Week 2 Darkhorses

Some more adventurous picks that are a tad more "risky":

- Bellamy
- Boa Morte
- Diouf
- Seol

- Landzaat
- Rosicky
- A. Young
- Gonzalez
- Solano
- Luis Garcia

- Agger
- Djourou
- El Karkouri
- Hunt

[to toot my horn for a moment, 4 of my darkhorses scored goals last week!]

Week 2 Warnings

In case you missed it, at last notice:

- Rooney, Scholes are suspended;
- G. Neville is out;
- Riise, Carragher are injured;
- Ljungberg misses out this week;
- Cech is still injured;
- Ballack and Robben are rated "hopeful" to play - proceed w/ caution;
- Berbatov has a slight knock, but looks good to play (he trained today) - mild warning;

Week 2 - DK's Tips

OK, back to a regular single game week. Check previous posts for some thoughts on match-ups, as several top teams face winnable road games. Here are a few players I fancy to do well:

Strikers:
Saha - in amazing form, featured striker in Rooney's absence
Shevchenko - got his first EPL goal, look for more
Camara
Berbatov
Yakubu - against his former team, looked good so far
Van Persie

MF:
Ronaldo - registered 13 shot attempts in first 2 matches !
Gerrard - home match-up, yes please!
Lampard
Giggs
Bullard - on fire so far, taking all Fulham set pieces
Downing - rejuvenated by England call up
Fabregas
Duff
McCulloch - solid preseason carried over into week 1
Sidwell

Defenders:
Terry
Queudrue
Scharner - MF listed in defence
M. Taylor - see week 1
Eboue - loves to get forward, playing a poor ManCity
Ekotto
Aurelio - attacking left back
Ferdinand
Shorey

GK:
Van Der Sar - safest bet for a CS
Cudicini - Chelski should bounce back strong
Reina
Niemi - value pick, usually good for many saves

*** Good luck, hope that helps ***

Week 2 – midweek musings

- ManU disposed of Charlton with relative ease 3-0, giving up just one shot on target in the process. Saha was on song again with a goal & assist, as his fine vein of form continues. ROnaldo could not duplicate his first game score, but recorded 7 (!!!!) attempts at goal (unfortunately none on target). But that tells me he is active and taking a pop at the slightest chance – that will mean continued SOTs, hopefully goals, and some corners won. Van Der Sar was untroubled at the back, and I don’t think any ManU defenders scored especially well aside from the clean sheet bonus; besides, they are a little pricey for meagre offensive stats.

- Chelsea slipped up, allowing Boro to snatch a win with 2 late goals. At least it brought down Cudicini’s value. Sheva scored – look for more of that now that he’s broken his duck in the EPL (and he’s still bargain priced). He will be helped by the fact that Blackburn are shorn of their 2 best defenders, Lucas Neill and Ryan Nelson. Robben was a late scratch from the line-up, so watch injury reports on him. I can’t see Chelsea losing 2 in a row, and expect them to bounce back.

- Bullard again looked good for Fulham, all action and taking set pieces, punctuated by a late match-tying PK. The cat may be out of the bag on him now. If it weren’t for a Bolton penalty, Fulham would have kept a clean sheet at home. Niemi is obviously a value pick. I’d also love to grab Queudrue, a proven YFF scorer in the past (good for 3-4 goals every season), but his price tag at the moment is a little rich for my blood.

Liverpool – CL qualifier/Week 2

Liverpool advanced to the main Champions League draw with a hard-earned 3-2 aggregate victory over Maccabi Haifa. Some salient points to take from the match:

+ Gerrard, Bellamy, Aurelio all started on the bench, making them, in my opinion, strong candidates to start the weekend game. Aurelio came on for the injured Warnock after 28 minutes, and with Riise also hurt, seems a lock to play. Gerrard was thrown into the fray after about 67, and Bellamy right at the end.
+ Of note, Alonso and Garcia both started, but there are better midfield picks.
+ Sissoko was also injured and is out for 2-3 weeks. I think that cements Gerrard’s spot in center midfield (which is where he plays his best anyhow).
+ The Reds again gave up a goal to what I consider weaker competition. Coupled with the goal allowed to Sheffield at the weekend, it makes me question the clean sheet potential here. West Ham are no slouches offensively. The only thing worse than giving up a goal is doing so with almost no saves – which is a distinct possibility with Liverpool. So, choose Reina with slight caution.

Week 2 quickies

Several good teams face away games this week: Chelsea, ManU (see previous post), and Arsenal and Bolton. While the latter two may not necessarily be first-choice candidates for clean sheets, I think road wins are within their grasp.

Thierry Henry & co. travel to ManCity to face a Light Blues team that looked completely overmatched against Chelsea. Fabregas & Ljungberg looked lively in the MF, though it's clear Henry is not 100% recovered from injury or the World Cup (or worse - both!). He may not get a clean sheet, but Eboue sure loves to get forward at every opportunity - look for that to continue and translate into more good YFF points.

I also favour Bolton's rugged approach to turn over Charlton, though I'm not really certain where the fantasy points will come from in the Trotters line-up. [This may change should the finalize a deal for Nic Anelka - a YFF dream a few years back!] I've never liked Kevin Davies as a Yahoo striker. He bulls his way to goals, evidenced by committing the most fouls and being the most fouled in the EPL last year; he gets too many cards for a striker for my liking. Diouf looked full of tricks and bagged 9 YFF points, but he's listed as a striker and has clearly been playing right wing. Stelios is normally a sure bet for good points, but he did not start last game and there's no need to risk it just yet. Captain Kevin Nolan looked sluggish last week in my opinion.

Week 2 match-ups

Now, with just one set of games in the books and midweek games pending, it may be somewhat premature to think there are certain trends in teams' play. I would have to say the jury is still out on many squads; there may have been some anomalous results to start the season. The Tues/Wed games will help shed a bit more light on how some teams really look.

A couple of games caught my attention right away:

LIV v. W.HAM - Notoriously tight at the back, Liverpool at home is pretty close to a sure thing defensively. They won't give up many shots or scoring chances. Perhaps more importantly, West Ham likes to attack and gives opponents space on the counter. This could mean big points for Gerrard, Bellamy, etc., but watch their CL qualifier for an indication of the line-up. That's not to say that the Hammers won't score, as evidenced in the FA Cup final last year. With first-choice defenders Carragher and Riise out, the clean sheet proposition may be slightly diminished.

ManU @ WATFORD - After the thrashing they gave Fulham, I can't see ManU not winning this game handily. Yes, even with Rooney the boy wonder they will do quite well against a promoted team that will struggle with the Red Devils' quality all over the pitch. Saha is on fine form, as is Ronaldo. At the back, Heinze is still out resting his knee, so it's a toss up b/t Evra and Silvestre to fill that left back slot. Van Der Sar is a safe, albeit pricey, GK pick. Watford looks a team that will scrap and not get blown out often, but I can't see them getting much from this match.

CHE @ BBURN - The champs are away to a tough Rovers team, but based on their first match, they did not play well. It was probably due to the fact that key defender Ryan Nelson was absent and Lucas Neill got red carded. If either or both are still out, this should mean a solid, if not unspectacular, win for the Blues. They have enough flair to score on the road and the ability to clamp down opponents. And I did not see enough from BBurn to suggest they can threaten the Chelsea goal, though I do expect Hughes to get them motivated. Cudicini looks a good pick in goal, and YFF favourites Lampard, Robben, Sheva and Terry will grace many team sheets this week, with good reason.

FUL v. SHEFF - A more risky match-up. Fulham was absolutely thrashed by ManU and the defence looked shambolic. However, hearken back to last season where they lost but a few games at Craven Cottage (to the top teams of course). Whether it continues to be a stronghold remains to be seen. While Sheffield held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, they really did not create much all game and I feel that they may have been playing off the euphoria of a first home game in the Premiership. On the road they may find it more difficult...Niemi's price has plummeted after allowing 5 goals ($7.12). He's class and I've always liked him as a shot-stopper - he's normally good for several saves a game. Jimmy Bullard seems to have assumed all set piece duties and recorded a healthy YFF score in the blow-out. I even like Dead Snake (Boa Morte) as a darkhorse, but it's a bit wasteful as he is listed at striker and players more of a left-winger role. There aren't too many Sheffield players I would recommend at the moment. ** A caveat: one game into the season may be too early to tell just how good or bad these teams really are, pick with caution **

Cech's injury

For the interested poolies out there, here is the story on Cech's injury. Apparently he's ahead of schedule in terms of recovery, but not due back sooner than mid-September. That continues to makes Cudicini a solid pick, especially at his week1 price (even now, too).

Week 2 schedule

Saturday, 26 August 2006
Charlton v Bolton, 15:00
Fulham v Sheffield Utd, 15:00
Liverpool v West Ham, 12:45
Man City v Arsenal, 17:15
Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
Watford v Man Utd, 15:00
Wigan v Reading, 15:00

Sunday, 27 August 2006
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 14:00
Blackburn v Chelsea, 16:00

A lot of good teams face away games this week. Match-up thoughts will be coming up...

Week 1 - Sunday games

A couple of league heavyweights began their seasons, with Chelsea kicking off its title defence at home against Man City, and ManU playing Fulham. They should be atop the table all season long and played like it.

The Red Devils thrashed Fulham 5-1 in an impressive display, sending a bit of a message to the league that they won't slip up early in the season.

» Rooney was simple awesome, bagging a brace and assisting on another goal. Irrespective of just the one game for him, he would have been a very nice YFF pick, tallying over 30 points. He was a threat constantly and at the heart of all ManU's good attacks. It's a bit of shame that he turned in such a sterling performance, as his value has skyrocketed, and with him sitting out a 3 match ban that price won't decrease any time soon.
» Ronaldo helped himself to a goal and a good YFF total of 21 (with another game on the horizon this week!). He attempted 6 shots, with 2 on target - seemingly selfish stats, but a poolie's dream; several of those attempts ended up as corners won. Could be in for a big year in YFF terms.
» Saha scored as well and seems in great form. He was subbed off after approx 60 minutes, but this was surely a function of the scoreline. He's a right bargain right now, even after the price increase, as he will be leading the line during Rooney's suspension-enforced absence.
Giggs was good but overshadowed by the 2 aforementioned youngsters and ended up with a rather paltry score, as Roon & Ron seemed to have a lot of the attacking play go through them.
» Fortunately Van Der Sar made 5 saves to negate the (own) goal MU allowed. The rest of the defenders were unremarkable. I can't wait for Heinze to return to full strength.
» Not much to say about Fulham right now. Their defending was lackluster. Jimmy Bullard looked decent, notching a couple of shots and various stats; he seems to be the set piece taker. Helguson was OK up front, but never looked overly dangerous. (FYI - McBride started on the bench, with Collins John preferred).

Chelski beat ManCity rather handily 3-0, in a somewhat typical affair. They dominated play from the start and were never threatened, although the attacking flair Mourinho alluded to never really materialized. It seemed like the Blues of lat year - the ability to score a couple each game and really clamp down and grind it out as necessary.

» Cudicini was largely untroubled at the back, but solid when called up. Records the clean sheet with a couple of saves. That's about all you want from that pick, especially at a $9 price tag.
» Robben buzzed all over the pitch, but failed to register a shot. He did win a couple of corners and supplied the superb cross for Terry's header. Took several left-sided corners and free kicks. Solid YFF outing, and he looks to be a certain starter right now, given license to attack.
» Lampard scored (on a deflected shot!) but did his usual all-around routine, to the tune of 16.5 YFF points. He also took most corners and free kicks.
» Terry was imperious at the back and chipped in with a headed goal. This performance has shot his price up to lofty levels for a defender.
» Drogba played the role of battering ram striker and was rewarded with goal on a well-taken header. Not a lot of finesse to his game, but he runs hard and has a nose for goal.
» Sheva - huuuuuuge disappointment!!! Not a single point! He moved well, getting to good spots but was not able to create anything. A little unlucky not to have won some fouls or corners. He will be good, though it may take a few games to get in the groove with these new teammates.
» Wright-Phillips got a rare start and completely blew it. He looked indecisive and his touch was lacking. I'd say Jose can hardly wait for Joe Cole or Ballack to be back.
» Wayne Bridge started at left back (take that Gallas!) and bombed down the flank at every chance. He fizzed in the low hard cross for Drogba to direct in.

Week 1 - Saturday Games

Some rather interesting results from the first week's games in the EPL. Liverpool drawing with Sheffield, and Arsenal (debuting their superb new stadium no less!) forced to pull out a late draw with Villa. Reading also made a good showing, coming from behind to defeat Boro, and Portsmouth claiming a solid 3-0 win over Blackburn was a slight surprise.

Click HERE for Saturday results.

Now, on to YFF impressions. Of course, it's only one game in.....

» Liverpool may have lacked some creativity in the midfield without Alonso. However, Aurelio slotted in to the left wing position and did quite well with 1SOT, 2SC and 2CW. Not bad for a player listed as a defender.
» Reading - it's very early yet, but my inclination is that they may be a team that will score some goals this season but also give up plenty. That could translate into good fantasy points for their attacking players, as demonstrated yesterday - Sidwell, Kitson, Seol showed well, and their defender Shorey showed that he can get forward effectively, posting 9pts.
» West Ham look set to continue their free-scoring ways, especially at home, it will just be a matter of selecting the form players.
» Yakubu and Downing looked very good for Boro and I expect them to be consistent YFF scorers on what will be a poor team.
» Rovers disappointed, and MGP laid a real egg, totaling a sweet 0 points. Somewhat strange, as 2 sources' matchcasts (SkySports and Yahoo) credited him with 2 SOT.
» I watched this match, and Spurs were outworked by Bolton at the Reebok. Less than impressive outings for Lennon & co. All the running by the tricky England man has yet to manifest itself in worthwhile YFF points. Zokora was all over the midfield, but that did not generate more than a few points through FW. He did however take a few corners and free kicks, but was subbed off on 58 minutes. Berbatov was subdued by the rugged Bolton defenders, not even able to register a shot on target; at least he got a few points from peripheral stats. But I expect more from him in the midweek match. Much talked about defender Assou-Ekotta (mainly b/c of his good price) looked ordinary to me, nothing to suggest he is yet destined for good YFF points.

Shock & Awe

I must say that I was a little more than surprised that Shevchenko ended up with a big fat zero from the game against ManCity. Not one single YFF stat recorded - no fouls won, no shots, no nothing! I'm obviously hoping for a much better showing in the mid-week game. The same applies to MG Pedersen. Normally a YFF stud, he ALSO recorded a 0 !! I wouldn't have thought that would have occurred. To further increase my disbelief, Anton Ferdinand also scored a YFF goose egg!!! I'm incredulous that three, yes three of my players went out and totaled no fantasy points whatsoever after a combined 270 minutes on the pitch. WTF ??!!!!

Ah well, at least there's a another game for these duds to redeem themselves!

Week 1 Revealed

Here is how my week 1 line-up looked, if you're interested...

Darkhorses

Here are a few of what I consider to be "sleeper" picks. Perhaps something a little less popular among YFF rosters in week 1; something that may yield a few extra points that could differentiate teams. Some of these selections are new and/or unproven in the Premiership, so there's no guarantee that they'll settle right away and perform, but risk/reward and all that....

Benni McCarthy - international, proven scorer, looked good in preseason.
Leroy Lita
Bobby Convey
Steve Sidwell
Kevin Nolan
Leon Osman - cheaper good option to Cahill/Arteta.
Darren Bent - trying to prove he belongs on the England squad.
Stevie Gerrard - only one game, but against promoted Sheffield could mean big points.
Robin Van Persie - same as above, with that one match being at home to Villa.
John Paintsil
Micah Richards

New boys ??

I'm thinking about Bobby Convey, or maybe his team-mate Steve Sidwell of Reading, in for Ballack in a straight swap. FYI - Convey had 7G, 10A, and about 55 SOT last year. Sidwell 8G, 4A and 30 SOT. Granted, those stats are in a lesser league, however, Reading match-ups ain't that bad - Boro and Villa...

Zokora is also in the picture, but I don't think I can pull the trigger - I just don't know enough about him.

This, of course, is due to Ballack's injury and the likelihood of him missing out on the game. [See here for info]. Naturally, these moves are direct replacements; if I wanted to go another way, it would require some budget and roster adjustments.

DK's Week 1 tips

OK, here we go - the first week deadline fast approaches! And it's a double game week to boot!!
Here are some of my preferred picks. You'll see some of the logic and thoughts behind them in earlier posts.

Up front:
> Shevchenko
> Defoe or Berbatov
> Harewood
> Saha
> Andy Johnson
> Roberts

MF:
> Giggs
> Ronaldo
> Cahill
> Downing
> Robben
> Barton
> Arteta
> Lennon

D:
> Terry or Carvalho
> M. Taylor
> A. Ferdinand
> G. Johnson
> Shorey
> Dawson
> Ekotta

GK:
> Van Der Sar
> Cudicini
> Howard
> Robinson

GOOD LUCK !!!

Late YFF injury news

Since these guys are probably quite popular pool picks this week, this following info is quite pertinent.

From SkySports:

Rooney is set to accompany Saha up front having recovered from his groin problem, while Gabriel Heinze is out with a knee injury and will be replaced by either Mikael Silvestre or Patrice Evra at left back.

Also courtesy of SkySports:

Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of Michael Ballack before finalizing their side. The German picked up a hip problem in the Community Shield and is a major doubt for the game.

My thoughts on this: if he's a "major doubt" it's probably not a risk you want to take in week 1, especially being double game week. Say he starts the first game. He could have a stinker and not generate many YFF points, or worse, leaves injured and does not play the second game. There are enough reasonably priced options out there to take his place, though it may require some roster tweaking.

Soccernet Week 1 Predictions

Here's a decent look that the first batch of games in the EPL.

Bad City ?

Looks like Man City are about to lose captain Sylvain Distin to 'Boro. And with Richard Dunne very doubtful, their defence corps looks threadbare for a daunting match with Chelski. I sure hope it means Sheva can tear a strip off them. Also makes Robben a much more enticing pick this week...

Everton - WK 1

Everton match-ups have been percolating in my head for a few days lately in fact. The match with Watford should be 3 points, as I tip Watford to be atrocious and go straight back down. I think Blackburn is every bit as robust (Robby Savage comes to mind, LOL) as the Toffees, and this one will result in a dour game with lots of fouls. Everton was the 3rd lowest scoring team in the league last year, so I'm not yet convinced they are going to bulge the old onion bag with any more regularity.

Up front - Beattie has looked fat & slow the last 18 months, nothing like the guy who bagged 20+ goals for Saints a few years ago. I just don't feel he does "enough" consistently to warrant a pick this week. AJ scored 21 goals for Palace two years back, so he's a bona fide EPL player (recall that an astounding 11 were PKs though!). He's got pace and some finish to his game. I'm not sure how he will gel with Beattie and Everton's system - they played 4-5-1 last year. And their preseason has not been stellar. Johnson has fired blanks in his 2 or 3 friendly appearances, not yet hitting the back of the net. And I don't think he can sneak up on anyone in the league this time around. So, in terms of form, I think you can do better in week 1. For about the same price, you can have Saha or squeeze Harewood in there.

However, in the MF is where I believe some Yahoo points can be had. Cahill and Arteta were very solid last year and I look for them to perform again. Arteta is the free kick & corner taker and will garner some points from fouls and tackles won and successful crosses, with the odd shot on goal, but it more likely to assist on one. Cahill was a real attacking mid last season and is deadly in the air. He will also collect some fouls along the way, but is the greater goal threat. Risk-reward - it depends if you want a "safe" 8-14 points from Arteta or hope Cahill can bag a goal and some shots and stay card free. They are the same cost. A sneaky good pick could be Leon Osman - he's also about a $1 cheaper. Check his stats - he's got some game, and really came on late in the season for them.

Not sold on Howard in goal, though is price is hard to ignore for 2 winnable games. Defenders may be good selections, especially Naysmith provided he will start. I'm intrigued by Lescott - they paid $5M for this big centre back, but I will wait & see how he adjusts to the big league.

Tottenham - WK 1

I agree with my friend Orsini about Spurs in week 1 - their match-ups are decent. Not sure about their midfielders as Yahoo picks though - Lennon was only a bit player last year, and I don't think he's the finished article. All his pace and moves won't necessarily translate into YFF points. Tainio is injured. Zokora may be a sleeper pick - he's been taking corners in the preseason, but his role is unclear to me. Will he be defensive/holding mid (his lofty reputation was based on that)??? Obviously, don't touch Davids - he collects cards like it's Christmas. I don't LOVE the Spurs chances for a clean sheet for a few reasons. One, Ledley King is crocked (and YP Lee is not exacted touted for his defense), and if you recall last season, though they won many games, they went through long stretches without a clean sheet, usually giving up a goal. Plus, an away game to Bolton to open the season is no easy match. And, at Robinson's price, you can have Eddie Van Der Sar for a few pennies more, who has a much better shot at 2 wins and CSs.

That leaves Defoe and Berbatov as the solid Spurs picks in my opinion. (Keane is hurt, supposed to be missing out on Ireland's friendly tomorrow). I would be slightly tempted by their new defender (right back I believe), Assou-Ekotto, as all reports thus far say he's quite good, but I would rather wait to see how he performs on the big EPL stage before picking him.

Rooney and Scholes lose red card appeal.

As such, they will both miss 3 games, beginning with the Charlton match [though they are eligible for the season-opener against Fulham]. I'd say this makes them both less appealing YFF picks in a double-game week. Rooney may have been doubtful anyway with a groin strain.

Click here for the story.

Ballack winning fitness battle for season opener

Good news for YFF players everywhere...

Week 1 Match-ups

For my money, match-ups are the key factor in YFF player consideration. Examining the table and team records and recent form to determine what teams appear likely to score or yield goals is normally one of the first things I look at when sizing up my roster for the coming week. [Naturally, this is a two-pronged approach, as you need to figure out who from your “favoured” match-ups will actually score well – sometimes obvious, other times more difficult to predict].

These are the week 1 match-ups that appealed to me right away (though much of it is based on last year’s form):

MAN U – FUL, @ CHA - two very winnable games for ManU, facing a Fulham team that was shite on the raod last season, and an Addicks team with many new faces recently added. Maybe even 2 clean sheets for Edwin?? ManU has looked very good in recent friendlies against top competition – going up Glasgow and beating Celtic 3-0, beating Porto 3-2 with 9 men and turning over Ajax in their own backyard.

CHELS – MAC, @MID - despite poor preseason form, they are the team to beat. Taking on 2 teams I tip to be in the lower part of the table for most of the season. Chelski were the best attack in the EPL (GF) last year, with no reason to not continue, given the talented additions to the squad.

WHAM – CHA, @WAT - the Hammers will continue to play attacking football and figure to put a few past new boys Watford.

To a lesser degree:

BBURN - @POR, EVE - this is a bit of a gut pick, but I think the Rovers attack is solid and Pompey will continue to leak goals despite Sol’s arrival. Jason Roberts has looked good in the preseason, scoring some goals and MGP is a pretty consistent Yahoo pick, that not many will be making in week 1. The Everton game could be a grind-it-out affair though.

READ – MID, @AST - something of a sleeper pick, but they take on a couple of poor teams and will be eager to impress on their EPL return. I’m not convinced of the squad’s quality and personally, will wait to see how the promoted team settle in the league. There are some decent picks on Reading, but it will be a matter of choosing the right spots. Take a punt on Convey, Sidwell (MFs) or Shorey (defender) if you are brave enough, but with so many other “better” value picks, be wary in week 1.

Community Shield - Liverpool 2 : 1 Chelsea
Aug. 13, 2006


Looking forward to this game not only for some indication of the possible formations and line-ups of two popular YFF teams, but also for a good game, I was a tad disappointed to see the starting XI for Liverpool. The game had good intensity for the most part and did showcase some of the best players in the Premiership.

Starting Line-ups & notes
- Chelsea threw out arguably its strongest possible XI, barring Makelele, who is getting some extra rest after France's world cup run, and Cech, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery. They began

Cudicini

Geremi ------ Carvalho ------Terry ------ Ferreira

Ballack ------ Essien ------Lampard

Robben

Sheva ------- Drogba

- In what appeared to be a 4-3-3 with Robben just behind the striking pair, or something of a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond, headed by Robben. But, over the course of the game, Robben drifted from flank to flank, and it was difficult to see the formation, as other players shifaboutobut quite frequently.
- Utility man Geremi started at right back and Ferreira at left back (preferred to Wayne Bridge???).
- Ballack pulled up lame on 26 minutes with a hip complaint and was seen icing it after. He was replaced by Kalou. Tough to assess Ballack's impact since his time on the pitch was cut short. ** Keep an eye on his injury status as the week progresses **
- Robben looked good and Essien was full of running as well.
- Sheva scored a clinical goal (chested it down, side-footed in - beauty!) from a Lampard chipped pass. If you haven't really seen him in Serie A or Champs League, you're in for a treat - this guy oozes class, he finds space well, is an underrated passer (I expect some assists and successful cross stats from him this season) and a genuine goal threat. I counted 3 or 4 shots on target and a couple of corners won yesterday as well. I was impressed. Looks like a right bargain at the moment.
- Lampard's wayward shooting continued, but he played decently overall. I'm not sure if he's worth the current 18+ price tag this week, but will be a YFF stud all year I feel.

Liverpool, somewhat surprisingly, fielded several second stringers, benching Gerrard, Alonso, Hyypia, and Bellamy. It's as if Rafa was taunting Mourinho by implying the match meant less to him. They started

Reina

Finnan ------ Carragher ------Agger ------ Riise

Pennant ------ Sissoko ------ Zenden ------ Gonzalez
Garcia
Crouch

- More of a traditional 4-4-2, with Garcia playing just behind Crouch, as a support striker. This diverges from the 4-5-1 they employed in the CL match, but I tend to think Rafa prefers the latter formation for European games.
- Sissoko was a midfield terrier all game, covering every blade of grass on the pitch. Zenden was solid but somewhat ineffectual in centre midfield.
- Riise's goal was fantastic - he collected the ball at the edge ofups own box and raced upp the middle, all the way to Chelsea's 18 before firing a low, hard shot into goal. Cudicini should have done better, but it was a rasping dipping drive. Riise went untouched the length of the field, and Moruinho should be furious that no one got stuck in to tackle him.
- Later on, substitute Bellamy hit an inch-perfect cross to the back post for Crouch to nod in. He's got pace to burn. I think Bellamy, given the right match-ups, will make a very good YFF pick. He seems to be playing with a point to prove, that he can play for a big club.
- Gonzalez, the young Chilean, was up for it - looking lively on the left flank, and managed to fire a couple of shots on target.
- Gerrard and Alonso came on after 60 minutes and added some steel and guile to the Reds' MF, effectively ensuring that Chelsea would not make a comeback.

Liverpool’s Champions League Qualifier -
Aug.9/2006

[before looking at today's Community Shield and its YFF implications, I am posting my take on Liverpool's CL match from earlier this week, as it also serves as a good portend to the coming season. Shortly hereafter, a compare & contrast with the Chelsea game will be posted]

Liverpool was forced to grind out a victory in their Champions League qualifier last night, defeating Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Anfield. While match reports seem to indicate that they dominated the game, the Reds were unable to seal the game until a late (86th) minute goal from new boy Mark Gonzalez. After going down 1-nil, Bellamy notched his first competitive goal for Liverpool to square the match.

As for fantasy football implications, here are some observations:

· Liverpool fielded a first string line-up, going with a 4-5-1 formation. Bellamy up top, with Bolo Zenden on the left, Momo Sissoko, Xabi Alonso and Gerrard in the middle and Jermaine Pennant wide right. The back line was the usual Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia and Riise.
· Alonso was credited with the assist on Gonzalez' goal. Bellamy's goal followed a Sissoko shot saved by the keeper.
· Gerrard played a somewhat advanced attacking role, as Alonso pulled the strings from the middle.
· Apparently Pennant saw a lot of the ball in good positions and got forward well. Not so much for Zenden on the opposiste side - according to one match report, “things died” around him, LOL. He was subbed for Garcia in the 55th.
· Interestingly, Pennant took several of the Liverpool free kicks and corners instead of usual takes Gerrard/Alonso. Perhaps his fantasy points won’t be all taken up by Stevie and Xabi after all….?
· Crouch replaced Bellamy on 65 minutes, but this seemed tactical, as Rafa probably wanted to try to break down Maccabi with a different approach.
· Mark Gonzalez surprisingly replaced Gerrard on 85 minutes, but the speedy Chilean had an instant impact by hitting the match-winner shortly after his introduction. I think he’s one to watch for this year (maybe a dark horse pick later in the season?). He was great at Sociedad – fast, good shot and good attacking skills with the ball. If Bolo continues to flounder, he may get a decent run out on the left.
· Overall, I’d say this line-up is what we’re likely to see from Liverpool throughout the season and they will continue to win a lot of games 1-0, 2-0, etc., with Reina picking up decent points but not making many saves as the defence does not allow many chances.

Early Hint ??

Today's Community Shield match, the traditional EPL preseason curtain-raiser, should provide a very good idea of the starting XI that Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez plan to use to start the season - especially important info for YFF players naturally.

I'm keen to see the formation Chelsea employs, trying to integrate Sheva and Ballack, two big money transfers. Will the Blues go with 4-4-2 and play two strikers up top? Where do the wingers like Robben and Joe Cole fit in? What about Makelele and Essien, the defensive mids? There's too many good players vying for a midfield spot, someone is going to lose out and be unhappy. Lampard is a stalwart in the MF, and I can't see Ballack not playing, but other YFF studs like Robben and Cole may struggle for pitch time - making Chelsea selections a minefield for YFF managers.

As for the Reds, you know what you're going to get with Stevie G. But can new boys (and bad boys) Bellamy and Pennant bring it, at this level for a big club? Pennant was a top MF Yahoo pick lat season, due to being Brum's free kick and corner taker (plus he led the EPL in successful crosses). But will his YFF point be usurped as (if?) he cedes set piece duties to Gerrard and Alonso?

Several important questions for future Yahoo consideration....

Gotta run, the match is about to begin, but I'll report my thoughts later, after the game.

Week 1 Fixtures

Saturday, 19 August 2006
Arsenal v Aston Villa, 15:00
Bolton v Tottenham, 17:15
Everton v Watford, 15:00
Newcastle v Wigan, 15:00
Portsmouth v Blackburn, 15:00
Reading v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Sheff Utd v Liverpool, 12:45
West Ham v Charlton, 15:00

Sunday, 20 August 2006
Chelsea v Man City, 16:00
Man Utd v Fulham, 13:30

Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Tottenham v Sheff Utd, 20:00
Watford v West Ham, 19:45

Wednesday, 23 August 2006
Aston Villa v Reading, 19:45
Blackburn v Everton, 19:45
Charlton v Man Utd, 20:00
Fulham v Bolton, 20:00
Man City v Portsmouth, 19:45
Middlesbrough v Chelsea, 20:00

**Teams without a double week:
Liverpool / Arsenal / Newcastle / Wigan

Click here for EPL fixtures for August.

Here We Go!

Well, another year of Yahoo Fantasy Football (YFF) is upon us, and I am excited! Scouring stats and injury reports, pondering match-ups and match previews and juggling your salary - all part of a weekly routine. But the best part is the competition among friends; trying to win our private group and trash talk along the way. The Premiership season kicks off on Saturday, August 19, but I've been plotting my line-up for quite a while.

Good luck!

Click here for YFF.