Premiership Investments

[brettdale]

West Brom has a kiwi?????

Heck, where is our media?, they never give football a fair deal.

[shasta]

West Brom has a kiwi?????

Heck, where is our media?, they never give football a fair deal.

They called it?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/2874563/Wood-praised-after-rocket-shot

[shasta]

Should be a good game v Leicester, both up the right end of the table.

I'm supporting West Brom in the Championship, they have the Kiwi Chris Woods up front (a real talent), they played a nice brand of footy even though they were relegated last year.

I'm hoping Norwich City (league 1) get it together & get promoted, the Canaries need some luck!

Watford v Leicester ended up a 3-3 cracker.

West Brom 5 Boro 0

Even Norwich got a 2-2 draw with Charlton (they were top of the table!)

Some great games/goals in the premiership this weekend - the highlights package tonight is a must watch!

[brettdale]

Looking forward to this weekend's matches, matches should go with favorites.

[shasta]

Looking forward to this weekend's matches, matches should go with favorites.

This weeks multi's

1st Multi:

Portsmouth v Everton - Everton to win @ $1.85
Birmingham* v Bolton - Bolton to win @ $3.10
Blackburn v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25
Liverpool v Hull - Liverpool to win @ $1.11
Fulham v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.55

* Birmingham have over 10 players out injured :eek:

Total Odds $32.07 x $10 to return $320.70

2nd Multi:

Spurs v Burnley - Spurs to win @ $1.30
Wigan v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.30
Sunderland v Wolves - Sunderland to win @ $1.70
Man City v West Ham - Man City to win @ $1.40
Stoke v Man Utd - Man Utd to win @ $1.33

Total Odds $5.35 x $10 to return $53.50

[brettdale]

Interesting about Birmingham, who sets the TAB odds? Are they based on overseas sites? Or do they actually have someone working for them doing the football odds?

[ratkin]

Enjoyed reading your rugby blog. Very true.

As for the soccer odds the TAB just copy overseas sites , except they make the prices even more unattractive. Nothing but robbers

[ratkin]

It would be impossible to make a long term profit , betting premier league matches on the TAB.

Premier league matches are probably the most accurately priced up in the world. There are many sophisticated computer models which crunch every conceivable statistic , these models can very accurately price up likely outcomes..

Add into this the the overround which the bookies add in and there is no chance of ending up ahead.

Only hope to beat the TAB is to beat them to important news , this was possible a few years ago , they were very naive and slow off the mark when they began taking bets on sports. Now however they are more on the ball .
Not impossible to catch them out occasionally but not really worth the effort.

I Took the TAB for a fair amount , however my account was soon flagged , if i ever want a bet with them on certain sports at fixed odds im lucky to be allowed more than fifty dollars. Its pathetic.

They are terrified of anyone who might be a winner , but love to take money from the big gamblers (losers) then crow about how much money they are risking. Reality is if they take a big bet of 100k then they just go running to another agency and lay it off so they not at risk.

They a disgrace , needs to be far more competition otherwise they will keep offering terrible odds and getting away with it.

[shasta]

It would be impossible to make a long term profit , betting premier league matches on the TAB.

Premier league matches are probably the most accurately priced up in the world. There are many sophisticated computer models which crunch every conceivable statistic , these models can very accurately price up likely outcomes..

Add into this the the overround which the bookies add in and there is no chance of ending up ahead.

Only hope to beat the TAB is to beat them to important news , this was possible a few years ago , they were very naive and slow off the mark when they began taking bets on sports. Now however they are more on the ball .
Not impossible to catch them out occasionally but not really worth the effort.

I Took the TAB for a fair amount , however my account was soon flagged , if i ever want a bet with them on certain sports at fixed odds im lucky to be allowed more than fifty dollars. Its pathetic.

They are terrified of anyone who might be a winner , but love to take money from the big gamblers (losers) then crow about how much money they are risking. Reality is if they take a big bet of 100k then they just go running to another agency and lay it off so they not at risk.

They a disgrace , needs to be far more competition otherwise they will keep offering terrible odds and getting away with it

Ratkin

I find the TAB doesn't know it's stuff on football, the odds the not the best around, but they represent value when you know your football.

I've been robbing the TAB for years, & my comments on Birmingham show they don't keep up with the play!

[brettdale]

Enjoyed reading your rugby blog. Very true.

As for the soccer odds the TAB just copy overseas sites , except they make the prices even more unattractive. Nothing but robbers

Cool thanks.

Yep I notice the TAB have worse odds than the overseas sites.

Still I have been lucky with the tab.

[ratkin]

Ratkin

I've been robbing the TAB for years, & my comments on Birmingham show they don't keep up with the play!


Let me show you how wrong you are

TAB Birmingham 2,25
........bolton .........3.10
.........draw .........3.20


All major bookmakers are offering a very similar price on birmingham , they range from 2.10 to 2.28. so all twenty one bookmakers i monitor have a very similar price on birmingham. The TAB are actually quite competitive on their price.

The bolton price of 3.10 on the TAB is less competitive . Skybet actualy go 3.75 and betdaq 3.65. Nearly all will give 3.30 at least.

So your assertion that the TAB have made a mistake on birmingham is wrong , they are actually a fair pric on the TAB. Where the tab fall down is on the price of bolton. Very stingy.

If you think birmingham will lose you would be crazy to bet on the TAB you will only get 3.10 on bolton when 3.75 is available elsewhere. The draw can also be backed higher elsewhere. 3.30 with william hill for example

[ratkin]

To show you how poor the value is i will compare the TAB odds with a major conservative bookmaker. Ladbrokes who are very big and well known

TAB
birmingham 2.25
draw 3.10
bolton 3.20

percentage book of around 1.08%



ladbrokes

birmingham 2.25
draw 3.25
bolton 3.25

percentage book of around 105 %


Best prices

birmingham 2.28 (betdaq)
draw 3.30 (william hill)
bolton 3.75 (skybet)

percentage book 100.83%

[brettdale]

If Birmingham has ten players out, then the odds for Bolton at 3.10 must be okay???

[shasta]

If Birmingham has ten players out, then the odds for Bolton at 3.10 must be okay???

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

We are up to 12 now out or doubtful!

I like Bolton to win, even though they arent great playing away.

Ratkin

Many years ago, i helped run an english football tipping website, & we had some linkage to the TAB.

They have never really had the know how for football, mainly as it's money comes primarily from Rugby.

[ratkin]

Bolton midfielder Sean Davis could miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Birmingham will be boosted by the return of four players after injury.
Sebastian Larsson, Stephen Carr, Gregory Vignal and Lee Carsley are all available again.


In addition, Teemu Tainio could return after being ineligible for the midweek Carling Cup clash with Sunderland.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has to decide whether to pair Christian Benitez and Garry O'Connor up front after they impressed in the second half at Hull last weekend.

[shasta]

Let me show you how wrong you are

TAB Birmingham 2,25
........bolton .........3.10
.........draw .........3.20


All major bookmakers are offering a very similar price on birmingham , they range from 2.10 to 2.28. so all twenty one bookmakers i monitor have a very similar price on birmingham. The TAB are actually quite competitive on their price.

The bolton price of 3.10 on the TAB is less competitive . Skybet actualy go 3.75 and betdaq 3.65. Nearly all will give 3.30 at least.

So your assertion that the TAB have made a mistake on birmingham is wrong , they are actually a fair pric on the TAB. Where the tab fall down is on the price of bolton. Very stingy.

If you think birmingham will lose you would be crazy to bet on the TAB you will only get 3.10 on bolton when 3.75 is available elsewhere. The draw can also be backed higher elsewhere. 3.30 with william hill for example

Birmingham 1 Bolton 2 ;)

[shasta]

This weeks multi's

1st Multi:

Portsmouth v Everton - Everton to win @ $1.85 (0-1)
Birmingham* v Bolton - Bolton to win @ $3.10 (1-2)
Blackburn v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25 (2-1) Buga
Liverpool v Hull - Liverpool to win @ $1.11 (6-1)
Fulham v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.55 (0-1)

* Birmingham have over 10 players out injured :eek:

Total Odds $32.07 x $10 to return $320.70 (4/5)

2nd Multi:

Spurs v Burnley - Spurs to win @ $1.30 (5-0)
Wigan v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.30 (3-1) WTF?
Sunderland v Wolves - Sunderland to win @ $1.70 Playing overnight
Man City v West Ham - Man City to win @ $1.40 Playing Tuesday
Stoke v Man Utd - Man Utd to win @ $1.33 (0-2)

Total Odds $5.35 x $10 to return $53.50 (2/3) so far

Wigan with the biggest upset in a long time...

Chelsea's run had to end sometime, but i didn't see it at Wigan or in that manner.

Big game this weekend v Liverpool, i'd take a draw this far out :rolleyes:

[shasta]

This weeks multi's

1st Multi:

Portsmouth v Everton - Everton to win @ $1.85 (0-1)
Birmingham* v Bolton - Bolton to win @ $3.10 (1-2)
Blackburn v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25 (2-1) Buga
Liverpool v Hull - Liverpool to win @ $1.11 (6-1)
Fulham v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.55 (0-1)

* Birmingham have over 10 players out injured :eek:

Total Odds $32.07 x $10 to return $320.70 (4/5)

2nd Multi:

Spurs v Burnley - Spurs to win @ $1.30 (5-0)
Wigan v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.30 (3-1) WTF?
Sunderland v Wolves - Sunderland to win @ $1.70 (5-2)
Man City v West Ham - Man City to win @ $1.40 (3-1)
Stoke v Man Utd - Man Utd to win @ $1.33 (0-2)

Total Odds $5.35 x $10 to return $53.50 (4/5)

Wigan with the biggest upset in a long time...

Chelsea's run had to end sometime, but i didn't see it at Wigan or in that manner.

Big game this weekend v Liverpool, i'd take a draw this far out :rolleyes:

After getting 8 out of 10 games right last week, but just missing out on both multis here are this week's matches/multi's

1st Multi:

Bolton v Spurs - Spurs to win @ $1.90 (2-2)
Burnley v Birmingham - Burnley to win @ $2.20 (2-1)
Hull v Wigan - Draw @ $3.20 (2-1)
Wolves v Portsmouth - Wolves to win @ $2.20 (0-1)
Man Utd v Sunderland - Man U to win @ $1.16 (2-2)

Total Odds $34.14 x $10 to return $341.40 1/5

2nd Multi:

Arsenal v Blackburn - Arsenal to win @ $1.20 (6-2)
Everton v Stoke - Everton to win @ $1.50 (1-1)
West Ham v Fulham - West Ham to win @ $2.20 (2-2)
Chelsea v Liverpool - Chelsea to win @ $2.10 (2-0)
Aston Villa v Man City - Draw @ $3.30 Playing Tuesday morning

Total Odds $27.44 x $10 to return $274.40 2/4

[brettdale]

Great multis, wouldnt city be too strong for Villa though?

[shasta]

Great multis, wouldnt city be too strong for Villa though?

If you wanted to substitute that game, Villa were paying $2.40 & Man City $2.65 (from memory)

Villa have won 2/3 at home, & City 2/3 away, so i can't separate them!

I think this is a big test for City, to win away against a team competing for Europa places.

No Adebayor or Robinho, means City aren't at full strength

[Serpie]

I've (mainly) stayed away from the multi's this week - too hard to pick. But there's some good head to head odds.
I've backed City to beat Villa, Liverpool to beat Chelsea, and Birmingham to beat Burnley.
I reckon Arsenal, Spurs, Man U, Wolves and Wigan will win as well. Can't call the other ones.

And Melbourne to win the league.

Good luck all!

[shasta]

I've (mainly) stayed away from the multi's this week - too hard to pick. But there's some good head to head odds.
I've backed City to beat Villa, Liverpool to beat Chelsea, and Birmingham to beat Burnley.
I reckon Arsenal, Spurs, Man U, Wolves and Wigan will win as well. Can't call the other ones.

And Melbourne to win the league.

Good luck all!

Liverpool to beat Chelsea?

Ouch :(

Chelsea won't take too kindly to being tipped over by Wigan, i reckon there's a backlash on the cards.

Liverpool miss Xabi Alonso, & don't have the quality Cheslea do.

Liverpool need a David Villa type alongside Torres to really threaten Chelsea & the Scum.

Remember the last 5 titles have gone to Chelsea/Man U

[Steve]

Is there a good site that gives a list of non-starters each week thru injury etc?

[shasta]

Is there a good site that gives a list of non-starters each week thru injury etc?

I use this site

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

But it's not 100% accurate

[Steve]

And where is a good place to find out who is starting/non-starting for a match?

[brettdale]

I've (mainly) stayed away from the multi's this week - too hard to pick. But there's some good head to head odds.
I've backed City to beat Villa, Liverpool to beat Chelsea, and Birmingham to beat Burnley.
I reckon Arsenal, Spurs, Man U, Wolves and Wigan will win as well. Can't call the other ones.

And Melbourne to win the league.

Good luck all!

Went overboard on the multis this week, going with the favourites this weekend.

[shasta]

And where is a good place to find out who is starting/non-starting for a match?

For up to date news, i use

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/default.stm

But things can change up to an hour before kickoff.

I'm always up following/watching the games & regularly check the BBC site in the wee hours ;)

[Steve]

I'm always up following/watching the games & regularly check the BBC site in the wee hours ;)

I'm obviously not dedicated enough...that's what is letting me down! :p

[Serpie]

I've (mainly) stayed away from the multi's this week - too hard to pick. But there's some good head to head odds.
I've backed City to beat Villa, Liverpool to beat Chelsea, and Birmingham to beat Burnley.
I reckon Arsenal, Spurs, Man U, Wolves and Wigan will win as well. Can't call the other ones.

And Melbourne to win the league.

Good luck all!

None for five so far!

[shasta]

None for five so far!

What's all this fuss about "arry possibly being sacked? :eek:

I thought Paul Hart (Portsmouth) would be the first manager to go, then Phil Brown (Hull)

OK, a 2-2 draw at Bolton isn't what Spurs would have expected, but the Reebok isn't an easy place to go & pick up 3 points.

SCUM Utd dropped 2 points to Sunderland at home (bugger i sold Bent for Saha & Bent goes & scores!), & should have been 3 points dropped.

I haven't seen the Arsenal goals (6-2 over Blackburn), but i am extremely happy beating Liverpool 2-0 at the Bridge!

Not fussed i didnt get the multi's the 3 points to Chelsea makes my day :D

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

Saw the goals from the Arses game. Fabregas, Vermulean Van Persie and Asherr all scored good goals. Cesc's the top finish...

Devasted with the Pool seems you're right about the class of the squad without Alonso. Two week break again may have to assess my midfielders as Frank ain't scoring them this season.... Lampard for Fabregas.....

Rumour has it the 100% record may ne on the line?????

[shasta]

Shasta

Saw the goals from the Arses game. Fabregas, Vermulean Van Persie and Asherr all scored good goals. Cesc's the top finish...

Devasted with the Pool seems you're right about the class of the squad without Alonso. Two week break again may have to assess my midfielders as Frank ain't scoring them this season.... Lampard for Fabregas.....

Rumour has it the 100% record may ne on the line?????

Arsenal let in 2 poor goals though, Chelsea have let in 6 in 8 games (& 3 of those came at Wigan!)

Fabregas is back to his best, but Lampards form by his high standards hasn't been up to scratch. I'm backing him to come good & soon ;)

I have a policy of not reacting & buying players who have had a good week, Fabregas got 22 points, but when will he repeat that?

I look for value, not form. Class players will always come good.

Any loyal Chelsea fan should have JT, Lamps & Drogba in there side :D

Gryffyn's lack of Chelsea blue in his squad is why he's in the middle of the pack. :o

I lost my 100% H2H record, but still 3 points ahead of the pack ;)

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

Agree with that. class will always rise to the Top. Frank has been less than effective but still in top of midfielders parade. Just think his PE ratio is to high.

Struggling to get defenders to keep clean sheets, my defence is leaking goals, I've got Bikey and noticed in review show he's been pushed forward hoping to score some midfielders goals from this man.

Still in the H2H 9-1 is alot better than 4-5

Go the All Whites

[shasta]

Shasta

Agree with that. class will always rise to the Top. Frank has been less than effective but still in top of midfielders parade. Just think his PE ratio is to high.

Struggling to get defenders to keep clean sheets, my defence is leaking goals, I've got Bikey and noticed in review show he's been pushed forward hoping to score some midfielders goals from this man.

Still in the H2H 9-1 is alot better than 4-5

Go the All Whites

I'm the same with my defence, we would all like to have Johnson, Vermaelen & A Cole - but the costs mean a weaker attack.

You mean 7-1 v 4-4 in the H2H, (& you're just ahead of "Average" on points diff!)

Am hoping either the All Whites sneak a 1-0 win, or a 2-2 draw.

The away goals could determine the outcome, as it won't be easy in Bahrain with a fanatical home support base.

Killen, Fallon & Smeltz (+ Woods?) give the All Whites the attacking options needed to secure a World Cup berth, but ultimately it's the defence that will win it IMO.

[shasta]

Shasta

Agree with that. class will always rise to the Top. Frank has been less than effective but still in top of midfielders parade. Just think his PE ratio is to high.

Struggling to get defenders to keep clean sheets, my defence is leaking goals, I've got Bikey and noticed in review show he's been pushed forward hoping to score some midfielders goals from this man.

Still in the H2H 9-1 is alot better than 4-5

Go the All Whites

Sold Torres, & two midfielders Diaby & N'Zogbia.

I've bought Fabregas, & have kept Lampard as well ;)

Just gotta get the World Cup qualifiers out the way overnight.

Uruguay v Argentina is the key game, Argentina need to win to go thru.

[shasta]

After all the World Cup qualifiers, the premiership is back in full swing.

This week's multi's.

1st Multi:

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.70
Arsenal v Birmingham - Arsenal to win @ $1.12
Everton v Wolves - Everton to win @ $1.40
Portsmouth v Spurs - Spurs to win @ $1.80
Wigan v Man City - Draw @ $3.40

Total Odds = $16.31 x $10 to return $163.10

2nd Multi:

Stoke v West Ham - Stoke to win @ $2.00
Sunderland v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.80
Man Utd v Bolton - Man U to win @ $1.14
Blackburn v Burnley - Blackburn to win @ $1.80
Fulham v Hull - Fulham to win @ $1.65

Total Odds = $12.19 x $10 to return $121.90

[Merseyredboy]

Those odds for the week are skinneee to say the least......1.14. At least my new captain is favoured for a result.... Have ditched Lampard for Fabregas heading to physio room to assess Torres who could be ditched for ???? already have drogba so am struggling Bent seems popular and cheap...

[shasta]

Those odds for the week are skinneee to say the least......1.14. At least my new captain is favoured for a result.... Have ditched Lampard for Fabregas heading to physio room to assess Torres who could be ditched for ???? already have drogba so am struggling Bent seems popular and cheap...

Um, just to let you in on a wee secret

Check the form of Carlton Cole ...

I've got Cole, Drogba & Saha up front ;)

[brettdale]

After all the World Cup qualifiers, the premiership is back in full swing.

This week's multi's.

1st Multi:

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.70
Arsenal v Birmingham - Arsenal to win @ $1.12
Everton v Wolves - Everton to win @ $1.40
Portsmouth v Spurs - Spurs to win @ $1.80
Wigan v Man City - Draw @ $3.40

Total Odds = $16.31 x $10 to return $163.10

2nd Multi:

Stoke v West Ham - Stoke to win @ $2.00
Sunderland v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.80
Man Utd v Bolton - Man U to win @ $1.14
Blackburn v Burnley - Blackburn to win @ $1.80
Fulham v Hull - Fulham to win @ $1.65

Total Odds = $12.19 x $10 to return $121.90


Great second multi, I think man city will beat wigan though.

[brettdale]

Going with Man Utd/Hotspur/Chelsea/Liverpool all for half/full time double.

$5 will win me, $200

[shasta]

Going with Man Utd/Hotspur/Chelsea/Liverpool all for half/full time double.

$5 will win me, $200

Nice bet, but with Gerrard, Torres & Rooney all out could change the odds

[brettdale]

Nice bet, but with Gerrard, Torres & Rooney all out could change the odds

Well theres five dollars wasted!

[shasta]

Well theres five dollars wasted!

I've been mopping around ever since Chelsea lost at Villa.

The SCUM are back on top, but face Liverpool at Anfield this week (after a trip to Moscow midweek).

Chelsea had there entire team on international duty during the week, & it showed with a lacklustre performance.

Blackburn will feel the backlash at the Bridge this weekend

[shasta]

[quote=shasta;277592]After all the World Cup qualifiers, the premiership is back in full swing.

This week's multi's.

1st Multi:

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.70 (2-1) - Bugger :(
Arsenal v Birmingham - Arsenal to win @ $1.12 (3-1)
Everton v Wolves - Everton to win @ $1.40 (1-1) - Bugger
Portsmouth v Spurs - Spurs to win @ $1.80 (1-2)
Wigan v Man City - Draw @ $3.40 (1-1)

Total Odds = $16.31 x $10 to return $163.10 (3/5)

2nd Multi:

Stoke v West Ham - Stoke to win @ $2.00 (2-1)
Sunderland v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.80 (1-0) Bugger
Man Utd v Bolton - Man U to win @ $1.14 (2-1)
Blackburn v Burnley - Blackburn to win @ $1.80 (3-2)
Fulham v Hull - Fulham to win @ $1.65 playing tuesday

Total Odds = $12.19 x $10 to return $121.90 (3/4)

Aston Villa & Sunderland pulling off upsets, while Man U were lucky to scrape thru v a stubborn Bolton.

Man City with 2 draws don't quite look the top 4 side they believe they are

[Merseyredboy]

Agree. But having said that I swapped Torres for Adabuyou. A paltry two points... Still better than zero. I presume you've seen the beach ball incident, what a joke. Never happen at the caketin. tooo far to throw it.

May have to relook at AV, wrongly dismissed them as a flash in the pan after last season the presures of Europe and Barry goning. Martin Okneel must be a coach alright...perhaps chelsea should look at buying him. At least Drogba was good for one. Lamps missing in action still??

[shasta]

Agree. But having said that I swapped Torres for Adabuyou. A paltry two points... Still better than zero. I presume you've seen the beach ball incident, what a joke. Never happen at the caketin. tooo far to throw it.

May have to relook at AV, wrongly dismissed them as a flash in the pan after last season the presures of Europe and Barry goning. Martin Okneel must be a coach alright...perhaps chelsea should look at buying him. At least Drogba was good for one. Lamps missing in action still??

Yeah, couldn't stop laughing @ Liverpool's misfortune :D (cheered me up after Villa beat a disappointing Chelsea) :(

The Black Cats with a draw with the SCUM & a win over Liverpool in succesion, & Darren Bent on fire.

Villa & West Ham have the double up soon, watch out for there players

Had James Collins on the bench (thinking Chelsea would win) & he goes & gets the player of the match & 10 points...:o

I see Gryffyn has enough points off the bench for me to retain my lead in the HTH comp. ;)

Toby has a 4 point lead this week against me, but i've got Wade Elliot to come off the bench with 5 points, down to his Altidore to get at least 2 points to resign me to my 2nd loss in the H2H comp.

I see Altidore hasn't played the last 2 games & seems to be a bit player off the bench!

Wack's Team needs 19 points from his 3 Hull players to edge me back into 2nd place in the main comp...

Pretty much got the squad i want, & i'm not going to drop any transfer points for a while.

Sitting top on both comps is a nice feeling...

Gryffyn - You ready to concede yet? :D

[winner69]

Shasta - not enough draws and even Ladbrokes are suffering

Bookies all tied up
The start of the English Premier League season has been remarkable for one fact- the collapse in the number of tied games. Typically 25% of EPL games are tied (around 100 games a season), but so far this season only 12% of games have been tied. In fact, before last weekend, when there were four, the number of ties was below 8%. There is no obvious reason this should be so, and everyone is scratching their head trying to think of an explanation. None more so than the bookies, who appear to make their money out of ties. In this article, Chris Bell, the CEO of Ladbrokes explains that the loss of revenue is part of the reason for raising £275 million (about $440 million) to bolster their balance sheet. I must admit I’m surprised that bookies are so exposed to the frequency of ties, even if the current run is an exceptional event.


http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/leisure/article6868823.ece

[Merseyredboy]

When a manager starts complaining about injuries after 9 rounds the writings on the wall.... Lpool for EUFA Cup next year and misses the knock out phase in Europe.

Dropped Torres and Johnson and since I'm up against Coop in the head to head dropped Fletcher as well so we start the H2H at -4 all.

Cann't figure out Manure, can never buy a decent points scorer, Giggs Valencia or Rooney, and they are at the top of the table????. So away win at Anfield could be the nod for the multi this week..

[shasta]

When a manager starts complaining about injuries after 9 rounds the writings on the wall.... Lpool for EUFA Cup next year and misses the knock out phase in Europe.

Dropped Torres and Johnson and since I'm up against Coop in the head to head dropped Fletcher as well so we start the H2H at -4 all.

Cann't figure out Manure, can never buy a decent points scorer, Giggs Valencia or Rooney, and they are at the top of the table????. So away win at Anfield could be the nod for the multi this week..

You shuldnt have any SCUM players anyway :eek:

Here's this weeks multi's

1st Multi:

Wolves v Aston Villa - Villa to win @ $2.10
Birmingham v Sunderland - Sunderland to win @ $2.40
Burnley v Wigan - Burnley to win @ $2.25
Hull v Portsmouth - Draw @ $3.20
Tottenham v Stoke - Spurs to win @ $1.45

Total Odds = $52.62 x $10 to return $526.20

2nd Multi:

Chelsea v Blackburn - Chelsea to win @ $1.16
Bolton v Everton - Draw @ $3.20 (Whats going on at TAB site?)
Liverpool v Man Utd - Man U to win @ $2.50
Man City v Fulham - Man City to win @ $1.40
West Ham v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.50

Total Odds = $19.49 x $10 to return $194.90

[macduffy]

Not the right thread, I know! But the Phoenix' 6-0 nil win warrants a post.

And it brings to an end a very profitable run of TAB bets on them to draw!

:D

[shasta]

Not the right thread, I know! But the Phoenix' 6-0 nil win warrants a post.

And it brings to an end a very profitable run of TAB bets on them to draw!

:D

After 11 rounds the Phoenix have lost the fewest matches (2), yet sit 1 point above the 3 bottom placed sides on 12 points. :rolleyes:

Very weird record, Played 11, W2, D7, L2

[shasta]

You shuldnt have any SCUM players anyway :eek:

Here's this weeks multi's

1st Multi:

Wolves v Aston Villa - Villa to win @ $2.10 (1-1)
Birmingham v Sunderland - Sunderland to win @ $2.40 (2-1)
Burnley v Wigan - Burnley to win @ $2.25 (1-3)
Hull v Portsmouth - Draw @ $3.20 (0-0)
Tottenham v Stoke - Spurs to win @ $1.45 (0-1)

Total Odds = $52.62 x $10 to return $526.20

2nd Multi:

Chelsea v Blackburn - Chelsea to win @ $1.16 (5-0)
Bolton v Everton - Draw @ $3.20 (3-2)
Liverpool v Man Utd - Man U to win @ $2.50 (2-0)
Man City v Fulham - Man City to win @ $1.40 (2-2)
West Ham v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.50 (2-2)

Total Odds = $19.49 x $10 to return $194.90

Strange round with so many upsets, & it all favoured Chelsea!

Spurs & Man U lost, Arsenal & Man City both gave up 2-0 leads to draw, & Chelsea hit 5 past Blackburn to lead the table by 2 points :D

Can't wipe the smile off me face, oh & i'm still #1 in both Fantasy comps

Gryffyn you're next ;)

[shasta]

Just reading some football articles & if the transfers go through the premiership could have a more spanish flavour.

Man Utd are targeting Valencia duo David Villa & David Silva, two class acts

Chelsea are targeting Atletico Madrid's striker Sergio Aguero & Benefica's winger Angel Di Maria (Maradona has big raps on the Argentine)

Chelsea of course need to resolve the "No transfer" ban issue, but there appeal looks set to allow them to purchase players in January (when they will loss Drogba, Essien, Mikel & Kalou to the African Nations Cup)

Also boo Spurs for trying it on with Joe Cole (who should take Beckhams place for the WC), a 4 year $100,000 a week contract should keep him at the bridge.

[shasta]

This week's multi's for the premiership

Arsenal v Spurs - Arsenal to win @ $1.52 (Sorry Serpie!)
Bolton v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.37
Burnley v Hull - Burnley to win @ $2.00, dropped to $1.95
Everton* v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25
Fulham* v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $25.08 x $10 to return $250.80

Portsmouth v Wigan - Portsmouth to win @ $2.50
Stoke v Wolves - Stoke to win @ $2.00
Sunderland v West Ham - Draw @ $3.30
Man Utd v Blackburn* - Man Utd to win @ $1.12
Birmingham* v Man City - Man City to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $35.12 x $10 to return $351.20

* Hit hard by injuries or illness

[Serpie]

This week's multi's for the premiership

Arsenal v Spurs - Arsenal to win @ $1.52 (Sorry Serpie!)
Bolton v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.37
Burnley v Hull - Burnley to win @ $2.00
Everton* v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25
Fulham* v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $25.72 x $10 to return $257.20

Portsmouth v Wigan - Portsmouth to win @ $2.50
Stoke v Wolves - Stoke to win @ $2.00
Sunderland v West Ham - Draw @ $3.30
Man Utd v Blackburn* - Man Utd to win @ $1.12
Birmingham* v Man City - Man City to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $35.11 x $10 to return $351.10

* Hit hard by injuries or illness

You've got to bet with your head - so I can't argue with the Arse/Spurs pick.
I've thrown my form book out of the window this season though, so who knows.
I reckon Villa should beat Everton, and Sunderland should take West Ham, and Portsmouth may struggle, but other than that would back the rest of your picks.

Good luck to all punters - and COME ON YOU SPUUUUUUUUURRRSSSS!!!

[shasta]

You've got to bet with your head - so I can't argue with the Arse/Spurs pick.
I've thrown my form book out of the window this season though, so who knows.
I reckon Villa should beat Everton, and Sunderland should take West Ham, and Portsmouth may struggle, but other than that would back the rest of your picks.

Good luck to all punters - and COME ON YOU SPUUUUUUUUURRRSSSS!!!

I agree but Villa & Sunderland went the 120 mins + penalties mid week in the Carling Cup 4th round, & both fielded strong sides, Villa have a catchup game mid week as well, so can they do 3 games in 7 days with largely the same team?

[Serpie]

Great picking Shasta, especially the draws.

Chelsea and Arsenal showing their class again this week.

[shasta]

This week's multi's for the premiership

Arsenal v Spurs - Arsenal to win @ $1.52 (3-0)
Bolton v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.37 (0-4)
Burnley v Hull - Burnley to win @ $2.00, (2-0)
Everton* v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.25 (1-1)
Fulham* v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.90 (3-1) big upset!

Total Odds = $25.08 x $10 to return $250.80 (4/5)

Portsmouth v Wigan - Portsmouth to win @ $2.50 (4-0)
Stoke v Wolves - Stoke to win @ $2.00 (2-2) Bugger
Sunderland v West Ham - Draw @ $3.30 (2-2)
Man Utd v Blackburn* - Man Utd to win @ $1.12 (2-0)
Birmingham* v Man City - Man City to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $35.12 x $10 to return $351.20 (3/4)

* Hit hard by injuries or illness

Fulham beating 9 man Liverpool stuffed the 1st multi

Stoke up 2-0 & blew it for the 2nd multi.

One game to play overnight

[shasta]

Fulham beating 9 man Liverpool stuffed the 1st multi

Stoke up 2-0 & blew it for the 2nd multi.

One game to play overnight

This fantasy football is a doddle, 50 point lead in the main comp & a 4 point buffer for the HTH comp.

Gryffyn - where's your concession speech... :D

The title is mine to lose...

[Merseyredboy]

Overthought it again.... Brought in Two AV's for the double round bonus even promoted one to captain.. Milner injured 45 mins into game one and Dunney???? Subbed Milner for an Evertonian as a red should have known better he gets himself suspended past double round so again I start at -8.

[shasta]

Overthought it again.... Brought in Two AV's for the double round bonus even promoted one to captain.. Milner injured 45 mins into game one and Dunney???? Subbed Milner for an Evertonian as a red should have known better he gets himself suspended past double round so again I start at -8.

My 3 Villa players + former Chelsea man Carlton Cole, didn't exactly set the points alight.

Drogba, Fabregas & Lampard as per usual did that.

Drobga still has the record of scoring or making an assist in every game.

He's hit a purple patch, & with the SCUM on Sunday (UK time) at the Bridge, Chelsea can extend there lead

[Merseyredboy]

Maybe a score draw at the bridge, Liverpool to lose at Birmingham Monday, Watched the Man City game and the mongrel could eclipse the posers.... Benetiz next to go... Herbert being touted (Phoenix can at least claim a good win at home last nite).

Have watched Blackburn the last couple of weeks and not impressed by Ryan, he looks slowish and cumbersome can't jump off the ground or is it just blackburn

Arsenal can't defend to save themselves, reminds me of the wellington rugby teams of old always bet on themselves to outscore there opponents.... So have taken up Van P, always liked, and will assess Vermulan at the back next week.

On the prowl for the number #1 GO the All Whites seven days to go

[shasta]

Maybe a score draw at the bridge, Liverpool to lose at Birmingham Monday, Watched the Man City game and the mongrel could eclipse the posers.... Benetiz next to go... Herbert being touted (Phoenix can at least claim a good win at home last nite).

Have watched Blackburn the last couple of weeks and not impressed by Ryan, he looks slowish and cumbersome can't jump off the ground or is it just blackburn

Arsenal can't defend to save themselves, reminds me of the wellington rugby teams of old always bet on themselves to outscore there opponents.... So have taken up Van P, always liked, and will assess Vermulan at the back next week.

On the prowl for the number #1 GO the All Whites seven days to go

I've got my squad & watchlist organised for the next 2 rounds of double ups, & Arsenal features in there, i imagine there will be a rush for Van Persie.

The SCUM have always struggled at the Bridge (then again who hasn't), i'm picking a 2-0 win (Drobga & Lamps to score ;))

But you're right the big game is at the Caketin 35,000 fans to get behind the All Whites & knock out Bahrain...

The talented under 17's have showed NZ can foot on it the big stage...

PS, With NZ's luck we'd probably get Brazil, Germany & Ghana in our group!

[shasta]

I've got my squad & watchlist organised for the next 2 rounds of double ups, & Arsenal features in there, i imagine there will be a rush for Van Persie.

The SCUM have always struggled at the Bridge (then again who hasn't), i'm picking a 2-0 win (Drobga & Lamps to score ;))

But you're right the big game is at the Caketin 35,000 fans to get behind the All Whites & knock out Bahrain...

The talented under 17's have showed NZ can foot on it the big stage...

PS, With NZ's luck we'd probably get Brazil, Germany & Ghana in our group!

This week's premiership multi's

1st Multi:

Aston Villa v Bolton - Villa to win @ $1.67
Blackburn v Portsmouth - Blackburn to win @ $2.10
Man City v Burnley - Man City to win @ $1.33
Tottenham v Sunderland - Spurs to win @ $1.62
Wolves v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.37

Total Odds = $10.35 x $10 to return $103.50

2nd Multi:

Hull v Stoke - Hull to win @ $2.50
West Ham v Everton - Draw @ $3.20
Wigan v Fulham - Wigan to win @ $2.30
Chelsea v Man Utd - Chelsea to win @ $2.00
Liverpool v Birmingham - Liverpool to win @ $1.28

Total Odds = $47.10 x $10 to return $471.00

[brettdale]

Your first multi looks brilliant.

[shasta]

This week's premiership multi's

1st Multi:

Aston Villa v Bolton - Villa to win @ $1.67 (5-1)
Blackburn v Portsmouth - Blackburn to win @ $2.10 (3-1)
Man City v Burnley - Man City to win @ $1.33 (3-3) Late goal cost the multi!
Tottenham v Sunderland - Spurs to win @ $1.55 (2-0)
Wolves v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.37 (1-4)

Total Odds = $9.91 x $10 to return $99.10 (4/5)

2nd Multi:

Hull v Stoke - Hull to win @ $2.50 (2-1)
West Ham v Everton - Draw @ $3.20 (1-2)
Wigan v Fulham - Wigan to win @ $2.30 (1-1)
Chelsea v Man Utd - Chelsea to win @ $2.00 (1-0)
Liverpool v Birmingham - Liverpool to win @ $1.28 Playing Tuesday

Total Odds = $47.11 x $10 to return $471.10 (2/4)

Updated for over night results...

I'm a little concerned with the media portraying Chelsea as having a 5 point lead, when Arsenal are 5 points behind & with a game in hand (at home v Bolton)

Arsenal v Chelsea @ the Emirates in 3 weeks, is lining up to be a bigger match than the Man Utd game for Chelsea.

Still feel there will be alot more points dropped by the "Big 4", so will Spurs, Man City & Aston Villa take advantage of Liverpool's poor form & injuries?


Post edited to reflect the actual bets placed

Serpie must have put $10k on Spurs to drop the odds! :D

[shasta]

Anyone else getting sick & tired of Sir Fergie having a crack at ref's when they lose?

I used to have great respect for the man, but lately he's been losing it whenever Man Utd don't win, & it's sounding more like sour grapes as opposed to bad decisions.

Man U get alot of penalties awarded to them, & almost never get any against them especially at home, & i would contend they get alot of "favourable" decisions, particularly as many officials are in awe of Sir Fergie.

I didn't see the game but it sounds like Man U had the better of the match & probably deserved a point.

[Merseyredboy]

Seems Fergie spits the dummy at the drop of a hat... It was a physical game played at the edge.... Fergie said no free kick, 50/50, and then that Didier dragged down a defender, correct but wouldn't have stopped the header and yes he was offside it's the question of interferring with play. Perhaps Fergie and Gatland should get togethor and claim the officials are scared of them.... Rooney mouthed "12 Men" to the camera on the way off as well. P Didier got a whack in the chest and spasmed on the ground and earned a yellow for his trouble.

Must be seriously denting his legacy,

But the real question is Is Fabregas 2009/10 the equivalent of the Ronaldo 2008/09? Guareanteed tenner a week and owned by half the comp???

[shasta]

Seems Fergie spits the dummy at the drop of a hat... It was a physical game played at the edge.... Fergie said no free kick, 50/50, and then that Didier dragged down a defender, correct but wouldn't have stopped the header and yes he was offside it's the question of interferring with play. Perhaps Fergie and Gatland should get togethor and claim the officials are scared of them.... Rooney mouthed "12 Men" to the camera on the way off as well. P Didier got a whack in the chest and spasmed on the ground and earned a yellow for his trouble.

Must be seriously denting his legacy,

But the real question is Is Fabregas 2009/10 the equivalent of the Ronaldo 2008/09? Guareanteed tenner a week and owned by half the comp???

The combo of Fabregas/Van Persie, Lampard/Drobga, Gerrard/Torres, & Giggs/Rooney are all scoring well for the Big 4 sides, (i presume fans of these sides have them both).

On current form having Lampard & Fabregas in midfield, + Drogba & Van Persie up front seems to net a total around 40 points each week.

It's a no brainer, either Lampard or Fabregas as captain (switching to who ever plays the weaker opponent).

I find it hardest to select my defence, as there are quite a few goal scoring defenders this year, especially in the lower teams

[shasta]

The combo of Fabregas/Van Persie, Lampard/Drobga, Gerrard/Torres, & Giggs/Rooney are all scoring well for the Big 4 sides, (i presume fans of these sides have them both).

On current form having Lampard & Fabregas in midfield, + Drogba & Van Persie up front seems to net a total around 40 points each week.

It's a no brainer, either Lampard or Fabregas as captain (switching to who ever plays the weaker opponent).

I find it hardest to select my defence, as there are quite a few goal scoring defenders this year, especially in the lower teams

What a difference a week can make!

With England hell bent on injurying all there top players in the friendly v Brazil, Lampard (Calf) & possibly Terry (ankle) are now injured. Add in Drogba's broken rib (v Man U) & my fantasy team looks a bit raggered

Terry may be ok, but Lamps & Drogba are out for 3 - 4 weeks :mad:

[Merseyredboy]

I'll say, you can add to the list Van Persie Benayoun Johnson Need a major restructure just to get 11 on the field...

[shasta]

What a difference a week can make!

With England hell bent on injurying all there top players in the friendly v Brazil, Lampard (Calf) & possibly Terry (ankle) are now injured. Add in Drogba's broken rib (v Man U) & my fantasy team looks a bit raggered

Terry may be ok, but Lamps & Drogba are out for 3 - 4 weeks :mad:

Add Van Persie to the injured list, along with Torres, Lampard, Drogba,

Gotta wonder with an already crowded season, what is the purpose of these meaningless friendlies, once sides have qualified?

With a few injuries to key players, expect the top 4 to drop more points

[shasta]

I'll say, you can add to the list Van Persie Benayoun Johnson Need a major restructure just to get 11 on the field...

Bit tough when i've made 3 xfers already, & have to bench Drogba & Lampard :mad:

Just us well i've got a 1000 point lead haha :D

[Merseyredboy]

Re your previous post: Fabregas without Van Persie could be like Oscar without Hammmerstein or Gilbert with Sullivan.

Alas I have already played wildcard and can add Turner suspended to end of month. Can't find a striker I like so have gone with sum guy who's scored three weeks in a row.

[shasta]

Re your previous post: Fabregas without Van Persie could be like Oscar without Hammmerstein or Gilbert with Sullivan.

Alas I have already played wildcard and can add Turner suspended to end of month. Can't find a striker I like so have gone with sum guy who's scored three weeks in a row.

After a quick check, who?

I couldnt find any

[Merseyredboy]

One Clinton Dempsey, Fulham, I know not a striker but the bonus of a double round as well. Didn't dare touch Nelsen see he was still in NZ yesterday... Reckon big Sam's gonna be grumpy when he gets back..... Those physio tables are busy. Notice Drogba hasn't got the red "I" yet so still a chance to play.

Perhaps Paston was a skinny 19 year old and not so daunting in those days. Our you may have had the wind behind you at Park Island????

[shasta]

One Clinton Dempsey, Fulham, I know not a striker but the bonus of a double round as well. Didn't dare touch Nelsen see he was still in NZ yesterday... Reckon big Sam's gonna be grumpy when he gets back..... Those physio tables are busy. Notice Drogba hasn't got the red "I" yet so still a chance to play.

Perhaps Paston was a skinny 19 year old and not so daunting in those days. Our you may have had the wind behind you at Park Island????

Park Island was a perfectly manicured pitch, but both there & at St Leonard's he was picking the ball out of the net :D

My Chelsea trio of Drogba, Lampard & Terry may not play :eek:

I've got plenty of players for the double up mind you ;)

[shasta]

One Clinton Dempsey, Fulham, I know not a striker but the bonus of a double round as well. Didn't dare touch Nelsen see he was still in NZ yesterday... Reckon big Sam's gonna be grumpy when he gets back..... Those physio tables are busy. Notice Drogba hasn't got the red "I" yet so still a chance to play.

Perhaps Paston was a skinny 19 year old and not so daunting in those days. Our you may have had the wind behind you at Park Island????

Didier Drogba has passed himself fit for the visit of Wolves, + looks like Terry will be fine :rolleyes:.

I got myself a Fulham midfielder, an ex-Chelsea man ;)

[shasta]

Didier Drogba has passed himself fit for the visit of Wolves, + looks like Terry will be fine :rolleyes:.

I got myself a Fulham midfielder, an ex-Chelsea man ;)

Now we have the World cup matches behind us, time to look ahead to the premiership.

This week's multi's

1st Multi:

Liverpool v Man City - Liverpool to win @ $1.85
Birmingham v Fulham* - Draw @ $3.25
Burnley v Aston Villa - Burnley to win @ $3.20
Chelsea v Wolves - Chelsea to win @ $1.11
Hull City* v West Ham - Hull to win @ $2.70

Total Odds = $57.66 x $10 to return $576.60

2nd Multi:

Sunderland v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.60
Man Utd v Everton* - Man U to win @ $1.30
Bolton v Blackburn* - Bolton to win @ $2.20
Tottenham v Wigan - Spurs to win @ $1.40
Stoke v Portsmouth - Stoke to win @ $1.90

Total Odds = $12.17 x $10 to return $121.70

* Teams feature in the double games midweek as well

[brettdale]

I hate the french.

Put five dollars on a multi, results were going my way, all I needed was for Ireland to go through to the cup, and I would of won 500 bucks, thanks a lot you cheese eating surrender monkeys. (quote from the simpsons)

[shasta]

I hate the french.

Put five dollars on a multi, results were going my way, all I needed was for Ireland to go through to the cup, and I would of won 500 bucks, thanks a lot you cheese eating surrender monkeys. (quote from the simpsons)

The French got lucky alright

Fantasy Football players might wanna consult the "bible"

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, & Chelsea among those with up to 6 players out of this weekends matches.

Nb, Some players will be withdrawn off this list prior to Saturday's games

[shasta]

Now we have the World cup matches behind us, time to look ahead to the premiership.

This week's multi's

1st Multi:

Liverpool v Man City - Liverpool to win @ $1.85 (2-2)
Birmingham v Fulham* - Draw @ $3.25 (1-0)
Burnley v Aston Villa - Burnley to win @ $3.20 (1-1)
Chelsea v Wolves - Chelsea to win @ $1.11 (4-0)
Hull City* v West Ham - Hull to win @ $2.70 (3-3)

Total Odds = $57.66 x $10 to return $576.60

2nd Multi:

Sunderland v Arsenal - Arsenal to win @ $1.60 (1-0)
Man Utd v Everton* - Man U to win @ $1.30 (3-0)
Bolton v Blackburn* - Bolton to win @ $2.20 (0-2)
Tottenham v Wigan - Spurs to win @ $1.40 (9-1)
Stoke v Portsmouth - Stoke to win @ $1.90 (1-0)

Total Odds = $12.17 x $10 to return $121.70

* Teams feature in the double games midweek as well

Absolutely crazy week in the premiership, Spurs hitting 9 past Wigan, & Defoe slotting in 5 himself :eek:

Those with Defoe & Lennon in there Fantasy teams will be smiling...

Serpie - you off work today with a hangover? :D

[Serpie]

Lennon, Defoe and Bassong back on deck for Spurs this week, and Kranjcar is looking like the buy of the season.
Our best player (Modric) is still to come back, and Pav still can't get a game.

Villa this week - 6 pointer for Spurs.

Looking the business!

[shasta]

Lennon, Defoe and Bassong back on deck for Spurs this week, and Kranjcar is looking like the buy of the season.
Our best player (Modric) is still to come back, and Pav still can't get a game.

Villa this week - 6 pointer for Spurs.

Looking the business!

'arry can't be doing too bad when you can afford to leave the talented David Bentley on the bench, some rumours going around that Man City are interested...

Another big 6 pointer this weekend is Arsenal v Chelsea @ the Emirates

Chelsea have a 5 point buffer over Aresnal & Man Utd, & a win would really put Chelsea in the drivers seat.

[Merseyredboy]

Made a similar assessment and tightened the defence by switching Vermulan for Cole. The arse leak goals and won't get the freedom this week.

Was a strange week with my big guns not firing and the juniors blazing. See you have half the team backing up this week.... in the H2H I've got a slender 4 point lead over Gryf with 3 players each to go... Need a dempsey hatrick denied by a fine save on Sat....

Watched West Ham/Hull in the weekend and felt sorry for them, Impressed by Bullard thou one to put on the watch list third week back... Maybe a big mid week double draw draw for a 10er?????

[shasta]

Made a similar assessment and tightened the defence by switching Vermulan for Cole. The arse leak goals and won't get the freedom this week.

Was a strange week with my big guns not firing and the juniors blazing. See you have half the team backing up this week.... in the H2H I've got a slender 4 point lead over Gryf with 3 players each to go... Need a dempsey hatrick denied by a fine save on Sat....

Watched West Ham/Hull in the weekend and felt sorry for them, Impressed by Bullard thou one to put on the watch list third week back... Maybe a big mid week double draw draw for a 10er?????

Poor Steve thinking he will inflict my 2nd H2H defeat...:(

I've got Ryan Shawcross (9 points) to replace Drogba + ...

Oh yeah & 7 players involved with the double up...:D

(Unlike Coops i didnt need 9 transfers to get them either!)

Having an 80 point lead already, i can chew up a few extra transfers as i have money in the bank.

Have re-arranged the defense abit, James Collins isnt playing for Villa & i need room on the bench for Lamps...

I agree with the mid week draws, all teams will be tired...

Who will Liverpool play midweek, there Under 16's, can't be many left healthy in the 1st team squad!

Have read Cheslsea all but have Sergio Aguero signed & Frank Ribery (who i dont rate) looks likely to be heading to the Bridge.

I'd rather Chelsea got Rodwell (Everton) & Adam Johnson (Boro) to bump up there English contingent.

Would love to see Ashley Young & Aaron Lennon alongside Lampard & Essien :rolleyes:

[Merseyredboy]

Haven't Chelski got enough... The new boy kakatu subbed on and tried too hard. Showed touches of brilliance. Lpool haven't mixed up the finances badly. The Americans used them as a novelty and fell short ie no passion and worried about the profit. The defence is shakey to say the least Carragher hasn't got a clue.... Lucas blew a chance you could've put away Babel hasn't got any heart and cried off after twenty minutes.

Did watch the Phoenix and interested to hear Big Sam Malcomson this am tip them to win the league??? Talk is cheap But go the fever

[shasta]

Haven't Chelski got enough... The new boy kakatu subbed on and tried too hard. Showed touches of brilliance. Lpool haven't mixed up the finances badly. The Americans used them as a novelty and fell short ie no passion and worried about the profit. The defence is shakey to say the least Carragher hasn't got a clue.... Lucas blew a chance you could've put away Babel hasn't got any heart and cried off after twenty minutes.

Did watch the Phoenix and interested to hear Big Sam Malcomson this am tip them to win the league??? Talk is cheap But go the fever

The nixs are only just in a play off spot after beating the Jets...

Like Liverpool last year, too many draws may come back to bite them :confused:

[Merseyredboy]

Paused on the way home and slipped a lazy tenner on Everton into Blackburn at 8.80.

Nice double if you think that the boys will do it for Sam.... Easier when only two games.

[shasta]

Paused on the way home and slipped a lazy tenner on Everton into Blackburn at 8.80.

Nice double if you think that the boys will do it for Sam.... Easier when only two games.

Nice odds on the away sides...

I've got 2 players for Hull, Everton & Fulham + 1 for Blackburn playing overnight, so i'm after plenty of points :D

[shasta]

Nice odds on the away sides...

I've got 2 players for Hull, Everton & Fulham + 1 for Blackburn playing overnight, so i'm after plenty of points :D

This weekend's premiership multi's :cool:

1st Multi:

Man City v Hull - Man City to win @ $1.25 (1-1)
Portsmouth v Man U - Man U to win @ $1.30 (1-4)
Aston Villa v Tottenham - Draw @ $3.25 (1-1)
Everton v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $2.20 (0-2)
Wolves v Birmingham - Wolves to win @ $2.45 (0-1)

Total Odds = $28.47 x $10 to return $284.70

2nd Multi:

West Ham v Burnley - West Ham to win @ $1.80 (5-3)
Wigan v Sunderland - Wigan to win @ $2.45 (1-0)
Blackburn v Stoke - Blackburn to win @ $1.90 (0-0)
Fulham v Bolton - Fulham to win @ $1.80 (1-1)
Arsenal v Chelsea - Draw @ $3.20 (0-3)

Total Odds = $48.27 x $10 to return $482.70

These bets have been placed :D

[Merseyredboy]

Got up early this am and watched the london derby. As I thought the Arse leaked goals and Chelski crushed the one man band. Glad to have switched to Ashley from vermulean... Forgot to change el capitan must do so this week.... Draws on Saturday away wins Sunday perhaps this trend could be your friend Shasta.

[shasta]

Got up early this am and watched the london derby. As I thought the Arse leaked goals and Chelski crushed the one man band. Glad to have switched to Ashley from vermulean... Forgot to change el capitan must do so this week.... Draws on Saturday away wins Sunday perhaps this trend could be your friend Shasta.

Yeah just 2 home wins (West Ham & Wigan), 4 Draws & 4 away wins.

After hardly any draws in the first 10 games, we are seeing a few more now.

I see you trimmed 10 points off my lead this week (now 87 points)

Coops lost in the H2H league so i'm 7 points in front...

Must say the view from the top is very nice :D

Gryffyn has finally been unseated...

Notice how my H2H form is tracking how Chelsea go ;)

[Merseyredboy]

Stingest defence plenty of attack points for peanuts... Concession to my allegiance was to sign back gerard thought the lad from lpool could have had a cinderella day. Gotta get closer remind me when are you on holiday again????? At least its less than a 100

See Rooney is a lumpy striker 3 hatricks this year for a total of 11 goals can't afford the luxury

[shasta]

Stingest defence plenty of attack points for peanuts... Concession to my allegiance was to sign back gerard thought the lad from lpool could have had a cinderella day. Gotta get closer remind me when are you on holiday again????? At least its less than a 100

See Rooney is a lumpy striker 3 hatricks this year for a total of 11 goals can't afford the luxury

Spurs dont have a great goal diff compared to Chelsea, even though with Keane (4) & Defoe (5) they have scored big in 1 game.

(Drogba, Torres & Van Persie, consistently score points, just like Lampard & Fabregas do)

I'm finding it hard to get 2 decent "value" strikers to go with Drogba, that if they dont score, make assists & gain bonus points.

I've got Saha & Agbonlahor, & the only real value left is Carlton Cole.

The defenders are so overpriced i've got 4 of them under 5.0!

I won't be on holiday, but may be moving soon, & if i cant get telstra in straight away, i could get caught out. :o

BTW, Unlike Gryffyn the unloyal scumbag, you won't see any SCUM players in my squad EVER.

No loyal Chelsea fan should EVER have Man Utd players in there team.

I'll lose Drogba in January, but will replace him with Anelka. ;)

I will always have 3 Chelsea players in my side.

[shasta]

The Carling Cup 1/4 finals snuck up on us.

This morning Aston Villa beat Portsmouth 4-2, & a reserve team Man U beat Spurs 2-0 to both advance to the semi's.

Tommorrow (Thursday) morning, Blackburn take on Chelsea, & Arsenal play Man City.

I'm backing Chelsea & Arsenal to go thru.

The semi finals will be drawn out of a hat.

Big chance for either Villa or Man City to win a trophy this year

[shasta]

The Carling Cup 1/4 finals snuck up on us.

This morning Aston Villa beat Portsmouth 4-2, & a reserve team Man U beat Spurs 2-0 to both advance to the semi's.

Tommorrow (Thursday) morning, Blackburn take on Chelsea, & Arsenal play Man City.

I'm backing Chelsea & Arsenal to go thru.

The semi finals will be drawn out of a hat.

Big chance for either Villa or Man City to win a trophy this year

Got that all wrong, Arsenal & Chelsea played reserve sides & both lost.

Man C v Man U in the 1st semi & Blackburn v Aston Villa in the other

This weekend's multi's

1st Multi:

Portsmouth v Burnley - Portsmouth to win @ $1.90
Arsenal v Stoke - Arsenal to win @ $1.25
Aston Villa v Hull - Villa to win @ $1.40
Blackburn v Liverpool - Liverpool to win @ $1.70
Wigan v Birmingham - Draw @ $3.30

Total Odds = $18.65 x $10 to return $186.50

2nd Multi:

West Ham v Man U - Man U to win @ $1.45
Wolves v Bolton - Wolves to win @ $2.45
Man City v Chelsea - Chelsea to win @ $1.90
Fulham v Sunderland - Fulham to win @ $2.10
Everton v Tottenham - Spurs to win @ $2.50

Total Odds = $35.44 x $10 to return $354.40

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

Portsmouth missed paying some of their players again has spurred me to have an outsiders dabble....

1) Ports Vs Burnley Burnley $4.00
2) Wolves Vs Bolton Draw $3.25
3) Wigan Vs Birming Draw $3.30
4) Black Vs Lpool Blackburn $5.00

1x2x3x4 =$214.5 *$5 = $1,072.50
1x2x3 = $42.9 *$5 = $214.50
1x2x4 = $65 * $5 = $325.
2x3x4 = $53.6 * $5 = $268.

C how we go... Good luck

[shasta]

Shasta

Portsmouth missed paying some of their players again has spurred me to have an outsiders dabble....

1) Ports Vs Burnley Burnley $4.00
2) Wolves Vs Bolton Draw $3.25
3) Wigan Vs Birming Draw $3.30
4) Black Vs Lpool Blackburn $5.00

1x2x3x4 =$214.5 *$5 = $1,072.50
1x2x3 = $42.9 *$5 = $214.50
1x2x4 = $65 * $5 = $325.
2x3x4 = $53.6 * $5 = $268.

C how we go... Good luck

Your first 3 seem feasible, but remember Blackburn were at full strength to take Chelsea to penalites (AET = 120 minutes!)

I'd imagine they would be tired, Liverpool could hammer them, if Blackburn don't compete for the full 90 mins.

I actually changed my bets from what i posted, i've got 4 bets each with 4 games ($5 bets to win between $50 - 80 each)

[Merseyredboy]

Your history and history in general suggests that four is easily achievable. Applaud the change in strategy as we know if we could double our stake every week...... We could feature in some top 20's.

Accept what you say about Bburn and switched to leading at half time odds at $5.5 Vs $5 so returns all marginally higher and elevated Gerrard to captain to celebrate his 500th appearance?????

[shasta]

Your history and history in general suggests that four is easily achievable. Applaud the change in strategy as we know if we could double our stake every week...... We could feature in some top 20's.

Accept what you say about Bburn and switched to leading at half time odds at $5.5 Vs $5 so returns all marginally higher and elevated Gerrard to captain to celebrate his 500th appearance?????

Given Blackburns terrible discipline with fouls, what's the bet Gerrard slots a penalty ;)

Here's the World Cup Groups:

Group A
South Africa*
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina*
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C
England*
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany*
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands*
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy*
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil*
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

Group H
Spain*
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

* Indicates seeds

Teams in pink are my picks to go through.

[shasta]

Given Blackburns terrible discipline with fouls, what's the bet Gerrard slots a penalty ;)

Here's the World Cup Groups:

Group A
South Africa*
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina*
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece

Group C
England*
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany*
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands*
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy*
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil*
North Korea
Ivory Coast
Portugal

Group H
Spain*
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

* Indicates seeds

Teams in pink are my picks to go through.

Here's a potential knock out stage last 16 line up:

France v Nigeria
Mexico/Uruguay v Argentina
England v Ghana
Germany v USA

Netherlands v Paraguay
Italy v Cameroon
Brazil v Chile
Spain v Portugal/Ivory Coast

England have a dream draw in the top half, avoiding the Dutch, Italians, Spanish, & Brazilians in the quarters.

My pick to win the tournament, Spain - Dark Horse = Ivory Coast

Sentimental favourite, England (with all those Chelsea players)

[Steve]

My fantasy team was smacked with injuries this week - 4 of them - so I didn't even have a full team generating points.

It looks like I may have to have a crack at multiple transfers and throw some points to replenish the team for next week.

All that aside, being my first year in the comp, I'm pleased that I am holding the mid-ground in both the ladder & H2H comps. :)

[shasta]

My fantasy team was smacked with injuries this week - 4 of them - so I didn't even have a full team generating points.

It looks like I may have to have a crack at multiple transfers and throw some points to replenish the team for next week.

All that aside, being my first year in the comp, I'm pleased that I am holding the mid-ground in both the ladder & H2H comps. :)

I had a shocker, Lampard misses a penalty & as my captain scored 0 points (as did Terry & Mears), 3 players scoring nothing hurts. :o

Craddock (Wolves) & Bowyer (Birmingham) with 8 top scored my points! :eek:

Coops losing in the H2H comp, kept me 7 points ahead, that was a chance for the chasers to close the gap.

Still have a 74 point buffer over Merseyredboy in the main comp :D

Gryffyn's poor form is due to him having more SCUM players than Chelsea.

Bad karma :mad:

[Merseyredboy]

I know it's 74 points but at 5 points a weak I should catch and pass you in week 29???
As I said Gerrard was my captain for a +6. Zamora on bench as doubtfull... Ditched Shawcross as injured but my Birmingham man added nothing.... Manure are needing attention. Shasta I remember one Ronaldo being a must own two year ago I assume you were no different..... May not transfer this week as short turn around will give me two for the next week... Steve you get one wildcard where you can swap the whole roster for free.

[brettdale]

Why are odds so high for man united over night? Are they playing their C squad?

[shasta]

Why are odds so high for man united over night? Are they playing their C squad?

Yup, they are already through so will give the kids a run (same as Chelsea)

[shasta]

I know it's 74 points but at 5 points a weak I should catch and pass you in week 29???
As I said Gerrard was my captain for a +6. Zamora on bench as doubtfull... Ditched Shawcross as injured but my Birmingham man added nothing.... Manure are needing attention. Shasta I remember one Ronaldo being a must own two year ago I assume you were no different..... May not transfer this week as short turn around will give me two for the next week... Steve you get one wildcard where you can swap the whole roster for free.

Quote from the Aussie classic film "The Castle"

..."Tell him he's dreaming" :D (About closing that 74 point gap)

Ronaldo was too expensive, i've always gone for Lampard it's money in the bank, & he seems to get bonus points for showing up ;)

I spend more time on my fantasy team than i do on shares at the moment :p

[shasta]

Quote from the Aussie classic film "The Castle"

..."Tell him he's dreaming" :D (About closing that 74 point gap)

Ronaldo was too expensive, i've always gone for Lampard it's money in the bank, & he seems to get bonus points for showing up ;)

I spend more time on my fantasy team than i do on shares at the moment :p

This weekends premiership multi's

Big games for Man U & Liverpool (v Aston Villa & Arsenal)

Any slips up would help Chelsea, who should beat an injured ridden Everton at Stamford Bridge

Let's all be Aston Villa fans this weekend :D

1st Multi:

Stoke v Wigan - Stoke to win @ $1.90
Birmingham v West Ham - Birmingham to win @ $2.10
Bolton v Man City - Man City to win @ $1.75
Burnley v Fulham - Draw @ $3.25
Chelsea v Everton - Chelsea to win @ $1.20

Total Odds = $27.23 x $10 to return $272.30

2nd Multi:

Hull v Blackburn - Hull to win @ $2.50
Sunderland v Portsmouth - Sunderland to win @ $1.70
Tottenham v Wolves - Spurs to win @ $1.20
Man Utd v Aston Villa - Draw @ $3.90 :p
Liverpool v Arsenal - Liverpool to win @ $2.20

Total Odds = $43.76 x $10 to return $437.60

[Merseyredboy]

The upset this round could be AV bullocking through the middle of the park and crushing Manure at home. LPool getting the squad back Torres too score against the defence that can't help letting in goals regardless.


Quick turnaround to midweek full round...

[shasta]

The upset this round could be AV bullocking through the middle of the park and crushing Manure at home. LPool getting the squad back Torres too score against the defence that can't help letting in goals regardless.


Quick turnaround to midweek full round...

I only need minor "tweeking" for the mid week games.

Hint:

No Man City, Hull, Stoke or Everton players are involved :D

Ive got my 2 xfers ready to go...

God i hope Villa beat Man U, with Man U's defensive injuries, Berbatov & Rooney might be playing in the back 4 at this rate :D

[Steve]

6 out of 9 games drawn this round so far...

A liverpool win would be helpful to me in the H2H too. :p

[shasta]

6 out of 9 games drawn this round so far...

A liverpool win would be helpful to me in the H2H too. :p

I hope you get it, Arsenal droping points helps Chelsea!

If Coops doesnt win, ill be 10 points clear in the H2H comp :D

Merseyredboy needs Gerrard to score big to reduce my 79 point lead :D

At least Man U dropped 3 points, to cheer me up.

Chelsea always gets the speed wobbles around this time of the year, with the Champions league, cup ties & mid week matches.

Keep reading conflicting stories...:confused:

1. Chelsea will speed up big to avoid any further transfer ban?

2. Carlo keeps saying unless there are injuries he will use the young squad players?

I mean Matic, Borini & Kalkuta arent household names, & even Franco Di Santo will be recalled from Blackburn.

Chelsea still have Scott Sinclair (Wigan) & Michael Mancienne (Wolves) to call back if needed.

Sir Fergie is right that Real Madris & Man City have inflated the market, so i'd like to see Chelsea use there squad to cover for the 4 players we lose to the African Nations Cup.

Drogba will be a huge loss, given the form he's in :(

[CAM]

Which 4 do Chelsea lose to the African Nations Cup?

[Merseyredboy]

Didier ????????? ???????? ??????? Essien Terry and Lampard


I play I know the score as well and for the first ever week in my 4 years I didn't get a single result right... -110 Can only get better.

My plan to bet u this week Shasta fell apart so now 75 points behind and 25ish weeks to go so have to average four points a week more... Perhaps you should make more use of the weekly subs??????

Liverpool slide meekly into mediocrity Gerrard is on thin ice.... Nothing short of a hatrick will save him.

[Merseyredboy]

Gerrard saved Benetiz promises me Liverpool will be in top 4.......

Ps Mikel and Kalou are the other two. Portsmouth are even bigger losers, they have 6, so the wise strategy maybe to back them to go down. Not sure of the odds but get on and get plenty.

[CAM]

Cheers for that.
I am playing fantasy football in another comp.
Might have to sign up with this one next year.
Only have Drogba at the moment so will probably just do a straight swap for Anelka once he goes. Did have Essian but traded him once he got injured.

Am hoping Liverpool get their act together and some of these "top" teams stop leaking goals!!

[brettdale]

Anyone else think that Villa will finish third this season?

[Serpie]

Anyone else think that Villa will finish third this season?

Who knows this year. My Spurs were a disgrace against Wolves, and stunning today against Man C. Funny season.

[Merseyredboy]

AVilla for third maxed out in the team so hope so. The reds lost on south coast is last straw Gerrard gone... Lampard to keep money warm till Cesc back.

See Hughes gone, money talks millions inflated prices in xters will be Hughes legacy. Still haven't got apale blue in the team.

[brettdale]

I would like to say sorry to all Manchester united fans, everytme I have bet on them this season they have lost.

Its uncanny, so I will no longer bet on them and Im guessing they will win now.

[Merseyredboy]

Beaten by the weather Gods. Had Shasta covered till the postponement autopromoted 9 pointed craddock to eclipse me again. Darn it...

[Steve]

Beaten by the weather Gods. Had Shasta covered till the postponement autopromoted 9 pointed craddock to eclipse me again. Darn it...

Shasta is a weather God?! Well I never... ;)

[shasta]

Shasta is a weather God?! Well I never... ;)

You lot had your chance to close the gap, 10 days after moving house, ive finally got my telstra broadband back up & running!

Mersey, had Wigan played Paul Scharner would have scored the 5 points i needed to beat you :D

Might use up a few transfers to get max points over the next 5 days ;)

[shasta]

I would like to say sorry to all Manchester united fans, everytme I have bet on them this season they have lost.

Its uncanny, so I will no longer bet on them and Im guessing they will win now.

What's your bank a/c - please keep betting on them :D

Chelsea are down a few players at the mo :(

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta welcome back. The only other injustice is that u kick my ass and get knocked out of the fantasy cup. I get zonked and make it through again in the words of Earl Karma I suppose.

Could be a round of draws I am looking at mix of my squad cause at mo am limit long on AV's and Chelskiites, potentially need to diversify to spread risk.

[shasta]

Shasta welcome back. The only other injustice is that u kick my ass and get knocked out of the fantasy cup. I get zonked and make it through again in the words of Earl Karma I suppose.

Could be a round of draws I am looking at mix of my squad cause at mo am limit long on AV's and Chelskiites, potentially need to diversify to spread risk.

Despite my #1 ranking in both comps i got dumped out of the fantasy cup 1st round (mainly because i couldnt change my team in time).

Like Chelsea going out of the Carling Cup, it could be a blessing...

[Steve]

One for the resident football experts: Valid point or Sour grapes?

Wenger calls to scrap throw-ins (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10617542)
Wenger is unimpressed with the way teams like Stoke have adopted the long throw as a way to put opponents under aerial pressure.

The Frenchman saw his side destroyed by two Rory Delap long-throws that led to goals in their 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium last season.

Now Wenger has suggested that the rules should be changed so that players can use their feet to put the ball back in play rather than throwing it in because it would encourage shorter passes.

"The rule I would change would be maybe to play throw-ins by foot," he told the Arsenal website.

[shasta]

One for the resident football experts: Valid point or Sour grapes?

Wenger calls to scrap throw-ins (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10617542)
Wenger is unimpressed with the way teams like Stoke have adopted the long throw as a way to put opponents under aerial pressure.

The Frenchman saw his side destroyed by two Rory Delap long-throws that led to goals in their 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium last season.

Now Wenger has suggested that the rules should be changed so that players can use their feet to put the ball back in play rather than throwing it in because it would encourage shorter passes.

"The rule I would change would be maybe to play throw-ins by foot," he told the Arsenal website.


Not quite throwing the toys like Sir Fergie does, but a passing game would suit Arsenal's game, go figure.

Delap is a freak with his long throws in's, & Stoke have the tallest squad in the premiership at an average height of 6"1.

Indoor football has no throw in's, but thats where it should remain

[shasta]

Shasta welcome back. The only other injustice is that u kick my ass and get knocked out of the fantasy cup. I get zonked and make it through again in the words of Earl Karma I suppose.

Could be a round of draws I am looking at mix of my squad cause at mo am limit long on AV's and Chelskiites, potentially need to diversify to spread risk.

Wacks Team might be 2nd on the main comp, but i see many have forgotten Arsenal, Fulham, Stoke & Bolton all play twice this gameweek.

My slim 35 point lead will increase after Arsenal play Portsmouth & Bolton this game week.

Arshavin as captain should net a fair few points, & those with Fabregas will be stunned to know his 27 min 2 goal cameo is all you will see of him this game week. :(

Also to those with Alex Song, he's at the African Nations Cups now.

Mersey & Lippy can overtake Wack's Team, but i've got 6 players playing twice this round...

...and i should retain my 10 point advantage in the H2H comp, whilst im behind Toby by 11 points, i've still got 5 to play & then 6 in the double ups :D

[Steve]

With the double-ups, I relegated both Bent (13) & Given (7) to reserves. Of course they both had great games! :o

As a bonus, if Song is unavailable then that would bring Bent back in to play. :)

[shasta]

With the double-ups, I relegated both Bent (13) & Given (7) to reserves. Of course they both had great games! :o

As a bonus, if Song is unavailable then that would bring Bent back in to play. :)

Like last week when poor Merseyredboy thought he had me beat, & Craddock came off the bench with 9 points ;)

[shasta]

Like last week when poor Merseyredboy thought he had me beat, & Craddock came off the bench with 9 points ;)

We are now into the mid season transfer window, so here's the latest transfers, rumours & gossip.

Chelsea are set to smash the British transfer record with a £40m swoop for Valencia striker David Villa.
Full story: Daily Express (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/149096/Chelsea-to-splash-40m-for-Villa)

Manchester City are plotting a January swoop for Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Inter Milan defender Maicon.
Full story: Daily Mirror (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-plotting-transfer-deals-for-Barcelona-striker-Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-and-Inter-Milan-defender-Maicon-article273175.html)

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will embark on a spending spree now the transfer window is open, with Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Tottenham forward Roman Pavlyuchenko his two top targets.
Full story: Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1239667/Rafa-Benitez-eyes-spending-spree-Liverpool-boss-prepares-January-transfer-window.html)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who has signed 19 players in the last five January transfer windows, says the mid-season transfer window is "a nightmare" and claims the chances of him bringing anybody to Spurs this month are "very, very, very, very slim".
Full story: The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/31/harry-redknapp-tottenham-transfer-window)

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish does not plan to spend all of the £40m he has been given to enhance his squad during the transfer window, and hopes to sign two or three players with "character" rather than make any marquee signings.
Full story: Daily Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/birminghamcity/6918113/Birmingham-manager-Alex-McLeish-will-not-spend-40m-transfer-budget-in-January.html)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is considering making a £2.5m bid for Stoke striker James Beattie but hopes to keep hold of Emile Heskey despite interest in the England striker from Liverpool, Fulham, Wigan and Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1239779/Aston-Villa-offer-James-Beattie-way-Stoke-2-5m-deal.html)

I'll update the thread on the main news during the transfer window.

[Merseyredboy]

Transfers, already I note Lpool looking for a striker to partner Torres, gerrard not cutting it this season. Live uncle Harry Slim slim slim fat chance. Chelski need a striker to replace Anelka.

Yeah had Song for a week so only got 6 backing up this week as well. At mo losing to the average grim break, see wackstar got 72 this week???/

[shasta]

Transfers, already I note Lpool looking for a striker to partner Torres, gerrard not cutting it this season. Live uncle Harry Slim slim slim fat chance. Chelski need a striker to replace Anelka.

Yeah had Song for a week so only got 6 backing up this week as well. At mo losing to the average grim break, see wackstar got 72 this week???/

Yeah but Wack's team only has Zamora backing up mid week, i've got Arshavin (c), Diaby, Gallas, Duff, Cohen & Sorensen, to help extend my slim 12 point lead. Am more concerned with Lippys Lions at this stage.

Still got a 10 point lead in the H2H comp & i should be able to make up the 11 points difference with the 2 catch up games.

I've let you catch up with the extra xfers, now it's serious!

[buns]

Not in your league as I was a tad late, but how good is to see Gerrad, Fabregas and Drogba all out at the same time.

It totally opens up the league, meaning teams don't all look the same and the top managers can come through with some more un knowns.

Decent time for Drogba to go down in a way - Both Defoe and Tevez have dream runs coming up, as does Man utd. Valencia won't stay in the 8's for long

[shasta]

Not in your league as I was a tad late, but how good is to see Gerrad, Fabregas and Drogba all out at the same time.

It totally opens up the league, meaning teams don't all look the same and the top managers can come through with some more un knowns.

Decent time for Drogba to go down in a way - Both Defoe and Tevez have dream runs coming up, as does Man utd. Valencia won't stay in the 8's for long

Add in Van Persie, Louis Saha & Carlton Cole out, + Adebayor at the ANC, & Torres isn't 100%, makes finding 3 decent fit strikers hard

Trick this year is getting defenders with clean sheets, with alot more scored being scored this year.

The difference between scoring roughly the same as those in our league & leading the pack comes down to picking the right captain.

For the shrewd managers, keep an eye on those recovering from injury, Everton in particular have been hit hard.

Also, got to watch out for players on 4 yellow cards, re suspensions

What a great season so far, Chelsea lead by 2 over Man Utd, & by 4 over Arsenal (who play Bolton at home midweek).

Half way thru the season & 2 points will cover Chelsea, Man U & Arsenal!

Then we have Spurs, Villa, Man City & Liverpool likely fighting for 4th

[shasta]

Add in Van Persie, Louis Saha & Carlton Cole out, + Adebayor at the ANC, & Torres isn't 100%, makes finding 3 decent fit strikers hard

Trick this year is getting defenders with clean sheets, with alot more scored being scored this year.

The difference between scoring roughly the same as those in our league & leading the pack comes down to picking the right captain.

For the shrewd managers, keep an eye on those recovering from injury, Everton in particular have been hit hard.

Also, got to watch out for players on 4 yellow cards, re suspensions

What a great season so far, Chelsea lead by 2 over Man Utd, & by 4 over Arsenal (who play Bolton at home midweek).

Half way thru the season & 2 points will cover Chelsea, Man U & Arsenal!

Then we have Spurs, Villa, Man City & Liverpool likely fighting for 4th

LEEDS 1 SCUM 0 :D:D:D:D:D

Chelsea beat Watford 5-0 in the FA Cup 3rd round overnight

Can't wipe the smile off me face :D

[winner69]

and Alex losses his cool again .... give him a life suspension I say ... the game is bigger than Alex ... or sorry, is it Alex's game to own

[shasta]

and Alex losses his cool again .... give him a life suspension I say ... the game is bigger than Alex ... or sorry, is it Alex's game to own

The Scot is a hypocrite & starting to lose it IMHO.

He berates not getting enough "extra time", but has a short memory from when Man Utd beat Man City (4-3 in the league), with the winner being scored well after normal injury time was played.

Man U get more penalities awarded, & less awarded against them than anyone else, because the ref's are intimidated by Fergie!

I used to have the utmost respect for him, but when was the last time Man U lost & he didn't blame the ref????

I hope he gets fined & has to spend a few more games in with the crowd.

[Merseyredboy]

Fergie, not Blackeyed peas, has been discussed a few pages back already this season and unfortunately I believe he is tarnishing his reputation. Still pressure to win creates silly sausages.

Watched the cottagers play like **** for 45, then it stopped snowing and dempsey fired them up. Alas Sorenson didn't play and only got one game between Zamora and dempsey.

Go the Arse???? oops

[shasta]

Fergie, not Blackeyed peas, has been discussed a few pages back already this season and unfortunately I believe he is tarnishing his reputation. Still pressure to win creates silly sausages.

Watched the cottagers play like **** for 45, then it stopped snowing and dempsey fired them up. Alas Sorenson didn't play and only got one game between Zamora and dempsey.

Go the Arse???? oops

Sorensen had a sore finger, the bloody wuss :mad:

Chelsea old boy Damien Duff got me 7 points :D

Now for my 3 Arse players & Tamir Cohen to come good

[shasta]

Sorensen had a sore finger, the bloody wuss :mad:

Chelsea old boy Damien Duff got me 7 points :D

Now for my 3 Arse players & Tamir Cohen to come good

Well i've sent the Fantasy football folk a message enquiring how the postponed Arsenal v Bolton match will affect Gameweek 20.

With 4 players (Arshavin (c), Diaby, Gallas & Cohen) due to play i've missed quite a few potential points. :(

Does anyone know whether the team selected for Gameweek 20 is effectively "held" for the replay, or is it added to another gameweek?

My lead in both comps has been affected!

[bear]

Does anyone know whether the team selected for Gameweek 20 is effectively "held" for the replay, or is it added to another gameweek?

My lead in both comps has been affected!

Under FAQ there is an answer which states if a team does not play then no points are awarded. Points only awarded when the game is played not as originally picked. So i would say unfortunately no points. I had 4 players also affected - i would say most would have had a few players in this game.

Could be a few more postponed games if the weather doesn't improve

Bear

[shasta]

Under FAQ there is an answer which states if a team does not play then no points are awarded. Points only awarded when the game is played not as originally picked. So i would say unfortunately no points. I had 4 players also affected - i would say most would have had a few players in this game.

Could be a few more postponed games if the weather doesn't improve

Bear

My closest competition didnt have any players due to play, thats why i questioned it. :rolleyes:

The game itself could have been played (the Premier sides must have grounds that can handle snow), but it was the safety of getting fans in etc that caused the issue.

I would expect all the weekend games to be played

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

Refer your post of 29/12/09 to me re postponed Wigan game. You weren't looking for the rule book then...

Think its too hard to monitor the rescheduled games as they will be strewn from here to kingdom come.

The question is should we be looking for likely fixtures for players that will play in a game week. Can't see Tv agreeing to no games in a weekend.... Go figure let them fall during the day. It must be an issue with evening fixtures this fans safety thing.

[Steve]

When do the ANC players return?

[shasta]

When do the ANC players return?

Approx 31 Jan - at the latest depending on who qualifies

[shasta]

Shasta

Refer your post of 29/12/09 to me re postponed Wigan game. You weren't looking for the rule book then...

Think its too hard to monitor the rescheduled games as they will be strewn from here to kingdom come.

The question is should we be looking for likely fixtures for players that will play in a game week. Can't see Tv agreeing to no games in a weekend.... Go figure let them fall during the day. It must be an issue with evening fixtures this fans safety thing.

Haha, something about eating cake...:D:o

My lead was around 100 points 2 weeks ago, now it's just 17, but still a healthy 7 points up in the H2H comp.

Am very happy with my squad now, still musing over whether i play Martin Petrov (v Blackburn) or Modric (v Liverpool) in my midfield.

Staying true to my word, i've selected Daniel Sturridge as my 3rd Chelsea player, he should start against Hull as Anelka is still injured.

[shasta]

Haha, something about eating cake...:D:o

My lead was around 100 points 2 weeks ago, now it's just 17, but still a healthy 7 points up in the H2H comp.

Am very happy with my squad now, still musing over whether i play Martin Petrov (v Blackburn) or Modric (v Liverpool) in my midfield.

Staying true to my word, i've selected Daniel Sturridge as my 3rd Chelsea player, he should start against Hull as Anelka is still injured.

5 Games have been postponed due to the weather in Britain

So another re-jig required :eek:

Games still to go ahead:

Arsenal v Everton
Wigan v Aston Villa
Birmingham v Man Utd
West Ham v Wolves
Man City v Blackburn

Games affected are:

Hull v Chelsea
Liverpool v Spurs
Fulham V Portsmouth
Stoke v Burnley
Sunderland v Bolton

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

I know was just assessing impact on my current team. Only 9 players on roster now playing what to do -8 points to buy one offers??? A dilemna I will go fishing for now and reconsider tonight.

Agree with Arsene for the mo one out all out

Also noticed Togo national teams bus shot at on way to ANC tounament. Could be off playeers back sooner rather than later. Adebayour unhurt physically in report.

[Steve]

Having decided to do make no transfers this week, I now only have 8 playing (really 7 to reflect that Giggs doesn't play that often these days)...

[shasta]

Having decided to do make no transfers this week, I now only have 8 playing (really 7 to reflect that Giggs doesn't play that often these days)...

I made an extra 2 transfers but will still have to have a non playing selection on the pitch, i've got my 2 Chelsea players on the bench & don't want to sell Defoe or Modric :confused:

This weather is actually going to help Chelsea :D

The rescheduled games with likely be played when there full squad is back from Africa.

Arsenal still have there catch up v Bolton to play, & Man U have the Carling Cup 2 leg semi final v Man City to be rescheduled, all increases the odds of a slip up...;)

[shasta]

5 Games have been postponed due to the weather in Britain

So another re-jig required :eek:

Games still to go ahead:

Arsenal v Everton
Wigan v Aston Villa Now Postponed :mad: thats 3 more players f*****
Birmingham v Man Utd
West Ham v Wolves
Man City v Blackburn

Games affected are:

Hull v Chelsea
Liverpool v Spurs
Fulham V Portsmouth
Stoke v Burnley
Sunderland v Bolton

Games played overnight in red, must be doubts over all games now?

3 or 4 Championship matches are still on at the moment, & both Norwich & Leeds in League 1 have undersoil heating & there games are on as it stands...

[ratkin]

You boys better look over your shoulders , the Lippy Lions are closing in on the sharetraders championship.

Spent the first half of the season trying to buid team value , up to 107.8 now . Should start to see the benefits in the second half

[Steve]

Well, at least all these cancellations appear to have upset everyones game plan...

[shasta]

Well, at least all these cancellations appear to have upset everyones game plan...

I've got Tevez as my captain & Martin Petrov playing tomorrow morning, hopefully that game goes ahead, as my lead has be shredded due to telstra not having my broadband up for 10 days & now the cancellations...

Poor me, the SCUM play twice in the next game week & i refuse to have any in my squad.

Ill take the slide down the table, as a loyal Chelsea fan i couldnt select them, regardless of the points

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

Watched the Scum, confess to owning Evra and now Valencia, V Birmingham. The scum are strange attacking almost solely down one side it seems and then when Giggs comes on Valencia switches sides and seem more potent down the left.

As for B City starting to look at Jerome and Benetiz as talented strikers at value.

I too have Tevez as Captain all be it by default to highest value...

[shasta]

Shasta

Watched the Scum, confess to owning Evra and now Valencia, V Birmingham. The scum are strange attacking almost solely down one side it seems and then when Giggs comes on Valencia switches sides and seem more potent down the left.

As for B City starting to look at Jerome and Benetiz as talented strikers at value.

I too have Tevez as Captain all be it by default to highest value...

Our comp is starting to get interesting, here i was thinking i'd run away with both comps :D

[shasta]

Our comp is starting to get interesting, here i was thinking i'd run away with both comps :D

Right let's start with a big thank you for Carlos Tevez :D

As captain those 34 points, reinstated my 40 point lead in the main comp & extended the lead in the H2H comp back to 10 points.

Mersey i see you, kept in touch by having Tevez as well ;)

Man U & Hull play twice this next game week.

[Merseyredboy]

Yeah scored more points with half a team than I normally do with a full roster. This week promoted Valencia into captaincy as I have a scum or two till Didier gets back and I have to remodel to fit him in. Am now negative on the pool and hope Torres, Benetiz and the owners go. Chelski could get Gerrard although based on form his price must be devaluing by the game.

See united declared a profit singularily attributable to selling Ronaldo and are now going to the market with a hybrid Hubbard bond to roll over 500M of existing debt, annual int over 42M.

[shasta]

Yeah scored more points with half a team than I normally do with a full roster. This week promoted Valencia into captaincy as I have a scum or two till Didier gets back and I have to remodel to fit him in. Am now negative on the pool and hope Torres, Benetiz and the owners go. Chelski could get Gerrard although based on form his price must be devaluing by the game.

See united declared a profit singularily attributable to selling Ronaldo and are now going to the market with a hybrid Hubbard bond to roll over 500M of existing debt, annual int over 42M.


My choice of captain is a difficult one this week, my options are:

Lampard v Sunderland (H)
Modric or Defoe v Hull (H)
Arshavin v Bolton (A)

Or maybe Tevez with 7 goals in his last 4 games (+ 10 bonus points) to continue his hot run?

[Merseyredboy]

Just tuned in and caught the Liverpool result v Reading. Thought may have played second stringers and paid the price. But no; Torres, Gerrard played. Rafa crosses another trophy off the list, heard a rumour they have now offered to take TOGO's place in ANC.

[brettdale]

Not having the bests of seasons.

[bear]

My choice of captain is a difficult one this week, my options are:

Lampard v Sunderland (H)
Modric or Defoe v Hull (H)
Arshavin v Bolton (A)

Or maybe Tevez with 7 goals in his last 4 games (+ 10 bonus points) to continue his hot run?

Arsenal play Bolton twice so Arshavin could be your man

Just a randon question

If you captain or in fact any player is due to play a double header but only plays in one of the games what happens in the game he misses - does he get automatically substituted or do you simply miss out

Bear

[ratkin]

He is captain regardless , even if he only plays one minute of one game.

Just noticed there more rescheduled games this week , should be some big scores in the competition.
Is Fabregas back ?

Tough choice for captain , i might go for evra , surely man u can keep at least one clean sheet

[Merseyredboy]

Bear

A substitution will only occur when a player doesn't play. If your captain/player plays one of two he will have scored points and the double header bonus anticapated forfeited.

Merseyembarrassedredboy

Ratkin according to physio room dot com due date back 17/01/2010.....

[shasta]

Bear

A substitution will only occur when a player doesn't play. If your captain/player plays one of two he will have scored points and the double header bonus anticapated forfeited.

Merseyembarrassedredboy

Ratkin according to physio room dot com due date back 17/01/2010.....

I didnt know the Arsenal v Bolton, & Liverpool v Spurs games where added to this gameweek.

Clever managers will see in the next game week has no:

Man U, Man C, Stoke or Hull :eek:

So dont go crazy changing your teams this week :rolleyes:

[buns]

Shasta

Its all about spurs for the next month

2 games this week, then some tasty ones around the corner

Dawson, Modric and Defoe - all nice value and should do well.

Dawson is the must of the lot, for some crazy reason he has hardly went up from 4.8

[shasta]

Shasta

Its all about spurs for the next month

2 games this week, then some tasty ones around the corner

Dawson, Modric and Defoe - all nice value and should do well.

Dawson is the must of the lot, for some crazy reason he has hardly went up from 4.8

Great minds think alike, i have those 3 spurs players, Serpie would be stoked :eek:

[shasta]

Great minds think alike, i have those 3 spurs players, Serpie would be stoked :eek:

As a loyal die hard Chelsea fan it brings a rather large smile to my face to see our closest competition in turmoil. :p

Man U - currently 2nd are so far in debt they may be forced to sell Wayne Rooney, whilst i've always had little respect for this disloyal show pony, without him, the SCUM would be lucky to get a Europa spot.

Arsenal - Seem to be written off already, due to there inexperience - but will always be a threat, they need Van Persie & Fabregas on the pitch if they are to clinch a Champions league spot (they have the talent to finish 2nd?)

Liverpool - Rafa must be looking in the english papers for his next job, out of the Champs league, Carling cup, FA cup, & way out of the title race. Both Torres & Gerrard are under injury clouds & any further niggles could see a lengthy spell on the sidelines - without these two Liverpool will be lucky to finish in the top 6

Man C, Spurs & to a lesser extent Aston Villa must see the problems with Liverpool inparticular, as they best shot to sneer 4th place & a Champions league spot.

My top 6 places after 38 games

Chelsea - winners :D
Arsenal - runners up
SCUM Utd - 3rd
Man City - 4th
Tottenham - 5th
Liverpool - 6th

Aston Villa to push Liverpool hard, & get 7th

[CAM]

Heard on the radio this morning that Torres out for 6 weeks, Gerrard a fortnight and Benayoun 4 weeks

[Merseyredboy]

CAM Shasta

The news is true all the ponies are out, Watched Reading highlights, Torres dealt to by a big centre half, tackles like rugby players and left field after 30mins. Gerrard didn't come back after half time and Yossi cracked some ribs. Can't wait for reading to win promotion again.

Lpool are as much in debt as SCUM so I don't see Rafa going, as they can't afford the severance and lets be honest little Sammylee isn't up to it. Bring back Keegan, Dalgleish and Souness loyalty will cost a bomb. Can we afford to poach someone.

Hang on Harry R is being charged with tax evasion, perhaps we could get him on day release programme from the local clink........

See we did bolster our squad on free transfer... Apparently Smeltz is on the radar to replace Torres....

[shasta]

CAM Shasta

The news is true all the ponies are out, Watched Reading highlights, Torres dealt to by a big centre half, tackles like rugby players and left field after 30mins. Gerrard didn't come back after half time and Yossi cracked some ribs. Can't wait for reading to win promotion again.

Lpool are as much in debt as SCUM so I don't see Rafa going, as they can't afford the severance and lets be honest little Sammylee isn't up to it. Bring back Keegan, Dalgleish and Souness loyalty will cost a bomb. Can we afford to poach someone.

Hang on Harry R is being charged with tax evasion, perhaps we could get him on day release programme from the local clink........

See we did bolster our squad on free transfer... Apparently Smeltz is on the radar to replace Torres....

Rafa will have to retain Ryan Babel, & rely on there new purchase winger Maxi Rodriguez to cover the gapping hole left by Gerrard & Torres.

Liverpool should go after this Birmingham target...

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is considering a fresh approach for Red Bull Salzburg striker Marc Janko. The 26-year-old, who is 6ft 5in and has scored 67 goals in 92 games for his Austrian club, is available for £6.5m.
Full story: Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1243012/Birmingham-boss-Alex-McLeish-tracking-6-5m-Marc-Janko-loan-Spurs-striker-Roman-Pavlyuchenko-doubt.html?ITO=1490)

A proven goal scorer, cheap & will take the pressure off Torres

[Steve]

I didnt know the Arsenal v Bolton, & Liverpool v Spurs games where added to this gameweek.

Clever managers will see in the next game week has no:

Man U, Man C, Stoke or Hull :eek:

So dont go crazy changing your teams this week :rolleyes:

My team has 7 players from these 4 teams, so I have made a couple of transfers into Spurs this week (hopefully to recover the transfer fee with the 2nd match) following the popular advice...

[Merseyredboy]

My big call this week is to Swap Lambs for Cesc..... Will be remodelling over three weeks to trade Lamps back into the squad so go the Arse

[shasta]

My big call this week is to Swap Lambs for Cesc..... Will be remodelling over three weeks to trade Lamps back into the squad so go the Arse

There is a remote chance Cesc could go to Real or Barcelona this transfer window. :eek:

Im not selling Lamps & will stick with Arshavin who will be pushed forward in Van Persie's absence

[shasta]

There is a remote chance Cesc could go to Real or Barcelona this transfer window. :eek:

Im not selling Lamps & will stick with Arshavin who will be pushed forward in Van Persie's absence

Portsmouth v Birmingham postponed due to a water logged pitch.

Pompeys problems just wont end. :rolleyes:

A dead cert to be playing in the championship next year

[buns]

Worth cutting Rooney/Valencia/Evra/Tevez ASAP?

Hmm Rooney's value will fall, however not worth 2 transfers (sell/buy)

I do think Valencia's time us up anyway as Man Utd has a tough stretch, as do all the major teams less Chelsea and Spurs. I'll be running with 6 of these players for at least the next 2 weeks.

For those with transfers to burn, and like a slim bench (I don't see the point in having more than 1 active player on it, + a GK), jump on James McCarthy for Wigan. Played and dominated in his first real EPL game, and cheapest middy in the game at 4.2. Surely will book you a nice little profit.

[Steve]

Giggs not playing again! :( It must be time for me to give him the chop.

I really hope that he doesn't play in the 2nd match this week as that will allow me to use Bent as a sub...

[shasta]

Giggs not playing again! :( It must be time for me to give him the chop.

I really hope that he doesn't play in the 2nd match this week as that will allow me to use Bent as a sub...

Good to see most didnt heed my warning & some are playing 6 or 7 players that wont feature next game week.

Keep eating up those transfers folks :D

For those that didnt see it the first time

Man Utd, Man City, Stoke & Hull don't play next game week

PS, Chelsea hit 7 past Sunderland without Drogba!

[shasta]

Good to see most didnt heed my warning & some are playing 6 or 7 players that wont feature next game week.

Keep eating up those transfers folks :D

For those that didnt see it the first time

Man Utd, Man City, Stoke & Hull don't play next game week

PS, Chelsea hit 7 past Sunderland without Drogba!

Still have a handy 50 point lead, but i was up late before the game week close, deciding between Wolves Craddock, & Wigan's N'Zogbia, as they played each other.

Picked Craddock & got 1 point, first on my bench N'Zogbia scored & ended up with 10 points :(:mad:

No subs either damn it.

Gryffyn - you may have a slight edge in the H2H contest, but i see you have 7 players that won't be playing next week! :D

Still have Arsenal v Bolton, Liverpool v Tottenham, & Man U v Hull City to play this game week, so another 5 players to do double duty ;)

[Merseyredboy]

Shasta

reviewed the # of trades status for our league the top 3 have to date completed the following trades......54, 51 (Coops, as usual) and 48 (one s.hasta).

My great plan has weakened with Dempesey out of commission... Still have managed to halve the deficeit in 4 weeks so we shall see.

The points for this weak appear high so far... the concern I have is that clean sheets aren"t cummulative???? So if a defender concedes in game 2 for the week the 4 points from game 1 vanish??? True or false. I don't have many defenders with clean sheets to cause me to lose sleep. Cesc did well a solid back up this week and it could be a matter of Frank who, still 14 for the week isn't to be sneezed at.

[shasta]

Shasta

reviewed the # of trades status for our league the top 3 have to date completed the following trades......54, 51 (Coops, as usual) and 48 (one s.hasta).

My great plan has weakened with Dempesey out of commission... Still have managed to halve the deficeit in 4 weeks so we shall see.

The points for this weak appear high so far... the concern I have is that clean sheets aren"t cummulative???? So if a defender concedes in game 2 for the week the 4 points from game 1 vanish??? True or false. I don't have many defenders with clean sheets to cause me to lose sleep. Cesc did well a solid back up this week and it could be a matter of Frank who, still 14 for the week isn't to be sneezed at.

No, the points stand from the 1st game, if the defender keeps a clean sheet & then concedes in the 2nd game, the points accrue, ie

Game 1 - Clean sheet , 2 points for 60+ mins & + 4 for clean sheet
Game 2 - Concedes 1 goal, 2 points for 60+ mins, 0 points for conceding

Game 1 (6 points) + Game 2 (2 points) = 8 points

I had Gallas, Dunne & Dawson all with clean sheets!

[shasta]

Shasta

reviewed the # of trades status for our league the top 3 have to date completed the following trades......54, 51 (Coops, as usual) and 48 (one s.hasta).

My great plan has weakened with Dempesey out of commission... Still have managed to halve the deficeit in 4 weeks so we shall see.

The points for this weak appear high so far... the concern I have is that clean sheets aren"t cummulative???? So if a defender concedes in game 2 for the week the 4 points from game 1 vanish??? True or false. I don't have many defenders with clean sheets to cause me to lose sleep. Cesc did well a solid back up this week and it could be a matter of Frank who, still 14 for the week isn't to be sneezed at.

No Dempsey & you got 5 players that arent in the next game week...

How many xfers you going take a hit on?

[Merseyredboy]

Will confess to looking at Ballack for Dempsey and it could be hammer time.....

[shasta]

Will confess to looking at Ballack for Dempsey and it could be hammer time.....

If you're looking at West Ham, just remember Zola changes his starting line up as much as Rafa does!

I'm seeing some value in the Everton squad ;)

[buns]

The matchups for the big fantasy teams, less Chelsea over the next few weeks aren’t the best.

For me, in comes Ivanovic and Anelka (Lampard has never left).. And also my boy from Everton Pienaar who is coming off 2 man of the match peformances and decent matchups on the horizon. Everton are simply rolling as well.

[shasta]

The matchups for the big fantasy teams, less Chelsea over the next few weeks aren’t the best.

For me, in comes Ivanovic and Anelka (Lampard has never left).. And also my boy from Everton Pienaar who is coming off 2 man of the match peformances and decent matchups on the horizon. Everton are simply rolling as well.

Pienaar has had a great 3 weeks, so i bought him. ;)

When they get there injured players back, they will rock up the table.

Jagielka & Arteta are huge losses for Everton

[ratkin]

Im resisting the temptation to spend points this week , looks like being a low scoring week , not a good one to start off in minus points.
Chelsea look the best on paper but birmingham are no mugs , would be suprised if chelsea score more than two goals.

Interesting west ham mentioned , my only transfer this week has been Wes brown out , Upson in. They away to portsmouth , then have a double game week against two weak teams , followed by a game against burnley

[ratkin]

West ham will be bouyed by the news of their takeover. Theere were many rumours Upson and co would have to be sold , looks like they safe now, this should improve on field performance

"Gold told Sky Sports: "The first thing we needed to do was not to bring in new players, the first thing was to make sure no players left. Up until a month ago you constantly read and saw on TV that the current owners would have to sell their best players to stay in business.
"We can reassure fans who were terrified that they were going to lose two or three of the best players that that is now not going to happen."

[buns]

Thoughts on Capt's??

Defoe, Anelka or Lampard?

[Steve]

If Dempsey is out then I will need to make 2 transfers this week & lose some points again. I was only planning on replacing Giggs (who incidently played this morning & scored) with someone from Chelsea or Spurs.

This round was the 1st time that I incurred transfer penalties (8pts) getting some Spurs in the team & replacing Song with Gallas. My logic for biting the bullet was that they had 2 games this round...

[shasta]

Thoughts on Capt's??

Defoe, Anelka or Lampard?

From those & looking at the games, Lampard

[shasta]

Shasta

This is incorrect Arsenal players lost clean sheet for gameweek with two goals conceded today. Points for both Gallas and Dawson now only 4 each.

No your not correct, its confusing the way they show it though.

Lets take Gallas for example

It says minutes played 180 = 4 points, Goals conceded 2 = 3 points

So Gallas scored 7 points:

Gameweek 1 - Gallas scored 6 points (90mins = 2 points + Clean sheet 4 points = total 6)

Gameweek 2 - Gallas scored 1 point (90mins = 2 points + 2 goals conceded -1 point = total 1 point)

The game weeks are independent of each other

Kapesh?

[Merseyredboy]

Yeah Kapeash

Can't get entertainment sites at work as was hoping to close gap by 6 points. Spurs suffered today sad for Harry but go the POOL

[shasta]

Yeah Kapeash

Can't get entertainment sites at work as was hoping to close gap by 6 points. Spurs suffered today sad for Harry but go the POOL

I would have predicted a Spurs 2-0 win. :rolleyes:

Kuyt must be due a rather large contract upgrade!

Im going to end on 81 points when my Goal keeper is subbed on

How good were Arsenal 0-2 down & win it 4-2!

[Merseyredboy]

It was strange according to the stats the Arse had 62% possession twice the number of shots and were two nil down prior to rebound.

Injury concerns around Diaby for me..

But still got two Scums to play next week to close the gap even further.

[shasta]

It was strange according to the stats the Arse had 62% possession twice the number of shots and were two nil down prior to rebound.

Injury concerns around Diaby for me..

But still got two Scums to play next week to close the gap even further.

Lets hope Hull can repeat there 0-0 effort v Spurs ;)

[ratkin]

Next week will be a disaster , already had to spend eight points. Had expected Lennon back but hes had a relapse and Diaby out for at least two games.
Only consolation is many other managers are in the same boat

[shasta]

Next week will be a disaster , already had to spend eight points. Had expected Lennon back but hes had a relapse and Diaby out for at least two games.
Only consolation is many other managers are in the same boat

All those who loaded up on SCUM players now having to sell them...

I see many have both Sorensen & Shawcross too...

No transfer points for me :D

PS, Go Hull :D

[ratkin]

But look at the damage the man u players could do in their extra fixture at home to hull.
Might make four points to get rid of them seem cheap.
As long as Rooney dosent score , that would be a nightmare , and likely to happen too.
Im hoping he will not play a full game , they may want to rest him for the second leg against man c

[shasta]

But look at the damage the man u players could do in their extra fixture at home to hull.
Might make four points to get rid of them seem cheap.
As long as Rooney dosent score , that would be a nightmare , and likely to happen too.
Im hoping he will not play a full game , they may want to rest him for the second leg against man c

The main comp is closing up, just like the premiership proper :(

Should still have a small lead at the end of the game week, & i see quite a few have 5+ players not involved in this game week (i saw someone with 7 players! :eek:)

I'm going to lose to Gryffyn in the H2H comp, his SCUM players only have to play to edge my slim lead.

I'll still be 7 points clear :D

[Steve]

i see quite a few have 5+ players not involved in this game week (i saw someone with 7 players! :eek:)

I have 5 non-players this game week and was planning to transfer Giggs for Ballack.

However, now with Dempsey is out and Diaby too, it looks like I will have to throw 8 points to make a full team...

[Merseyredboy]

Couldn't afford Lamps so drafted in the Nobles from the Hammers. Aiming to protect value to restructure over two weeks to get Lamps back. So go the Hammers. Three games in the two weeks against competitive opponents. Swapping Lamps for Cesc and paying the four points proved profitable. I only need Valencia as Captain to have a blinder to make up for not promoting Cesc.

[shasta]

Couldn't afford Lamps so drafted in the Nobles from the Hammers. Aiming to protect value to restructure over two weeks to get Lamps back. So go the Hammers. Three games in the two weeks against competitive opponents. Swapping Lamps for Cesc and paying the four points proved profitable. I only need Valencia as Captain to have a blinder to make up for not promoting Cesc.


...yawn week after week & no competition...:rolleyes:

Just like Chelsea will romp away with the title, Shasta's form is still strong.

Gryffyn WILL be unseated as the Sharetraders champ this year :D

I like a few West Ham players, but Zola has injuries & can never get a settled 11 on the park...:rolleyes:

Too good a side to go down though...

Pompey, Hull & Wolves are my picks to go down

[ratkin]

Worst fears realised , fed up with gameweeks being dominated by one player. Never known a season like it. Some of the teams in the premiership a shockingly low standard

[shasta]

Worst fears realised , fed up with gameweeks being dominated by one player. Never known a season like it. Some of the teams in the premiership a shockingly low standard

When i heard Rooney scored all 4 goals, i thought that was my lead gone.

Amazed to see its still 45 points :eek:

[Merseyredboy]

I know see sjh scored 143 for the week and my double up captain didn't even play last night.... Rooney the scourge of the premier league......

Did you see Dadi's penalty attempt from friday night suspect the honeymoon is ova for that fella. Not a droghba thats for sure. Makes the Melbourne game a must point at as next home game in Chch

[bear]

When i heard Rooney scored all 4 goals, i thought that was my lead gone.

Amazed to see its still 45 points :eek:

I see apart from the four goals Rooney also picked up his 5th Yellow card of the Premiership season. I vaguely recall this resulting in a one match ban - is this right

Bear - he's not in my for the next round but will be as soon as he is available

[shasta]

I see apart from the four goals Rooney also picked up his 5th Yellow card of the Premiership season. I vaguely recall this resulting in a one match ban - is this right

Bear - he's not in my for the next round but will be as soon as he is available

Yes thats right, & its 1 game, not 1 week, so the fact Man U arent playing this game week is irrelevant.

[shasta]

Yes thats right, & its 1 game, not 1 week, so the fact Man U arent playing this game week is irrelevant.

Just logged in to Fantasy Football site & found both Dunne & Lampard are doubtful starters...

Made too many transfers to change them now, but have them covered.

With Ivory Coast eliminated i wonder if Roman has sent a private jet to get Drogba back? :D

Not that Chelsea missed him much, managing 7 goals past Sunderland.

Birmingham's dream run comes to an end Thursday morning out time ;)

[ratkin]

Go on , couple more transfers wont matter:rolleyes:

I have Cole and Dunn both listed as doubtful and no cover on bench.
Decided it better to recieve zero than have a replacement starting on minus four

[shasta]

Go on , couple more transfers wont matter:rolleyes:

I have Cole and Dunn both listed as doubtful and no cover on bench.
Decided it better to recieve zero than have a replacement starting on minus four

You guys had your chance, u had a double SCUM week & my policy of NO SCUM players stands!

West Ham have a bid on every striker in Europe at the moment, so i hope my decison to buy Diamanti was a wise one :rolleyes:

[ratkin]

Just noticed they have added an extra chelsea game for next week!!!
That changes things , im going to bring one in now.

[shasta]

Just noticed they have added an extra chelsea game for next week!!!
That changes things , im going to bring one in now.

Chelsea, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves, Hull + Portsmouth all play twice

Time to load up on London based players ;)

Don't say i don't try & help u folk...

[Merseyredboy]

What I have noticed after the last series of games is that the table has crunched up and that the gap s between first and eigth has contracted.

I can add A Cole to the list of doubtfulls so I to will play with 10 and bear in mind that incls. two West Ham casuals

[shasta]

What I have noticed after the last series of games is that the table has crunched up and that the gap s between first and eigth has contracted.

I can add A Cole to the list of doubtfulls so I to will play with 10 and bear in mind that incls. two West Ham casuals

Down to a 45 point lead in the main comp, & just 7 in the HTH comp.

Just like the title race proper, it's going to be close...:D

Wish Rooney would break a leg :p

[Merseyredboy]

Chelsea, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves, Hull + Portsmouth all play twice

Time to load up on London based players ;)

Don't say i don't try & help u folk...

Shasta as a favour to everyone the West ham wolves match has already been postponed. So much for long term planning. Have to buy lamps or didier

[ratkin]

Another disaster , first they didnt include the extra chelsea game , now they have taken away the west ham . Only consulation is thaat upson scored 8 points , but as he cost 4 it not such a bargain.
At least i didnt buy two of them like shasta:D

[shasta]

Another disaster , first they didnt include the extra chelsea game , now they have taken away the west ham . Only consulation is thaat upson scored 8 points , but as he cost 4 it not such a bargain.
At least i didnt buy two of them like shasta:D

Diamanti got an assist, not all bad :o

[Merseyredboy]

And Noble got a yellow card?????? Go figure

[shasta]

And Noble got a yellow card?????? Go figure

This will serve me right for trying to be astute & plan in advance.

Deleted entire watchlist & will await the results tomorrow before making any changes.

It's a bit rank they advertise a game, only to change it.

[ratkin]

How many points we all spent this week?

Im on zero , only transfer was Defoe out Tevez in (double gameweek soon.

Only have two chelsea players ( A Cole and Ballack)
Cant decide if it worth spending four points to bring in a chelsea defender

O the plus side they should keep at least one clean sheet , so i will give the defender 8 points for the week . Take off the four it cost and hes really only made four

Also are chelsea likely to keep the same team for both gaMES? I think my two players may only play once. Unlikely ballack will play both when only five days later they play Man u.
Ashley cole (my captain ?) im a little worried about him too , might rest him for one game and play Zhirkov instead.

Only few players guaranteed to play both games are Lampard , Terry and carvallio imo plus the keeper.

Wondering if i should just go with Duff as captain. Times like this i wish i had lampard , what an easy choice of captain that would be

[Steve]

Wish Rooney would break a leg :p

I hope not!

There appears to have been a correlation between me exiting the fantasy cup & Rooney having a week off.

I looked at transferring Lampard into the team this week, but couldn't afford him...

[shasta]

How many points we all spent this week?

Im on zero , only transfer was Defoe out Tevez in (double gameweek soon.

Only have two chelsea players ( A Cole and Ballack)
Cant decide if it worth spending four points to bring in a chelsea defender

O the plus side they should keep at least one clean sheet , so i will give the defender 8 points for the week . Take off the four it cost and hes really only made four

Also are chelsea likely to keep the same team for both gaMES? I think my two players may only play once. Unlikely ballack will play both when only five days later they play Man u.
Ashley cole (my captain ?) im a little worried about him too , might rest him for one game and play Zhirkov instead.

Only few players guaranteed to play both games are Lampard , Terry and carvallio imo plus the keeper.

Wondering if i should just go with Duff as captain. Times like this i wish i had lampard , what an easy choice of captain that would be

Carlo has mentioned to the UK media he needs to rotate his over 30's around to last the season (Drogba, Anelka, Ballack, Deco, Lampard, Carvalho from memory), whether he means it or not?

Also out today John Terry cheating on his wife AGAIN, this time with a french model, being Wayne Bridges missus!

Hope he has his head space right to play the double up.

And yeah Lamps is obvious as captain, i've got Drogba back, but he & Kalou wont be in the squad until Hull midweek.

[ratkin]

Dont forget Ashley Cole, in court and banned from driving !!

[winner69]

That Vanessa a bit of s stunner ( a Premier WAG she was known as .... can't really blame Terry having a go at his teammates girl .... was it after Vanessa left Bridges anyway

Wonder if Tiger got involved .... he had a few really bad rounds in the Open .... after a night out no doubt

[ratkin]

So far so good, now just need Anelka and Lampard to hobble off injured

[shasta]

So far so good, now just need Anelka and Lampard to hobble off injured

Drogba will be back for Hull ;)

Anelka played 90 mins & scored, Lamps played 90 mins & got an assist!

[ratkin]

Could of been worse , hopefully Drogba will play instead of Anelka . not beside him.

Only player who hobbled off was my captain , Ashley Cole :mad:

[shasta]

Could of been worse , hopefully Drogba will play instead of Anelka . not beside him.

Only player who hobbled off was my captain , Ashley Cole :mad:

Am hoping Tevez tears apart Pompey overnight :D

[shasta]

Am hoping Tevez tears apart Pompey overnight :D

Well that didn't happen, nevermind.

I'm going to go out on a limb & support John Terry. :rolleyes:

Why, because i'm a diehard Chelsea fan? :eek:

Well yes, but why do we expect sportsmen to be our rodemodels?

What he did to an ex team mate & friend (Wayne Bridge) was awful, & he has cheated on his wife before.

However, on the pitch he is the best defender in the premiership by a country mile.

If Wayne Bridge doesn't want to be in the same team as him, here's some tough advice.

Wayne, Chelsea ditched you because Ashley Cole is twice as good on the left.

Terry will be the first picked for South Africa, & while he may lose the England captaincy, he'll be in the starting X1 period.

England don't have a replacement for him.

Carlo Ancoletti has come out & backed John Terry, who will remain as Chelsea captain, & i fully support this.

Like Tiger Woods, John Terry clearly has some sex addiction that needs addressing, but lynching him, when she has seemingly got away with it seems a little unfair.

She is equally to blame IMHO.

I feel for John Terry's wife & kids.

John Terry the footballer, well i have no issues with him on the park!

[Merseyredboy]

I see Chelski got off. So I expect Frank Ribbery into the stable in June. Tricky game for the ARse this week. Back to back loses will make it a two horse race for first and third/fourth.

[shasta]

I see Chelski got off. So I expect Frank Ribbery into the stable in June. Tricky game for the ARse this week. Back to back loses will make it a two horse race for first and third/fourth.

They wont buy Ribery, they better bloody not - we don't need any midfielders!

I don't rate Ribery, & unless he single handedly wins France the World Cup, i don't want him, he's way over rated & too expensive, he's worth maybe $15m pounds tops!

Chelsea already have...

J Cole, Deco, Ballack, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Matic*, Kakuta* (even Zhirkov can play in midfield)

Bold = World Class players
* = Youth coming through

The type of midfielder that WOULD suit Chelsea are:

Aaron Lennon, Ashley Young, or James Milner (all with pace) or the likes of Fellaini to add some height & steel.

I expect Chelsea to buy some young english players in the summer, & don't be surprised if Ashley Young is at Stamford Bridge next season, you heard it here first ;)

Chelsea's main priority will be to sign a big name young striker, the likes of a David Villa or Sergio Aguero. (With Anelka & Drogba over 30, it makes sense)

Even though they have young strikers Scott Sinclair (@ Wigan) & Franco Di Santo (@ Blackburn) on loan they can recall.

[shasta]

PS, Chelsea's transfer ban has been lifted!

[Merseyredboy]

Watched the LPool derby in the weekend, one word carnage, One of the most physical games I've seen in awhile. The blue mopster was abit lucky not to be red carded with Kryo, who needed stitches.

Also saw Chelski this am. Too smart for the Arse so fourth willbe there lot with the reds steaming up above Spurs and the gunners in their sights.

In fantasy my back four all managed clean sheets, first time in 4 years!!!!! the fixtures list keeps changing by the week so managers have to be sharp to find the slipped in double ups. Alas for Shasta one happens to be Manure in a coupla weeks.

Go the Canespanes

[shasta]

Watched the LPool derby in the weekend, one word carnage, One of the most physical games I've seen in awhile. The blue mopster was abit lucky not to be red carded with Kryo, who needed stitches.

Also saw Chelski this am. Too smart for the Arse so fourth willbe there lot with the reds steaming up above Spurs and the gunners in their sights.

In fantasy my back four all managed clean sheets, first time in 4 years!!!!! the fixtures list keeps changing by the week so managers have to be sharp to find the slipped in double ups. Alas for Shasta one happens to be Manure in a coupla weeks.

Go the Canespanes

Terry, Lampard & Drogba were the 3 best Chelsea players v Arsenal, all got bonus points & goals/assists & all in my team!

Shame Pienaar got sent off, he had reasonable form, but alas i sold him & re-purchased Petrov, lets hope he plays more than 6 mins this gameweek!

[Merseyredboy]

I'd say all bets are off with todays results. Everton are tough to play look a physical unit that don't step back. The Arse do a rebound and solidify top 3. Manure and Nani trip up and no doubles for him next week....

Shasta given super 14 kick off my alter ego "Canespanes" commences the season with the usual expectation of glory...

No more betting I notice. I'll put up a list 2morrow

[shasta]

I'd say all bets are off with todays results. Everton are tough to play look a physical unit that don't step back. The Arse do a rebound and solidify top 3. Manure and Nani trip up and no doubles for him next week....

Shasta given super 14 kick off my alter ego "Canespanes" commences the season with the usual expectation of glory...

No more betting I notice. I'll put up a list 2morrow

I hope Everton can knock off SCUM Utd, especially with Arteta back.

Arsenal still need Chelsea & SCUM Utd to drop more points to be back in the running.

I'm back in the Virtual Super 14, & will track you ;)

[ratkin]

Vieira is likely to be back in Mancini's starting line-up on Tuesday, when City head to Stoke for a Premier League game, but there are doubts over plenty of others.
Carlos Tevez has gone back to Argentina for family reasons, so he will not play and Mancini said on Friday he was looking towards the crunch clash with Liverpool next weekend for Craig Bellamy.

Tevez in my team but at least he aint captain , going to scupper plenty of managers this week

[shasta]

Vieira is likely to be back in Mancini's starting line-up on Tuesday, when City head to Stoke for a Premier League game, but there are doubts over plenty of others.
Carlos Tevez has gone back to Argentina for family reasons, so he will not play and Mancini said on Friday he was looking towards the crunch clash with Liverpool next weekend for Craig Bellamy.

Tevez in my team but at least he aint captain , going to scupper plenty of managers this week

I have Tevez as my captain v Stoke, & with Petrov not playing last week, my 1st sub Jack Collison didn't play either, buggered that up :o

Need Petrov to play v Stoke

Tevez got me 14 points as Captain v Bolton, so i shan't complain.

Still have a 50 point odd buffer :D

[ratkin]

Carlos Tevez has been granted leave to return to Argentina for family reasons and is definitely out, with Craig Bellamy (knee) and Vincent Kompany (groin) set to join him on the sidelines.
In addition, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov all suffered knocks against the same opposition at the weekend and could miss out. Adam Johnson does return after being cup-tied for the fifth-round tie against the Potters at the weekend.
Stoke will be without Matthew Etherington after he picked up in a knee injury in Saturday's FA Cup clash between the same two sides, although the extent of the problem is still unclear.


Looks like all the fantasy favourites are smashed up up. Might be a good time to bet against city, stoke not easy at home and city looking short of players. At least they have Adabeyor

[shasta]

Carlos Tevez has been granted leave to return to Argentina for family reasons and is definitely out, with Craig Bellamy (knee) and Vincent Kompany (groin) set to join him on the sidelines.
In addition, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland and Martin Petrov all suffered knocks against the same opposition at the weekend and could miss out. Adam Johnson does return after being cup-tied for the fifth-round tie against the Potters at the weekend.
Stoke will be without Matthew Etherington after he picked up in a knee injury in Saturday's FA Cup clash between the same two sides, although the extent of the problem is still unclear.


Looks like all the fantasy favourites are smashed up up. Might be a good time to bet against city, stoke not easy at home and city looking short of players. At least they have Adabeyor

Just to be a real party pooper but Ryan Shawcross isn't listed in Stoke's squad either, i see he has 7 yellow cards already this season, & i thought after 5 you got a 1 match suspension, cards #6 & #7 were consecutive.

Anyone know what the rules are on yellow cards????

[ratkin]

Five yellows is a ban for one game. Ten yellows is a ban for two games and fifteen is three games

[shasta]

Five yellows is a ban for one game. Ten yellows is a ban for two games and fifteen is three games

Man City choke & scrap a 1-1 draw at Stoke, who played with 10 men for just over half an hour.

Pity Ryan Shawcross had his goal disallowed, nothing wrong with it, & i could have used the extra points :rolleyes:

[ratkin]

Only winners today were those without Manc and Stoke players in their teams

[shasta]

Only winners today were those without Manc and Stoke players in their teams

Now don't be too hasty, Martin Petrov played 5 mins over the 2 games so i received a hard earnt point!

I see a few have N'Zogbia & Rodallega playing tomorrow, which Wigan will show up, the one that beat Chelsea, or the one that conceded 9 v Spurs?

[shasta]

Now don't be too hasty, Martin Petrov played 5 mins over the 2 games so i received a hard earnt point!

I see a few have N'Zogbia & Rodallega playing tomorrow, which Wigan will show up, the one that beat Chelsea, or the one that conceded 9 v Spurs?

Both Wigan v Bolton games this season have ended in 0-0 bore draws.

Lets all support Everton at home this week v the SCUM, the Toffees are in great form, beating Chelsea, & winning v Sporting Lisbon in the Europa Cup.

How about former SCUM player Saha to put a dent in SCUM's title bid :D

Chelsea looking to spend large in the summer...

Chelsea are plotting a £70m spending spree this summer to rejuvenate their squad with Borussia Dortmund's Serbia centre-back Neven Subotic, winger Angel Di Maria, of Benfica, Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger their main targets.
Full story: Daily Express (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/158642/Chelsea-s-70m-boys-brigade)

Can't wait for the Inter Milan v Chelsea match, especially with the "Special One" being very active in the media!

[Merseyredboy]

Three weeks ago my squad was being groomed for a drogba return and bedding down for a high scoring run home. But alas what happens, Nani Red card minus 3 weeks, Zamora and Dempsey injured, A Cole injured, Etherington injured. Squad now in tatters having to patch here and there as my low cost value players fall by the wayside.... Sad week for the red boy.

As said before the toffees are a physical side and could well kickem off the park but I see they are down Felliana, Pienaar red card, and Cahill doubtfull. On the pluses Arteta getting fitter and could control.....

I read that chelski were interested in Riberry Sol Camplbell and Ian Rush to bolster them accross the park..... Hahaha