpy Henry. Probably no one worth taking here outside of Henry and Freddie.
ManYoo have indicated that they're going to start Ruud. Wither the human yellow card? Will he get the rest Sir Alex promised last week? Who to start in midfield? Giggs? Scholes? Ronaldo? If I were running the team Ruud, Rooney and Ronaldo would start every game possible but since I'm not, you can never tell when their guys are going to get a random rest. Ruud vs. Drogba is the 3rd striker dilema (with Henry and AJ who, repeat after me, I will not rest).
Now we get to find out whether it was losing Drogba or losing Robben or just that both happened at the same time that has crushed Chelsea's offense. I'm leaning towards taking Drogba over Ruud (mostly because I don't want to have a Devil in my line-up if I can help it). Lampard is back and its hard to justify sitting him for any reason.
Pennant is, I believe, in jail. JP Angel and SWP are injured and definitely out. The entire Liverpool squad is apparently hurt.
So, here's the rundown:
A - Henry, AJ, Drogba
M - Lampard, Downing, Freddie, Gerrard
D - Heinze, Terry, O'Shea
G - Cech
Enjoy the games
Arsenal are devastated by injury and suspension and can't seem to figure out who will start opposite a recently gimpy Henry. Probably no one worth taking here outside of Henry and Freddie.
ManYoo have indicated that they're going to start Ruud. Wither the human yellow card? Will he get the rest Sir Alex promised last week? Who to start in midfield? Giggs? Scholes? Ronaldo? If I were running the team Ruud, Rooney and Ronaldo would start every game possible but since I'm not, you can never tell when their guys are going to get a random rest. Ruud vs. Drogba is the 3rd striker dilema (with Henry and AJ who, repeat after me, I will not rest).
Now we get to find out whether it was losing Drogba or losing Robben or just that both happened at the same time that has crushed Chelsea's offense. I'm leaning towards taking Drogba over Ruud (mostly because I don't want to have a Devil in my line-up if I can help it). Lampard is back and its hard to justify sitting him for any reason.
Pennant is, I believe, in jail. JP Angel and SWP are injured and definitely out. The entire Liverpool squad is apparently hurt.
So, here's the rundown:
A - Henry, AJ, Drogba
M - Lampard, Downing, Freddie, Gerrard
D - Heinze, Terry, O'Shea
G - Cech
Enjoy the games
This probably means I need a life...
But Jeremy and I were rambling on about lineups for next week and somehow stumbled upon an IM stream about the best names in the game. We started of with the guy who has got to be an all-time all-name-team hall of famer, Jan Vennegor of Hesselink. Just incredible, his name is more of a sentance than anything else. Throw on top of it that he's the leading scorer on the top team in his league and a Quarterfinalist in the Champions League (PSV for those of you not geeky enough to know these things) and you have an unstoppable combination. Also getting mention were the following:
1) Nicky Butt, Newcastle/injured list - you can't help but snicker a little bit each time you say/hear that name
2) Kaka, AC Milan - see above
3) Obefemi Martins, Inter Milan - If only David Letterman knew about this guy, he'd find a way to get him in a room with Oprah and Uma
4) Gianluca Pallicua, Italy - Our tribute to a great name and the golden age of SportsCenter, Keith, you're needed back home in Bristol
5) Perluigi Collina, Italy/baldness - from the officiating division, and you gotta love the hairline
6) Papa Bouba Diop, Fulham - just a good, solid name
7) Pick a Brazilian, All Over - Dunga, Socrates, and the list goes on and on
So, that was our quick winner and some runners up. Please feel free to add to the list.
1) Nicky Butt, Newcastle/injured list - you can't help but snicker a little bit each time you say/hear that name
2) Kaka, AC Milan - see above
3) Obefemi Martins, Inter Milan - If only David Letterman knew about this guy, he'd find a way to get him in a room with Oprah and Uma
4) Gianluca Pallicua, Italy - Our tribute to a great name and the golden age of SportsCenter, Keith, you're needed back home in Bristol
5) Perluigi Collina, Italy/baldness - from the officiating division, and you gotta love the hairline
6) Papa Bouba Diop, Fulham - just a good, solid name
7) Pick a Brazilian, All Over - Dunga, Socrates, and the list goes on and on
So, that was our quick winner and some runners up. Please feel free to add to the list.
Big Ups...
No, not to the English teams in the Champion's League. With the exception of Liverpool, they pretty much stunk this week. Please, read that statement again. Who'd have guessed that Liverpool, without any recognizable players no less, would be the saving grace for the Premiership. Chelsea scored a fluke away goal so they aren't in TOO much trouble but they're facing a great Barca team and they seem to have lost their magic with Robben out of the line-up. ManYoo had a couple opportunities but Paul Scholes missed an easy one that I would expect half the roster of any of my club teams to make - otherwise, they just looked bad...at home. Not good times for Devils fans. Finally, Arsenal. I'm not sure exactly what to say. At home, their known for their creativity on the offensive end of the pitch. In Europe, they seem to be firming up their reputation for creativity in finding new ways to lose. Minus the blunders, they still didn't look great, but if they had gotten out of there 1-1 or even down only 2-1, they'd be in good shape. Not so much, now.
So what ARE the big ups in the title for? Our boy, Kris who is currently ranked #90 in the overall Yahoo Fantasy Footie standings. Not bad for someone who doesn't know a damn thing about the sport (which you can tell by his choice of teams to support).
Now, on with this week in fantasy...
Short schedule this weekend. Managers will be happy to know that Chelsea don't play so you are relieved of the difficult decision of whether to include Lampard or not for at least one week. Also taking the weekend off will be Liverpool, WBA and Blackburn. Please make note. In addition to reduced schedule are some pretty mediocre matchups. I really can't figure out who to play on ManYoo and Pompey (and especially my man Yakubu) seem to give them fits but you have to figure that they'll win at OT. Theoretically, Ruud is back but forgive me if I take a pass on him for a week until he proves something. Arsenal seem to be running out of players so if you're interested in taking a risk, it might not be a bad call to insert van Persie into your line-up. With Reyes and Bergkamp out (the latter of which is complete crap), van Persie is likely to start at striker and only cost you a midfield slot. That said, I noted to a friend over IM this past week that I'm pretty sure that van Persie is Dutch for "Rooney with no power on his shot". He seems to get into good positions but then squib the ball off his shin. Oh yeah, he seems to have a bit of a temper so let the buyer beware.
Not so many "evergreens" left on the list due to injuries and Chelsea being off...
S - Henry, Johnson
M - Downing
D - Heinze
Here are some thoughts on who to add to that list...
S - Welcome the new guys, time to take a risk on Mido or Pandini? Maybe Defoe?
M - SWP is playing against the pourous Norwich D (worst in the Prem), Pennant is playing great since his move over from Arsenal, now if he could only stay out of jail, Giggs? Pires?
D - Best bets on the list seem to be the ManYoo guys, call it Chelsea light
G - Ditto Carroll unless he's replaced by T-Ho for that terrible blunder vs. Milan on Wednesday night.
So what ARE the big ups in the title for? Our boy, Kris who is currently ranked #90 in the overall Yahoo Fantasy Footie standings. Not bad for someone who doesn't know a damn thing about the sport (which you can tell by his choice of teams to support).
Now, on with this week in fantasy...
Short schedule this weekend. Managers will be happy to know that Chelsea don't play so you are relieved of the difficult decision of whether to include Lampard or not for at least one week. Also taking the weekend off will be Liverpool, WBA and Blackburn. Please make note. In addition to reduced schedule are some pretty mediocre matchups. I really can't figure out who to play on ManYoo and Pompey (and especially my man Yakubu) seem to give them fits but you have to figure that they'll win at OT. Theoretically, Ruud is back but forgive me if I take a pass on him for a week until he proves something. Arsenal seem to be running out of players so if you're interested in taking a risk, it might not be a bad call to insert van Persie into your line-up. With Reyes and Bergkamp out (the latter of which is complete crap), van Persie is likely to start at striker and only cost you a midfield slot. That said, I noted to a friend over IM this past week that I'm pretty sure that van Persie is Dutch for "Rooney with no power on his shot". He seems to get into good positions but then squib the ball off his shin. Oh yeah, he seems to have a bit of a temper so let the buyer beware.
Not so many "evergreens" left on the list due to injuries and Chelsea being off...
S - Henry, Johnson
M - Downing
D - Heinze
Here are some thoughts on who to add to that list...
S - Welcome the new guys, time to take a risk on Mido or Pandini? Maybe Defoe?
M - SWP is playing against the pourous Norwich D (worst in the Prem), Pennant is playing great since his move over from Arsenal, now if he could only stay out of jail, Giggs? Pires?
D - Best bets on the list seem to be the ManYoo guys, call it Chelsea light
G - Ditto Carroll unless he's replaced by T-Ho for that terrible blunder vs. Milan on Wednesday night.
Andy Johnson, the Rodney Dangerfield of English Soccer
Who has the most goals of any englishman in top-flight competition? Not Owen, not Rooney, not Defoe, not Lampart, not Gerrard, not anybody but AJ. Yet, Sven Goran Eriksson thinks he might make a fair right winger? Hmmm. Perhaps TO would make a nice blocking back, perhaps LT might make a nice TE, or perhaps Manning might be an ok flanker . . . yeeesh. Perhaps Sven has been looking at how Yahoo classifies players to make such decisions, Ronaldo a Striker yet Duff and Robben midfielders . . .
More importantly, he is a fantasy stud. If only Crystal Palace's kit (apparently what the peeps over here call uniforms) wasn't monkey ass ugly I would considering wearing an AJ shirt.
If AJ gets relegated which teams could benefit from his services? As a striker that is, not a midfielder that is . . .
Hard to tell...
if I'm just getting lazy or if there really aren't any compelling match-ups out there this weekend. First thing to note is that not everyone is playing this weekend due to FA Cup replays and who knows what other vagaries of the schedule-maker. Tottenham, Newcastle, Southampton, Fulham, West Brom & Charlton are all out of the mix for the week. Although since the powers-that-be at Yahoo haven't posted the last round of Transfer Window toys which includes two-goal Mido, one might argue that the above teams have been absent from the fantasy scene all year so how would them not playing change that?
Absentees aside, its a tough weekend. Out of form (for them) Chelsea visit Goodison Park in what promises to be a grinder of a match that kicks off at 7:45 in the AM for those of us on the East Coast. Could easily be a repeat of last week's 0-0 draw w/ Man Citeh. Compounding Chelsea's loss of offense for fantasy managers this week will be the Manchester Derby. United is definitely in good form but Citeh has had their number the last few years and a local derby is usually good for contraversy rather than fantasy points. Come to think of it, we probably need to dedicate an entire column to the fact that Man Citeh has played Chelsea and ManYoo as tough or tougher than anyone over the last two seasons and yet can't seem to beat newly promoted clubs frequently enough to stay much higher than 10th during the course of a season.
So where does this leave us? Nowhere different than last week really. Arsenal guys are probably worth more consideration after their display at Villa Park. Just imagine if the capitalize on even half their opportunities on net. Pires still looks a bit shakey but Freddie is a good bet. If you aren't sure about Andrew Johnson, or you're like me and just need the slightest excuse to include him, Bergkamp is worth a slot as well.
One final note, Eddie Johnson RULES! That header looked very Drogba-like. New prediction, by the time the MLS season ends, he will have priced himself out of Holland. Maybe out of Germany. Best bets...Blackburn (badly in need of a striker if they stay up and Friedel there to advocate), ManCiteh (need an Anelka replacement), Charlton (not sure they even have a striker), Seville (the Everton of the Spanish League), Espanyol & Atletico Madrid (both need to be innovative to find some goals).
Absentees aside, its a tough weekend. Out of form (for them) Chelsea visit Goodison Park in what promises to be a grinder of a match that kicks off at 7:45 in the AM for those of us on the East Coast. Could easily be a repeat of last week's 0-0 draw w/ Man Citeh. Compounding Chelsea's loss of offense for fantasy managers this week will be the Manchester Derby. United is definitely in good form but Citeh has had their number the last few years and a local derby is usually good for contraversy rather than fantasy points. Come to think of it, we probably need to dedicate an entire column to the fact that Man Citeh has played Chelsea and ManYoo as tough or tougher than anyone over the last two seasons and yet can't seem to beat newly promoted clubs frequently enough to stay much higher than 10th during the course of a season.
So where does this leave us? Nowhere different than last week really. Arsenal guys are probably worth more consideration after their display at Villa Park. Just imagine if the capitalize on even half their opportunities on net. Pires still looks a bit shakey but Freddie is a good bet. If you aren't sure about Andrew Johnson, or you're like me and just need the slightest excuse to include him, Bergkamp is worth a slot as well.
One final note, Eddie Johnson RULES! That header looked very Drogba-like. New prediction, by the time the MLS season ends, he will have priced himself out of Holland. Maybe out of Germany. Best bets...Blackburn (badly in need of a striker if they stay up and Friedel there to advocate), ManCiteh (need an Anelka replacement), Charlton (not sure they even have a striker), Seville (the Everton of the Spanish League), Espanyol & Atletico Madrid (both need to be innovative to find some goals).
Fearless Predictions and Random Thoughts
1. Chelsea will come back to the pack as they face a month without Arjen Robben - clearly the catalyst on their offense. The defense looks strong, OK air-tight, but the anemic offense means that they may draw a couple more games this month either 0-0 or 1-1. If Arsenal and/or ManYoo can put together a run of wins - we'll have a race again.
2. Eddie Johnson will star in the US World Cup qualification and make it very hard for Dallas to keep him for the entire 2005 season. A top half of the table team in Spain or England or one of the big clubs in Germany or Holland will make MLS the proverbial offer it can't refuse. He, and not Freddie Adu, will be the first major US star on the world stage. He will ultimately be the target man off of whom Freddie's promised brilliance will be worked.
3. Steven Gerrard will regret moving to Chelsea if that indeed comes to pass. Real Madrid, who could use a central midfield complement/replacement for Zidane, make much more sense if he's going to move. And how about Becks heading to Liverpool in return - a right wing player of his offensive capabilities would really open things up opportunities for Morientes and give Liverpool Chelsea-like width if Kewell ever gets healthy.
4. Granted it was just one game but based on that game, Arsenal definitely need to keep Edu and find a way to get rid of Gilberto instead if they're bound and determined to subtract a salary from their central midfield equation. Edu has progressed consistently since his arrival and Gilberto has seemed to stagnate.
5. Time for England and the US to stage a series of friendlies (July 4th in non-World Cup/Euro Cup years, perhaps, with an alternative date when those competitions happen). Granted England has a lot more to lose than we do, but in a world where friendlies are often over-looked by the traditional football superpowers, this might generate some interest on both sides of the pond.
2. Eddie Johnson will star in the US World Cup qualification and make it very hard for Dallas to keep him for the entire 2005 season. A top half of the table team in Spain or England or one of the big clubs in Germany or Holland will make MLS the proverbial offer it can't refuse. He, and not Freddie Adu, will be the first major US star on the world stage. He will ultimately be the target man off of whom Freddie's promised brilliance will be worked.
3. Steven Gerrard will regret moving to Chelsea if that indeed comes to pass. Real Madrid, who could use a central midfield complement/replacement for Zidane, make much more sense if he's going to move. And how about Becks heading to Liverpool in return - a right wing player of his offensive capabilities would really open things up opportunities for Morientes and give Liverpool Chelsea-like width if Kewell ever gets healthy.
4. Granted it was just one game but based on that game, Arsenal definitely need to keep Edu and find a way to get rid of Gilberto instead if they're bound and determined to subtract a salary from their central midfield equation. Edu has progressed consistently since his arrival and Gilberto has seemed to stagnate.
5. Time for England and the US to stage a series of friendlies (July 4th in non-World Cup/Euro Cup years, perhaps, with an alternative date when those competitions happen). Granted England has a lot more to lose than we do, but in a world where friendlies are often over-looked by the traditional football superpowers, this might generate some interest on both sides of the pond.
Curiouser and curiouser
I have no idea what to make of Arsenal's dismantling of the Villans at Villa Park early this afternoon. It was nice to see the free flowing offense even in the ugly weather and its never a terrible thing to get three goals on the road. On the other hand, it is distressing to see goals left on the pitch - lots of 'em. Henry missed two that are usually no-brainers for him and another that he would probably have scored at the height of his powers. Pires and Edu both hit posts on makable shots. Henry ducked under a sweet cross from Ljungberg. Vieira flubbed a volley early on before the outcome was certain. Against Villa, this sort of performance probably isn't a tragedy but if the Gunners want to retake second from Manchester United and make some noise in the FA Cup and Champions League, they can't afford to squander opportunitiese on net.
Short Week...
But what a week...Arjen Robben's injury throw the fantasy world into chaos. Chelsea wasn't particularly impressive on offense until he came into the line-up and didn't look very imposing vs. Blackburn after he left on Wednesday. For those who have inserted Duff, Drogba, Lampard to a lesser extent, and others into their Fantasy line-up as everyone has fed off of Robben's excellence, this brings a large percentage of their line-up into question. Is Lampard a no-brainer if Chelsea is only going to score one goal a week as they did earlier in the season? Drogba is still in doubt and wasn't nearly as effective without Robben in the early going.
So, without going into gory detail. Here are the recommended changes...
Strikers - Stay away from Drogba for the above reasons. Henry is still a given and Bergkamp is showing signs not being completely divorced from his brilliant prime. Ronaldo is also hot and Birmingham's defense isn't what it was when Robbie Savage was patrolling the center of midfield. For the budget conscious, Dean Ashton seems to be producing on a regular basis and has a nice match-up this weekend.
Midfielders - Hard to go against Lampard, especially after publishing the "evergreen" list on Tuesday. Downing and Shawn Wright-Phillips continue to do great things. In the absence of Robben as the bedrock of your line-up, the choice for those with money to burn is between Giggs and Gerrard. Giggs is certainly hot but Gerrard has a better fantasy history over the last couple years.
Defense - Here's the big question, do you believe that Chelsea's defense will continue to be air-tight if they aren't consistently winning 3-0 and 4-0? Without the almost guaranteed 5 points a game for a clean sheet, John Terry and his merry men become adequate answers on defense but aren't premium options. If, for example, you think they only stand a 50% chance of getting the clean sheet, then its probably time to start reconsidering your defense. Heinze is still an excellent option. Babaryo from Newcastle has been excellent on both offense and defense since his move from the Bridge. Finally, given Darren Fletcher's injury, John O'Shea, coming off a goal that even he didn't believe he scored, is an excellent option since he'll be eligible for the Clean Sheet while playing midfield.
Keeper - Peter Cech anyone?
So, without going into gory detail. Here are the recommended changes...
Strikers - Stay away from Drogba for the above reasons. Henry is still a given and Bergkamp is showing signs not being completely divorced from his brilliant prime. Ronaldo is also hot and Birmingham's defense isn't what it was when Robbie Savage was patrolling the center of midfield. For the budget conscious, Dean Ashton seems to be producing on a regular basis and has a nice match-up this weekend.
Midfielders - Hard to go against Lampard, especially after publishing the "evergreen" list on Tuesday. Downing and Shawn Wright-Phillips continue to do great things. In the absence of Robben as the bedrock of your line-up, the choice for those with money to burn is between Giggs and Gerrard. Giggs is certainly hot but Gerrard has a better fantasy history over the last couple years.
Defense - Here's the big question, do you believe that Chelsea's defense will continue to be air-tight if they aren't consistently winning 3-0 and 4-0? Without the almost guaranteed 5 points a game for a clean sheet, John Terry and his merry men become adequate answers on defense but aren't premium options. If, for example, you think they only stand a 50% chance of getting the clean sheet, then its probably time to start reconsidering your defense. Heinze is still an excellent option. Babaryo from Newcastle has been excellent on both offense and defense since his move from the Bridge. Finally, given Darren Fletcher's injury, John O'Shea, coming off a goal that even he didn't believe he scored, is an excellent option since he'll be eligible for the Clean Sheet while playing midfield.
Keeper - Peter Cech anyone?
Biggest Week Ever
Not sure what we've learned here but I haven't written one of these things in a while and I've been gaining ground on the leaders while I've been away. Anyway, suffice it to say that this is a pretty big sports week in my little world. The appetizer comes tomorrow when ManYoo and Arsenal square off in the re-match of the Rooney "dive" match. After that we're on to the really big one - Eagles/Patriots. I apologize for giving the EPL short shrift this week but being from Philadelphia, I've been waiting a long time for this one. Additionally, Arsenal and ManYoo seem destined to be fighting for 2nd place which is hard to get excited about. Anyway, here's some thoughts to get you through the week and maybe help your fantasy team:
1) Might be a good week to "rest" Henry - the Highbury extravaganza will likely be high on media hyperbole and low on goals;
2) This goes for Pires as well but if you've had him in your line-up recently, shame on you, that's why I'm catching up to you in the standings;
3) @Blackburn doesn't seem like a good reason to go away from Chelsea backline guys;
4) (random NFL note) TO and his ankle will catch multiple passes this coming Sunday and be a factor, if you can find someone to take the bet, 4 catches 60+ yards 1 TD (you heard it here first). Despite that, Greg Lewis will make the most important catch of the game (a long TD that seemingly comes from nowhere). For Fantasy NFL types, take a flier on him in the late rounds next year.
5) Jeremy and I have been discussing our "evergreen" guys (those who we really don't consider changing from week-to-week unless they're hurt). Mine are currently Cech, Gallas, Terry, Heinze, Robben, Lampard, Downing, and Henry with SWP making a strong case. Amazing what Roman's billions have done. Last year it looked more like Howard, Tarnat, Pires, Gerrard, & Henry. More so than the new system, Chelsea's relatively stable and incredibly productive line-up has taken a little fun out of the proceedings.
6) OK, I know they've had lots of injuries but is there any excuse for Liverpool being as bad as they are? How many teams have a central midfielder as good as Gerrard? (answer is 1.5 now that Gravesson is in Spain - Lampard is playing better and Vieira is probably better but isn't currently playing better).
7) (Liverpool continued) Likewise, how many teams in the Prem wouldn't trade their best striker straight up for Morientes? (Arsenal, ManYoo, & Chelsea but that's probably about it). The amazing thing isn't that Liverpool isn't that good, its that they can't seem to score even when they're playing mediocre teams.
8) The big question of the weekend has to focus on Rooney - will he actually put two good games in a row together? or will he again go from sterling goals one day to nothing worth mentioning the next (see, ManYoo debut in Champions League qualifying followed up by squat in the Prem for all those fantasy owners who flocked to him).
9) I keep talking myself out of it but if you hear me doubting myself for the rest of the season, please remind me - put Andrew Johnson in your freakin' line-up and leave him there. He plays on a crappy team but he's a fantasy stud and should probably be on the above "evergreen" list.
10) Let's give a mid-season nod to our fantasy MVP - Frank Lampard. Just an amazing season. Maybe its because there's a crazy amount of talent on the squad, there probably isn't one other guy in the EPL who has been in every starting line-up, every week for all of the top teams in our division. Even Henry has been left out.
Enjoy the big week.
Go Gunners...and more importantly Fly Eagles Fly
1) Might be a good week to "rest" Henry - the Highbury extravaganza will likely be high on media hyperbole and low on goals;
2) This goes for Pires as well but if you've had him in your line-up recently, shame on you, that's why I'm catching up to you in the standings;
3) @Blackburn doesn't seem like a good reason to go away from Chelsea backline guys;
4) (random NFL note) TO and his ankle will catch multiple passes this coming Sunday and be a factor, if you can find someone to take the bet, 4 catches 60+ yards 1 TD (you heard it here first). Despite that, Greg Lewis will make the most important catch of the game (a long TD that seemingly comes from nowhere). For Fantasy NFL types, take a flier on him in the late rounds next year.
5) Jeremy and I have been discussing our "evergreen" guys (those who we really don't consider changing from week-to-week unless they're hurt). Mine are currently Cech, Gallas, Terry, Heinze, Robben, Lampard, Downing, and Henry with SWP making a strong case. Amazing what Roman's billions have done. Last year it looked more like Howard, Tarnat, Pires, Gerrard, & Henry. More so than the new system, Chelsea's relatively stable and incredibly productive line-up has taken a little fun out of the proceedings.
6) OK, I know they've had lots of injuries but is there any excuse for Liverpool being as bad as they are? How many teams have a central midfielder as good as Gerrard? (answer is 1.5 now that Gravesson is in Spain - Lampard is playing better and Vieira is probably better but isn't currently playing better).
7) (Liverpool continued) Likewise, how many teams in the Prem wouldn't trade their best striker straight up for Morientes? (Arsenal, ManYoo, & Chelsea but that's probably about it). The amazing thing isn't that Liverpool isn't that good, its that they can't seem to score even when they're playing mediocre teams.
8) The big question of the weekend has to focus on Rooney - will he actually put two good games in a row together? or will he again go from sterling goals one day to nothing worth mentioning the next (see, ManYoo debut in Champions League qualifying followed up by squat in the Prem for all those fantasy owners who flocked to him).
9) I keep talking myself out of it but if you hear me doubting myself for the rest of the season, please remind me - put Andrew Johnson in your freakin' line-up and leave him there. He plays on a crappy team but he's a fantasy stud and should probably be on the above "evergreen" list.
10) Let's give a mid-season nod to our fantasy MVP - Frank Lampard. Just an amazing season. Maybe its because there's a crazy amount of talent on the squad, there probably isn't one other guy in the EPL who has been in every starting line-up, every week for all of the top teams in our division. Even Henry has been left out.
Enjoy the big week.
Go Gunners...and more importantly Fly Eagles Fly
Striker Roulette
Eany, meany, miney, moe . . . i smell the blood of an english premier league striker.
Who to start this weekend (in addition to Henry that is):
Baros (bad hair but good match-up)
Johnson (no hair and a so so match-up)
Defoe (good match-up and I have nothing else to say about him 'cause I don't know nothing else about him)
Ronaldo (scored versus Exeter (does that even count?) and scores more like a middie so more consistent)
Of these 4 I will be chosing 2 - hopefully ones that don't mysteriously develop an injury keeping them out of the squad or on the bench. All seem like good choices for various reasons, but which ones?
choose wisely . . .
Who to start this weekend (in addition to Henry that is):
Baros (bad hair but good match-up)
Johnson (no hair and a so so match-up)
Defoe (good match-up and I have nothing else to say about him 'cause I don't know nothing else about him)
Ronaldo (scored versus Exeter (does that even count?) and scores more like a middie so more consistent)
Of these 4 I will be chosing 2 - hopefully ones that don't mysteriously develop an injury keeping them out of the squad or on the bench. All seem like good choices for various reasons, but which ones?
choose wisely . . .
Kicking off the new year with...
more of the same...
As we approach the end of 2004, its time to hand out some wishes for the New Year...
1) To Everton...continued good health and hard work and a spot in Europe - maybe even a striker who can put the ball in the net (Mr. Beattie, perhaps?)...
2) To Boro...a long run in the UEFA Cup, another run in Europe next year, and enough stature and money to keep Stewart Downing away from the "big teams".
3) To Liverpool...a healthy striker - not sure they have the stuff to break the top 4 but I hate to see them lose out because of injury.
4) To Pompey...an in form Yakubu - he's just fun to watch when he's on his game.
5) To Joe Cole and Scott Parker...some playing time somewhere - they've got to be atrophying despite Cole's goal this past weekend.
6) To Theiry Henry...some help, you get the feeling that he's doing almost all the work.
7) To ManYoo...a spot in the UEFA Cup - you just get the feeling that there's another slump coming in the second half. They just don't frighten you like they used to.
8) To my hero, Dennis Bergkamp...one more run of form towards the end of the season leading to a graceful retirement.
A quick set or recommendations before heading off to some new years cheer...
Strikers
Not much out there this week with some tough match-ups for the big teams - I'm going with Henry and Andy Johnson at the top of a 3-5-2.
Midfielders
Downing gets ManYoo and Chelsea which doesn't seem like a recipe for points so I'm going to tempt the karma gods and drop him again. I'm also breaking up the Chelsea triumverate - partly because its bad business to have too many eggs in one basket. This leaves me with Giggs, Scholes, Pires, Lampard & Robben.
Defenders
Stayin' with what I got - Gallas, Terry and Heinze.
Keeper
I'm going out on a limb with Alumania since Cech has some tough games this week as does Carroll.
As we approach the end of 2004, its time to hand out some wishes for the New Year...
1) To Everton...continued good health and hard work and a spot in Europe - maybe even a striker who can put the ball in the net (Mr. Beattie, perhaps?)...
2) To Boro...a long run in the UEFA Cup, another run in Europe next year, and enough stature and money to keep Stewart Downing away from the "big teams".
3) To Liverpool...a healthy striker - not sure they have the stuff to break the top 4 but I hate to see them lose out because of injury.
4) To Pompey...an in form Yakubu - he's just fun to watch when he's on his game.
5) To Joe Cole and Scott Parker...some playing time somewhere - they've got to be atrophying despite Cole's goal this past weekend.
6) To Theiry Henry...some help, you get the feeling that he's doing almost all the work.
7) To ManYoo...a spot in the UEFA Cup - you just get the feeling that there's another slump coming in the second half. They just don't frighten you like they used to.
8) To my hero, Dennis Bergkamp...one more run of form towards the end of the season leading to a graceful retirement.
A quick set or recommendations before heading off to some new years cheer...
Strikers
Not much out there this week with some tough match-ups for the big teams - I'm going with Henry and Andy Johnson at the top of a 3-5-2.
Midfielders
Downing gets ManYoo and Chelsea which doesn't seem like a recipe for points so I'm going to tempt the karma gods and drop him again. I'm also breaking up the Chelsea triumverate - partly because its bad business to have too many eggs in one basket. This leaves me with Giggs, Scholes, Pires, Lampard & Robben.
Defenders
Stayin' with what I got - Gallas, Terry and Heinze.
Keeper
I'm going out on a limb with Alumania since Cech has some tough games this week as does Carroll.
All about the Benjamin
EPL getting stale? Tired of everyone having the same 15 or 20 players every week with no regard to "salary cap"? Well here's your chance to change that.
I'm issuing the $100 challenge. Starting next week (week 21 of the EPL season) I want your best 11 for under $100 in the following new group:
Group ID# 41463
Group Name All About the Benjamin
Group Password sawbuck10
Go ahead and set up a new Yahoo ID and create your team... just make sure that it doesn't accrue any points this week! Any team coming into week 21 with points will be dumped.
Going forward, no wheeling and dealing in players with midweek or Monday games will be allowed. This is on the honor system gentlemen, but it's not like you're going to score big bucks on the "transfer" market as Yahoo is only moving values a buck or two at a time.
So get off your "Chelski" horse with it's $550 cap and let's see what sort of fantasy manager you really are.
-Jeremy
I'm issuing the $100 challenge. Starting next week (week 21 of the EPL season) I want your best 11 for under $100 in the following new group:
Group ID# 41463
Group Name All About the Benjamin
Group Password sawbuck10
Go ahead and set up a new Yahoo ID and create your team... just make sure that it doesn't accrue any points this week! Any team coming into week 21 with points will be dumped.
Going forward, no wheeling and dealing in players with midweek or Monday games will be allowed. This is on the honor system gentlemen, but it's not like you're going to score big bucks on the "transfer" market as Yahoo is only moving values a buck or two at a time.
So get off your "Chelski" horse with it's $550 cap and let's see what sort of fantasy manager you really are.
-Jeremy
Waiting for holidays to start in earnest, its time to contemplate...
The beauty of the quarter final Champions League matches - are Arsenal and Liverpool now the most likely of the English sides to move through to the round of 8? Chelsea is in form and talented but Barca will be tough and given their current form, ManYoo certainly can't be considered favorites to beat Milan although it wouldn't be a shock.
More importantly, though, as we look forward to the Christmas season, how can you get yourself the gift that keeps on giving (by allowing you to talk trash to your friends below you in the standings? and you know who you are...) - the answer, of course, is read on...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - since Arsene had a chat with the man and told him to play up top more, he's been back in form. Can't think of a single reason not to include him.
Smith, ManYoo - Rooney is the high risk/high reward pick here but he's been more risk than reward when I've played him so I'm going with the guy who seems to be in the points every time he gets a game.
Johnson, Palace - Yup, I'm throwing the match-up out the window on this one - he's playing well and ManYoo haven't proven to me that they're THAT good yet.
Midfielders
Lampard, Chelsea - As Phil Knight chuckles to himself constantly in his retirement, "Just Do It"
Robben, Chelsea - No reason to change now.
Gerrard, Liverpool - He's really all that Pool have going for them right now. The only question you have to ask is whether they'll score enough for him to have a great week. He should do enough on his own even if they're shut out to have a good week.
Downing, Boro - I get infatuated with Alonso and his two games for a week and my boy punishes me by having significantly more points in one game than Alonso had in his two. Lesson learned - stop overthinking it and keep this guy in unless he's hurt.
Defenders
Terry, Chelsea - Who would have guessed he'd become a scoring machine? Can't risk NOT having him in the line-up since he's apparently a threat in the air every week as well as very likely to get a clean sheet to his credit.
Gallas, Chelsea - Chelsea's defense has been putting up some good offensive numbers and it feels like it might be his turn this weekend.
LeSaux, Southampton - He's playing left midfield, albeit for a crappy team, but he gets a lot of offensive points consistently. Being away at Tottenham isn't great, but it isn't tragic either in terms of a possible clean sheet.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - After a week where he gave up two - neither of which he could have done a thing about - its back to a save or two and a clean sheet at the Bridge (vs. Naawich).
More importantly, though, as we look forward to the Christmas season, how can you get yourself the gift that keeps on giving (by allowing you to talk trash to your friends below you in the standings? and you know who you are...) - the answer, of course, is read on...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - since Arsene had a chat with the man and told him to play up top more, he's been back in form. Can't think of a single reason not to include him.
Smith, ManYoo - Rooney is the high risk/high reward pick here but he's been more risk than reward when I've played him so I'm going with the guy who seems to be in the points every time he gets a game.
Johnson, Palace - Yup, I'm throwing the match-up out the window on this one - he's playing well and ManYoo haven't proven to me that they're THAT good yet.
Midfielders
Lampard, Chelsea - As Phil Knight chuckles to himself constantly in his retirement, "Just Do It"
Robben, Chelsea - No reason to change now.
Gerrard, Liverpool - He's really all that Pool have going for them right now. The only question you have to ask is whether they'll score enough for him to have a great week. He should do enough on his own even if they're shut out to have a good week.
Downing, Boro - I get infatuated with Alonso and his two games for a week and my boy punishes me by having significantly more points in one game than Alonso had in his two. Lesson learned - stop overthinking it and keep this guy in unless he's hurt.
Defenders
Terry, Chelsea - Who would have guessed he'd become a scoring machine? Can't risk NOT having him in the line-up since he's apparently a threat in the air every week as well as very likely to get a clean sheet to his credit.
Gallas, Chelsea - Chelsea's defense has been putting up some good offensive numbers and it feels like it might be his turn this weekend.
LeSaux, Southampton - He's playing left midfield, albeit for a crappy team, but he gets a lot of offensive points consistently. Being away at Tottenham isn't great, but it isn't tragic either in terms of a possible clean sheet.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - After a week where he gave up two - neither of which he could have done a thing about - its back to a save or two and a clean sheet at the Bridge (vs. Naawich).
Pulling Defeat (ok, draws) from the Jaws of Victory
So, I have mixed feelings about the extended premiership weekend - to quote the 80s philosopher Gordon Gecko, "its like seeing Larry Wilde going over a cliff... in my new Maseratti". Here's what I mean...
1) ManYoo gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game they dominated - they got no closer to the top of the league and this officially ended their run of good results...but I lost 21 fantasy points with that single (fantastic) shot (3 clean sheets, a Win going to a tie, and a goal allowed).
2) Liverpool (stop me if you've heard this before) gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game the dominated - they continue to wallow in 7th place...but I lost 5 points with that single (mediocre) goal.
As a fan, I loved watching both events transpire, as a fantasy owner, not so much. Which one is more important? How do you walk the tightrope of supporting your fantasy team when it contains people from teams you dislike? If I knew the answers, this blog would certainly have a wider circulation.
What I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to the simplicity of a week where ManYoo, Arsenal and Chelsea all play teams that they should beat so I can go back to rooting for a loss, a blow-out win, and a high-scoring draw respectively.
1) ManYoo gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game they dominated - they got no closer to the top of the league and this officially ended their run of good results...but I lost 21 fantasy points with that single (fantastic) shot (3 clean sheets, a Win going to a tie, and a goal allowed).
2) Liverpool (stop me if you've heard this before) gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game the dominated - they continue to wallow in 7th place...but I lost 5 points with that single (mediocre) goal.
As a fan, I loved watching both events transpire, as a fantasy owner, not so much. Which one is more important? How do you walk the tightrope of supporting your fantasy team when it contains people from teams you dislike? If I knew the answers, this blog would certainly have a wider circulation.
What I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to the simplicity of a week where ManYoo, Arsenal and Chelsea all play teams that they should beat so I can go back to rooting for a loss, a blow-out win, and a high-scoring draw respectively.
How Time Flies...
When you're spending 18 hours a day on proposal writing. Not exactly a ton of time to track the comings and going in the wonderful world of the EPL (aside from "watching" the textcast from the Arsenal trouncing of Rosenborg at midweek). Anyway, take this weeks ramblings with a grain of salt as a result. The big news of course is that Liverpool and Pompey play an extra game. In the case of Pompey, I don't think anyone really cares but Liverpool offer some good choices. Arsenal host Chelsea in a meeting of not only the two top clubs but most of the best fanasy players so far this season - with apologies to Stuart Downing and Thomas Gravessen. Your opinion of the way this match will go will have a HUGE impact on the squad you put together this week. If you think offense will rule, then you should probably leave that squad mostly unchanged (Henry, Pires, Lampard, Robben, Duff and maybe even Drogba who looked excellent in his return). If, as I do, you suspect something more on the order of 2-1. Then its time to decide where to cut back and examine other options...
Strikers
Henry or Ruud/Rooney - Depends on your answer to the question above about the nature of the Arsenal/Chelsea game. I'm sticking with Henry.
Milan Baros, Liverpool - I'm guessing that he won't be spectacular in either game as he comes back to fitness but even one OK game (couple SOTs) and one game where he scores will be better than most one-game striker outputs unless you have a strong feeling about someone going off this weekend.
Midfield
Lampard - and on this rock, I build my midfield
Robben - every big game I've seen him play he's risen to the occasion. If you don't share this opinion, substitute Giggs here.
Scholes - see last week's note about riding Scholes until ManYoo start playing decent teams - hello, Fulham - Scholes stays.
Gerrard - was a good choice last week with only one game, with two, its a no-brainer
Alonso, Liverpool - two games worth of corners and free kicks and he's quietly been a very consistent fantasy performer.
Defenders
Finnan - Not playing on the wing as often as he was earlier in the season but the two-gamer makes him a worthwhile selection.
Silvestre/G. Neville - I like the ManYoo/Fulham match-up and, as much as I hate to admit it, am rolling with the ManYoo revival.
Heinze - Churning out points like clockwork.
Keeper
Carroll - The high risk, high reward choice is Peter Cech on the theory that Arsenal will take a lot of shots and he'll get a lot of saves and the win. I prefer the more likely chance that Carroll will get 2 saves (+/- 1), the win, and a clean sheet.
Strikers
Henry or Ruud/Rooney - Depends on your answer to the question above about the nature of the Arsenal/Chelsea game. I'm sticking with Henry.
Milan Baros, Liverpool - I'm guessing that he won't be spectacular in either game as he comes back to fitness but even one OK game (couple SOTs) and one game where he scores will be better than most one-game striker outputs unless you have a strong feeling about someone going off this weekend.
Midfield
Lampard - and on this rock, I build my midfield
Robben - every big game I've seen him play he's risen to the occasion. If you don't share this opinion, substitute Giggs here.
Scholes - see last week's note about riding Scholes until ManYoo start playing decent teams - hello, Fulham - Scholes stays.
Gerrard - was a good choice last week with only one game, with two, its a no-brainer
Alonso, Liverpool - two games worth of corners and free kicks and he's quietly been a very consistent fantasy performer.
Defenders
Finnan - Not playing on the wing as often as he was earlier in the season but the two-gamer makes him a worthwhile selection.
Silvestre/G. Neville - I like the ManYoo/Fulham match-up and, as much as I hate to admit it, am rolling with the ManYoo revival.
Heinze - Churning out points like clockwork.
Keeper
Carroll - The high risk, high reward choice is Peter Cech on the theory that Arsenal will take a lot of shots and he'll get a lot of saves and the win. I prefer the more likely chance that Carroll will get 2 saves (+/- 1), the win, and a clean sheet.
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