Fantasy Premier League

Friday's Team News Today

Wed Jan 23 06:59PM

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is ready to return to lead the Hammers attack and continue their push for a European place.The England hopeful, said to have emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan, missed the 1-1 draw at Manchester City because of a back problem.

However, Ashton, 24, has reported no more ill effects following treatment at the east London club and is confident he will available for the visit of Liverpool next Wednesday night.

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Derby secure Sterjovski transfer

Derby have completed the signing of Australia midfielder Mile Sterjovski after he was handed a work permit on appeal.The Rams were forced to face a Home Office hearing on Wednesday after the 28-year-old fell just short of the criteria to gain an automatic permit.

But with that hurdle safely negotiated, Sterjovski can now join from Turkish club Genclerbirligi for an undisclosed fee.

[ed. note: This is interesting because he may be another Johnny Utah winger-cum-striker. Worth watching where he gets listed in the game versus where he ends up playing for Derby.]

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Bianchi nearing Lazio transfer

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi is close to completing a permanent transfer to Lazio, according to the Roman outfit.The Italian striker, who joined City from Reggina for £8.8million at the start of the season, has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A in the winter transfer window.

[ed. note: Vassell @ Derby this weekend? He's still relatively cheap (7-something) even after his goal against WHU. And what other options does SGE have? Certainly not Podolski.]

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Latics duo cleared to play

Wigan have been boosted by the news they have received international clearance for left-backs Erik Edman and Maynor Figueroa.Latics manager Steve Bruce signed the duo last week within the space of 24 hours as the position has been a season-long problem.

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Lampard Blow For Chelsea

Avram Grant has been dealt a major blow ahead of Chelsea's Carling Cup semi-final against Everton tomorrow after England midfielder Frank Lampard suffered a setback to his thigh problem in training.

Lampard was hopeful of returning for the second leg at Goodison Park but the Chelsea coach confirmed the midfielder had aggravated his thigh muscle again and could face a further two weeks on the sidelines.

However, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was expected to miss out because of an ankle injury sustained against Birmingham at the weekend, could be in the squad.

Comments1 - 14 of 14

I'd like to welcome Eddie Johnson to the Premiership. We're talking about a 23 year old who was the "comeback" player of the year in MLS. How does that happen at 23? Even though he's spent plenty of time with a sports psychologist, I'm not thinking he'll be +10 material. But I do like his "pace" at Craven Cottage more than Marlon King with a gimpy knee.
From m_dipasq on Wed Jan 23 08:29PM
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Ballack with a calf strain? Anyone know the deets?
From the_burning_pen on Wed Jan 23 08:49PM
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so is there or isnt there a man city derby game this weekend
From spartansfans42 on Thu Jan 24 01:31AM
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so is there or isnt there a man city derby game this weekend
From spartansfans42 on Thu Jan 24 01:31AM
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why wouldnt there be the manC derby match? ... bianchi to lazio confirmed
From magia_capoeira on Thu Jan 24 03:31AM
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Eddie Johnson and Kenwyne Jones will be very comparable in playing style and numbers.
From bad_santa001 on Thu Jan 24 05:20AM
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DER-MAC is on Wednesday 30 January, not this weekend. I suggest using fixtures365.com to verify league and team fixtures ...
From reverendike on Thu Jan 24 05:44AM
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Re: (2) the_burning_pen, has Ballack strained his calf then? I'd not heared anything about that, and I've got him in. Have you learnt any more details since your post?
From damianoakden on Thu Jan 24 09:49AM
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new players up!!! w00t
From onv_73c on Thu Jan 24 11:41AM
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DER-MAC is on Wednesday 30 January but it will still fall into Week 21.
From nikargiropoulos on Thu Jan 24 01:22PM
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Ballack missed the League Cup match with what the Chelsea website describes as a "minor calf strain". I've yet to hear news on the severity or timeline........With Chelsea's match not until Wednesday, he has time to recover.......With Fantasy Week 21's roster deadline approaching much sooner, definitive news may prove elusive.
From mscogle on Thu Jan 24 04:11PM
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waiting to hear on fabiano!!!
From jon_wolfsthal on Thu Jan 24 04:22PM
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Ryan Nelsen out for a few weeks. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24012008/1/nelsen-fo
rced-sidelines.html Big bummer as he is my cheapo defender.
From the_burning_pen on Thu Jan 24 04:54PM
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hey guys any news on KRich? Plz. guys show some mercy. i have him at +6. Last i heard he is out for 3 weeks. Is that certain???
From gautamvw on Fri Jan 25 06:31PM
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