Boro signing faces ban until January
So Boro sign a guy who is banned until 2006 (and whose excuse for a tackle that broke someone's leg in 2 places is that "it wasn't from behind")...
...Liverpool are signing a winger with a knee injury...
... and WBA are looking at Chris Kirkland!
What an exciting summer of transfers this is turning out to be. Don't these teams want players who CAN PLAY FOR THEM?
Though to be fair, the Boro guy sounds like the PERFECT understudy to Franck "Don't call me Frank" Quedrueue.
Keeping up with the Thurmans . . .
Since Neal has been posting like a soccer mad crack addict, and getting published by across the pond internet soccer sites as well (congrats by the way), I figure its about time for one of my typical posts of dubious informative value and meaningless drivel . . .
So, as this is my first soccer "offseason" I have a few thoughts:
Is there really an offseason in soccer - this seems all quite mad - my fantasy line-ups are screwed with enough by the resting of players for midweek matches and such, a longer break would clearly help players fantasy value.
Does anyone, Neal not included, really care about all of these cups, matches, games, etc. that have been going on this summer?
Does Neal have an Arsenal "Red Currant" shirt yet? Has the french influence totally overcome the Gunners, the new kit (er, marketing ploy) seems inspired by a type of french wine.
I know for a fact that Neal has a good job that keeps him busy, and also seems to have a somwhat normal social life, so how on earth does he know who the 3rd string goalie is on the 1st place team in the Mandarin Chinese 3rd Division? Does he have 5 satellite feeds each with TiVo?
Will someone please set Andy Johnson free!!!
Is Lauren Robert a complete bad seed, a team chemistry killer, a cancer, a pain in the arse, or is he just french?
How much will Mourinho wine and moan this season when things don't go his way (assuming that they don't all go his way that is)?
Will SWP be the world's most expensive substitute, or does Jose think that Robben is a soft little wussy that won't play injured and runs like a girl?
That's all for now. Congrats again to Neal "Footie" Thurman.
So, as this is my first soccer "offseason" I have a few thoughts:
Is there really an offseason in soccer - this seems all quite mad - my fantasy line-ups are screwed with enough by the resting of players for midweek matches and such, a longer break would clearly help players fantasy value.
Does anyone, Neal not included, really care about all of these cups, matches, games, etc. that have been going on this summer?
Does Neal have an Arsenal "Red Currant" shirt yet? Has the french influence totally overcome the Gunners, the new kit (er, marketing ploy) seems inspired by a type of french wine.
I know for a fact that Neal has a good job that keeps him busy, and also seems to have a somwhat normal social life, so how on earth does he know who the 3rd string goalie is on the 1st place team in the Mandarin Chinese 3rd Division? Does he have 5 satellite feeds each with TiVo?
Will someone please set Andy Johnson free!!!
Is Lauren Robert a complete bad seed, a team chemistry killer, a cancer, a pain in the arse, or is he just french?
How much will Mourinho wine and moan this season when things don't go his way (assuming that they don't all go his way that is)?
Will SWP be the world's most expensive substitute, or does Jose think that Robben is a soft little wussy that won't play injured and runs like a girl?
That's all for now. Congrats again to Neal "Footie" Thurman.
They Shot Sonny On The Causeway...
Santino Quaranta? Really? Heading to training camp with the USMNT? The senior team? How'd THAT happen? As a United fan, I was happy to see him score in their last game but, THAT WAS HIS FIRST GOAL IN YEARS. How does that merit a call-up? Are we THAT thin at striker? Now I know how the Brits were feeling when they saw the line-up for the US Tour earlier in the summer. At least Peter Crouch was starting regularly for his team and scoring in bunches in the top flight. Not sure if this is "one step forward, two steps back" territory but thrown on top of the crap performance at the U20 tournament, this hasn't been the most encouraging summer for US Soccer.
Random Sunday Musings...
Sadly, we're coming to the end of the two big summer tournaments that have ensured that I get my fix of world class footie while the European leagues are doing little more than generating random transfer gossip. A few thoughts from on both the former and the latter:
1) Watching the Nigerians beat Holland in the Quarterfinals of the U20 tournament brought back fond memories of the Atlanta Olympics. Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu took Athens, GA by storm. I was going in preparing to choose between the Brazilians and the Argentines as the team I was going to pull for to win gold. Somewhere along the way, that plan was scrapped due to both the entertaining play of the Nigerian team and boundless enthusiasm of the Nigerian fans.
2) It's hard to project central midfielders in youth tournaments - at least it is from your couch - but Jon Mikel Obi - the subject of much contraversy and debate between ManYoo and Chelsea - seems like a he has some potential. The question is whether he's the next Patrick Vieira - exceptional Premiership player - or the next Papa Bouba Diop - ok Premiership player with bursts of excellence. Could easily go either way.
3) Despite a some portion of my ancestors coming from there, I've never been able to generate much enthusiasm for the Germans. Plus, well, they're Germans - not exactly a nation known for being lovable in football or anything else. Despite all of that, I found myself enjoying their style of play against Brazil - much less, um, German than usual. All credit to Klinsman for insisting they play positive football despite having an inexperienced partnership in central defense and having a lot to lose in the eyes of the German public. In a month, no one outside of Germany is going to remember who won the Confederations Cup, but blooding young defenders against Brazil in knock-out play and Argentina in the group stage will pay dividends next summer. Although Huth getting first team football would help more.
4) I think I might enjoy watching Robinho in Claret next season - here's hoping Real don't come back with a better deal (but I'm not holding my breath).
5) Will Craig Bellamy please make up his freakin' mind. He's no Vieira and he's no Gerrard so why are we being subjected to this many headlines. Silly though it may have been the Lampard-to-Real rumor was more interesting to read than the 18th version of Bellamy-to-[Fill-in-the-blank mid-table Premiership team].
6) Speaking of the Lampard rumor - who are Real kidding? Unless there is some sort of behind-the-scenes issues between Jose and Frank that has managed to fall through the cracks (yeah, right), why do real think this deal has even a small chance of happening? Chelsea certainly doesn't need the money, they don't need an expensive striker who is OK-at-best in the air with Robben and Duff roaming the wings. I can't imagine Lampard has looked at the experiences of Beckham, Owen and Woodgate and said - Wow, I gotta leave a great city where I'm a god and spend some time in Madrid. Just silly.
7) Is SWP a viable candidate for the right side of midfield for England in 2006 if he's splitting time with Duff and Robben this coming season? And of those three who would the preferred pairing be on the 3 days when none visiting the team doctor?
8) For the 10 people that watched it - what a fantastic series of saves by Onstad vs. LA - if you saw it, you know what I'm talking about. If you didn't, its worth catching MLS Wrap on Fox Soccer Channel just for that 15 second highlight. Too bad he's old and Canadian - otherwise, he'd be another one for the USMNT ranks.
9) After watching the halftime feature on Landon Donovan, I felt like they were interviewing someone who's playing on a really good pub team rather than someone we're counting on to help us break new ground in 2006. Throw in a TERRIBLE performance vs. his old San Jose team and you get the feeling he's just not up to the challenge. A great player vs. bad teams but not really someone who is going to step up and lead vs. Mexico in qualifying or vs. the best of South America or Europe next summer. Eddie Johnson, paging Eddie Johnson, please step up and lead us to the promised land.
10) And, yes, I watched WAY too much soccer this weekend - I'd like to thank Rupert Murdoch for bringing most of it to me and the nice people at TiVo for allowing me to watch it all at my leisure.
1) Watching the Nigerians beat Holland in the Quarterfinals of the U20 tournament brought back fond memories of the Atlanta Olympics. Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu took Athens, GA by storm. I was going in preparing to choose between the Brazilians and the Argentines as the team I was going to pull for to win gold. Somewhere along the way, that plan was scrapped due to both the entertaining play of the Nigerian team and boundless enthusiasm of the Nigerian fans.
2) It's hard to project central midfielders in youth tournaments - at least it is from your couch - but Jon Mikel Obi - the subject of much contraversy and debate between ManYoo and Chelsea - seems like a he has some potential. The question is whether he's the next Patrick Vieira - exceptional Premiership player - or the next Papa Bouba Diop - ok Premiership player with bursts of excellence. Could easily go either way.
3) Despite a some portion of my ancestors coming from there, I've never been able to generate much enthusiasm for the Germans. Plus, well, they're Germans - not exactly a nation known for being lovable in football or anything else. Despite all of that, I found myself enjoying their style of play against Brazil - much less, um, German than usual. All credit to Klinsman for insisting they play positive football despite having an inexperienced partnership in central defense and having a lot to lose in the eyes of the German public. In a month, no one outside of Germany is going to remember who won the Confederations Cup, but blooding young defenders against Brazil in knock-out play and Argentina in the group stage will pay dividends next summer. Although Huth getting first team football would help more.
4) I think I might enjoy watching Robinho in Claret next season - here's hoping Real don't come back with a better deal (but I'm not holding my breath).
5) Will Craig Bellamy please make up his freakin' mind. He's no Vieira and he's no Gerrard so why are we being subjected to this many headlines. Silly though it may have been the Lampard-to-Real rumor was more interesting to read than the 18th version of Bellamy-to-[Fill-in-the-blank mid-table Premiership team].
6) Speaking of the Lampard rumor - who are Real kidding? Unless there is some sort of behind-the-scenes issues between Jose and Frank that has managed to fall through the cracks (yeah, right), why do real think this deal has even a small chance of happening? Chelsea certainly doesn't need the money, they don't need an expensive striker who is OK-at-best in the air with Robben and Duff roaming the wings. I can't imagine Lampard has looked at the experiences of Beckham, Owen and Woodgate and said - Wow, I gotta leave a great city where I'm a god and spend some time in Madrid. Just silly.
7) Is SWP a viable candidate for the right side of midfield for England in 2006 if he's splitting time with Duff and Robben this coming season? And of those three who would the preferred pairing be on the 3 days when none visiting the team doctor?
8) For the 10 people that watched it - what a fantastic series of saves by Onstad vs. LA - if you saw it, you know what I'm talking about. If you didn't, its worth catching MLS Wrap on Fox Soccer Channel just for that 15 second highlight. Too bad he's old and Canadian - otherwise, he'd be another one for the USMNT ranks.
9) After watching the halftime feature on Landon Donovan, I felt like they were interviewing someone who's playing on a really good pub team rather than someone we're counting on to help us break new ground in 2006. Throw in a TERRIBLE performance vs. his old San Jose team and you get the feeling he's just not up to the challenge. A great player vs. bad teams but not really someone who is going to step up and lead vs. Mexico in qualifying or vs. the best of South America or Europe next summer. Eddie Johnson, paging Eddie Johnson, please step up and lead us to the promised land.
10) And, yes, I watched WAY too much soccer this weekend - I'd like to thank Rupert Murdoch for bringing most of it to me and the nice people at TiVo for allowing me to watch it all at my leisure.
Mystifying...
OK, maybe its because I'm an American and don't REALLY understand football but I'm confused at all the angst coming from White Hart Lane about the "tapping up" of Frank Arnesen. If the reports are true and Tottenham are to be compensated with Glen Johnson, Robert Huth, and a bundle of cash then not only should they wish Arnesen a happy journey across town, they should give him a bonus for having excelled in his duties. They brought Frank in to use his vaunted "notebook" to bring in young talent to the Tottenham squad before they mature into expensive players. So far, here's his record (again assuming the deal with Chelsea is correct as speculated):
1) removed Santini (addition by subtraction if ever that happened),
2) restored Carrick to the line-up - leading to an England call-up
3) brought in Mido on the cheap - you can never have enough guys who can put the ball in the net, even if they're a little crazy
4) brought in Ziegler, Dawson, Jackson, Reid, Routledge and Lennon who are all young and have been integral parts of their countries U20 national teams ensuring that there are a lot of players with potential to develop into stars in the next 3 or 4 years
5) brought in two senior national team players - Huth and Johnson - for free
6) netted the club between 3 and 5 million pounds which will represent a multiple return on his salary for the last year.
That's about as good a job as one could expect and, really, how much roster space does Tottenham have left for Arnesen to continue this type of work in the coming year. Might as well have someone else paying his salary.
1) removed Santini (addition by subtraction if ever that happened),
2) restored Carrick to the line-up - leading to an England call-up
3) brought in Mido on the cheap - you can never have enough guys who can put the ball in the net, even if they're a little crazy
4) brought in Ziegler, Dawson, Jackson, Reid, Routledge and Lennon who are all young and have been integral parts of their countries U20 national teams ensuring that there are a lot of players with potential to develop into stars in the next 3 or 4 years
5) brought in two senior national team players - Huth and Johnson - for free
6) netted the club between 3 and 5 million pounds which will represent a multiple return on his salary for the last year.
That's about as good a job as one could expect and, really, how much roster space does Tottenham have left for Arnesen to continue this type of work in the coming year. Might as well have someone else paying his salary.
Quandry...
In recent years, guys like Lee Bowyer and Alan Smith have made it exceedingly easy to really dislike Leeds United - add in the fact that they were the last team to beat Arsenal before the Gunner's historic unbeaten run and all the financial stupidity of their management, general fan arrogance, and the one-time presence of the corpulant Mark Viduka and its hard to contemplate a soft spot in my heart for this bunch. Now, though, they're a mediocre Championship side and they've signed USMNT Left Midfielder Eddie Lewis who was out of contract at PNE. I can't decide if this means I root for Lewis less (sort of like I root for Spector less because he's a ManYoo guy) or if I root for Leeds to get promoted and, thus, give Eddie a chance to show off his wares in the Prem. Jury's still out, but hopefully, he's trading up.
The Horror...
Some observations from the US/Italy fiasco, surprisingly, some (ok, one) of them are positives for US Soccer:
1) Pelle, Pelle, Pelle - if you ever wanted to know what Ibrahimovich was like as a U20, now you know. How do we get us one of those? His foot skills had the US defense enthralled as they watched for the next move. Let the bidding begin...with any luck, he'll follow Zlatan to Ajax (but hopefully, not to Juve after that).
2) About That Contract - after a nice opening game against Argentina, the announcer was talking about Chad Barrett very kindly and even mentioned the possibility of overseas interest - after his frightening inability to close out 3 or 4 very makable opportunities, one wonders if he'll get any more PT in Chicago this season. Could have been 3-0 by halftime. Needless to say, Nate Jaqua isn't worried about his spot in the line-up.
3) Freddie and Eddie - Freddie had some clever tricks and Gaven put some nice shots on goal which always seemed to end up heading right for the keeper's gut (no matter where he put them). In general, though, both failed to live up to the hype. They both need to show more a more consistent ability to stamp their will on the game. Lets hope that's just part of the maturation process.
4) Shooting - we still can't shoot from distance. The Italians had 6 or 7 speculative shots on or near target from well outside of the 18. One of the less worst of the bunch ended up deflecting off of the unlucky Jon Spector for Italy's first goal. Any chance we'll start teaching this skill soon?
5) Disappointment - OK, we were all pissed that we got hosed against the Germans in 2002 but lets be honest, we were sort of happy to be in the Final 8 vs. the Germans. This is the first time I really remember expecting to win against a traditional world power (I had already started figuring out how to rework my schedule for the Quarterfinal match on Friday). I'm not really a fan of moral victories, but like marking up the kitchen doorway as a kid, its a nice way to mark our growth as a soccer power on the world stage.
6) FAD Marvelle Wynne - He was beaten once or twice later in the game after we started sending everyone forward but if you didn't know ahead of time you would have guessed he and not Spector was the Man United defender on the US backline. Can MLS get to him before Arsene claims him for Arsenal? I'm torn as to what I want the answer to be. Either way, a year or two at Ajax or PSV would be an excellent next stage of his development.
1) Pelle, Pelle, Pelle - if you ever wanted to know what Ibrahimovich was like as a U20, now you know. How do we get us one of those? His foot skills had the US defense enthralled as they watched for the next move. Let the bidding begin...with any luck, he'll follow Zlatan to Ajax (but hopefully, not to Juve after that).
2) About That Contract - after a nice opening game against Argentina, the announcer was talking about Chad Barrett very kindly and even mentioned the possibility of overseas interest - after his frightening inability to close out 3 or 4 very makable opportunities, one wonders if he'll get any more PT in Chicago this season. Could have been 3-0 by halftime. Needless to say, Nate Jaqua isn't worried about his spot in the line-up.
3) Freddie and Eddie - Freddie had some clever tricks and Gaven put some nice shots on goal which always seemed to end up heading right for the keeper's gut (no matter where he put them). In general, though, both failed to live up to the hype. They both need to show more a more consistent ability to stamp their will on the game. Lets hope that's just part of the maturation process.
4) Shooting - we still can't shoot from distance. The Italians had 6 or 7 speculative shots on or near target from well outside of the 18. One of the less worst of the bunch ended up deflecting off of the unlucky Jon Spector for Italy's first goal. Any chance we'll start teaching this skill soon?
5) Disappointment - OK, we were all pissed that we got hosed against the Germans in 2002 but lets be honest, we were sort of happy to be in the Final 8 vs. the Germans. This is the first time I really remember expecting to win against a traditional world power (I had already started figuring out how to rework my schedule for the Quarterfinal match on Friday). I'm not really a fan of moral victories, but like marking up the kitchen doorway as a kid, its a nice way to mark our growth as a soccer power on the world stage.
6) FAD Marvelle Wynne - He was beaten once or twice later in the game after we started sending everyone forward but if you didn't know ahead of time you would have guessed he and not Spector was the Man United defender on the US backline. Can MLS get to him before Arsene claims him for Arsenal? I'm torn as to what I want the answer to be. Either way, a year or two at Ajax or PSV would be an excellent next stage of his development.
Our First No-Brainer...
As Jeremy pointed out this afternoon, Chelsea have signed the first guy that everyone will have in their line-up come the first day of the fantasy season (injuries not withstanding of course). Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Asier del Horno, left back from Athletic Bilbao - and we thought Liverpool was going to sign the first Spaniard of the close season. In a related note, Ashley Cole was reportedly overherd wondering what that sound was - the answer, of course, his leverage crashing unceremoniously to the ground.
Check out the big brain on Brad...
Could it be that we are starting from the back and creating an embarrassment of riches not only in net but also in defense? The signs are certainly looking good at the u20 level. Not only has Marvelle Wynne been the break-out star of the tournament for the team but when he was rested for the Egypt match, Brad Evans was nearly as impressive. He doesn't have quite the same pace but he was stout in defense, put in some excellent crosses and was dangerous in the air on a few free kicks/corners in the Egyptian box. Hard to get a great read since Egypt didn't score a goal in the tournament but if I were an MLS GM, Mr. Evans would be high on my list whenever he becomes available in the draft.
Other Random Notes for the U20 Tourney and Confederations Cup:
1) Wow, Riquelme is a lot of fun to watch for Argentina - I'm not much of a fan of the Argentines but he's must-see-tv. (OK, I'm probably WAY late to the party on this one but I don't remember the last time I saw Argentina play)
2) Gotta love seeing a black striker playing for Germany
3) Brazil continues to look pretty average in the U20s, must be that their serious talent is already with the senior team next door in Germany.
4) Is Spain preparing for a Portugal-like "Golden Generation" of underachievers? They certainly look powerful at the U20 level but somehow, I don't think the powers of Europe are quaking at the prospect.
5) Marvelle Wynne, Marvelle Wynne, Marvelle Wynne (time for me to start a new campaign - kneel Marvelle Wynne and arise FAD Marvelle Wynne - teaming him with Senderos, Clichey and just about anyone for 8 to 10 years starting in a year or two would be a nice prospect so long as that fourth guy isn't named Neville)
6) Bring on the Italians (OK, the Italians have already been brought on, but I haven't watched it on TiVo yet)
Other Random Notes for the U20 Tourney and Confederations Cup:
1) Wow, Riquelme is a lot of fun to watch for Argentina - I'm not much of a fan of the Argentines but he's must-see-tv. (OK, I'm probably WAY late to the party on this one but I don't remember the last time I saw Argentina play)
2) Gotta love seeing a black striker playing for Germany
3) Brazil continues to look pretty average in the U20s, must be that their serious talent is already with the senior team next door in Germany.
4) Is Spain preparing for a Portugal-like "Golden Generation" of underachievers? They certainly look powerful at the U20 level but somehow, I don't think the powers of Europe are quaking at the prospect.
5) Marvelle Wynne, Marvelle Wynne, Marvelle Wynne (time for me to start a new campaign - kneel Marvelle Wynne and arise FAD Marvelle Wynne - teaming him with Senderos, Clichey and just about anyone for 8 to 10 years starting in a year or two would be a nice prospect so long as that fourth guy isn't named Neville)
6) Bring on the Italians (OK, the Italians have already been brought on, but I haven't watched it on TiVo yet)
National Identity
There has been much discussion by columnists and commentators in the last month or so about the emerging character of US soccer as demonstrated by our national teams. This has, of course, been brought about by the recent WC qualifiers and the Youth World Cup tournament which have given us a chance to see and speculate on both the near and long term future of American soccer and how we stack up versus the best in the world. Here are a few random observations from what I've seen:
1) Physical superiority - of the teams that I've seen, we seem to possess the best combination of speed, height, endurance and agility. Outside of endurance, we probably aren't the best in the world at any of the above but we seem to have more 6'+ athletes with good agility and nice speed where England, Germany or Italy will generally either have a short guy with agility and speed or a slower tall guy. Apparently, its good to have a huge population and the best athletic training infrastructure in the World.
2) Few "playmakers" - outside of Freddie Adu at the U20 level, there aren't really any American field players who create that moment of brilliance on the offensive end that will turn a game. We're really dependent on teamwork for that sort of thing most of the time. Beasley, Johnson and Donovan are a potent trio but you really don't get that same feeling of "something good is going to happen" that you do when Wayne Rooney is on the ball for England, Ronaldihno is on the ball for Brazil or Arjen Robben is on it for Holland (I'd love to throw in an Henry reference here but no one really gets worried when he has the ball in a France uniform). Granted, there are a lot of countries that lack this ingredient - like Germany, France, Mexico, and Columbia in the world top 10 - but if we're going to seriously challenge for a World Cup we need to have that. Fortunately, Friedel, Keller and Howard all fit the bill in net and there are probably more on the way.
3) Total Offense - We aren't quite to the level of the Clockwork Orange of yesteryear but our offensive formations seem to be morphing (both at the u20 and senior levels) into a very fluid thing. Watching Donovan and Beasley interchange around McBride rather than conform to traditional wing roles seems to cause problems in the same way Chelsea interchanges Duff and Robben when they're healthy. Markers tend to get caught up either following their man and getting out of position or missing a zone assignment as the opposite wing comes across into their territory. Its also good for a change of pace after a defender has gotten used to the person they've been marking for a while. This seems to be mirrorred at the u20 level with Freddie Adu working all over the field and pushing Chad Barrett into different positions as he does so.
4) All Out Attack - Given a general speed advantage, its nice to see that in most situations we are developing the confidence to attack on a consistent basis. This needs to continue as the competition gets more difficult.
5) Lack of Technical Skill - Its getting better but there are still way too many bad crosses and flubbed shots from distance. I was shocked to see Feilhaber's shot from 25 yards - a staple from central midfielders like Scholes and Lampard in the Prem and seemingly the birthright of every German. We need more people on the team who can threaten from distance. Forcing defenses to come out further to defend us closely will open things up for us to exploit our speed. Ditto with the crosses, better crossing of the ball which will force defenders further out on the sides.
1) Physical superiority - of the teams that I've seen, we seem to possess the best combination of speed, height, endurance and agility. Outside of endurance, we probably aren't the best in the world at any of the above but we seem to have more 6'+ athletes with good agility and nice speed where England, Germany or Italy will generally either have a short guy with agility and speed or a slower tall guy. Apparently, its good to have a huge population and the best athletic training infrastructure in the World.
2) Few "playmakers" - outside of Freddie Adu at the U20 level, there aren't really any American field players who create that moment of brilliance on the offensive end that will turn a game. We're really dependent on teamwork for that sort of thing most of the time. Beasley, Johnson and Donovan are a potent trio but you really don't get that same feeling of "something good is going to happen" that you do when Wayne Rooney is on the ball for England, Ronaldihno is on the ball for Brazil or Arjen Robben is on it for Holland (I'd love to throw in an Henry reference here but no one really gets worried when he has the ball in a France uniform). Granted, there are a lot of countries that lack this ingredient - like Germany, France, Mexico, and Columbia in the world top 10 - but if we're going to seriously challenge for a World Cup we need to have that. Fortunately, Friedel, Keller and Howard all fit the bill in net and there are probably more on the way.
3) Total Offense - We aren't quite to the level of the Clockwork Orange of yesteryear but our offensive formations seem to be morphing (both at the u20 and senior levels) into a very fluid thing. Watching Donovan and Beasley interchange around McBride rather than conform to traditional wing roles seems to cause problems in the same way Chelsea interchanges Duff and Robben when they're healthy. Markers tend to get caught up either following their man and getting out of position or missing a zone assignment as the opposite wing comes across into their territory. Its also good for a change of pace after a defender has gotten used to the person they've been marking for a while. This seems to be mirrorred at the u20 level with Freddie Adu working all over the field and pushing Chad Barrett into different positions as he does so.
4) All Out Attack - Given a general speed advantage, its nice to see that in most situations we are developing the confidence to attack on a consistent basis. This needs to continue as the competition gets more difficult.
5) Lack of Technical Skill - Its getting better but there are still way too many bad crosses and flubbed shots from distance. I was shocked to see Feilhaber's shot from 25 yards - a staple from central midfielders like Scholes and Lampard in the Prem and seemingly the birthright of every German. We need more people on the team who can threaten from distance. Forcing defenses to come out further to defend us closely will open things up for us to exploit our speed. Ditto with the crosses, better crossing of the ball which will force defenders further out on the sides.
Free At Last...
Fantasy owners rejoice - Lauren Robert is gone from St. James' Park and the shameful starting XI policies of Souey. Given the current constitution of the Pompey roster, it would be hard to imagine him not starting every single game he's healthy for. Now, about getting him a striker so that he can cash in on some assists as he is bombing crosses in from the left flank.
Free RvP!! (unless he did it of course)
Free RvP!! (unless he did it of course)
More from the YWC
Brazil vs. Nigeria - shouldn't there have been SOMEONE in this game that was impressive, sadly, not the case. I'll withhold my opinion on the theory that both of these teams might be good enough to cancel out exceptional talent but this was miserable watching.
SPOILER ALERT...
Upon a second viewing, the US team played another excellent team, this time one who was playing 20 km from home soil. They looked excellent in the first half, not so much in the second half. Here are a few player-specific comments:
1) Bandwagon Watch - Marvelle Wynne wasn't AS impressive in this match but he was still one of the better players on the pitch - he seemed to wear down somewhat towards the end of the game creating some openings for the Germans on the right side of the defense when he didn't get back from a run. His few crosses were better than in the Argentina game. Still amazing to watch him
2) The Missing Link - usually, this is a compliment to a player who has filled in a gap, in this case, it refers to Eddie Gaven who is supposed to be linking midfield and attack and, um, hasn't for two games against good competition. He seems to SEE the right pass but consistently fail to deliver it - in one 2nd half sequence he kicked the ball into the same defenders shins twice trying to thread the needle - didn't look promising.
3) Freddie - not his greatest game ever, he didn't play badly but he didn't really have any moments of brilliance either.
4) Wheelhouse - I'm not ready to put together a bandwagon yet, but I have enjoyed watching Benny Feilhaber play in the center of the US midfield. He is stalwart in defense and generally in position to act as a first line of defense. He also makes some good opportunistic runs into the offensive half. He doesn't have as obvious a position as either Makelele (defensive central midfield) or Lampard (offensive central midfield) - he's more like a (very) poor man's Steven Gerrard. Worth keeping an eye on - I'm betting he makes some appearances with the full MNT and makes some noise in a few more years.
Hopefully, there wasn't anything above that might spoil the game for anyone heading home to watch on TiVo :-)
SPOILER ALERT...
Upon a second viewing, the US team played another excellent team, this time one who was playing 20 km from home soil. They looked excellent in the first half, not so much in the second half. Here are a few player-specific comments:
1) Bandwagon Watch - Marvelle Wynne wasn't AS impressive in this match but he was still one of the better players on the pitch - he seemed to wear down somewhat towards the end of the game creating some openings for the Germans on the right side of the defense when he didn't get back from a run. His few crosses were better than in the Argentina game. Still amazing to watch him
2) The Missing Link - usually, this is a compliment to a player who has filled in a gap, in this case, it refers to Eddie Gaven who is supposed to be linking midfield and attack and, um, hasn't for two games against good competition. He seems to SEE the right pass but consistently fail to deliver it - in one 2nd half sequence he kicked the ball into the same defenders shins twice trying to thread the needle - didn't look promising.
3) Freddie - not his greatest game ever, he didn't play badly but he didn't really have any moments of brilliance either.
4) Wheelhouse - I'm not ready to put together a bandwagon yet, but I have enjoyed watching Benny Feilhaber play in the center of the US midfield. He is stalwart in defense and generally in position to act as a first line of defense. He also makes some good opportunistic runs into the offensive half. He doesn't have as obvious a position as either Makelele (defensive central midfield) or Lampard (offensive central midfield) - he's more like a (very) poor man's Steven Gerrard. Worth keeping an eye on - I'm betting he makes some appearances with the full MNT and makes some noise in a few more years.
Hopefully, there wasn't anything above that might spoil the game for anyone heading home to watch on TiVo :-)
More Bandwagon Jumping...
As MLS drags into the middle of the season, we pause for qualifiers and the fun of the Under 20 World Cup in Holland giving us a preview of the superstars of the future. Having had the chance to see two games so far (Holland v. Japan and US v. Argentina), the future is definitely bright. The revelation for the Dutch side is Arsenal reserve winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie - if you remember the first time you saw Christiano Ronaldo, this was about the same experience. He was just faster than everyone else, had a bag of tricks, and was clearly the most dangerous person on the field by a large margin setting up both Holland goals. For Argentina, the surprise is that they really didn't seem to have many difference makers until Lionel Messi (Barcalona) sepped onto the field and looked positively Maradona-like on the ball making sick move after sick move. Finally, the man who inspired the title of this posting - the revelation on the right side of the American defense that seemed to pop up everywhere he was needed. I wasn't sure if Marvelle Wynne was playing right midfield or right defense - he was always in the attack when the US was moving up and he was always stalwart in defense when Argentina had the ball. His cross led to the US goal and he was a constant thorn in the side of the Argentines. Someone needs to find him a crossing coach and Marvelle needs to spend the next year doing nothing but working on that part of his game. If he gets that down, he'll be a fixture on the senior MNT for years to come. Lets hope it happens. On to the Germans.
The Curse Begins...
Earlier in the close season, we briefly mentioned the Curse of the Boro Strikers that has destroyed the careers of a number of seemingly up-and-coming strikers who have joined the club over the last 3 or 4 years. Ordinarily, it takes at least until the beginning of the season for the curse to strike but this just in...Yakubu has come down with a second bout of malaria. You can't make stuff like this up. 6 million out the door for his services and within a month, yellow fever (insert your own joke linking yellow and his effort from about November through March here).
BTW, if the good folks at Stamford Bridge are reading, PLEASE feel free to contact me and my boss in any order you see fit to offer a place as the official blogger of the team - negotiations start at $50k/week.
BTW, if the good folks at Stamford Bridge are reading, PLEASE feel free to contact me and my boss in any order you see fit to offer a place as the official blogger of the team - negotiations start at $50k/week.
An addendum to the summation...
Of course, I had to be out of the country for it to happen, but our long national nightmare is over...the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays have reclaimed their rightful place atop the College Lacrosse world with a 9-8 victory over Duke (and its ALWAYS good when Duke loses) in the NCAA Finals in Philadelphia on Monday. Just to give some perspective, no senior class had ever come through Hopkins WITHOUT winning at least one national championship until the class that entered in 1988 (otherwise known as my class). Not only did that class not win, but there has been no championship at Homewood since - sort of a big deal when you only have one sport of note on campus (and the sport's Hall of Fame is in your gym).
Let there be rejoicing in Charles Village...
Now back to our regularly scheduled program...
Let there be rejoicing in Charles Village...
Now back to our regularly scheduled program...
Live from Europe...
Notes from a week in the land of Footie...
1) Wow, what a night watching the CL Final in a bar (Bob's) in County Limerick in Ireland - the irony of three Yanks being the only ones watching in the back room by halftime and the room full of people who gathered (OK, in this case a "room full" meant about 15) after the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half.
2) I have to imagine that this was the English equivalent of the Miracle on Ice for this generation of English kids (or at least Liverpool fans) - just stunning...
3) In response to Jeremy's comments on Rafa being MVP of the CL Final - I was thinking he was the goat for not starting Didi - what exactly was he thinking playing exactly zero holding midfielders against Kaka? Gerrard and Alonso are both great players but they really play the same position and it will be interesting to see what happens next year. Sort of the same dilema Sven faces with Gerrard and Lamps in central midfield for England...
4) ...Which brings us to US/England - the coverage in England was, um, not nearly as impressive as I'd hoped. They clearly had no idea that we were missing a number of our first choice players just like the England squad was. They apparently haven't warmed to the idea that we got some game over here. Would love to see what they'd do with EJ and DMB bringing the speed.
5) Stamford Bridge...beautiful and very welcoming - tour including a trip into the home and visitor's dressing rooms, press room and onto the pitch. All this and an extremely amusing guide who was talking massive trash about other clubs (esp. ManYoo and Arsenal as you might imagine) all the while can be yours for 5 pounds. Also, a much improved new logo and a rumor that they're after Adriano - imagine Robben and Duff crossing the ball into him, yikes.
6) Highbury...not so beautiful and tours only available on Fridays (I wasn't around on Friday) but I'm seriously considering buying a condo either outside the new stadium or on the site of the existing Highbury (the pitch will be a treelined courtyard) - if anyone is interested and season ticket package comes with the former...
7) Lillywhite's...10 pound LS England Away replica - can't beat that with a stick.
4)
1) Wow, what a night watching the CL Final in a bar (Bob's) in County Limerick in Ireland - the irony of three Yanks being the only ones watching in the back room by halftime and the room full of people who gathered (OK, in this case a "room full" meant about 15) after the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half.
2) I have to imagine that this was the English equivalent of the Miracle on Ice for this generation of English kids (or at least Liverpool fans) - just stunning...
3) In response to Jeremy's comments on Rafa being MVP of the CL Final - I was thinking he was the goat for not starting Didi - what exactly was he thinking playing exactly zero holding midfielders against Kaka? Gerrard and Alonso are both great players but they really play the same position and it will be interesting to see what happens next year. Sort of the same dilema Sven faces with Gerrard and Lamps in central midfield for England...
4) ...Which brings us to US/England - the coverage in England was, um, not nearly as impressive as I'd hoped. They clearly had no idea that we were missing a number of our first choice players just like the England squad was. They apparently haven't warmed to the idea that we got some game over here. Would love to see what they'd do with EJ and DMB bringing the speed.
5) Stamford Bridge...beautiful and very welcoming - tour including a trip into the home and visitor's dressing rooms, press room and onto the pitch. All this and an extremely amusing guide who was talking massive trash about other clubs (esp. ManYoo and Arsenal as you might imagine) all the while can be yours for 5 pounds. Also, a much improved new logo and a rumor that they're after Adriano - imagine Robben and Duff crossing the ball into him, yikes.
6) Highbury...not so beautiful and tours only available on Fridays (I wasn't around on Friday) but I'm seriously considering buying a condo either outside the new stadium or on the site of the existing Highbury (the pitch will be a treelined courtyard) - if anyone is interested and season ticket package comes with the former...
7) Lillywhite's...10 pound LS England Away replica - can't beat that with a stick.
4)
UEFA CL Final Man of the Match
The award has to go to Rafa Benitez for his halftime adjustments. In the first half he wanted his fullbacks to get forward and overload the Milan fullbacks. It worked, but when the crosses flew in, there was no one there to attack them. How many times did a leaping Baros, marked by Stam or Nesta, watch a ball fly over his head?
And while this approach worked on the attacking end, it was a completely disaster defensively! Liverpool was concentrating on the wings while Milan was shredding them up the middle. Seedorf, Pirlo and most especially Kaka had the run of the field and were able to send dangerous balls through to Crespo and Shevchenko. If those two would have stayed onsides more often the score could have been 6-0 at half time.
In the second half, Benitez sacrificed Finnan on the right to bring in Hamman in the middle of the pitch. This switch closed up the space that Milan's midfielders were exploiting and allowed Gerrard to move forward and concentrate on attacking. Gerrard scored one and created one, and Hamman created the other with a quick pass to Scmicer.
While Benitez was decisive, Ancelotti didn't change his tactics until too late. Only when he brought on Sergihno (sp?) and started attacking Liverpool's flank did Milan look like getting back into the game. But big saves from Dudek and tired legs forced PKs. Which much to my surprise, Liv won. Credit Dudek's "crazy legs" and his new habit of coming out 3 steps to deny the kick. A tactic I like to call "the Brianna Scurry".
Now, will the CL trophy stay in Liverpool next year? Only if David Moyes is as good a manager as Rafa Benitez.
-Jeremy
And while this approach worked on the attacking end, it was a completely disaster defensively! Liverpool was concentrating on the wings while Milan was shredding them up the middle. Seedorf, Pirlo and most especially Kaka had the run of the field and were able to send dangerous balls through to Crespo and Shevchenko. If those two would have stayed onsides more often the score could have been 6-0 at half time.
In the second half, Benitez sacrificed Finnan on the right to bring in Hamman in the middle of the pitch. This switch closed up the space that Milan's midfielders were exploiting and allowed Gerrard to move forward and concentrate on attacking. Gerrard scored one and created one, and Hamman created the other with a quick pass to Scmicer.
While Benitez was decisive, Ancelotti didn't change his tactics until too late. Only when he brought on Sergihno (sp?) and started attacking Liverpool's flank did Milan look like getting back into the game. But big saves from Dudek and tired legs forced PKs. Which much to my surprise, Liv won. Credit Dudek's "crazy legs" and his new habit of coming out 3 steps to deny the kick. A tactic I like to call "the Brianna Scurry".
Now, will the CL trophy stay in Liverpool next year? Only if David Moyes is as good a manager as Rafa Benitez.
-Jeremy
Just to Recap...
Arsenal Undefeated Champions in '03-'04
DC United MLS Cup Champions 2004
Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl '04-'05
UNC NCAA Men's Basketball Champions '04-'05
Arsenal FA Cup Winners 2005
Throw in a run of increasingly positive finishes for me in Fantasy EPL and an undefeated record (5-0) in Fantasy Sports Side Wagers and we're looking at a sporting run the likes of which hasn't been seen in my world since Philadelphia in 1980 (Phillies World Series, Sixers, Flyers & Eagles in their respective championship games).
Not a bad run - time for the Eagles to break through and get it done in Super Bowl XL
DC United MLS Cup Champions 2004
Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl '04-'05
UNC NCAA Men's Basketball Champions '04-'05
Arsenal FA Cup Winners 2005
Throw in a run of increasingly positive finishes for me in Fantasy EPL and an undefeated record (5-0) in Fantasy Sports Side Wagers and we're looking at a sporting run the likes of which hasn't been seen in my world since Philadelphia in 1980 (Phillies World Series, Sixers, Flyers & Eagles in their respective championship games).
Not a bad run - time for the Eagles to break through and get it done in Super Bowl XL
How Sweet It Is...
Yup, we got outplayed. Rooney and Ronaldo were CLEARLY the best two players on the field in Cardiff on Saturday and there really wasn't a close third place. You know how much I cared about those two facts as Paddy Vieira put the 5th PK past the hapless Roy Carroll? Not a damn bit. It was lovely to hear Sir Alex bitch and moan about his timid team of underdogs who couldn't stand up to the physical play from, um, Jose Reyes? Take it like a man, your boys haven't been able to finish when they needed to all year and Saturday was no exception. Ruud just needs to call a mulligan on the year - he missed a number of opportunities that should have been gimmies for him. Scholes missed a couple that he should have put in as well - including the PK that everyone on Earth knew he was going to find a way to blow. And there it is - Arsenal are FA Cup winners without Henry and ManYoo go home for the summer with nothing to show for the campaign and no transfer budget for the summer. Good times indeed.
Just something to ponder, if Chelsea win the league, Arsenal win the FA Cup, Liverpool win the Champion's League, and ManYoo win nothing, does that make ManYoo the fourth best team in England this year?
News that Arsenal will be buying 2 or 3 players is welcome, especially given that one will be a striker. Dean Ashton, your life is waiting...
Finally, as I get ready to jet over to Ireland and England for Kris' wedding, I'd like to savor my moment atop the MLS Fantasy standings. I'm sure it won't last long but since its never happened before, I'm going to bask in the glow. On Ronald, on Jaime, on Edson and Brad, on Hector and Thiago, on Danny, on Albright and Michael and Tim - and, finally, keep holdin' on Scotty - the defense is bound to get better in Big D eventually, isn't it?
Just something to ponder, if Chelsea win the league, Arsenal win the FA Cup, Liverpool win the Champion's League, and ManYoo win nothing, does that make ManYoo the fourth best team in England this year?
News that Arsenal will be buying 2 or 3 players is welcome, especially given that one will be a striker. Dean Ashton, your life is waiting...
Finally, as I get ready to jet over to Ireland and England for Kris' wedding, I'd like to savor my moment atop the MLS Fantasy standings. I'm sure it won't last long but since its never happened before, I'm going to bask in the glow. On Ronald, on Jaime, on Edson and Brad, on Hector and Thiago, on Danny, on Albright and Michael and Tim - and, finally, keep holdin' on Scotty - the defense is bound to get better in Big D eventually, isn't it?
Is He or Isn't He?
As if in response to yesterday's commentary on Patrick Berger heading to Villa Park, the rumor mill has Craig Bellamy (along with the forgettable Aaron Hughes) already signed, sealed, and delivered as JPA's running mate for next season. If it happens and the health problems that always seem to dog Bellamy and Berger allow them to play along side each other for more than half the season, Villa may have something. Certainly, fantasy managers have to be intrigued by the possibility of Bellamy starting up top every time he's healthy.
In other news, Sam Allerdyce seems ready to test the bounds of his ability to bring in underperforming old guys for one last hurrah at Bolton. He's done amazing things with Campo, Hierro, Candala, et al but after watching the new apple of his eye, Patrick Kluivert, this past season - it seems like a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, maybe we'll find out just how poisonous the situation is at St. James' Park.
In other news, Sam Allerdyce seems ready to test the bounds of his ability to bring in underperforming old guys for one last hurrah at Bolton. He's done amazing things with Campo, Hierro, Candala, et al but after watching the new apple of his eye, Patrick Kluivert, this past season - it seems like a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, maybe we'll find out just how poisonous the situation is at St. James' Park.
Good Berger
Last year, they added Nobby. This year it appears that they will add Patrick Berger who will leave Pompey on a free transfer. Granted, you can only expect Berger to make about 2/3 of the team's appearances but between the two of them, Berger and Nobby can make plays on their own and open things up for the rest of the team. Now, about adding a couple more strikers who can actually do something with the space that Nobby and Berger open up. If they can get Baros away from Liverpool, they might actually have something. Don't hold your breath.
Let the games begin...
Still my beating heart. Unlike American sports with Free Agent waiting periods and other silly artificial constructs, the transfer market is already in full swing. The hero of my 2003-04 fantasy season Yakubu will be the next to test the curse of the 'Boro striker (OK, its not quite the curse of the Bambino, but ask Viduka, Maccarone, and Ricketts about arriving on Teesside as a striker with expectations - not good times). Tottenham also announced the signing of a Canadian wing defender - Paul Stalteri - from Werder Bremen. Here are some quick thoughts...
1) Unless Yakubu pulls a hammy on his way to deposit all of his money, he'll be in my starting line-up in the fall;
2) Stalteri has some things going for him in the fantasy footie world - descriptions of his play imply that he plays a fairly attack-minded wing-back and is proficient at crossing the ball. OK, he's not French but Canadian is the next best (worst?) thing when it comes to fantasy stats. Now the questions is whether he can overcome Tottenham's inexplicable knack for producing fantasy football mediocrity. Seriously, can anyone remember the last time a Spurs player was a fantasy no-brainer? The last one that comes to mind is now managing Germany.
1) Unless Yakubu pulls a hammy on his way to deposit all of his money, he'll be in my starting line-up in the fall;
2) Stalteri has some things going for him in the fantasy footie world - descriptions of his play imply that he plays a fairly attack-minded wing-back and is proficient at crossing the ball. OK, he's not French but Canadian is the next best (worst?) thing when it comes to fantasy stats. Now the questions is whether he can overcome Tottenham's inexplicable knack for producing fantasy football mediocrity. Seriously, can anyone remember the last time a Spurs player was a fantasy no-brainer? The last one that comes to mind is now managing Germany.
Crying Foul in Manchester - New York Times
'Not for $ale.'
this is getting quite the play in the MSM. Maybe Malcolm and Rupert have a plan for FSC?
Between McBride and Bocanegra dismantaling Norwich, and Freidel keeping TOT out of Europe it's been quite the week for American's in English football.
this is getting quite the play in the MSM. Maybe Malcolm and Rupert have a plan for FSC?
Between McBride and Bocanegra dismantaling Norwich, and Freidel keeping TOT out of Europe it's been quite the week for American's in English football.
Wrap-up, Part One...
(...of many I'm guessing). Well done to Jeremy who won the battle for second and would probably have done so by even more with his second choice squad for the week whereas I played Norwich to his Fulham - completely uninspired. At least it won't cost me 18 million pounds. Some random thoughts...
1) I'm on the Lampard bandwagon as much as anyone but I was shocked to see that he DID NOT finish first among Premiership midfielders in goals. That honor would go to the somehow overlooked Robert Pires who started 27 games to Lampards every single minute of every single game. Granted, Pires is not the player he was a couple years ago, and he has fewer responsibilities in Arsenal's system than Lampard has at Chelsea but I'm not sure I'm ready to give Frank the "best midfielder in the world" title just yet when a) he's probably not the best midfielder on his team (Robben has a much bigger impact when healthy); and b) Pires produces nearly as much in far fewer minutes.
2) After a late surge, my man, Dennis Bergkamp finished the season at 8 goals and 11 assists. Not bad for an old man who played in about half of his team's games/minutes. Here's hoping for one more year.
3) Not having had the chance to watch any of the action over the weekend, I have to say that even 24 hours later, I'm still stunned that Norwich failed to show up against a Fulham team that had no reason to be doing anything but scheduling tee times (or tea times, I suppose). The six goals they recorded on Sunday represented 12% of their goal output FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON!! (just for perspective, each game in a 38 game season represents about 2.5% of the season). Think the Fulham fans are wondering where the hell that effort/outcome has been all season?
4) Nice to see T-Ho getting an additional 2 years at OT. Granted its a mess up that way these days but its still nice to see that they still see the talent there and are willing to let him mature.
5) Sorry, Kate, but my intuition tells me that ManYoo will regret the commitment they just made to Giggs. He was effective in spurts but not consistently healthy enough. Seems like the time that SAF in his prime would have sold Giggsy off to a less savvy manager in need of a brand name for his off-season efforts (Tottenham anyone?).
6) Let the Dean Ashton-to-Arsenal watch commence in earnest!
7) Wonder what the hell I'm going to do with all the free time I have now
8) At least next season starts early because of the World Cup.
Look for more soon.
1) I'm on the Lampard bandwagon as much as anyone but I was shocked to see that he DID NOT finish first among Premiership midfielders in goals. That honor would go to the somehow overlooked Robert Pires who started 27 games to Lampards every single minute of every single game. Granted, Pires is not the player he was a couple years ago, and he has fewer responsibilities in Arsenal's system than Lampard has at Chelsea but I'm not sure I'm ready to give Frank the "best midfielder in the world" title just yet when a) he's probably not the best midfielder on his team (Robben has a much bigger impact when healthy); and b) Pires produces nearly as much in far fewer minutes.
2) After a late surge, my man, Dennis Bergkamp finished the season at 8 goals and 11 assists. Not bad for an old man who played in about half of his team's games/minutes. Here's hoping for one more year.
3) Not having had the chance to watch any of the action over the weekend, I have to say that even 24 hours later, I'm still stunned that Norwich failed to show up against a Fulham team that had no reason to be doing anything but scheduling tee times (or tea times, I suppose). The six goals they recorded on Sunday represented 12% of their goal output FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON!! (just for perspective, each game in a 38 game season represents about 2.5% of the season). Think the Fulham fans are wondering where the hell that effort/outcome has been all season?
4) Nice to see T-Ho getting an additional 2 years at OT. Granted its a mess up that way these days but its still nice to see that they still see the talent there and are willing to let him mature.
5) Sorry, Kate, but my intuition tells me that ManYoo will regret the commitment they just made to Giggs. He was effective in spurts but not consistently healthy enough. Seems like the time that SAF in his prime would have sold Giggsy off to a less savvy manager in need of a brand name for his off-season efforts (Tottenham anyone?).
6) Let the Dean Ashton-to-Arsenal watch commence in earnest!
7) Wonder what the hell I'm going to do with all the free time I have now
8) At least next season starts early because of the World Cup.
Look for more soon.
Yakubu'd!!!
Big celebration for a guy 120 points in the rear view mirror of the champion . . .
That being said, what happened to me in a head to head 10 week mini-league at the end of last season at the hands of Mr. thurman has happened to him - except this time it wasn't yakubu doing the yakubu'ing - it was an on loan Man U player (ouch) and some goalie I have never heard of (dooh!)
Strong finish, well done. Too bad of course its only for second place.
That being said, what happened to me in a head to head 10 week mini-league at the end of last season at the hands of Mr. thurman has happened to him - except this time it wasn't yakubu doing the yakubu'ing - it was an on loan Man U player (ouch) and some goalie I have never heard of (dooh!)
Strong finish, well done. Too bad of course its only for second place.
Once more into the breach...
So here we are at the last weekend of both the EPL and fantasy seasons and it seems like all hell is on the verge of breaking loose. Much like the EPL, we don't have much of a race for first so once again congratulations to Kris on his victory as well as his pending nuptuals. Additional congrats on what must be a pretty impressive world ranking. I'm sitting at #676 worldwide and he has somewhere between 150 and 200 points on me. Lofty heights indeed.
On the all hell breaking loose side of things...will Glazer-gate accelerate the decline of ManYoo? Soccernet certainly seems to think so. Needless to say, the revelation that Arsene Wenger does indeed have his eye on Dean Ashton has me on cloud nine as I contemplate a future rooting for a front line of Reyes, Ashton, van Persie, Bentley and Fabregas. The rumor that the Lyon coach and his 3 straight Ligue 1 titles quit to come over as Wenger's successor in a few years is also good news as this clearly puts us ahead of ManYoo's unsettled front office. Elsewhere, we have the 4 games that will determine the plights of the relegation candidates. I'm having a hard time deciding whether to root for my boy Dean Ashton to do well and stay up because I've enjoyed Norwich a great deal since he came over in January or to root against them in hopes that relegation frees him up for a transfer to Arsenal this close season. In any event, one last time for this year, here's the line-up...
Strikers
Henry - He's back...the question last week was whether he'd have more points in one half of one game than one of my other strikers had in two full matches.
FAS DA - Everytime Norwich's backs have been against the wall, he's come through - can't leave him out now.
AJ - if I'd been on his bandwagon earlier, I might be up with Kris in the stratosphere - I wasn't and I'm not, but I couldn't take the notion of missing out on 2nd by repeating my mistake when he has everything to play for.
Midfield
Lampard - He's going to play which means he's got to be in the line-up
van Persie - This is really a placeholder for now - with Henry back, his starting position is in jeopardy - he's definitely been in form but with only 6 points separating me from 3rd place and a summer of good natured abuse from Jeremy - every point counts
Camara - relegation on the line and he's definitely starting at striker with Crouch benched
Francis - did I mention that I've been sucked in by the Norwich bandwagon? If only Huckerby were correctly assigned as a midfielder...
Defense
Cole - Arsenal seems to be in form heading towards the FA Cup
Toure - taking over for Lauren as he recovers from "blood poisoning"
Wallwork - fighting to avoid relegation makes an already prolific defender even more attractive
Keeper
Lehmann - See Cole above...
The season has been a blast and remember to look for commentary reviewing the season just past - the ongoing MLS season and the EPL off-season in the coming weeks...
Cheers - Neal
On the all hell breaking loose side of things...will Glazer-gate accelerate the decline of ManYoo? Soccernet certainly seems to think so. Needless to say, the revelation that Arsene Wenger does indeed have his eye on Dean Ashton has me on cloud nine as I contemplate a future rooting for a front line of Reyes, Ashton, van Persie, Bentley and Fabregas. The rumor that the Lyon coach and his 3 straight Ligue 1 titles quit to come over as Wenger's successor in a few years is also good news as this clearly puts us ahead of ManYoo's unsettled front office. Elsewhere, we have the 4 games that will determine the plights of the relegation candidates. I'm having a hard time deciding whether to root for my boy Dean Ashton to do well and stay up because I've enjoyed Norwich a great deal since he came over in January or to root against them in hopes that relegation frees him up for a transfer to Arsenal this close season. In any event, one last time for this year, here's the line-up...
Strikers
Henry - He's back...the question last week was whether he'd have more points in one half of one game than one of my other strikers had in two full matches.
FAS DA - Everytime Norwich's backs have been against the wall, he's come through - can't leave him out now.
AJ - if I'd been on his bandwagon earlier, I might be up with Kris in the stratosphere - I wasn't and I'm not, but I couldn't take the notion of missing out on 2nd by repeating my mistake when he has everything to play for.
Midfield
Lampard - He's going to play which means he's got to be in the line-up
van Persie - This is really a placeholder for now - with Henry back, his starting position is in jeopardy - he's definitely been in form but with only 6 points separating me from 3rd place and a summer of good natured abuse from Jeremy - every point counts
Camara - relegation on the line and he's definitely starting at striker with Crouch benched
Francis - did I mention that I've been sucked in by the Norwich bandwagon? If only Huckerby were correctly assigned as a midfielder...
Defense
Cole - Arsenal seems to be in form heading towards the FA Cup
Toure - taking over for Lauren as he recovers from "blood poisoning"
Wallwork - fighting to avoid relegation makes an already prolific defender even more attractive
Keeper
Lehmann - See Cole above...
The season has been a blast and remember to look for commentary reviewing the season just past - the ongoing MLS season and the EPL off-season in the coming weeks...
Cheers - Neal
Top of the Table Recommendations
While this weekend's line-up decisions matter not to me, I thought those less fortunate could benefit from my selection acumen and wisdom, so here goes (and for once I go before neal so he can ridicule my ideas) . . .
Strikers
Henry - I say no (though he burned me bad with a hat trick a while ago)
AJ - I say yes - the palace will stay up
Ashton - FAS Dean Ashton is a good bet this weekend
Rooney - while man u may rest some supposed stars, despite an american owner (cool), fergie won't want to throw the game v. SOU and rooney should have plenty of chances versus a pathetic defense
Defoe - If he plays in the three headed TOT strike force - there should be goals a plenty
MIdfielders
Van Persie - granted a 2nd pager - but now a good bet to get some points as arsenal goes for 14-0 win
Lampart - say it ain't so joe - the streak will stay alive - the only CHE player we know will start
SWP - the mighty mite should be in for a good day as his team pushes for europe
Downing - always a good bet - though his recent appearances on the bench are worrying
Any Reid - He's Irish and Pudgy, what more could you want? Plus, TOT looks to get lots of offensive points this match
Pires / Ljjunggberrg - not sure who is playing here - but if you are feeling the arse love (boy that sound dirty) than one of them might be a good selection
Defenders
These are tricky this week, but . . .
Quedrue - or what ever his name is (i guess he might play and he seems to have a high average)
A Cole - seems to be due to be the arse defender to get big points
hibbert - one of my favorites this year - good for points with or without a clean sheet
Senderos - if you don't like ashley (yellow card cole) or if you want to double up on the arse defenders
Ledley King - might be a good bet to score this weekend
Goalie
All i can think of is Lehman - all the other games are too confusing for me
Any way - those are my thoughts - the last week is tough to call for the obvious reasons, sure glad i am not fighting for a champions league spot - speaking of which, how terrible does LIV feel about seeing EVE losing 7-0 to ARS and knowing that they will be in the champions league next year - too funny
Strikers
Henry - I say no (though he burned me bad with a hat trick a while ago)
AJ - I say yes - the palace will stay up
Ashton - FAS Dean Ashton is a good bet this weekend
Rooney - while man u may rest some supposed stars, despite an american owner (cool), fergie won't want to throw the game v. SOU and rooney should have plenty of chances versus a pathetic defense
Defoe - If he plays in the three headed TOT strike force - there should be goals a plenty
MIdfielders
Van Persie - granted a 2nd pager - but now a good bet to get some points as arsenal goes for 14-0 win
Lampart - say it ain't so joe - the streak will stay alive - the only CHE player we know will start
SWP - the mighty mite should be in for a good day as his team pushes for europe
Downing - always a good bet - though his recent appearances on the bench are worrying
Any Reid - He's Irish and Pudgy, what more could you want? Plus, TOT looks to get lots of offensive points this match
Pires / Ljjunggberrg - not sure who is playing here - but if you are feeling the arse love (boy that sound dirty) than one of them might be a good selection
Defenders
These are tricky this week, but . . .
Quedrue - or what ever his name is (i guess he might play and he seems to have a high average)
A Cole - seems to be due to be the arse defender to get big points
hibbert - one of my favorites this year - good for points with or without a clean sheet
Senderos - if you don't like ashley (yellow card cole) or if you want to double up on the arse defenders
Ledley King - might be a good bet to score this weekend
Goalie
All i can think of is Lehman - all the other games are too confusing for me
Any way - those are my thoughts - the last week is tough to call for the obvious reasons, sure glad i am not fighting for a champions league spot - speaking of which, how terrible does LIV feel about seeing EVE losing 7-0 to ARS and knowing that they will be in the champions league next year - too funny
Late Night Blogging...
Greetings from 2nd place in our little division. In the glow of the touchdown to nil performance by Arsenal over Everton (which brings the aggregate between the two to 11-1 this year), the virtuoso performance by Dennis Bergkamp (a goal and at least 2 assists), and 2 goals by Bobby Pires which makes my fantasy situation much more palatable, we find this item on Soccernet... http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=333102&cc=5901 - its really the 3rd to last paragraph that makes an excellent day even better. Indeed, FAS may turn into AS sooner than even I had hoped. The only thing that could make the end of the season any better would be a similar flogging of ManYoo on the 21st.
Exciting times as we head into the final weekend.
Exciting times as we head into the final weekend.
Press Release: Major Announcements from Galway Galacticos
The Galway Galacticos, in light of the massive cash influx from their impending finish at the top of the table, have officially announced that they will be moving into a new yet to be determined stadium in Dublin, Ireland. An unnamed team spokesperson stated, "We have many great memories of our time in Galway, especially this year's championship run, but we simply can't pass up this opportunity to expand our fan base and create new revenue streams going forward."
In a more controversial move cleary targeted at generating more merchandising revenue, the club has decided to change its name to the Blue Dobies FC. This name change will seek to create synergies between the incredibly successful first year fantasy epl club and its more established parent fantasy nfl football club, the Blue Dobies, 2003 Champions themselves.
The club has stated that its intention is to win the coveted epl/nfl double next year.
While this decision is likely to result in large scale fan protests, the owner, an unemployed american business tycoon, has stated, "Let the silly English soccer fans protest, its all about the broadcast rights, oh, baby i love those Asian television markets - oh, and if I get my way we will have fecking video replay in goals and time will be kept accurately, with matches ending exactly on 90:00 - how hard can it be for the ref to start and stop his watch during the match when there is no play going on anyway, every other sport in the world has seemed to master this time keeping skill."
In a more controversial move cleary targeted at generating more merchandising revenue, the club has decided to change its name to the Blue Dobies FC. This name change will seek to create synergies between the incredibly successful first year fantasy epl club and its more established parent fantasy nfl football club, the Blue Dobies, 2003 Champions themselves.
The club has stated that its intention is to win the coveted epl/nfl double next year.
While this decision is likely to result in large scale fan protests, the owner, an unemployed american business tycoon, has stated, "Let the silly English soccer fans protest, its all about the broadcast rights, oh, baby i love those Asian television markets - oh, and if I get my way we will have fecking video replay in goals and time will be kept accurately, with matches ending exactly on 90:00 - how hard can it be for the ref to start and stop his watch during the match when there is no play going on anyway, every other sport in the world has seemed to master this time keeping skill."
Weekend in Review...
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends...really, this does seem to be dragging a bit at the end. The top 4 are in place, there's still some work to be done at the bottom and I suppose the pretty much useless UEFA Cup spots are still up for grabs.
Storyline 1 - Dean Ashton, Dean Ashton, Dean Ashton - Norwich takes the lead in the relegation battle and Dean puts off the inevitable move to Highbury for another year. One can only imagine where Norwich would have finished with Ashton in the line-up all year and Bentley injury-free.
Storyline 2 - Paradise Lost - ManYoo, once again, puts out a second team line-up (leaving Rooney and Scholes on the bench) and pays the price by giving up two points to West Brom. Not the greatest penalty call ever, but certainly more legit than Rooney's vs. Arsenal earlier in the season. The decline of the non-Rooney, non-Ronaldo ManYoo talent pool will, of course, get its own blog entry (or two) after the season is over.
Storyline 3 - Talented Chelsea - and in this case, we mean the wives that took the field to celebrate with the newly crowned champions. Maybe Jose should have played them at Anfield. No way talent like that would ever lose to the Reds. And we KNOW that they'd never walk alone.
Storyline 4 - High Hopes - this will also get one or more entries to itself over the summer, but here's the early list of potential breakout players for next year: Robin van Persie, Mikael Arteta, Tim Cahill, Luis Garcia (potentially scarey with a full year under his belt), David Bentley (if he gets PT somewhere), Darren Ambrose, James Milner, Jon Stead, and Collins John. Probably not appropriate to include anyone who will be joining Chelsea (as they will likely be an established star from somewhere costing upwards of $20 million) and ManYoo's kids seem to have already either broken out (Rooney, Ronaldo, and Heinze) or burnt out (everyone else Sir Alex has purchased in the last 3 years).
Here's hoping that the one storyline that I'm missing is the last hurrah for Scholes, Pires, Ronaldo, Terry and Ashley Cole later this week so that I can nudge my way back into 2nd place in advance of the last week of the season. A pox on John O'Shea. Ryan Giggs and the aforementioned Arteta - yellow cards and/or seats on the bench all around.
Storyline 1 - Dean Ashton, Dean Ashton, Dean Ashton - Norwich takes the lead in the relegation battle and Dean puts off the inevitable move to Highbury for another year. One can only imagine where Norwich would have finished with Ashton in the line-up all year and Bentley injury-free.
Storyline 2 - Paradise Lost - ManYoo, once again, puts out a second team line-up (leaving Rooney and Scholes on the bench) and pays the price by giving up two points to West Brom. Not the greatest penalty call ever, but certainly more legit than Rooney's vs. Arsenal earlier in the season. The decline of the non-Rooney, non-Ronaldo ManYoo talent pool will, of course, get its own blog entry (or two) after the season is over.
Storyline 3 - Talented Chelsea - and in this case, we mean the wives that took the field to celebrate with the newly crowned champions. Maybe Jose should have played them at Anfield. No way talent like that would ever lose to the Reds. And we KNOW that they'd never walk alone.
Storyline 4 - High Hopes - this will also get one or more entries to itself over the summer, but here's the early list of potential breakout players for next year: Robin van Persie, Mikael Arteta, Tim Cahill, Luis Garcia (potentially scarey with a full year under his belt), David Bentley (if he gets PT somewhere), Darren Ambrose, James Milner, Jon Stead, and Collins John. Probably not appropriate to include anyone who will be joining Chelsea (as they will likely be an established star from somewhere costing upwards of $20 million) and ManYoo's kids seem to have already either broken out (Rooney, Ronaldo, and Heinze) or burnt out (everyone else Sir Alex has purchased in the last 3 years).
Here's hoping that the one storyline that I'm missing is the last hurrah for Scholes, Pires, Ronaldo, Terry and Ashley Cole later this week so that I can nudge my way back into 2nd place in advance of the last week of the season. A pox on John O'Shea. Ryan Giggs and the aforementioned Arteta - yellow cards and/or seats on the bench all around.
Streakers interrupt Liv/Che
No, wait... evidently, JARiise threw his shrit AND his shorts into the crowd after the match. Kate, this one is for you. Click here.
You'll Never Walk Alone...
...but you may find yourself defending your Champion's League crown in the UEFA Cup next season. Congratulations to Liverpool on beating down the evil empire of the EPL and proving that no matter how good you are down the middle, if you've got no width, things will not go well for you. The absence of Duff and Robben (for most of the game) and the movement of Joe Cole into a more central role led Chelsea to try to generate offense in the middle of the park, Liverpool packed themselves in got a quick goal and that was that.
Now, on to this week in the Prem...
Chelsea, ManYoo, Arsenal & Everton are all playing double games giving managers lots of obvious choices for doubling up. The biggest question of the week will be who Jose plays now that they've won the Prem and are out of the Champion's League. Will he stop Lampard's consecutive games streak? Will he rest his first team and trot out the second team for the beginning of next year's try-out camp? ManYoo and Arsenal are still fighting for 2nd place so the chances are that they'll be playing their full line-ups. Really, I can't see any reason to include anyone who doesn't play for one of the big 3 so we'll limit the conversation to them. Hopefully, the cosmic balance will forgive me for excluding Dean Ashton last week and these will be the right choices:
Strikers
Reyes, Rooney & Ronaldo - given ManYoo's need to get as many points as possible, it's unlikely they'll rest either of their best offensive players. Reyes is really the only Arsenal guy labeled a striker to include. Drogba has been terrible the last few weeks and I just can't get excited about Eidur.
Midfielders
Pires - up and down but seems like he should be due for a 1 goal, 1 assist sort of game
van Persie - been playing great, still pissed I didn't put him in last week
Lampard - risk management - can't leave him out and Jose will probably indulge his streak now that there's no risk of it impacting the outcome of the Champion's League (HAHAHAHAHAHA)
Scholes - its either him or Giggs depending on who seems likely to play
Defenders
Lauren - Of all things, the Arsenal defense has been the tightest of the big 3 in recent weeks
Cole - See above
Terry - Some portfolio diversification as well as adding in his offensive potential as opposed to going with an all-Arsenal back line - neither Toure nor Senderos seem likely to do much on offense.
Keeper
Lehman -Haven't given up a goal since Senderos started in place of the injured Sol, not sure why this isn't a bigger story. Does this make Sol available over the summer? Will another Englishman ever play for Arsene? Is Campbell slipping into the "overrated" category? Do you partner Sol and Senderos next year and have Toure as a utility defender (remember he was a wing midfielder before being pressed into action in central defense)? Enquiring minds want to know...(plus, enquiring minds need to set up some storylines for the off-season)...
Now, on to this week in the Prem...
Chelsea, ManYoo, Arsenal & Everton are all playing double games giving managers lots of obvious choices for doubling up. The biggest question of the week will be who Jose plays now that they've won the Prem and are out of the Champion's League. Will he stop Lampard's consecutive games streak? Will he rest his first team and trot out the second team for the beginning of next year's try-out camp? ManYoo and Arsenal are still fighting for 2nd place so the chances are that they'll be playing their full line-ups. Really, I can't see any reason to include anyone who doesn't play for one of the big 3 so we'll limit the conversation to them. Hopefully, the cosmic balance will forgive me for excluding Dean Ashton last week and these will be the right choices:
Strikers
Reyes, Rooney & Ronaldo - given ManYoo's need to get as many points as possible, it's unlikely they'll rest either of their best offensive players. Reyes is really the only Arsenal guy labeled a striker to include. Drogba has been terrible the last few weeks and I just can't get excited about Eidur.
Midfielders
Pires - up and down but seems like he should be due for a 1 goal, 1 assist sort of game
van Persie - been playing great, still pissed I didn't put him in last week
Lampard - risk management - can't leave him out and Jose will probably indulge his streak now that there's no risk of it impacting the outcome of the Champion's League (HAHAHAHAHAHA)
Scholes - its either him or Giggs depending on who seems likely to play
Defenders
Lauren - Of all things, the Arsenal defense has been the tightest of the big 3 in recent weeks
Cole - See above
Terry - Some portfolio diversification as well as adding in his offensive potential as opposed to going with an all-Arsenal back line - neither Toure nor Senderos seem likely to do much on offense.
Keeper
Lehman -Haven't given up a goal since Senderos started in place of the injured Sol, not sure why this isn't a bigger story. Does this make Sol available over the summer? Will another Englishman ever play for Arsene? Is Campbell slipping into the "overrated" category? Do you partner Sol and Senderos next year and have Toure as a utility defender (remember he was a wing midfielder before being pressed into action in central defense)? Enquiring minds want to know...(plus, enquiring minds need to set up some storylines for the off-season)...
Does Toon/Fulham Really Constitute a Double?
My inclination is to say "NO" emphatically. Now, if Souey promised to play Robert for all 90 minutes of both games, there might be something to get excited about but the prospect of rolling out any combination of Shearer, Amiobi, Milner, Ambrose et al. even getting two games to everyone else's one just doesn't get me too excited. I'm as big a fan of probability and risk mitigation as anyone but my gut is telling me that they're all bad bets. This is the moral equivalent of splitting 5s in blackjack - you can do it and, theoretically, you have more chances to win, but no one that knows anything about blackjack does it.
That said, here we go on line-ups for the week:
Strikers
Boa Morte - Hoping Fulham scores in both games (which is always a doubt) and LBM has at least one good game in two. Might switch to AJ
Roonaldo - Even when he doesn't score a miraculous goal, he's putting up lots of phantom points which is good because the only way ManYoo is scoring these days is via miracle goals
FAS Dean Ashton - Hello Southampton...
Midfielders
Lampard - no brainer
Cahill - I like the Fulham match-up
Downing - Liverpool have been terrible so far after mid-week games and they will undoubtedly be resting up the studs for the Tuesday rematch with Chelsea
MGP - the late season hero?
Defenders
Cole - vs. WBA seems like a good bet
Quedrue - see Downing above
Nelsen - no reason to stop now
Keeper
Lehman - see Cole, Ashley although Jones from Middlesboro is an intriguing option as well - I'm sure I'll waffle between the two freqently over the next 12 hours
That said, here we go on line-ups for the week:
Strikers
Boa Morte - Hoping Fulham scores in both games (which is always a doubt) and LBM has at least one good game in two. Might switch to AJ
Roonaldo - Even when he doesn't score a miraculous goal, he's putting up lots of phantom points which is good because the only way ManYoo is scoring these days is via miracle goals
FAS Dean Ashton - Hello Southampton...
Midfielders
Lampard - no brainer
Cahill - I like the Fulham match-up
Downing - Liverpool have been terrible so far after mid-week games and they will undoubtedly be resting up the studs for the Tuesday rematch with Chelsea
MGP - the late season hero?
Defenders
Cole - vs. WBA seems like a good bet
Quedrue - see Downing above
Nelsen - no reason to stop now
Keeper
Lehman - see Cole, Ashley although Jones from Middlesboro is an intriguing option as well - I'm sure I'll waffle between the two freqently over the next 12 hours
Oh Yeah, MLS...
Now that the excitement of the first couple weeks of the MLS season is dwindling but that's no reason to ignore a perfectly good fantasy sport as well as a league with a rapidly improving quality of play (unless you happen to have caught any of DC United's last three games - not good times here in Our Nation's Capitol). FC Dallas look like they have a front line that could at least compete in some of the better leagues in the world (probably not the Prem, La Liga or Serie A) but definitely in France, Holland, or Portugal and maybe Germany along with the 2nd tier of England, Spain and Italy. Between EJ, Ruiz, Mulrooney & Ronnie O'Brien there's not only a lot of talent but a variety of scoring options. Come to think of it, I wouldn't be shocked if a few teams in the Big 3 leagues wouldn't trade their attack straight up for the guys in Dallas (are you listening West Brom? Charlton? Athletico Madrid?). A few other random notes from the games I've seen so far...
I'm creaping towards the Nate Jaqua (S, Chicago) bandwagon. Not quite ready to hop on but he made a difference when he came in vs. DC and brings a physical presence to the penalty area. Probably won't be creating too many of his own goals but neither has Brian McBride throughout his career. Having a guy like Thiago (the one on Chicago, not the one on Chivas) will really help open things up for Nate. Here's hoping he continues to get PT.
Is it something about the Meadowlands? I know its supposed to be tough playing in New York and all but I think that mostly applies to the teams like the Yankees, Knicks and Giants who have an army of local reporters and a rabid fan base criticizing every little thing. I don't live up there but I'm pretty sure the Metros aren't making the back page of the Post on a regular basis (if ever). How is it that they can't put even a decent team together? An ever harder question to answer with a good coach and great midfielders in place. Mystifying. Any chance their sister team is Liverpool?
Fantasy Note: Chicago and New England play an extra game this week so if you're thinking about using any of your transactions for points rather than budget accumulation, this might be the week. A bigger bonus in that both teams play strugglers (Columbus and Chivas respectively) on the weekend. Nate Jaqua, welcome to my starting line-up (along with the aforementioned Thiago and Michael Parkhurst). Bummed that I can't afford Dempsey but if you can - go for it.
Line 'em up...
Strikers
EJ - Until National Team duty calls, he's there.
Buddle - Until the Injured List calls, he's staying too.
Jaqua - Cashing in on Cerritos and jumping on the bandwagon
Midfielders
Mulrooney - Toss-up between he and O'Brien but he's cheaper and has produced slightly better so far.
Brad Davis - Fun to watch him play, but I'd love to trade him to the English National Team for Ledly King, Sol Campbell or someone else who will probably never play for the 3 Lions again now that Terry and Rio seem set for the next 5 years.
Thiago - Like his energy and creativity, throw in an extra game and he's in
Cuadros - Mediocre team but he seems like he's in the middle of whatever goes on with Chivas
Defenders
Parkhurst - Two games and he's been playing reasonably well and at least getting full matches, all for a reasonable price.
Freeman - The second rookie defender on the squad. Colorado looks to be playing tight D and I'm still on the bandwagon waiting for his offense to come once he gets settled at this level.
Albright - Still can't believe he's on the squad, but he's producing and LA seems set to score a lot of goals this season vs. a mediocre Western Conference
Keeper
Garlick - Don't think this is changing anytime soon.
Sad day when no one from United seems worthy of being included, but unless the refs are going to keep giving us two PKs a game, it's going to be tough.
I'm creaping towards the Nate Jaqua (S, Chicago) bandwagon. Not quite ready to hop on but he made a difference when he came in vs. DC and brings a physical presence to the penalty area. Probably won't be creating too many of his own goals but neither has Brian McBride throughout his career. Having a guy like Thiago (the one on Chicago, not the one on Chivas) will really help open things up for Nate. Here's hoping he continues to get PT.
Is it something about the Meadowlands? I know its supposed to be tough playing in New York and all but I think that mostly applies to the teams like the Yankees, Knicks and Giants who have an army of local reporters and a rabid fan base criticizing every little thing. I don't live up there but I'm pretty sure the Metros aren't making the back page of the Post on a regular basis (if ever). How is it that they can't put even a decent team together? An ever harder question to answer with a good coach and great midfielders in place. Mystifying. Any chance their sister team is Liverpool?
Fantasy Note: Chicago and New England play an extra game this week so if you're thinking about using any of your transactions for points rather than budget accumulation, this might be the week. A bigger bonus in that both teams play strugglers (Columbus and Chivas respectively) on the weekend. Nate Jaqua, welcome to my starting line-up (along with the aforementioned Thiago and Michael Parkhurst). Bummed that I can't afford Dempsey but if you can - go for it.
Line 'em up...
Strikers
EJ - Until National Team duty calls, he's there.
Buddle - Until the Injured List calls, he's staying too.
Jaqua - Cashing in on Cerritos and jumping on the bandwagon
Midfielders
Mulrooney - Toss-up between he and O'Brien but he's cheaper and has produced slightly better so far.
Brad Davis - Fun to watch him play, but I'd love to trade him to the English National Team for Ledly King, Sol Campbell or someone else who will probably never play for the 3 Lions again now that Terry and Rio seem set for the next 5 years.
Thiago - Like his energy and creativity, throw in an extra game and he's in
Cuadros - Mediocre team but he seems like he's in the middle of whatever goes on with Chivas
Defenders
Parkhurst - Two games and he's been playing reasonably well and at least getting full matches, all for a reasonable price.
Freeman - The second rookie defender on the squad. Colorado looks to be playing tight D and I'm still on the bandwagon waiting for his offense to come once he gets settled at this level.
Albright - Still can't believe he's on the squad, but he's producing and LA seems set to score a lot of goals this season vs. a mediocre Western Conference
Keeper
Garlick - Don't think this is changing anytime soon.
Sad day when no one from United seems worthy of being included, but unless the refs are going to keep giving us two PKs a game, it's going to be tough.
The Phantom Game
Jeremy and I have been discussing the notion of Phantom Points (the stuff that doesn't show up on ESPN Gamecast) a lot recently. Today, we may have to add "The Phantom Game" to that discussion. If a game happens and it has no real impact on the standings and Yahoo doesn't count it for Fantasy purposes, did it really happen? Will Stuart Downing get credit in the FA record books for the two goals he will inevitably score today causing fantasy players into a full lather. We shall see...
Next week presents us with the possibility of Newcastle and Fulham playing two games each and everyone else playing one. How depressing. A search of defenders turns up no un-injured defenders from either of those sides on the first two pages in terms of average weekly performance. Boa Morte and Shearer are on the first page of strikers but Shearer hasn't had a standout week in months and Boa Morte (according to the runaway leader going into the clubhouse turn, Mr. Hall and contrary to Jeremy's previous posting on this site) is Portugese for Yellow Card. So, with so few appealing choices amongst the doubles, what's left. Outside of the typical Arsenal, ManYoo, and Chelsea guys, Everton plays dismal Fulham which might mean good things for Cahill who has been playing very well and my man Dean Ashton is playing miserable, relegation-bound Southampton.
More on specific line-ups as the end of the week approaches...
Next week presents us with the possibility of Newcastle and Fulham playing two games each and everyone else playing one. How depressing. A search of defenders turns up no un-injured defenders from either of those sides on the first two pages in terms of average weekly performance. Boa Morte and Shearer are on the first page of strikers but Shearer hasn't had a standout week in months and Boa Morte (according to the runaway leader going into the clubhouse turn, Mr. Hall and contrary to Jeremy's previous posting on this site) is Portugese for Yellow Card. So, with so few appealing choices amongst the doubles, what's left. Outside of the typical Arsenal, ManYoo, and Chelsea guys, Everton plays dismal Fulham which might mean good things for Cahill who has been playing very well and my man Dean Ashton is playing miserable, relegation-bound Southampton.
More on specific line-ups as the end of the week approaches...
Ferdinand in snapper bust-up
Ferdinand in snapper bust-up
Raise your hand if you read this headline and A) knew what it was about or B) didn't giggle like a 15-year old.
Raise your hand if you read this headline and A) knew what it was about or B) didn't giggle like a 15-year old.
The Dauphin of Phantom Points
Not quite the pedigree of a Pires or a Terry, but Richard Chaplow came through with 12 big points over 2 games this week. He's hot! Where the points came from, I have no idea. But I'll take 'em.
LAMPARD SCORES FOR CHELSEA
My once and future desktop wallpaper. It's even the correct ratio for my cool new flat screen monitor at work.
j
Contemplating a First Favorite Player
Since soccer (Football is what has their draft today) is still relatively new to me (despite my utter and complete dominance of the fantasy world), I guess its time for me to adopt a favorite (or favourite) player. Since I was duped into being a ManU fan by my fiance, I will be more discriminating about my selection of a favourite (favorite) player. The nominees are . . .
Henry - Yes, Neal, its true - but he is technically DQ'd as being with Arse - he is the best player to watch, except for . . .
Ronaldino - that dude is out of control - granted he needs some dental work, but besides that - the best I have seen
Garcia (Liverpool) - scores great goals and will actually be with LIV next year, unlike Gerrard (See Everton/Rooney)
AJ - the little bald messiah - ok, his team is terrible, but just think of what he might do on a real team
Rooney - granted a bit of a raging bull loose cannon, but he has some serious game
Actually, I think that is all of the soccer players that I know by name, so that's my list
Please feel free to opine, comment, mock and ridicule at your leisure.
Henry - Yes, Neal, its true - but he is technically DQ'd as being with Arse - he is the best player to watch, except for . . .
Ronaldino - that dude is out of control - granted he needs some dental work, but besides that - the best I have seen
Garcia (Liverpool) - scores great goals and will actually be with LIV next year, unlike Gerrard (See Everton/Rooney)
AJ - the little bald messiah - ok, his team is terrible, but just think of what he might do on a real team
Rooney - granted a bit of a raging bull loose cannon, but he has some serious game
Actually, I think that is all of the soccer players that I know by name, so that's my list
Please feel free to opine, comment, mock and ridicule at your leisure.
Contemplating a Replacement
Recently, a new friend - only starting to understand the depths of my footie-mania - asked me who my favorite player is. After telling her about the genius that is Dennis Bergkamp for exponentially more time than she was probably hoping for, a sad thought occurred to me. This might be it for Bergy. Playing out the string in the Prem and an FA Cup Final in Cardiff and then the decision over one more year at Highbury or retirement. Apparently, his original club Ajax has offered him a final year in the sun but his agent claims its Arsenal or a ride off into the Amsterdam sunset (which, come to think of it, doesn't sound so bad). This yielded two reactions - first an immediate price check on flights to Wales for the FA Cup final because it might be the last chance to see him play live. The second was to start contemplating who might serve as a replacement if the unthinkable were to happen. Sounded like a blog entry (or more likely a series of entries) waiting to happen, so here goes...
First, some criteria...
Creativity - He needs to exhibit the same type of sublime skill that turns a normal looking play into something special that few could pick out and even fewer could execute.
Personality - There are too many guys who have the creative skill but are either wusses or WAY too impressed with themselves
Loyalty - It isn't necessary that they play for Arsenal but it would certainly be a bonus. Inter Milan or Ajax would be a nice consolation prize. Teams I currently have little to no feeling for one way or the other would be fine. Absolutely cannot play for Man United - one must have standards.
Novelty - Its a little to easy to pick someone who's already a stud in their prime, that bandwagon has already been and gone. Part of the appeal of rooting for Bergkamp was having first seen him early in his career playing for Holland in the '94 World Cup and getting in on the bandwagon early. There will definitely be a premium on guys who haven't entered their prime yet.
Locality - Sort of hard to root for Germans (other than Jurgen Klinsman) and Italians because of their preferred style of play - and I say this despite those two countries representing the lion's share of my family heritage. Also hard to root for the Spanish, Brazilians and Argentinians due to their tendency to (in the immortal words of Mr. Langlais) roll around on the ground like they're on fire at the slightest touch. None of the above are out of the running (unless they play for ManYoo - Sorry Mr. Heinze), but there will definitely be a premium placed on Americans, Brits, the Dutch, and random Eastern Europeans.
The First Batch of Contenders
Eddie Johnson - fortunately, I documented jumping on this bandwagon not too long after this blog started in August. Potentially the first American superstar on the international scene. Has speed and finishing ability and somehow the ball just seems to find him at the right time. On the downside, he's been linked to ManYoo and he really doesn't bring much in the way of creativity to the game. More of a traditional center forward type.
Dean Ashton - despite the amount of gushing I've done over young Mr. Ashton in this space over the last month and a half or so and my claim to being the driver of his bandwagon and insistance that he will move from Norwich and become the next great Arsenal striker, I'll have to see a few more games before deciding if he's got the creative spark to be more than merely a great forward. His outside of the foot chip to the far post gave me some reason to hope, but I haven't seen a transcendent pass from him that turns a mediocre teammate into a goalscorer. If he transforms himself from Future-Arsenal-Striker Dean Ashton to Arsenal Striker Dean Ashton, that'll certainly help his cause. Singlehandedly beating ManYoo for lowly Norwich certainly helps his cause - its always good to see Fergie THAT red in the face.
Freddie Adu - who would have guessed that there would be a second American on the list. All the potential to be the guy but its probably too early to tell if he'll mature into someone worthy of being "the guy" for the next 10 to 15 years. His goals for DC vs. LA at RFK where he danced around 5 guys in the box certainly gives one hope, but he needs to find more consistency and gain about 20 more pounds before he gets serious consideration. Doesn't hurt that he plays for DC and I saw that goal live. A ton of "I was there from the very start" bonus points.
Arjen Robben - skill-wise, the closest thing so far - he's more of a wing player than Bergy but every time he touches it, there's a chance that something outstanding is going to happen. Can't be a coincidence that Chelsea was winning games 1-0 while he was hurt and 4-0 when he was healthy. Has the passing skill, the shot, and at least a little grit. There are three things holding him back right now 1) the silly way he runs - hard to take him as seriously as I should because of it; 2) he plays for Chelsea (not a disqualifier, but not good); and 3) his propensity to be injured. Granted, Bergkamp has been injured a lot the last couple years but he's old like me so I understand that. Robben is barely into his 20s and is missing games in big chunks.
Fracsesc Fabregas - The first goofy haircut may be too much to get over and the fact that it was followed by the current (slightly less) goofy haircut doesn't help but the kid is 17 and playing central midfield for Arsenal...well. Has made some excellent passes and some fantastic runs. Like Freddie, the jury will probably be out on him for at least another year as he works his way into the side and gains some strength and maturity. Hopefully, getting into the English game early will cure him of the Spanish propensity for diving and flailing on contact but it hasn't seemed to for Christiano Ronaldo (who along with Rooney would be on the list if they weren't ManYoo guys and, in Rooney's case, assholes).
Robin van Persie - The presumptive choice around Highbury because he's Dutch and playing the same position as Bergkamp. His last three goals have all been fantastic but I'm not ready to hand over the title quite yet. He carries himself like a petulant child and hasn't done nearly enough to prove that the results are worth putting up with that kind of attitude yet. He's young and that may work itself out, but even if it does, I'll have to overcome the first impression.
Yakubu - Doesn't fit very many of the criteria but gets into the contest based on his contribution to my beating down of Kris in fantasy soccer last season and his singlehanded beating of Man United at Old Trafford last year. If he actually gets to play for a decent club one of these days, who knows, his candidacy could gain momentum.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - On name alone, he's on the list. He's a high scoring Dutch forward which just pushes him further up the list. I must admit I haven't seen him play yet but am looking forward to the Champion's League semi-final vs. AC Milan this week and hopefully will have the chance to evaluate him in the EPL next year if the rumored move to Tottenham comes through.
That's all for now - more contenders to come and then, eventually, the narrowing down of the choices.
First, some criteria...
Creativity - He needs to exhibit the same type of sublime skill that turns a normal looking play into something special that few could pick out and even fewer could execute.
Personality - There are too many guys who have the creative skill but are either wusses or WAY too impressed with themselves
Loyalty - It isn't necessary that they play for Arsenal but it would certainly be a bonus. Inter Milan or Ajax would be a nice consolation prize. Teams I currently have little to no feeling for one way or the other would be fine. Absolutely cannot play for Man United - one must have standards.
Novelty - Its a little to easy to pick someone who's already a stud in their prime, that bandwagon has already been and gone. Part of the appeal of rooting for Bergkamp was having first seen him early in his career playing for Holland in the '94 World Cup and getting in on the bandwagon early. There will definitely be a premium on guys who haven't entered their prime yet.
Locality - Sort of hard to root for Germans (other than Jurgen Klinsman) and Italians because of their preferred style of play - and I say this despite those two countries representing the lion's share of my family heritage. Also hard to root for the Spanish, Brazilians and Argentinians due to their tendency to (in the immortal words of Mr. Langlais) roll around on the ground like they're on fire at the slightest touch. None of the above are out of the running (unless they play for ManYoo - Sorry Mr. Heinze), but there will definitely be a premium placed on Americans, Brits, the Dutch, and random Eastern Europeans.
The First Batch of Contenders
Eddie Johnson - fortunately, I documented jumping on this bandwagon not too long after this blog started in August. Potentially the first American superstar on the international scene. Has speed and finishing ability and somehow the ball just seems to find him at the right time. On the downside, he's been linked to ManYoo and he really doesn't bring much in the way of creativity to the game. More of a traditional center forward type.
Dean Ashton - despite the amount of gushing I've done over young Mr. Ashton in this space over the last month and a half or so and my claim to being the driver of his bandwagon and insistance that he will move from Norwich and become the next great Arsenal striker, I'll have to see a few more games before deciding if he's got the creative spark to be more than merely a great forward. His outside of the foot chip to the far post gave me some reason to hope, but I haven't seen a transcendent pass from him that turns a mediocre teammate into a goalscorer. If he transforms himself from Future-Arsenal-Striker Dean Ashton to Arsenal Striker Dean Ashton, that'll certainly help his cause. Singlehandedly beating ManYoo for lowly Norwich certainly helps his cause - its always good to see Fergie THAT red in the face.
Freddie Adu - who would have guessed that there would be a second American on the list. All the potential to be the guy but its probably too early to tell if he'll mature into someone worthy of being "the guy" for the next 10 to 15 years. His goals for DC vs. LA at RFK where he danced around 5 guys in the box certainly gives one hope, but he needs to find more consistency and gain about 20 more pounds before he gets serious consideration. Doesn't hurt that he plays for DC and I saw that goal live. A ton of "I was there from the very start" bonus points.
Arjen Robben - skill-wise, the closest thing so far - he's more of a wing player than Bergy but every time he touches it, there's a chance that something outstanding is going to happen. Can't be a coincidence that Chelsea was winning games 1-0 while he was hurt and 4-0 when he was healthy. Has the passing skill, the shot, and at least a little grit. There are three things holding him back right now 1) the silly way he runs - hard to take him as seriously as I should because of it; 2) he plays for Chelsea (not a disqualifier, but not good); and 3) his propensity to be injured. Granted, Bergkamp has been injured a lot the last couple years but he's old like me so I understand that. Robben is barely into his 20s and is missing games in big chunks.
Fracsesc Fabregas - The first goofy haircut may be too much to get over and the fact that it was followed by the current (slightly less) goofy haircut doesn't help but the kid is 17 and playing central midfield for Arsenal...well. Has made some excellent passes and some fantastic runs. Like Freddie, the jury will probably be out on him for at least another year as he works his way into the side and gains some strength and maturity. Hopefully, getting into the English game early will cure him of the Spanish propensity for diving and flailing on contact but it hasn't seemed to for Christiano Ronaldo (who along with Rooney would be on the list if they weren't ManYoo guys and, in Rooney's case, assholes).
Robin van Persie - The presumptive choice around Highbury because he's Dutch and playing the same position as Bergkamp. His last three goals have all been fantastic but I'm not ready to hand over the title quite yet. He carries himself like a petulant child and hasn't done nearly enough to prove that the results are worth putting up with that kind of attitude yet. He's young and that may work itself out, but even if it does, I'll have to overcome the first impression.
Yakubu - Doesn't fit very many of the criteria but gets into the contest based on his contribution to my beating down of Kris in fantasy soccer last season and his singlehanded beating of Man United at Old Trafford last year. If he actually gets to play for a decent club one of these days, who knows, his candidacy could gain momentum.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - On name alone, he's on the list. He's a high scoring Dutch forward which just pushes him further up the list. I must admit I haven't seen him play yet but am looking forward to the Champion's League semi-final vs. AC Milan this week and hopefully will have the chance to evaluate him in the EPL next year if the rumored move to Tottenham comes through.
That's all for now - more contenders to come and then, eventually, the narrowing down of the choices.
Helpful Disinformation
In repsonse to Mr. Thuman's musings, I thought I would add my 2 cents (er, pents) about this week's match-ups, so with massive fanfare and minimal analysis, here goes . . .
Strikers
Ronaldo - he can't possible get a yellow card for "simulation" 3 matches in a row, can he?
Ruud - not sure who to go with for the free-falling ManU - Ruud, Rooney, Ronaldo, but Ruud had fun v NUF last time
JFH - if yahoo sees fit to give him 2 matches and if he skips the pre-match fish and chips
AJ - has he and his team jumped the shark tank - have we lost faith - I think he has some penalties left in him
Dean Ashton - Future Chelsea Striker
Middies -
J.J. Okocha - coming on strong just like he started the season
Pires - looked good versus Chelsea (well, except for his lack of aim)
Emerton - Old School Selection of the Week - 2 matches might make him worthy like last season
Robben - do you have the cojones to start him (Jose might rest Duff or Cole and let the dutchman start?)
SWP - Is he back in form? I always like players with catchy initials (see MGP, JFH, RVN, AJ, etc)
Robbie Savage - 2 matches means good chance for 2 yellow cards
Defenders -
Heinze - could score many points this week v NUF
I guess those Blackburn defenders Neal mentioned, I don't know their names . . .
Goalie -
Not Maik Taylor - 3 goals allowed (one of which was an own goal for negative 7 or something - dooh)
Well - those are my unhelpful thoughts
On a very busy Friday...
Here are some quick thoughts...
WBA and Blackburn appear to be the only two teams doubling up on the Yahoo schedule - not sure why the Boro/Newcastle match on Wednesday doesn't make the grade, but apparently it doesn't. Don't say you haven't been warned. Match-up-wise, Fulham's trip to the Bridge seems like a bloodbath waiting to happen. Rumors abound that stud-boy Arjen Robben may make his return. In other stud winger news, MGP is facing a fitness test and his status remains uncertain. Finally, Luis Garcia, he of the crazy goals and excellent recent form, is also questionable for this week. So, where does that leave us?
Striker
Gera - he's doubling up and has been playing well
Rooney - I'm worried about this one because he hasn't exploded and done something stupid for a while but hopefully the Neviller and Scholes were channeling his bad energy on Wednesday.
Ashton - Not sure there's anything else I can say about FAS Dean Ashton without risking a restraining order or at the very least some questions about my sexual preferences
Midfield
MGP - even if he were just playing one, I'd include him in my line-up - the possibility of two games makes him a no-brainer
Lamps - if this weren't already a no-brainer, the Fulham factor would certainly make it such
Downing - he's been struggling along with his team, but whole "he's due" thing along with the possibility that Yahoo will change its mind and include Boro's extra game makes it worthwhile risk
Pires - no good reason here other than I liked the way he looked vs. Chelsea - seems to have shaken off his mid-season lethargy.
Defense
Nelsen - Former DC United man, great fantasy stats so far in the ELP, Blackburn in form, two games, 'nuff said
Neill - needs to learn how to spell his last name right but otherwise should benefit from Blackburn's double and good form
Terry - Salivating over the number of corners that will be coming his was vs. Fulham
Keeper
Friedel - worked out nicely last weekend (better than Cech by enough points to get me to 2nd place) and has a double - USA, USA!!
In a related note, I haven't really had much of a chance to contemplate my MLS line-up but since last week worked out well (my first week ever in 1st place), I'm sticking with what I got...
Johnson, Buddle, Cerritos
Mulrooney, Davis, Cuadros
Albright, Parkhurst, Boswell, & my man Hunter Freeman
Garlick
WBA and Blackburn appear to be the only two teams doubling up on the Yahoo schedule - not sure why the Boro/Newcastle match on Wednesday doesn't make the grade, but apparently it doesn't. Don't say you haven't been warned. Match-up-wise, Fulham's trip to the Bridge seems like a bloodbath waiting to happen. Rumors abound that stud-boy Arjen Robben may make his return. In other stud winger news, MGP is facing a fitness test and his status remains uncertain. Finally, Luis Garcia, he of the crazy goals and excellent recent form, is also questionable for this week. So, where does that leave us?
Striker
Gera - he's doubling up and has been playing well
Rooney - I'm worried about this one because he hasn't exploded and done something stupid for a while but hopefully the Neviller and Scholes were channeling his bad energy on Wednesday.
Ashton - Not sure there's anything else I can say about FAS Dean Ashton without risking a restraining order or at the very least some questions about my sexual preferences
Midfield
MGP - even if he were just playing one, I'd include him in my line-up - the possibility of two games makes him a no-brainer
Lamps - if this weren't already a no-brainer, the Fulham factor would certainly make it such
Downing - he's been struggling along with his team, but whole "he's due" thing along with the possibility that Yahoo will change its mind and include Boro's extra game makes it worthwhile risk
Pires - no good reason here other than I liked the way he looked vs. Chelsea - seems to have shaken off his mid-season lethargy.
Defense
Nelsen - Former DC United man, great fantasy stats so far in the ELP, Blackburn in form, two games, 'nuff said
Neill - needs to learn how to spell his last name right but otherwise should benefit from Blackburn's double and good form
Terry - Salivating over the number of corners that will be coming his was vs. Fulham
Keeper
Friedel - worked out nicely last weekend (better than Cech by enough points to get me to 2nd place) and has a double - USA, USA!!
In a related note, I haven't really had much of a chance to contemplate my MLS line-up but since last week worked out well (my first week ever in 1st place), I'm sticking with what I got...
Johnson, Buddle, Cerritos
Mulrooney, Davis, Cuadros
Albright, Parkhurst, Boswell, & my man Hunter Freeman
Garlick
FAS Dean Ashton and other midweek notes...
Mr. Ashton proved again in stoppage time that he is a stud and, Mr. Hall, if you would like to mock my unabashed praise, well, take him out of your line-up next week and see how that works out for you - or you could just ask Dan ;-) But I'd rather have a repeat of last year's Yakubu fiasco on your part. And, btw, if there will be no Yakubu jersey forthcoming - I'd gladly accept an Ashton gamer as a substitute when I arrive on your shores next month.
Jeremy formally welcomed me to the Morten Gamst Pedersen bandwagon this afternoon and expects to welcome more of you soon if the injury that caused him to leave after 74 minutes doesn't prevent him from playing in Blackburn's next match. Who would have guessed that there would be two Blackburn players worth starting on any given week? Three this week since Friedel did quite nicely with a few saves, a win and a clean sheet.
Finally, could there be any sweeter outcome of the ManYoo/Everton match (for me) than Rooney having a lot of SOTs but not scoring, Ronaldo with a yellow, Neville with a Red for being stupid and ManYoo losing. As they say, good times!! Wonder how the board feels about all that money that Sir Alex has spent on strikers over the last 14 months (paging Mssrs. Saha, Smith & Rooney at a combined total of something like 50 million pounds).
Jeremy formally welcomed me to the Morten Gamst Pedersen bandwagon this afternoon and expects to welcome more of you soon if the injury that caused him to leave after 74 minutes doesn't prevent him from playing in Blackburn's next match. Who would have guessed that there would be two Blackburn players worth starting on any given week? Three this week since Friedel did quite nicely with a few saves, a win and a clean sheet.
Finally, could there be any sweeter outcome of the ManYoo/Everton match (for me) than Rooney having a lot of SOTs but not scoring, Ronaldo with a yellow, Neville with a Red for being stupid and ManYoo losing. As they say, good times!! Wonder how the board feels about all that money that Sir Alex has spent on strikers over the last 14 months (paging Mssrs. Saha, Smith & Rooney at a combined total of something like 50 million pounds).
Luis Feather Necklace of Death
(cross-posted from the group postings)
Luis Boa Morte is the king of the phantom fantasy points. This is the second week in a row that by looking at the gamecast and match report I've underestimated his return by half.
I saw his 12 pts this week and just assumed they were the Muslim Pilgrim's point total. But no. Those are still to come! Oh happy day.
God bless the random points and all hail their king!
J
Mid-Season Report Revisited
From the Archives of the Dean Ashton Jock Sniffing Association . . .
"If teams in our fantasy league were actual EPL teams - Toby would be Chelsea (looking strong)...Kris would be Everton (shock to all that he's still here)...Jeremy would be Arsenal (always good and lurking near the top)...Neal would be Boro (relatively new to the top but likely to be in it)...Stoltz would be Villa (currently outperforming previous track record)...Mike would be Liverpool (perenial quality not achieving usual standards)...Dan would be Newcastle (see Liverpool, but worse)...and Jon would be ManYoo (traditional power fallen on hard times)..."
"If teams in our fantasy league were actual EPL teams - Toby would be Chelsea (looking strong)...Kris would be Everton (shock to all that he's still here)...Jeremy would be Arsenal (always good and lurking near the top)...Neal would be Boro (relatively new to the top but likely to be in it)...Stoltz would be Villa (currently outperforming previous track record)...Mike would be Liverpool (perenial quality not achieving usual standards)...Dan would be Newcastle (see Liverpool, but worse)...and Jon would be ManYoo (traditional power fallen on hard times)..."
EPL/MLS Extravaganza...
...take II. Hopefully, this one will actually make it to the servers. Welcome to the (probably too) well documented B Team weekend where we're left with a lot of options that we normally wouldn't consider unless we were strapped for money at the beginning of the season. For all those of you who missed, or couldn't make it all the way through, the previous posting. No Arsenal, No Chelsea, No ManYoo, No Everton, No Boro, No Newcastle, No Ryan Nelson (err, Blackburn), and No West Brom this weekend. And, on the MLS side, no LA Galaxy and no New England. So what to do, what to do?
Here's my take on both...
EPL
Strikers
Yakubu - its that time of year...
Dean Ashton - Hard not to take him since I'm driving his bandwagon
Defoe - The safe play although he seems bound for ManYoo based on the correlation of his fantasy ineptness and me putting him in the line-up
Midfielders
Camara - Like Yakubu, he seems to come on at the end of seasons (pushing for a new club/contract?)
Pennant - Still waiting for the breakout week but he's one of only a few even capable of big things playing this weekend
Solano - Worthy of consideration even when the big guys are playing, one of the few no-brainers
Garcia - Having a hard time deciding between him and the newly healthy SWP and Berger - I'll probably go back and forth between the three of them all day.
Defenders
Olaf Mellberg - can we say crapshoot
Matt Upson - Since I can't feature any Arsenal guys, I'm going with once (Upson and Pennant) and future (Ashton) Arsenal guys this weekend - you got a better system?
J Lloyd Samuel - he has his moments and that's about all you can hope for this weekend
Keeper
David James - just a hunch, can't really justify it but I couldn't really justify anyone playing this weekend.
MLS
Strikers
Eddie Johnson, Buddle, Cerritos
Midfielders
Mulrooney, Davis, Cuadros
Defenders
Albright, Parkhurst, Boswell, Freeman
Keeper
Garlick
Here's my take on both...
EPL
Strikers
Yakubu - its that time of year...
Dean Ashton - Hard not to take him since I'm driving his bandwagon
Defoe - The safe play although he seems bound for ManYoo based on the correlation of his fantasy ineptness and me putting him in the line-up
Midfielders
Camara - Like Yakubu, he seems to come on at the end of seasons (pushing for a new club/contract?)
Pennant - Still waiting for the breakout week but he's one of only a few even capable of big things playing this weekend
Solano - Worthy of consideration even when the big guys are playing, one of the few no-brainers
Garcia - Having a hard time deciding between him and the newly healthy SWP and Berger - I'll probably go back and forth between the three of them all day.
Defenders
Olaf Mellberg - can we say crapshoot
Matt Upson - Since I can't feature any Arsenal guys, I'm going with once (Upson and Pennant) and future (Ashton) Arsenal guys this weekend - you got a better system?
J Lloyd Samuel - he has his moments and that's about all you can hope for this weekend
Keeper
David James - just a hunch, can't really justify it but I couldn't really justify anyone playing this weekend.
MLS
Strikers
Eddie Johnson, Buddle, Cerritos
Midfielders
Mulrooney, Davis, Cuadros
Defenders
Albright, Parkhurst, Boswell, Freeman
Keeper
Garlick
Early Ramblings
I apologize to everyone out there (all three of you) about not posting last week. I had a great double post written from my hotel room in New Jersey and when I hit "publish" I got an error and lost the text. Just to recap, I called Pires' return from the dead and Cahill's explosion (and backed those calls up by putting them on my various teams). My MLS picks were sort of crap except for Scott Garlick in goal for Dallas (get on the bandwagon now, they're going to win a lot of games) and Brad Davis (1 G, 2 A for a team that's going to need to score a lot because they can't defend). The rest were mediocre with Eddie Johnson and Edson Buddle following up great first games with relative stinkers. Oh well, on to bigger and better things...
Like a week in the Premiership minus all of our fantasy standbys. Where have you gone Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney? (FA Cup Semis, thank you very much) How about the Chelsea legions (sitting at home this weekend while scheduled ManYoo tries to salvage SOMETHING from this season). No Everton, Blackburn nor Newcastle players will be available for inclusion, although one might argue that its been a while since that's made a difference - with the recent exception . And finally, will anyone even notice that West Brom won't be featured?
So, just to make sure that everyone is familiar with who actually plays for the strugglers that make up this week's schedule - here's a little primer, picks will follow tomorrow or Friday...
Charlton - Danny Murphy, the giant Hermann Hriedarsson, Langlais' favorite player Luke Young and not a lot more from for the fantasy player which is amazing because they are quietly in the top half of the table.
Bolton - everyone's early season darling Jay-Jay Okocha and always angry looking Stelios lead a group that hasn't produced much over the second half of the season, still 6th by virtue of a great first half run but, like Everton, they're a fantasy manager's nightmare since they tend to get contributions from a different player every week.
Palace - I'm pretty sure that they could be renamed AJ and the 10 dwarves and no one would be able to object. Even AJ is starting to wilt under the pressure of being options 1, 2, 3 and 4. Is this the week he breaks out?
Norwich - Can't say enough about how much I've enjoyed watching these guys this season. Despite the fact that they are almost certain to be relegated, they've been on TV here fairly frequently and usually put on a good show. Darren Huckerby is having a great fantasy season (you can look it up) and Future-Arsenal-Striker Dean Ashton has been fantastic since moving up from Crewe in January. Throw in the buff Leon Mackenzie, Damien Francis and Robert Pires' eventual replacement (David Bentley) and you've got an entertaining team. Don't get sucked in by the hype too much, they are still relegation fodder but they're playing struggling Palace and have to be on a high after beating the Devils.
Fulham - I know I should root for them since they have two, count 'em, two Americans playing meaningful roles (Bocanegra and McBride) but I can't do it - they're terrible as well as being hard to watch - a deadly combination. Boa Morte is about the only guy worth considering unless you have a vision that this is Andy Cole's weekend to shine.
Citeh - what a frustrating team, it used to be that you could get excited about Anelka (so long as you didn't have to actually interact with him) and SWP but no more. Robbie Fowler is actually having a bit of a resurgent season but, for some reason, I'm having a hard time getting on board. The couple games I've seen lead me to believe that Kiki Musampa has some game but that hasn't translated into a ton of fantasy success so far. David James is also a reasonable bet for a great game in net - especially since Fulham are involved.
Liverpool - what to say? I had an entire paragraph dedicated to the puzzle that is this year's Liverpool team. I think it can be boiled down to Luis Garcia who somehow is transformed from mediocre EPL midfielder to goal scorer supreme when the big lights of Europe come on. Apparently, these guys just can't get up for weekend trips to West Brom and Fulham. With Gerrard uncertain, Alonso, Garcia, and Finnan are reasonable bets as is the hideous Riise who hasn't had a 20 point game for a while but is probably due.
Tottenham - Great strikers, young midfield with potential, good keeper, solid defense - hard to believe these guys aren't doing better. At the very least they should be a credible threat to Everton and Liverpool for the 4th spot but they really aren't. Not sure exactly what's going on here other than a general inferiority complex that comes from being, on their best day, the third best team in their own city. Worth giving consideration to whomever starts at striker - and let's all hope its Mido because where he is, interesting things seem to follow. I like what I've seen of Michael Carrick but like Musampa at Citeh, it doesn't seem to translate much into fanasty production. Defoe is clearly the class of the group assuming he starts. Not too much else that you can count on unless you think Spurs will produce a shutout on the road.
Southampton - God bless Harry Redknapp for continually producing mediocre-at-best teams that have value for fantasy owners. Crouch might be cooling off a bit but is worth considering and Camara is very capable of a 20 point day since he obviously has no qualms about launching a shot every time he touches the ball. S'oton defenders also seem to figure in the fantasy points pretty regularly so Le Saux and Delaney are options, especially since Villa have a history of being terrible on the road.
Villa - Some fun fantasy players on this squad as well. Nobby Solano, despite a poor showing last week, is generally good for some fantasy points and JP Angel is likely to participate this weekend and would have to be considered one of the (few) strikers worthy of that title on display this weekend. In defense, J Lloyd Samuel and Olaf Mellberg are reliable for points on both the offensive and defensive ends of the pitch. Sorenson, given that Birmingham isn't involved this weekend, is also worth a passing thought - even more so since Southampton IS involved.
Birmingham - Very much an up and down squad but facing a traveling Pompey squad, Pennant, Pandini, and Upson are all worth consideration in your line-up. None have dazzling stats but that's what we're left with when all of the big teams are left out for the weekend.
Pompey - Sadly, I've had to leave the Yakubu bandwagon parked in the garage for most of the season as he's struggled along with his team. That said, he, the amusingly named Tresor LuaLua, and Patrick Berger (if healthy for once) are all worth fantasy consideration. And just one final comment to the first place team in our division - YAKUBU BABY - just so you remember why I beat you last season.
Like a week in the Premiership minus all of our fantasy standbys. Where have you gone Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney? (FA Cup Semis, thank you very much) How about the Chelsea legions (sitting at home this weekend while scheduled ManYoo tries to salvage SOMETHING from this season). No Everton, Blackburn nor Newcastle players will be available for inclusion, although one might argue that its been a while since that's made a difference - with the recent exception . And finally, will anyone even notice that West Brom won't be featured?
So, just to make sure that everyone is familiar with who actually plays for the strugglers that make up this week's schedule - here's a little primer, picks will follow tomorrow or Friday...
Charlton - Danny Murphy, the giant Hermann Hriedarsson, Langlais' favorite player Luke Young and not a lot more from for the fantasy player which is amazing because they are quietly in the top half of the table.
Bolton - everyone's early season darling Jay-Jay Okocha and always angry looking Stelios lead a group that hasn't produced much over the second half of the season, still 6th by virtue of a great first half run but, like Everton, they're a fantasy manager's nightmare since they tend to get contributions from a different player every week.
Palace - I'm pretty sure that they could be renamed AJ and the 10 dwarves and no one would be able to object. Even AJ is starting to wilt under the pressure of being options 1, 2, 3 and 4. Is this the week he breaks out?
Norwich - Can't say enough about how much I've enjoyed watching these guys this season. Despite the fact that they are almost certain to be relegated, they've been on TV here fairly frequently and usually put on a good show. Darren Huckerby is having a great fantasy season (you can look it up) and Future-Arsenal-Striker Dean Ashton has been fantastic since moving up from Crewe in January. Throw in the buff Leon Mackenzie, Damien Francis and Robert Pires' eventual replacement (David Bentley) and you've got an entertaining team. Don't get sucked in by the hype too much, they are still relegation fodder but they're playing struggling Palace and have to be on a high after beating the Devils.
Fulham - I know I should root for them since they have two, count 'em, two Americans playing meaningful roles (Bocanegra and McBride) but I can't do it - they're terrible as well as being hard to watch - a deadly combination. Boa Morte is about the only guy worth considering unless you have a vision that this is Andy Cole's weekend to shine.
Citeh - what a frustrating team, it used to be that you could get excited about Anelka (so long as you didn't have to actually interact with him) and SWP but no more. Robbie Fowler is actually having a bit of a resurgent season but, for some reason, I'm having a hard time getting on board. The couple games I've seen lead me to believe that Kiki Musampa has some game but that hasn't translated into a ton of fantasy success so far. David James is also a reasonable bet for a great game in net - especially since Fulham are involved.
Liverpool - what to say? I had an entire paragraph dedicated to the puzzle that is this year's Liverpool team. I think it can be boiled down to Luis Garcia who somehow is transformed from mediocre EPL midfielder to goal scorer supreme when the big lights of Europe come on. Apparently, these guys just can't get up for weekend trips to West Brom and Fulham. With Gerrard uncertain, Alonso, Garcia, and Finnan are reasonable bets as is the hideous Riise who hasn't had a 20 point game for a while but is probably due.
Tottenham - Great strikers, young midfield with potential, good keeper, solid defense - hard to believe these guys aren't doing better. At the very least they should be a credible threat to Everton and Liverpool for the 4th spot but they really aren't. Not sure exactly what's going on here other than a general inferiority complex that comes from being, on their best day, the third best team in their own city. Worth giving consideration to whomever starts at striker - and let's all hope its Mido because where he is, interesting things seem to follow. I like what I've seen of Michael Carrick but like Musampa at Citeh, it doesn't seem to translate much into fanasty production. Defoe is clearly the class of the group assuming he starts. Not too much else that you can count on unless you think Spurs will produce a shutout on the road.
Southampton - God bless Harry Redknapp for continually producing mediocre-at-best teams that have value for fantasy owners. Crouch might be cooling off a bit but is worth considering and Camara is very capable of a 20 point day since he obviously has no qualms about launching a shot every time he touches the ball. S'oton defenders also seem to figure in the fantasy points pretty regularly so Le Saux and Delaney are options, especially since Villa have a history of being terrible on the road.
Villa - Some fun fantasy players on this squad as well. Nobby Solano, despite a poor showing last week, is generally good for some fantasy points and JP Angel is likely to participate this weekend and would have to be considered one of the (few) strikers worthy of that title on display this weekend. In defense, J Lloyd Samuel and Olaf Mellberg are reliable for points on both the offensive and defensive ends of the pitch. Sorenson, given that Birmingham isn't involved this weekend, is also worth a passing thought - even more so since Southampton IS involved.
Birmingham - Very much an up and down squad but facing a traveling Pompey squad, Pennant, Pandini, and Upson are all worth consideration in your line-up. None have dazzling stats but that's what we're left with when all of the big teams are left out for the weekend.
Pompey - Sadly, I've had to leave the Yakubu bandwagon parked in the garage for most of the season as he's struggled along with his team. That said, he, the amusingly named Tresor LuaLua, and Patrick Berger (if healthy for once) are all worth fantasy consideration. And just one final comment to the first place team in our division - YAKUBU BABY - just so you remember why I beat you last season.
Fantasy MLS
of course, you know that the only MLS in my heart these days is here. but i have a title to defend, so here we go again.
Game is different so the team selection is approached a little differently. I had a few guys I wanted on the team, but the rest are bargain-hunting. Minimum cost guys (mostly new transfers) whom I hope to make some money on so I can afford the Eddie Johnson's and Amado Guevara's in the next few weeks once the league has settled down and we know who plays and who is playing well.
So in the interest of full disclosure, here's my starting XI:
Moreno Jaime DC -- still got it. and playing CD Chivas this week (sorry, Whit). should continue to be in the points with goals and assists.
da Conceicao Ednaldo LA -- new Brazillian forward. may or may not start, but should see time and is a minimum $ guy i hope to see rise in value.
Gomez Christian DC -- see Moreno, above. same applies.
Mulrooney Richard FCD -- gotta get me a piece of that Ruiz/Johnson action without mortgaging the team. should take some kicks and i look for him to rack up the assists. Cheaper than the similarly situated R. O'Brien.
Davis Brad SJ -- stud. unsung, but will take kicks for San Jose. should be an attacker from the left or middle.
Ramirez Guillermo LA -- didn't show well v. the US on Wednesday, but minumum $ guy and takes kicks (supposedly). how will he handle losing his buddy Ruiz? And will miss games b/c of national team commitments.
Morales Martin COL -- know nothing about this guy but he's minimum $ and supposedly takes kicks. How could I resist?
Burciaga Jose Jr. KC -- defender on probably the league's best team and is starting to get more involved in the attack. Remember his goal v. DC?
Rojas Marlon RSL -- minimum $ and expected to lineup in midfield.
Freeman Hunter COL -- gotta have this kid. good word of mouth and an all name team honoree.
Wells Zach NY/NJ -- minimum $ and will start for a few weeks. Good game v. RSL this weekend and I can afford a better keeper.
Good luck!
jeremy
Game is different so the team selection is approached a little differently. I had a few guys I wanted on the team, but the rest are bargain-hunting. Minimum cost guys (mostly new transfers) whom I hope to make some money on so I can afford the Eddie Johnson's and Amado Guevara's in the next few weeks once the league has settled down and we know who plays and who is playing well.
So in the interest of full disclosure, here's my starting XI:
Moreno Jaime DC -- still got it. and playing CD Chivas this week (sorry, Whit). should continue to be in the points with goals and assists.
da Conceicao Ednaldo LA -- new Brazillian forward. may or may not start, but should see time and is a minimum $ guy i hope to see rise in value.
Gomez Christian DC -- see Moreno, above. same applies.
Mulrooney Richard FCD -- gotta get me a piece of that Ruiz/Johnson action without mortgaging the team. should take some kicks and i look for him to rack up the assists. Cheaper than the similarly situated R. O'Brien.
Davis Brad SJ -- stud. unsung, but will take kicks for San Jose. should be an attacker from the left or middle.
Ramirez Guillermo LA -- didn't show well v. the US on Wednesday, but minumum $ guy and takes kicks (supposedly). how will he handle losing his buddy Ruiz? And will miss games b/c of national team commitments.
Morales Martin COL -- know nothing about this guy but he's minimum $ and supposedly takes kicks. How could I resist?
Burciaga Jose Jr. KC -- defender on probably the league's best team and is starting to get more involved in the attack. Remember his goal v. DC?
Rojas Marlon RSL -- minimum $ and expected to lineup in midfield.
Freeman Hunter COL -- gotta have this kid. good word of mouth and an all name team honoree.
Wells Zach NY/NJ -- minimum $ and will start for a few weeks. Good game v. RSL this weekend and I can afford a better keeper.
Good luck!
jeremy
And we wait...
...and wonder how Arsenal's team physio, in concert with Mssr. Wenger will screw us by giving or not giving the information we need on whether to include Henry in our line-ups. The short version of the story for this week is that ManYoo and Arsenal have good match-ups (although Blackburn will probably not concede more than 1 goal, 2 at the outside). Chelsea is Chelsea and will probably score at least 3 on the South Coast and get their customary clean sheet. Can it be that the fact that the race is decided in the Prem is pushing me towards the excitement of new possibilities in the MLS season? Shocking but there's still no excuse to fold down the stretch of the fantasy season where we can only hope that Mr. Hall chokes under the weight of his pending nuptuals and the residual hangover from his bachelor party in Vegas. Here's how they line up for the week...
Strikers...
Henry, if healthy (C. Ronaldo or Drogba if he isn't)
Roonaldo
AJ
Midfielders...
Lamps
Joe Cole
Duffman or Robert if you don't want all your eggs in the Chelsea basket
Downing
Defenders...
Terry
Heinze
Pick your favorite ManYoo or Chelsea defender who you're pretty sure will start (I'm going w/ Gallas)
Keeper...
Cech if you want to play it safe, Howard if you need to make up ground
Strikers...
Henry, if healthy (C. Ronaldo or Drogba if he isn't)
Roonaldo
AJ
Midfielders...
Lamps
Joe Cole
Duffman or Robert if you don't want all your eggs in the Chelsea basket
Downing
Defenders...
Terry
Heinze
Pick your favorite ManYoo or Chelsea defender who you're pretty sure will start (I'm going w/ Gallas)
Keeper...
Cech if you want to play it safe, Howard if you need to make up ground
And we're back...
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
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.
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