Something for the weekend

So, YTM transfers have been available for a couple of weeks, and some twitchy types will already be reaching for the panic button. Injuries and loss of form will tempt many YTM managers into freshening their side up a bit this weekend. Many managers will have been hit particularly hard by the news of an injury to one of the Premiership’s top defenders.

It’s the $64 million question - what will you all do now that JLloyd Samuel has torn his hamstring?

Injury News

- Daniel Agger

Reports suggest that the Dane could be out for up to six weeks. Obvious replacements include team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa, who represents great value at £4.50m, having played every minute of every game for the Reds so far.

Micah Richards, Vedran Corluka and Javier Garrido at Manchester City all look decent buys, especially given that after this week’s trip to Fulham, City have three home games on the bounce.

A decent outside bet could be George McCartney at West Ham - at just £2.0m he has started every game so far and quickly amassed 16 points.

Don’t be tempted into a direct swap for Sami Hyypia - you only have 15 transfers, so make sure that whoever you plump for will be first choice until the end of the season. Mark my words, you’ll win nothing tinkering with mid-priced defenders.

- Xabi Alonso

Another Liverpool man who is out for six weeks. If this one is a worry for you, I’d be having a long hard look in the mirror to decide why you had Xabi in the first place. He has undoubted class, but he’s never been a big points scorer.

If you can afford Ronaldo, get him in NOW.

Failing that, Cesc Fabregas is revelling in his role as Arsenal’s new talisman, though his goalscoring run can’t last too much longer.

If you fancy a gamble, Elano could be your man. He’s at the centre of every Manchester City attack, and should collect KCs aplenty.

Otherwise, you could try the bargain basement appeal of Magic Johnson at just £2.0m. He should stay in the side, and he’d allow massive upgrades elsewhere.

Don’t be tempted by early leaders Clint Dempsey or Antoine Sibierski - bandwagons come and go, and you’d be wise not to jump on these two.

- Frank Lampard

Injury doubts remain over Frank Lampard. This is very much a wait and see situation. If the big man is back soon, then hold back that tinker finger - only a fool drops a fit Frank Lampard. The departure of Jose Mourinho won’t affect Lampard’s appetite - he’ll be hungry for goals and his penalty-taking duties will ensure that he gets at least another 12 goals this season.

- Tim Howard

The latest reports suggest that Tim will miss another two games with his finger injury. It’s all a question of whether you think you can make enough points to justify the sacrifice of a precious transfer. It’s worth noting that Everton have conceded exactly one goal in every match this season. If you’re dropping Howard, make sure you’re 100% happy to have his replacement between the sticks for the rest of the season.

For all Kasper Schmeichel’s clean sheets so far this season, his goalkeeping has been far from faultless, and he’s been rescued by his defence plenty of times. I wouldn’t bet on him still being first choice by christmas. Brad Friedel looks the best candidate for those who decide to take action.

Above all, my advice is to ensure that you only make a transfer this early if you are certain that you must. If in doubt, step away from the keyboard. With only 15 transfers at your disposal, you simply can’t afford to be burning them left, right and centre.

Neither a bandwagon-jumper nor a tinkerer be.

Andy @ YTM