Fantasy Premier League

The Week Ahead

Thu Feb 28 12:30PM by Neal Thurman

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard

I'll apologize in advance for this being a brief post, I've been up before 6 AM for my day job every day this week and generally not back home until after 8 or 9 PM with very little time in front of a computer in-between.  This has left a lot of catching up on email and the like for the rare occasions when I have gotten to my laptop.  Throw in the fact that I'm running a little late for another similar day and you've got all the makings of a rushed column.

Obviously, Liverpool is the pick of the litter this weekend with two matches - Torres (hopefully you got him before his price went through the roof), Gerrard, Agger (if healthy), Arbeloa, and Reina should be your targets.

If you can't get to Reina, then Gordon is probably a reasonable bet @DER. 

West Ham have very difficult matches and, lets face it, they aren't exactly stocked with fantasy studs so I'm really only considering Carlton Cole since he seems to have won the battle for a spot with Dean Ashton.

Finally, if you're looking for reasonably priced striking talent, I'm going to be taking a hard look at both Tuncay and Alves from Boro.  With Aliadiere's suspension held up, Alves should partner Tuncay and with Reading the opponent, things are looking up for Boro.

I would be more excited about Man Citeh this weekend but for the sending off of MPet at the death on Monday.  First of all, I'm bitter because I had him last week but more importantly, this robs Citeh of their attacking engine.  It might be worth downgrading to Elano who is due to re-emerge but it might just be that Citeh struggle this weekend even with Wigan the opposition.

(35 user comments)

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  • (11)

    Excuse, Excuse, work, what is man whne he does not work, your job is right here betwixt these columns...Keep up the great job you juggler..

    Posted by: santos_rockers on Thu Feb 28 04:18PM | Report abuse
  • (12)

    @6 - To my knowledge, FIFA's rules stipulates that the ban should be immediate. This was imposed in 2002 already so I don't know why the FA hasn't changed its laws. See http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/instant-onematch-ban-for-redcard-culprits-643631.html

    Posted by: cameroos on Thu Feb 28 04:21PM | Report abuse
  • (13)

    @12 Ah yes, you're correct - thanks http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Disciplinary/SuspensionLists/SuspendedPlayers.htm (25/02/2008; Suspended from all football until the Club have completed 3 first team matches for a Sending Off).

    Posted by: tenfourzero on Thu Feb 28 04:40PM | Report abuse
  • (14)

    Keegan... Messy Ahhhhhh! I just thought I'd beat that other d1ck to it!

    Posted by: ginger_management on Thu Feb 28 06:45PM | Report abuse
  • (15)

    Anyone considering Mascherano? Seems like a decent bet at 7 points or so, or do I stick with Palacios at +3?

    Posted by: richard_pitts_2000 on Thu Feb 28 08:45PM | Report abuse
  • (16)

    Well, I just blew my team up to get Gerrard in. Probably going to regret that later, but things have been stagnating the past few weeks and something had to change.

    Posted by: jddunn13 on Thu Feb 28 09:46PM | Report abuse
  • (17)

    Mullins will play both games. Faubert will sub in one. Mullins may be due an assist. We shall see. Lucas is another interesting/cheap option - he certainly won't start both games, but should get on the pitch for both. (15) Palacios has been a noce suprise, hey? I'd hold him. He's a starter every week, going forward. Glad I poached Yakubu before the Man City game - now at +3.5!

    Posted by: donegal08 on Thu Feb 28 10:44PM | Report abuse
  • (18)

    I think Schwarzer is the best option at keeper. He is also back at a very nice price... I wish I had room for Noble/Hammers. He, too me, along w/CCole, are the best options for a two game week.

    Posted by: donegal08 on Thu Feb 28 10:48PM | Report abuse
  • (19)

    Do I go for Carragher, Reina and Yorke... Or do I have Gerrard, Mokoena and Given??? Decisions, decisions...

    Posted by: arshy1979 on Thu Feb 28 11:52PM | Report abuse
  • (20)

    @14 - rofl. I hate that F-er who does that. With 7 +change left, I'd go with Kewell over Masherano or Pennant. Pretty boring TWA. Pick Liverpool/West Ham players. Pretty freakin obvious. Alves(Boro) had a pretty solid game the other day. and with Aliadiere out, he'll be thrown to the wolves. I might avoid the whole Liverpool Mid/Def all together because the 2 gamers are great, but if they don't play in 1, then it was a waste.

    Posted by: owen1981 on Fri Feb 29 12:16AM | Report abuse