2.1.15

AFCON - The Fantasy Premier League Turmoil



December is a month of giving. People give each other presents. Liverpool give away at least 6 points and Joey Barton often gives a team mate facial injuries at the annual Christmas party. In fact, every now and then, us Brits become so generous at Christmas that we assemble a load of musicians that people don’t really like and raise millions and millions of pounds for Africa. Quite a gesture I am sure you will agree. And how does Africa pay us back in the New Year for our ongoing generosity? They put on a tournament in January; stealing a shed load of Premier League player and fuck our fantasy football teams right up. Typical.

The African Cup of Nations isn’t exactly a stand out in the footballing calendar and gets more ratings from “Paddy McGuiness Footballing Gaffes” DVD sales than it does live coverage but it can be the undoing of a forgetful Fantasy Football manager. You might think it is just a tournament created just to Robbie Earle gets work (even though he is, rather offensively, Jamaican) but AFCON is more than just a reason for Ron Atkinson to shut his curtains. A total of 20 Premier League players could be involved in the tournament and there’s a few thing to keep your eye on.

Star Players

At first glance, you might think these are few and far between but Swansea and Crystal Palace fans will tell you otherwise. Wilfried Bony has been one of the best strikers in the league this year and it would be frankly illogical if a club doesn’t make a 25m offer in the Summer or even when he’s away on pesky international duty. In FPL terms, you will struggle to replace those goals and points at that value. The only saving grace for FPL managers is that two games in the period are Chelsea and Southampton, perhaps harder places to score points. No such consolation from a Swansea point of view, though. Palace face losing potentially their most creative player in Yanick Bolasie. A 53 point return on a guy you could pick up for under 5m is not to be sniffed at and the decision now has to be made whether to leave him rotting on the bench, knowing that the rebuy is now at nearly 5 and a half million. Damn you AFCON!

Injuries, Injuries, Injuries

I think this one explains itself. There will be plenty of football fans watching through fingers as they see their star player marauding across the (not famously well maintained) pitches of Equatorial Guinea, riding challenges are players ranging in quality, from World Class to School Class. It doesn’t bear thinking about. For those of you who think I am, perhaps, stereotyping, we are talking about a tournament in which players were shot at on a bus. Stay Safe Wilfried!

It’s a Team Game!

Sadly it isn’t as simple as one player leaving and replacing him. At least that’s what I tell my girlfriend when it takes me 2 hours to do my line up. Yaya Toure leaves for Africa, you just bring in another midfielder right? Well yes, actually but it affects more than just his points. What about the system City now play? Will Milner play in a more attacking role? Who will replace Toure? Who’s on set pieces? It all matters! Not only that but take West Ham for example. On league evidence, they are a top 6 side and are about to go 3 weeks without Sakho, Song & Kouyate, but without the squad depth of the big guns. Song provides real grit in that midfield as well as flair and you can bet your bottom dollar they will be conceding more goals than they usually do in that period so having Adrian at 5m outscoring the more expensive Mignolet or Howard could now change, even though it’s a striker and 2 midfielders leaving for Equitorial Guinea! It’s a fucking minefield!!

Know Your Squads

There is obviously an upside to all this, if you study your squads. The really obvious effects for instance are that Andy Carroll will play every minute of every game if he stays fit and they will cater to him with Sakho going. More often than not, that will mean goals given his talent. If you fancy Swansea to carry on winning even without Bony, then Gomis at 2m cheaper but now starting for a few games could be a swoop. Newcastle United lose Papass Cisse and Tiote for the tournament and Ayoze Perez at 4/8 million could be an excellent addition to your squad, as could Jack Colback at 4.8m who seems to be improving every week. Although Tiote’s customary bookings might now switch to him if he plays more of an enforcer role. The point is, if you can get clued up on who will start games and you can pounce on them cheap, you will get a leg up on your lazy friends. Who knows, if these players perform they might keep their place. Not you Gomis, sorry mate.

Don’t Forget!

Yes there’s darts on. Yes, you want to play with your new space hopper/PS4/Loom bands (delete as appropriate) but don’t forget. If you have African players in your squad then start planning their exit soon. You don’t want to take minus points on the chin just because you forget to do it gradually. 

If you started reading this at the last section, this might read like ethnic cleansing, it really isn’t. Please read the rest and please listen to the The Gaffer Tapes, The UKs biggest comedy fantasy football podcast at www.thegaffertapes.com.


20.10.14

Match Of The Week - West Brom Vs Man United


Kick-off: 8PM
Venue: The Hawthorns
Live: Monday Night Football on Sky Sports 1

Manchester United will be hoping to take advantage of this weekend’s results and move back into the top four of the Premier League when they travel to The Hawthorns on Monday night to face West Brom.

United come into the game in good form having won two on the bounce, beating West Ham 2-1 before edging past Everton with the same result. Both the wins came at Old Trafford, the last away result being the shock 5-3 drubbing by Leicester City.

The home side will fancy their chances though, before the away defeat at Anfield in the previous fixture Alan Irvine's men managed three consecutive victories over Burnley, Hull and Spurs.

A victory at West Brom would mean a first away win in the job for Louis Van Gaal, who has thus far traveled to Sunderland, MK Dons, Burnley and Leicester without any success.

Team News

Van Gaal has been hampered by injuries throughout an indifferent start to the campaign under his watch. The dutchman has already utilised 30 different players in the league this season, more than any other club.

Defensive absences have been his main cause for concern but at last there is some good news for the United manager on the injury front as Ander Herrera (rib), Phil Jones (hamstring), Chris Smalling (hip) and Michael Carrick (ankle) all return from injury. Johnny Evans (ankle) and Antonio Valencia (hamstring) have not recovered and are still sidelined.

West Brom have some injury concerns of their own, Chris Brunt is set to miss out with a groin injury, while Silvestre Varela, Victor Anichebe and Brown Ideye are all nursing knocks.

Summary

United's injury problems have now started to ease up, although Wayne Rooney is suspended for a further two games, but Van Gaal claims no senior player can take their place for granted.
The Dutchman said: "Nobody is walking back in my team. You have to earn it on the training ground, every player knows that.
"I have great respect for the players I use at this moment and I have also the confidence in these players.
"When you mention Rooney, Carrick and Jones, of course they are great football players, but we have more great football players. Sometimes the other football players are doing better. It is not only the name."
Even with his recognised senior defenders coming back from long layoffs, the Dutch coach says he isn't afraid to stick with the younger performers.
He continued: "I have seen, for example, the youngest player, (Paddy) McNair, was outstanding in his first match. You have seen the reaction of the fans. Every time he touched the ball, applause.
"Of course Jones, Evans and Smalling were not available, but I am always thinking that youngsters can take the job over, especially one or two games."
United have won three of the last five meetings between these sides with West Brom's last victory coming in September of last year at the start of David Moyes' short-lived spell in the Old Trafford dugout.
United will be encouraged to shoot from distance and make the most of set pieces with West Brom having conceded four goals from outside the box, more than any other team this season.
This fixture always seems to provide plenty of goals and with United having won only one of their last five Premier League games on a Monday, the Baggies will be out to cause an upset and stop United's momentum.
Star man Angel Di Maria has been unplayable at times for his new club this season and strikers Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao have been in goalscoring form during the international break, so goals can be expected.
Prediction: West Brom 2-4 Man United

27.9.14

Match of the Week - Man United Vs West Ham



Kick-off: 3PM at Old Trafford
Referee: Lee Mason

Team News

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has major defensive woes ahead of West Ham's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.

They come into this weekend’s fixture after a sensational defeat at Leicester, where a poor defensive showing cost them, blowing a 3-1 lead to lose 5-3.

Defenders Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have all been sidelined with injuries, while Tyler Blackett is serving a suspension after his red card in the shock defeat.

New Argentine signing Marcos Rojo is the only recognised senior central defender available for the game.

The injury plagued defence means versatile midfielder Darren Fletcher could be asked to take up a centre-back role.

Van Gaal has also signaled that he will be implementing more youth players into the first team. 19-year-old Paddy McNair and fellow youth defender Tom Thorpe could be handed first team debuts and are set to start on the bench.

The indication from the Dutch boss that youngsters will get their chance could also mean a competitive debut for left-back Luke Shaw.

"We have nine injuries and one suspension with Blackett," said Van Gaal on Thursday. "The younger players can have their chance now."

"All the three right-sided centre-halves are out, I don't know how long they will be out for."

"Evans is a very difficult one. His bone is bruised a lot and we have to wait and see, to evaluate it."

"Smalling yesterday ran out of the training session because he had stiff legs."

"We have to see what that means but I don't take risks with players. I have to admit that I have never been in this situation before."

Ashley Young (groin), Michael Carrick (ankle), Jesse Lingard (knee) and Marouane Fellaini (ankle) are all still unavailable.

Asked if promoting more youth (McNair and Thorpe) to the first team at an important time of the season was a big risk, Van Gaal replied: "They are always ready, I think.

"They have hunger to play the game and Manchester United youth education has a certain level that can provide that."

"It's a big difference, but in one game you can show yourself."

The travelling side have injury problems of their own with midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate set to miss out. The Senegal international is ruled out due to a groin injury, which he suffered in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool and could be missing for up to five weeks.

Hammers captain Kevin Nolan is back in training after suffering a fractured shoulder but will not be considered at Old Trafford.

Matt Jarvis (thigh), Joey O'Brien (knee) and Andy Carroll (ankle) are also missing but James Collins is in contention after his substitute appearance last weekend.

Summary

United have made a poor start under their new Dutch coach and currently sit down in 12th in the Premier League table, with just a single win from their first five games.

West Ham have lost 10 of the last 11 league meetings between the two clubs but will go into the next game already four places above their struggling opponents in the table.

Sam Allardyce’s side have been on form away from home, they are unbeaten on the road after following up a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace with a 2-2 draw to Hull City.

Possible line-ups

Man United (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Rafael, Thorpe, Rojo, Shaw; Blind, Herrera, Di Maria; Rooney; RVP, Falcao.

West Ham (4-4-2): Adrian; Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell; Amalfitano, Noble, Song, Downing; Sakho, Valencia.

Prediction

Manchester United’s total of five points from five games is their worst haul at this stage of a season since 1989-90. West Ham could exploit the weakened United defence meaning a point is very possibly for Big Sam's men. Although, despite United's unpredictable defence, the attack is still superb with new signing Angel Di Maria already in sensational form for his new club.

Prediction: Man United 3-2 West Ham

20.9.14

Match of the Week - Leicester Vs Man United



Kick off: 13:30 LIVE on Sky Sports 1
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

Team news

Luke Shaw could make his competitive Manchester United debut on Sunday as Louis Van Gaal’s side travel to the King Power Stadium hoping to continue on from their impressive 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers last week.

The England defender could come into the team in left back with fellow new signing, Marcos Rojo, converting to centre back for the game. If not, Tyler Blackett, a favourite of the Dutch manager could make his fifth Premier League start with Rojo continuing on the left.

United have been boosted by the fitness of Chris Smalling who has recovered from a groin injury to be available for Sundays clash. Michael Carrick (ankle), Marouane Fellaini (foot), Phil Jones (hamstring), Jese Lingard (knee) and Ashley Young (groin) all miss out. James Wilson and Reece James are also unavailable with unspecified injuries.

Former Inter Milan and Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso could make his home debut for Leicester after completing a 45-minute outing in his new teams 1-0 win over Stoke City last week. The veteran midfielder joined a free transfer in the summer.

Nick Powell is ineligible to line up against his parent club after joining on loan from Old Trafford but Kasper Schmeichel is available after recovering from a ligament strain, the goalkeeper missed the win at Britannia Stadium.

Summary

Man United are determined to make the top four and that ambition will have increased with their 4-0 drubbing of QPR last week. The performance was a significant statement from Van Gaal’s new revamped side after picking up only two points from their first three games before the victory over Harry Redknapp’s men. With an array of new faces on show at Old Trafford and a performance like the United-of-old, fans will have high hopes for the rest of the season starting with the trip to Leicester.

However the Premiership new boys will be no pushovers after making an imposing start to their campaign in the top flight. Nigel Pearson’s Foxes have held both Everton and Arsenal to draws at home before getting the better of Stoke in their previous fixture.

Predicted line-ups

Leicester (4-4-2): Schmeichel; De Laet, Morgan, Konchesky; Mahrez, Hammond, King, Schlupp; Ulloa, Nugent.
Man United (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Rojo, Shaw; Herrera, Blind, Di Maria; Mata; Rooney, Van Persie.

Prediction and odds

United have beaten Leicester in the last nine Premier League encounters and with Van Gaal aiming to up the challenge for a Champions League spot, get on United’s new look line-up to win narrowly against a bold home side.

Prediction: 2-0

Headline offer: Wayne Rooney has faced Leicester twice in his career and scored on both occasions, back the England striker to net again and United to win at 2/1.

Home win: 9/2
Draw: 5/2
Away win: 4/6

(Odds from William Hill)

13.9.14

Match of the Week - Arsenal v Man City



A couple of important fixtures this week for the fans to get stuck into, Chelsea takes on Swansea in a top of table clash.  Also Liverpool v Aston Villa is the Saturday evening kick off, with Liverpool starting their Champions League campaign mid week and Villa’s good solid start to the season that should be an interesting match up.  However the match of the week has to be the early kick off on Saturday lunchtime.  The gooners against Man city, superstar players all over the pitch and attacking flare to rival any in the world.

KEY PLAYERS

Danny Welbeck for Arsenal has to be a key player after his £16million pound move on deadline day.  On his debut he will be out to impress and take a chance or two that will no doubt come his way from the creative players that are on the pitch for the home side.  Alexis Sanchez has to be the other key player, himself a new arrival this game will be won by who can flex more attacking flare and Sanchez will be very important if arsenal are to do just that.
As ever Yaya Toure will have a big impact on this game, just an absolute mountain of a player and has everything the world class midfielder needs, plus gets more than his share of goals.  Sergio Aguero has to be the other key player for City, his scoring record is immense and goals to games record is well ahead of anyone in the League, past or present.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

Arsenal

Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck.

Manchester City

Hart, Kolarov, Kompany, Demichelis, Sagna, Silva, Nasri, Toure, Fernando, Aguero, Dzeko.

SUMMARY

This early season opener has the potential for match of the season never mind match of the week, all I can see in this game is goals, goals, and goals.  There is just so much talent on display and as it’s early in the season and Man City hasn’t reached their full stride yet I can see Arsenal scoring a couple.  Saying that a newish looking gooner’s defence this season will have its first real test against the likes of Toure and Aguero so can see the away side scoring too.  My prediction for this match will be an Arsenal win, just, but with a few goals and entertaining football, fingers crossed that happens as these games can be real spectacles and showcase why the Premier League is so great.