TO BEGIN, AN apology.
In the absence of Paul, I have taken it on myself to be your fantasy football guru this week. There is, however, a slight but very important problem.
I’m not very good.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not terrible — although my total of 215 after four weeks of the game might suggest otherwise. It’s more that I don’t have the necessary patience for all of the forward planning and tinkering that is part and parcel of any well-run fantasy side.
So, ahead of this weekend’s action, allow me to impart some hastily assembled pearls of wisdom. And rest assured, if you completely ignore them, I won’t be offended in the slightest.
Normal service — featuring somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about — is scheduled to resume next week.
Two players to pick this week
Ivan Klasnic (Bolton): Klasnic seems to be a fairly shrewd signing. He’s not quite racking up the points at the same rate as Rooney, but at £6.2m, he’ll do nicely as a third striker. The Croatian has three goals in four games, as well as three bonus points, and with Bolton at home to struggling Norwich tomorrow, he could be about to improve on that.
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal): This comes straight from the school of thought that there’s value to be found in Blackburn Rovers’ opponents all season. Arsenal are the lucky party this weekend and, with plenty of doubts still lingering, I find it very hard to believe that they’ll slip up at Ewood Park. Clean sheet for Kos? I think so.
Two players to avoid this week
Sergio Aguero / Edin Dzeko (Manchester City): I’m not suggesting that you completely avoid the City pair, but encouraging you to be wary when selecting them — particularly as captain. I know of many (two) fantasy players who handed Dzeko the captain’s armband last week and then watched in horror as he was left on the bench while Kun ran riot. Mancini is unlikely to play both at Craven Cottage on Sunday, so choose wisely.
Charles Nzogbia (Aston Villa): Aside from City (who have yet to concede a goal), Newcastle are the league’s stingiest defence on current form, so there is reason to believe that Nzogbia could be kept quiet at Villa Park tomorrow. While he might not rack up the points this weekend, current owners might be better off benching rather than selling — games against QPR and Wigan are just around the corner.
Predictions for the week
Blackburn 1-3 Arsenal
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle
Bolton 2-1 Norwich
Everton 1-0 Wigan
Swansea 2-2 West Brom
Wolves 2-0 QPR
Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool
Fulham 0-3 Man City
Sunderland 1-2 Stoke City
Man United 3-1 Chelsea
How Fenno’s team got on last gameweek: 78 points for the main man last week, well above the league average of 57 but far short of the weekly high of 120. Mr Fennessy has Messrs Nani and Rooney to thank for that one.
Who’s leading TheScore.ie’s league: Paddy McKenna’s Ride Me Sideways are our new leaders, topping the pile on 308pts. There’s not much in it though, with Mark Kilgallon (305) and Daniel O’Brien (304) rounding off a tightly-packed top three.
Who do you think will perform well/badly this week? Let us know in the comments section below.
Should Liverpool make the final they will encounter a level of cynicism, cheating, ref harassment and outright blackguarding of which they will never have encountered before, Real Madrid are the dirtiest and most unsporting team in history in my opinion and they epitomise everything bad about the game, I hate them and I’m a Utd fan
@Porter Mechanic: Sounds like youre butthurt from selling them Ronaldo and the De Gea rumours. I havent seen any evidence to back what u said up!.. Examples??
@Marko Polo: Ramos was in the refs face all game and feigned injury when he bundled into Lewandowski in the box, he is a cute hoor, great defender but also a p***k
@Stephen Behan: Fair enough Beano
@Running Down The Wing: Alot of people hate the Spanish teams, just like used to hate / still hate Man Utd, .. People jump on others who are successful at their expense. I.e. Butthurt.
@Marko Polo: You haven’t seen any evidence? Then clearly you have been watching the TV with your eyes closed and ears covered, plenty agree with me on this. Just read more comments and you’ll see.
@Porter Mechanic: Yes i agree they are worse than English teams. Key word being ‘worse’. The English teams cheat each other all the time too.
@Running Down The Wing:
He is of thinks he is a yank
@Marko Polo: Ah stop man, you’ve obviously never watched them he’s right
@pg38: Ramos is a guy who cheats, kick and moans at every opportunity, and he’s frustrating to watch, but he’s one of the best defenders in the world, with trophies to back it up. Liverpool are fairly mediocre (a poor premier league this year, at more than likely 4th or 5th), and they are carried completely by one world class player in Salah, and a few 2nd tier guys that can be 50/50 on their day. If they win the final, it will be a blip rather than a great team, but try not to start blaming Madrid or refs before you even get there! It just looks petty.
@Gulliver Foyle: I’m by no means a Liverpool fan but firmino is by no means second tier, guys been first class this season. Would love him at arsenal
@Porter Mechanic: well said mate,couldn’t have said it better meself…
@Mel Roberts: Undoubtedly better than any Irish player, and would be one of the top players in any team, but not yet up there with Messi, Salah, Ronaldo or the likes of Erikson in midfield
I wonder will anyone comment the ‘If anyone can cost Rodgers a title its Gerrard’ joke today..havent heard ot in a while.
@Kieran Fogarty: I don’t think so Kieran because it wouldn’t really be appropriate in this case…
@The Irish Pain: the clown below couldn’t help himself lads I see the humour just can’t bring myself to laugh at it yet..
Not a hope. Typically deluded English commentary.
@Thomas McGilly: indeed, and I think Roma will face Real in the final , poor game with Madrid on top again .
@Thomas McGilly: Not a Hope???? Stupid comment – you may not think Liverpool can win, but “not a hope” is just plain stupid.
@seancreaven13: Sorry Sean. After tonight’s game, Madrid will be sleeping easy.
At least Slippy G can’t cost it for them anyway
Man, i reckon you should take this joke to a stage, hell book a nationwide tour. This class of original humor could be a gold mine for you.
If Madrid cough up as many chances in the final (once Liverpool make it, not fully counting my chickens) to Liverpool as they did to Bayern, they could be in trouble. If Liverpool’s front 3 are on song that night it could be number 6
@Declan Snow: they won’t though. Bayern are a better side than Liverpool. Real will dominate the ball against Liverpool. They weren’t able to do that against Bayern which caused them continuous problems.
Not saying that Liverpool won’t win but they are not going to be carving out chance after chance like Bayern were able to do. Liverpool are not Bayern Munich.
@Ciaran Rice: if Real can get Carvajal and Nacho back fit then it’s a different ball game . They were shaky at the back without doubt . But the Madrid midfield is way stronger than Liverpool’s who still haven’t qualified .
@Limón Madrugada: yes, obviously Liverpool still need to get past Roma. Even if Those players aren’t back I still don’t imagine Liverpool are going to cause Real anywhere near the same problems as Bayern.
Reals midfield are on another level to Liverpool’s and will dominate the game.
@Declan Snow: a lot of “ifs” there Declan. “If” Liverpool get through to final (most likely), “if” Madrid cough up as many chances and “if” Liverpool’s front 3 are on song. A lot to expect.
@Limón Madrugada: Real‘s midfield are way better technically, but so are Roma‘s and City‘s and Liverpool have (so far) successfully managed to avoid having too much of the game played in the middle against those teams. If they get to the final they‘ll need to work out how to get Modric out of the game. Whether that can be as successful when a cup final charged Ronaldo is lurking at the other end is a different matter though.
@Ciaran Rice: Just like man city’s midfield were way superior to Liverpool’s or so they told us . Anyway Liverpool only have to worry about roma’s midfield . 3 nil is easily got these days so Liverpool have a lot of work to do
@pg38: yes, just like City’s midfield are better than Liverpool’s. And Real Madrid are a better side than City.
@Declan Snow: true – but similarly if Madrid are on song it could be number 13 for them. The defence for madrid is not what it once was for sure but Liverpool defence is similarly very shaky so should defo be an exciting final if Liverpool qualify a expected – I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the biased waffle from ex Liverpool players its expected they would to talking up the their team and saying madrid ‘should be worried’ – im sure the madrid players will be thinking they can damage that liverpool defence !bring it on.
@Ciaran Rice: Liverpool are Liverpool
Pool fans are gas. Only Madrid cheat, fall down blah blah etc. Every team does it , look at Barca last season who dived their way past PSG in a game that should have been over.Have they forgotten Suarez for example was once one of there own and done the same. Take off the blinkers every club does it to some extent including Bayern, in the past Muller used to be one of the worst around. Have you all forgotten Lewandowski for Poland against Ireland a few seasons back. It happens in all leagues and competitions
@Ragman: jesus dont lose the Ragman.
@Ragman: Lewandowski is the worst. He’s held up as such a model.pro but he is the biggest cheat on that team. But you’re right, it happens in all leagues and it’s always sickening to watch. These overpaid prima donnas make me want to scream.
@Ragman: Well said. Lazy punditry is behind most of the comments on here.
On current champions league form, Liverpool should be winning it, lets be honest, as much as it pains me to say being a United fan. Real look like they couldnt live with the 3 boys either. But Madrid are so experienced in this stage with their cheating and down right disgusting acts that you couldn’t write them off. Also Ronaldo didn’t kick a ball for 180 mins in the semi, he definitely won’t be as quiet the next day. Pool should win but I wouldn’t be getting on it.
@Andrew Cosgrave: *betting*
@Andrew Cosgrave: On current Champions League form Real have won three out of the last four and are therefore obvious favourites.
@I’m not wavy gravy: 4 years ago is current alright
Real were terrible. Time wasting, hassling the referee, cynical fouling, jersey pulling. I hope they don’t win.
Nothing against Liverpool but really hope they’re beaten just to shut that unbearable fool Souness up
@Douvan: you should be concentrating on getting yourself right for next season,Yer not half the horse you were.
Man utd fan here. Yea liverpool have a good chance of beating Madrid. Marcelo, as good as he is going foward, plays like a left winger and not a full back, so Salah will have lots of space.
@James Bishop: ManU Fan too here, and I hope if Liverpool get through that they beat Real Madrid .. If it was a Liverpool v’s Bayern or Barcelona Final I wouldnt mind either way once it was the best team that won .. I really cannot stand Real Madrid and its cheaters namely Ramos who is the king of cheaters ..
@Irish Bob: Ramos is like John Terry , adored by fans of the club he plays for. One of the best centre halves of his generation, Ramos that is. Pure class and a winner.
@Irish Bob: you are no united fan!
Real Madrid are in the final, Liverpool still have 90+ minutes to get there, counting chickens before they hatch and all that!
@ James Lee…punchestown was a blip. Unlucky to tip up at cheltenham….I’m burning up the gallops at the moment
Thanks for the comment Slippy G. I’m going to back Roma tonight.
When did you ever hear Gerard say Liverpool won’t win