Monday Musings

So what impact has the weekend action had on the thought processes of all YTM managers?

Here are my gut reactions having watched the highlights and read the match reports:

Pompey v Bolton

Pompey have strengthened well. Utaka looks a class act. Matt Taylor (last season’s top defender with 131 pts) started his first game after 2 sub appearances and obliged with a goal from the penalty spot. IF (big if) he plays he’ll score loads of points.

Bolton look in desperate trouble. Even though Pompey had 4 left footed players in defence including Champions League winner Djimi Traore at right back Bolton rarely threatened after Anelka put them ahead. Even if the moody Frenchman stays it’s going to be a long season for little Sam.

Birmingham v West Ham

Birmingham look another team who will be scrapping for survival. They showed signs of adventure against Chelsea but losing at home to West Ham without creating many chances will dent the confidence. No players jump out as YTM point machines. Expect McSheffrey to start more games.

Mark Noble had an excellent game and looks a guaranteed starter. He also takes the penalties. Dyer came straight in for debut and played a full 90. Ashton was an unused sub - can’t be long before he gets to play.

Fulham v Middlesbrough

Healy (but for the lack of goal line technology) bagged his 3rd goal in 3 starts. He’s a Sanchez favourite and with McBride and Bouazza out with dislocations he’s going to play and probably score.

Big win for ‘Boro. Mido did score 12 goals in season 05/06 for Spurs but if The Yak goes I don’t expect any of Gareth Southgate’s men (Downing aside) to be troubling the top 20 of YTM points scorers.

Reading v Everton

So much for second season syndrome. Stats show that the average drop for a team in their second year in the Premier League is only 3 places. I’m sure Reading can live with finishing 11th and frankly I expect them to do at least that.

Everton will be looking forward to Cahill’s return and would definitely benefit from the guile of Fernandes in midfield when trying to unlock well organised teams like Reading. Expect Baines to come in for Valente and maintain his place in the team.

Spurs v Derby

Crisis what crisis? Steed Malbranque (115 pts in 05/06) is well capable of going on a run of sustained points scoring. Huddlestone provided the quality and the foundation in midfield and should play more often. Taarabt looks a very exciting prospect - one to watch for the future

Derby are the weakest of the promoted teams and unless they strengthen they will go down.

Wigan v Sunderland

Sibierski wanted to take the first penalty and did take and score the second one. 3 in 3 for the Frenchman who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s a midfielder playing up front so should be on your shortlist. Koumas is Wigan’s best player and also merits consideration.

Based on Roy Keane’s post match comments I don’t expect to see much more of Dwight Yorke this season.

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Big Sam looks to be quite rightly going for solidity at the back to start off with so look to the likes of Taylor and Rozehnal for clean sheet points. Owen came through a useful 30 minutes and provided he doesn’t over do it for England should play an increasing role.

Villa also look like they will be well organised and difficult to break down. Carson could be a good buy and Mellberg usually weighs in with the odd goal.

Man City v Man Utd

Sven - genius or just lucky? Who knows! You can’t ignore 3 clean sheets though. Richards and Dunne look rock solid and Corluka packs a mean shot. I expect a new keeper to come in before the deadline so Schmeichel will be doing time on the bench before long. Injury to Bojinov looked serious so Bianchi who was unlucky not to start should see more action.

I felt last season that United could have been short up front but injuries (or a lack of them) went their way and Ronaldo was inspired. Having sold Smith and Rossi Sir Alex will be desperate for Saha and Rooney to regain fitness asap. Surely Tevez will be better playing off a main striker?

Blackburn v Arsenal

Santa Cruz looks another quality bargain buy by Mark Hughes and should complement Benni McCarthy (back from injury as a last minute sub) well. Derbyshire will prove a very able deputy for either of them. They are well organised and won’t concede many but watch out for the yellow cards!

I’m sure if Van Persie stays fit he’ll be challenging for top scorer honours. How many gaffes can Lehmann get away with before being dropped - 1 more? Eduardo started his first game but looked quiet. Arsene’s signings (Henry, Pires) can take time to settle and adapt to life in the Premier League.

Liverpool v Chelsea

Torres is a quality addition to the Liverpool team and the undisputed number 1 striker at Anfield. Rafa prefers Riise at left midfield to left back. Babel looks a better prospect than Pennant on the right. Rotation remains the name of the game with no place in the matchday squad for the likes of Voronin, Kewell and Sissoko.

Jose is definitely going with 4 4 2 this season. Lampard remains favourite to be YTM top scorer. Ferreira is out of favour with Essien selected ahead of him at right back for this game. With everyone fit it’s difficult to see Ballack and Shevchenko playing many games.

That’s it for now. I hope this has helped you formulate some plans ahead of transfers opening on September 4th.

Cheers,

Tom @ YTM