Friday, September 9, 2011

Kick-Off: Gameweek 4 Fantasy Preview

Robin van Persie scored 4 in Holland's 11-0 domination over San Marino.
Good sign to take him in?
Overview
The transfer market is closed and the international breaks are over as Premier League will be back into real business. Be sure to monitor your players' injury status and make appropriate adjustments to that.

7-Gameweek Fixture Analysis (Published Monthly)
In heaven run
  1. Newcastle (@QPR, @AST, BLA, @WOL, TOT, WIG, @STO) - Some moderately tough opponents but shouldn't pose much problems for them to collect some reasonable amount of fantasy points in both offensive and defensive departments.
  2. Tottenham (@WOL, LIV, @WIG, ARS, @NEW, @BLA, QPR) - Considerably easy and all game looks winnable except for the one against Liverpool (I'd say 50-50).
  3. West Brom (@NOR, @SWA, FUL, @SUN, WOL, @AST, LIV) - If they can build a good momentum in September with relatively easier opponents they might as well achieve good result in October.
In hell run:
  1. Blackburn (@FUL, ARS, @NEW, MCI, @QPR, TOT, @NOR) - Still very tough upcoming fixtures, but the Rovers' games will get easier at the end of October.
  2. Everton (AST, WIG, @MCI, LIV, @CHE, @FUL, MUN) - Fixtures get very tricky after the game against Wigan. You should start to dump Toffees' players unless you believe they will get good results in the next two months.
  3. Manchester United (@BOL, CHE, @STO, NOR, @LIV, MCI, @EVE) - Offense is not an issue, but be cautious when picking United defenders with such tricky fixtures.

On Wildcard, Again
If you have the patience, I would suggest wait for another 2-3 gameweeks and see which latest signings settle well in their new team before using your wildcard. Of course, don't hesitate to use it if your team has too many junk players currently.


Game of the Week: EVERTON v ASTON VILLA
Can Tim Cahill break his duck?
Financially difficult Everton will search for their first home win of the season against in-form Aston Villa.

The home side has just sold Mikel Arteta to Arsenal, directly benefiting Leighton Baines' owners as the left-back will take almost all of Everton's set piece duties now. Unfortunately though, Baines has hamstring problems and is a doubt this weekend.

Villa is in good form and will strive to snatch an away win with their strikers, particularly Agbonlahor, looking sharp. Jermaine Jenas will make the midfield line more composed should he starts.

It will be close, with Tim Cahill taking all the offensive burden on his shoulders at Goodison Park.


Prediction: EVE 2-1 AST
Pick: Tim Cahill, Agbonlahor


Fantasy Game of the Week: MAN CITY v WIGAN
Nasri broke his finger and
is doubtful for this match.
Arsenal game against Swansea looks equally promising, but let's stick with the team with the best form at the moment.

Dzeko blasted 4 goals against Tottenham in the last gameweek, and is looking more and more likely to lock his starting position as centre forward. Certainly a great choice as captain for this week.

Nasri, who scored 13 fantasy points last week, injured his finger and is a major doubt for this weekend. Bad news for the French owners and good news for Silva's. Expect the Spaniard to supply plenty of chances to Dzeko and Aguero (or Tevez?).

Wigan will be hoping for Di Santo to perform the magic again, but I am more inclined for a clean sheet to the home side. Do take note that Kolo Toure is finally free from suspension, and will compete with Lescott for a starting place.


Prediction: MCI 3-0 WIG
Pick and captain: Dzeko, Silva
Pick: MCI defenders
Drop: WIG players


Pick and Drop
VdV is out for 6 weeks.
Pick and Captain:

  1. Van Persie - A no brainer against newboys Swansea.
  2. Rooney - His form is blasting, both in Manchester United and England.
Pick:
  1. Arteta, Walcott - Expect these guys to rip off Swansea's defence.
  2. Suarez - His tricky runs will be crucial to break Stoke's defence.
  3. Holt - Should finally find some form after scoring against Chelsea. West Brom won't be too tough for him.
  4. Mata - Expect him to disrupt Sunderland's defence.
  5. Mertesacker - His towering presence will give security to the Gunners' defence.
Drop:
  1. SWA defence - Van Persie is too hot to handle.
  2. Van der Vaart, Vermaelen, Drogba - Injured.

Transfer Traffic
For evaluation on deadline day newcomers click here.

Green light (buy):
  1. Dzeko, Rooney, A Young - Each scored over 20 points last gameweek. You should've benefited from price rise if you got them earlier.
  2. Bosingwa - Increasing likely to steal RB position for the whole season.
  3. Suarez - His is the super ace of Liverpool.
  4. Mata - Adds an important dimension to Chelsea's attack.
  5. Arteta - The new heart of Arsenal's midfield.
  6. Best - With Ba struggling to settle, he should become the finisher of Newcastle.
  7. Agbonlahor - Best Villa player at the moment.
  8. Van Persie - His supplies are back.
Yellow light (watch/hold):
  1. Simpson/R Taylor - Wait to see who's going to be benched with Santon's arrival.
Red light (sell):
  1. Van der Vaart, Vermaelen, Drogba - Injured.
  2. Torres, Carroll - Failed to impress.
  3. Kalou - His position at Chelsea is downgraded as full-time benchwarmer.

Gameweek 4 Dream Team
Szcznesny
Kompany -- De Laet -- Hughes
Silva -- Walcott -- Tim Cahill -- A Young
Dzeko (VC) -- Van Persie (C) -- Holt
Subs: Begovic -- Hoolahan -- Jose Enrique -- A Ferdinand


5 comments:

  1. Given, Hughes, De laet, Enrique, Richards, Young(C), Silva, Arteta, Holt(VC), Aguero, Suarez. Subs : Larsson, Brown, Moses. Hows my team?

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  2. Good enough. Looks solid for this week and for long term. I would captain Silva if I am you anyway.

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  3. Thanks for the fixture analysis. Very helpful. What is your take on Adebayor and Bale with VdV out?

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  4. Adebayor jz scored. 1st choice to pick if you want Tottenham players with his prolific record with Arsenal in the past.

    As for Bale, he might be getting some set piece duties but I believe Scott Parker is the better bargain who also comes with a lower price.

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  5. I just made the switch from Dzeko to Adebayor. I just can't trust the City forwards at the moment. Interesting note on Parker.

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