Fantasy Premier League

Injuries and Suspensions

Fri Mar 21 02:27PM by Neal Thurman

Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe scores his sides first goal of the game - Sunday March 2, 04:46 PM Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Portsmouth - Goodison Park

Today, we start with the news that Jermain Defoe is prevented from playing against his former team this weekend.  Seems sort of stupid to us but we don't make the rules, we just let you know how they apply to your fantasy team.  Defoe has been on a great run and I'm sure many of you have him at a significant discount.  If you can stand the hit, it's probably worth keeping him this weekend - Pompey have a cakewalk of a schedule the rest of the way (Wigan, @WHU, NUFC, @Citeh, BLA, @Boro, FUL).  Not a good team in the bunch. 

I have to say, there isn't a ton of other injury news.  Here are the few headlines...

Koumas - suspended...Taylor will probably take this spot (in fact, he'd probably have it anyway)

Cech - still likely out...not sure you want to go with Carlo after Chelsea's showing in midweek.

Ballack and The Elk - both likely back in the line-up vs. Arsenal but of dubious value.

MPet - back from suspension and playing against a depleted (even more so than usual) Bolton squad.  Good pick if you're looking for value in a mid-priced midfielder.

Mido and Rochemback are both suspended for Boro, Huth and Pogatetz are both doubtful.  Andrew Taylor becomes an interesting potential option at 6.01 if you think Huth and Pog won't make it.  Luke Young and Wheater are the guaranteed options.

AJ is out so if you're looking for an Everton striker against WHU then Yak is definitely your man (although he always should have been).

Rio is still out for ManYoo meaning that Pique (sadly pronounced PK) will deputize.  Also disappointing is the fact that he is listed as a midfielder.

Look for a lot of scoring from Spurs as Sol Campbell (injured), Diouf (suspended), and Muntari (suspended) are all out.  That's a lot of backbone missing.  If you can afford Berbs or Keane, it might be worth it.  Utaka is also a decent bet if 'arry is smart enough to insert him in Defoe's spot - he was great as a 2nd striker early in the season.  He's been mediocre at best on the right wing and from the bench.  If Roy Keane is reading this, he should be thinking about how to get Utaka to partner Kenwyne Jones next season (assuming he stays up). 

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 Team News

  1. Team News: Top Four all strong
  2. No new problems for Toon tussle
  3. Rio in race to be fit versus Reds
  4. AJ unlikely to face Hammers
  5. Riise may get a recall from Rafa
  6. No new worries for Birmingham date
  7. King likely to get Pompey break
  8. Utaka set to partner Baros up front
  9. No new headaches for Fulham date
  10. Benjani tipped to tackle Trotters
  11. Keane worries easing for Villa date
  12. Carroll cleared for Riverside action
  13. Boro duo banned for Rams visit
  14. Rovers without Emerton at Ewood
  15. Gardner to fill in at right-back
  16. Hammers hopeful over Upson
  17. Keeper query for Gunners clash
  18. Bolton to be boosted by duo
  19. Larsson set for Royals appointment
  20. Sibierski set to miss Ewood trip 
  21. Rosicky ruled out of Bridge trip

 

(17 user comments)

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User comments

  • (11)

    My understanding is, for example a player scores a hat trick during a game and you pick him up during the game or very shortly before his points update so you would get him at the original price before it rockets.

    Posted by: alex.ayre on Fri Mar 21 11:43PM | Report abuse
  • (12)

    Thanks for the Injury/Suspension lists but what about those who just aren't playing for som reason? Cahill? Belletti? have them both at discount and they haven't played for weeks

    Posted by: jeff_vlavich on Fri Mar 21 11:43PM | Report abuse
  • (13)

    Cahill (Tim) has been injured and is doubtful tomorrow also,in fact the Everton 'potential' injuries may make this a leveller, West Ham will eventually improve....surely.

    Posted by: alex.ayre on Sat Mar 22 12:26AM | Report abuse
  • (14)

    Now Huth and Pogatetz is doubtful. What is wrong with Huth? He was fine against Arsenal. Same goes with Poga. I went with the Reid express and took a gamble on Taylor.

    Posted by: zzzeclipse on Sat Mar 22 03:04AM | Report abuse
  • (15)

    "Look for a lot of scoring from Spurs as Sol Campbell (injured), Diouf (suspended), and Muntari (suspended) are all out." - didn't understand!... Isn't Diouff a BOL player?

    Posted by: daniel_menezes on Sat Mar 22 08:50AM | Report abuse
  • (16)

    hum... you certainly meant Diop!

    Posted by: daniel_menezes on Sat Mar 22 09:11AM | Report abuse
  • (17)

    PS- thanks 4 this great job once again Jeremy

    Posted by: daniel_menezes on Sat Mar 22 09:11AM | Report abuse