Fantasy Premier League

Mon Feb 25 05:22AM by Jeremy

Mazel tov to the Yids. 

So Spurs are dragging themselves clear of the relegation zone and now, no matter what, they've earned a place in Europe next season.  Robbo was back in net for the second time this week so he could be a great option going forward (at the back).  However, he was poorly positioned for Drogba's goal... will Ramos stick with him now?  We'll have to see what the noises are coming out of Spurs camp this week, before their match at Birmingham.

The other big story out of the weekend was covered very thouroughly, and very eloquently in the matchday open thread.  All I would add is "Ouch." What else can you say?  It was/is a HORRIBLE injury and we wish nothing but the best as EDS recovers. 

But that's the real world, and here we deal with the fantasy.  And in out fantasy world, we quickly turn our attentions to who might replace him in Arsenal's lineup.  They play Villa at the Emirates, so its a decent match up.  Theo Walcott played on the right  in place of Eboue at Birmingham and helped himself to not one, but two rare goals.  He could move inside to partner K2 - though he's almost 3x more expernsive than he was before his brace.  Still on the cheap side is Bedntner, who came on for EDS and has played alongside K2 even though he seems a more likely understudy than partner.

But those are thoughts for another day, and another post.  The Manager is still smarting from another injury to his pride.  This season is truly a case of "anything I can do, you can do better."  Yes, I sold K2 for Rooney and that worked out rather well.  But I still lost ground to everyone with Torres.  I had Palacios - steady production at a great price - but others picked up Valencia and his goal.  I pick Edman, you pick Scharner.  Each week I drop another 10 to 20 points to the leaders in our private and public groups.  It's getting to the point now that I'm considering drastic changes.  

For instance, this week's 2-gamers.  Do I go all in?  And if so, whom do I pick up?  And whom do I sell?  Torres.  Gerrard.  Reina.  Yes, yes, and yes.  But the budget is getting mighty stretched all of a sudden.  Do I gut Tevez who has gone off the boil lately?  CRon?  Everyone seems to have him, so I'm not making up any ground that way.  But already 21 goals this season (from midfield!) and I'm not likely to gain on anyone without him either.  CCole?  Not good matchups, but the likeliest Hammer to score points.  But he's not cheap any longer either.  Faubert is the cheap player with potential, but he hasn't found his feet in the Premier League yet.  Lucas?  He's been playing for LIV - always a challenge in it's own right - and collecting a few points.

Other options?  Gordon a cheaper keeper @ Derby.  Save four bucks there and get a defender.  I could convince myself that Reina isn't worth it, two matches or not.  Of course, whatever I decide to do will be wrong.

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Good day for the blog favorites, wasn't it?   BF's DB and AY both notched goals.

Gretar Steinsson started his Premier League career so well and collected 6-9 pts per week since he signed for Bolton.  Was looking to him to replace Mokoena if I had dropped from Rooney to Torres.  Now, a penalty conceeded later, and Liverpool and Manchester United his next two opponents... well, I'll be hoping his price stays around 5 even though looking at Bolton's upcoming schedule - through the end of the season, really - I'm not sure there's a week where be looking for a Bolton defender.  Even one who plays in midfield. 

What's the opposite of a cake walk?

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Well, the Academy Awards are ending so it's back to the family.  Keep EDS in your thoughts, and until next week...

The Manager 

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