Fantasy Premier League

Fri Jan 04 09:11PM by Jeremy

ARSENAL

Arsenal lose starters Toure, Eboue to the ACN. Song is going as well, and Lehmann is likely to leave for a host of other reasons. Their first priority is going to be cover at center back. Djourou (back from BRM) or Senderos are likely, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Gilberto Silva either. If he's Swiss, he's a decent fantasy bet. However, Brazilian middies... not so much. Hleb will likely revert to right-sided middie with RvP returning to support K2. As much praise as he's been getting for his play this season he hasn't been producing fantasy points in the League. And he's more expensive than players with a similar return.

Don't expect any tranfers - at least none of note. So, moving on...

ASTON VILLA

Villa need a new right back. They're continually linked to Porto's Jose Bosingwa, but the player just as frequently denies interest. But assuming they find one he'll be of immediate fantasy interest. It will also likely herald the exit of Mellberg as he would likely lose his right back spot unless he supplants Knight or Laursen at center back. Which seems unlikely based on how well the two are playing.

Carew is injured again and without a proper understudy. So look for a new big man at Villa Park soon as well. And if Carew stays on the treatment table, that player (Crouch?) could be worth a fantasy look-in.

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Nafti is the only (oft-time) starter leaving for the ACN, but Damien Johnson would likely just step into the team. They also lose Djourou who is really their only Premier League quality central defender. Eck will be looking to reinforce his squad and possibly inject some more quality. If he spends on the latter, then I'm interested. Otherwise, start taking strikers and attacking central midfielders against Brum.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Rovers are likely to see more players leave than come in. They only lose Mokoena to the ACN, with McCarthy continuing his international exile. Roberts and Savage are likely to leave but they have depth at both striker and in center mid. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get a new right back and left-sided middie. If they get a starter to replace Emerton, keep an eye there.

BOLTON WANDERERS

Bolton lose Diouf and Meite for January. I'm curious if Stelios steps in for Diouf. Not sure he can play on the left side of the front three as opposed to the right, where Davies is pretty well entrenched. Here's a wild idea... maybe Jloyd comes in at the back and Gardner pushes forward? Crazy. But if Stelios does get the start, he's a bargain at 4-something. Of course, he was a better bargain at 2-something. But that was before his winner against Sunderland. Just remember that we don't bet on or against Bolton. Except when we do.

CHELSEA

Chelsea will be without a lot of talent in January. Drogs, Kalou, Mikel, and Essien. On top of that Lamps, Terry, Cech, and even Sheva are injured. But the caliber of player Chelsea would look at aren't likely to be one month replacement parts. Besides, they already have those in Sidwell, Pizarro, TBH, etc. Ballack is stepping up for Lamps nicely - not doing much but scoring, if only via PKs. Not sure what happens here, but certainly interested to see if there are any short- or longer-term options appearing shortly.

DERBY COUNTY

Did we mention that Laurent Robert might be returning with Derby?

EVERTON

Yobo, Yak, & Pienaar leave for the ACN. But they have options at the back. In attack they're a bit thinner. AJ should be an adquate replacement for the Yak and is still under 13 even after his goal/assist performance against Boro. If Moyes stays with a 4-4-2, Anichebe could be a HUGE bargain.  More likely, Moyes continues his conservative ways and goes 4-5-1 with Cahill essentially playing in a withdrawn striker role.

FULHAM

They've already invested a lot in a crappy squad and it remains to be seen if there's any money left for Hodgson. At least no one is leaving for the ACN.  On second thought, is that good news or bad news?

LIVERPOOL

LIV also aren't losing anyone near their first team - remember when Sissoko was untouchable? - and have already spent a lot of money this year. For some reason they're linked to Wayne Bridge but they have a surfeit of players on the left in Riise, Kewell, Aurelio, Babel, and even Arbeloa in a pinch. If anyone comes in it might be because someone leaves which could be interesting. Fantasy dominos.  The most interesting potential departures are Riise (rumored to Villa) and Kewell (Fulham?).

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