Sunderland 2-2 Southampton
Both these clubs have had recent mixed fortunes, Sunderland are having a mini revival under manager Gus Poyet and the Saints have been hit with Board Room in-fighting which has seen the departure of Chairman Nicola Cortese. The match itself had everything set in place for a great battle and we were not to be disappointed with Adam Johnson’s goal helping complete a cracking fight-back by the Black Cats, who had been two goals down within the first half hour. The game had barely begun when Saints Jay Rodriguez got on the score sheet with their first shot when he controlled Morgan Schneiderlin’s headed pass and fired into the net beyond Vito Mannone. The Saints started to dominate possession and their direct running was giving the Sunderland defence plenty of trouble. The walking ‘yellow card’ that is Lee Cattermole was soon in the book venting his frustration on Rodriquez with another ridiculous foul that he knew would put him in the book.The persistent Saints pressure was rewarded on 31 minutes when Dejan Lovren volleyed in a Steven Davis corner. Now this would have spelt disaster a few months ago for Sunderland but Poyet has transformed his troops and within a minute they had reduced the deficit when Fabio Borini beat the offside trap to meet an Adam Johnson ball and bypass Artur Boruc with his scuffed effort. 
The keeper will be disappointed when he sees the replays (so will all the Fantasy Managers that just brought him back into their sides). It was Sunderland’s only effort on target of the first half! The second half promised so much but we were only to see one more goal. The Saints came close with the ever dangerous Rodriguez forcing a fine stop from Mannone and Boroni had his effort chalked off when he was ruled off-side but on 71 minutes the resurgent Johnson thumped home the equaliser, driving home an angled shot that proved too powerful for Boruc to stop. The game finished on a sour note though when both Gaston Ramirez and Lovren left the field on stretchers.
Bonus points: Johnson (3), Lovren and Rodriguez (2)
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
With many predicting a convincing home win for the league leaders, a goalless first half was a surprise to many as Fulham “parked the bus” and restricted the Gunners to few opportunities. Mesut Ozil came close early on, but his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Brede Hangeland, while youngster Serge Gnabry was a constant threat, but the end product was again missing. Fulham started the second-half the brighter side, but Arsenal slowly regained their dominance, with Gnabry, Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny all going close, before Cazorla broke the deadlock on 57 minutes, who drilled home a shot from the edge of the area, following a cut back from Jack Wilshire. Within five minutes the Gunners were two up and the three points were effectively secured. It was Cazorla again, this time clipping home a shot from a Nacho Monreal cross. Both sides had chances in the final 20 minutes, with Darren Bent having the best chance, but saw his shot cleared by Koscielny. It wasn’t the walkover it was meant to be, but it was enough to see Arsenal hold on to top spot.
Bonus Points: Cazorla (3), Koscielny (2), Mertesacker (1) Wilshere (1)
Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Stoke
Tony Pulis guided his Palace side to a vital win against his old club and in the process, Palace jumped clear of the relegation zone, while Stoke have now gone five matches without a win. It was the home side who created the better chances throughout the game, while Stoke were limited to predominantly half-chances, with Charlie Adam pulling the strings for Mark Hughes’ side. Palace’s hero was last week’s villain, namely Jason Puncheon. After a scrappy and goalless first half, Puncheon produced a neat drive past Jack Butland in goal six minutes into the second half. In the closing stages, Stoke tried to up the tempo in the pursuit of an equaliser and Steven Ireland, Jon Walters and Adam all went close, while Ryan Shawcross appealed, in vain, for a penalty, before Puncheon wasted a late chance at the other end. Pulis will go away delighted with the three points, while Hughes will be increasingly concerned at the form and position of his team.
Bonus Points: Delaney (3) Puncheon (3) Gabbidon (1) Mariappa (1) Speroni (1)
Manchester City 4-2 Cardiff City
City maintained their impressive run, but were made to fight hard by a resolute Cardiff side. It took just 14 minutes for City to notch their 100th goal of the campaign as Edin Dzeko scored from David Silva’s pass – the Cardiff players surrounded the referee, who adjudicated the ball had crossed the line. Strike partner Alvaro Negredo wasted two chances before the away side settled down and came into the game more and more, with Jordon Mutch testing Joe Hart just before the half-hour. A minute later Aron Gunnarsson fed Craig Noone down the right, before the winger cut inside , wrong-footed Vincent Kompany and lashed in the equaliser. This prompted some urgency into City and they responded immediately – Yaya Toure found Dzeko, who lost control of the ball, but Jesus Navas reacted quickest and slotted home. Both sides had chances in the second half, with Noone, David Silva and the returning Sergio Aguero, who had replaced the ineffective Negrado, all going close. It was Toure who scored City’s third and decisive goal on 76 minutes, firing home after playing a one-two with Aguero. Three minutes later Aguero got himself on the scoresheet to the delight of many fantasy managers who had gambled on his return, before Fraizer Campbell grabbed a consolation goal in injury time.
Bonus Points: Toure (3) Aguero (2) Dzeko (1)
Norwich 1-0 Hull
A vital game here for Norwich and in particular manager Chris Hughton who had been backed by the board earlier in the week on the pretence that he kept them out of the bottom three and they left things a little late. Hull’s new signing Nikica Jelavic made his debut for the Tiger’s and it was almost a dream start as he hit the post inside the opening two minutes. Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Robert Snodgrass both had chances for Norwich and Liam Rosenior likewise for Hull but it was Norwich who eventually took the lead and ultimately the three points with it. Snodgrass had been increasingly influential throughout, exerting his authority on the game, and it was from his cross in the 86th minute that Ryan Bennett was able to head home the winner. The other talking point was the dismissal of Tom Huddlestone for two yellow cards, that in all fairness were harsh and will see him now miss the next game. Hughton will be relieved though as he will still be around for Norwich’s next few games at least as this win sees the Canaries jump to 12th in the table.
Bonus Points: Bennett (3) Ruddy (2) Bassong (2)
West Ham 1-3 Newcastle
West Ham slipped back into the relegation zone as they were ruthlessly beaten by an efficient Newcastle side at Upton Park. The away side took the lead in the 16th minute as Yoan Gouffran darted infield and found Yohan Cabaye, who took two touches and passed the ball into the net, passed the helpless Adrian. Cabaye was running the show in midfield and he set up Moussa Sissoko who should have scored. On 33 minutes, Sissoko became provider as he floated in a cross that should have been cleared with ease, but Loic Remy stole a march on the defence and stabbed the ball home. On the stroke of half-time, the home side were gifted a lifeline as Mike Williamson was adjudged to have got the final touch to a goalmouth scramble to send the ball into his own net. Big Sam reacted at half-time by introducing Ravel Morrison and shortly after Andy Carroll and it was the latter who should have equalised in the 62nd minute, but the striker lofted his shot from Stewart Downing, high over the bar. Cabaye added his second and Newcastle’s third deep into injury time, curling a free-kick round the wall.
Bonus Points: Cabaye (3) Remy (2) Yanga-Mbiwa (1) Tiote (1) Gouffran (1)
Liverpool 2-2 Aston Villa
The script did not go according to plan in this one as once again Villa played extremely well at Anfield. The likes of Skrtel and Toure just could not deal with the strength of Benteke. The scoring was opened when Agbonlohor rounded past Liverpools defence and his pass across goal was easily put in by Wiemann. Agbonlohor was once again provider as this time he floated in a cross which was misjudged by both Mignolet in goal and Johnson and was easily headed in by Benteke who grabs his second goal in two games. Liverpool were given a lifeline in injury time before the half time break as a cheeky pass by Henderson found Sturridge in space who finsihed neatly. After the break Liverpool were level early on as Suarez was brought down in the box by Guzan and Gerrard cooly finished from the spot. With the wind in their sails it looks as though the Reds could go onto win it but it was not to be and the shares were spoilt. A Liverpool home game without Suarez scoring, what has the world come to!
Bonus Points: Henderson (3) Sturridge (3) Benteke (3)
Swansea 1-3 Tottenham
Emmanuel Adebayor continued to repay manager Tim Sherwood’s faith in him by grabbing a brace as Spurs won 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium to compound Swansea City’s relegation fears. The Ivorian striker headed Spurs into a 35th-minute lead after Christian Eriksen produced a pinpoint cross from the right to catch the Swansea defence out and later tapped in the third after Danny Rose pulled the ball across the box for Adebayor to calmly beat Tremmel and claim his second of the day and sixth in eight games. A Chico Flores own goal on 53 minutes had doubled the visitors’ lead when he inadvertently turned a Kyle Walker cross into his own net. Wilfried Bony hit the bar and had a good penalty appeal for a push by Michael Dawson turned down in the first half, before getting Swansea’s consolation late on, steering in a scuffed cross from Roland Lamah. The win moves Tottenham up to fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool as Tim Sherwoods side remain unbeaten in the Premier League since he took over over from Andre Villas-Boas. Swansea, remain just three points above the relegation zone and their lengthy injury list (Jojo Shelvey limped off with hamstring problems on 51 minutes) and their drop in form will be of concern for manager Michael Laudrup.
Bonus points: Adebayor (3), Walker (2), Eriksen and Rose (1)
Chelsea 3-1 Manchester Utd
Another horror show of a performance by United but this game was all about Samuel Eto’o and his 49 minute hatrick and in doing so he becomes the first Chelsea player since 1955 to score a hatrick against Utd. The result will all but end United’s title hopes and in the dying seconds Nemanja Vidic let his frustration get the better of him as he was sent off for a dreadful lunge on Eden Hazard and will now face a three match ban. Fellow defender Rafae da Silva probably should have joined him in the dressing room soon afterwards but somehow escaped with a yellow card for a two-footed tackle on Gary Cahill. In all fairness David Moyes’s side started brightly in the first quarter of the game but when Eto’o opened the scoring with a shot that deflected off Michael Carrick Chelsea had the ascendency. The lead was doubled before the break when Eto’o scored again when after some hapless Utd defending Gary Cahill whipped the ball across and Eto’o beat David De Gea. The hatrick was completed just after half-time as United’s defence dissolved into little pieces. Cahill was given far too much freedom at a corner by the United Defence and he powered a header that De Gea somehow kept out but Eto’o was quickest to the loose ball, stabbing it over the line. There are dangerous signs with this United side and the lack of fight or leadership was alarming. Javier Hernandez did get on the scoresheet when he slid in a consolation goal on 78 minutes but this defeat leaves United 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. Patrice Evra also hobbled of on 51 minutes and could be an injury concern.
Bonus points: Eto’o (3), Cahill (2), Hernandez (1)
This article was written by
Eddy and Migs
First draft on WC team:
Boruc, Speroni
Coleman, Sagna, Azpilicueta, Parr, Chester
Hazard, Silva, Cabaye, Wilshere, Noone
Suarez, Aguero, Eto`o
Bank: 1,9
Think my MF is a bit weak. Also not sure who should be my 3rd striker..
What do you think?
Solid all round
Personally would do Wilshire to Ramsey when he’s back… and despite his hattie I’m still not convinced by Eto’o… I’d probably go Adebayor instead… seems more consistent at the minute & is also getting the game time.
Eto’o could be a gamble when Torres is back due to rotation.
Upgrade Noone to Mutch?
Nice team.I agree with dangermouse about Adebayor as 3rd striker, he’s on red hot form at the moment.I’d have Eriksen,lallana or ramsey when fit before wilshere.
Cheers guys! I fancy Adebayor, but he has a couple of difficult fixtures coming up, where as Eto`o is facing WHU next. What do you think of Bony?
Wilshere is probably just for short term. Ramsey to replace him when fit. Do you think Azpi is a gamble or should he be “nailed on”?
So is Lallana out for Cabaye worth it?
Nope… sideways move in my opinion. & Southampton have a very good run of games coming up.
Plus (Not that I believe the rumours) there are a lot of rumours of Cabaye maybe leaving this window… how gutted would you be to bring him in & then he buggers off to PSG or somewhere like that…
Distinct lack of Geordies on here this game weekend…………anyone seen any Magpies twittering about lol
Hey Drex,
I understand congratulations are in order ? Well played mate, nice win – although I’m not convinced its the upset you were making out! Funny how some are loud and brash when things are going their way…but when things are not they hide away !
Oh well, nicely played and good luck for the rest of the comp mate !
Thanks Cookie…TBH it wasnt an expected win and had a following wind….(much thought about) Ericson pick worked, Palaces CS and Man U scoring against the run all helped.
Not apologising (in any way) but truly no intention of WC’ing this GW – Agueros return and rise forced my hand earlier than would have liked. But managed to squeeze him in and side set fair now so made right call. Nearly went Negredo last minute but fortunately didnt press the button at 11.29 (v close)
Long way to go for qualification for play offs, as lack of TV puts me at a disadvantage, but playing well in H2H’s at mo which is pleasing. Amazingly beaten CFC, Eddy, Kop, Mito and Gallow in last 5 GW’s in H2H’s. all with margins of 8 pts or less, so riding my luck but doing something right! May have to change my nametag to ‘scalphunter’ lol. But things can change quickly so certainly not getting ahead of myself. Breaking 100k is next goal…and trying to keep trfs down to less than 100 for the season !!!
Another BB win for you mate so well done. Great season for you. That group you are in is mental so well played.
And cheers mate…good luck, tho think you will be hard to beat.
D
Drexl,
Its all good fun mate, well for most of us anyway (don’t mention the geordies!!) – its your wildcard to play as you see fit mate, relax – absolutely no need to apologise. Believe it or not, I heard someone played their wildcard just cos they heard I was playing mine – how stupid is that ?!!!
As I say, all good fun and banter – its a great competition where truly anyone can beat anyone on their day, so its always exciting!
Good call avoiding Negrado – that was a close one!
Youre right Cookie…its called BANTERbury after all…think the clues in the title
Exactly Drexl – not difficult is it ?!!
What you whinging about now Princess? 😉
Always quick to have a pop aren’t we?
Never mind, onwards and upwards….
whinging Gramps? not me old boy. One thing I can’t stand is whinging.
Don’t be a bad loser :hippo:
Awwww Princess…. You think I’m loud AND brash?
I’m feeling victimised by FPL Royalty LMAO
Who says I was talking about you, old boy. Trust I didn’t touch a nerve !!
At least have the balls to address your venom to its target instead of hiding behind what you’ve said, we both know who it’s aimed at.
Don’t know what your problem is with me but bring it on, I’ve never shyed away from keyboard warriors and if you want to use your site for this it’s your perogative.
Let’s take this on twitter instead of embarrassing yourself on here?
Your move fat boy 😉
Gallow, win with humility and if you lose, lose graciously, then they’ll be no issue.
With respect cookie, who are YOU to tell me how to react to winning OR losing? Think about it? Drexyl got it spot on about winning and losing.
I came on here this afternoon for the first time today and YOU had already started the anti Geordie crap, how can I respond to Drexyl when I’ve not been on?
As a matter of fact and I shouldn’t need to explain myself but I will, I’ve been laid up ill in bed today off work, never even crossed my mind to come on here although I had been online earlier on my phone.
Look Cookie, if you have issues with me just say and I will stay off these boards?
EVERY time on on here it’s snide remarks from YOU, don’t know what it is but with the help of your little arse wipe stirrer CFC it IS as Drexyl pointed out- a witch hunt.
Don’t tell me it is banter, don’t insult my intelligence, we BOTH know that’s bollox, banter is something said in jest.
Drexyl can see it for what it is and is a good lad, me and him have had banter on here lately.
Me and you were OK until the summer when the Pact v Merc thing seems to have gone and twisted your head, why???
There are 7 of us who HELP each other, are very close mates, and what we vote on works whether you like it or not, it’s there in my weekly game history.
Give the digs a rest man, it will turn nasty and I’m sure nether of us want that, not on here anyway.
If you want me gone from this site just say, no problems no arguing I will walk away.
It’s totally up to you?
Aaaannndddd this is why I avoid conversing with you. Quick to act the victim but any other time you dish it out it’s classed as ‘banter’. You ride a thin line with a lot of your comments, consequently portraying yourself as an egotistical sore loser. Nice one Drexl, ignore the lucky comments as you chose your players for the reason they scored you more points than Gallowgate, if he was unlucky then so am I (for the whole season).
Gallow,
I’d like to respond to your earlier post.
Firstly, i am not anti-Geordie, any more than i am not anti Scouse, Brummy or anything. Which leads me onto my main point. The fact that i mention Geordie in our “banter” or “venom” as you describe it when i talk, is no different to you calling me Princess or fat, or indeed me calling you “old boy”. Its banter, its boys having humourous digs at each other, no nastiness from my point of view. Have i ever moaned at you calling me Princess? No. Never.
Regarding today, i’m afraid you had that coming – and if you can’t take it, don’t give it out. You’re happy to go on when you’ve had a good week, wind people up when you’ve beaten them (in a joking fashion, i believe), so when you get beaten, take it like a man. Because the more you give out, the more you’ll get back. No different from Mito or Monty, to name just two people, who give it out loads, but have the balls to take it back.
The fact that every week you tell me how you’re going to “hunt me down” or “not having Coleman will be my ultimate downfall” just opens you up to getting stick back. And when you say offline from here that Drexl was lucky with his third sub coming on and winning your H2H, or he only played his wildcard to beat you on an unlevel playing field, smacks of arrogance, sulking and a bad loser. Jeez, Potty and i have been winding each other up all weekend re our H2H – Bench too – and i was the first to congratulate Bench when he beat me. And i’ll be the same if Potty turns me over tonight.
It is banter, its a game, its fun – no more than that. If you truly believe i’m venomous to you then firstly i apologise and secondly, you’re mistaken. Maybe banter can be taken the wrong way on here or on twitter. But i am not venomous to you – its not my way and its not in my interests or the site’s interest.
Re the Pact/Merc league – haha my head is not twisted, in fact its the last league i look at and the one i care about least.
Whether you choose your captain on your own or with your fellow pacters is your choice – but realise, if you go on about it all the time, you’ll get stick back. Very simple.
It goes back to, “if you can’t take it, don’t give it out”. As i said before, Mito gives out more than anyone – and he takes more than anyone, because he understands the consequences of winding people up.
i do not hate you, i do not want you to stop coming on here, i have no issue with you and i am not consciously “venomous” to you.
Sorry you’re not well – i hope you feel better.
I suggest we stop this on here now as its boring for everyone else. If you want to chat more, please get Fergie to message me and i’ll give him my email address to pass on.
Cheers,
The Fat Princess.
haha
Gallow where you hiding ?
Gallow is currently in Euro Disney!!!
Sat on a Giant Tea Cup with his mate Cabaye.
Well done Drexl.
Howway ya Wildcard.
Potty
haha potty you never fail to make me laugh :big–lol:
No hiding Bench, you know the facts here but hey, it’s nice to be thought of as such as scalp and I will return.
No hits from now on in this comp, that was a one off to get Aguero in, and the WC being played swayed it.
Elliot (CFC) will get the backlash from this, Drexyl has also to play me again on a level playing field next time…. We will see how he fares then?
Good to see you back my north eastern nemesis. Yeah rode my luck, tho my pre WC side had speroni and navas amongst others so would have fared well too.
As for a level playing field, you had ALREADY played your WC and had a £3.5m advantage, so I cannot see how the field could have been any more level. Maybe thats just me
The return fixture will now have a bit of edge for sure, tho now the seed has been planted of tactical deployment (not the case this week btw), I still have my season long WC in my back pocket. Wonder which week I could play that “sniggers adolescently”.
Nice to have you back amongst the banter mate….
Drexl (aka Scalphunter)
Congrats Drexyl, end of the day you won mate no matter what.
Look forward to the return game.
Cheers and yep me too Gallow. Will gladly swop you the 3pts for a swap in overall position!!
Now to break 100k…
Drexl-Gallow is congratulating on you here but this is what he says on twitter
Gallow ?@Gallow111 Protected Tweets · 15 mins
@DhasMohan13 It took a 4 hit and WC for him to win, even then it was only because of a sub sitting 3rd on the bench. Bad luck that’s all.
he is putting it down to his bad luck. BAD loser indeed.
You will get there no problem Drexyl, you’re not far off now surely?
Elliot, what I said on twitter is what is said on here so don’t go twisting things you prick.
Wait your turn, me and you up next, I will let my points do the talking.
Drexl- again he is trying to be nice to you here but putting down your win as luck in twitter.
trust your enemy but never trust a backstabber..just saying
Hey lets not turn this into a witch hunt….banter should remain exactly that….& I always have time for someone who likes to win (and by default hates to lose).
I still play the real game every week, centre mid, at a very high standard (tho vets these days) and believe me I leave nothing on the field except a few bloodied opponents!
Bench, ‘you’ve created a monster’ in The BB Shield, and we’re all the better for it. Great work my friend, and know we all appreciate the work you put in. Terrific fun and it SHOULD be competitive otherwise wheres the fun.
All good stuff fellas…all good stuff
Drexl (aka the Peacemaker)
Drexl-dont worry,for me its all banter.if I find any any ways to wind up/piss off the old man im always there
As Drexl said lets keep it friendly please , with banter and not abuse
Drexl and Gallow…
The banter will take off bigtime…
When one of you 2 meets Powerful Potty Fc in the Quarters……
WoooHooooo
Potty
lol
If I do manage to get through to the Q’s and meet you all I can say is there will be some serious POTTY TRAINING going my friend
And you will need a full bottle of J&J talc, as your botty, potty, will get well and truly smacked……..
“Exits stage left….”
Well that was entertaining
:popcorn:
GW22 – so far 63 points – got Coleman left. Total score 1464 and overall rank #161. Still going strong.
Mignolet – (Mannone)
Mertesacker – Coleman – Ward – (Chester, Turner)
Silva – Eriksen – Øzil – Hazard – (Amalfitano)
Adebayour – Suarez – Aguero
A) I’m rotating Chester/Turner/Ward.
B) I’ve obviously got a bit of a problem with Spurs – City, so for GW23 I’m not expecting too much from those players. Both Eriksen and Adebayour are picking too many points atm, to contemplate any transfers at that point.
C) I’m going to transfer Øzil out before GW25. My best guess is getting Yaya Toure, mainly because of the fixutres. That means I’m going to have to downgrade somewhere else on the pitch. Ramsey is out of the question before GW27ish.
D) At first glance that adds up to loosing Mignolet, who has been far from impressing for my team since i wildcarded him in for GW21.
E) Double-fixtures coming up around GW28-29?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
Hey slack, great season you’re having there mate, good to see!
I think Mignolet is the best option to downgrade right now – for some reason they just cannot stop leaking at the back, so I think you could downgrade to a Boruc or similarly priced keeper.
Wouldn’t argue with your analysis on Ozil, he didn’t look that involved at the weekend. Yaya seems to be pretty much a “must-have” if affordable, he really is the daddy of that side and my personal view is that they storm through to win the league now, with Chelsea a few points behind.
Appreciate the input! Season is extraordinary. Still, in a league with the remaining top 161 players, I’d still be quite far behind. Im hoping for a two-digit placement, counting on a five-digit placement! 😉
Ill probably save my FT, unless anything sick happens. Can’t see myself getting an edge from a short term transfer atm. I need some wild differentials to gain ground on the better placed teams. At the moment. I will probably have to do something risky at some point.
Hey Slack jump into the leagues if you have any space. We sure could do with someone who can give B-Bash some competition in the FF247 League. He is 64th in the world I think.
https://fantasyfootball247.co.uk/league-codes-intro/
Well done…go for #1
Hey guys! I’m wild carding this week, so who is a good back up option to Szczezny?
Fabianski
Thanks Cookie, I hadn’t considered Fabianski. However, I’m against having two keepers from the same team, because if the team has a difficult fixture I will have to play the keeper anyways. Also, if arsenal miss a match one GW because of weather/FA cup/etc. I would only have 10 players that week. Anybody else?
Veer, I was being half pedantic with you. Check the fixture tracker above (under Tips/News) and see who has ok fixtures when Arsenal have their tough ones.
What a good point Veer…hadnt considered that but valid indeed…now ruled out Boruc/Davis for the run in as planned…good tip and sure am not alone in overlooking that
boruc.saints and gunners rotate well.
Bob wilson. :big-lol:
my WC team –
boruc – mannone
chester – koscielny – distin – kolarov – whittaker
cabaye – eriksen – hazard – wilshere – morrison
rooney – aguero – suarez
any suggestions would be great help.
thanks