Season Preview - West Bromwich Albion

Quick Reminder, Real Life

The two most important words on any West Brom fan’s lips last season must surely have been: Peter Odemwingie. What a breath of fresh air in the Premier League. Odemwingie arrived at The Hawthorns and was an instant hit. The club dismissed manager Roberto Di Matteo half-way through the year in the thick of a relegation battle, and Roy Hodgson came in, steadied the shape, and guided the Baggies to a mid-table (11th) finish, but it was all Odemwingie all the time. The Nigerian scored 15 goals in 32 league games. Chris Brunt scored twice (both penalties) in the memorable 2-1 win over Liverpool as Roy Hodgson took down his old club in April, and ended the season in form as he supported Odemwingie from wide attacking and central positions. Yussuf Mulumbu was also a consistent newcomer to the Premier League and steadied the ship in midfield throughout the ups and downs while former England international GK Scott Carson (now playing in Turkey) saw a majority of the action between the sticks.

Quick Reminder, Fantasy

Peter Odemwingie was so consistent, racking up 5+ points per game in the Official PL game and giving the likes of Tevez, Bent, RVP, and Rooney a run for their money on a consistent basis as the league’s highest scoring weekly striker. Brunt, Jerome Thomas, and Mulumbu took turns chipping in with reasonable scoring from midfield positions - West Brom were solid last year in the middle of the pitch - and Somen Tchoyi even got in on the scoring fun, managing 6 league goals in just 800+ minutes of action, a superb return. James Morrison scored 4 goals from midfield - a typical return for the Scotland international who is a pacy right winger and productive in ‘real life’ but never seems to have that 5+ or 6+ goal breakthrough from a fantasy perspective to set him apart from his colleagues.

Summer Changes

Paul Robinson Scores Goal Against Ben Foster

Neal's post about San Jose's goal against West Brom brough this magic moment to mind:

The Forgotten Two-Gamers

Of course I mean Birmingham City. With Arsenal and Chelsea the marquee teams playing two this game week, it's easy to overlook the "other" Blues. But they have a good home match against Sunderland at the weekend before travelling to a less than rampart Chelsea.  It's at least worth a closer look at their squad as there may be some bargains - and some pitfalls - from the Second City Players.

Thursday Thoughts

Is that the worst title for a post ever? Alliteration aside (Oops... I did it again), there's just no excuse for it. So let's forgo the usual long preamble (sorry, Neal) and just get into it, shall we?

Ben Foster withdraws from England squad with injury

Ben Foster withdraws from England squad with injury - Goal.com

The headline pretty much says it all. Certainly a nervous wait for Birmingham and another tick in the column for picking Jordan Henderson or Frazier Campbell... or Darren Bent, providing you think his own back problem won't keep him from the match.

Transfer Roundup

Foster joins Blues

Birmingham have completed the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The England international has agreed a three-year contract and although Blues have not disclosed fee, it is reported to be around £6million.

West Bromwich Albion clinch Gabriel Tamas transfer

West Brom have signed Auxerre defender Gabriel Tamas on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell.

The Romania centre-back, 26, arrived at The Hawthorns back in January and played 26 games, scoring twice.

And while not directly impacting the Premier League, today's big news and possible domino signing (the transfer that gets other things moving, say Cesc, etc):

Barcelona sign striker Villa for $49M

(CNN) -- Barcelona have signed Spain striker David Villa from league rivals Valencia for $49 million, further boosting an already potent forward line.
The 28-year-old goalscorer will be in Barcelona on Thursday evening and will undergo a medical test on Friday morning, the Spanish champions said on their official Web site.

And speaking of Fabregas, the article continues:

Meanwhile, club president Joan Laporta has commented on rumors that Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is to make a return to the club he played for as a youth team player.

Fabregas has once again been strongly linked with leaving Arsenal amid media speculation that he wants to play once again for his home town club and Laporta said: "It's remarkable that a player should commit himself in this way (if the reports are true)

"If the club technical staff believe we need to make the extra effort and sign him, we'll speak to Arsenal," Laporta added.

Birmingham City poised to sign Ben Foster

Birmingham City poised to sign Ben Foster from Man Utd

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster is set to move to Birmingham City for £4m, BBC Sport understands.

Foster, 27, has only played one Premier League game since October after falling behind Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuzczak in the United pecking order...

He started the season as United's number one but high-profile errors against Chelsea in the Community Shield, against Manchester City in the derby and Sunderland led to reports of a fallout with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

This is probably a good move for all parties. Birmingham need a number one as Joe Hart returns to Manchester City. Ben Foster needs a new start after failing under the pressure of the ManU number one jersey. That's not as damning as it sounds. Look at Tim Howard. He's established himself as a top-class keeper after being judged not good enough for the Red Devils. Birmingham will be hoping that Foster can repeat Howard's arc.

And behind Dann and Johnson in a defence that I believe was the stingiest outside of the top teams, especially if they can recruit some new full-backs in the off-season, Foster may represent great value for fantasy managers come the 2010-2011 season.

Van der Sar hoping for Bolton return

Edwin, give us a wave

from Yahoo!UK/Eurosport:

Edwin van der Sar is certain he will be ready for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bolton on October 17.

The 39-year-old has been out of action since breaking a couple of fingers in a pre-season encounter with Bayern Munich in July. However, the former Holland skipper returned to action in Tuesday night's reserve team triumph over Everton at Widnes.

"I will be ready for Bolton," he told MUTV.

"I feel good and I haven't had any reaction. The match is still 10 days away so I have more training to do, then I will be ready for my first start of the season."

So be sure to ship out Foster if you're still on him.

Depends on what your definition of "fit" is

"Nani, amazingly, after his shoulder popping out, is ok. So he'll be fit for Sunday," revealed Ferguson, who also confirmed that England international Ben Foster, who was sent home from international duty in midweek, should also be fit for the fixture.

That's probably as close to an answer as we're going to get. I think it is good enough for me this week and I am going to bring both of them into my fantasy team at the expense of a third defender (hello, Sonko!).

Foster Injured?

Joe Hart replaces injured Ben Foster in England squad - FIFA World Cup 2010 - ESPN Soccernet

Apparently Ben Foster won't be participating in England's friendly with Holland this week. I didn't see any evidence of a knock during the match. Certainly could be SAF holding him back for some extra training or could be a sign that Kuszczak is the more fit keeper and will therefore get the starts in Week 1 matches.

Stay Tuned!

Community Shield Notes

Interesting to see Chelsea line up with Ivanovic starting at right back with no apparent injury to Bosignwa. Combine that with Bayern Munich's pursuit of Bosingwa over the summer (that was never really shouted down by anyone at Chelsea) and we might have a bargain defender in the making.

Zhirkov doesn't even make the bench as he recovers from a knee injury. It is unclear whether he will recover in time for the start of the season not and even if he does, whether he will start ahead of Malouda.

Another curious selection on the other side of the ball is Nani getting the start over Valencia with no injury reported. (and Nani just scored as if to underscore his spot in the line-up - and he made the goal himself - definitely food for thought) It also appears that Darren Fletcher will be taking Paul Scholes' old spot with Park getting the nod on the left.

At the back, O'Shea is subbing for GNev/Rafael as they are both injured and Evans is subbing in for Vidic. Foster received the call in net over Kuszczak which (I assume) makes him the presumptive favorite for Week 1 but of course we'll disect every statement from Fergie this week to ensure you have the latest and greatest news.

Sleepless nights

C'mon Fergie... don't beat around the bush. Give us a name!

"I do have a decision to make over the goalkeeper for Sunday," reflected Ferguson. "Both Ben and Tomasz have outstanding qualities. Tomasz made two great saves last night, as he did against Boca Juniors, so we will see."

FANTASY ALERT: Down Goes van der Sar!

In what could be the most significant news of the late summer thus far - yes, bigger than Alonso to Real - EvdS is apparently out for approximately 8 weeks with a broken finger suffered in a penalty shootout yesterday against Bayern Munich.

The big question for fantasy managers is which back up keeper will be in line to replace him for the first chunk of the season. Both Foster and Kuszczak are listed at 6.34 so there's not a price advantage in one vs. the other getting the job - we just need to know which one it is going to be. If I were guessing, I'd assume it was going to be Foster since he seems to be the likely long term replacement for EvdS. Adding to that theme, Kuszczak didn't exactly grab the job by the throat last season when he had a chance with EvdS injured or resting.

Follow this space for news about EvdS's replacement as it comes in and rest assured that you will want to pick that keeper up. Just think, that's another 8 or so to spend on outfield players - right now that's getting me from Frazier Campbell to someone who might actually do something for me (Rooney perhaps - at least for Week 1; after that probably Arshavin or Nando).

Premier League Transfer Round-Up

Zhirkov 'a Chelsea player'
Chelsea sign Russian winger Zhirkov
Zhirkov is a realy quality player, but I'm not sure I understand this signing.  Neal seems to think that there was already a deal in place and given Chelsea's Russian ties, it makes sense.  But Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole finally started clicking on the left-hand side for Chelsea and you wouldn't think it worthwhile to break that up.  The only thing I can think of is that FloMa moves infield as a second striker and Zhirkov plays out wide.  Now if he's also listed as a defender in the fantasy game... +10 for sure!

Foster inks new Man Utd deal
Now the only question is where will Ben Foster play this season on loan?  Hopefully it's a half-decent Premier League side though most teams seems to be settled at keeper.  Maybe Portsmouth tries to cash in on James and gets Foster on loan for a season until their ownership situation is settled.  And speaking of loan signings...

Jo set for Everton deal
Seems good business for all involved.  Well, if you don't count the 18million that Citeh paid to CSKA Moscow.  That looks like a bit of a waste now, doesn't it?  But clearly Hughes doesn't rate Jo, despite his good form at Everton.  On the other hand, Moyes gets to keep a player who flourished in his system (at least at Goodison Park) and hopefully will get to play him in tandem with Yakubu.  After all, Jo only looked an 18million player when partnered with Wagner Love.

Fiorentina ponder Melo swap
Felipe Melo for Emmanuel Eboue?  For most Arsenal fans, I think this falls into the category of "I'll drive him to the airport!".  But what is it with Wenger and Brazilian holding players?  First Silva, then Denilson and now Melo?   It's like going to France for the beer.  Or Italy for the hamburgers.

United favourites to bag Obertan
Obertan on brink of Man Utd move
French ace set for United
Another for the future, or with Cristiano Ronaldo gone, on for the here and now?  Tosic, Nani, Park and possibly Rooney akready give SAF options on the wing.  But none have the experience or the game-changing skills that United will need next season.  None, save for Rooney and I'm thinking that it is less and less likely that he'll be deployed through the middle.  Perhaps a front three of Rooney, Berbatov and Samuel Eto'o trying to replicate Eto'o's Barcelona from this season just past?

Martin makes Ipswich switch
Not Premier League, but with an opening like this... "Ipswich manager Roy Keane has raided former club Manchester United to sign winger Lee Martin for an undisclosed fee."... I couldn't resist an "who could have seen THAT coming?  Next thing you know he'll sign a former Ireland teamate! Sheesh!

And the big news of the week, which at this point seems so long ago:

Owen completes surprise Man Utd move
Owen completes stunning Manchester United move
Let's break it down, blog roundtable style.

[09:31] Neal J Thurman: Mikey Owen as the new Ole?
[09:31] Neal J Thurman: 3rd striker behind Roonaldo and Berbs?
[09:31] JSpitzberg: that the latest rumour?
[09:31] Neal J Thurman: y
[09:32] JSpitzberg: interesting
[09:32] JSpitzberg: still don't like it
[09:32] JSpitzberg: but interesting
[09:32] JSpitzberg: why spend all that money on him
[09:32] Neal J Thurman: apparently the odds have moved from 20/1 to 7/4 in the last day or so
[09:32] JSpitzberg: when you have a bunch of young guys you can use as impact subs?
[09:33] Neal J Thurman: not ready for big stage, etc.
[09:33] JSpitzberg: and give them the experience you can capitalize on in the future
[09:33] Neal J Thurman: same reason you don't want to have to count on Bendtner at ARS or Di Santo at CHE
[09:34] Neal J Thurman: he actually seems like the perfect solution for them - no transfer fee, probably not crazy wages, can limit his minutes and play younger guys to "keep him fresh"
[09:34] JSpitzberg: is he free?
[09:34] Neal J Thurman: y
[09:34] JSpitzberg: out of contract?
[09:34] Neal J Thurman: y
[09:35] JSpitzberg: can cover attacking mid too
[09:35] JSpitzberg: still not convinced it's money well spent
[09:35] JSpitzberg: but can't argue w/ it on football terms
[09:36] Neal J Thurman: guess it comes down to the salary he wants and the opportunity cost of that money - not sure what their options are at this point
[09:36] Neal J Thurman: save money for midfielders, i guess
[09:37] JSpitzberg: waiting for the madrid fire sale
[09:37] Neal J Thurman: bring Ruud back
[09:37] JSpitzberg: if you want someone old and past it that can give you a spark...
[09:37] JSpitzberg: why not robben?
[09:37] Neal J Thurman: why not both :-)
[09:37] JSpitzberg: ha
[09:37] JSpitzberg: sure

Foster Suffers Cruciate Blow

Ben Foster's hopes of ousting Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United's first-choice keeper next season are in tatters after it was confirmed the England international requires surgery on a cruciate knee ligament injury.

The 24-year-old had been suffering knee problems during the latter half of last season, which he spent on loan at Watford.

And he pulled out of the England B international with Albania at the back end of last month to undergo tests.

Now Foster's worst fears have been realised, with United releasing more specific details of an injury which will keep sidelined for months.

"Ben Foster has a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and will require an operation in two to three weeks' time," a United spokesperson told the club's website.

In a statement, the club said: "The injury was then jointly assessed by United and England's medical staff after the goalkeeper reported for international duty at the end of May.

"While the Reds' medical staff have not put a timescale on the 24-year-old's return to action, he is likely to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines."

It is almost certain to be the early months of 2008 before Foster is in action again.

Foster Injury Worries

Just as soon as I start penciling in my line-up for the upcoming season with Ben Foster as the backbone of my defence as ManYoo prepare to defend their title Foster goes and gets himself hurt. According to reports Foster has already had arthroscopic knee surgery (I believe it's called keyhole surgery over there) since the end of the season and he's apparently in need of more serious surgery before the knee is actually on the road to being 100% again. Looks like SAF is likely to feature EvdS for at least the beginning of the season if not the entire season.

Looks like the quest for a cheap goalkeeper will have to continue.