Eight red cards, thirty two goals and more talking points than a Peter Andre exclusive, Gameweek 11 had everything. Even by the implausibly high standards set in Fantasy Football, this week was a bit special.

Whether you winced as Shay Given batted away James McFadden’s penalty, rejoiced as Jamie Carragher finally got his comeuppance, or sat indifferently as Phil Brown’s tenure at Hull approached its conclusion, chances are you will have had an exciting last seven days in the world of Fantasy Football.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

The Men In Form

Claret and Blue was the colour of the week, with no fewer than five Burgundy boys making up the week’s top scoring team. Graham Alexander of Burnley was the week’s top point scorer with 21 points, the veteran Scot is enjoying his first taste of the Premier League at 37, and his two goals tightened the coffin lid on a hapless Phil Brown.

Portsmouth fans have had little to smile about this season, but things are looking up at the moment. Wigan were worryingly swotted aside 4-0 at a jubilant Fratton Park, with Aruna Dindane grabbing his first league goals with a neatly taken hat-trick, earning him 20 points in the process.

And let’s not forget the big boys too. Robin Van Persie is fast becoming the hottest left footer in the business, with two more goals for Arsenal in their 3-0 derby success over Robbie Keane’s “definitely on a par” Spurs side. Bacary Sagna and Cesc Fabregas also continue to shine, whilst Thomas Vermaelen is fast looking like £10 million well spent.

The Men To Avoid

He was once touted as the next big thing in English football, scoring goals with his head, showing off his incredible athleticism, swearing on TV, but Micah Richards has fallen away since bursting onto the scene in 2005. So much so that he can no longer consider himself first choice at Manchester City. Pablo Zabaleta was playing at right-back this weekend, and with Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany competing for central defensive berths, the feeling is creeping in that Richards may need to leave Eastlands if he is to maximise his undoubted potential.

Same goes for David Bentley at Tottenham. It seems only yesterday that many – including myself – were blindly tipping him for an England starting slot. How he has dropped away since. Against Arsenal, the ex-Blackburn man preened, pouted and strutted his way around the park, offering little by way of genuine threat, and generally irritating with his body language. He has just 3 Fantasy points this season, and when Aaron Lennon comes back, Harry Redknapp will have little hesitation in lancing that particular boil.

Bargain Hunt

Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal) – It wasn’t all good news for Arsene Wenger this week. Losing Gael Clichy to a stress fracture of his back for a month is not ideal, but the Frenchman’s replacement is. Kieran Gibbs is quick, smart and uses the ball well. At £4.5m, he also represents the bargain of the century in a swashbuckling Gunners side.

Matthew Etherington (Stoke) – Once upon a time, Matty Etherington and his Peterborough team-mate Simon Davies, were the most sought after property in England. Neither career has really reached the heights they once promised, but Etherington is enjoying a renaissance under Tony Pulis. A goal and an assist against Wolves last week earned him 13 points, and his £5.2m price tag is far from restrictive. Take a punt.

Jack Collison (West Ham) – This kid has talent. End of story. Two assists at Sunderland last week for the Welshman handed him 10 points for the week. His style is reminiscent of someone like Frank Lampard or Paul Scholes, a smart user of the ball, who gets around the pitch. £5.2m equals bargain for this youngster.

Premier League Fixtures

• Aston Villa v Bolton
• Blackburn v Portsmouth
• Man City v Burnley
• Tottenham v Sunderland
• Wolves v Arsenal
• Hull City v Stoke City
• West Ham v Everton
• Wigan v Fulham
• Chelsea v Man Utd
• Liverpool v Birmingham

Obviously the main one is Chelsea v United on Sunday, try to avoid too big a clash in your side for that one. Arsenal look to capitalise on that match with a win at Wolves in Saturday’s evening game, whilst Man City will look to end a run of draws with a home win over Burnley’s travel-sick side. Liverpool have to wait until Monday night to take on Birmingham, with an injury list longer than most people’s list of grievances with Rafa Benitez.

My Team

Well, I jinxed myself. A poor week of 67 points all things considered. Captain Cesc and super Robin Van Persie did me proud, and there were goals for Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney to boot. But my Villa gamble failed, James’ Milner and Collins did nothing in their two games (Milner picked up an injury half-way through his first), and fellow newbies Michael Ballack and Jamie Carragher also didn’t help much.

This week, Carragher is gone. William Gallas of Arsenal is my choice to replace the suspended Scouser. I am considering another, costly, change to my lineup should Milner be ruled out. Gareth Barry is my choice to replace him, but I have faith in my team to bounce back.

FM League

As a result of my poor week, I have slipped down to 4th spot. Two of the first three spots, however, are taken by newcomers, with Ray Wall (Razors Utd) and Pavenpul Bhullar (Messi’s Boca Juniors) sneaking into the top of the league (latecomers, tsk!). Credit though must go to the excellent Jon Reeson and his Westfield Irons, who move into 2nd spot after a 101 point week – thank Alexander, Ashley Young, Lampard and Van Persie for that!

Myself, well I sit 24 points off the lead, but there is still so much to play for.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

“Fantasy Football: Its all about Arsenal and Manchester City this week” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football: Its all about Arsenal and Manchester City this week is a post from: Football Reloaded

It was a momentous week in the Premier League, as we saw Arsenal give further ammunition to those who claim they have a soft centre with a late collapse at West Ham, Nemanja Vidic pick up a third successive red card against Liverpool, Harry Redknapp beg Aaron Lennon not to leave him and Liam Ridgewell play his way into the Fantasy Premier League team of the week. Yes, people, Gameweek 10 had it all. Thrills, spills, and those sweet, sweet points.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

This week’s Fantasy Football column is brought to you by Soccerlens Babes, and this week’s lovely lady on the right is Asdis Ran, a rocking model and mother from Iceland. We love her, she loves us, it’s a match made in heaven. And we also interviewed her this week: Asdis Ran interview.

The Men in Form

It was a good week to be a Chelsea midfielder, that’s for sure. Blackburn’s squad may have had swine-flu on their mind when they travelled to Stamford Bridge, but Carlo Ancelotti’s diamond geezers still had to swot them aside. And swot them aside they did, with Frank Lampard (14 points), Michael Ballack and Michael Essien (both 11) making up an all-Chelsea midfield in the team of the week. Competition in this position will increase now Joe Cole and his fancy footwork has returned, but Chelsea’s engine room are driving the team forward at the moment.

So too, is Hugo Rodallega at Wigan. The Colombian is a talent and a half, according to South American expert Tim Vickery, and he is wowing the Premier League with his all-round game and inventive finishing. Two goals at Burnley made the Wigan man the week’s top striker, and his season tally of 54 puts him up at the top end of the game’s forwards.

The Men to Avoid

It was a strange week last week, in that my men to avoid actually didn’t do too badly. Nicola Kalinic, Croatian not Serbian of course, picked up a goal – albeit a penalty – in the Carling Cup, but his fellow “avoidee” Lucas Neill collected two assists for Everton at Bolton, and looks set to retain his place this week. But still I persist, and it is fair to say that my record this season is more right than wrong.

Ok so this week my first man to avoid is Javier Mascherano. Avoid him like he is steaming towards you with his studs up. Mascherano is a fine player, one of the best in his position, but at Fantasy level he is more of a hindrance than a help. His red card last week proves this. He will pick up more bookings than assists, and has scored just once in his three year Anfield career. Avoid.

Same goes for Nigel De Jong at Manchester City. Speak to any City midfielder – Gareth Barry for example – and they will sing the Dutchman’s praises. He gives us a platform to attack, they say. He never wastes the ball. Fine, but he also has just 11 points from 8 appearances this season, and has not really threatened to pick up any more. The unsung hero is all well and good, but not too unsung please.

Bargain Hunt

Jamie O’Hara (Portsmouth) – That’s the thing about struggling sides, you always wonder when they will hit form. Pompey have taken four points from their last six, and that is down to players like O’Hara (and my own favourite, Kevin Prince Boateng). The on-loan Spurs midfielder costs just £4.5m, and takes a mean set-piece with his left foot. Three bonus points at Hull last week hint at his potential.

Joe Hart (Birmingham) – The big goalkeepers are not the way forward. That is a fact. Pepe Reina, Edwin Van der Sar and Petr Cech may be the best keepers in the league, but their value is disproportionate. For a couple of million less, you can pick up a bargain like Birmingham’s Joe Hart (£4.1m). The young keeper cannot play this week, as he faces parent club Manchester City, but is very much first choice at St Andrews. Bargain.

Abdoulaye Faye (Stoke) – Stoke keep clean sheets more often than most mid-lower reach sides. And Abdoulaye Faye costs just £4.7m. You do the maths.

Premier League Fixtures

• Arsenal v Tottenham
• Bolton v Chelsea
• Burnley v Hull City
• Everton v Aston Villa
• Fulham v Liverpool
• Portsmouth v Wigan
• Stoke City v Wolves
• Sunderland v West Ham
• Man Utd v Blackburn
• Birmingham v Man City
• West Ham v Aston Villa

A couple of points worth noting. Blackburn take their swine-flu to Old Trafford, having shipped 11 goals at Chelsea and Arsenal. Get a United man in there. Liverpool’s resurgence can continue at Fulham, whilst there is a north London derby to start the weekend. Interestingly, Aston Villa and West Ham players feature twice this week, as the Claret and Blues face off in a re-arranged fixture next Wednesday. A Villain or two may be sensible.

My Team

It has happened. The wildcard has been played. As manager’s may blandly put it, “I just felt I needed to freshen things up”. Fitness doubts over Steven Gerrard played a part, he has gone and Frank Lampard has replaced him. In also come James Collins, James Milner, Jamie Carragher, James Dean, Jay Spearing and Jim Leighton (ok, not the last three). Dave Edwards and Liam Ridgewell make up my new-look squad.

Last week was a so-so week. Captain Didier Drogba picked up 18 points for me, whilst Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Ryan Shawcross all made useful contributions, but by and large it was a week of missed chances.

Football Media League

But I am still top! Albeit by only four points from Jon Eggert Hallsson, but top nonetheless. There are new challengers emerging of course, with 67 point Westfield Irons – under manager Jon Reeson – and Mark White’s 82 point side, The White Oxen. In general though it was a moderate week for most, with 55-60 points the average score. With my reshuffled side set to take on the world this week, will I yield top spot? Or zoom away? I predict the latter. Of course.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

“Fantasy Football: Pick Manchester United and Aston Villa players this week” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football: Pick Manchester United and Aston Villa players this week is a post from: Football Reloaded

It was a weekend dominated by beach balls, by petty squabbles and by surprise results. Defeats for Chelsea and Liverpool showed the world that the big four monopoly on the Premier League is far from permanent, whilst in Lancashire Blackburn and Burnley re-introduced the nation to their own, explosive rivalry. It all went into the melting pot to make for a fascinating week in football, real and fantasy.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

And if you’re wondering who that wonderful lady on the right is – that’s Francoise Boufhal. If you’re wondering why she’s there…Francoise Boufhal people, pay attention!.

Listen to this week’s Soccerlens Podcast, where Adrian Clarke and Iain Spragg discuss Liverpool’s problems in detail, preview the Liverpool v United and West Ham v Arsenal games and also talk to celebrated author and journalist Andy Mitten [podcast link].

The Men in Form

In Fantasy Football terms, it was a week for goalscoring defenders, for enigmatic midfielders, and powerful strikers. Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Chelsea came via the heads of defenders James Collins and Richard Dunne, the central defensive pairing brought in Martin O’Neill at the end of the past transfer window, and fast helping propel Villa up the table. Dunne already has two goals to his name, whilst Collins capped a week in which he captained Wales for the first time with his first Premier League goal for three years.

In midfield, it was Kevin Prince-Boateng (a pick in this column recently), David Dunn and Luis Valencia who emerged from inconsistency to produce the kind of displays we all knew they were capable of. Boateng & Dunn are in fine form, and look rejuvenated after long spells of anonymity.

Up front, power and height was the order of the day. James Beattie may have decided the best way to celebrate a scrambled winner for Stoke City against West Ham was to bash the life out of an advertising hoarding, but his 13 points made him the week’s top points scorer, whilst there were big weeks for young Blackburn striker Franco Di Santo – including a first Premier League goal – and Fulham’s usually-points-shy Bobby Zamora.

The Men to Avoid

Not all new signings slot straight into a side’s line-up you know. Supporters may get all excited when their club announces a new arrival – unless it is Tommy Smith or Andriy Voronin of course – but managers need to find a way of accommodating the player into a settled (or unsettled) side, they need to ingratiate the player with their team-mates, establish their fitness, and make sure the supporters stay onside.

Considering this, it would be wise to steer clear of one or two recent signings who are yet to make their way into their club’s first team. Lucas Neill was a very late arrival at Everton, signing last month after his release from West Ham in the summer. He has Premier League pedigree, with the Hammers and Blackburn, and commands a value of £5.5m, but is yet to feature for the Toffees, as the likes of Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin and Joseph Yobo marshal the Blues’ defence. Stay away.

Likewise Nicola Kalinic at Blackburn. The young Serbian was coveted by Portsmouth (of course) before making a big-money switch to Ewood Park, but following a slow start in Lancashire, the 21 year old has managed just 122 minutes of action, picking up just 4 points. Avoid.

Bargain Hunt

Kevin Doyle (Wolves) – It was always going to be a shrewd piece of business by Mick McCarthy. Signing Doyle from Reading may have cost Wolves £5.5m, but he is repaying his fee quickly with a string of fine displays. A goal at Goodison Park on Saturday took him to three in four games, and he has picked up an impressive 30 points already this season. £5.4m could be spent much less wisely.

Martin Petrov (Manchester City) – Manchester City may have spent huge sums on vast arrays of attacking talent, but in recent weeks it has been the Bulgarian who has been the driving force behind the side’s impressive run. Two goals in his last two outings have given him a healthy tally of 26 points from just four games, and it is hard to find a sweeter left foot in the league. Especially for £6.7m.

Gary Neville (Manchester Utd) – It would be the greatest comeback since Take That (although far more annoying). Neville has seen his last two years ruined by injury, but his rebirth could well be upon us. Two starts all season may not prove this definitively, and United do have more right backs than most sides, but the veteran played again in midweek – nearly scoring a peach as well – and is doing everything right. He may be an irritant, but he is a cheap(ish) one.

Premier League Fixtures

• Wolves v Aston Villa
• Birmingham v Sunderland
• Burnley v Wigan
• Hull City v Portsmouth
• Tottenham v Stoke City
• Chelsea v Blackburn
• Bolton v Everton
• Liverpool v Man Utd
• Man City v Fulham
• West Ham v Arsenal

Points to be earned at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea welcome a Blackburn side leaking goals like Katie Price leaks stories, and at White Hart Lane as Tottenham welcome Stoke City’s travel-sick side. Liverpool v Manchester Utd is the weekend’s big game, but injuries and selection headaches may cause problems for Fantasy managers. Elsewhere there is another Lancashire derby for Burnley as Wigan head to Turf Moor, whilst Hull and Pompey play out a relegation six-pointer at the KC Stadium.

My Team

Well, let’s face it, I am flying. Another solid week from Cesc Fabregas as captain gave me 16 points to build on, and there were hefty contributions from Boateng (Kevin) and Turner (Michael) from my bench. All three forwards were again on target, and Charles N’Zogbia came good with 7 precious points.

Quick decision this week. Emiliano Insua is looking less and less like a top class defender by the week, and goes out. In comes Micah Richards, at a reduced fee of £5.4m. He will certainly play the next game as Pablo Zabaleta sits out through suspension, and has a chance to relaunch his season after a slow start.

Football Media League

Well look at that. Who sits on top? I sit on top. My 74 points obliterated the gap to long-term leader Jon Eggert Hallsson, and I now have a three point gap of my own. Other climbers were Andy Roach’s StrawBears and Joe Cassidy’s Savage Cabbage, but few could match the Baroque Social’s stunning ascent this week. Let’s see how different it is leading from the front eh? But didn’t I tell you all to listen to me? Smugness should well be removed by this time next week!

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

“Fantasy Football: avoid Manchester United and Liverpool players this weekend” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football: avoid Manchester United and Liverpool players this weekend is a post from: Football Reloaded

Fabio Capello is not one to give too much away, his demeanour surly enough for ITV’s Clive Tyldsley to describe the Italian as “old poker face” during last night’s dead-rubber win over Belarus at Wembley. But prior to the game, the England manager had given the story-writers plenty to work with by suggesting that his squad for next summer’s World Cup had “seven or eight” spots available.

It would appear that the players had heard this too. Several of the would-be support-cast were given chances to stake their claim last night. Several managed to. Peter Crouch’s brace took his international tally to an incredible 18 in 35 appearances – comparable with the likes of Michael Owen, Fernando Torres or Miroslav Klose. Shaun Wright-Phillips worked hard in an unfamiliar left-wing role and was rewarded with a goal, whilst James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor & Ben Foster all showed glimpses of their talents.

The Right Sided Conundrum

Meanwhile, David Beckham’s man-of-the-match award – given to him by former Manchester United colleague Steve Bruce – may have been contested by many, his impact and quality surely could not be. The LA Galaxy media circus/midfielder is certainly the odd one out when it comes to Capello’s right sided options, in that he lacks pace and direct running ability, but he is also unique in the sense that his final ball is reliable and consistent. A January move to Milan will all but guarantee his spot in the squad.

With Theo Walcott’s stock still high despite recent injuries, it means that one of either Wright-Phillips or Aaron Lennon is likely to miss out. Both are very much form players, capable of explosiveness one minute, anonymity the next. The one in form come the end of the season may well be the one Capello picks. James Milner is another option, and his versatility – he appeared last night as a left-back – may well work in his favour. A lack of genuine class and goal threat however, may count against him.

The rest – David Bentley, Ashley Young – have some serious work to do before they are even considered.

Goalkeeper

Capello’s Bete Noire, it has to be said. Gone are the days when David Seaman, Gordon Banks or Peter Shilton could simply be thrown the gloves and relied upon to do England proud. England’s current crop of keepers each have merits, but equally worrying weaknesses.

David James and Robert Green would appear to be the two certainties currently. Green’s dismissal in Dnipro last weekend count more against Rio Ferdinand than the West Ham stopper, whilst James – even at 39 – remains the country’s most reliable, experienced keeper.

The third spot is most definitely available. Foster has had a rough start to the season with Manchester United, but is well thought of in the England setup, and his performance last night will have given him confidence that he can avoid the fate of the likes of Scott Carson and Paul Robinson, both of whom saw their form plummet when in possession of the #1 jersey for their country.

Foster still faces competition: Robinson is back into a semblance of form with Blackburn, and is popular with many of the squad, whilst the likes of Joe Hart at Birmingham, and Wigan’s Chris Kirkland both have their supporters, and should be worked hard enough to play themselves into form come next summer.

Strikers

At the other end of the field, there are similar issues. Capello seems settled on a Wayne Rooney/Emile Heskey partnership as his first choice, but beyond those there is a raft of hopefuls looking for a place on the plane.

Crouch may well have barged his way to the front of the queue last night with his poacher’s double, but Capello may well reserve judgement on the Tottenham man’s reliability against elite opposition. His Spurs colleague, Jermain Defoe, is a much safer bet, especially if he retains the good form with which he has begun this season.

Agbonlahor appears very much a deputy for the deputies. His raw pace and energy was welcome last night, and he showed admirable awareness to lay on the opener for Crouch, but in international terms, the Villa man sits behind Defoe in terms of consistency, reliability and goalscoring.

His replacement last night was West Ham’s Carlton Cole, a player who has improved significantly over the past two years, but also one who has the potential to play his way out of form in the blink of an eye. For all his improvement at Upton Park, Cole has just 20 league goals in 82 appearances for the Hammers.

Michael Owen, on form, outshines them all. Injuries, however, and a lack of playing time at Manchester United, have forced England’s fourth-highest goalscorer way down the pecking order. He was at Wembley last night to watch the young pretenders have their chance, no doubt hoping for one of his own before the final squad is named.

The Squad

So here goes. Attempting to name the squad a full seven months before Capello has to may well be a dangerous game, but the Italian’s comments have inspired me. See if you agree.

Goalkeepers: David James, Robert Green, Ben Foster

Defenders: Glen Johnson, Wes Brown, Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Matthew Upson

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Owen Hargreaves, Joe Cole, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott

Forwards: Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey, Jermain Defoe

“Capello’s England Squad – Filling in the blanks” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Capello’s England Squad – Filling in the blanks is a post from: Football Reloaded

Just when you think you couldn’t have any more love for a footballer, Cesc Fabregas goes and does something stupid like that! A goal, four assists, and a performance that even De Niro would have been proud of, and the Spaniard is guiding teams up and down the country to Fantasy League glory.

He wasn’t alone of course, the little men had their day too. Kamil Zayatte, Andre Bikey, Hasim Yebda & Steven Fletcher all got themselves some lovely points, as Fantasy Football takes a break this week for that set of darned World Cup qualifiers.

The Men In Form

Well Fabregas obviously. His goal, assists and bonus points gave him a monstrous 22 points (double that if you were clever enough, like me, to give him the captain’s armband), and take him comfortably clear as the game’s top scoring midfielder.

Elsewhere, Richard Dunne bounced back from rejection by Manchester City with a dominant display against his old side for new club Aston Villa. A headed goal, his first for Villa, and a solid display all-round gave Dunney 11 points and moves him into the top six defenders.

But even Dunne cannot compete with the form of another Arsenal player, Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian may not be clean-sheeting his way to the top, but his ferocious equaliser against Blackburn last week was his fourth Premier League goal of the season – with an assist thrown in – and the former Ajax man is now officially the hottest property in the game. At £7m however, he is a bank-breaker.

The Men to Avoid

Well for every ying, there is a yang. Arsenal and their attacking play was very much the ying. How about Blackburn’s defence? Yang. Rovers had the temerity to twice take the lead at the Emirates, but their defence consisted of four full backs. Four pretty poor full backs too. Six goals shipped meant that no Rovers defender picked up points, and things don’t look too rosy in the Allardyce garden ahead of a local derby with Burnley.

Martin Skrtel, at one point, looked like being the next Nemanja Vidic. Bald head, ferocious glare, no-nonsense style. So what has happened? The Slovakian has played six games this season and scored 8 points. Four yellow cards show he is struggling, and Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets all season. His value has dropped to £5.8m, but with Daniel Agger ready to return soon, that may even be too steep.

Do you know who Spurs’ most expensive defender is? Ledley King? Jonathan Woodgate? Goalscoring hero Vedran Corluka? No, its Gareth Bale. Yep, Gareth Bale, who has played a total of seven minutes this season. At £5.4m, the Welshman may offer a goal threat with his set-pieces and daring raids, but that is only when he actually gets onto the pitch. Which is not something you can really afford the gamble on, is it?

Bargain Hunt

Joe Hart (Birmingham) – This gets harder each week, it has to be said. But Joe Hart’s form for Birmingham this season has been good enough to earn him an albeit belated call-up to Fabio Capello’s England squad. He may have been culpable for Burnley’s opener at the weekend, but he is in good form and at £4.2m he is a very good cheap goalkeeper.

Kevin Prince Boateng (Portsmouth) – They had to come good sooner of later. Pompey’s first win of the season was welcomed far beyond the south coast, but the contribution of this young German was not ignored. Boateng has a reputation for being a difficult customer, but seems to have settled quickly at Portsmouth, a goal and an assist already, and the former Spurs man looks nifty at £5m.

David Nugent (Burnley) – Mocked at Pompey, reborn at Burnley. Nugent will probably never get another chance to pinch a goal for England, but he is finally getting the chance to show he can cut it at Premier League level. Two goals on his home debut was proof enough, but the former Preston man added to that with a smart all-round display, and assist, against Birmingham. £5.2m for a striker who will start most games? Do it.

My team

Well, what can I say? I don’t write the “expert opinion” for nothing you know. Captain Fabregas and his merry men led me to a glorious 80 point-week. My three strikers – Drogba, Bent and Van Persie – all made contributions, but it was Cesc and his 44 points which really made my week, and propelled me up my leagues.

Football Media League

Including this one! 80 points this week threw me into third place in the Football Media League. Only the in-form Jon Eggert Hallsson’s Handavinna (528 points) and James Newman and his lid lickers (502 points) stand above me, although competition is fierce with Andy Roach’s Strawbears creeping ominously into the top five on the back of a big fat Fabregas inspired week.

You can join the Football Media league here.

“Fantasy Football Weekly Review: All Hail Fabregas!” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football Weekly Review: All Hail Fabregas! is a post from: Football Reloaded

Fernando Torres & Robbie Keane could have been the deadliest double act since Starsky & Hutch, had Rafa Benitez not thought otherwise. As it happens they had to settle last week for separate feats, separate plaudits, and separate points hauls.

Torres could realistically have expected to be the week’s king in the Fantasy League with a splendid hat-trick against Phil Brown’s tame Tigers, but his eschewed strike-partner grabbed the honour, four goals against Burnley meant plenty of spilt claret for Owen Coyle, as the Fantasy Premier League season took another set of twists and turns.

The Men In Form

Indeed, Torres was not even the second highest points scorer. Darren Bent’s hot-streak at Sunderland continued as he inspired the Black Cats to a 5-2 win over Wolves. Bent won, and converted, the opening goal from the penalty spot before picking up three second half assists to record a massive 18 points haul. His strike partner Kenwyne Jones was equally deadly, two goals for the Trinidad & Tobago hitman keeps him very much on the coat-tails of his team-mate.

Liverpool’s win over Hull may have been a cakewalk, it may have sounded the death knell for Phil Brown, and it may also have given Tigers debutant Liam Cooper nightmares. But it also threw up a few points in midfield for the Reds. Ryan Babel only played 29 minutes at Anfield but notched two goals, and twelve points. Albert Riera played the full 90 and managed ten. It would have been slightly different of course had the Spaniard’s late effort not looped up off Babel and put the embarrassing gloss on the victory.

Wigan may not have been in the best of form as they welcomed Chelsea to the DW Stadium, but in Titus Bramble they have one of the most improved players in the league. His errors may never totally go away, but in terms of performances, he is building a solid reputation. His opening goal, and subsequent domination of Chelsea’s much-vaunted attack, got him 10 points, and make him a useful bet for bargain-basement.

The Men to Avoid

I was tempted to say this at the start of the season, but was worried for my own reputation. Michael Owen may have scored twice off the bench in his opening six appearances for Manchester United, but his old injury concerns were never far away. A groin strain sustained in midweek will now keep him out for three weeks, and it is fair to say that Owen takes a little longer than most to get back to full form. Especially if he is trying to achieve that as a substitute.

Time was, David James was the staple diet of all good Fantasy League sides. Not any more. Pompey may have been unlucky to lose a seventh straight league game at home to Everton, but James was to blame. His cowardly attempt to thwart Louis Saha with a turned-back failed, his clean sheet went up in smoke, and Jamo is the lowest scoring regular goalkeeper in the game. Pompey may improve, but James should be ignored.

Bargain Hunt

Vito Mannone (Arsenal) – Don’t believe the hype, they say. But looking beyond hype, Mannone has had a great start to his Gunners career. A man of the match performance at Fulham last week gave him 8 points, and with neither Manuel Almunia nor Lukasz Fabianski fit, Mannone may have a chance to nail down a regular place in Arsène Wenger’s side. At £4.5m, the young Italian could be the bargain of the month.

John O’Shea (Manchester United) – It is not often that a big four player costs less than £6m, but John O’Shea is seen as a utility man, and so his value is representative. A goal at Stoke last week earned him a place in the Dream Team, and O’Shea has played 90 minutes in six of United’s seven league games this season. £5.4m well spent if you ask me.

Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) – Colombians in the Premier League are a rare occurrence. Tino Asprilla, Juan Pablo Angel, and now Hugo Rodallega. None set the world alight despite obvious talent, but Rodallega is promising to become the focal point of an attractive Wigan side. His goal last week may have been a penalty, but it is doubtful that John Terry and co will have a tougher time all season. Three goals and counting now for the big man, and £6.4m is not a bank-breaking fee.

Fixtures

• Bolton v Tottenham
• Burnley v Birmingham
• Hull v Wigan
• Wolves v Portsmouth
• Man Utd v Sunderland
• Arsenal v Blackburn
• Everton v Stoke
• West Ham v Fulham
• Chelsea v Liverpool
• Aston Villa v Man City

One fixture stands out of course, Chelsea v Liverpool could be a season-definer for both sides. Elsewhere Arsenal should give Blackburn a roughing up at the Emirates, whilst Sunderland’s porous defence travels to Old Trafford. Manchester City’s trip to Villa on Monday night looks a decent game on paper, whilst there is a chance for Pompey to get their season up and running at Wolves.

My Team

I wondered whether the lack of a Torres might have hindered me last week – how wrong I was. Darren Bent, Robin Van Persie & Didier Drogba kept my strikeforce firing, Steven Gerrard’s fluke goal meant my captain contributed 14 points, whilst my other two midfielders – Cesc Fàbregas & Charles N’Zogbia – picked up assists. At the back Michael Turner netted for Sunderland and Emiliano Insúa grabbed an assist to complement debutant Sylvain Distin’s clean sheet.

One small mistake, Tom Huddlestone remained rooted to my subs bench and promptly picked an assist, some bonus points, and 8 in total. Can’t win them all though.

For this week, there is just one change. Micah Richards’ omission for Man City on Monday may well have been down to fitness, but his form is not great. Out he goes, in comes Arsenal’s Alex Song. The thinking? Well Song is a defender on the game, but a midfielder in reality. Arsenal are at home to Blackburn, and Denílson is injured. He will play, he will score points. Simple.

The Football Media league

Tough at the top isn’t it? Jon Egger Hallsson retains top spot despite a problematic week. His lead is down to six points now after a rasper of a week from Paul Worthington and his Chilli Peppers. 98 points for them, thanks largely to captain Torres, and a ludicrously solid all round performance. He swipes second place as a result.

Elsewhere, there were some average weeks at the top of the table, allowing Torres to fire plenty of sides up the ladder. Liosa Casserley and her lads were the standout performers, 102 points in the week launched her into thirteenth spot, alongside you know who!

You can join the Football Media league here.

“Fantasy Football Week 8: Time for James and Owen to go” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football Week 8: Time for James and Owen to go is a post from: Football Reloaded

Seven goals, seven minutes of added time, seven players from the Big Four in the team of the week. Yes, the big boys claimed back their rightful place at the top of the Premier League table last week, the pretenders of Manchester City & Tottenham slotted firmly into their place. Wins for Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool & Arsenal meant it was a good week for the star names, as well as a few lesser ones too.

The Men In Form

When Arsenal splashed out £10m on a Belgian defender who was struggling to reach the 6ft mark, one or two eyebrows were raised. How would Thomas Vermaelen handle the physical element of the Premier League? Would he compete aerially? Is a Belgian ever really any good? The answer – on all three counts it seems – is a resounding “Yes!”. Vermaelen picked up a whopping 19 points at the weekend thanks to his clean sheet, coupled with two lovely goals. It takes him third on the defenders list, with 34 season points, and his value is rocketing skywards. Sign him up if you can.

Ashley Cole doesn’t share the same sort of affinity with Arsenal these days of course, his murky move to Stamford Bridge and the frighteningly egotistical revelations in his autobiography pretty much severed his ties with North London. Not that Chelsea mind of course, Cole is currently in the form of his life across town, his second goal of the season, allied to some clean sheet and bonus points, promotes the England left back to second in the defenders chart with 40 points – reassuringly for Fabio Capello it is the England right back, Glen Johnson, who sits atop that particular table. But then, does Don Fabio play Fantasy Football?

And how about a bit of nostalgia? Every year people take a long hard look at Manchester United’s squad, and come to the same conclusion. “Sooner or later they will have to strengthen that midfield, cos Giggs (and Scholes) can’t go on forever”. Every year they are wrong. Last season’s PFA Player of the Year is in sparkling form right now, adding three quality assists in the Manchester derby on Sunday, and picking up a richly deserved man-of-the-match award. Approaching his 36th birthday, Giggs is still running the show at Old Trafford like a seventeen year old. Long may it continue.

The Men to Avoid

Spare a thought meanwhile, for Giggs’ supposed contemporary, Michael Carrick. The former Spurs and West Ham midfielder was a model of self-improvement during his first couple of seasons at United, but has found himself firmly out of favour this term. A missed penalty at Burnley is his only notable contribution so far in this campaign, unless you count the 30 seconds added on for his late, late substitution on Sunday….

Likewise Emile Heskey. Indispensable for England, indistinguished for Aston Villa. Heskey has played just 116 minutes this season, picking up a paltry 4 points. His value is dropping fast, and with Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew impressing each week, his chances look like being even more limited as autumn approaches winter.

Staying on the England theme, how about Joleon Lescott? Manchester City may have moved heaven and earth to persuade Lescott to swap royal blue for sky blue, but they don’t appear to have papered over the cracks in his game as effectively. Three more conceded by Lescott’s defence on Sunday means the former Wolves man has just five points to his name this season, from four games. At £7.1m, Lescott looks a bit heavily priced too.

Bargain Hunters

Peter Crouch (Tottenham) – Ok, so he hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked so far this season (that will probably be written on his gravestone come to think of it). But Crouch was in dazzling form netting a hat-trick in the Carling Cup in midweek, and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp knows he can’t rely on his little and littler strike-force of Jermain Defoe & Robbie Keane every week, so expect Crouch to enter the side at some point. Probably this week at home to Burnley actually. At £7.1m, Crouch represents a better bet than most similarly priced forwards – think Jo at Everton, Kenwyne Jones at Sunderland or Benni McCarthy at Blackburn.

Michael Kightly (Wolves) – Not many players in the current Premier League system have experience of playing non-league. Michael Kightly does, having been plucked from Grays Athletic by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy. He repaid him pretty comprehensively too, the nippy wide player was inspirational as Wolves romped to promotion last year, but a metatarsal injury has sidelined him since April. He is back now though, and keen to grasp his chance in the big time. Expect the diminutive Londoner to terrify more than a few defences this season, and expect him to represent excellent value at £5.4m.

James Collins (Aston Villa) – Some people, including me, wondered where this lad got his reputation from at West Ham. I’d never noticed anything special about him, that’s for sure. But Martin O’Neill liked him, and he has slotted in nicely alongside fellow newboy Richard Dunne in the centre of Villa’s defence. No goals conceded in both games since his arrival says it all, and with him costing just £4.6m, Collins could be a sharp piece of business for any manager.

Fixtures

Portsmouth v Everton
Birmingham v Bolton
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Hull City
Stoke City v Man Utd
Tottenham v Burnley
Wigan v Chelsea
Fulham v Arsenal
Sunderland v Wolves
Man City v West Ham

A quick skim of the fixtures shows Liverpool should have a home banker against Hull City, load up on Gerrards and Torreses if you can, and expect clean sheets to finally arrive for Carragher and co. Tottenham too should find Burnley a more welcoming guest than Manchester United were to White Hart Lane, whilst Chelsea should prove too strong for Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic side. Arsenal have a chance to show their mettle with a trip to Fulham, and Manchester United will need to show theirs as they travel to Stoke. Manchester City complete the weekend’s action, with a home clash with West Ham.

My Team

Still going solid, all things told. Cesc Fabregas did his job as skipper with a late goal, whilst all three of my strikers performed well, including a goal for Darren Bent on his first outing for my side. Steven Gerrard picked up an assist, as did Emiliano Insua, whilst my decision to start Joe Hart proved inspired, as he was keeper-of-the-week with 8 points.

Just the one change this week, in comes Sylvain Distin of Everton to strengthen my defence. Kevin Foley’s drop to £3.9m precipitated this move, but Everton are resurgent and Distin will be integral to their improving defence. His fall in value (from £5m at the start) has worked to my advantage.

Football Media League

Jon Eggert Hallson is showing no sign of relenting at the top of Soccerlens’ league, his Handavinna side clung to top spot with a fine week – inspired by Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba & Ashley Cole. Behind him it is the battle of the Corrigans as Colin (Hats Off FC) and Dermot (Nil Satis XI) occupy second and third place, whilst a special mention must go to Greg Stark and his Ipswich Down side, who amassed 88 points thanks in part to having the likes of James Milner, Louis Saha & Gareth Barry amongst the bigger boys.

My side, the Baroque Social rose, salmon-like to 28th spot thanks to a solid week, but sit 56 points off the leaders. Wild card time anyone?

“Fantasy Football Week 7: Classy Defenders and Wing Wizards” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.

Fantasy Football Week 7: Classy Defenders and Wing Wizards is a post from: Football Reloaded