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.
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.
posted by D @ 11:32 PM
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