To start reading from
PART ONE,
click here.
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.
Predicted Season Finish: 10th
Mark Hughes has indeed changed Fulham for better. They are more adventurous going forward now, while maintaining their trademark defence. The thing that the new Fulham manager has really impressed me is that Fulham now really work as a team and there is no specific reliance on any players.
As a low budget team, I think the rank of 10th is rather great and reasonable for the Cottagers.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Bobby Zamora (7/10) - The target man of Fulham is fantasy wise effective but constantly plagued by injuries.
- Clinton Dempsey (7/10) - One of the best American footballer currently.
- Brede Hangeland (6.5) - The chief commander of Fulham's defence is quite expensive now.
Predicted Season Finish: 18th
Blackpool fans may be ecstatic about their ranking currently, but the football season has still a long way to go. I particularly aren't that surprise for their current ranking. They have the gift of luck in terms of fixtures for facing Wigan and Liverpool in the right time.
For me Blackpool is like Burnley of the last season - they come with a thick layer of mystery, but as the pages of the calendar are tore, they are slowly dissected. Their performance gets poorer and poorer and eventually the team may relegate.
Nevertheless, I can't deny how great Charlie Adam is as a leader. It is not exaggerate to say that he single-handedly took Blackpool to the Premier League.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Charlie Adam (8.5/10) - Cheap, has good scoring and assist record, and is the primary bonus scorer of the team.
- Matthew Gilks (6.5/10) - Definitely one of the busiest keeper in the league.
- N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 6th
Martin O'Neill's early exit does brought some little "chaos" to the club, but fortunately now there's Gerard Houllier - a more credible, more experienced manager than the former. I believe the French manager will be able to take the team to greater heights, especially in European match-ups.
As the squad has more or less the same strength as last year, I think they will end the season in more or less the same ranking.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Marc Albrighton (7.5/10) - A winger less than £5.0m from a upper half team. Certainly a valuable addition to your squad.
- Ashley Young (7/10) - The ace of the team with some great free kick skills.
- Luke Young (6.5/10) - The cheapest defender of the team with a guaranteed starting spot.
Predicted Season Finish: 16th
Defence has been the main ingredient for Stoke's survival in top-flight league, but I don't think that will last long. The defenders have been far from their best for a long time, while Delap the grenadier is losing his effectively as teams start to understand their tactics.
But well, I think Tony Pulis himself knows that and therefore splashes £8m for the Potters' record buying Kenwyne Jones. I believe Brittannia will remain as one of the Premier League stadium next season because Mr Jones will use goals to cover Stoke's defence.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Matthew Etherington (7.5/10) - The commander of the team who has been superb since last season.
- Kenwyne Jones (7/10) - He will have all the time to prove himself at Stoke.
- N/A
Predicted Season Finish: 14th
The Baggies had been in the Premiership-Championship elevator over the past decade, but I expect them to stay this season mainly because of Odemwingie. He has been great until know and is a constant threat to any defenders.
Combined with Brunt, Olsson and Scharner who all has Premier League experience, West Brom should undergo a very nice season under Robert Di Matteo.
Top Three Fantasy Players:
- Peter Odemwingie (9/10) - He's still new at West Brom, but he's already the star.
- Chris Brunt (7/10) - He has good experience in the league and decent attacking capabilities.
- N/A
