Friday, July 29, 2011

Aguero Officially A Manchester Citizen

Sergio Aguero
He is expected to lead City's front line next season.
Manchester City finally splashed some big money this season after completing a £38m move for Athletico Madrid's ace Sergio "Kun" Aguero.

The Argentinian has been a major force for the Spanish side since he joined them back in 2006, averaging more than 20 goals per season. He has always been a hot commodity in the transfer market, with his hefty price tag a big obstacle to move.

Well now City gets his service. Will that at least make Carlos Tevez's less unhappy to stay? Hopefully they will form a deadly partnership.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Villa Welcomes Charles N'Zogbia - Darren Bent Need Not Worry About Short of Supplies

Charles N'Zogbia
The solution for post-Young/Downing era.
Yes, quite a big news to fantasy managers. French international, Charles N'Zogbia joins Aston Villa with an estimated fee of £9.5m.

We all know how good the lad is as a fantasy player. The change of club will not change much of his fantasy value; in fact it might make him even more valuable given Darren Bent's goal efficiency. His arrival ensures Darren Bent will continue to receive good amount of supplies after Downing and Young's departure.

Hope that this is not the last signing of Villa this summer. They still need to strengthen their squad to challenge for a better position.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Balotelli - The Big Idiot?


It's surprising to see this one. Balotelli mind was somehow so distorted to have the courage to attempt a humiliating shot. Unfortunately he failed, and he's now labelled as an idiot.

He made Mancini burst into fire, made the fans boo him, and made everyone laugh. Good one. Hope that you won't get benched indefinitely by Mancini, Balotelli.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

FPL Reopens - Massive Graphics Improvements

Great news! After such a long wait, Fantasy Premier League for 2011/12 season is now opened!

This season, FPL comes with a massive renovation on its graphical interface. Silky smooth appearance, appealing tabs structure and eye-soothing 3D kits will definitely make you more addicted in managing your teams.

Some new rules worth mentioning:
  • Any player who receive a foul that lead to a direct free kick goal are now awarded an assist.
  • You are now required to pick a vice captain in case your captain does not play. Much better than emergency captain strategy of last season eh?
  • Bonus points are now based on EA Sports Player Performance Index (PPI). More transparent obviously.
  • More bonus points will be distributed from one match in the case of a PPI tie. More details on the official rule page.
Interesting isn't it? Remember to join FPLZ private league (code 45142-18157) and join the fun!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Goodbye Tevez? - Big Loss for Premier League

Carlos Tevez
The Caveman returns to his cave.
Corinthians bid for Tevez has been circulating for weeks, but Mancini's clarification just made it close to complete. Apparently the Italian manager of Manchester City claimed that an agreement has been reached between two clubs across the continent regarding the sale of Mr Caveman.

Carlos Tevez has been an iconic figure for Premier League over the years, and was involved in two of the biggest transfer sagas in Premier League - the move from West Ham to Man Utd and then from Man Utd to Man City. His talent, his work rate and his efficiency has made him one of the most adorable player on the field.

Yet his commitment issues has made Manchester City feeling sick. Constantly addressing to the public his homesickness, Tevez has been wanting to go back to South America since last year. Now, the chance has come. Will he be gone for good?

All the best, Carlito.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Villa's Latest - Shay Given to Replace Brad Friedel

Shay Given
First team football finally.
Villa again involved in another transfer - fortunately this time for good. Shay Given, one of the most talented goalkeepers in Premier League, is expected to move away from Eastlands after Aston Villa agreed a fee for the Manchester City's outcast.

The Irishman has shown his great reflexes since his time at Newcastle United, with Manchester City splashing 6 million pounds to get him back at 2009. While Given did have a great time at Manchester for one-and-a-half years, the return of Joe Hart from an incredible loan spell at Birmingham made Given lost his place.

This is definitely a good deal for all three parties involved. In a fee around £3.5m this resembles a very good business.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Downing to Complete Liverpool Switch

Stewart Downing
To follow Ashley Young's step and escape from Aston Villa.
The Reds are busying with their Asia Tour currently, yet they never forget to continue strengthening the squad. Liverpool has finally been given the permission to discuss personal terms with Stewart Downing following the acceptance of £20m bid by Aston Villa.

The English are the final piece of Liverpool's starting XI position that needs to be desperately upgraded. The inclusion of Downing will give the Merseysiders much needed width from the flanks with his precision crosses.

Is Liverpool a good contender now for EPL title this season? Not too far I guess.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Riise Returns: Former Liverpool Player to Reunite With His Brother At Fulham

John Arne Riise
His time at Liverpool was fantastic.
Great news - Martin Jol has just confirmed that Fulham's bid for Roma defender John Arne Riise was accepted.

Honestly I am a fan of the Norwegian since his time at Liverpool. He's a natural left-footer, good at both ends, delivers good set pieces and is also gifted with powerful throw-ins - albeit not as great as Rory Delap's.

His arrival at Fulham means that he will play with his younger brother Bjorn Helge Riise - not as well known as his elder brother though.

Will Riise play as good as his time at Liverpool? I hope so.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

O'Shea Joins Wes Brown - Will Sunderland Do Great This Season?

John O'Shea
Another big deal by Sunderland.
Shortly after the arrival of Wes Brown, Sunderland has managed to sign another Manchester United defender - this time by the name of John O'Shea.

O'Shea was another utility man at Old Trafford, being able to play at various defending positions. To secure his service is a very good business for the Black Cats.

Now let's see the list of signings by Sunderland - United duo, O'Shea and Brown; Connor Wickham, star striker from Ipswich; Craig Gardner, Birmingham's top-scoring player last season; Dong-Won Ji, a South-Korean forward... If they can't achieve a good result this season, I'm sure that Steve Bruce will be axed.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Wes Brown Transforms Himself From a Red Devil to a Black Cat

Wes Brown
He won't have to warm a lot of benches again, will he?
Sunderland are gaining themselves a good portion of transfer headlines as they confirmed the signing of Manchester United's utility defender Wes Brown.

Brown, 31, was with vanishing importance at Old Trafford due to the purchase of promising defenders such as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. His move for Sunderland is definitely beneficial for all three parties involved.

May he find his second spring at the Stadium of Light. Your contribution to United will not be forgotten, Mr. Brown.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Charlie Adam Set to Join Liverpool

Charlie Adam
"Anfield here I come!"
After such a prolonged war between two Pools, the deal for Charlie Adam has finally been agreed.

It is rumoured that the former Tangerines skipper has to write a transfer request in order to push the deal through - in a fee of around £9m.

The deal will definitely further congest Liverpool's list of central midfielders which consist of Gerrard, Meireles, Lucas, Aquilani, Spearing, Henderson and more.

Is Gael Clichy the Starter for Arsenal's Collapse?

Gael Clichy
Fled away from the stained cannon.
Six years, nil trophy. Now everyone wants to get away from Arsenal. Is the empire that has once stood so strong, now is on the verge of destruction?

It looks possible. Gael Clichy has become the first player to jump the ship in order to board the juggernaut of Manchester City in a fee of approximately £7m. Samir Nasri's is also believed to escape from Gunners soon, and sources state that Manchester City, again, is preparing a £20m bid for the talented French.

With captain Cesc Fabregas looking desperately to return to Camp Nou as well, the future looks dark for the London giants. A rebuild or destruction of an empire? Let's see how Arsene Wenger does.