Not sure what we've learned here but I haven't written one of these things in a while and I've been gaining ground on the leaders while I've been away. Anyway, suffice it to say that this is a pretty big sports week in my little world. The appetizer comes tomorrow when ManYoo and Arsenal square off in the re-match of the Rooney "dive" match. After that we're on to the really big one - Eagles/Patriots. I apologize for giving the EPL short shrift this week but being from Philadelphia, I've been waiting a long time for this one. Additionally, Arsenal and ManYoo seem destined to be fighting for 2nd place which is hard to get excited about. Anyway, here's some thoughts to get you through the week and maybe help your fantasy team:
1) Might be a good week to "rest" Henry - the Highbury extravaganza will likely be high on media hyperbole and low on goals;
2) This goes for Pires as well but if you've had him in your line-up recently, shame on you, that's why I'm catching up to you in the standings;
3) @Blackburn doesn't seem like a good reason to go away from Chelsea backline guys;
4) (random NFL note) TO and his ankle will catch multiple passes this coming Sunday and be a factor, if you can find someone to take the bet, 4 catches 60+ yards 1 TD (you heard it here first). Despite that, Greg Lewis will make the most important catch of the game (a long TD that seemingly comes from nowhere). For Fantasy NFL types, take a flier on him in the late rounds next year.
5) Jeremy and I have been discussing our "evergreen" guys (those who we really don't consider changing from week-to-week unless they're hurt). Mine are currently Cech, Gallas, Terry, Heinze, Robben, Lampard, Downing, and Henry with SWP making a strong case. Amazing what Roman's billions have done. Last year it looked more like Howard, Tarnat, Pires, Gerrard, & Henry. More so than the new system, Chelsea's relatively stable and incredibly productive line-up has taken a little fun out of the proceedings.
6) OK, I know they've had lots of injuries but is there any excuse for Liverpool being as bad as they are? How many teams have a central midfielder as good as Gerrard? (answer is 1.5 now that Gravesson is in Spain - Lampard is playing better and Vieira is probably better but isn't currently playing better).
7) (Liverpool continued) Likewise, how many teams in the Prem wouldn't trade their best striker straight up for Morientes? (Arsenal, ManYoo, & Chelsea but that's probably about it). The amazing thing isn't that Liverpool isn't that good, its that they can't seem to score even when they're playing mediocre teams.
8) The big question of the weekend has to focus on Rooney - will he actually put two good games in a row together? or will he again go from sterling goals one day to nothing worth mentioning the next (see, ManYoo debut in Champions League qualifying followed up by squat in the Prem for all those fantasy owners who flocked to him).
9) I keep talking myself out of it but if you hear me doubting myself for the rest of the season, please remind me - put Andrew Johnson in your freakin' line-up and leave him there. He plays on a crappy team but he's a fantasy stud and should probably be on the above "evergreen" list.
10) Let's give a mid-season nod to our fantasy MVP - Frank Lampard. Just an amazing season. Maybe its because there's a crazy amount of talent on the squad, there probably isn't one other guy in the EPL who has been in every starting line-up, every week for all of the top teams in our division. Even Henry has been left out.
Enjoy the big week.
Go Gunners...and more importantly Fly Eagles Fly
Striker Roulette
Eany, meany, miney, moe . . . i smell the blood of an english premier league striker.
Who to start this weekend (in addition to Henry that is):
Baros (bad hair but good match-up)
Johnson (no hair and a so so match-up)
Defoe (good match-up and I have nothing else to say about him 'cause I don't know nothing else about him)
Ronaldo (scored versus Exeter (does that even count?) and scores more like a middie so more consistent)
Of these 4 I will be chosing 2 - hopefully ones that don't mysteriously develop an injury keeping them out of the squad or on the bench. All seem like good choices for various reasons, but which ones?
choose wisely . . .
Who to start this weekend (in addition to Henry that is):
Baros (bad hair but good match-up)
Johnson (no hair and a so so match-up)
Defoe (good match-up and I have nothing else to say about him 'cause I don't know nothing else about him)
Ronaldo (scored versus Exeter (does that even count?) and scores more like a middie so more consistent)
Of these 4 I will be chosing 2 - hopefully ones that don't mysteriously develop an injury keeping them out of the squad or on the bench. All seem like good choices for various reasons, but which ones?
choose wisely . . .
Kicking off the new year with...
more of the same...
As we approach the end of 2004, its time to hand out some wishes for the New Year...
1) To Everton...continued good health and hard work and a spot in Europe - maybe even a striker who can put the ball in the net (Mr. Beattie, perhaps?)...
2) To Boro...a long run in the UEFA Cup, another run in Europe next year, and enough stature and money to keep Stewart Downing away from the "big teams".
3) To Liverpool...a healthy striker - not sure they have the stuff to break the top 4 but I hate to see them lose out because of injury.
4) To Pompey...an in form Yakubu - he's just fun to watch when he's on his game.
5) To Joe Cole and Scott Parker...some playing time somewhere - they've got to be atrophying despite Cole's goal this past weekend.
6) To Theiry Henry...some help, you get the feeling that he's doing almost all the work.
7) To ManYoo...a spot in the UEFA Cup - you just get the feeling that there's another slump coming in the second half. They just don't frighten you like they used to.
8) To my hero, Dennis Bergkamp...one more run of form towards the end of the season leading to a graceful retirement.
A quick set or recommendations before heading off to some new years cheer...
Strikers
Not much out there this week with some tough match-ups for the big teams - I'm going with Henry and Andy Johnson at the top of a 3-5-2.
Midfielders
Downing gets ManYoo and Chelsea which doesn't seem like a recipe for points so I'm going to tempt the karma gods and drop him again. I'm also breaking up the Chelsea triumverate - partly because its bad business to have too many eggs in one basket. This leaves me with Giggs, Scholes, Pires, Lampard & Robben.
Defenders
Stayin' with what I got - Gallas, Terry and Heinze.
Keeper
I'm going out on a limb with Alumania since Cech has some tough games this week as does Carroll.
As we approach the end of 2004, its time to hand out some wishes for the New Year...
1) To Everton...continued good health and hard work and a spot in Europe - maybe even a striker who can put the ball in the net (Mr. Beattie, perhaps?)...
2) To Boro...a long run in the UEFA Cup, another run in Europe next year, and enough stature and money to keep Stewart Downing away from the "big teams".
3) To Liverpool...a healthy striker - not sure they have the stuff to break the top 4 but I hate to see them lose out because of injury.
4) To Pompey...an in form Yakubu - he's just fun to watch when he's on his game.
5) To Joe Cole and Scott Parker...some playing time somewhere - they've got to be atrophying despite Cole's goal this past weekend.
6) To Theiry Henry...some help, you get the feeling that he's doing almost all the work.
7) To ManYoo...a spot in the UEFA Cup - you just get the feeling that there's another slump coming in the second half. They just don't frighten you like they used to.
8) To my hero, Dennis Bergkamp...one more run of form towards the end of the season leading to a graceful retirement.
A quick set or recommendations before heading off to some new years cheer...
Strikers
Not much out there this week with some tough match-ups for the big teams - I'm going with Henry and Andy Johnson at the top of a 3-5-2.
Midfielders
Downing gets ManYoo and Chelsea which doesn't seem like a recipe for points so I'm going to tempt the karma gods and drop him again. I'm also breaking up the Chelsea triumverate - partly because its bad business to have too many eggs in one basket. This leaves me with Giggs, Scholes, Pires, Lampard & Robben.
Defenders
Stayin' with what I got - Gallas, Terry and Heinze.
Keeper
I'm going out on a limb with Alumania since Cech has some tough games this week as does Carroll.
All about the Benjamin
EPL getting stale? Tired of everyone having the same 15 or 20 players every week with no regard to "salary cap"? Well here's your chance to change that.
I'm issuing the $100 challenge. Starting next week (week 21 of the EPL season) I want your best 11 for under $100 in the following new group:
Group ID# 41463
Group Name All About the Benjamin
Group Password sawbuck10
Go ahead and set up a new Yahoo ID and create your team... just make sure that it doesn't accrue any points this week! Any team coming into week 21 with points will be dumped.
Going forward, no wheeling and dealing in players with midweek or Monday games will be allowed. This is on the honor system gentlemen, but it's not like you're going to score big bucks on the "transfer" market as Yahoo is only moving values a buck or two at a time.
So get off your "Chelski" horse with it's $550 cap and let's see what sort of fantasy manager you really are.
-Jeremy
I'm issuing the $100 challenge. Starting next week (week 21 of the EPL season) I want your best 11 for under $100 in the following new group:
Group ID# 41463
Group Name All About the Benjamin
Group Password sawbuck10
Go ahead and set up a new Yahoo ID and create your team... just make sure that it doesn't accrue any points this week! Any team coming into week 21 with points will be dumped.
Going forward, no wheeling and dealing in players with midweek or Monday games will be allowed. This is on the honor system gentlemen, but it's not like you're going to score big bucks on the "transfer" market as Yahoo is only moving values a buck or two at a time.
So get off your "Chelski" horse with it's $550 cap and let's see what sort of fantasy manager you really are.
-Jeremy
Waiting for holidays to start in earnest, its time to contemplate...
The beauty of the quarter final Champions League matches - are Arsenal and Liverpool now the most likely of the English sides to move through to the round of 8? Chelsea is in form and talented but Barca will be tough and given their current form, ManYoo certainly can't be considered favorites to beat Milan although it wouldn't be a shock.
More importantly, though, as we look forward to the Christmas season, how can you get yourself the gift that keeps on giving (by allowing you to talk trash to your friends below you in the standings? and you know who you are...) - the answer, of course, is read on...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - since Arsene had a chat with the man and told him to play up top more, he's been back in form. Can't think of a single reason not to include him.
Smith, ManYoo - Rooney is the high risk/high reward pick here but he's been more risk than reward when I've played him so I'm going with the guy who seems to be in the points every time he gets a game.
Johnson, Palace - Yup, I'm throwing the match-up out the window on this one - he's playing well and ManYoo haven't proven to me that they're THAT good yet.
Midfielders
Lampard, Chelsea - As Phil Knight chuckles to himself constantly in his retirement, "Just Do It"
Robben, Chelsea - No reason to change now.
Gerrard, Liverpool - He's really all that Pool have going for them right now. The only question you have to ask is whether they'll score enough for him to have a great week. He should do enough on his own even if they're shut out to have a good week.
Downing, Boro - I get infatuated with Alonso and his two games for a week and my boy punishes me by having significantly more points in one game than Alonso had in his two. Lesson learned - stop overthinking it and keep this guy in unless he's hurt.
Defenders
Terry, Chelsea - Who would have guessed he'd become a scoring machine? Can't risk NOT having him in the line-up since he's apparently a threat in the air every week as well as very likely to get a clean sheet to his credit.
Gallas, Chelsea - Chelsea's defense has been putting up some good offensive numbers and it feels like it might be his turn this weekend.
LeSaux, Southampton - He's playing left midfield, albeit for a crappy team, but he gets a lot of offensive points consistently. Being away at Tottenham isn't great, but it isn't tragic either in terms of a possible clean sheet.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - After a week where he gave up two - neither of which he could have done a thing about - its back to a save or two and a clean sheet at the Bridge (vs. Naawich).
More importantly, though, as we look forward to the Christmas season, how can you get yourself the gift that keeps on giving (by allowing you to talk trash to your friends below you in the standings? and you know who you are...) - the answer, of course, is read on...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - since Arsene had a chat with the man and told him to play up top more, he's been back in form. Can't think of a single reason not to include him.
Smith, ManYoo - Rooney is the high risk/high reward pick here but he's been more risk than reward when I've played him so I'm going with the guy who seems to be in the points every time he gets a game.
Johnson, Palace - Yup, I'm throwing the match-up out the window on this one - he's playing well and ManYoo haven't proven to me that they're THAT good yet.
Midfielders
Lampard, Chelsea - As Phil Knight chuckles to himself constantly in his retirement, "Just Do It"
Robben, Chelsea - No reason to change now.
Gerrard, Liverpool - He's really all that Pool have going for them right now. The only question you have to ask is whether they'll score enough for him to have a great week. He should do enough on his own even if they're shut out to have a good week.
Downing, Boro - I get infatuated with Alonso and his two games for a week and my boy punishes me by having significantly more points in one game than Alonso had in his two. Lesson learned - stop overthinking it and keep this guy in unless he's hurt.
Defenders
Terry, Chelsea - Who would have guessed he'd become a scoring machine? Can't risk NOT having him in the line-up since he's apparently a threat in the air every week as well as very likely to get a clean sheet to his credit.
Gallas, Chelsea - Chelsea's defense has been putting up some good offensive numbers and it feels like it might be his turn this weekend.
LeSaux, Southampton - He's playing left midfield, albeit for a crappy team, but he gets a lot of offensive points consistently. Being away at Tottenham isn't great, but it isn't tragic either in terms of a possible clean sheet.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - After a week where he gave up two - neither of which he could have done a thing about - its back to a save or two and a clean sheet at the Bridge (vs. Naawich).
Pulling Defeat (ok, draws) from the Jaws of Victory
So, I have mixed feelings about the extended premiership weekend - to quote the 80s philosopher Gordon Gecko, "its like seeing Larry Wilde going over a cliff... in my new Maseratti". Here's what I mean...
1) ManYoo gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game they dominated - they got no closer to the top of the league and this officially ended their run of good results...but I lost 21 fantasy points with that single (fantastic) shot (3 clean sheets, a Win going to a tie, and a goal allowed).
2) Liverpool (stop me if you've heard this before) gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game the dominated - they continue to wallow in 7th place...but I lost 5 points with that single (mediocre) goal.
As a fan, I loved watching both events transpire, as a fantasy owner, not so much. Which one is more important? How do you walk the tightrope of supporting your fantasy team when it contains people from teams you dislike? If I knew the answers, this blog would certainly have a wider circulation.
What I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to the simplicity of a week where ManYoo, Arsenal and Chelsea all play teams that they should beat so I can go back to rooting for a loss, a blow-out win, and a high-scoring draw respectively.
1) ManYoo gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game they dominated - they got no closer to the top of the league and this officially ended their run of good results...but I lost 21 fantasy points with that single (fantastic) shot (3 clean sheets, a Win going to a tie, and a goal allowed).
2) Liverpool (stop me if you've heard this before) gives up a goal at the death and manages only a draw from a game the dominated - they continue to wallow in 7th place...but I lost 5 points with that single (mediocre) goal.
As a fan, I loved watching both events transpire, as a fantasy owner, not so much. Which one is more important? How do you walk the tightrope of supporting your fantasy team when it contains people from teams you dislike? If I knew the answers, this blog would certainly have a wider circulation.
What I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to the simplicity of a week where ManYoo, Arsenal and Chelsea all play teams that they should beat so I can go back to rooting for a loss, a blow-out win, and a high-scoring draw respectively.
How Time Flies...
When you're spending 18 hours a day on proposal writing. Not exactly a ton of time to track the comings and going in the wonderful world of the EPL (aside from "watching" the textcast from the Arsenal trouncing of Rosenborg at midweek). Anyway, take this weeks ramblings with a grain of salt as a result. The big news of course is that Liverpool and Pompey play an extra game. In the case of Pompey, I don't think anyone really cares but Liverpool offer some good choices. Arsenal host Chelsea in a meeting of not only the two top clubs but most of the best fanasy players so far this season - with apologies to Stuart Downing and Thomas Gravessen. Your opinion of the way this match will go will have a HUGE impact on the squad you put together this week. If you think offense will rule, then you should probably leave that squad mostly unchanged (Henry, Pires, Lampard, Robben, Duff and maybe even Drogba who looked excellent in his return). If, as I do, you suspect something more on the order of 2-1. Then its time to decide where to cut back and examine other options...
Strikers
Henry or Ruud/Rooney - Depends on your answer to the question above about the nature of the Arsenal/Chelsea game. I'm sticking with Henry.
Milan Baros, Liverpool - I'm guessing that he won't be spectacular in either game as he comes back to fitness but even one OK game (couple SOTs) and one game where he scores will be better than most one-game striker outputs unless you have a strong feeling about someone going off this weekend.
Midfield
Lampard - and on this rock, I build my midfield
Robben - every big game I've seen him play he's risen to the occasion. If you don't share this opinion, substitute Giggs here.
Scholes - see last week's note about riding Scholes until ManYoo start playing decent teams - hello, Fulham - Scholes stays.
Gerrard - was a good choice last week with only one game, with two, its a no-brainer
Alonso, Liverpool - two games worth of corners and free kicks and he's quietly been a very consistent fantasy performer.
Defenders
Finnan - Not playing on the wing as often as he was earlier in the season but the two-gamer makes him a worthwhile selection.
Silvestre/G. Neville - I like the ManYoo/Fulham match-up and, as much as I hate to admit it, am rolling with the ManYoo revival.
Heinze - Churning out points like clockwork.
Keeper
Carroll - The high risk, high reward choice is Peter Cech on the theory that Arsenal will take a lot of shots and he'll get a lot of saves and the win. I prefer the more likely chance that Carroll will get 2 saves (+/- 1), the win, and a clean sheet.
Strikers
Henry or Ruud/Rooney - Depends on your answer to the question above about the nature of the Arsenal/Chelsea game. I'm sticking with Henry.
Milan Baros, Liverpool - I'm guessing that he won't be spectacular in either game as he comes back to fitness but even one OK game (couple SOTs) and one game where he scores will be better than most one-game striker outputs unless you have a strong feeling about someone going off this weekend.
Midfield
Lampard - and on this rock, I build my midfield
Robben - every big game I've seen him play he's risen to the occasion. If you don't share this opinion, substitute Giggs here.
Scholes - see last week's note about riding Scholes until ManYoo start playing decent teams - hello, Fulham - Scholes stays.
Gerrard - was a good choice last week with only one game, with two, its a no-brainer
Alonso, Liverpool - two games worth of corners and free kicks and he's quietly been a very consistent fantasy performer.
Defenders
Finnan - Not playing on the wing as often as he was earlier in the season but the two-gamer makes him a worthwhile selection.
Silvestre/G. Neville - I like the ManYoo/Fulham match-up and, as much as I hate to admit it, am rolling with the ManYoo revival.
Heinze - Churning out points like clockwork.
Keeper
Carroll - The high risk, high reward choice is Peter Cech on the theory that Arsenal will take a lot of shots and he'll get a lot of saves and the win. I prefer the more likely chance that Carroll will get 2 saves (+/- 1), the win, and a clean sheet.
Brief notes...
Due to the need to write a big-ass proposal on top of normal work activities, this week's column will be a little bit on the brief side.
General Thoughts:
1) How did Arsenal go from being THAT good to being THIS bad? Frightening for Fantasy Owners everywhere.
2) The king is dead (or dying), long live the king - the Chelsea line-up seems to have stabilized a bit, seems like the new default answer is to include a bunch of their guys.
3) ManYoo seems to be waking up on offense - seems like a good idea to ride Scholes until they start playing good teams again (which isn't this week).
Specifics
Strikers
Henry - at $1, its hard to argue.
Ruud - Imagine having Ruud and Henry at a combined cost of $3.77 - strange times.
Andy Johnson, Palace - he seems to be healthy which is a rarity among top strikers these days - still kicking myself for him over JFH last week.
Midfielders
Lampard - no need to comment further.
Robben/Duff - they're both productive and playing regularly, having three Chelsea midfielders/wingers is probably too much so probably worth picking one and living with the fluctuations.
Scholes - try not to hurt yourself jumping on to the bandwagon
Downing - not ready to jump off this bandwagon yet.
Defenders
Heinze - see Lampard
Pick a Chelsea Defender - only one seems to get involved in the scoring in any given game - Terry had his chance and is unlikely to get more than his customary 6 points this weekend. Time for Carvallho to put in one of those headers he's been skying? he certainly gets to enough of them. Gallas is always a threat out wide as well.
Hibbert - at home to a flagging Bolton squad, he's been good on offense and the defense has been airtight at Goodison.
Keepers
Cech or Carroll - sort of a crapshoot, ManYoo has the better match-up but Chelsea's defense is just a bit better. I'm bound to get this one wrong when I choose but both should get points for the win and one or two saves - the question is who is more likely to lose the clean sheet?
General Thoughts:
1) How did Arsenal go from being THAT good to being THIS bad? Frightening for Fantasy Owners everywhere.
2) The king is dead (or dying), long live the king - the Chelsea line-up seems to have stabilized a bit, seems like the new default answer is to include a bunch of their guys.
3) ManYoo seems to be waking up on offense - seems like a good idea to ride Scholes until they start playing good teams again (which isn't this week).
Specifics
Strikers
Henry - at $1, its hard to argue.
Ruud - Imagine having Ruud and Henry at a combined cost of $3.77 - strange times.
Andy Johnson, Palace - he seems to be healthy which is a rarity among top strikers these days - still kicking myself for him over JFH last week.
Midfielders
Lampard - no need to comment further.
Robben/Duff - they're both productive and playing regularly, having three Chelsea midfielders/wingers is probably too much so probably worth picking one and living with the fluctuations.
Scholes - try not to hurt yourself jumping on to the bandwagon
Downing - not ready to jump off this bandwagon yet.
Defenders
Heinze - see Lampard
Pick a Chelsea Defender - only one seems to get involved in the scoring in any given game - Terry had his chance and is unlikely to get more than his customary 6 points this weekend. Time for Carvallho to put in one of those headers he's been skying? he certainly gets to enough of them. Gallas is always a threat out wide as well.
Hibbert - at home to a flagging Bolton squad, he's been good on offense and the defense has been airtight at Goodison.
Keepers
Cech or Carroll - sort of a crapshoot, ManYoo has the better match-up but Chelsea's defense is just a bit better. I'm bound to get this one wrong when I choose but both should get points for the win and one or two saves - the question is who is more likely to lose the clean sheet?
Regarding Henry
Points for the week: -4.60
Current price; 1.00
Seeing Arsenal lose on that goal by (Thorton) Mellon or whatever his 5 minutes of fame name is . . .
Priceless (or at least very, very cheap to buy)
I guess the world player of the year final 3 announcements are unrelated to fantasy EPL?
What in the name of fantasy sports is going on, too many freedom fries, were there a lot of Germans on the Liverpool team? Who is doing the player valuations? Is he/she currently in a federal white collar prison for manipulating internet stock valuations for selfish gains?
Henry averages the most points of any player and yet is as cheap as possible - One fecking (irish quasi-expletive) dollar. He averages 14.80 per match, while Rocking Robben averages 14.50, yet costs 43.01 (and was in the 50's last week). I believe Henry was at 12 or so last week so he dropped over 11 - I guess those yellow cards are like kryptonite to french strikers.
Perhaps if he pronounced his name properly, as in "hen-re" (in americanese) instead of "on-re" he would recover from this downward spiral (and please pardon the hooked on phonics). And don't even get me started on Terry with the addition of an 'H" and and "I" and an extra "R"- Thierry.
There is no way on earth anyone with names like that can Cowboy Up when required (GO SOX!!!)
Sure glad I dropped him for last weekend (insert gloating emoticon here)
TheTop Three (and ManYoo) are at home...
and none of them are playing a particularly worrysome opponent. Lots of positive match-ups to choose from as a result. Also a lot of injuries to take into account. Baros is out, and that leaves Liverpool's goal-scoring ability in doubt. Saha is out and Ruud picked up a knock midweek for Holland which leaves ManYoo's strikeforce up in the air a bit. And Henry made opponents tremble with the declaration that he's been playing at about 70% for the last few months. Anyone else wish their 100% was in the same ballpark as his 70%? Me too. And with that brief intro, here are the recommendations of the week:
Striker
Henry, Arsenal - even at 70%, you might want him in your line-up.
Rooney, ManYoo - think he wants to atone for his mid-week meltdown? Think Charlton coming to OT have any power to stop it?
Have to agree with my colleague Jeremy, there aren't too many extremely appealing options at striker this week. Might be a good week for a 3-5-2 line-up as there are lots of midfielders who will be playing striker this week. If you just HAVE to have another striker the next best options are probably Eidur, Ronaldo and Reyes since Andy Johnson is still in doubt.
Midfielder
Lampard, Chelsea - Apparently looked like crap for England but he an EPL fantasy points machine.
Robben, Chelsea - Fast approaching teammate Lampard as a fantasy pillar. Fun to watch too.
Pires, Arsenal - Seems to have rediscovered his form even if he isn't guaranteed a start these days. Even in 30 minutes, he's been effective this season for fantasy managers
Gravessen, Everton - On a day when all of Everton's midfielders and forwards probably combined for 35 fantasy points total, the bald one had more than 25 of those. Reasonably good match-up as well being home to Fulham.
Kewell, Liverpool - Maybe I've been too reluctant to let go of past performance, but in a week where Liverpool's strikeforce is gutted, you get the feeling that Harry might be ready to break out and re-establish himself. If you're not as inclined to a little risk, Garcia might be a better choice.
Defense
Heinze, ManYoo - see all previous postings since he joined the line-up.
Hibbert, Everton - not very noticable on the field, but an excellent track record thus far and a good match-up as well.
Jaidi, Bolton - not his best week last week, but has been strong all season.
Keeper
The big decision is between Cech and his superior defense against a reasonably productive Bolton team or Lehmann and a questionable defense against a WBA offense that has been firing blanks and may be without their best striker, Kanu. If you're budget conscious, the decision is an easy one as Lehmann is much cheaper.
Striker
Henry, Arsenal - even at 70%, you might want him in your line-up.
Rooney, ManYoo - think he wants to atone for his mid-week meltdown? Think Charlton coming to OT have any power to stop it?
Have to agree with my colleague Jeremy, there aren't too many extremely appealing options at striker this week. Might be a good week for a 3-5-2 line-up as there are lots of midfielders who will be playing striker this week. If you just HAVE to have another striker the next best options are probably Eidur, Ronaldo and Reyes since Andy Johnson is still in doubt.
Midfielder
Lampard, Chelsea - Apparently looked like crap for England but he an EPL fantasy points machine.
Robben, Chelsea - Fast approaching teammate Lampard as a fantasy pillar. Fun to watch too.
Pires, Arsenal - Seems to have rediscovered his form even if he isn't guaranteed a start these days. Even in 30 minutes, he's been effective this season for fantasy managers
Gravessen, Everton - On a day when all of Everton's midfielders and forwards probably combined for 35 fantasy points total, the bald one had more than 25 of those. Reasonably good match-up as well being home to Fulham.
Kewell, Liverpool - Maybe I've been too reluctant to let go of past performance, but in a week where Liverpool's strikeforce is gutted, you get the feeling that Harry might be ready to break out and re-establish himself. If you're not as inclined to a little risk, Garcia might be a better choice.
Defense
Heinze, ManYoo - see all previous postings since he joined the line-up.
Hibbert, Everton - not very noticable on the field, but an excellent track record thus far and a good match-up as well.
Jaidi, Bolton - not his best week last week, but has been strong all season.
Keeper
The big decision is between Cech and his superior defense against a reasonably productive Bolton team or Lehmann and a questionable defense against a WBA offense that has been firing blanks and may be without their best striker, Kanu. If you're budget conscious, the decision is an easy one as Lehmann is much cheaper.
US MNT Review
I'll begin the review with the admission that I was exhausted and possibly a little grumpy when I watched the game on TiVo (the greatest invention of the last 10 years)...
The ball just seems to find Eddie Johnson in good places. Once is a fluke, twice is a pattern, three times is a trend. Apparently on his way to train with ManYoo for a couple weeks. Nothing but great things to say about his performance other than that he could have had two or three goals.
(Side Note: Doubtful that he'd see any time with them but not much of a stretch for ManYoo to buy him and loan him out or for another team to swoop in. Could be an interesting January for Mr. Johnson.)
What happened to Landon Donovan? I forgot he was in the line-up between the 10th minute and around the 75th minute. I was shocked that he was still in the line-up. Hopefully, no one at Leverkusen stayed up late enough to watch.
Cory Gibbs was great all night, a stand-out performance.
I loved him with DC United back in the day but why are we wasting time on a past-his-prime Tony Sanneh? I don't see the upside for starting him over Jonny Spector. Tony might be a better player right now but we should be getting Jonny ready for '06 and beyond in games that don't matter for us.
Recently read the England Worst XI Under Sven column - if anyone ever pays enough attention to the US MNT to write such a column, you have to bet on Ramiro Corrales to make that list. Bobby Convey could use a run, why not bring him back for this game?
Look for the weekly EPL Fantasy comments early tomorrow.
The ball just seems to find Eddie Johnson in good places. Once is a fluke, twice is a pattern, three times is a trend. Apparently on his way to train with ManYoo for a couple weeks. Nothing but great things to say about his performance other than that he could have had two or three goals.
(Side Note: Doubtful that he'd see any time with them but not much of a stretch for ManYoo to buy him and loan him out or for another team to swoop in. Could be an interesting January for Mr. Johnson.)
What happened to Landon Donovan? I forgot he was in the line-up between the 10th minute and around the 75th minute. I was shocked that he was still in the line-up. Hopefully, no one at Leverkusen stayed up late enough to watch.
Cory Gibbs was great all night, a stand-out performance.
I loved him with DC United back in the day but why are we wasting time on a past-his-prime Tony Sanneh? I don't see the upside for starting him over Jonny Spector. Tony might be a better player right now but we should be getting Jonny ready for '06 and beyond in games that don't matter for us.
Recently read the England Worst XI Under Sven column - if anyone ever pays enough attention to the US MNT to write such a column, you have to bet on Ramiro Corrales to make that list. Bobby Convey could use a run, why not bring him back for this game?
Look for the weekly EPL Fantasy comments early tomorrow.
Mid-season Thoughts
Larry King Style...
For my money, Arjen Robben is the best purchase by any team over the last two years...Who would have guessed that ManYoo's veterans would get so old, so fast?...Think Sir Alex is kicking himself for not packaging Giggs and Scholes last season and buying Ronaldinho with the $$...Any applicants to play striker for Pompey this weekend?...As a fantasy owner, I can't justify putting a striker who doesn't score goals in my line-up (see Ronaldo, Christiano)...If teams in our fantasy league were actual EPL teams - Toby would be Chelsea (looking strong)...Kris would be Everton (shock to all that he's still here)...Jeremy would be Arsenal (always good and lurking near the top)...Neal would be Boro (relatively new to the top but likely to be in it)...Stoltz would be Villa (currently outperforming previous track record)...Mike would be Liverpool (perenial quality not achieving usual standards)...Dan would be Newcastle (see Liverpool, but worse)...and Jon would be ManYoo (traditional power fallen on hard times)...
Just a few thoughts from mid-week while still basking in the glow of a 4th MLS Cup for United. Can't wait to see the US MNT line-up for the game tonight.
For my money, Arjen Robben is the best purchase by any team over the last two years...Who would have guessed that ManYoo's veterans would get so old, so fast?...Think Sir Alex is kicking himself for not packaging Giggs and Scholes last season and buying Ronaldinho with the $$...Any applicants to play striker for Pompey this weekend?...As a fantasy owner, I can't justify putting a striker who doesn't score goals in my line-up (see Ronaldo, Christiano)...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)...
Just a few thoughts from mid-week while still basking in the glow of a 4th MLS Cup for United. Can't wait to see the US MNT line-up for the game tonight.
(Red) Devil's Advocate - Inagural Weekend Review
Ok. My two cents, er, pents on this weekends events:
9 goals in the arsenal match and no goals or assists for Reyes - many grumpy owners
Yakubu - nice medial ligament - more grumpy owners
Baros - now really - give me a freakin break - this little rodent has no business with a hat trick
Man U penalty - not sure about the rules of soccer since I don't actually watch the sport, but seems like it was a penalty, though shearer seemed to disagree
What is the deal with Koumas?
Deja Vouz - what is the deal with Robert? Is it an anti-french thing? Fantasy stud can't get off the bench?
Still many, many bad hair styles in the EPL - mullets, mini pony tails, corn rows and many bad long hair head band options - and don't even get me started on the gelled-up mowhawk swoop hair style so popular among english players - john terry and alan smith among others- very silly
will malcom glazer please buy man u so i can laugh at the utter distress it will cause - (insert conan the barbarian quotation here "see my enemies crushed beaneath my feet, hear the lamentation of their women, etc . . . .)
jose mourininniho is a very very silly and arrogant little european guy - though his team is ok
rooney is like an exceptionally large fetus (except with great soccer skills)
do players on teams start to look alike like married couples, is everyone on everton bald or balding like gravesen? they should be sponsored by hair club for men
that's all for now, hopefully neal will have more valuable knowledge to pass along . . .
9 goals in the arsenal match and no goals or assists for Reyes - many grumpy owners
Yakubu - nice medial ligament - more grumpy owners
Baros - now really - give me a freakin break - this little rodent has no business with a hat trick
Man U penalty - not sure about the rules of soccer since I don't actually watch the sport, but seems like it was a penalty, though shearer seemed to disagree
What is the deal with Koumas?
Deja Vouz - what is the deal with Robert? Is it an anti-french thing? Fantasy stud can't get off the bench?
Still many, many bad hair styles in the EPL - mullets, mini pony tails, corn rows and many bad long hair head band options - and don't even get me started on the gelled-up mowhawk swoop hair style so popular among english players - john terry and alan smith among others- very silly
will malcom glazer please buy man u so i can laugh at the utter distress it will cause - (insert conan the barbarian quotation here "see my enemies crushed beaneath my feet, hear the lamentation of their women, etc . . . .)
jose mourininniho is a very very silly and arrogant little european guy - though his team is ok
rooney is like an exceptionally large fetus (except with great soccer skills)
do players on teams start to look alike like married couples, is everyone on everton bald or balding like gravesen? they should be sponsored by hair club for men
that's all for now, hopefully neal will have more valuable knowledge to pass along . . .
In a week where Arsenal's youth proved better than the main squad...
Really. Should Arsene piss off the legions of fantasy players and just bench everyone for a week or two and let them get their legs back? Van Persie, Flamini, Pennant, et al. seem to be capable of beating full EPL squads. Why not rest the big boys for two weeks and run these kids out vs. a Southampton or some other struggler at Highbury? Based on recent results, it couldn't hurt.
On to the picks of the week in yet another week that doesn't feature a no-brainer match-up that will help managers stack their line-ups...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - Granted he hasn't been at his blistering best over the last couple weeks but are you going to be the guy who bets against the Gunners coming out of their funk this weekend?
Yakubu, Portsmouth - Derby matches are always tough to call and even more so when there is managerial unrest, but the Pompey hitman has been warming up again and he generally scores in bunches.
Tough call on the last striker if you're running a 3-4-3 formation. ManYoo still can't score AND they're on the road. Palace and their sensation Andy Johnson are on the road vs. a Liverpool team that has been playing good defense. They guys who score for Chelsea are all designated as midfielders. Streaking Fulham face Chelsea's defense. Do you recall Reyes? Is it time to go 3-5-2? Is this the week JFH breaks out? Tough call. I'm leaning towards Reyes vs. a disorganized Tottenham squad.
Midfield
Lampard, Chelsea - Getting tired of finding nice things to write about him. Just put him in your line-up and don't think about that spot for the rest of the season unless he gets hurt.
Robben, Chelsea - Showing that he may be the class of the offseason signings. Makes things happen for both himself and teammates. If he's starting, he boosts the value of Chelsea's strikers.
Downing, Boro - I'm still on the bandwagon even after a couple down weeks, that Boro are playing WBA doesn't hurt either.
SWP, Man Citeh - Playing home to Blackburn who may be better but still aren't good. Generally the most dangerous player on the field.
Defense
Jaidi, Bolton - He's been great on offense and Bolton have a reasonable shot at a clean sheet since apparently, Villa's strikers don't travel with the team.
Heinze, ManYoo - See Lampard above.
Anyone from Chelsea - take the 5+ points that almost seems to be guaranteed and hope that the one you choose gets involved in the offense a little bit.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - Not sure when I'm going to learn that Cech should be in the same category with Henry, Lamps, and Heinze. Not much reason to change him out.
On to the picks of the week in yet another week that doesn't feature a no-brainer match-up that will help managers stack their line-ups...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - Granted he hasn't been at his blistering best over the last couple weeks but are you going to be the guy who bets against the Gunners coming out of their funk this weekend?
Yakubu, Portsmouth - Derby matches are always tough to call and even more so when there is managerial unrest, but the Pompey hitman has been warming up again and he generally scores in bunches.
Tough call on the last striker if you're running a 3-4-3 formation. ManYoo still can't score AND they're on the road. Palace and their sensation Andy Johnson are on the road vs. a Liverpool team that has been playing good defense. They guys who score for Chelsea are all designated as midfielders. Streaking Fulham face Chelsea's defense. Do you recall Reyes? Is it time to go 3-5-2? Is this the week JFH breaks out? Tough call. I'm leaning towards Reyes vs. a disorganized Tottenham squad.
Midfield
Lampard, Chelsea - Getting tired of finding nice things to write about him. Just put him in your line-up and don't think about that spot for the rest of the season unless he gets hurt.
Robben, Chelsea - Showing that he may be the class of the offseason signings. Makes things happen for both himself and teammates. If he's starting, he boosts the value of Chelsea's strikers.
Downing, Boro - I'm still on the bandwagon even after a couple down weeks, that Boro are playing WBA doesn't hurt either.
SWP, Man Citeh - Playing home to Blackburn who may be better but still aren't good. Generally the most dangerous player on the field.
Defense
Jaidi, Bolton - He's been great on offense and Bolton have a reasonable shot at a clean sheet since apparently, Villa's strikers don't travel with the team.
Heinze, ManYoo - See Lampard above.
Anyone from Chelsea - take the 5+ points that almost seems to be guaranteed and hope that the one you choose gets involved in the offense a little bit.
Keeper
Cech, Chelsea - Not sure when I'm going to learn that Cech should be in the same category with Henry, Lamps, and Heinze. Not much reason to change him out.
As a follow up to Neal's post, the final tally for MLS Fantasy sees me retain the Transformer trophy for another year. I finished the season with 11995 points. Second place went to Procrastination FC with 11295 points and hot on his heels was The Albatross, just 55 points off second with 11240 points.
It's a small consolation, but I'll take what I can get these days.
Jeremy
PS. Yes, that is Landon Donovan's signature on the soccer ball. I'm waiting for him to head back to Europe and start scoring Champions League goals. Then I can put that thing on eBay and send my daughter to college. ;-)
In a week where New England has lost its mojo...
Here's the inside scoop.
The Red Sox win seems to have sucked all the good fortune from the Northeast part of the country. The Patriots fall for the first time since mid-last season. Hockey is a no-go for the season. John Kerry lost to a guy that the country really didn't want to elect. The Celtics gave up a big lead to lose their home opener. And Mike Langlais of Vermont had his first weekly victory in the Bad Ideas Teams table wrapped up until Nicky Anelka and SWP snatched it from him on Monday. We can only hope that this continued lack of good karma carries DC United to the MSL Cup as they face the Revs on Saturday night. What does this have to do with EPL Fantasy advice? Nothing that I can think of. Lets get to it. Gentlemen, this is the week I'm jumping on the Norwich fantasy bandwagon. And if ever there was a week to do it, its the week they play Blackburn. Always a good time. Arsenal appears to be in some sort of a midseason slump so even a match-up away to newly promoted Crystal Palace isn't as enticing as it might have appeared earlier in the sesaon. Chelsea's new goal scoring prowess will be tested by a visit from Everton in one of the most difficult games of the week to call. Liverpool hosts futile B'ham in what promises to be a home win but probably a low scoring one. All that said, there aren't a ton of inspiring match-ups so this would appear to be the week to revert to a) class; and b) the rules Big Daddy Spitzberg so kindly made available recently...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - Yeah, they're slumping but even on a day where they didn't play well and he missed a penalty (huge negative points). He hit for more than 8 fantasy points.
Huckerby, Norwich - Quietly having an excellent fantasy year and they're hosting Blackburn - good times.
JFH, Boro - Two goalless games in a row for Jimmy. Time for the scowl to turn into, um, the "I-just-scored" scowl. Bolton are playing well, but they give up goals and Boro tend to score them at home.
Midfielders
Duffman, Chelsea - Finally in form and playing well enough that the careful fantasy manager can be pretty sure that he'll be in the starting XI.
Lampard, Chelsea - Nothing specific to say here, ya gotta have him.
Downing, Boro - A bit of a clanker last weekend. Don't expect two in a row.
Garcia, Liverpool - Not spectacular vs. Deportivo in midweek, but still the best bet for some points on this squad.
Robben, Chelsea - Three Chelsea midfielders vs. an in-form Everton squad? Robben is really playing at striker, and playing well. The big question is "will he get the start?".
Defenders
Heinze, ManYoo - Gets easier and easier to recommend this guy each time I see him play. Air tight defense, moves into the attack well, and just combative enough to throw strikers and wingers off their game. Manages not to get carded.
Jaidi, Bolton - Check the injury reports before starting him. Went out towards the end of last week with a broken nose.
Terry, Chelsea - Keeps racking up the points as Chelsea keep the sheets clean.
Keepers
Kirkland, Liverpool - Birmingham isn't scoring much. Liverpool is defending surprisingly well. Better bet for a win/clean sheet than Cech vs. Everton.
The Red Sox win seems to have sucked all the good fortune from the Northeast part of the country. The Patriots fall for the first time since mid-last season. Hockey is a no-go for the season. John Kerry lost to a guy that the country really didn't want to elect. The Celtics gave up a big lead to lose their home opener. And Mike Langlais of Vermont had his first weekly victory in the Bad Ideas Teams table wrapped up until Nicky Anelka and SWP snatched it from him on Monday. We can only hope that this continued lack of good karma carries DC United to the MSL Cup as they face the Revs on Saturday night. What does this have to do with EPL Fantasy advice? Nothing that I can think of. Lets get to it. Gentlemen, this is the week I'm jumping on the Norwich fantasy bandwagon. And if ever there was a week to do it, its the week they play Blackburn. Always a good time. Arsenal appears to be in some sort of a midseason slump so even a match-up away to newly promoted Crystal Palace isn't as enticing as it might have appeared earlier in the sesaon. Chelsea's new goal scoring prowess will be tested by a visit from Everton in one of the most difficult games of the week to call. Liverpool hosts futile B'ham in what promises to be a home win but probably a low scoring one. All that said, there aren't a ton of inspiring match-ups so this would appear to be the week to revert to a) class; and b) the rules Big Daddy Spitzberg so kindly made available recently...
Strikers
Henry, Arsenal - Yeah, they're slumping but even on a day where they didn't play well and he missed a penalty (huge negative points). He hit for more than 8 fantasy points.
Huckerby, Norwich - Quietly having an excellent fantasy year and they're hosting Blackburn - good times.
JFH, Boro - Two goalless games in a row for Jimmy. Time for the scowl to turn into, um, the "I-just-scored" scowl. Bolton are playing well, but they give up goals and Boro tend to score them at home.
Midfielders
Duffman, Chelsea - Finally in form and playing well enough that the careful fantasy manager can be pretty sure that he'll be in the starting XI.
Lampard, Chelsea - Nothing specific to say here, ya gotta have him.
Downing, Boro - A bit of a clanker last weekend. Don't expect two in a row.
Garcia, Liverpool - Not spectacular vs. Deportivo in midweek, but still the best bet for some points on this squad.
Robben, Chelsea - Three Chelsea midfielders vs. an in-form Everton squad? Robben is really playing at striker, and playing well. The big question is "will he get the start?".
Defenders
Heinze, ManYoo - Gets easier and easier to recommend this guy each time I see him play. Air tight defense, moves into the attack well, and just combative enough to throw strikers and wingers off their game. Manages not to get carded.
Jaidi, Bolton - Check the injury reports before starting him. Went out towards the end of last week with a broken nose.
Terry, Chelsea - Keeps racking up the points as Chelsea keep the sheets clean.
Keepers
Kirkland, Liverpool - Birmingham isn't scoring much. Liverpool is defending surprisingly well. Better bet for a win/clean sheet than Cech vs. Everton.
Sticks & Stones . . .
Tough weekend for the medical staff. Reyes has some uncertain wrist damage (out of the match), Jaidi broke his nose in the cause of getting me an assist (out of the match), and last and clearly not least, Cisse - tib-fib Joe Theiseman leg break (out of match, season, and maybe career) - ouch. Of course I had all three unfortunate players. Though having 6 screws and a titanium plate in my leg definitely makes me understand how my fantasy woes are not as important as such things (well, maybe).
As a side note - what on earth happened to arsenal and man u - was arsenal worrying about chelsea? was man u just, ok, i really can't think of an explanation for that one.
As a side note - what on earth happened to arsenal and man u - was arsenal worrying about chelsea? was man u just, ok, i really can't think of an explanation for that one.
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