The Premiership is off and running once again, and it’s all change as far as the managers go this year. A deflated Martin Jol seems to have lost his good cheer and with it his fondness for the word ‘unbelievable’, while Sven is already complaining about all the ’sticks’ he has been getting. Up in Liverpool, Rafa’s bringing sexy back by growing a strangely compelling new beard.

But what of our YTM Fantasy Managers? Having spent the summer sharpening their tactics and reading up on all of the pre-season friendlies, do they have the courage of their convictions? When transfers open on September 4th, will they stick by their carefully selected men or go transfer crazy in the new-found knowledge that Antoine Sibierski is a goal machine? Only time will tell.

History tells us that you can’t get too carried away by the early form - Geoff Horsfield’s blistering start a few years back petered out sharply, while Kanu’s early heroics last time out are a distant memory. By the same token, though, you can’t afford to miss out on a good thing. So let’s take a look at a few of the potential early bandwagons this season.

The Manchester City Defence

Two games in, two clean sheets. The manager loves a 1-0 win, and this has been a perfect start for Svennis and young Kasper Schmeichel. Richard ‘Honey Monster’ Dunne is always good for a goal, while Garrido, Richards and Corluka are all very tempting at just £4.0m, especially if you want to free up cash for big guns elsewhere in the lineup.

But daunting fixtures are on the horizon, as City tangle with neighbours United, then Arsenal and Blackburn. We should have a much better idea of what Corluka, Garrido and co. are capable of by the time the window opens.

Verdict : Wait and see

Leon Osman

Two goals in two games for the talented Eveton midfielder. While he is often overshadowed by midfield colleagues Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill, Evertonians everywhere appreciate the selfless work Osman puts in. Could he represent a YTM bargain at £5.0m?

Unlikely - he scored only three goals in the whole of last season, and four the year before. In fantasy terms he’s a steady eddie, but no more, and at £5.0m you should be looking elsewhere.

Verdict: One to avoid

Michael Chopra

Chopra came off the bench to become an instant hero on Wearside by netting the winner against Tottenham, then followed up with a nother goal at Birmingham.

Be wary, though, as Sunderland do love to buy a striker almost as much as Momo Sissoko loves to collect a yellow card. Daryl Murphy, Stern John, Dwight Yorke, Roy O’Donovan, David Connolly and Anthony Stokes are all vying for Chopra’s place in the team, while Keane continues to be linked with strikers such as Ahmed Mido .

Verdict: All aboard - at just £2.5m, the purchase of Chopra would allow strengthening elsewhere in your team - this one’s worth the risk.

Antoine Sibierski

As the Premiership loses one goalscoring superstar hero, has it found another in the unlikely form of Sibierski? I don’t think I need to answer that question.

Wigan may struggle for goals, and Sibierski could be first for the chop when that time comes.

Verdict: Give Antoine a miss. He may get games up front, but is not guaranteed a place in the side. Look at team-mate Koumas for the real value.

Michael Johnson

At just £2.0m, young ‘Magic’ is already looking like an absolute steal in this year’s YTM. Sven is clearly taken with the young blonde’s sublime passing skills and lovely long-sleeved undergarments. He looks an England star in the making, and should start most matches for City.

Verdict: Great Value

David Healy

Another who has two in two, and on paper you might consider N. Ireland’s record goalscorer a good buy.

But you’d be mistaken. Healy struggled for goals in the Championship last season, and will do so again in the Premiership. Jens Lehmann will not be there every week to help Healy out, and I’d be amazed to see the Fulham man reach double figures this season.

Verdict: Avoid at all costs

Robin Van Persie

At £7.0m RVP is not exactly cheap, but you will not be disappointed if you invest in the Dutchman. He was hit by injury last season, but still managed 14 goals in all competitions.

He opened his account for this season in the opening game against Fulham, and will thrive on the responsibility of being the main striker in the wake of Henry’s departure. Expect Van Persie to challenge for the golden boot this season.

Verdict: Go for it

Carlos Tevez

With Rooney having succumbed to yet another foot injury, Tevez’s chances of a run in the team have received an early boost. United scored goals for fun last season, and the addition of the classy Argentine will strike fear into the hearts of Premierhip defenders. He has the potential to make the best even better.

Verdict: The ideal replacement for Wazza

Remember, transfers will open on 4th September, so if you should need to replace a certain crocked striker, don’t make the change on the spur of the moment - study the fixtures and start planning now!

Andy @ YTM

After Everton put up an inspired performance against Spurs last night, tonight is a will be a more diverse showpiece, incorporating games that will affect many YTM managers.

The first of these is a clash of the new boys in the league as Birmingham host Sunderland. After Sunderland’s surprise win against Tottenham, Roy Keane’s lads will be looking to continue their winning ways, however Birmingham put up a brave fight against Chelsea to be narrowly edged out on the weekend. This will be an interesting game highly contested up front, the player to watch for the game is Olivier Kapo who played really well against Chelsea and ended up on the score sheet. Sunderland’s Michael Chopra on the other hand proved why he was YTM’s 15th most popular player of the competition by securing the winner against Spurs and again is the one to watch tonight.

Prediction: Sunderland to take it 2-1

Fulham take on Bolton at Craven Cottage. Fulham, after being gifted a goal in the first minute by Jens Lehmann’s poor clearance conceded two goals in 6 minutes, including a last minute winner from Hleb, will have a dented morale going into this game but will be looking to prove themselves to the home fans. Bolton will also be looking to reverse their first round fortunes as they were beaten by a rampant Newcastle.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Bolton

Sven’s new look Manchester City team take on Derby, and if his tactical formation that he employed against West Ham is anything to judge his season by there will be few teams who will look forward to a meeting with the Citizens. Although Derby’s performance over the weekend was solid I don’t think they will be able to match their weekend’s feat.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Derby.

The most highly anticipated game for many YTM managers will be Manchester United’s clash against Portsmouth as Carlos Tevez is now officially a Red Devil and will be making his fist appearance tonight in Rooney’s absence. Expect a quiet, testing start to the game before he unleashes his skill. Portsmouth defence will have to be as tight as Reading managed last weekend, and they have the players that can do it. Sol Campbell is eyeing out a spot in the England spot and will be looking to prove himself tonight.

Prediction: Portsmouth 1 - 2 Man Utd

Chelsea gelled well on the weekend, and Malouda is proving to be a really good signing. Reading had a very spirited opening game against Man United, and particularly good performances in defence from Duberry will be needed again to subdue Chelsea. I somehow don’t think they will be able to do enough.

Prediction: Reading 0 - 2 Chelsea

The televised game for this evening is Wigan taking on Boro at the JJB. Both teams lost 1-2 in their openers, and tonight’s game will give an indication as to which of these two teams will be sitting higher on the league come the end of the season. It will be a tough game in the middle with too few shots to keep anybody truly satisfied.

Prediction: 1-1

Chris @ YTM

Just a quick note to say that the stats for Spurs vs Everton have been updated, including KCs.

Cheers,

Dave @ YTM

All stats have been updated from the games on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August.

Dave @ YTM HQ

The Doctor is a reclusive figure, he shuns the limelight and rarely speaks.  However, in an exclusive conversation with me, he shared his thoughts and views on the forthcoming season.

Who’ll be the winnners, who’s going down and who’ll play the best?

Premiership
1. Man Utd
2. Liverpool
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea

Relegated
18. Bolton
19. Wigan
20. Derby

Player of the Year
Ryan Giggs. The fact that Fergie has splashed £30m on two kids will make the player known affectionately ’round these parts as Bryan produce one helluva swansong of a season. Expect goals, KC’s and all-round genius to flow from the left boot of the Premier League’s greatest servant.

3 newcomers destined to be You The Manager hits
1. Craig Gordon. Expensive in real-life, but a YTM bargain. Sunderland are the new Reading.
2. Cacapa. Will single-handedly transform the Newcastle back line. Signing of the summer.
3. Fernando Torres. Liverpool were offered Torres for £60,000 when he was 16. Fact. You can have him for £7m and he’ll be worth every penny.

3 newcomers destined to be You The Manager misses
1. Rolando Bianchi. A.k.a. Carlos Kickaball. 18 goals in Serie A for Reggina does not a YTM hero make.
2. Owen Hargreaves. Will guide United to back-to-back titles by never crossing the half-way line.
3. Younes Kaboul. Young French defender. Think Boumsong not Desailly.

The Marcus Stewart award
Gary O’Connor

What do you think? Is the Doctor mad? Or has he hit the proverbial nail on the head?

Get your predictions in now!

Dave @ YTM HQ

There have been two new additions to the YTM Player List today… and two notable ones at that:

128 Craig Gordon - Sunderland - Goalkeeper - 3.5m

Gordon joined Sunderland yesterday for an astonishing £9 million! Whether he is value for money or not remains to be seen, but it is very rare to have a goalkeeper on YTM whose fantasy value is nowhere near as much as his market value! There is no doubt that Roy Keane believes he is the man to lead the Black Cats’ back line, and if he is proved right, Gordon could be a steal at £3.5m.

883 Carlos Tevez - Manchester United - Striker - 7.5m

Finally Carlos Tevez is  on the YTM Player List! He is now registered as a Manchester United player, which, even though that he has not been officially unveiled, is looking more and more likely. Hopefully the Red Devils will get the red tape sorted and Tevez will be a great asset for them. For 7.5m, he will be a good buy in You The Manager as long as he gets plenty of starts from Sir Alex. He is 1.5mcheaper than Rooney, and just as likely to score the same amount of goals. No brainer methinks!

What are your thoughts on these two transfers? Will Gordon prove to be worth the high price Quinn and Keane paid? Will Tevez prove to be a great buy, or another Juan Veron for Man United?

Keep your comments coming and lets get some banter on this blog!

Cheers,

Dave @ YTM HQ

Here are the players that have been added to the You The Manager player list in the last 48 hours, and my honest opinion of their YTM points potential…

335 Leighton Baines - Defender (Full Back) - Everton - 3.5m

Baines has finally entered the game by joining the team he supports. He joins an already strong defence, who were solid in the middle, but vulnerable from the flanks. Baines should go a long way to solidifying the left-hand side of defence, and this should lead to plenty of clean sheet points. Everton’s defence could be a dark horse for best performing this season. 

350 Claudio Cacapa - Defender (Central) - Newcastle United - 4m

Cacapa has joined Newcastle after leaving Lyon at the end of 6 very successful seasons with the French champions. He could be the strong leader that Newcastle so desperately craves to make their defence a force. If Cacapa can be this man, then he could score plenty of clean sheet points. However, it takes more than one man to solve a problem as big as Newcastle’s defensive frailties! If Cacapa and Rozenhal can form a good partnership, then we should see the Toon Army storm up the table.

351 Jose Enrique - Defender (Full Back) - Newcastle United - 4m

£6.3 million was the price that Newcastle had to pay for this 21-year old left-back. It seems like a lot of money for a full-back, but the possibility of Dani Alves moving to Chelsea for silly money means that this could prove to be a bargain in the long run. Enrique has plenty of years ahead of him, but he also has Champions League experience, and started 23 games for Villarreal last term. If he can form a partnership with the Newcastle wingers, then he could get a few Key Contributions to his name.

258 Franck Queudrue - Defender (Full Back) - Birmingham City - 4m

Queudrue has moved to the Brum due to being surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage. Queudrue likes to play his football on the ground, but is seriously lacking in the pace department. He would be a top class full back if he weren’t as slow as a Carlos Tevez transfer saga… Should perform well for the Blues, but don’t expect too many YTM points for clean sheets. Queudrue’s points will come from his free-kicks.

276 Gabriel Heinze - Defender - Manchester United - 6m

Heinze is determined to leave Old Trafford, but he is still a Manchester United player and may yet play his part in the Red Devils hunt for more trophies. He has his heart set on Liverpool, but Ferguson’s “Over my dead body” stance means he may have to bide his time until his contract expires - the footballing equivalent of a dead body… He is unlikely to play much unless he moves, so not a good idea to part with 6m to accommodate him.

838 Heidar Helgusen - Striker - Bolton Wanderers - 3.5m

The Ice Man has arrived at the Reebok to join the other major non-flair striker in the Premiership, Mr Kevin Davies. These two are very similar players; Good in the air, surprisingly skilful, and they both know where the goal is. Can’t really see him as being anything more than Davies’ understudy whilst Anelka is still there. If Anelka moves on, Helgusen could be in, and a bargain at 3.5m. 

There are a few more players that are going to be added over the next few days to the You The Manager database. Whether Tevez will be one of them is another matter! 

Keep an eye on this site for any more new players and previews for the season ahead. 

Cheers,

Dave @ YTM HQ

Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester United

(Manchester United win 3-0 on penalties) 

The Community Shield was a typically cagey affair between the top two teams in the Premiership, and it certainly brought up a few questions regarding who will actually be playing in Man United and Chelsea’s opening fixtures… 

Man United looked fairly solid during the first half, apart from Florent Malouda’s bustling run they hardly gave the Blues a sniff. They were looking very tired by the final whistle, and both sides were clearly not pushing for the winner all too much. No Hargreaves or Anderson, and Nani only having a 30 minute cameo at the end shows us that Ferguson will not be throwing his new talent in at the deep end anytime soon.

Out of all of Man United’s new signings, I would say that Nani would be the most likely to score the big fantasy football points that everyone will be looking for. Anderson I feel will be treated with more care, and will be gently introduced to the hustle and bustle of English football. Hargreaves will be the most consistent performer, but his game is stopping the threat. He does create the odd opening, but nowhere near as frequently enough to merit a place in a fantasy XI. Last season’s superstar Mr Ronaldo was well marshalled by Ashley Cole, who really seems to have his number! I severely doubt that the rest of the left-backs in the league will have such an easy ride…

Chelsea were hit with two vital injuries just before the kick-off at Wembley, and our customer helpline has not stopped ringing since! Everyone has been shipping out Terry and Drogba to avoid dropping early points by having injured players in their team. Add Shevchenko to their list of absentees for the big kick-off, and Chelsea’s attacking options begin to look thin indeed. Claudio Pizarro must have been rubbing his hands together at the thought of a first start at Wembley. I too, was surprised to see him named amongst the subs, with Joe Cole playing up front as the lone striker?!? Whether Jose Mourinho thinks Pizarro is not ready, or fitness was the key factor, I would definitely think twice before replacing Drogba or Sheva with any other Chelsea frontmen in a fantasy team.

On the plus side, Malouda looked very tasty before he came off, and he looks perfectly suited to the English game. He is tough, fast and will not be knocked off the ball easily. Add to that his undoubted talent and flair, and he should be a decent acquisition for all YTM managers.

Let me know what you thought and what you learnt from the curtain-raiser for the 2007/8 season…

Welcome to the new and improved YTM blog.

Here you will be able to read and discuss the latest Premiership news, and share hints and tips for You The Manager as you strive to win part of our MASSIVE £275,000 prizefund!

Due to our new transfer system (we now have weekly transfers instead of 4 transfer windows), this blog will become a very useful resource, full of transfer news and latest results. We will of course continue to have Team of the Week and Team of the Month details, as well as monthly previews from one of our fantasy football experts.

 All in all it should be a cracker of a season, and we hope that you contribute to the discussion on the YTM blog!

All the best for the new campaign,

Dave @ YTM HQ