EPL Preview - Week 30
Click here for all major live football scores!Man City v Chelsea
Man. City are languishing near the foot of the table and they are making a speedy nose-dive towards the Championship. Their form has been abysmal for most of the season, having scored only 10 goals at home in the Premiership this year. They met Chelsea in the first game of the season and were duly rolled over 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, I can see the same scoreline at Eastlands on Wednesday night.
City have been beset by off the pitch problems during this campaign with pressure mounting on Pearce after a bad run of performances, division in the dressing room and Joey Barton's alleged assault of a taxi driver this weekend. Pearce can afford a City loss but not a bad performance to go with it. It would make no sense to sack Pearce at this stage of the season as there is no one to come and change things around without the possibility of a mid-season break or a transfer window. The intriguing thing is that Pearce has been criticised for bringing in under par players to the club but people are missing one very important factor, it wasn't what Pearce brought in that was the major problem, it's what he let go: David James, Andrew Cole, Kiki Musampa, Ben Thatcher and Antoine Sibierski. All players with experience that added much needed depth to the City team. Cole's goals have been missed badly and he had a blossoming partnership with Vassell. James too is back to the peak of his best form and should not have been allowed to leave, he wanted more money so City should have obliged. Instead, they let him go and spent the money on an outstanding Swedish International goalkeeper that sits on the bench week-in week-out.
From a team news perspective Pearce doesn't have too many options at hand. Hamann, who had an ineffective game against Blackburn in the Cup, could be dropped in favour of Dabo, who has returned to the squad from injury. There is speculation that Barton may not figure against Chelsea after his altercation with the police earlier this week but Joey is used to situations like this. Last season he played the game against Charlton which was immediately after his brothers murder trial and it was his best performance of the season. The midfielder thrives under pressure like this and wouldn't miss the Chelsea game for anything. Also, Pearce cannot afford to sideline his best player.
Chelsea themselves are in the papers for the wrong reason this week, but whenever are they not? Mourinho spoke of his admiration for Real Madrid, yada, yada. Abramovich is upset, oy vay! I heard this week that the Russian billionaire talks with a childish voice, almost as if his balls haven't dropped. No wonder Mourinho finds it hard to grab him by his short and curlies... Saying this though Chelsea are a professional side and when push comes to shove, as shown against Spurs in the FA Cup, they carry out their work with stealthy precision. Captain John Terry returns to a Chelsea defence that looks lost without him and Makelele has been included in the side although Essien will probably start ahead of him. Shevchenko is Mourinho's main worry after the Ukrainian hurt his ankle during training. He is now a doubt ahead of the City clash while Mikel is certainly out as he is suspended.
Fantasy Insiders view: City are stuck in the mud; 3-0 Chelsea
Probable Formations
Man City (4-5-1) Weaver - Distin, Dunne, Richards, Ball - Sun Jihai, Barton, Ireland, Dabo, Vassell - Corradi
Chelsea (4-4-2) Cech - A. Cole, Diarra, Terry, Carvalho - Essien, Robben, Lampard, Ballack - Shevchenko, Drogba.
*Players denoted in red are doubtful.
FA Cup Fantasy - A Bad Idea...?
There are certain things that should remain sacred in football and one of them is the FA Cup. The FA Cup is something to be marveled at, enjoyed and watched on a Sunday afternoon with your mates. The minnows battle it out with the Elite and upsets, twists and adventures can be had by all. There remains something old school about the FA Cup that The Premiership has lost. Something less capitalist, harping back to the old days of pies, peas and Bovril. Maybe it is because the FA Cup is still on the BBC that it keeps its treasured spot in the national hearts of the English football fan? One thing is for sure though, I would never dream about making a fantasy football game out of our national heritage because it would be so Americanised to do so. The big fantasy companies have stayed well clear of the FA Cup, until now that is...CYKI (can you kick it), run by ISM Games, launched its Fantasy FA Cup game earlier in the season and from what I can see is doing reasonably well. My objection to the game is that the makers of the FA Cup game have taken fantasy football to a new low. The guys over at the Bristol HQ must have been wracking their brains coming up with new ways of making money and bingo, FA Cup fantasy came to light. What they didn't consider is that in most people's hearts the FA Cup is not about commercialisation but about the essence of what the game means to be a supporter English football. It is still the purists competition that hasn't been tarnished by Rupert Murdoch's grubby hands, it is a national institution. Something that fantasy football companies should know not to take advantage of.
I look across the pond to America and they will make fantasy games of anything ranging from the Oscars to probably how many fat kids can you squeeze into a school bus and with this FA Cup game now on the market we are unfortunately heading in that direction. What is next for the fantasy player? Can we play Fantasy Football Conference North Division football?? Don't get me wrong, innovation is a good thing but this FA Cup game smacks of a fantasy company just wanting to make a fast buck from a revered and much loved cup competition. It is cynical. Fantasy players should get a break when the FA Cup comes around; watch a game without worrying about assists, points etc. Enjoy the FA Cup don't abuse it.
UEFA Cup Preview
The secondary European club competition swings back into the limelight on Thursday night with Tottenham and Newcastle both in action. Tottenham travel to Braga, Portugal and will be hoping to continue their excellent cup run this season, while Newcastle face AZ Alkmaar at St. James' Park.
Spurs are on the upturn domestically at the moment with a good 4-3 victory over West Ham at the weekend under their belt. Braga aren't what you would class as one of the big Portuguese sides but they are tough and determined at home and will give Spurs little time on the ball. Aaron Lennon - Berbatov - Keane triangle could be the key for Tottenham, as all three players have been linking up tremendously well over the past few weeks to deliver some memorable Spurs performances. Centre-back King is still sidelined so Gardner will continue, while Jenas has been left at home. For Braga, Brazilian Wender should prove to be their main threat. The fast paced winger will be asked to take the attack to the London side. Wender (Wenderson Arruda Said) is Braga's top scorer in the UEFA cup with two goals and five domestically.
Player to Watch: Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov can become the first Tottenham player to score in five successive European games having scored five in his last four UEFA Cup appearances.
PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UPS
Braga (4-3-3): Santos; Filipe, Jorge, Rodriguez, Fernandes; Chaves, Andrade, Castanheira; Joao Pinto, Ze Carlos, Wender.
Tottenham (4-4-2): Robinson; Chimbonda, Dawson, Gardner, Lee; Ghaly, Huddlestone, Tainio, Lennon; Berbatov, Keane.
Dutch CourageCup Winners (Intertoto) Newcastle will entertain Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at St James' Park on Thursday night. The Magpies have saved their best displays for the UEFA Cup this year and the show down against the tricky Eredivisie side will test their abilities to the max. Manger Glen Roeder has recalled Turkish playmaker Emre into the squad after the diminutive midfielder overcame a calf problem. Stephen Carr and Damien Duff are also in contention for recalls.
AZ Alkmaar are one of Europe's most experienced UEFA Cup teams around, having previously made it to the last four recently. They are also in outstanding domestic form, currently lying second in the Dutch league after a 4-0 smashing of Utrecht this weekend. AZ topped the Group C UEFA Cup qualification group beating favourites Sevilla away in the process and are currently unbeaten in Europe this season. The Dutch side surely go into this game as strong favourites.
Player to Watch: Shota Arveladze
The former Rangers man has bags of experience and his two goal match-winning display against Sevilla earlier in the season shows that he can still rise to a challenge.
PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UPS
Newcastle (4-4-1-1): Given, Solano, Carr, Bramble, Taylor, Milner, Parker, Emre, Butt, Dyer, Martins.
AZ (4-4-2): Waterman, Luirink, Donk, Opdam, de Cler, Jenner, de Zeeuw, Martens, Koevermans, Boukhari, Arveladze
A Tale of Two Alex's - Champions League Review
So attacking, flare football took another blow on Wednesday night as last year's beaten finalist went out at the first major obstacle. PSV, a very underestimated team in European football, humbled a depleted Arsenal side with an Alex (currently owned by Chelsea) headed goal. The quarter-finals are now riddled with teams that play tight, orthodox defences such as Milan, PSV and Chelsea. Roma remain, in my opinion, the only adventurous and overly positive team in the competition.Fantasy wise, the most interesting aspect of the night was seeing the apparent last game for Swede Henrik Larsson in the United kit. The enigmatic striker has been a favourite with fantasy managers since his loan move from Helsingborg in January but with his departure imminent there is now a gap for a new strike partner for Rooney. Saha, the obvious candidate for the slot is out for up to 3-4 weeks, whilst Solskjaer is also sidelined. Alan Smith has returned from a long absence with a broken leg but surely cannot be considered to be an instant filler for the departing Larsson. Instead, it seems that Giggs may be used in the advanced role alongside Rooney. Another alternative could be for United to adopt a Barcelona style with Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo all playing forward, a la Ronaldinho/Eto'o/Messi. Eitherway, Giggs looks like he will be playing a more attacking role in weeks to come with Ronaldo, and Ferguson will be looking to his two wingers to carry on with goalscoring duties. With Giggs moved forward Ji-Sung Park will surely get an extended run in the first team. Finally, with Silvestre looking to be out for a long time and Evra still sidelined there remains a chance that outcast Heinze may finally get a chance in the left-back berth - watch this space.
Arsenal 1 - 1 PSV Eindohoven (PSV win 2-1)
Bayern Munchen 2 - 1 Real Madrid (Bayern win on away goals 4-4)
Man Utd 1 - 0 Lille (Man Utd win 2-0)
Fight, Fight, Fight! Champions League Review
Well, the Champions League turned into a ding-dong of epic proportions last night as Valencia and Inter decided to turn Europe's elite footballing competition into a playground scrap. The game ended in a 0-0 draw but this wasn't enough for the players as they engaged in a full pitch brawl that was reminiscent of the Switzerland v Turkey World Cup play off at the start of last year. Both teams will face sanctions after the scrap with Javi Navarro, the main culprit, probably getting the book thrown at him. Expect Valencia to possible have to play their next Champions League game behind closed doors at home with stiff fines. Saying that though, I think their should be a mass brawl at the end of every drab 0-0 game.See the mass brawl here
Roma were definitely the bet of the night with odds of 4/1 to beat Lyon - when will the bookies every learn? Totti, who should most certainly be in contention for the European and World Player of the Year after his performances this season, was at the heart of much of the Giallorosso's play. After watching the Roma game I must say that Mancini has the quickest feet on Earth. He tap-danced his way around the, admittedly shabby, Lyon defence to score Roma's second.
Chelsea march on and are still favourites, cue snooze mode.
Fantasy wise from last nights Champions League fixtures I noticed one or two things, most notably a certain Mr Alvaro Arbeloa starting for Liverpool in his second consecutive Champions League game. The bright, young Spanish full-back that was signed from Deportivo La Coruna in the January transfer window seems to have made the transition in to the first team and could figure for the rest of the season. Arbeloa hasn't started a Premiership game yet, with a substitution appearance against Newcastle being his only appearance so far, but on the back of his performances against Barcelona he will surely get to start more regularly in the Premiership. Throw in a reasonable fantasy price and he could be a cheap buy for the end of season run in.
Full Results
Chelsea 2 - 1 FC Porto
Robben 48' , assist : Diarra Ballack 79' , assist : Shevchenko
Quaresma 15' , assist : González
Liverpool 0 - 1 Barcelona
Gudjohnsen 75' , assist : Xavi
Lyon 0 - 2 AS Roma
Totti 22' , assist : Tonetto Mancini 44' , assist : Totti
Valencia 0 - 0 Internazionale
Champions League Fantasy Preview
Liverpool (2) v (1) BarcelonaThe Champions League is back with some interesting games set up in the second leg of the last sixteen. The fixture of the round is Liverpool v Barcelona with last years champions unexpectedly looking to come back two goals at Anfield. Barcelona are expecting to come to England all guns blazing with Messi, Eto'o and Ronaldinho expected to play. Belleti should be dropped at right-back for the more defensively minded Oleguer. It is a tough call for the Catalans to come back against Liverpool but if anyone can do it they surely can. Liverpool's Finnan will have the toughest test having to keep World Player of the Year Ronaldinho under wraps.
Probable Starting XI:
LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina – Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa – Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Sissoko, Riise – Bellamy, Kuyt.
Probable Starting XI:
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Valdes – Oleguer, Thuram, Puyol, Zambrotta – Xavi, Deco, Iniesta – Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.
_______________________________________________________________
Lyon (0) v (0)AS Roma
Probable Starting XI:
OLYMPIQUE LYON (4-4-2): 1-Gregory Coupet; 2-Francois Clerc, 3-Cris, 29-Sebastien Squillaci, 20-Eric Abidal; 15-Alou Diarra, 21-Tiago, 8-Juninho, 10-Florent Malouda; 11-Fred, 14-Sydney Govou
Probable Starting XI:
AS ROMA (4-2-3-1): 32-Doni; 2-Christian Panucci, 5-Philippe Mexes, 13-Cristian Chivu, 22-Max Tonetto; 16-Daniele De Rossi, 17-David Pizarro; 11-Rodrigo Taddei, 20-Simone Perrotta, 30-Mancini; 10-Francesco Totti
_______________________________________________________________
Valencia (2) v (2) Internazionale
Probable Starting XI:
VALENCIA (4-4-2) : Canizares; Miguel, Ayala, Albiol, Moretti; Angulo, Marchena, Hugo Viana, Silva; Villa, Morientes.
Probable Starting XI:
INTERNAZIONALE (4-3-1-2) : Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell; J. Zanetti, Dacourt, Stankovic; Figo; Ibrahimovic, Crespo.
_______________________________________________________________
Chelsea (1) v (0) FC Porto
Probable Starting XI:
CHELSEA (4-4-2): Petr Cech; Lassana Diarra, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole; Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Arjen Robben; Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko.
Probable Starting XI:
Porto (4-3-3): Helton; Lucas Buccolini, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fucile; Paulo Assuncao, Raul Meireles, Lucho Gonzalez; Ricardo Quaresma, Lisandro Lppez, Helder Postiga.
Reading v Aston Villa Review
_______________ Hahnemann 7 __________________
Murty 6 ------- Bikey 7 ------- Ingimarsson 6 ------- Shorey 7
Little 9 --------- Sidwell 8 ----------- Harper 6 --------- Hunt 7
____________ Long 5 _________ Lita 6 _____________
Team News
Bikey continued at centre-back and came off the victor from an absorbing 90 minute battle with Villa's John Carew. Bikey stuck to Carew like the proverbial glue and gave the striker no breathing space. He made a vital block inside the 6 yard area and looks to have cemented his place at the back in the meantime. In other news striker Doyle is on the mend and is back in training with the first team. He will be vying with Lita and Long, who were quiet in this match, for a starting spot in the coming weeks.
Round Up
Sidwell continues to garner fantasy points with two goals to his name against Villa which doubled his tally for the season. This comes after his two sumptuous assists against Man City last week. Although not the best fantasy earner on the day there can be no doubt that Glen Little was the star man on the day. He caused no end of grief to England left-back Barry and skipped past the defender on many occasions. The first goal came from one of his bursts down the right-flank, forcing the corner which lead to goal. Hunt was also in fine fettle setting up the first goal for Sidwell. The left-winger showed excellent technique in his ball deliver from crosses and was a good outlet for fast breaks from the long balls of Hahnemann. The American goalkeeper also had a spotless performance. When called into action the shot stopper pulled off some world class saves, notably a looping shot from Maloney.
The Future
Reading have some VERY tough games coming up with away games to Man Utd, Middlesbrough and Arsenal all on the cards. Reading players have returned very well in recent weeks but it may be time to let them go.
Maloney 6 ----- Petrov 4 -------- McCann 5 ------- Agbonlahor5
Barry 5 -------- Cahill 5 --------- Mellberg 5 -------- Bardsley 6
_________________ Sorenson 6 __________________
Team News
Shaun Maloney made his starting debut against Villa and was lively at times but he is lacking a defensive attitude and left Barry stranded alone with Little throughout most of the first-half. Carew played off the centre-back and played very well as a holding figure. Ashley Young seemed to have been given a free role against Reading, popping up on the right, centre and upfront on many different occasions.
Round Up
Aston Villa totally dominated for the first 30 minutes but slowly pulled their way back into contention. Martin O'Neill's side were too one dimensional and they squandered a glut of chances with Young culpable of missing several obvious ones. Young, who started the season as a winger but has progressed to become a striker, is still lacking many fundamental attributes of a Premiership striker, most notably his heading ability. Villa's midfield was void of creativity with Petrov a non-persona for most of the game. It was in fact the Bulgarian who was largely at fault for the first goal. Petrov was hugging the six-yard line when Hunt swung in his corner. The Bulgarian wasn't marking any opposition player and was ball watching as Sidwell, unchecked, swanned into the box behind the Bulgarian and put Reading one to the good.
The Future
Villa have some difficult ties coming up but have the advantage of playing at home to Liverpool and Everton. Ashley Young has been a darling of fantasy players this year but his performance against Villa may warrant some to question his place in their side. Carew, on the other hand, looks bright, intelligent and everything that Milan Baros wasn't. He is an excellent purchase for O'Neill and I am sure he will be on the scoresheet many times this season and seasons to come.
EPL Preview - Week 25
Arsenal (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Almunia, Djourou, Denilson, Aliadiere, Walcott, Traore.
Injured: Diaby, Gallas, Baptista, Van Persie, Hleb, Ljungberg, Eboue.
Suspended: None
Team News: Wenger has called up Brazilian sensation Denilson into the Arsenal squad after his performance against Spurs in the midweek game. He will sit alongside Djourou who has returned from injury. Adebayor passed a late fitness test on his knee on Friday and will start but Eboue is still sidelined with an ankle injury so Hoyte will remain at right-back against Boro’. Senderos is the main doubt for the gunners after picking up a head injury against Spurs.
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Aston Villa (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen, Osbourne, Samuel, Sutton.
Suspended: None
Team News: New signings Carew and Young are set to make their home debuts for Villa against West Ham this weekend. Defender Laursen has recovered from injury and will take up a spot on the bench with new signing Maloney. Maloney is highly revered in
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Enkelmann, Mokoena, Samba, Nonda, Gallagher, Jeffers, Peter, Todd, Berner, Dunn.
Injured: Savage, Ooijer, Reid.
Suspended: None
Team News: Khizanashvili returns to the
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Bolton (away vs. Watford)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Gardner– Campo, Nolan, Speed - Stelios, Diouf, Pedersen
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Abdoulaye Faye, Teymourian, Thompson, Vaz Te, Michalik, Augustyn.
Injured: Q. Fortune, Anelka, Davies, O’Brien.
Suspended: None.
Team News: Allardyce has been boosted by the return of Diouf who has completed his two-match suspension.
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Charlton (home vs. Chelsea)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson – Sankofa, El Kakouri, Hreidarsson, Thatcher - Holland, Hughes, Rommedahl, A Faye, Thomas - M. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Randolph, Kishishev, Zheng, Diawara, Fortune, Kishishev, Ambrose, Hasselbaink, Lisbie.
Injured: Gibbs, D. Bent, Young, Reid, Song, Bougherra.
Suspended: None
Team News: Charlton are on somewhat of a run, if you can call it that, having won and drawn their last two games. These set of results have lead to some consistency in the squad selection and Pardew is likely to stick with the side that drew with
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Starting XI: (4-1-3-2) Cech - Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge – Makelele – Lampard, Essien, Ballack - Shevchenko, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Robben, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, Sahar.
Injured: J. Cole, A. Cole, Boulahrouz.
Suspended: None
Team News: Mourinho is boosted by the return of club captain Terry for the trip to Charlton. The
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Everton (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Wright, Hibbert, Anichebe, Weir,
Injured: McFadden
Suspended: None
Team News: Everton are waiting on a late fitness test for striker Johnson before determining the starting line-up in the 205th Merseyside derby.
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Fulham (home vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Lastuvka, Bocanegra, Diop, Routledge, Dempsey, C. Jensen, Montella.
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich, Pearce, Smertin.
Suspended: None
Team News: Christanval returns to the starting line-up after recovering from injury but Montella is struggling with an abdomen injury and will be forced to start on the bench with the brawn of Helguson and McBride preferred upfront.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Fowler, Bellamy, Zenden, Arbeloa, Guthrie, Paletta.
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko, Garcia, Aurelio.
Suspended: None
Team News:
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Isaksson, Ball, Beasley, Johnson, Hamann, Miller, Abdoun, Samaras.
Injured: Onouha, Sun Jihai, Sinclair, Dickov, D. Mills.
Suspended: None
Team News: Pearce could hand new signing Ball his debut against
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Man Utd (away vs. Tottenham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Larsson, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Silvestre, Fletcher, O’Shea, Park, Solskjaer.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Team News: Consistency is the name of the game for United.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Schwarzer, Turnbull, Davies, Christie, Parnaby, Mendieta, Johnson, J. Euell.
Injured: Bates, Riggott, Parlour, McMahon, Rochemback, Huth, Lee.
Suspended: None
Team News: Schwarzer is a big doubt for the Arsenal clash after missing his sides game against
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Starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Given – Huntington, Onyewu, Bramble, Carr – Duff, Parker, Butt, Milner – Dyer - Martins
Subs: Srnicek, Carroll, Taylor, Edgar, Solano, Pattison, O’Brien, Luque, Sibierski.
Injured: Owen, Krul, Moore, Ameobi, Harper, Bernard, Babayaro, N’Zogbia, Ramage, Emre.
Suspended: None
Team News: New signing Onyewu is expected to go straight into the
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Porstmouth (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Ashdown,
Injured: Traore, Stefanovic.
Suspended: None
Team News: Traore will miss the
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Reading (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Federici, Convey, De la Cruz, Bikey, Sodje, Oster, Halford, Pearce, Kitson.
Injured: Mate, Halls, Sonko, Gunnarsson.
Suspended: None
Team News: Reading defender Sonko has been ruled out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage to his knee so new signing Duberry will come in to replace him, Gunnarsson is also injured. Long has passed a fitness test and will start alongside Lita.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Bennett, Bromby, Sommeil, Law, Kozluk, A. Quinn, Seck, Fathi, Morgan, Webber, Nade.
Injured: Li Tie, Kilgallon, Leigertwood,
Suspended: Gillespie (2 of 3)
Team News: Sheffield United captain Morgan has returned from a four-match ban but Warnock may stick with Lucketti in defence after a recent good run of results. New signings Kilgallon and
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Tottenham (home vs. Man Utd)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Cerny, Alnwick, Murphy, Assou-Ekotto, Ghaly, Defoe,
Injured: King, Tainio.
Suspended: Mido (1 of 1)
Team News: Jenas is a doubt with an ankle knock but the signs are positive for his return to the Tottenham side. Rocha and Lee should start along with Lennon who missed out on Wednesday night due to illness. Bulgarian international Berbatov also returns to partner Keane with Mido suspended for one game.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Lee, McNamee, Williamson, Bangura, Priskin, Hoskins, Powell, Rinaldi, Cavalli, Williams, Mackay.
Injured: King, Chambers,
Suspended: None
Team News: With so many new signings it is difficult to judge how Boothroyd will send out his team this week. Shittu and
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West Ham (away vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Green, Pantsil, Mullins, Kepa, Konchesky, Sheringham,
Injured: Ashton, Collins, Bowyer, Gabbidon, Neill, Tevez, Ferdinand.
Suspended: None
Team News: The Biscuit Baron has been out splashing his cash in recent weeks, I’d say he’s been splashing it up the wall after seeing how much he was ripped off for Upson. Upson, who should make his debut today, was woeful against Southend United (bottom Championship side) last week and I can’t see how his price tag can be justified.
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Starting XI: (
Subs: Filan, Taylor, Cotterill, Johansson, Granqvisst,
Injured: Camara, Heskey, Scharner, De Zeeuw, McMillan.
Suspended: None
Team News: Nigerian Aghahowa (another name for me to learn, I’ve only just got the hand of Boulahrouz…) should start alongside fellow new boy Folan (a crap Forlan…), as Heskey is sidelined with an injury. Aghahowa is a very fast player and anyone who has played Championship Manager 2001 will accredit that, but this is real life and
Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts
January Transfers OUT
| Arsenal |
| None. |
| Aston Villa |
| None. |
| Blackburn Rovers |
| None. |
| Bolton Wanderers |
| None. |
| Charlton Athletic |
| None. |
| Chelsea |
| None. |
| Everton |
| None. |
| Fulham |
| Luis Boa Morte (undisc) |
| Liverpool |
| None. |
| Manchester City |
| None. |
| Manchester United |
| Jonny Evans (loan) David Jones (£1 million) |
| Middlesbrough |
| None. |
| Newcastle United |
| None. |
| Portsmouth |
| None. |
| Reading |
| None. |
| Sheffield United |
| Ade Akinbiyi (£750,000) David Unsworth (free) |
| Tottenham Hotspur |
| Marton Fulop (£500,000) |
| Watford |
| None. |
| West Ham |
| None. |
| Wigan Athletic |
| Andy Webster (loan) |
January Transfers IN
| Arsenal |
| None. |
| Aston Villa |
| None. |
| Blackburn Rovers |
| None. |
| Bolton Wanderers |
| None. |
| Charlton Athletic |
| Zheng Zhi (loan) |
| Chelsea |
| None. |
| Everton |
| Anderson de Silva (undisclosed) |
| Fulham |
| Vincenzo Montella (loan) |
| Liverpool |
| None. |
| Manchester City |
| None. |
| Manchester United |
| Henrik Larsson (loan) |
| Middlesbrough |
| None. |
| Newcastle United |
| None. |
| Portsmouth |
| None. |
| Reading |
| None. |
| Sheffield United |
| None. |
| Tottenham Hotspur |
| Ben Alnwick (£900,000) Adel Taarabt (loan) |
| Watford |
| Moses Ashikodi (nominal) Will Hoskins (undisclosed) Lee Williamson (undisclosed) |
| West Ham |
| Luis Boa Morte (undisc) |
| Wigan Athletic |
| Andreas Granqvist (loan) Kristofer Haestad (loan) David Unsworth (free) |
Service Resumes
Oh, I am back and about time too... Apologies for the inconvenience but normal service, in fact, improved service resumes as of today. You'll be glad to hear I gave my Mrs the boot as she was costing me too many fantasy points with her incessant nagging on a Saturday morning - that's dedication and stupidity to the fantasy cause.
EPL Predictions - Week 16
Arsenal (home vs. Tottenham)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Lehmann - Clichy, Toure, Eboue, Djourou - Hleb, Fabregas, Ljungberg, Gilberto Silva - Van Persie, Adebayor
Subs: Almunia, Song, Hoyte, Aliadiere, Walcott, Baptista, Flamini
Injured: Lauren, Diaby, Gallas, Henry.
Suspended: Senderos (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
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Aston Villa (away vs.
Starting XI: (
Subs: Olejnik,
Injured: Delaney, Moore, Laursen, Sutton, Sorensen
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Brown, Todd, Gallagher, McEvely, Peter, Henchoz, Jeffers, Gray.
Injured: Roberts, Reid, Enckelman, Nelsen.
Suspended: Tugay (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
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Bolton (away vs. Reading)
Starting XI: (4-3-3) Jaaskelainen - Hunt, Ben Haim, Meite, Abdoulaye Faye – Campo, Nolan, Speed - Davies, Diouf, Anelka
Subs: Walker, Tal, Fojut, Pedersen, Gardner, Sissons, Smith, Wolfe, Vaz Te, Stelios.
Injured: Q. Fortune, O'Brien.
Suspended: None.
Team News: To Follow...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlton (away vs. Sheffield United)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Carson - Young, Diawara, Hreidarsson, D. Traore - Holland, A. Reid, Rommedahl, A Faye, Ambrose - D. Bent
Subs: Myhre, Sam, Ashton, Pouso, Hughes, Fortune, El Karkouri, Kishishev, Gibbs, Walker, Sorondo, M Bent.
Injured: Lisbie, Hasselbaink, Thomas.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Fixture this week
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Everton (home vs. West Ham)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Turner, Anichebe, Weir,
Injured: Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Boyle, Cahill
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
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Fulham (away vs. Blackburn)
Starting XI: (4-5-1) Niemi - Volz, Knight, Pearce, Rosenior – Radzinski, C. Jensen, M. Brown, Diop, Boa Morte - McBride
Subs: Crossley, N. Jensen, Zakuani, Timlin, Runstrom, Bocanegra, John, Milsom, Routledge, Helguson, Christanval, Pembridge.
Injured: Bullard, Elliott, Elrich, Queudrue.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Dudek, Warnock, Hyypia, Aurelio, Paletta, Fowler, Crouch, Guthrie, El Zhar.
Injured: Kewell, Sissoko, Gonzalez, Zenden
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Isaksson,
Injured: Sun Jihai, Dabo, Sinclair.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man Utd (away vs. Middlesbrough)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Van der Sar - R. Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, G. Neville - Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Scholes - Saha, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, W. Brown, Heinze, Richardson, Silvestre, Fletcher, Smith, O’Shea, Solskjaer.
Injured: Park.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Turnbull, Bates, Mendieta, Johnson, Arca, Maccarone, Graham, J. Euell, Cattermole.
Injured: Ehiogu, Riggott, Parlour, Viduka, Craddock, Parnaby, McMahon, Davies
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Fixture this week.
-------------------------------------------------------
Porstmouth (home vs. Aston Villa)
Starting XI: (
Subs:
Injured: Cole, Stefanovic, Davis.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading (away vs. Fulham)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Stack, De la Cruz, Sodje, Oster, Gunnarsson, Lita, Osano, Cox.
Injured: Brown, Kitson, Mate, Convey, Halls.
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sheffield Utd (home vs. Charlton)
Starting XI: (4-4-2) Kenny - Geary, Bromby, Morgan, Kozluk – Gillespie, Leigertwood, A. Quinn, Jagielka – Hulse, Webber
Subs: Bennett, Lucketti, Montgomery, Unsworth, Law, S. Quinn, Akinbiyi, Short, Wright, Shipperley, Nade, Ifill, Kabba, Sommeil, Kazim-Richards.
Injured: Armstrong, Tonge, Li Tie,
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tottenham (away vs. Arsenal)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Cerny, Davids, Murphy, Lee, Tainio, Huddlestone, Ziegler, Barnard, Keane,
Injured: Stalteri, Mido, Gardner.
Suspended: Ghaly (2 of 3)
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Chamberlain, Shittu, McNamee, Doyley, Bangura, Priskin, Spring.
Injured: King, Foster.
Suspended: Powell (1 of 1)
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Ham (away vs. Everton)
Starting XI: (
Subs: Kiraly, Mears, Cole, Dailly, McCartney, Paintsil, Sheringham, Mascherano, Reid, Harewood, Benayoun.
Injured: Ashton, Gabbidon, Caroll (On the booze cruise…), Walker.
Suspended:
Team News: To Follow...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Starting XI: (
Subs: Filan, Jackson, Webster, Wright, Johansson, Todorov, Landzaat, McCulloch.
Injured:
Suspended: None
Team News: To Follow...
Note: Those denoted in red indicates doubts