Week 7 - My Tentative Line-up

Once again it's late and I'm struggling with my line-up. But here is what is looks like for the moment:

Henry
Nonda --> may yet become Benni McCarthy
Saha

Ronaldo
Arteta
Bentley
Faye

Unsworth
Valente --> Lescott or Shorey are candidates to replace Nuno
Cole

Foster

I pretty much hate my defenders, but they are cheap filler. Faye, same thing, but at least the lot of them are starters and could at minimum record a small positive score. I'm really looking to Thierry to do the business this week.

Week 7 Darkhorses

A few guys flying under the radar:

> Zamora
> Yakubu
> Nonda
> Scholes
> Downing
> Essien
> Francis
> Ooijer
> Aurelio

Week 7 Crib Sheet

Here are a few picks I like for this week:

> Henry
> Andy Johnson
> Saha
> McCarthy
> King
> Doyle
> Drogba
> Kuyt

> > Ronaldo
> Fabregas/Ljungberg
> Pedersen
> Barton
> Cahill/Arteta
> Lampard
> Young

> > Heinze --> looks good to start, with Silvestre's injury
> Eboue
> Cole
> Konchesky
> Shorey
> Valente/Lescott --> Valente is tipped to fill in for the injured Naysmith

> > Lehmann
> Howard
> Foster
> Van Der Sar

Some Random Week 7 Thoughts

[A special thanks to my friend L'O.M., who always has good insight, as I have excerpted some of our YFF banter.]

Some interesting players with decent match-ups: Yakubu (MID) vs. Sheffield...Johnson (EVE) vs Man City...McCarthy(BLA) vs Wigan [I also like Nonda here, especially if you got him at pre-update price]...Even King (WAT) vs. Fulham is a possibility, though I think Fulham will be tougher than expected.

It's hard to ignore Ronaldo with this current scorching form, and Fabregas will get a hard look for squad. Rosicky at may be too cheap to sell. Is MGP going to have a stormer versus Wigan?? A bit of an expensive risk at the current cost. That might put Bentley in the frame...

Looks like Gallas is injured and so is Djourou - but check Friday previews to confirm the severity. Does Eboue/Hoyte/Toure become better options?? Hoyte, at 5.06, has some appeal a cheapie with a CS chance, and Everton defenders interest me.

In goal, I think Lehmann has a very good clean sheet opportunity, though his price tag is tough to budget in, especially if you endeavor to keep Henry and/or Ronaldo or some other more costly players. My 2nd favourite keeper pick is Howard (combo of match-up & price). But one other GK getting some serious consideration from me right now is Foster of WAT - his 8.50 price tag is very appealing and permits some roster moves.

Week 7 Match-ups

Not many clear-cut favourites jump out this week.

> ManU v. NUFC - ManU at home usually scores goals, and Saha continued his sizzling form in the Champs League midweek and Ronaldo is unconscious right now. Rooney still looks off the pace. Heinze, if he plays, could be a nice cheap pick (6.50ish).

> BBurn v. Wigan - after a couple of wins on the trot (incl. a nice UEFA Cup victory), Rovers should handle a Wigan team that has not won away for a while. MGP is expensive, but the likes of Bentley and McCarthy look good.

> ARS @ Char - Charlton has been horrible thus far and the Gunners are starting to flow offensively. Road games are tough, but they should win. I expect Henry to do well, but Fabregas and Eboue also grab my attention.

> CHEL v. AST - I can see Chelski grinding out a win in typical fashion, as Villa won't make it easy.

> WAT v. FUL - definitely not a sure thing, Watford has been playing hard and could be Fulham, who are not good away from home. There are several bargain-priced Watford players that good make nice, inexpensive fillers.

> W.Ham v. READ - a disappointing squad hosting a surprisingly tough promoted team. Who knows?

Week 7 Schedule

Saturday, 30 September 2006
Bolton v Liverpool, 12:45
Charlton v Arsenal, 15:00
Chelsea v Aston Villa, 15:00
Everton v Man City, 15:00
Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough, 17:15

Sunday, 01 October 2006
Blackburn v Wigan, 15:00
Man Utd v Newcastle, 15:00
Tottenham v Portsmouth, 16:00
West Ham v Reading, 14:00

Monday, 02 October 2006
Watford v Fulham, 20:00

ARGH!!

Liverpool-Spurs line-ups were announced with about 4 minutes to go before the deadline and it was revealed that Aurelio was benched in favour of Riise (back unexpectedly from injury) !!!! A vain, frantic attempt to get Agger in there was thwarted by Yahoo's lockdown, not permitting a switch. Grrrrr. Rafa really is turning into a tinkerman, much to my dismay.

Here's to hoping Aurelio gets some minutes as a sub and collect a clean sheet bonus and some other stats.


[EDIT: only 12.85% of YFF players selected Henry, so with a big game, those of us who splashed out for him could make a nice move up the world rankings]

Saha Saturday AM Saga

[as of 6:11AM EST]

Do not mean to spook anyone with the Saha news, just passing it on as a "heads-up". Some camps in the YFF world are leaning towards the theory that he was held out of Friday training as a precaution and will still play. Difficult to know what's the most accurate news, and it will tough to tell, as the Red Devils are on a bus en route to Reading now I'd think, so no official comment will be forthcoming before the Yahoo deadline :(

Again, what you do about it will depend on your opinion on the news & sources and the level of confidence with the rest of your squad. I guess that's my disclaimer.

OK, I've got 40 minutes to sort my line-up......

Red (Devil) Alert !!!

Popular YFF pick this week, Saha apparently picked up a hamstring injury in training, and is a "major doubt" for the game, having missed training yesterday. Article here and another here. Not necessarily the most reliable media outlets, so grain of salt for now. And away to Benfica coming up in midweek, you wonder if Fergie will risk him (if he's even able to play).

Also, reports from SkySports (TV) over in the UK report him as doubtful, so news is slowly coming in. Naturally, wait as long as possible before dumping him, just in case they are untrue claims, but have a back-up plan at the ready. Personally, I'm not sure I want to risk a player with "doubtful" status...

Henry fit

From a couple of different sources - he's "ready and raring", claiming he wants to score early. Hmm, a greedy Henry at home to horrid Sheffield - ummm....yes please!!! Is he worth 22.66 this week? Depends how you feel about the look of the remainder of your team, but it's a gamble I am willing to take. I would dearly hate to rue the missed brace I feel he will score.

Week 6 Schedule

Saturday, 23 September 2006
Arsenal v Sheff Utd, 15:00
Aston Villa v Charlton, 15:00
Fulham v Chelsea, 15:00
Liverpool v Tottenham, 12:45
Man City v West Ham, 15:00
Middlesbrough v Blackburn, 15:00
Reading v Man Utd, 17:15
Wigan v Watford, 15:00

Sunday, 24 September 2006
Newcastle v Everton, 16:00

Monday, 25 September 2006
Portsmouth v Bolton, 20:00

Week 6 - Early First Impressions

Based on this post about going with first instincts and gut picks, here is a very preliminary roster for week 6. It is based a quick glance at the match-ups, but only takes approximate player costs into account, so it may be a bit of a wish list. Nor does it consider team performance in today's fixtures, which includes many marquee players that also look good for next round. I'll report on that afterwards.

Rooney/Saha
Henry --> if fit, away to Sheffield - hard to pass up.
Tevez --> bargain price, home game.
Sheva --> still waiting for him to come good, still attractively priced.
AJ --> this guy is on fire and can really finish; Newcastle's defense is mediocre at best.

Lampard
Scholes --> will drive forward in Giggs' absence.
Ronaldo
Fabregas/Ljungberg
Baptista --> now in the database, and especially if tipped to start.
Petrov --> home game, looks good so far.
Ballack --> cheap filler that could go off any week; new PK taker for Blues.
Rosicky --> affordable w/ good match-up; is he finding his shooting boots?

Aurelio --> continues to attack.
Scharner --> MF listed in defense, home to Watford; could be points-chasing.
Johnson/Stefanovic --> hosting Bolton, this has 0-0 written all over it; these guys win tackles & make cheaper alternatives to Matty Taylor.
Eboue --> attacking fullback with a great match-up. Gallas comes to mind as well.
Cole --> still priced right and likes to get forward.

Sorenson
Lehmann
James
Kirkland --> cheap option.

There's where I am starting from this week, but naturally, adjustments will be made...

BARGAIN ALERT !!

Seems that Rooney's price has dropped an astounding 4.22 in the last update!! He can be had for 14.11, which is a very decent bargain. So, if you fancy his chances next week against Reading, now is the time to grab him. It's even more important to do so just in case he performs well tomorrow against ManU and his price potential rises again in Sunday's update.

Week 5 - Review

All the top teams had European matches midweek, and face off tomorrow. But here are some quick thoughts on the first batch of games played this week:

> Portsmouth continues to impress after ANOTHER clean sheet, this time skinning Charlton 1-0. That's 5 CS in a row. I may have to start taking them seriously, and consider Glen Johnson or even Stefanovic in the coming weeks. Taylor is a little rich for my blood at the moment, mainly due to some of moves I want to make in other areas. [I still have this nagging suspicion that James' bubble will burst soon, but he's got 2 defenders in Campbell and Johnson that are playing with something to prove.]

> Watford held Villa 0-0. Petrov disappointed a little in this one with his YFF score, but watching the game, he could have easily done much better. He had a couple of good chances in the area that were smothered by the keeper or closed down by defenders, so at least he got into good positions. It's becoming clear (to me at least) that Watford will be extremely difficult to beat, not an easy mark, especially at home. They are full of graft and running, but may lack the top-class finishing to win games, so I can see them battling many teams and not giving much away (look at the 1-0 win they forced ManU to scrape out as evidence). It was my first extended look at Ashley Young and he was fairly impressive. Not his best outing so far, but he is quick, takes all set pieces and fires in a ton of crosses. With some big MFs and strikers as targets, he will be bound to collect some nice points week in, week out.

> By all accounts, Sheffield is the poorest team out there. Their defence is slow and they will struggle mightily to score. My radar will be tuned to their opponent players every week because there will be wins and points to be had. While they scored in losing 2-1 to Reading, whom I don't exactly put in the top tier of the EPL, I can envision some of the better teams thrashing them.

> Bolton was held at home by Boro. But less surprising was the fact that they did not give up a goal. The Reebok will continue to be a fortress I think and a good bet for a win most weeks. Once Anelka gets a little more fit, he will excel and starting bringing in the YFF points. He had chances, but looks to be lacking a little match sharpness, but he's close. For the moment, most of the Bolton midfield look like a bunch of 'diggers' and there aren't many points there.

> Everton laid an egg with Wigan visiting. AJ came through at least, and looks to be the real deal, a good striker pick. (I was disappointed that their PK was given to Beattie, who had just come on 5 minutes before). Not quite sure what to make of Wigan at this time yet. Of course, Scharner is an interesting pick, as a MF listed in defence. But, using last season as an example, he is liable to get a card or do squat the week after scoring.

YFF Cardinal Rule

I broke one of the first principles of YFF - Don't make last-minute line-up changes!

At the 11th hour, not long prior to the deadline, I swapped out Jaaskelainen for Howard because, after reviewing some stats and reconsidering opposition and current form, I thought after all, T-Ho stood a better chance for a clean sheet. Well, that back-fired. Everton gave up 2 goals en route to a draw while Jussi collected the clean sheet and 5 saves. The difference in points was 12, which may appear marginal, but it's those types of gaffes that can cost you important ranking positions and private league titles.

I originally had Jussi penciled in a while back, but started to second-guess myself. It really was a case of over-analyzing the "what-ifs" of the match-ups. This over-thinking was facilitated by the fact that the 2 choices' costs were almost the same.

I've done it a few times in the past, but after this week, won't make same mistake. So, the bottom line is that you're often best to go with your first instinct, go with your gut feeling. A lot of times, it will be the better call.*

*[hopefully this holds true, because this week, one of first players that immediately appealed to me was Gerrard facing Chelsea, even before the double game was officially added. I felt he was a big-game player about due to score well. Let's see...]

Early Morning Changes

Howard --> comes in for Jussi, as I started to feel that Wigan was less likely to score than Boro.
Kuyt --> replaces Martins, who may start both games, but whose finishing has been suspect.
Emre --> loses his place to Garcia, but now...

I can't decide between Garcia and Parker, who for some reason I started to like after I read an article (click to read) where Roeder has urged him to get forward more and be less defensive. And who is more probably going to start 2 games....

Week 5 Line-up ?

Here is my line-up, tentatively. But with some 5 hours to go before the deadline, there could be some tweaking yet.

Martins
Johnson
Anelka

Gerrard
Duff
Petrov
Emre

Aurelio
A. Cole
Chimbonda

Jaaskelainen

Week 5 -- Single Game Match-ups

As mentioned earlier, there are still plenty of very good "single-gamers" this week that make for good selections and could easily outscore the "double-gamers".

BOL v. BORO - solid and nearly unbeatable at home, Bolton should win this game against an spotty Boro team. Also a good bet for a clean sheet, though Yakubu is always a danger man. Potential picks: Jussi, Haim Tal, Anelka.

EVE v. WIG - One of the form teams right now, Everton is another solid bet at home. Andy Johnson has had a bright start to the season, providing Moyes with a real finisher up front. He was the first name on my team sheet this week. Howard has been great as well and should be good for the win and maybe a CS.
Potential picks: AJ, Cahill or Arteta, Naysmith, Howard.

TOTT v. FUL - Though they have stuttered to begin the season, Spurs should be able to handle normally woeful road team Fulham, especially given that their best player, Bullard, is injured. A CS is a possibility, and I tip their strikers to score, but don't really fancy the Spurs MFs.
Potential picks: Chimbonda, Ekotto, Mido/Defoe.

BBURN v. ManCity - Rovers are not exactly on fire, but home to a toothless ManCity could see some of their players hit their stride.
Potential picks: MGP, McCarthy, Bentley.

READING, VILLA - a couple of squads that are away this weekend, but that have surprised so far. In doing, they provide some decent picks to fill out a roster.
Potential picks - Sidwell, Shorey, Convey, Barry, Petrov.

Week 5 - Double Confirmed!

I was originally goign to post my favoured match-ups for the week, but that was before Yahoo confirmed the double week and updated to reflect that. A word on good single gamers will be forthcoming. And, I still await my points for Downing and Taylor in week 2!!!

OK, now it becomes a matter of selecting the best possible roster of the double-gamers. For me, that does not mean a full 9, 10, 11 players because I still think some of the 2-gamers are lame picks. And I HATE both keepers. I mean, Newcastle have 2 away games and Pool play Chelsea. But, I think it's worth grabbing a few double picks - ones that will see more than 90 minutes AND are liable to score well in 2 appearances. Watch out for rotation risks, but I think the NUFC players are pretty safe to play most of both full games.

OK, here it is:

Kuyt or Crouch or Bells up front - I think these 3 will get the bulk of the minutes and will play 120-180 each. If you're gutsy, take 2 of them to cover yourself, LOL.
Martins - has been shite so far, but his price is good and he is bound to at least cover his cost.
Ameobi - recently injured I thought, but apparently may pass a late fitness test.
Gerrard - pretty much a must. Big game player, going to play most of 2 games I think. Yes please.
Garcia - this guy is sneaky good and seems to have cemented a starting role when not crocked. Alonso - solid pick, not done much YFF-wise yet and a little overpriced at the moment.
Duff - my personal preference of the NUFC mids, most likely to score well.
Emre - OK, takes most free kicks.
Parker - new-found offense this season, but always a card threat. Over 2 games could be great or just break even.
N'Zogbia - not yet on form, but seems to be playing a lot and is cheaper than the others.
* I only think 1 NUFC mid is needed...

Aurelio - we all know about this guy by now. A must. (I predict he will score a goal this week).
Carr - cheap, a fullback, maybe good for a few crosses. CS not likely.
Carragher/Hyypia/Agger - won't get many points with no CS unless they score.
Finnan - bloody expensive, but 2nd best double game defender pick this week.

Given, Reina - NO THANKS. I can't see either of them keeping clean sheets based on match-ups and current (poor) form, so it'd be a real risk. Advice is to stick with a solid single-gamer, as the prices are in the same range, take your safe10-15 points and say 'thank you very much'. It's too early in the season to go balls out on a dodgy keeper pick.

*** I think it's still worth it to keep several strong single gamers. If AJ were to hit a brace or even have a 1-goal, 3-SOT, 2CW game, he could outscore Martins if he lays an egg twice, for instance. Sure, the potential for more game time equalling more chances for points is there, but choose wisely.

Week 5 Schedule

Saturday, 16 September 2006
Bolton v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Charlton v Portsmouth, 12:45
Everton v Wigan, 15:00
Sheff Utd v Reading, 15:00
Watford v Aston Villa, 17:15

Sunday, 17 September 2006
Blackburn v Man City, 15:00
Chelsea v Liverpool, 13:30
Man Utd v Arsenal, 16:00
Tottenham v Fulham, 15:00
West Ham v Newcastle, 15:00

Wednesday, 20 September 2006 **
Liverpool v Newcastle, 20:00


** There is a huge debate over whether or not Yahoo will include this game in the Week 5 schedule, or whether it will be a separate week all on its own. To be determined…

Week 3 Quick hits

> ANOTHER clean sheet and win for David James and Portsmouth! They might be a legitimate home team pick after all. Matty Taylor was somewhat silent, but at least collected the clean sheet bonus.

> Everton defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the Merseyside derby. I'll tell you what - Andy Johnson looked dangerous all game. He seemed to relish the lone frontman role and used his pace to harass the Reds back line and finished well, and looks to have justified his England call-up. Cahill was good in "the hole" behind him, but every time I see him play, I get the suspicion that he is about *this* close to a yellow card and/or a goal.

> Brad Friedel had the YFF game of his life, saving 2 penalty kicks and earning the clean sheet draw!!! He amassed a huge score of 38 pts. Would have be hard-pressed to predict that...

> Gerrard started on the right of MF for Liverpool. He got forward well and took most corners. He was unlucky to hit the post twice and flashed about 3 shots just wide. On another day with a bit more luck, he would have scored. He was also good for several SCs and CW. Aurelio returned a nice 7 points from his left back position. He supplied some crosses and had 4 cracks at goal (none on target). Aurelio took one free kick and 2 corners that I saw, and even played the final 30 minutes at left mid when Riise came in. Not a bad value for a defender. When they keep a clean sheet or he scores, he will be gold. [Riise was stretchered off, so it would seem that Aurelio will continue to start, but watch for injury reports]. Kuyt substituted Crouch on 58 minutes and again put in an all-action cameo. He managed a shot on goal and looks threatening. I can't see him on the bench for much longer, as he is excellent in the air and has great skill.

> Arsenal once again failed to collect a full three points, floundering to a draw with Boro. Henry covered his cost with a PK goal and several SOTs and CW. Fabregas looks to be the fulcrum of the Gunners attack and his 13 point haul was nice relative to his price. Not seeing the match, I am not certain how Gallas actually played - file that one under TBD. Should be a good pick overall, though.

> Bolton (not surprisingly) won at home. The Reebok looks to once again be a fortress and about as solid a home-win pick as there is. Anelka played 70 minutes and appears to finally be in the YFF database. I think he will get better each week as he acclimates to his new teammates. Nolan once again underperformed, garnering a negative score; for a MF that has been good for 8-10 goals in seasons past, he seems in a right funk.

> Chelsea once more ground out a win against lesser competition. Of YFF note, Cole started on the bench but replaced Bridge for the final 25 minutes or so. Not much out of him in that brief appearance. Speaking of not much, Sheva was misfiring again and collected a paltry score. As with most, I am awaiting a big game from him, I guess it is taking longer than expected to adjust to the EPL.

Week 3 Line-up

OK, after much debate and consternation, here is my line-up for this week:

Henry
Sheva
Saha

Fabregas
Duff
Ballack
Sidwell

Aurelio
Cole
Taylor

Jaaskelainen

I really like my back line, but worry that the midfield is a little hit-or-miss. Ronaldo got the chop this week, as I think the Spurs game will be tight and Davids may just kick the lumps our of him. Plus he'll be going up against Chimbonda, who has the pace to stay with him. I'm counting on decent points from my keeper, hoping that he is not overwhelmingly popular this week with most poolies.

Struggles

Well, it's almost 2AM the morning of the deadline and I am still struggling to decide on my final roster for Week 3. At the moment, my greatest debate centers around Henry v. Lampard. They are both very expensive and their acquisitions would mean making sacrifices in other areas of my starting XI. I like Van Persie's chances this week, but worry that there is a chance, even however slight, that Baptista may get some of his minutes or even start. Also, I really don't want to mess with my keeper, as I feel Jaaskelainen is the week's best bet for a clean sheet win, so Hahnemann, no matter his attractive cut-rate price, just can't find his way into my line-up. Who's a candidate for the chop?? Ugh, what to do....

Week 3 Sleepers

Diouf
Rossi
Van Persie

Nolan
Barry
Ljungberg
Gerrard
Duff
Bowyer
Steven Davis
Benayoun

Konchesky
Eboue
Carr

Hope that helps!~

Week 3 Tip Sheet

Strikers
Henry
Shevchenko
Saha
Lita
McCarthy
Harewood

MFs
Lampard
Ronaldo/Giggs
Bullard
Fabregas
Ballack
Barton
Solano
Sidwell
A. Young

Defenders
Terry
Taylor
Gallas
Cole
Aurelio
Ekotta
Shorey
Meite

GK
Jaaskalainen
Given
Hahnemann
Cech/Van Der Sar
James
Lehmann

:(

I just wanted to express my disappointment at Yahoo failing to update the YFF database to include all the transfer signings!! There are numerous new boys that would make great picks this week (Kuyt, Anelka come to mind immediately) and be bargain priced, but alas, not yet.

[And give me my damn points from the Boro-Pompey game already!!!]

Week 3 - Match-ups cont'd

Not as overwhelming as some of the aforementioned fixtures, but...

NEW v. FUL - Fulham has been atrocious on the road and NUFC looks fairly solid, especially at home. Their midfield is strong and they've bolstered the squad at the deadline. Given (11.09) should get the win with some saves, but a clean sheet in not a guarantee, particularly the way Bullard has been playing. Duff, Solano and maybe darkhorse Rossi, could be decent picks.

READ v. ManCity - Reading at home should score goals, while ManCity has been firing blanks so far. Thus, a couple of the Reading offensive players could make for interesting and bargain-priced selections. Sidwell in the MF and Lita or Seol upfront are good for some stats, and right back Shorey has shown his willingness to get forward. Hahnemann should be good for some saves, but there is always the potential for them to give up a goal (or 2!), so be wary. However, his cut-rate price (8.50) surely would allow you to grab some of the more expensive players at other positions.

Now, moving on to match-ups that I just am not sure about....

PORT v. Wigan - Pompey has been fantastic so far and have not conceded a goal yet, but for I am still waiting for them to come back to earth. Makes me hesitant to pick James right now, and Wigan is scrappy enough to score on the road.

West Ham v. VILLA - Another team near the top of the table after a strong start, Villa - I just don't get them?!! They were borderline relegation candidates last season but look a proposition under O'Neill so far. I just don't know what you're going to get with them though...The Hammers will score at home and now have a couple of highly-touted Argies in the line-up.

There are of course several good picks from these fixtures, but knowing who will perform is a bit of a gamble this week....

Week 3 Match-ups

It's all about the home teams this week, friends...

BOL v. WAT - Bolton at home is normally a very safe bet (in fact, they only lost 3 times at the Reebok last season [Chelski, ManYoo, Everton]), and against struggling Watford should be the same. To me, that makes Jaaskalainen a good pick in goal; and if you're looking for a defender, Meite has played every game and is cheap (5.60), so you can spend in other areas. Nolan is also pretty affordable, but has done nothing of note so far this season and I feel there are better MF picks. If Anelka gets added to the database in time, here's great pick up front (see previous post).

ARS v. BORO - Though they have looked pretty ordinary thus far, Arsenal welcome a poor Boro team coming off a thrashing at the hands of Portsmouth. I look for the Gunners to break out at any moment, and this may be the game to do it. Gallas immediately strengthens their back line and at approx $8, he is a solid pick, along with Eboue, the attacking right back. Gallas set up one of France's goals against Italy yesterday as well. Henry in attack looks good to me, but his $22 price tag is a tad hard to swallow - but we all know what he is capable of in YFF terms should be erupt for a big game. Fabregas and Rosicky make nice midfield options at reasonable prices.

CHE v. CHAR - The Blues host Charlton and should come away with a comfortable win. If you've got Sheva cheap, this is not the game to drop him. They should roll over Charlton and he will be in a confident mood after scoring in the Ukraine's Euro qualifier the other day. Ash Cole, if he starts, looks very good to me for 6.58. He will get forward and fire in some crosses, providing some width to the Chelsea attack.

ManU v. TOTT - While the Red Devils are on fire right now, I don't think this will be an easy game. Spurs have not beaten United in their last 10 EPL match-up, and have lost 4 of 5 away games. Saha scored for France in the qualifier match last week, and seems set to continue his good run. ROnaldo and Giggs, if you've got them cheap, are worth hanging on to. Be warned, Berbatov is carrying a knock and will likely not play - but check match previews to be sure. Besides, away to ManU, I wouldn't expect much from him.

That's a quick snapshot of the "big" teams...

Week 3 Schedule

Time to start thinking about match-ups...

Saturday, 09 September 2006
Arsenal v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Bolton v Watford, 15:00
Chelsea v Charlton, 15:00
Everton v Liverpool, 12:45
Man Utd v Tottenham, 17:15
Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth v Wigan, 15:00
Sheff Utd v Blackburn, 15:00

Sunday, 10 September 2006
West Ham v Aston Villa, 16:00

Monday, 11 September 2006
Reading v Man City, 20:00

Transfer Window

As August drew to a close and with 2 rounds of games in the book, the transfer window slammed shut with a flurry of player moves. Many teams attempted to address immediate needs and glaring roster gaps, while the top teams strengthened their squads. Here's a breakdown of some of the main moves that I feel will have some YFF implications.

» Kuyt - joined Liverpool after a stellar 3 years in the Dutch league, where he scored about 90 goals in 120 games. Having seen his first match for the Reds (as a substitute), he looked very active and his fantasy point potential is good so long as he starts most games. Click here for my initial thoughts on Kuyt's debut.

» Cole - the most protracted transfer saga of the summer finally concluded with Cashley Cole being swapped for Gallas and $5M. A good deal for both clubs I think, as Cole is a bargain a 6.58. An attack-minded left back, he will give some width to the Chelski attack, he wins tackles and will have the opportunity to cross to players of the quality of Sheva, Lampard, Drogba. Plus he will surely collect the clean sheet bonus often, as part of an already-solid back line.

» Anelka - A great move for Bolton. This guy is a proven talent and was a veritable Yahoo stud a couple of seasons ago. A very good finisher, can cross the ball, and is just selfish enough to usually score well, Anelka will start up front right away, and should get plenty of the ball, especially since with Bolton's other main striker Kevin Davies out for another 4-5 weeks. Bolton home to Watford and Boro the next two weeks makes him a very appealing pick, and he should enter the YFF database at a cheap price.

» Tevez - in a complete shocker of a transfer, West Ham beat out the EPL giants to sign Tevez and Mascherano. These young (22 yrs old) Argentine internationals are great players, as they showed at the World Cup. Conspiracy theories abound on how they ended up with the Hammers, but by my reckoning, Tevez should have an impact in YFF terms. He will be first choice up front, and is skilled, fast and strong. I'd wait a game or 2 to see how he settles in the English game, but expect he will score well soon. Mascherano is more of a defensive & passing MF, and I don't fancy him as a fantasy player too much.

» Beasley - American international DaMarcus Beasley joined ManCity on loan. I feel he will be a very solid YFF player and should slot right into their left MF position, as Vassell and Samaras have been forced to fill in there lately (and looked ineffective). From what I've seen of him at PSV, he's quick, gets forward well and will get some SOTs and CW, and will benefit some starting many games.

» Baptista - An interesting pick-up for the Gunners, but at least they got fair value for want-away Reyes. The Beast, as Julio Baptista is known, will offer them more of a physical presence, but also has an eye for goal. Before joining Real Madrid, where he floundered a bit, he scored a ton of goals for Sevilla. My big question is where will he play. His natural role is that of striker or attacking midfield, so it remains to be seen where Wenger will put him. I think his strength and skill would make him a perfect foil for Henry. Keep an eye out - if he gets listed as a MF and ends up at striker, he could be a bit of a steal.

» Tottenham - Oh my, a couple of real head-scratchers for Spurs. Firstly, re-signing Mido. Sure, the guy is quality and enjoyed a successful spell in London recently, but with the addition of Berbatov (a £10M signing no less), Robbie Keane the captain, and Jermain Defoe seemingly firing, where does he fit in? Jol prefers the big-small combo up front and I can't see Mido playing ahead of Berbatov; and he is a bit of a petulant head-case and disturber, so how long before he starts complaining about playing time if he's benched? Spurs also grabbed Malbranque - a very good player and reliable YFF pick the last few years. Here's another situation of too many players vying for limited spots. He's not a wide player, so just who does he supplant in the middle of the park? Davids? Zokora? Jenas? Tainio? I guess these moves are all about strengthening the squad, especially since Spurs are in Europe this year. Finally, they also added Chimbonda to the back line. He had a very good year for a promoted team last year and should fit in nicely at right back. He's a tad pricey right now, but is good for some attacking stats over the year and should be picked in the right situations.

Take a Breather

With a week off for the international break, we've got a few extra days to ponder the next EPL/YFF matches. One in some cases, such as myself, it means a period of anxiety as I can hardly wait for the next round. LOL

It will be worth monitoring the Euro qualifiers not only for the performance of YFF players but to keep on top of potential injuries. Stay tuned, I will do my best to provide some coverage of how key players fare for their countries...

Week 2 Quick Recap

Belated...

- Aston Villa –WTF ??!! Another win and near the top of the table. Seems that Martin O’Neill has them motivated and inspired. Angel bagged another goal, but for me, he’s a little too hot-n-cold and could easily lay an egg next time out.

- Portsmouth recorded a huge 4-0 win over a lacklustre Boro, making it 3 clean sheets to open the season. File this one under another surprise to start the season.

- Liverpool allowed a goal to the Hammers, but struck back for 2 to grind out a win. Gerrard was very solid in the MF, but failed to register a YFF point. His distribution was excellent and he tackled and got forward well, but unfortunately that did not equate to any points. I look for him to break out soon and find his shooting boots, but the derby match against Everton is not the place to risk 15-odd units, as it could be a card fest and likely a tight game. New signing Kuyt came on at 60mins for Crouch and looked very good in my opinion. I saw him fire 4 shots, 2 on target, win 2 or 3 corners, intercept some passes and even set up Bellamy for a goal that was dubiously disallowed. In short, he was all over the pitch and if a starter, looks to be a solid YFF points earner.

- ManU were good again, and Saha continues to do the business, with a nice 14 point outing. Giggs looked great as well and was in a fine attacking mood. Ronaldo continued to fire away, but did not get any on target, LOL.

- Jimmy Bullard was on fire again, with a 4SOT, 6SC day. His 30+ score propelled him to top scorer in YFF thus far. The challenge here becomes when to jump off the wave. Away to Newcastle presents a reasonably tough proposition, as I think Scott Parker won’t give him the space to create, but as set-piece taker, Bullard will still get some chances.

- Chelsea were workman-like in dispatching Blackburn at Ewood Park. It was the first real look at Ballack, as he got a 90-minute run-out in the midfield. He looked more defensive than Lampard, and even claimed that he played deeper after they scored the opening goal. He managed 3 fantasy points on 6 tackles won with 4 fouls committed, also taking 2 off-target shots. My initial impression is that he may be a bit of a hard man (compared to Lamps) but could still hit for big points on occasion. Overall, it seemed that the Chelski midfield has yet to gel and get comfortable in their roles. Plus Robben was still injured, so they lacked width. BTW, new defender Boulahrouz was very solid, barely putting a wrong foot. A sub-par performance from Sheva, but for his low price, I’m not willing to ditch him yet, and home to Charlton should be a great chance to rack up some stats.