Real and Arsenal agree loan swap
Real and Arsenal agree loan swap - Yahoo! Sport UK
Looks like Chimbonda to Spurs is the last piece of the transfer puzzle.
Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Arsenal to take Spain forward Jose Antonio Reyes on loan for one season in exchange for Brazil's Julio Baptista, the Primera Liga club said on Thursday.The "transfers" continue, with Kevin Kilbane moving from Everton to Wigan who then let Graham Kavanaugh join Keane at Sunderland.
Looks like Chimbonda to Spurs is the last piece of the transfer puzzle.
West Ham sign Argentina stars
West Ham sign Argentina stars - Yahoo! Sport UK
West Ham United have signed Argentina's World Cup stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Brazilian club Corinthians on permanent deals.Because we had to see it again to believe it.
Cole and Kranjcar set for Portsmouth
Cole and Kranjcar set for Portsmouth - Yahoo! Sport UK
Oh, yeah... and Andy Cole is retiring to the south coast.
Portsmouth are expected to complete the signings of Manchester City striker Andy Cole and Hajduk Split defender Niko Kranjcar on Thursday.Croatian star Kranjcar is having a medical in Zagreb with a view to a £3.5million move.Yahoo! seems to think Kranjcar is a defender. If that persists into the game, you will be able to field 1/2 of Pompey's midfield in your fantasy defense!
Oh, yeah... and Andy Cole is retiring to the south coast.
Addicks complete Pouso deal
Addicks complete Pouso deal - Yahoo! Sport UK
Dowie said: "I'm delighted to have secured Omar. He's a very combative player, he gets goals and his delivery from set pieces is good.Don't know Pouso, but if he takes kicks (and takes them from Reid) he's worth a look.
All name team, on the move
| Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | |||
| Player | From | To | Fee |
| Manuel 'Junior' Agogo | Bristol Rovers | Nottingham Forest | Undisclosed |
Magpies pounce for United ace Rossi
Magpies pounce for United ace Rossi - Yahoo! Sport UK
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has signed Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi on loan until January as he looks to bolster his strikeforce.Rossi, 19, will compete with Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi for a place in Roeder's starting line-up following Michael Owen's long-term knee injury suffered at the World Cup.Good move for both teams and player. And with Milner possibly moving to Villa (keep watching this space), Newcastle are starting to balance their squad. Still need a bit more on defense.
Hammers Land Argentine Duo
Hammers Land Argentine Duo - Yahoo! Sport UK
Steed to Tottenham and Routledge to Fulham is a good trade. But this is a blockbuster!
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez claims on his personal website he will join West Ham along with international team-mate Javier Mascherano.Okay, you knew today was going to be CRAZY... but this? WOW! Talk about starting the day with a bang! How can you top this?
Steed to Tottenham and Routledge to Fulham is a good trade. But this is a blockbuster!
Living in a Fantasy World
ESPN.com - E-Ticket: Living in a Fantasy World
"This is about the ubiquity and consumption of sports and how they facilitate men's relationships"Different sport, same world.
Woodgate & £6m Huth sign for Boro
Woodgate & £6m Huth sign for Boro
Just what Boro need... another injury prone center back, and one emergency center forward.
UPDATE, from Yahoo! Sport:
If this had been done last week, after the Chelsea match, we'd be talking about how Boro were on the up and these moves would bolster their squad for a push up the table. But after the humiliating loss to Portsmouth it all seems underwhelming. Boro have good players, but have had good players for several years now. And over that period they have been wildly inconsistent. And nothing in the history of the players they have signed really looks to have addressed that.
Just what Boro need... another injury prone center back, and one emergency center forward.
UPDATE, from Yahoo! Sport:
Middlesbrough also confirmed the signing of Charlton Athletic midfielder Jason Euell.Euell will give Boro another option at striker or attacking middie.
If this had been done last week, after the Chelsea match, we'd be talking about how Boro were on the up and these moves would bolster their squad for a push up the table. But after the humiliating loss to Portsmouth it all seems underwhelming. Boro have good players, but have had good players for several years now. And over that period they have been wildly inconsistent. And nothing in the history of the players they have signed really looks to have addressed that.
Petrov becomes big-money Villan
Petrov becomes big-money Villan - Yahoo! Sport UK
Not sure how he'll fit in as McCann and Davis are pretty established in that midfield. McCann as the workhorse, and Davis as the up-and-coming box to box star.
Perhaps Petrov is able to play on the right-side of midfield? That would make the most sense, and give them balance with Barry on the left.
Petrov should be in line to make his Villa debut against West Ham at Upton Park on September 10.Finally, a decent signing in the midfield. No offense to Ballack or Rosicky, but after Martins, Anelka, etc, I was beginning to wonder.
His arrival will provide competition in midfield for Gavin McCann and Steven Davis who have impressed during Villa's fine start to the Premiership campaign.
Not sure how he'll fit in as McCann and Davis are pretty established in that midfield. McCann as the workhorse, and Davis as the up-and-coming box to box star.
Perhaps Petrov is able to play on the right-side of midfield? That would make the most sense, and give them balance with Barry on the left.
Mido secures £4m move to Tottenham
Mido secures £4m move to Tottenham - Yahoo! Sport UK
I would assume that Berbatov is still first choice. But now he has competition, and could come out of games if Jol is looking to make a change. And you won't even get me to say the word... rotation. Won't do it. Nope.
Tottenham have confirmed they have re-signed Roma striker Mido, subject to a work permit, for a fee believed to be in the region of £4million.The 23-year-old Egyptian striker spent 18 months on loan at White Hart Lane before going back to Italian club Roma in the summer, after 11 goals in 27 appearances.He's baaaack...
I would assume that Berbatov is still first choice. But now he has competition, and could come out of games if Jol is looking to make a change. And you won't even get me to say the word... rotation. Won't do it. Nope.
PotW - Kanu-mania is Running Wild!!! Ooooohhhh Yeaaahhhh!!!
I was about to jump the gun and award the Fantasy Player of the Week (PotW) to emerging blog favorite Jimmy Bullard of Fulham. As I was typing a beautiful recounting of his sublime combination of scoring, crossing, and winning of corners I happened to check in on the Pompey/Boro match and what did I find - Kanu-mania running wild...AGAIN. From nowhere longtime blog favorite Kanu has been reborn and has scored two goals in a match for the second time in three matches. I'm not sure if his performance will end up yielding more than Bullard's 30.50 but I'm pretty sure he'll end up as the buy of the week and well-deserving of the coveted PotY...
Honorable Mention - Joining Bullard in the runners up circle are the following...
Scott Carson and Darren Bent for scoring big despite being on Charlton...
Henry and Lampard for scoring modestly big despite really crap performances in reality...
Ryan Giggs for defying his age...
Joey Barton for defying his character...
Silvestre for defying his apparent lack of talent...
Agger for scoring his first professional goal (and what a goal it was)...
Zamora for continuing his streak in the face of my prediction to the contrary...
And finally Titus Bramble for being among the points leaders on defense, who'd 've thunk it?
What a week...
Honorable Mention - Joining Bullard in the runners up circle are the following...
Scott Carson and Darren Bent for scoring big despite being on Charlton...
Henry and Lampard for scoring modestly big despite really crap performances in reality...
Ryan Giggs for defying his age...
Joey Barton for defying his character...
Silvestre for defying his apparent lack of talent...
Agger for scoring his first professional goal (and what a goal it was)...
Zamora for continuing his streak in the face of my prediction to the contrary...
And finally Titus Bramble for being among the points leaders on defense, who'd 've thunk it?
What a week...
Johnson Injury Weakens Pompey
Johnson Injury Weakens Pompey - Yahoo! Sport UK
I expect we'll see Andy Griffin on the right. If he does well and Pompey continue their good run, he may be a cheap option for fantasy managers looking to put money elsewhere. But maybe Andy O'Brien comes in to the center and Primus moves to the right. However, I doubt that 'arry is looking to break up the Primus/Campbell partnership that has served Portsmouth so well so far. Either way, it's an ex-Newcastle Andy in defence. And that's not good for anyone but Boro.
UPDATE: Shows you what I know. It's Paramot at right back.
PS. Follow the game here.
The club's medical staff are waiting for the swelling on Johnson's ankle to go down before they send him for scans and assessment but there are fears he could join striker Lomana LuaLua as a long-term absentee with the same kind of injury.Bad news for a lot of fantasy managers today as Johnson was on a lot of teams (9.28% to be exact).
I expect we'll see Andy Griffin on the right. If he does well and Pompey continue their good run, he may be a cheap option for fantasy managers looking to put money elsewhere. But maybe Andy O'Brien comes in to the center and Primus moves to the right. However, I doubt that 'arry is looking to break up the Primus/Campbell partnership that has served Portsmouth so well so far. Either way, it's an ex-Newcastle Andy in defence. And that's not good for anyone but Boro.
UPDATE: Shows you what I know. It's Paramot at right back.
PS. Follow the game here.
Big Sam Wants Steed At The Reebok
Big Sam Wants Steed At The Reebok - Yahoo! Sport UK
Big Sam's Home for the French and SurlyBolton boss Sam Allardyce hopes a growing "French influence" at the Reebok Stadium can help persuade Steed Malbranque to move north.
..."I would dearly love to bring Malbranque to the Reebok," said Allardyce.
The Trotters boss bought Nicolas Anelka from Fenerbahce for £8million last week, and also has several French-speaking African players in his squad.
Monday Morning Manager
Who wrote this match report?
Of course it was the Manager, one year ago. While some of the names have changed (as did the location), Arsenal's performance didn't. In fact it has gotten worse. Last year, "Often it was left to the fullback, Cole or Lauren, to try and get behind the defense without the ball." This year, Eboue and Hoyte's inexperience robbed them of even that threat. They had no width, and no depth. Citeh were lucky to have gotten the goal, and lucky to keep the lead when van Persie struck the post. But Arsenal need a plan B for league matches. Especially road matches. The Manager doesn't trust Arsenal on the road. Not yet. That being said, Thierry Henry is never a bad pick - 14pts from 3 shots on goal plus assorted points.
Across North London, Spurs early season struggles (against teams of Premiership quality) continue. Another 2-nil loss. Another below par performance, especially after Kilbane had been dismissed. They should be fantasy gold, but they can't put it together. Lennon is so fast, and so skillful on the ball. But he'll run into the defender nine times out of ten. Berbatov looks a good buy as he stays involved in the game, dropping into midfield and holding up possesion. Keane drops FURTHER into midfield and that seems to be taking him away from possible points, even though he is taking kicks.
And speaking of kicks, let's hope Reading are on the traning pitch right now practicing their set pieces. hopefully they've realized that SHORT CORNERS NEVER WORK! Get Shorey some of them "successful cross" points!
While none of the promoted teams are being over-run this season (see, Sunderland 2005-2006), none of them seem to have enough to win yet. Opening day results not-withstanding. Maybe it will come in time, but it would better come sooner rather than later. The "established" Premiership teams that were expected to struggle like Portsmouth, Charlton, and Fulham have shown enough to win. Unless the new teams come up with the same character soon, they may be cut adrift at the foot of the table.
Speaking of clubs on the up, are Juan Pablo Angel and Bobby Zamora your must have strikers for this season? Both are cheap and are producing. More than can be said for the likes of Shevchenko, et al. A lot of big name strikers transfered to the Premiership this season, and so far, it's Zamora, Bent, Angel, Rooney, and hell, Francis... the familiar faces doing the damage.
Perhaps Kuyt can change that. He looked good on his debut and seemed to click well with Bellamy. But with all this players on Liverpool's squad this season, will anyone, save perhaps Stevie G, get a regular game? Fantasy manager's beware.
The best part of Ryan Giggs' goal? The Manager would have to say it was Watford's outfield player (sorry, didn't catch who it was) just LEVELING their keeper as he chased the play.
And now , just as we're getting into the groove of a new season... the international break. Well, before the Manager ducks out, one more game as Portsmouth look to continue their good start to the season at Boro. The Manager will be hoping for Matt Taylor to continue his run in midfield and will be looking for points from him.
Good luck to all. May all your qualifiers be friendly, and all your friendlies qualify.
The Manager
It is that momentum and motion that Arsenal lack now. At [City], they pressured the home side, but everything stalled at the [City] 18-yard box. Hleb, [Rosicky], [van Persie], and [Henry] would all line up or clump together trying to pass the ball through the massed [City] defense.
Of course it was the Manager, one year ago. While some of the names have changed (as did the location), Arsenal's performance didn't. In fact it has gotten worse. Last year, "Often it was left to the fullback, Cole or Lauren, to try and get behind the defense without the ball." This year, Eboue and Hoyte's inexperience robbed them of even that threat. They had no width, and no depth. Citeh were lucky to have gotten the goal, and lucky to keep the lead when van Persie struck the post. But Arsenal need a plan B for league matches. Especially road matches. The Manager doesn't trust Arsenal on the road. Not yet. That being said, Thierry Henry is never a bad pick - 14pts from 3 shots on goal plus assorted points.Across North London, Spurs early season struggles (against teams of Premiership quality) continue. Another 2-nil loss. Another below par performance, especially after Kilbane had been dismissed. They should be fantasy gold, but they can't put it together. Lennon is so fast, and so skillful on the ball. But he'll run into the defender nine times out of ten. Berbatov looks a good buy as he stays involved in the game, dropping into midfield and holding up possesion. Keane drops FURTHER into midfield and that seems to be taking him away from possible points, even though he is taking kicks.
And speaking of kicks, let's hope Reading are on the traning pitch right now practicing their set pieces. hopefully they've realized that SHORT CORNERS NEVER WORK! Get Shorey some of them "successful cross" points!
While none of the promoted teams are being over-run this season (see, Sunderland 2005-2006), none of them seem to have enough to win yet. Opening day results not-withstanding. Maybe it will come in time, but it would better come sooner rather than later. The "established" Premiership teams that were expected to struggle like Portsmouth, Charlton, and Fulham have shown enough to win. Unless the new teams come up with the same character soon, they may be cut adrift at the foot of the table.
Speaking of clubs on the up, are Juan Pablo Angel and Bobby Zamora your must have strikers for this season? Both are cheap and are producing. More than can be said for the likes of Shevchenko, et al. A lot of big name strikers transfered to the Premiership this season, and so far, it's Zamora, Bent, Angel, Rooney, and hell, Francis... the familiar faces doing the damage.Perhaps Kuyt can change that. He looked good on his debut and seemed to click well with Bellamy. But with all this players on Liverpool's squad this season, will anyone, save perhaps Stevie G, get a regular game? Fantasy manager's beware.
The best part of Ryan Giggs' goal? The Manager would have to say it was Watford's outfield player (sorry, didn't catch who it was) just LEVELING their keeper as he chased the play.
And now , just as we're getting into the groove of a new season... the international break. Well, before the Manager ducks out, one more game as Portsmouth look to continue their good start to the season at Boro. The Manager will be hoping for Matt Taylor to continue his run in midfield and will be looking for points from him.
Good luck to all. May all your qualifiers be friendly, and all your friendlies qualify.
The Manager
Martins woe as Toon crash at Villa
Martins woe as Toon crash at Villa - Yahoo! Sport UK
Update, from SportingLife:
Obafemi Martins was carried off on a stretcher after the interval with what looked like a knee injury.More woe.
Update, from SportingLife:
Newcastle new boy Obafemi Martins should be fit to face Fulham on Saturday week despite suffering a knee injury during his Premiership debut on Sunday.Whoah, that was close. Good news for Obafemi (isn't that fun to say?), Newcastle, and fantasy managers.
...
It looked like the injury might be serious, but boss Glenn Roeder allayed those fears afterwards.
He told Newcastle World TV: "He has been in some discomfort but we think it is just a nasty dead leg where he will have had a bleed in the muscle.
"He will be sore for a few days, but we don't think there will be any problems with regards to the next game against Fulham."
Friday's Team News
Blues hope to recall star pair - Yahoo! Sport UK
So no good answer for Neal, or, I assume, a lot of fantasy manager itching to buy Ballack. Ditto for Rosicky.
The West Ham/Liverpool match is turning into a medical crisis with both teams (potentially) missing quite a few players. Liverpool have enough depth to bring in Pennant and Gonzalez on the flanks, but if West Ham can't call on Bowyer or Benayoun, they will have to move strikers back or push their full-backs into midfield. The latter would make Paintsil or Konchesky good fantasy options, even if @LIV isn't an ideal matchup.
For Spurs, Berbatov seems the more likely of their injury doubts to make the game as he's just "nursing" his ankle while Jenas missed training. Also, Spurs have more depth at midfield than forward as Zokora could come back into the XI.
Gary Neville is out, but this may not help fantasy managers as his replacement, Wes Brown, costs over 9 "units". If you can afford him, he's a good buy for the week.
In other ManU news, don't forget that Ben Foster can't face his parent club, so Watford will have to field their reserve keeper.
Are you following any matchups, or sweating on any particular player's availability this weekend?
Chelsea hope to have Arjen Robben and Michael Ballack available for the trip to Blackburn in the Premiership on Sunday. Robben injured himself in the warm-up prior to Chelsea's defeat to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night but should be fit and Ballack has almost fully recovered from a hip injury.Team news is full of the usual "should be fit" and "expected to be fit", though "almost fully recovered" is a new one.
So no good answer for Neal, or, I assume, a lot of fantasy manager itching to buy Ballack. Ditto for Rosicky.
The West Ham/Liverpool match is turning into a medical crisis with both teams (potentially) missing quite a few players. Liverpool have enough depth to bring in Pennant and Gonzalez on the flanks, but if West Ham can't call on Bowyer or Benayoun, they will have to move strikers back or push their full-backs into midfield. The latter would make Paintsil or Konchesky good fantasy options, even if @LIV isn't an ideal matchup.
For Spurs, Berbatov seems the more likely of their injury doubts to make the game as he's just "nursing" his ankle while Jenas missed training. Also, Spurs have more depth at midfield than forward as Zokora could come back into the XI.
Gary Neville is out, but this may not help fantasy managers as his replacement, Wes Brown, costs over 9 "units". If you can afford him, he's a good buy for the week.
In other ManU news, don't forget that Ben Foster can't face his parent club, so Watford will have to field their reserve keeper.
Are you following any matchups, or sweating on any particular player's availability this weekend?
New boy set for watching brief
New boy set for watching brief - Yahoo! Sport UK
Nicolas Anelka will watch his new team-mates in action at Charlton on Saturday after completing an £8million move to Bolton from Fenerbahce.The former Arsenal and Manchester City striker is expected to make his debut after the forthcoming international break when Wanderers take on Watford in early September.Welcome back, the Incredible Sulk! Another qualilty striker fighting for one of three spots.
Are You Feeling Lucky?
So, I know I suffered for having taken the risk that Michael Ballack would suck it up and play at least one of the first two matches of the season. So, now - whether you took the risk the first time or not - you have to ask yourself if this is the weekend he's going to make his debut. Confusing the situation is the fact that Chelsea looked like crap losing to a Boro side that conceded 3 goals to Reading last weekend. For myself, I haven't decided this yet but it seemed worth mentioning right off the bat.
Congratulations private group participant to James Jong (aka golden.boot) for having an exceptional first week of the fantasy season. We'd like to think we played a small part in his initial positioning at #2 in the overall standings. James, make sure you get a screen shot of that in case it doesn't last.
Moving on to this week, we're back to normal mode where everyone has one match. The teams to watch are Manchester United who get Premiership newbies Watford and Newcastle who get Villa who I'm not ready to believe in with their mediocre-at-best talent level. Arsenal travel to Man Citeh but the Gunners have been a bit lackluster so I'm not sure I'm ready to jump in blindly on them. Those are the only really attractive match-ups out there - when it comes to match-ups to stay away from, I'm going to avoid Liverpool/West Ham to the extent possible - the FA Cup Final replay could go in almost any direction.
Chelsea - Sheva redeemed himself somewhat after a stinker of an opener and you have to think he'll have more positive matches than 0.00s so in my mind, he's still a must-have. Lampard will always get his and with Liverpool having a tough match-up, you should probably prefer him to Gerrard if you're looking to buy one of the "big two" midfielders. I'm going to defer the decision on Ballack until late Friday/early Saturday. Bridge is looking like he's going to be an assist machine for as long as he stays in the starting line-up but you can never tell with the guys Jose has given the vote of no-confidence. Finally, Cudicini rewarded those who chose him with a stinker of a week (how's that T-Ho vs. Cudicini decision working out for you Jer?). In my mind, Sheva, Lamps, Terry, and Bridge are the only guys I'm really going to consider unless Ballack has a very clear bill of health.
The Race for the Champions League - Well, you have to think that ManYoo stamped themselves as the early class of this race. Spurs have had one up and one down match and Arsenal and Liverpool were underwhelming in their one match each. With ManYoo getting Watford, you have to expect that even on the road, they'll continue to perform for those that choose them. With Rooney and Scholes still out Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo are pretty close to must-haves with the added bonus that neither is terribly expensive and Saha is downright affordable given his production so far. Elsewhere at United, you have to think that van der Saar will yield some good points if you're willing to spend the money and that Giggs is likely to do some good things. In defense, the Heinze situation must be monitored - if he comes back he needs to be considered seriously (I can't in good conscience recommend Evra until I actually get to watch United and see some evidence that he's improved over his miserable form of last season). On the Watford side, Ashley Young has justified the confidence that the blog put in him and had a spectacular opening two matches. You have to wonder if he'll continue that form vs. United but in my mind, it's worth the risk at that price.
To buy Henry or not to buy Henry? That is the question. Given what the man himself has said, I think I'm going to defer. Yes, yes I know I'm a Gooner and should be blindly loyal and all that but if he says he's got a few more weeks until he's at 100% I'm going to put my money in other things. My target is bringing him into the line-up after the Man United match in a few weeks. In my opinion, the best bet for the Gooners is Eboue. Hoyte is available for cheap and is an interesting option for the budget conscious. Finally, if you look at Cesc's fantasy production since roughly last Christmas, you have to start putting him into serious consideration in the "mid-tier" priced midfielder level. He'll probably get you 8 - 10 points for a reasonable price - not sexy but effective. On the Man Citeh side, I'd just stay away after they failed to score in their first two matches.
Spurs vs. Everton has 1-0 home team written all over it with Spurs getting a number of SOTs but only converting one and Everton getting very few shots on target. In my mind, Berbatov, Ekotto, and Howard are the obvious choices and Arteta would be a bold gamble based on his early form.
Liverpool vs. the Hammers is another difficult match. Gerrard is always a nice pick but he's expensive and there are better uses for your budget. Aurelio is a nice pick given that Riise is out and he's guaranteed a start. If you're looking for a cheap midfielder Mark Gonzalez is a great option for the money. For the Hammers, I'd suggest that Zamora is probably not going to tally again and while I think he'll keep going this week is not favorable for him. I have the same worry with Konchesky who is more likely to see yellow than a number of successful crosses.
The Relegation Zone - Surprise, surprise, surprise - Reading aren't going to roll over and they are going to score some goals. Getting a mediocre Wigan side leads me to believe that this will continue whether Reading wins, loses, or draws the match. Doyle, Lita, Soel, and Shorey are all viable (and relatively cheap) alternatives for your fantasy line-up. On the Wigan side, you have to think that Reading's less than air-tight defense will have trouble containing Camara.
We've already discussed Watford and I have to say that other than Bullard being off to a great start I have NO IDEA what to make of Fulham vs. Sheffield United - Fulham has been terrible to mediocre and Sheffield United has been up and down in their two matches. For some reason, this has the feel of an out of nowhere Luis Boa Morte brace sort of weekend.
And The Rest - Newcastle started well and faces a talent-deficient Villa squad - with the news that All-Name Team Member Obefemi Martins will be joining the depleated strikeforce the squad is likely to be bouyed. Expect Ameobi, Solano, and N'Zogbia to have nice weeks for the Magpies. You have to think that Bolton will have a reasonable run of things against Charlton with Nolan breaking out of his fantasy doldrums with a 10+ match. I'm generally not high on Bolton so I don't think I'm going to recommend anyone else but this is a nice matchup for the Wanderers so if you're so inclined, this might be a good week. Finally, a Boro team that has lost to a newly promoted team and beaten the two time champions in the first week face suddenly adequate Pompey. Given Pompey's modest defensive talent, I'd recommend Downing as the guy most likley to excel.
We'll be back tomorrow with some updates based on injury reports and any other random news items that might make an impact on fantasy managers.
Congratulations private group participant to James Jong (aka golden.boot) for having an exceptional first week of the fantasy season. We'd like to think we played a small part in his initial positioning at #2 in the overall standings. James, make sure you get a screen shot of that in case it doesn't last.
Moving on to this week, we're back to normal mode where everyone has one match. The teams to watch are Manchester United who get Premiership newbies Watford and Newcastle who get Villa who I'm not ready to believe in with their mediocre-at-best talent level. Arsenal travel to Man Citeh but the Gunners have been a bit lackluster so I'm not sure I'm ready to jump in blindly on them. Those are the only really attractive match-ups out there - when it comes to match-ups to stay away from, I'm going to avoid Liverpool/West Ham to the extent possible - the FA Cup Final replay could go in almost any direction.
Chelsea - Sheva redeemed himself somewhat after a stinker of an opener and you have to think he'll have more positive matches than 0.00s so in my mind, he's still a must-have. Lampard will always get his and with Liverpool having a tough match-up, you should probably prefer him to Gerrard if you're looking to buy one of the "big two" midfielders. I'm going to defer the decision on Ballack until late Friday/early Saturday. Bridge is looking like he's going to be an assist machine for as long as he stays in the starting line-up but you can never tell with the guys Jose has given the vote of no-confidence. Finally, Cudicini rewarded those who chose him with a stinker of a week (how's that T-Ho vs. Cudicini decision working out for you Jer?). In my mind, Sheva, Lamps, Terry, and Bridge are the only guys I'm really going to consider unless Ballack has a very clear bill of health.
The Race for the Champions League - Well, you have to think that ManYoo stamped themselves as the early class of this race. Spurs have had one up and one down match and Arsenal and Liverpool were underwhelming in their one match each. With ManYoo getting Watford, you have to expect that even on the road, they'll continue to perform for those that choose them. With Rooney and Scholes still out Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo are pretty close to must-haves with the added bonus that neither is terribly expensive and Saha is downright affordable given his production so far. Elsewhere at United, you have to think that van der Saar will yield some good points if you're willing to spend the money and that Giggs is likely to do some good things. In defense, the Heinze situation must be monitored - if he comes back he needs to be considered seriously (I can't in good conscience recommend Evra until I actually get to watch United and see some evidence that he's improved over his miserable form of last season). On the Watford side, Ashley Young has justified the confidence that the blog put in him and had a spectacular opening two matches. You have to wonder if he'll continue that form vs. United but in my mind, it's worth the risk at that price.
To buy Henry or not to buy Henry? That is the question. Given what the man himself has said, I think I'm going to defer. Yes, yes I know I'm a Gooner and should be blindly loyal and all that but if he says he's got a few more weeks until he's at 100% I'm going to put my money in other things. My target is bringing him into the line-up after the Man United match in a few weeks. In my opinion, the best bet for the Gooners is Eboue. Hoyte is available for cheap and is an interesting option for the budget conscious. Finally, if you look at Cesc's fantasy production since roughly last Christmas, you have to start putting him into serious consideration in the "mid-tier" priced midfielder level. He'll probably get you 8 - 10 points for a reasonable price - not sexy but effective. On the Man Citeh side, I'd just stay away after they failed to score in their first two matches.
Spurs vs. Everton has 1-0 home team written all over it with Spurs getting a number of SOTs but only converting one and Everton getting very few shots on target. In my mind, Berbatov, Ekotto, and Howard are the obvious choices and Arteta would be a bold gamble based on his early form.
Liverpool vs. the Hammers is another difficult match. Gerrard is always a nice pick but he's expensive and there are better uses for your budget. Aurelio is a nice pick given that Riise is out and he's guaranteed a start. If you're looking for a cheap midfielder Mark Gonzalez is a great option for the money. For the Hammers, I'd suggest that Zamora is probably not going to tally again and while I think he'll keep going this week is not favorable for him. I have the same worry with Konchesky who is more likely to see yellow than a number of successful crosses.
The Relegation Zone - Surprise, surprise, surprise - Reading aren't going to roll over and they are going to score some goals. Getting a mediocre Wigan side leads me to believe that this will continue whether Reading wins, loses, or draws the match. Doyle, Lita, Soel, and Shorey are all viable (and relatively cheap) alternatives for your fantasy line-up. On the Wigan side, you have to think that Reading's less than air-tight defense will have trouble containing Camara.
We've already discussed Watford and I have to say that other than Bullard being off to a great start I have NO IDEA what to make of Fulham vs. Sheffield United - Fulham has been terrible to mediocre and Sheffield United has been up and down in their two matches. For some reason, this has the feel of an out of nowhere Luis Boa Morte brace sort of weekend.
And The Rest - Newcastle started well and faces a talent-deficient Villa squad - with the news that All-Name Team Member Obefemi Martins will be joining the depleated strikeforce the squad is likely to be bouyed. Expect Ameobi, Solano, and N'Zogbia to have nice weeks for the Magpies. You have to think that Bolton will have a reasonable run of things against Charlton with Nolan breaking out of his fantasy doldrums with a 10+ match. I'm generally not high on Bolton so I don't think I'm going to recommend anyone else but this is a nice matchup for the Wanderers so if you're so inclined, this might be a good week. Finally, a Boro team that has lost to a newly promoted team and beaten the two time champions in the first week face suddenly adequate Pompey. Given Pompey's modest defensive talent, I'd recommend Downing as the guy most likley to excel.
We'll be back tomorrow with some updates based on injury reports and any other random news items that might make an impact on fantasy managers.
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