Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 2

Team Talk Fantasy Football GW2

Well that was an interesting week. The average score was 34 and we honestly wonder where all those people are. Regulars were rested and backups were started. Leicester and Palace looked like fantasy juggernauts, each placing two players in the GW1 Dream Team. The cadre of unusual scorers and new players will undoubtedly lead to panicked wildcards being played this week. We hope you’re able to keep your powder dry for now but understand if you’ve played it already – we’ve all been there!

The highest score of the week was a chap that put up 109 points. How? By playing his triple captain chip and then placing the captain’s armband on none other than the Yaya sisterhood Toure. Now that’s a punt that paid off. If you managed a decent week, then fair play to you and congratulations. Just try to keep the music in your party down if you don’t mind, there are a lot of us licking our wounds this week.
It’s a four day gameweek this week with an unusual Friday match as Villa host Man Utd. Therefore another reminder that the deadline this week is Friday at 18.45pm GMT. We then have six matches on Saturday, a blockbuster on Sunday as City host Chelsea and then to cap it all our gameweek ends on Monday up at Anfield as Liverpool host Bournemouth.
Therefore, there is loads to get through before the deadline bell so without further ado let’s go Around the Grounds to see what the managers have had to say.

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Aston Villa vs Man Utd (Friday 14 August 19.45)

Football on a Friday night? It’s something we’re going to have to get used to, friends. This one comes to us not from the abject greed of The FA but rather courtesy of the English Defence League march scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The match was moved to Friday due to United’s participation in the Champion’s League playoff round clash with Club Brugge Koninklijke Voetbalvereniging. What? Honestly I lost myself at “Football on a Friday night?”

Manchester United will be looking to rebound from a poor showing against Spurs last week thanks only to a hilarious own-goal by the club-footed Kyle Walker. Good news for the Red Devils: they haven’t lost to Villa since December of 2009. For Aston Villa, it was very much “mission accomplished” last week. They took maximum points against a team hungry to win their first Premier League match in franchise history. Tim Sherwood’s new arrivals appear to have settled in quickly and will surely be looking to begin a new history against United.

Fun fact – these teams played to a 1-1 draw the last time they played. Neither of the goal scorers in that game will feature this week: Christian Benteke has moved on to Liverpool, while Ramadel Falcao went on loan to Chelsea.

Tim Sherwood says striker Rudy Gestede is still not fit enough to last 90mins and is still weighing up whether to start him vs United or just use him as an impact sub as he did to great effect last weekend. Villa will continue to be without defender Jores Okore and midfielders Jack Grealish and Carles Gil.

United are likely to be unchanged from last weekend – Phil Jones is still injured, Marcos Rojo still needs more time, Marouane Fellaini is still suspended and David de Gea is still stranded somewhere between Manchester and Madrid, so Sergio Romero is likely to continue in goal.

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Southampton vs Everton (Sat 15 August 12.45)

Both team will come into this match disappointed to have taken just a single point from fixtures they fancied before kickoff. Southampton ran into a Newcastle team that looks rejuvenated thanks to new management and an influx of new, more talented players. Everton… well, they just didn’t play well against Watford.

The last three times these teams have squared off the home team has come away with maximum points and a clean sheet, so we fancy Southampton to win this one. Interestingly, Everton has scored three own-goals over these three games.

The Saints will continue to be without Jordy Clasie – the midfielder is struggling with an ankle ligament injury. Also missing are defenders Steven Caulker and Ryan Bertrand – Caulker has as sinus infection, while Bertrand could return to training in a fortnight, meaning budget Matt Targett continues at left back. Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos remain out.

Kevin Mirallas has a chance of playing at the weekend – the Toffees’ maverick midfielder limped off during the draw with Watford but returned to training on Thursday. There is also better news of Aiden McGeady, Gaerard Deulofeu and Muhamed Besic, who have all joined the main group for training and will now be focusing on building up their match fitness. Steven Pienaar, Darron Gibson, Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert all remain unavailable.

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Spurs vs Stoke (Sat 15 August 15.00)

Spurs kicked the season off against Manchester United in the season opener, and quickly reminded everyone why they are rarely featured in such a marque game. *Trivia Fact* – Kyle Walker became the first player to see a Premier League season open with an own goal. In a sign that the apocalypse is right and truly at hand, winger Xherdan Shaqiri a/k/a “the magic dwarf” agreed terms with Stoke. Was there no one else interested in him? (Ed. Yes he turned down Arsenal). We’re hearing the Swiss Messi passed his physical but failed the mental exam when he stated, without laughing or choking, he was looking forward to playing for Stoke. We’ve sounded the Horn of Gondor to determine what business a dwarf has in Mordor…

Spurs have won four of their last five against the Potters, keeping three clean sheets during that span. Interesting fact – only one player has scored more than one goal in the five between these teams. That man is former Stoke and current Sevilla defensive midfielder Steven N’Kemboanza Mike Christopher N’Zonzi, who netted twice. Own Goal warning – the last time these teams squared off Jan Vertonghen scored an own goal.

Mauricio Pochettino reveals that keeper Hugo Lloris and defender Danny Rose are both now 100% fit and in contention to feature vs Stoke. Striker Roberto Soldado won’t feature amid speculation he is on the verge of leaving the club to return to Spain.

Mark Hughes says that Shaqiri is “flying” and is as fit as the rest of his squad were in pre-season – he could be included in the squad for the trip to Spurs. He trained with his team mates for the first time on Thursday – expect a bench appearance. If you hadn’t noticed, he has joined the bunch of attractive mid-priced midfield FPL options at 7mln. Defender and club captain Ryan Shawcross has undergone back surgery and is clearly ruled, while Peter Odemwingie is struggling with a hamstring strain and Bojan will attempt to build up his fitness with the U21s. Midfielder Marko Arnautouvic and Marc Wilson both have a chance of being available.

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Sunderland vs Norwich (Sat 15 August 15.00)

Sunderland will come in licking their wounds after getting throttled by Leicester on opening day. Norwich will be disappointed by their opening result but would have been hoping for a tie at best against that Palace team. While both teams will be looking to bounce back, history favors the Canaries: Norwich have lost just one of the last six they’ve played against Sunderland. Fun fact: Norwich lead the league in hilarious last names: Rudd, Ruddy, Bassong, Hoolahan, Tettey, Odjidja-Ofoe, Lafferty and, of course, van Wolfswinkel.

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has admitted he is considering changing formation after the first half horror show at Leicester.  It could be a more traditional 4-4-2 for the Black Cats, but it won’t include Adam Johnson due to a shoulder injury picked up in training. However it’s not as bad as first feared and he will not require surgery, while he could return to training within 4 weeks. Jordi Gomez and Danny Graham both continue to miss out. New signing Yann M’Villa will be included in the squad as his sending off when playing for the U21s last weekend does not effect his availability.

Norwich boss Alex Neil didn’t have much to report, saying “We’re the same as last week, we have got no fresh injuries”. He reported that Martin Olsson is nearing fitness and that Kyle Lafferty isn’t too far away from a return.

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Swansea vs Newcastle (Sat 15 August 15.00)

Both teams come into this one undoubtedly pleased to have taken a point from their opening fixtures. After a disastrous finish to last season, Newcastle played Southampton to a draw and were unlucky not to win the game outright. But perhaps also could have lost it late on had Mane not squandered two chances. Swansea will be thrilled to have gone to Stamford Bridge and played Chelsea to a draw but likewise could very well have won that one.

The Swans are unbeaten in their last six against the Magpies, taking maximum points five times during that span. Don’t bet on a clean sheet in this one: there have been 12 goals scored in the last three games. Players to watch – last season Siggy (1 goal) and Cisse (2) were the breakout players in this fixture.

Swansea will look to build on last week’s impressive display at Chelsea and nail their first win of the campaign. Midfield dynamo Ki Sung-yeung returned to training on Friday and faces a late fitness test after limping off with a hamstring injury at the Bridge, but better news of Jefferson Montero. The winger, who terrorised Branislav Ivanovic last weekend, is fine after suffering with cramp towards the end of the game. Jordi Amat is available after recovering from injury.

McClaren did not mention Vernun Anita, who was stretchered off last weekend but miraculously returned to training on Wednesday and if he has no reaction he should be involved at the weekend. Paul Dummett and Remy Cabella remain out but should resume training on Monday. Riviere has had a small operation on cartilage.

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Watford vs West Brom (Sat 15 August 15.00)

Watford will be thrilled to have taken a point in their opening match against Everton. West Brom will pretend to be disappointed at their performance against City, but a loss was always the expected result. The Berahino-Lambert axis will be looking to open their account, and a match against a newly-promoted side may be just what the doctor ordered.

These teams have never played a Premier League game against one another, and it’s been nearly six years since they last squared off in the Football League Championship. West Brom is still smarting from its infamous 4-1 loss to Watford in the 4th round of the Milk Cup in 1984 and will be out for blood.

The only likely absentees for Watford this week are the suspended pair of Miguel Britos and Giedrius Arlauskis. Midfielders Almen Abdi and Steven Berghuis have both trained well this week and could make the squad barring any adverse reaction. Striker Odion Ighalo will be pushing for a start after impressing after coming off the bench at Goodison.

Gareth McAuley is available having missed the City game. Pulis will speak to the fitness coaches before deciding whether or not to include new boys Salomon Rondon and Serge Gnabry.

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West Ham vs Leicester (Sat 15 August 15.00)

Both squads will come in brimming with confidence after big wins last week. West Ham beat someone last week, while Leicester scored four against Sunderland. Will Leicester light up the Boleyn Ground with their high-flying offence or will the Hammers make it two in a row? Leicester has won just once in their last eight matches against West Ham but the news isn’t all bad. Their one win was last season, and three of those other matches ended in draws.

Chief Iron Slaven Bilic says Diafra Sakho has trained well this week and looks happy despite the news headlines regarding his arrest. Let’s see how happy he looks when he is locked up at Her Majesty’s pleasure. The striker will be involved at the weekend. Which is more that can be said of Morgan Amalfitano. The midfielder missed a team meeting, thus falling out with Bilic, who is looking to offload him and won’t include him this weekend. Speaking of young Reece Oxford, the manager said he is used to playing the youngsters in his time abroad and will continue to do the same at West Ham, if they are good enough. Clearly they believe Oxford is after they played him in the demolition of the Gooners last weekend. Andy Carroll and Ener Valencia both remain out, while midfielder Pedro Obiang is building up his match fitness.

Despite his reputation as the Tinkerman, Claudio Ranieiri could field an unchanged XI for the trip to East London following their comprehensive win over Sunderland last week. The manager lavished particular praise on unsung heroes Andy King and Danny Drinkwater, who he said “drove the car” against Sunderland. When asked about Jamie Vardy, Ranieri said the striker has apologised to the owner, won’t be sacked and everyone has moved on. He fully expects Vardy to play on Saturday. Matty James is the only squad member unavailable.

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Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (Sun 16 August 13.30)

Crystal Palace scored three in defeating Norwich and new arrival Yohan Cabaye appears to have settled in quickly with his new team. Arsenal meanwhile….

Arsenal will be looking for their first win of the season and history suggest they will get it against Palace. The sides have played 12 Premier League matches against each other, with Arsenal prevailing eight times and Palace just once. Five of Arsenal’s eight wins have involved a clean sheet, and they have won the last five times the teams have played.

Following the embarrassing home defeat to West Ham last week, Arsene Wenger is pleased to deliver some good news. Alexis Sanchez is fit and ready to start at the weekend , while Hector Bellerin has returned to training and is also available for Sunday – all this is of course bad news for the likes of Mathieu Debuchy, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud who could all pay the price for their abject display vs the Hammers. Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshire remain unavailable. Obviously.

Julian Speroni remains out, so Alex McCarthy will be hoping to retain the starting role at the expense of Wayne Hennessey. Pardew did say that he can’t give McCarthy assurances about first team football because their goalkeeping choices are so good. Read into that what you will. Striker Marouane Chamakh is closing in on a return from injury and will play for the development side next week.

The main news from Arsene was that Hector Bellerin is back and available for selection this week and that Alexis Sanchez is fit, has been working hard and is ready for the weekend. We’d expect both to start in light of last weeks performance. Danny Welbeck is making good progress but isn’t available just yet and Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are both longer term absentees. Petr Cech has been slapped a few times and Arsene is reporting that he is now fully awake ahead of this one.

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Man City vs Chelsea (Sun 16 August 16.00)

An early season treat for fans sees a matchup of Premier League heavyweights take place Sunday evening. Both sides will be looking to take an early advantage in the race to top of the table. City comes into this one off the back of a convincing win that featured an appearance of the 2013/14-form Yaya Toure. Chelsea will be smarting from a draw against Swansea and Jose will no doubt have his medical team whipped into a frenzy ahead of this one.

Last season produced a pair of 1-1 draws between these two and Chelsea has a slight edge in this fixture’s recent history having won both meetings in the 2013/14 season. Don’t expect a high-scoring game: the teams haven’t combined to score more than three goals in a league game since Manchester City beat Chelsea 4-2 in February of 2010.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing display at Swansea. Sadly, for them, they will have to contend with a City side who looked very impressive in disposing of West Brom on Monday evening. Jose will be without the suspended Thibaut Courtois so Asmir Begovic will deputise between the sticks this weekend. Expect a tighter, more defensive Chelsea than last week with the bus being firmly parked, which could see Kurt Zouma given a start in an attempt to close down the midfield threat of Silva and Yaya etc. Oscar picked up an injury in training and is therefore a doubt.

Sergio Aguero has thrown FPL owners into blind panic by implying he may not start vs Chelsea. “Whether I start or not remains to be seen. I’m trying to get there, but arriving later means I need additional time. With the whole season in mind, what matters most is that I get in top form and don’t take any risks.” Pellegrini tells us that Aguero may not be 100% but he doesn’t have any problems. Gael Clichy returned to training with the squad yesterday and a decision on his participation will be taken tomorrow. Nervous times for Kolarov owners. Fabian Delph and Fernando are the only players ruled out, which is good news for owners of Yaya Toure who was withdrawn early on Monday night with a groin problem.

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Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Mon 17 August 20.00)

The newly-remodeled Liverpool fought to 1-0 victory against the Orc Army on opening day and will be pleased to see their new arrivals settle in so quickly. Bournemouth, on the other hand, missed a prime chance to start their season off on the right foot, losing at home to Aston Villa.

These sides have never played each other in a league match at any level. All six previous matches have taken place in either the FA Cup (5) or the Capital One Cup (1). Bournemouth have managed ties twice but Liverpool have never lost to the Cherries.

Following their hard fought win at Stoke, Brendan Rodgers has no new injuries and could well field an unchanged line up for Monday’s game. Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan all remain out, while Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique all remain seemingly alienated with the transfer window deadline rapidly approaching. Roberto Firmino will clearly be pushing for a start, though the manager may decide to introduce him again for the bench.

Eddie Howe says that they will “pick certain teams for certain games, so everyone will get a chance to come in and play”.Tyrone Mings and Christian Atsu both played 90mins for a Club XI on Wednesday in a bid to boost their fitness.

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Thanks for reading Team Talk Fantasy Football Game-week 2. This article was written by LawDogg and Cookie

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