Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 8

By FF247 on September 28, 2015 430 Comments

Team Talk Fantasy Football GW8

Team Talk Fantasy Football Gameweek 8 Welcome to GW8 ladies and gentlemen – a week that promises so much. And will no doubt deliver nothing if we are to take precedent from the previous seven gameweeks. Yeah, it doesn’t get much easier this game, though at least last week we saw some sense of normality return as Rooney, Sturridge and Kane scored their first goals of the season and Alexis popped up with a treble. This week kicks off in South London Saturday lunchtime as Tony Pulis takes his Baggies to meet the Lord at Pulis’ ex-Palace. Five 3pm fixtures follow with Villa taking on Stoke, Watford travelling to Bournemouth, City prepare to see off the Toon, Norwich and Leicetser do battle and the Hammers look forward to another happy away day as they go to Sunderland. Chelsea host Southampton in the evening match and then onto Super Sunday. And it’s better than last Sunday, let me tell you. First up is the Merseyside Derby as Everton host Liverpool and then at 4pm we end our gameweek with two matches. Le Professeur welcomes The Philosopher as United go to Arsenal while Spurs go from the sublime to the ridiculous – having spent Thursday night rolling the dice in Monaco, Sunday sees them travelling the length of the M4 to play Swansea.
So, after a busy week of Champions League and Europa League action, let’s go Around the Grounds to catch up on the latest team news.

Crystal Palace vs West Brom (Sat 3 Oct 12.45)
Alan Pardew’s men have survived a five-week span that saw them play Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Spurs. The schedule is kinder for the next month, and a 1-0 win on the road against Watford last week will have done wonders for the Eagles confidence. Palace will hope to fix what has been a leaky defence at home, as they’ve yielded at least one goal in all three home games they’ve played. West Brom come to town boasting impressive form away from home this season. They’ve taken seven points from three, have yet to concede a goal on the road and Saido Berahino has scored in his team’s last two matches. Don’t bet on a draw – Crystal Palace have gone 20 Premier League matches without a draw.

Lord Pardew is feeling unloved and says he and his team are not receiving the credit they deserve. Ah Pards, come here mate, come and have a hug, you poor thing. Prick. Apparently being the first team to score and win at Watford last week didn’t generate the praise and adulation that the Lord expected. Prick. In other news, Mile Jedinak, Damien Delaney, Joel Ward and Connor Wickham remain out, while Lord Prick talked up Dwight Gayle’s performance at Watford and says the striker will definitely play this week.

The Baggies are set to be without Gareth McAuley, Jonas Olsson and Salomon Rondon for the trip to Palace. McAuley is still struggling with the back injury that kept him out of Monday’s defeat to Everton, while Rondon and Olsson picked up injuries in the loss and none of them have trained this week. Ben Foster is the only other definite absentee.

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Aston Villa vs Stoke (Sat 3 Oct 15.00)
If there is one game you absolutely should not watch this weekend, it’s this one. Unless you’re the type that slows down on the road to stare at a car wreck. If that’s the case, pull up a chair and get comfortable. These teams just aren’t that good, and it will be interesting to see which team’s manager gets sacked first. If you’re still reading this preview, don’t plan on a clean sheet in this one. Aston Villa have conceded in all of their home games this season, and the Orcs have elbowed through a goal in each of their away matches.

Tim Sherwood is singing the praises of Rudy Gestede after the striker scored a brace at Anfield last week. Much will depend on Gestede, with Villa struggling near the bottom, form is poor and Gabby Agbonlahor cannot shrug off a calf injury. Tiago Llori is available after being ineligible to face Liverpool last weekend, Idrissa Gana is now fully fit, but Adama Traore is a doubt and faces a late fitness test as he is still struggling with an ankle problem.

Mark Hughes will make a late decision on the availability of Xherdan Shaqiri, who limped out of last week’s win over Bournemouth and has barely trained this week. Marc Wilson remains a doubt as he is struggling with a calf injury, meaning Philipp Wollscheid is likely to continue his partnership with Geoff Cameron at the back, unless Hughes decides to recall Marc Muniesa. Mame Diouf is pushing for a start after coming off the bench to score last week, while Ryan Shawcross has begun training with the academy.

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Bournemouth vs Watford (Sat 3 Oct 15.00)
An early season match between two newly-promoted teams should make for entertaining football. Watford have gotten the better of Bournemouth recently, winning eight of the last 14 between the clubs while playing to a draw four times. Both teams come into this match riding interesting streaks – the Cherries have lost just once in their last 13 home league matches (7 wins, 5 draws), while Watford have just one loss in their last 12 away league matches (8 wins, 3 draws). Something has to give and, with Callum Wilson missing out, it looks like a Watford win.

Bournemouth will of course have to cope without Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out for six months with a knee injury. Wilson has scored five of The Cherries’ nine league goals this season and his loss is a massive blow to a squad already deprived of the services of Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel with similar injuries. Much will now depend on Glenn Murray, who has yet to score for Bournemouth.

Watford expect to name an unchanged squad for their day trip to the seaside as they look to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Palace. Valon Behrami remains missing through suspension, while the manager explained the lack of game time of defender Jose Holebas, saying that his performances in the first two gameweeks were not good enough and Ikechi Anya has impressed in his place. You don’t really care do you?

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Man City vs Newcastle (Sat 3 Oct 15.00)
Manchester City have lost their last two and have a few injury concerns, but this week they get the cure for what ails them: a visit from Newcastle. Newcastle narrowly avoided relegation last year and they currently sit in 19th place. This one could get ugly: Newcastle haven’t scored away from home this season and City have scored at least one in each of their three home games. Newcastle fans stop reading now. Man City haven’t lost in their last 17 EPL matches against the Magpies, failing to take maximum points just twice during that span. It gets worse: City have netted at least twice in their last 14 EPL matches against Newcastle.

Yaya Toure is the latest City player to be struck down with injury, with the midfielder ruled out of the visit of the Toon with an ongoing hamstring problem. Captain Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, Fabian Delph and Samir Nasri are also injured and unavailable, but Eliaquim Mangala and Wilfried Bony are fit enough to make the bench.

Steve McClaren reports that Gabriel Obertan, Rolando Aarons and Massadio Haidara are all injured and unavailable, while Jack Colback is a doubt – you could almost hear the cries of joys and relief from the Etihad when this team news was relayed. Chieck Tiote could be back though, to snap at those delicate heels of David Silva.

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Norwich vs Leicester (Sat 3 Oct 15.00)
Leicester limp into this Tale of Two Cities Derby still smarting from a 5-2 loss to Arsenal that looks worse every time Arsenal take the pitch (more on that anon). OK, this isn’t a real derby but they have to start somewhere, don’t they? #DickensDerby These clubs have faced off just twice in top flight football, with each winning at home during the 1994/95 season. Recent history favors the Canaries, who have lost just one of their last 10 against Leicester, but Leicester appear to be a legitimate top-10 team. Our fantasy pick to click – Jamie Vardy. The former medical splint technician has scored in seven of his last eight EPL matches and has five goals in his last four.

Norwich boss Alex Neill is pleased to report no new injuries as the Foxes waltz into town, but they will still be without striker Gary Hooper and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu. Neill is delighted with the way the Canaries are playing though he admits his team are probably three points shy of where they should be considering their performances and will be looking to impose their own style on a Leicester side who we know can attack and score but have also shown themselves to be vulnerable at the back.

Regarding the aforementioned Vardy, his manager sought to temper fears that his striker’s wrist injury will keep him out of the match. Claudio Ranieri explained that Vardy played and scored, twice, last week with the same injury he picked up vs Villa. He has broken a couple of bones but will again play in a cast. As he did last week. Nasty those wrist injuries, but Ranieri says he’ll be ok and said that he couldn’t pull him off last week as he single handedly took the fight to the Goonies. Nathan Dyer is back in training but this weekend’s match comes too soon for him, while Matty James continues his long rehab.

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Sunderland vs West Ham (Sat 3 Oct 15.00)
West Ham is the guy that comes to your house, drinks all your good scotch and befouls the loo before heading home when all the booze is gone. The bottom line: you don’t want this West Ham team coming to a stadium near you. Just ask Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, who have lost home games to the Hammers by a combined 7-1 margin. Sunderland sit bottom of the table with just two points and have suffered three consecutive clean sheet losses. Sunderland have won just one of their last six against West Ham, and that’s a trend unlikely to change this weekend.

Dick Advocaat started his presser by denying reports he will walk away from Sunderland if they lose to West Ham. Clever Dick, I like it. He never said he wouldn’t run away – and let’s face it, you couldn’t blame him for getting out of there as soon as possible. He also reiterated he has no regrets in signing up for another season – stop, stop, stop Dick – now we know you’re telling porkies. “Maybe you don’t believe me” – correct, Dick – finally some honesty. I’ve never enjoyed a Black Cat presser so much – though this is probably as good as it gets – until the day Lee Cattermole barges through the door and karate kicks a journalist. Team news? You want team news? I’ll do the jokes round here – seriously, put your hand up if you have a Sunderland player in your squad. Not even I have one. Well, if anyone does care, Younes Kaboul has been ruled out while there is speculation that DeAndre Yedlin could replace PvA and Jack Rodwell has overcome an ankle injury. For now.

Hammers chief Slaven Bilic is warning his side against complacency as they travel to the Stadium of Light. Wouldn’t it just sum up this season if West Ham lost to Sunderland after previously winning at The Emirates, Anfield and the Etihad?! Bilic has concerns at the back as Angelo Ogbonna remains out and Winston Reid is a doubt. Up front, a decision on Andy Carroll will be taken after training, while there is more positive news of Enner Valencia , who resumed light training on Thursday and could be back in 2-3 weeks if all goes well.

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Chelsea vs Southampton (Sat 3 Oct 17.30)
Being a Chelsea fan this season must feel a lot like being an Arsenal fan. This season has been anything but special for Chelsea’s self-proclaimed Messiah. His squad have taken just eight points from seven matches and already sit eight points off the pace set by Manchester… United. What? The Saints come to town hoping to reverse their recent fortunes at Stamford Bridge, where they last won in January 2002. Don’t miss the first half – both of last season’s meetings between these two ended in a 1-1 draw, and all four goals were scored in the first half. Frank Lampard, last seen stealing money in the MLS, has five career goals against Southampton, the most by any player in this fixture’s history.

Moody Mourinho refused to give any team news ahead of the weekend! What we do know is that Thibaut Courtois is out until December and Diego Costa is suspended. What he did say is that Oscar, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao trained “fantastically” after being left behind in midweek, the supporters are great to sing for John Terry and then admitted that Branislav Ivanovic talks to him about the mistakes he makes in defence. Great. Wonderful. Enlightening.

Saints chief Ronald Koeman expects to name an unchanged squad, but could have the luxury of including Jordy Clasie if he comes through training ok. Only Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos are unavailable for the trip to the Bridge, while Ryan Bertrand will again start, verus his old club and with no doubt a point to prove.

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Everton vs Liverpool (Sun 4 Oct 13.30)
Sunday football kicks off with a real derby match: the Merseyside Derby. Whether you like or dislike one (or both) of these teams, this is must-watch football and it’s only appropriate it sits alone in its time slot. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine league matches against Everton, though the last three between these clubs have ended in a draw. Think this one doesn’t mean anything to the players? Think again: this match boasts 20 red cards in its Premier League history, four more than any other fixture in the competition. Fantasy pick to click: Daniel Sturridge. The England international has five career goals against the Toffees.

Defensive headaches again for Roberto Martinez as he admits that it is still too early to decide if John Stones and Seamus Coleman will be fit for the derby. Pretty much what he said last week and they didn’t make it, so don’t hold out too much hope. Or is he playing some sneaky mind games with Brenda? For earlier in the week, naughty Roberto suggested both defenders would be ok for Sunday. Dangerous game playing dirty with those scousers, Robbie man – they are the kings of deception and skulduggery. The Toffees have no new injuries following Monday’s win at West Brom, meaning those missing are still Leighton Baines, Tony Hibbert, Tom Cleverley, Steven Pienaar and Mo Besic, while Kevin Mirallas is suspended.

Rodgers says striker Christian Benteke will be given every chance to prove his fitness, with a decision expected to be made on Saturday. Good idea Brenda. No point him making the huge, long journey across Stanley Park on Sunday morning just to fail a fitness test. Idiot. The idiot suggests the squad will be largely similar to the one that just sneaked past Villa – meaning Dejan Lovren, Joe Flanagan, Firmino and Jordan Henderson remain sidelined.

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Arsenal vs Man Utd (Sun 4 Oct 16.00)
The City of Manchester v. The City of London… the French v. the Dutch… the Tower of London v. a really tall building in Manchester… it really is a shame we don’t have a snappy name for this fixture. We could call it the Dickens Derby, but I’m almost positive that’s been taken… It seems we’ve reached the annual breaking point at Arsenal but it does feel different this year. Arsene Wenger is openly calling his players out and one has to honestly consider the possibility that he’s lost the confidence of his players. Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal must feel like giving the middle finger to the collective football press, and who could blame him? Mocked for nearly every decision he’s made this season, LVG has his team the one place many thought impossible this year, the top of the table. Fantasy note – Wayne Rooney loves playing Arsenal. He scored his first EPL goal, his first league goal for Manchester United and his 100th Premier League goal against Arsenal.

The Gooners have been hit with the news that Laurent Koscielny is likely to miss the next three weeks or so with a hamstring injury and has been joined on the treatment table by Mikel Arteta and goal scoring legend Mathieu Flamini. However, Wenger is confident that Francis Coquelin should be fit. Coquelin is, of course, the sort of player that Wenger would hate if he played for Stoke – however, with all the other tough tackling pussies crying off injured, Coquelin is pretty much the only thing separating the Gooners from a proper beating most weeks. I digress. After dropping the ball in his net on Tuesday, Wenger praised David Ospina, saying, “it is fantastic to know you have two good keepers in goal.” Hold on Arsie – firstly, that would be cheating. And secondly, the geezer DROPPED THE BALL INTO THE NET ON TUESDAY. #WengerIn. Wilshere is still out, Welbeck is still out. Rosicky is still out. But you know that. In fact I wrote it last week. And the week before. C’mon United!

United have no new injuries after their midweek Champions League win over Wolfsburg. Michael Carrick is fit to face the Gooners, while LVG spent much of the presser talking up Ashley Young’s 2nd half performance midweek at right back in place of Antonio Valencia – implying Young could start there vs Arsenal. Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Paddy McNair all remain out giving United little defensive cover.

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Swansea vs Spurs (Sun 4 Oct 16.00)
You have to feel bad for these teams. Well, for Swansea anyway. Will anyone honestly be watching this match? The good news for Spurs fans is that Harry Kane scored last week. The bad news is their crest features a chicken atop a basketball. Tottenham come into the game in the better form of the two and will certainly fancy their chances against a team they usually don’t not-win against. The Hotspur have won their last seven league matches against Swansea but history actually favours the Swans -Tottenham have never won eight consecutive matches against one opponent in EPL history. Gylfi Sigurdsson has played an almost equal number of games for both teams, and we will let you guess where he enjoyed playing more – Spurs (8 goals, 4 assists in 57 PL matches) or Swansea (15 goals, 14 assists in 58 PL games).

Swans boss Garry Monk says he has a fully fit squad for the visit of Spurs and will be looking to inspire his team to recapture the early season form. Just one point in their last three has seen Swansea slip to mid table.

Spurs enjoyed a wet Thursday night in Monaco and came away with a draw, not a bad result. If they can win in Wales and the Gooners failt to beat United at the same time, Spurs will go above their nearest and dearest in the league. That’ll send the Goonies and #WengerOut crowd into meltdown. Lovely. COME ON YOU SPUUUUUURS. Mauricio Pochettino has been hit by the news that striker Heung-Min Son has been ruled out for a few weeks with a foot injury, while Alex Pritchard, Nabil Bentaleb and Mousa Demble remain out as does Ryan Mason who could be available straight after the international break.

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Suspension Report

Those players who are suspended for GW8 are as follows:

Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
Valon Behrami (Watford)

It’s worth being aware that any player who receives five yellow cards before 31st December will receive an automatic one match ban. Those players currently sitting on four yellows are:

Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
Jeffrey Sclupp (Leicester)
Eric Dier (Spurs)
Sebastian Coates (Sunderland)
Jack Colback (Sunderland)
Billy Jones (Sunderland)