Fantasy Premier League

Monday Morning Manager

Mon Dec 24 04:39PM

The more things change. 

The Manager been having, to be kind about it, a less-than-stellar 2007-2008 season.  After finishing 2006-2007 in the top 40 (for the second straight year - just reinforcing my bonafides) we've been languishing in midtable this season.  The moves that worked out before sit on the bench now.  Goals have turned into yellow cards and clean sheets have become penalties conceeded. 

So amidst this turmoil it's nice to see CRon bringing the festive cheer.  Last year it was consecutive 50pt weeks. And this year he's on track again with two goal, including a last minute penalty against Everton - by far the tougher of the weeks two matchups with a trip to Sunderland coming on Boxing Day. As long as Arsenal keep winning, SAF will keep have to keep chasing and CRon will get his playing time and his points. 

And if we're talking about ManU's title charge, lets not fail to mention the probable "Player of the (Calendar) Year" Carlos "Carlito" Tevez.  He saved WHU from relegation (I know, I know) when Curbishley made the easiest and smartest managerial decision ever.  "Let's play our world class forward and see if it helps."  WOW!  What a concept!  Now he's leading ManU's assult at the other end of the table.  CRon, taking free and penalty kicks, can be the more explosive, and for fantasy managers more lucrative, player but Tevez has been more consistent and on the pitch for more of the matches.  Which is nice.

Elsewhere, Derby stunned Newcastle and Given owners with two goals on two shots on target.  And just like that Given is back in the red and facing Chelsea and Citeh next week.  But we've become accustomed to stocking the other areas of our team thanks to the money he's saving us.  Can we afford to sell?  Can we not? 

And did we, or did we not predict goals from BFMV?  "My larger question is whether or not Viduka gets more playing time. Is he hurt, or just slacking? He usually can be counted on to put in a few goals right before the transfer window opens. So keep that in mind."  As usual the lesson is that we know what we're talking about.  Even though we're usually too stupid to take our own advice.

Wigan is becoming tough(er) to beat but still can't win.  MBent is still living on the reverse jinx we placed on him last week.  Can't keep up, can it?

Now, I'm getting a lot of stick for having sold Cesc on Friday.  Yes, he's a stud.  Yes, he was always going to have a big match against Spurs.  Am I gutted to have missed out on those 20pts?  Of course.  But I sold Cesc and CJerome for Torres and Martins.  So far, that's actually 10pts in my favor.  Plenty of time for it to go pear shaped.  In the mean time I have Cesc back on the barn door.  Though I'm wondering if he becomes BFDB for Rovers' great matchups next week - @DER,SUN.  Again, the lesson is sure to be that we never learn.

Have a merry holidays everyone.  Thanks for making this blog so much fun to write.  We hope you are enjoying it and that you're looking forward to the new year, and the January transfer window, as much as we are.

See you on Boxing Day for another open thread.

Until then,

The Manager 

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