Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Match Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool

Liverpool will be looking to immediately bounce back from their defeat to United by picking up a point or three at the Emirates. If Liverpool lose and Manchester United win this weekend, it will mean that Henderson's men will be 8 points adrift and effectively out of the race for 4th spot. Losing is not an option, but with questions over Sturridge's fitness Liverpool will have to up their game.  There is no doubt in their determination of late and some may argue that their defeat to United is simply a short-term blip.

Arsenal will be looking to put their Champions League heartache behind them, by re-qualifying for next season, subject to a strong finish in the Premier League. But who can stop them from finishing in the Top 4? They have conceded less than a goal a game at home this season (11) and have scored the joint most number of goals (33) on their own turf in the Premier League. They are spoilt for choice when it comes to attackers and their defensive unit hasn't been that bad either.

I think this will be a close match. As it's a Saturday lunchtime kick off, there will be some weary legs just a few days after the international football "break". We can't take Liverpool for granted - after all, they have the fourth best away record in the Premier League this season. But if Sturridge is less than 70% fit (as I suspect), they could struggle. I think Liverpool could nick a 1-1 draw here, but in truth they need a win. In their haste and without Skrtel's presence they may become complacent at the back. It's in part due to this reason that Arsenal could win 2-1 with the in-form Giroud scoring or Sanchez rediscovering his form.

With the above in mind, I would recommend the following FanFeud picks for #ARSLIV:

Olivier Giroud
Alexis Sanchez
Mesut Ozil
Aaron Ramsey
Raheem Sterling

Have you made your picks yet?

www.fanfeud.co.uk



Posted by
Labels: , , , ,

@FanFeud's Weekly Fantasy Football Show: #DGW31


Weekly Fantasy Football Show

You can also listen on iTunes. 

Please follow FanFeud on Twitter!
Posted by
Labels: , , ,

Sunday, 29 March 2015

What's Next for The Reds


Ivorian Should Be Back to Offer Solidity

Martin Skrtel’s appeal on the three-match ban has been rejected by the Football Association disciplinary panel, hence a huge responsibility has to be filled at the back line by Rodgers. The Slovakian has been their optimum and most consistent defender this season, however his intolerant stamp on De Gea’s feet on Sunday was tough to be overlooked. Brendan Rodgers wisely rebuilt the side from the back, forming a three-man wall comprising Emre Can, Mamadou Sakho and Skrtel. Back in the FA Cup quarterfinals goalless match against Blackburn, the Reds saw Dejan Lovren, Glen Johnson and Kolo Toure shaping the defense, and it was frantic and frustrating. The fans have finally ignored Lovren’s price tag and extremely happy to just see him warm up the bench. Skrtel will miss the Premier League games at Arsenal and against Newcastle plus the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn Rovers. At the Emirates, Toure seems to be the significant replacement for the 30-year old. The Ivory Coast international isn’t the one who offers attacking overlaps or goals, yet he gets his primary job done efficiently with his experience and strength. It could be suicidal if Lovren is the one marking Olivier Giroud who is casually finding the back of the net.

Leave the Skipper Alone

Despite expressing regret for the harsh tackle on Ander Herrara, Steven Gerrard is still flocking around the papers and media with destructive remarks.  Therefore, the England international will join Skrtel among the spectators too for couple of games. Liverpool were playing eye-catching football with fluidity passing and quick attacking flair without their skipper, plus Jordan Henderson seems to be a tailor-made swap for Gerrard. Moreover, when they were down to 10 men against Manchester United at Anfield, they performed with more enthusiasm and surge upfront.

Don’t Risk With New Tactics


There are plenty of worrying grapevines stating that Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana is out with injuries and would miss the crucial clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool supporters will be hoping they could recover within the international friendly break. The former Chelsea man hasn’t been on top notch form yet did find add his name into the score sheet against United. Well, it seems to be a voodoo as both times the Reds faced their arch-rivals Manchester United this season, they stumbled to play their rhythmic football with the 3-4-3 formation. Additionally, fantasy premier league star Raheem Sterling was fruitless, at least he placed plenty of attempts at the United goal back at Old Trafford. Rodgers has put in his heart and soul to craft this new impactful line-up which has been rewarding for them, therefore a sudden change in tactics could lead to disaster at Emirates stadium. Perhaps, if Lallana and Jordan Ibe are still unavailable, Lazar Markovic’s pace could be lethal whereas shifting Raheem Sterling into a false nine is never a bad option. Two bad games doesn’t make it a bad formation, the players didn’t really step up to shine. 

Posted by

Saturday, 28 March 2015

A Brief History of Harry Kane's First International Goal

It was a memorable day for Tottenham's Harry Kane - here's how it unfolded on one author's Twitter feed. The introduction of Spurs' breakthrough player of the year, presumptive Young Player of the Year and possible Golden Boot winner received massive attention across the globe. Of course, FPL managers are notoriously difficult to please. Kane promptly ghosted into the box at the far post and drove a header home for his first senior international goal. It's a minute in, then! Congratulations, Harry. So, two minutes in! Still, job done! The legend grows! Can we get an official ruling? So that's sorted. What's the historical impact? Anyone with a visual? We may not be able to agree on a time; at least we can all agree on what this means for the future.
Posted by

Sunday, 22 March 2015

Giroud’s Brace Rescues Gunners at St James Park


Arsenal were so close yet so far in the mid-week where they gave a brave battle against Monaco where it ended 2-0, one goal short of qualifying to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Few signs of lethargies and drop in ambition in the second half bothered them in the second half, however the stubborn backline of the FA Cup holders scrapped through a 2-1 score-line. Olivier Giroud was once again the difference for Arsene Wenger as he notched a sublime brace in the first half, eight goals in the last six matches against Newcastle United, gem finisher! The travelling fans were greatly hoping to see their star striker hit his first hat-trick for the club in the second half but they never came close to do so. The north London club is now with 60 points at third, making a steadfast statement that they are composed mentally to routinely stamp their ticket to Champions League football next season.

Despite missing numerous regular starters such as Fabricio Coloccini and Papiss Cisse, Newcastle United started vibrantly, the pace of Ayoze Perez and forcefulness of Sissoko grew anxious moments for the visitors. Arsenal, slowly yet surely picked up their offensive tempo. Aaron Ramsey came close but lacked an instinctive touch to break the goalless stalemate. In the 23th minute, Arsenal’s man of the moment struck, the gloating Giroud. Danny Welbeck deserves immense credit for the opener as his well-taken header was astutely flicked by the left knee of his attacking partner. After all the hard-work in the opening minutes, the Magpies downright divulge their momentum as the Gunners repetitively pilled pressure on their defense. The home team languished, playing deeper and deeper which got them punished once again. The towering Frenchman scored in the space of five minutes once again, using his strong physique, he outmuscled Mike Williamson from the resulting Santi Cazorla corner, directing an excellent header into the far corner that had Tim Krul no chance of reaching. 

Newcastle United got into the following half with full swing and they found the back of the net with a superb finish by their skipper Moussa Sissoko. A tailor-made cross from Cabella fell precisely for the Frenchman who defeated David Ospina in style. Since then the Magpies kept pressing for an equalizer, endless surge upfront, Perez being their main bull. In the 63rd minute, the Colombian goalkeeper made a marvelous point-blank save from Sissoko’s close range header. Arsene Wenger recognized the space Newcastle were receiving hence brought on Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini, while attacking duo Sanchez plus Cazorla were sacrificed.

Remy Cabella was phenomenal, endless trickery and sprinting through gaps for through passes. Newcastle United’s desire and determination deserves a whole lot of applause. Defensive combatants of Arsenal, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista had restless second half, couple of vital interventions and strong aerial clearances. Stoppage time of four minutes was presented, surprisingly the Gunners used it up to run down the clock and the match ended 2-1. Completely entertaining encounter where the home side would be rather wretched after their tireless efforts in the second half. Arsenal rode their luck with the rumble of fantasy premier league star-man Olivier Giroud.


Posted by

Friday, 20 March 2015

Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 30


 Latest Rank: 

69k (13k fall) 

 

Transfer*:

Foster OUT / Guzan IN


 Bank Balance:
£3.4M 
 

*I was close to buying Forster as a long-term buy for the remainder of the season. But he hasn't got a single bap all season despite keeping 13 clean sheets. I opted for Guzan as he is a differential-lite in comparison to Forster, costs £1m less + he has a DGW after the international break. If I opt against buying Costa in DGW34, I could happily buy Courtois as Guzan's replacement in GW33. 


Notes: 

 

Yes, that time of the season has arrived - GW30 - it is the final countdown!
 
What a dire GW29. I could have captained almost all of my "Power 7" and still ended up with sub-35 points. My team's rank is spiraling out control. 35k/Top 1% seems a galaxy away from earth. Time to buck up! As per the podcast, I think Benteke is a sensational pick right now, even before DGW31. I was on the cusp of selling Aguero for him, but opted against it as I didn't want to take a hit and needed to replace the injured Foster. Kane seems like a no nonsense captain pick for this GW, I wanted to play it safe and opted for him.  Here's to hoping.  Good luck to you all!

Can you outdo me on FanFeud? 
Feel free to sign up and try to beat me.


www.fanfeud.co.uk






Also - Try and beat me on Togga's new 'perfect XI' game, via the invite code.
Posted by
Labels: , , , , , ,

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

@FanFeud Gameweek 30 Fantasy Football Show









Weekly Fantasy Football Show

You can also listen on iTunes. 

Please follow FanFeud on Twitter!
Posted by

Saturday, 14 March 2015

Fantasy Premier League Tips: Midfielders for Gameweek 29


Drop


Dusan Tadic

Remember him? The Serbian who strenuously bagged in assists in the opening half of the season, especially four assists against Sunderland in the 8-0 riot. He was labelled as the best bargain signing of the summer plus constantly had been compared to Cesc Fabregas. However, since the 17th of January, Tadic hasn’t contributed a goal or an assist for the team, resulting in limited playing minutes too. Evidently, Southampton are struggling to find the back of the net, as once again Saido Mane huffed, puffed and scuffled for a late winner against Crystal Palace at St Mary’s last weekend. Well, Mane could be rewarding for the dream team but not his teammate who only played 31 minutes in the match. If this Sunday, Tadic gets the nod, he will face the likes of Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas as well as Hazard, could be an ordeal afternoon for the confidence-hit midfielder.

Punt


Ander Herrera

The Spaniard was nominated as Manchester United’s Player of the Month for February after handful of fascinating performances. Herrera has the ability to run the midfield, demands for the ball at all possible opportunities and never hesitates to try long-range strikes, no wonder he is adamant on filling Paul Scholes void. On the other hand, he was completely inefficient in the FA Cup quarterfinal defeat to Arsenal plus did not make it to the second half, as Van Gaal had enough from the former Athletic Bilbao player. The 25-year old isn’t a player who has earned a sure-starter identity at Manchester United, well under the new boss nobody seems to besides David De Gea. This Sunday, Old Trafford welcome the spirited Spurs who have couple of strong contenders in midfield. Herrera and United need to jostle away their downfall in the FA Cup and attach full focus on Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

Hot


Jordan Henderson

The Kopites were very much worried on who would be the next Steven Gerrard as he departs from Anfield coming end of the season. Striking wonderful long-range goals and fantastic all-round midfielder, Henderson has been grabbing the headlines in recent weeks. The former Sunderland man is part of an energetic plus accelerating midfield that easily holds possession and creates openings for the attackers upfront. Undeniably, the skipper’s armband pumps an extra gusto for these commanding performances! Liverpool will travel to the Liberty Stadium, which could be a tricky match, yet analyzing the Reds’ league form, mission should be accomplished. Henderson, who is never short of running, could find the back of the net this weekend too.

Star Picks


Eden Hazard – The silky and skillful Belgian has been an influential individual for the Blues this season.

Alexis Sanchez – His series of mazy dribbles brought chaos in the QPR defense and he went on doubling Arsenal’s lead last weekend.

Raheem Sterling – The Liverpool winger is never afraid to take on multitude of defenders and has notched six goals this campaign.

David Silva – The Spaniard is on sizzling form, three goals in the last two appearances.

Christian Eriksen – Free-kick specialist of Spurs and has scored couple of mesmerizing long efforts.

“Disclaimer: This article represents the writer’s point of view, not FanXT. Readers discretion is advised.”




Posted by
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)