Team Talk Fantasy Football GW6
Welcome to GW6 and if it’s anything like as dramatic as GW5 was then we’re in for a real treat. Well, there is every chance as Saturday is derby day in both Liverpool and London – its also a three-day gameweek, which is very convenient in some ways, but painful in others – but we’ll come to that later. Our gameweek kicks off Saturday lunchtime up at Anfield for the “Friendly Derby”…do they really still call it that? Its Liverpool vs Everton and it doesn’t get any bigger than that…..in Liverpool. We then have a plethora of 3pm matches as league leaders Chelsea host Aston Villa, Crystal Palace meet Leicester, Man City travel to Hull, West Ham go to Old Trafford to score a few vs United, ‘Arry goes back to Southampton with his Rangers and Sunderland entertain Swansea at the Stadium of Light. Saturday evening sees the second derby of the day as Arsenal play Spurs at the Emirates…this one defo ain’t the friendly derby. The fixture generator has been kind to those golf fanatics amongst us who are looking forward to watching the Ryder Cup conclude on Sunday as the only Premier League match that afternoon is West Brom vs Burnley – not one that is likely to keep you on the edge of your seats. Monday evening sees our gameweek finish as Stoke take on Newcastle.
Let’s go Around the Grounds and catch up on the latest team news.
Liverpool vs Everton (Sat 27 Sept 12.45)
Liverpool have a number of injuries for Saturday, most notably Daniel Sturridge, who Brendan Rodgers says will certainly not be match fit – he may make the squad, but in all likelihood he probably misses out this week, but a final decision will be made shortly before the game. Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho were passed fit late on Friday, but Emre Can, Glen Johnson, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan are definitely ruled out. Those worried about Raheem Sterling playing 120mins in the Capital One Cup victory will be encouraged by Rodgers stating “he is a very fit boy” and playing on Saturday won’t be an issue for him. Unless he’s rested, eh Brendan?!
Everton’s major concerns are Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar – Coleman has missed the last two matches with a head injury, while Pienaar has missed over a month – Roberto Martinez will give them every opportunity to make the game. Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo are both now fully fit after playing in midweek, while Arouna Kone is not far away, but needs to build up his match fitness. Ross Barkley remains out, but is making good progress.
[divider_1px]
Chelsea vs Aston Villa (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
The good news for Villa is that all the players who suffered with a virus in the run up to and during the loss at home to Arsenal have all now recovered and are 100% fit – namely Ashley Westwood, Darren Bent, Abdreas Weimann and Nathan Baker. The other piece of good news, though not for this week, is that striker Christian Benteke, who has been missing since April, has a great chance of returning in GW7. The bad news for Paul Lambert and his men, apart from the fact that they are playing Chelsea, at Chelsea, is that defender Ron Vlaar is again struggling to be fit. Libor Kozak is still out with a broken leg.
Good news and a huge sigh of relief for most fantasy managers as Jose declares that Diego Costa is fit to start vs Villa without any problems. The Blues only absentee is midfielder Ramires, who is suffering with a groin injury. Expect plenty of changes to the team that crept past Bolton in midweek, with all the regulars returning to the starting line-up.
[divider_1px]
Crystal Palace vs Leicester (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
Eagles’ Marouane Chamakh returns to the squad, but aside from him there won’t be many changes to the squad that won at Everton as Neil Warnock reports no fresh injuries. Palace will take heart from last week’s win at Everton and are unbeaten in three in the league.
The Foxes will look to build on their momentum that was so wonderfully shown last week against United. They will continue to be without Matthew Upson and Zoumana Bakayogo and will likely name a largely unchanged squad from last week, though Nick Powell will be included after being ineligible to play vs United.
[divider_1px]
Hull vs Man City (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
Hull will be without Robert Snodgrass for the visit of the Champions, while David Meyler is the only other concern after he sustained a back injury on Wednesday – sadly for Steve Bruce, his squad have not exactly impressed thus far and are winless since the opening day victory over whipping boys QPR. Hatem Ben Arfa won’t be fit to start vs City.
City themselves are winless in their last three league matches, though Wednesday’s 7-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday will be good for confidence, despite the strength, or lack of it, of the opposition. Sighs of relief are heard throughout the FPL world as Sergio Aguero has been passed fit to play. David Silva is also ok, while Pablo Zabaleta returns from suspension after his sending off vs Chelsea last week. Fernando and Stevan Jovetic remain out and Samir Nasri is a doubt with a groin injury.
[divider_1px]
Man Utd vs West Ham (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
The message is clear here – expect goals. The Hammers arrive in confident fashion having seen off Liverpool comfortably last weekend and with goals flowing through their side. However, Big Sam will be without his vital central midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who will be out for six weeks with a groin injury sustained in last week’s victory. There are no other new injuries – Kevin Nolan and Matt Jarvis have returned to training but won’t be available for Saturday, while Andy Carroll and Joey O’Brien remain sidelined.
What to be said of United? The injury crisis continues, especially in defence with Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling joining Phil Jones on the treatment table. Tyler Blackett is, of course, suspended following his red card in the car crash at Leicester last week. This leaves just Marcos Rojo as the only fit senior centre back – LVG may decide to blood young Paddy McNair alongside Rojo, while Luke Shaw is expected to make his league debut at left back. McNair as well as his fellow academy defender Tom Thorpe are both confirmed as being in the squad, but Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young are all still out, so it’s not all bad news.
[divider_1px]
Southampton vs QPR (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
Southampton’s Maya Yoshida hasn’t trained all week, but was hoping to train on Friday, while fellow defender Toby Alderweireld trained on Thursday and is looking good for a return to the squad after a minor hamstring injury ruled him out of the win at Swansea. James Ward-Prowse has sadly been ruled out for 10 weeks with a foot injury, but better news of midfielder Lloyd Isgrove and Sam Gallagher, who have both returned to training. J-Rod is still out.
Rangers have midfield issues with Joey Barton and Jordan Mutch both ruled out with hamstring injuries, while Niko Kranjcar and Adel Taarabt are both doubtful. If that wasn’t enough, Sandro injured himself celebrating a goal in training, though he is expected to be ok for the trip to St Marys. Jermaine Jenas and Alejandro Faurlin are long term absentees.
[divider_1px]
Sunderland vs Swansea (Sept 27 Sept 15.00)
Wilfried Bony is set to return to the Swans squad after he served his suspension by missing the midweek Carling Cup victory over Everton. This leaves just Leon Britton and Jordi Amat as the only definite absentees, while defender Dwight Tiendalli is hopeful of recovering from a groin injury.
Sunderland strikers Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher are both hopeful of shrugging off knocks in time to face the Swans, while midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini should also be available after sitting out the midweek defeat in the Capital One Cup. Wes Brown is a small doubt but Billy Jones and Will Buckley both impressed despite the Cup defeat to Stoke and Gus Poyet suggested both could play this weekend at the expense of Santiago Vergini and Adam Johnson or Ricardo Alvarez. Defender Sebastien Coates has been ruled out.
[divider_1px]
Arsenal vs Spurs (Sept 27 Sept 17.30)
Mauricio Pochettino has no new injury worries for his first North London derby. Kyle Walker remains the only absentee for Spurs as they try and reverse a poor recent record in the fixture that has seen win just once in their last 21 Premier League matches at Arsenal. Be wary if you own a Spurs defender – the Gunners last failed to score at home to their neighbours in the league in 1998.
Arsene Wenger says that midfield yellow card magnet Mathieu Flamini is to return, while Kieran Gibbs and Per Mertesacker will both be ok to play. Alexis Sanchez is expected to be recalled, but Nacho Monreal is unavailable with a back injury, while longer term absentees Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott, Mathieu Debuchy, Serge Gnabry and Yaya Sanogo will all be watching from the comfort of their corporate box. Wenger has been talking up the partnership of Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck, otherwise known to Gooner fans as the modern day Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. Errrr right, ok.
[divider_1px]
West Brom vs Burnley (Sun 28 Sept 16.00)
Ryder Cup Sunday – it’s down to the singles and in all honesty, I have a lot more interest in talking about Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood than Brown Ideye, Andre Wisdom and Youssouf Mulumbu, but I suppose I should run through the injury news for you. Briefly.
The aforementioned Ideye has tweeted that he expects to be fit for the match having recovered from an ankle injury, while Chris Baird has been ill all week – neither of that pair or Victor Anichebe trained on Friday, probably watching the golf, but could all feature on Sunday.
Burnley continue to be without strikers Sam Vokes and Danny Ings, while there are concerns with midfielders Dean Marney, Matty Taylor and David Jones and defender Keiran Trippier. See, you have no interest either do you?
Told you it was dull – and if you’re still in doubt, bear in mind that Burnley and the Baggies have scored just four goals between them this season. Trust me – back to Gleneagles.
[divider_1px]
S
toke vs Newcastle (Mon 29 Sept 20.00)
Stoke are looking for their first point at home this season, so who better to invite to town than bottom placed Newcastle? The Potters will again be without Peter Odemwingie and Geoff Cameron, but hope that Jon Walters passes a late fitness test. Both teams had decent away wins in the Capital One Cup in the week and will be hoping to carry on that form.
Just when you thought I was done with the golf, let me have the last word. Under fire Toon boss Alan Par-dew (thanks Init) is expecting Papiss Cisse, Tim Krul and Yoan Gouffran to recover from illness, but defender Daryl Janmaat is a real concern after he limped off with a muscle strain in midweek. Jonas Guitierrez, Siem de Jong, Davide Santon, Rolando Aarons and Ryan Taylor all remain long term casualties. Midfielder Mehdi Abeid is suspended after being sent off in the Capital One Cup win at Crystal Palace.
There we go, all done. Mostly good news it seems. Best of luck for GW6.
Lads, this is my current team: (2 FTs, 0.3 itb)
A: Ramsey -> Herrera, Naismith -> Ulloa
B: Ramsey -> Herrera, Naismith -> Welbeck
C: Ramsey -> Herrera, Naismith -> Pelle, Pieters -> Chambers (-4)
I read an article analyzing the stats for these 3 strikers that concluded that Pelle was the best option, so I prefer C myself. Still want some input from you guys though.
Tekno – what money would you have if you did Ramsey to someone else and then Naismith to Pelle?
Naismith -> Pelle gives me 6.9 for Ramsey’s replacement.
Tekno – I prob prefer C, but would prefer someone other than Chambers – one of the Burnley defenders perhaps.
The thing is that Swansea and Arsenal rotate greatly up until GW 14, while Burnley and Swansea play at home and away at the same time mostly.
Debuchy wont be out that long will he?
Isn’t he out about 3 months?
I’d save the hit and go with A. If you’re taking a hit you might as well get Di maria instead of Herrera
IIf I bring in Ulloa for Naismith I need to get 1.0 from somewhere to bring in Di Maria. Maybe Sterling -> Herrera and double up on Utd mid? Not sure that’s a good idea with them facing City, Chelsea, and Arsenal shortly though.
How about Pieters and Ramsey -> Duff and Di Maria? I think you’d be much better off getting Di Maria than Herrera. Leaves you with Naismith though..
B Tekno, Welbeck is superb value.
I’m not too convinced about Welbeck over Pelle. Pelle has played 90 mins every match, while Welbeck has yet to complete 90 for Arsenal and could be subject to rotation due to the Champions League. Pelle is also the central point of attack for Soton while Welbeck is just one of several stars for Arsenal.
option B!
If it helps anything, I will replace Pieters with Chambers shortly even if I don’t do it this GW.
Hi guys
Please help with a decision:
Either
1) Downgrade Moreno to a £5.2m or less defender (who though?)
or
2) Downgrade Williams (Swa) to Taylor (Swa)
One more question – if (2), then would you start with Taylor over Moreno this weekend?
Thanks so much.
Red, why downgrade Williams to another Swansea player then not play him ? Do Moreno out.
Yes, of course, you’re right – not thinking straight tonight.
Thanks.
Sorry, I downgraded him so I could upgrade Naismith to Ulloa, as I had 2 FTs this week. I wanted Ulloa, just struggling how to make the extra cash up.
Aahh ! Righty-hoot, now i see why, i’m going the game tomorrow + to be honest i think Everton will score, so Moreno may be your best bet to raise the funds needed, who are your other defenders, apart from Moreno + Williams ?
Ooops…it’s done!!
I’m going to start with Taylor and bench Moreno.
Liverpool vs Everton or Sunderland vs Swansea?
To be honest I think both Liverpool and Swansea will both concede a goal each.
red – I dont think thats your linked team. Its definitely 1) for me.
Hard to say who without knowing who you already have
I’m trying to correct the link, but when I hit the “Profile/Change Password” link at the bottom of the page, it just returns me to the Log In page.
2) and start with Taylor!
Hey Guys, here’s my team for this week. on quick break so
1 free trade and .9 in the bank
I’m thinking keep my FT for next week, any ideas?
McButcher – save it I would think
Agreed.
Definitely save it McB.
Calvin.. Thanks for the advice earlier. I’ve been pondering on your musings all afternoon, well as much as I can with 3 kids running wild, but I think I now agree with you…
I get you can’t remember so I’ll refresh your memory. Me team is this..
I got me 2ft and 1.1m and was going to swap Boyd for downing so. I could bench welbeck next week. You said that was CRAZY ! I spose I now Agree.. So I want to change my defence. Maybe use one, or both of my trannies. However, I think if I’m going to get Baines this week I may as well stick with Moreno. What I’m trying to say is I have no idea what to do, but I have to do something soon otherwise I’ll lose a free tran and that’s NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE. Help. Please.
Haha, I don’t think I’ve ever let a FT go either. Just feels wrong! Let’s see if we can put one to use shall we..
You’ll need a slight downgrade somewhere to get Baines in, right? So that could be Taylor to Duff for example, although I realise you are probably rocking the Swansea/Stoke rotation there? In which case a mid or striker will have to fund the Baines move instead as I wouldn’t lose Clyne.
Sorry if I’m repeating myself from earlier, but here are some possible options, in my personal order of preference:
– Aguero to Falcao
– Tadic to Downing (this would also give enough funds to change Sterling to Fab/Ozil/Wally etc later on if it became a viable option)
– Sterling to Herrera
– Sterling to Downing
I didn’t involve the other four in your attack as I would definitely hold onto them for the time being. I also realise that some or even all of those proposed moves will not be very popular in these parts! But they’d be my choices, with the 1st and 3rd ones especially not a bad idea to do this GW due United’s home fix.
Yup. Definitely feels wrong. I just can’t let it happen.. I’ll deffo need to downgrade somewhere to get Baines in for Moreno next week.
I’m happy to lose Pieters so not really bothered about the stoke swan rotation… But I do want to keep Taylor / Aguero / Tadic and sterling so I’m pretty much out of all of your options. Lol. Sorry mate.
I do however still need to smoke a transfer and I know you’re keen. Here’s who I’m willing to drop (this week anyway) Moreno, Pieters, Boyd. Christ. I’ve just realised I’m being ridiculous. Maybe I should just let the transfer go… No point forcing it eh…
Don’t be sorry! Glad you’re saying no instead of grudgingly going ahead with one.
You’re not making it easy though if you’re saying that front seven is out of bounds haha. It’s not a wasted transfer though if you have to do the move anyway, which we’ve confirmed you do in order to get Baines. If you don’t want Moreno long-term then how about selling him for Duff this GW, as I doubt he’ll keep a CS against Everton, and then Pieters to Baines next GW or the one after.
Now then now then now then… You have my attention young man !
I think you’ve struck gold here… You’re right, the move needs to be made and I do indeed want Baines. If not this then deffo next week (Man U are shambles at back).
So. Yeah. The move makes sense to me Calvin.. Do you see any extra bonus in going for Shackell over Duff ? Or should I just go for the cheapest nailed route into def ?
And you’re right, my mother always said I was a difficult so n so ! Ha ha.
Well I am a little surprised that Duff’s kept his place all this time with Keane going there, but I guess if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it and all that. I imagine Shackell comes with a little more security, but I’ve got Duff and am happy with him until I actually see him dropped.
Aye. Yeah I agree… I guess I’m pretty annoyed at the fact that I actually started with Duff (and Hutton for that matter) and then got rid with my WC in GW3 so I’m pretty loathe to bring him bsby in for 0.2m more. Yeah, I’m unreasonable and stubborn ! Lol
I think it’s settled Moreno to Shackell… It’s literally free this week !!!
Calvin , thank you so much for your help mate. Seriously appreciated at this end mate !
Any time :thumbup: Just give me a share of the take from your diamond after you’ve fenced it
Thanks Cookie for this article. This Friday article is making my life as a fisherman much easier cause when I am on sea the internet connection is usually very poor and it can bee very hard to monitor all the news so thanks again Cookie and all the other guys who write on this side.
Evening all not sure on transfers this week. Probably need Di Maria. Really annoying me how to get him in.
Team is :
Krul, McCarthy
Wilson, Taylor, Wisdom, Duff, Hutton
Ramsey, Siggy, Fabregas, sterling, Boyd
Falcao, Aguero, Costa
I have 2 free transfers
Do I just replace Krul and hope Falcao does better than Di Maria.
Or Zamora and di Maria in for Falcao and Boyd
Welbeck and Di Maria in for Falcao and Siggy/Ramsey
Or any other suggestions. I always prefer a top heavy sort of lineup.
prob Welbeck and Di Maria in for Falcao and Ramsey for me
That seems to make sense. But that is a lot of cas spare and knowing my luck so far Falcao will outperform Di Maria
Evening Smash. The Welbeck option sounds the most balanced. Have you considered strengthening your defence at all though?
I have. I never seem to keep with it though. I always downgrade them. Only sides I see as solid at the back generally r Chelsea and Man city. I always see why people have Baines though