To start reading from PART ONE, click here.
As a reminder, for this pit stop I am going to write about:
As a reminder, for this pit stop I am going to write about:
- Some major news/events related to the team;
- Predicted season finish; and
- Top three rated fantasy players along with their ratings.
The arrangement of teams will be according to current league rankings, in reverse order.
Currently in 15th
Newcastle United
News
Ben Arfa out for six months but Nigel de Jong escapes from any FA punishments - Bad, bad tackle. Poor Ben Arfa.
Ben Arfa out for six months but Nigel de Jong escapes from any FA punishments - Bad, bad tackle. Poor Ben Arfa.
Predicted Season Finish: 15th
Newcastle is a team with a rich history. It's squad isn't that rich though. The team is still backboned by the old faces like Nolan, Barton and Gutierrez, while the news faces don't have much calibre to make some big differences aside from Hatem Ben Arfa - who is currently suffered from a serious injury.
However, I don't think the team will repeat their fortune two years ago - where they were relegated. Newcastle is in a better shape now - most notably the vast improvements of Carroll. The 6-0 victory against Aston Villa doesn't have much element of fluke. They might struggle in the relegation zone for a small part of the season, but at the end they should be able to reach the shore.
However, I don't think the team will repeat their fortune two years ago - where they were relegated. Newcastle is in a better shape now - most notably the vast improvements of Carroll. The 6-0 victory against Aston Villa doesn't have much element of fluke. They might struggle in the relegation zone for a small part of the season, but at the end they should be able to reach the shore.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Andrew Carroll (8/10) - Great third striker with high potential.
- Joey Barton (7/10) - The "bad boy" has been less violent and more effective on the pitch.
- Kevin Nolan (6.5/10) - One of the important force in the Magpies' attack.
Honourable mention: Hatem Ben Arfa (8/10) - A very talented winger. Very unfortunate for him to be sidelined.
Currently in 14th
Wigan Athletic
News - N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 19th
I like how Roberto Martinez implements his offensive team play, but that doesn't always work out especially against a much superior opposition. The Latics have only two victories up till now - one against the so fluctuating Tottenham and another against the poorer Wolves - none are convincing.
While they do have some great additions this season - particularly goalkeeper Al Habsi and defender Alcaraz, I don't think that will be enough for them to stay. Barring N'Zogbia, the rest of the midfielders are particularly weak in terms of Premiership standards.
As their fixtures get tougher and tougher in the final third of the season, I think Wigan will eventually collapse and the lads will meet Wolves next year in the Championship.
While they do have some great additions this season - particularly goalkeeper Al Habsi and defender Alcaraz, I don't think that will be enough for them to stay. Barring N'Zogbia, the rest of the midfielders are particularly weak in terms of Premiership standards.
As their fixtures get tougher and tougher in the final third of the season, I think Wigan will eventually collapse and the lads will meet Wolves next year in the Championship.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Hugo Rodallega (7/10) - A quite productive strike force.
- Charles N'Zogbia (7/10) - Had some furious times with the club but things should start settle and he should start performing.
- Antolin Alcaraz (5.5/10) - One of the quality signings of Wigan this season. However, you need to be wary of the number of emphatic defeats that Wigan will face.
Currently in 13th
Blackburn Rovers
News - N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 13th
They don't play pretty football, but it's fine as long as they get the results. Blackburn is a tough opposition no matter what team you are due to their aggressive approach in defence. They have all the chances to sneak away with points against tougher oppositions.
With a pack of quality defenders with offensive capabilities, added with some evenly matched strikers in a strong competition, I predict that the Rovers will end the season quite comfortably.
With a pack of quality defenders with offensive capabilities, added with some evenly matched strikers in a strong competition, I predict that the Rovers will end the season quite comfortably.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Christopher Samba (7/10) - A decent defender with a decent scoring record.
- Paul Robinson (5.5/10) - Not the best keeper in the league, but he'll give you quite an amount of saves.
- Nikola Kalinic (5.5/10) - Has a steady start this season.
Currently in 12th
Bolton Wanderers
News - N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 11th
Bolton might have almost the same team from last season, but still it's much better. Owen Coyle coaches the team right from start of the season, Elmander on form, Martin Petrov activating the attack... all these signs show that the club is in a good shape.
The club has all the strength to remain on the Premier League and finish with a good ranking.
The club has all the strength to remain on the Premier League and finish with a good ranking.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Johan Elmander (7.5/10) - A sudden burst of form has made him the top fantasy choice of Bolton.
- Martin Petrov (7/10) - He's capable of doing a lot of damage from attack.
- Kevin Davies (6.5/10) - Still the leader of Bolton with potential to grab plenty of bonus points.
Currently in 11th
Sunderland
News - N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 9th
It's interesting to see that five out of six Premier League goals of Sunderland were from Darren Bent, with another from new signing Asamoah Gyan. But will that pose a threat for Sunderland's survival? Absolutely not.
The Black Cats is still the team who can frustrate any tougher opponents. They actually get better with the arrival of Elmohamady. The Egyptian defender is very proactive in surging forward and has become the "Glen Johnson" of the season. Combined with the usual faces like Bent and Henderson, Sunderland will enjoy their best top-flight finish over the past decade.
The Black Cats is still the team who can frustrate any tougher opponents. They actually get better with the arrival of Elmohamady. The Egyptian defender is very proactive in surging forward and has become the "Glen Johnson" of the season. Combined with the usual faces like Bent and Henderson, Sunderland will enjoy their best top-flight finish over the past decade.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Ahmed Elmohamady (8.5/10) - A constant threat from the back of the flank. Has been impressive so far.
- Darren Bent (8/10) - One of the all time fantasy favourite that you should start against any opposition.
- Jordan Henderson (7/10) - The 20-year-old midfielder is a promising gem.
To be continued in PART THREE.
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