Game Week 13

It is another action packed weekend with the cash rich rivals Manchester City and Chelsea going head to head on Super Sunday action. Rafa Benitez is back and so is the mind games with Sir Alex. Mark Hughes is finally sacked while Reading have broken their duck with a hard fought win over Everton. Spurs will need no motivation given their derby drubbing to get back to winning ways when they take on West Ham in the London derby. Game week 13 promises an action packed weekend and here are some quick player reminders (apart from the regular stars) to add to the last two weeks list to finalize your team.

FORWARDS:

Christian Benteke

The big Belgian center forward has taken off at Aston Villa and is a night mare for defenders. At 6 ft 3in, he is powerful (Smalling would vouch for that !!) and well suited for the premier league. Arsenal have generally had a tough time against big towering center forwards so he should be a handy pick this weekend playing at home. He has scored 4 goals so far but a threat throughout the game. Price: 6.5

Arouna Kone could also be handy pick this weekend with Reading at home. Refer to my previous post for more info on him.

MIDFIELDERS:

James Morrison

The Scottish international is into his fifth season at West Brom. The attacking midfielder is in fine form this season and has already scored 3 goals this season (last season tally was 5) primarily because he has been playing in a more attacking role this season.He is an excellent header of the ball and can also strike the ball well. He gets into good goal scoring positions and can also play a holding role in the midfield. Price: 6.3 Opponents: Sunderland (A)

Shaun Maloney

The Scottish attacking midfielder has adapted to his new home at Wigan. This season the former Celtic player, who is known perform inconsistently, has carried on his excellent last season form with Wigan. He is a constant threat in the midfield and can play as a striker also. He can turn the game with a moment of magic and is quick. He is a cheap buying option with a price tag of 5. Opponents: Reading (H)

DEFENDERS:

Ryan Shawcross

It has been a tough start for defenders this season in the EPL with a lot of goals being scored. Stoke City, however, have gone about their task as usual with a tough to beat approach with 5 clean sheets this season. And Ryan Shawcross is doing his England chances no good with solid performances at the back. It has not gone unnoticed as Stoke city is desperate to tie him to a new deal. The former Manchester United player is a no nonsense defender who can chip in with an odd goal. Price: 5. Opponents: Fulham (H)

Stoke City, West Brom and West Ham are good bets for getting points in defense this season.

KEEPERS:

Asmir Begovic

The Bosnian goal keeper has been consistent this season at goal and has a tight defense in front of him. Having replaced Sorenson in goal and made peace with Pulis over his alleged refusal to play a game for Stoke, he has become a regular for Stoke city.  He is a safe bet given the Stoke City way to play tight and give team a tough time to score goals.

Price: 5.1 Opponents: Fulham (H)

Adding to the last couple of weeks of player information on the blog here, go ahead and get your team right for the game week. Let your team rock this weekend and may you gloat over your friends !!!!

Gameweek 12

Last weekend in the EPL was as exciting as ever with lot of late drama and goals. Hope your team scored a lot of points for you. This weekend promises to be another exciting one with the much anticipated North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham kicking things off. This game is entertainment guaranteed and do not miss it !!!

This game week analysis gives you a food for thought for your substitutions with a host of players who can turn out to be useful buys.

FORWARDS:

Arouna Kone

A shrewd buy from Levante, Kone has settled in quickly at Wigan and has scored 4 goals this season. Victor Moses already seems to be a forgotten man. He is quick, good in the air and a constant threat. He comes at a price of 6.5 and only a matter of time before the price goes up. Opponent: Liverpool (Away)

Nikica Jelavic

The Croatian striker has settled in well at Everton following his move from Rangers last season. He has a slow start to this season and looks to be finding his touch again over the last few weeks. His winner against Sunderland last weekend will give him a lot of confidence. He has good strength in the air and Everton will be looking up to him to fire them to the top four. 
Price: 8.5 (costly) 
Opponents: a struggling Reading (Away)

A relatively cheaper option for the game week can be Dimitar Berbatov - The classy bulgarian has rediscovered his joy for playing football at Fulham and is in top form. Price: 7.5 and rising. He plays Sunderland at home this weekend.

MIDFIELDERS:

Adam Johnson

Having struggled to establish himself at Manchester City, the skillful winger has a point to prove at Sunderland. He has slowly settled in at the Stadium of Lights and is starting to show his form. His goal against Everton last weekend will only boost his confidence. He is a constant threat and can change the game in an instant. 
Price: 6.8
Opponents: Fulham (Away)

Damien Duff

A seasoned campaigner who is a consistent points scorer over the years in the fantasy premier league. His career has been haunted by injuries and he is a real threat when he gets a run of games. The Fulham winger has got off to a great start to the season and has a lethal left foot.
Price: 6.3
Opponents: Sunderland (Home)

DEFENDERS:

Winston Reid

The New Zealand international took time to settle in at West Ham and has been in excellent form this season. He is attracting a lot of interest from top clubs and West Ham are desperate to tie him down to a new improved deal. He has been solid at the back for West ham and they have already kept 5 clean sheets this season. He comes at a price: 5 but is value for money.
Opponents: Stoke City (Home)

Brede Hangeland

The tall Norwegian is a consistent performer in the Premier League over the years. Into his fifth season at Fulham, he has been a towering presence at the back. He is a constant goal threat in the air with his height and has an eye for a pass. He can also take the ball out from the defense and go on a run. 
Price: 5.0
Opposition: Sunderland (Away).

KEEPERS:

Jussi Jaaskelainen

The veteran goalkeeper was forced to quit Bolton last season following their relegation after playing for them for 15 years. He is the longest serving foreign player in the Premier League having joined Bolton in 1997. He is a huge presence in goal and at 37, he has only got better. He has played a key part in West Ham's 5 clean sheets so far. You can rely on him for points. 
Price: 5.1 
Opposition: Stoke City (Home)


Get set for another action packed EPL weekend and may your team gather a lot of points !!!

See you next Game Week !!!

Fantasy Premier League - Game Week 11

The Game Week 11  features two mouth watering clashes - Chelsea vs Liverpool & Manchester City vs Tottenham.  The regular point scorers in the fantasy league over the years are yet to hit peak form. Apart from the star players, here is a quick peek into those players who have done well but might have missed your eye.

FORWARDS:

Bryan Ruiz:

The Costa Rican forward has taken his time to settle into the premier league but has shown good form off late and is very skillful. Martin Jol has a lot of trust in him having seen atfirst hand at FC Twente, the damage that he can do. If you are short of budget, you can take a chance with him at 5.8. The upcoming game against arsenal might be a tough one but he has two more relatively easy games - Sunderland home and Stoke City away - before the big derby vs Chelsea.

Kevin Mirallas:

The Belgian international has got of to a good start at Everton. He is skillful and has been creating a lot of goals off late. He is always a threat. He would be a good addition, if your budget permits, at a score of 7.4. Opponents: Sunderland (H)

Gabby Agbonlahour:

Blighted by injuries at the start of the season, he is starting to hit top form and is always a handful with his pace. He has a good record against top teams and has done well over the years against Manchester United. His form will be crucial to overturn Villa's fortunes and at 6.9, he is a good bet.

Grant Holt:

He takes Norwich on his shoulders and is a real handful for defenders with his strength and shot. He is continuing from where he left of last season. You can rely on him to get you points. At 6, he is a real bargain. Opponents: Reading (A)

Peter Odemwingie:

Regular point scorer in the fantasy league for the last 2 seasons, he has been a slow starter this season but starting to find his feet again. Scored a brace against Southampton last week and is getting sharper. At 6.9, he is sure to get you points and value for money.

MIDFIELDERS:

Victor Moses:

Has settled in slowly at Chelsea and showing his form from the Wigan days. He is shrewd buy in your team as he is rated as a midfielder in the game and plays up front for Chelsea. So a goal from him counts more (5 points and not 4). He is not a regular starter which could be a call to take. But at 6.3, he come cheap.

Kevin Nolan:

Always a reliable bet. "Attacking" midfielder (in all the sense). Pops up to score important goals and is in good form. At 6.7, you can rely on him to do something in the game. A little bit of history behind the game as he faces his former employers - Newcastle so can expect a bit of fireworks.

Marouane Fellaini:

Someone you might not have missed out but still worth a mention. He has taken over the reins of Tim Cahill as the goal threat up front with his strength and heading abilities. A lot of responsibilities on his shoulder this season and he has lived up to it so far. You can definitely accommodate him in your team at a score of 7.2.

Ben Arfa:

He is starting to show his real potential this season. Unfortunate to suffer a broken leg, he has come back stronger and glad to see him still get the ball and start taking on the defenders. He is showing some consistency this season and has the knack of making a difference in the game with a moment of brilliance. He comes at a price 7.9 and it is on the rise.

Wayne Routledge:

Having had the distinction of playing for 8 clubs already, he has settled well at Swansea. With regular playing time, he has hit top form at the start of the season along with Michu and is always a threat in the game. At 5.4, he is a cheap buy and value add to your team.

DEFENDERS:

Chris Baird:

Established at Fulham, the right back has already scored twice this season and also takes free kicks, increasing his chances to score. At 4.6, he is relatively cheaper and is a good bet. Opponents: Arsenal(A)

Leighton Baines:

Established player and you cant really miss him but most certainly worth a mention for those ignorant. He has been the first name on my team sheet over the past four years. The flying left back with a gifted left foot. Takes penalties, free kicks and pin point crosses. Mr. Reliable to score points. Hence, he comes at a price - 7.6. Opponents: Sunderland (H)

Robert Huth:

Has been a consistent performer in the fantasy league last 3 seasons. Pops up with crucial games from set pieces. He also takes free kicks. He is starting to show some form recently. Stoke do not concede a lot of goals and can always fight to keep a clean sheet. At 5.5, he is good bet. Opponents: QPR (H).

West Brom defenders are also a good bet. Having kept 4 clean sheets already, they have surprised a lot of people with their blistering start to the season. They are 5th in the table, only away from the top 4 on goal difference. They are away to Wigan, who are high on confidence having won their last 2 games.

KEEPERS:

John Ruddy:

Has made a name for himself at Norwich and was a consistent performer last season. He has deservedly earned his England call up. He has kept 2 clean sheets in the last 3 games and against a Reading side, which is in the relegation zone, he is a good bet for the game week.

Get your act together and place your bets. Another interesting weekend awaits in the EPL !!!

Fantasy Fever !!

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that". - 

- Bill Shankly

Football is more than just a sport. It is a religion. From watching the stars play on screen to copying their moves in our backyard, football is an inspiration. The unpredictability factor in football keeps you glued to the screen throughout the match and makes you wonder who writes these scripts. 

The fantasy football league game has made us football managers in our own world and manage the stars of football. Fantasy Premier League game is addictive and the pleasure you get when your gamble works out is priceless. And the best part is, you can always get right back into the game when you hit an excellent scoring patch. From a personal standpoint, it has actually helped me follow the English Premier League, the clubs and the players much closer than before. 

This blog will cover every game week in the ongoing EPL season and give much needed updates on the team news for the upcoming round of fixtures and the players to bet on. It will invite healthy football banter and predictions for the game week. After a busy workweek, this one-stop blog should give you all the inputs you need to take a gamble and finalize your team selection within a short span of time before the weekend window closes. With EPL as unpredictable as ever this season, every game week is interesting as there are no easy games. Identifying a potential point scoring player for the game week and coming up trumps on the gamble is a challenge to relish. 

So continue the passion for the beautiful game and for those growing disconnected with the fantasy game, it is time to get right back into the thick of things. Watch this space for more updates.

Let the best team win !!!!