Fantasy Football Weekend Preview
Get ready for an explosive week in YTM as managers across the land gear up for the Cup.
That’s right, it’s finally upon us - and those of you who finish in the top 65,536 after this weekend’s matches will be guaranteed a spot in the (rather large) draw for Round 1.
That’s not the only major news this week - the transfer market has gone predictably crazy and no doubt there will be thousands of you ringing the changes before tomorrow’s deadline at 2.45pm.
Here’s the weekend preview…
Saturday (3pm kick off unless stated)
This marks the start of a nice run of games for Arsenal - Fabregas could be an essential inclusion for those of you transfer hunters. The Gunners do not face another member of “the big four” until March 22nd. Birmingham face Chelsea after this game - not the easiest double header to tackle.
YTM Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas… Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 1 Birmingham
Martin Laursen is the top defender in YTM and is priced at just £3.5m. Villa might not keep a clean sheet here though, as Reading have found the net regularly this season. Another defender on show, Reading’s Nicky Shorey, is having a volatile season; an impressive 8 KC’s and 2 goals is cancelled out by 41 goals conceded - more than any other defender in the game.
YTM Player to watch: Gabriel Agbonlahor… Prediction: Aston Villa 2 - 1 Reading
Nicolas Anelka has moved to Stamford Bridge for £15m. You can have him for £6.5m, and don’t forget - he’ll be listed as a Bolton player for the duration of the season. Those of you with three Chelsea players already can squeeze him in. Michael Ballack has looked sharp in recent games and he could be the perfect replacement for those of you with the injured Lampard. Spurs are a team on the up and Ledley King should be considered by anyone looking for a new defender… perhaps after this tough fixture.
YTM Player to watch: Nicolas Anelka… Prediction: Chelsea 1 - 0 Tottenham
Derby’s beleaguered defence have a combined total of 25 YTM points between them. Wigan aren’t much better, and so clean sheets look unlikely in this one. Emile Heskey, undervalued by many at £4.5m, could be a wise signing this week.
YTM Player to watch: Emile Heskey… Prediction: Derby 2 - 2 Wigan
These two European hopefuls have produced some fantastic YTM bargains between them this season. Lescott (£5.5m), Cahill (£5.5m), Elano (£4m), Petrov (£4.5m), and Ireland (£2.5m) are just a few to mention. Everton will miss Yakubu (African Nations) and a cheap alternative might just be Victor Anichebe (£2.5m).
YTM Player to watch: Tim Cahill… Prediction: Everton 2 - 1 Man City
Steven Gerrard is 50-50 to start for Liverpool. Torres (75 points) looks good value at £7m and has the ability to rip Boro to shreds. Gareth Southgate’s side are keeping their head above the relegation water, but as a YTM proposition they make no appeal whatsoever.
YTM Player to watch: Fernando Torres… Prediction: Middlesbrough 0 - 2 Liverpool
The Hammers injury worries look to have ended at last and they should be a team watched closely in the coming months. Carlton Cole (£3m) looks a standout price for a value striker. Fulham are struggling and are best left well alone.
YTM Player to watch: Dean Ashton… Prediction: West Ham 4 - 2 Fulham
Man Utd v Newcastle (5.15pm - Live on Setanta)
Sam Allardyce is gone - despite Newcastle being two places higher than where they finished last season. Big Sam has probably been saved from a pasting at Old Trafford, where Ronaldo (118 points), Rooney (53) and Ferdinand (76) can all add significant amounts to their total.
YTM Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo… Prediction: Man Utd 3 - 0 Newcastle
Sunday
Sunderland v Portsmouth (13.30 - Live on Sky Sports)
Will Harry be in charge? Whatever the answer, there are bound to be more rumours flying around with this visit to the North East. Portsmouth have lost Muntari (70 points), Kanu (40), Utaka (63) and Papa Bouba Diop (41) to the African Nations Cup and that could be a crippling blow for fantasy managers. Sunderland look increasingly reliant on Kenwyne Jones (£2.5m - 64 points).
YTM Player to watch: David James… Prediction: Sunderland 0 - 0 Portsmouth
Bolton v Blackburn (16.00 - Live on Sky Sports)
Bolton haven’t beaten Blackburn at home since 1998. Rovers’ season looks to be back on track after a woeful November and December. Santa Cruz (88 points) could well be the YTM bargain of the season at £4m. He will be a formidable force against a Bolton side likely to be downcast over the sale of Anelka.
YTM Player to watch: Roque Santa Cruz… Prediction: Bolton 1 - 2 Blackburn
Good luck this weekend - and for the top-scoring 65,536 managers, see you in Round 1!
Matt @ YTM
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Posted by Matt H @ YTM |
January 14th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Now that Blackburn play Aston Villa on 26th January does this mean that round 2 of the YTM cup starts on this date rather than 29th January. I have 4 plays from these teams? in one of my teams.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Colin - we will change the date for Round 2 so that it starts on 26 January. Please check the site for updates. Cheers, Matt.