Friday, February 3, 2012

Kick-Off: Gameweek 24 Fantasy Preview

Djibril Cisse scored his first goal on his debut for QPR.
Overview
Gareth Bale continued his C. Ronaldo-esque performance after bagging 15 fantasy points last gameweek, while Fraizer Campbell's return provided immediate effect as he led Sunderland to a 3-0 victory. Manchester City's surprise defeat took the title race back to square one for the Manchester clubs.

Transfer Deadline Day Deals
Some significant deadline signings are as follows:
  • Djibril Cisse - Obvious enough. The former Liverpool and Sunderland man scored his first goal on his debut for QPR.
  • Zamora - While he should become automatic selection at Loftus Road, you should also notice that Bryan Ruiz should play further upfront for Fulham.
  • Jelavic - One of the rare "big" spends by Everton. He is expected to improve the offence upfront.
  • Saha - The Frenchman is moving to Tottenham to rediscover his long lost form.
  • Pogrebnyak - Replacing Zamora is this 28-year-old Russian who came from Vfb Stuttgart. With the height of 188cm one would expect him to play the targetman's role.
  • Bridge - The almost forgotten man in the Premier League will now play at Sunderland on a loan basis. Interesting to see whether Bridge has forgotten his footwork or not.
  • Kyrgiakos - The former Liverpool giant will also join Sunderland, which will definitely boost the Black Cats' defence to another level.
  • Miyaichi - Bolton wrapped up the deal for the young Japanese. We shall see whether he could make great impact in Owen Coyle's team.
  • Pizarro - Quite a surprise move in my opinion. But Pizarro is experienced and should be capable to take over Yaya Toure's void before he comes back, at least.

Game of the Week: CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED
Can Torres score this time?
Time for a revenge at Stamford Bridge?

The Red Devils took down the Blues 3-1 at Old Trafford earlier in this campaign, with Torres missing the miss of the century. The Spaniard should still start though, given the fact that Andre Villas-Boas is short of strikers.

Daniel Sturridge looked sharp on the midweek game but was lack of any shooting accuracy. Meanwhile, it remains clueless whether Gary Cahill was brought in as Terry's partner or as a benchwarmer. It should be revealed this week.

For the red side, Nani and Rooney should be fit to play in this tie, while Lindegaard is expected to out for four weeks. That means David de Gea will have yet another chance to prove himself despite poor performance against Liverpool.

Personally I think Ashley Cole's suspension will provide the edge for United. Valencia should take full advantage of that and United is going to frustrate Chelsea again.

Prediction: CHE 1-2 MUN
Pick: Valencia

Fantasy Game of the Week: MANCHESTER CITY v FULHAM
Time for Aguero to end his
goalless streak.
Mancini will not allow his team to make mistake again as City hosts Fulham.

Aguero has not scored any goal in his last three league games, but that should end against Martin Jol's Fulham. Expect him and Silva to combine and perform finally.

The addition of Pizarro should provide the creativity to compete deep in midfield, though it remains to be seen whether he will make a start.

It's time for City to end the embarrassment and continue to move forward and lead the pack.

Prediction: MCI 2-0 FUL
Pick and Captain: Aguero, Silva
Pick: MCI defence
Drop: FUL defence


Pick and Drop
Pick and Captain:
  • Van Persie - With Samba refused to play, Blackburn's defence is worthless.
Pick:
  • Ba - Return to take charge of Newcastle's offence.
  • Suarez - Freed from "jail" and should be full of power.
  • Djibril Cisse - Looking forward to continue his fine form against woeful Wolves.
Drop:
  • Ashley Cole - Suspended.

Transfer Traffic
Green light (buy):
  • Ba - The super striker returns.
  • Sessegnon - Unstoppable.
  • Assou Ekkoto - His price rises without limit.
  • Suarez - Reunites with better Liverpool.
Yellow light (watch):

  • Cisse - See whether it's debutant's luck or his real class.
Red light (sell):
  • Van der Vaart - Limped off last game.
  • Ramires - Won't be back soon.

Gameweek 24 Dream Team
Krul
Kompany -- Simpson -- O'Shea
Sessegnon -- Silva -- Valencia (VC) -- Bale
Aguero (C) -- Ba -- Cisse
Subs: Szczesny -- Dyer -- Martin R -- Shorey

3 comments:

  1. So you think Ba will deliver right away. Not scared that his season has been disrupted, he's tired, or not ready for the game?

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  2. The thing about a team's ace is that the team's tactics always revolve around him, so no doubt for Ba.

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  3. I ended up getting him in for Steven Fletcher so I'm hoping you are right.

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