Fantasy Football Preview

Fantasy Football; a brilliant modern initiative which allows those football experts to show off how much they actually know about football. I am a keen fantasy footballer, and whilst the first tip of fantasy football is undoubtedly to avoid telling the opposition what players have made your team, I shall ignore my own sensible advice by discussing the must-have players, the must-not-have players and those players who are good value or way over priced. 

Unfortunately there are many different websites who offer the fantasy football service and in consequence have variations on prices and rules, therefore I will base my tips around just one of these websites. I make a team on most sites I can, purely because you can never get bored of fantasising over your best premier league team, but the site I shall base my predictions around is *drum roll* fantasy.premierleague.com. This is down to a few factors: 1) I believe it is the most popular 2) You get four substitutes, which makes each week really interesting selection wise. 3) It also includes a system which allows player values to fluctuate as the popularity of a player increases/decreases.

Things to note before I begin: £100m spread across 15 players: 2 Goalkeepers, 5 Defenders, 5 Midfielders, 3 Strikers. It seems obvious, but I will always try to pick players who will definitely start each week and also last beyond 60 minutes of the game to guarantee 2 points at the very least. Also I will look to pick my 'dead certs' first and then build around those players with my remaining budget. Without further a do, I shall commence. 

The Goalkeeper:

Arguably the most important position in your team as there is a fine line between collecting points and not. Firstly you want a goalkeeper that will, barring injury, definitely start for their club. Hence why last season my player to avoid was De Gea, he did start most weeks but nevertheless he missed out on a few and consequently a few clean sheets and ultimately points. However this season I would not offer quite the same advice this season, I believe he will be the No. 1 and is the best priced keeper from the predicted top three and likely clean sheet teams (Chelsea, City, United) at 6.0. Hart and Cech are 7.0 and 6.5 respectively. Although my personal preference is to avoid the top Goalkeepers, one reason is because I often pick my goalkeepers towards the end and therefore strapped for cash, another reason is due to the small difference in points scored in the goalkeepers; there was a difference of 50 points between 1st and 13th last season. Instead I will look to the value of players like Vorm, Krul, Friedel (5.5) as a first choice keeper, and look to Foster, Given (5.0) and Ruddy (4.5) for back up. Although they will have less clean sheets that the keepers of the top clubs they are also likely to have more saves (3 saves per point,) bonus points and the potential for penalty saves, one reason Krul and Vorm were so successful last year. It also means you are more likely to rotate the keepers, a risky tactic but one that could pay off extremely well (especially if your keepers seem, to some extent, alternate on weeks they play at home.) Two players I have noted to be over priced are: firstly Al Habsi (5.0) yes he is a good keeper but I, like many others envisage Wigan struggling in defence. Secondly Reina (6.0,) again a good keeper but for a club likely to finish outside the top 4, at least, he would be one to avoid.

The Defence: 

When choosing my Goalkeepers and Defence I attempt to have 7 different clubs represented in an attempt to avoid 'doubling up.' Yes 'doubling up' could be beneficial in terms of clean sheets it also works the other way and you could miss out on points, additionally by varying the clubs I can manipulate which players are likely to get a clean sheet and a crucial four points. Although more points are won by the midfielders and strikers, hence their added price, so I would still look for good value players and avoid the over priced players - Enrique (6.0) likely to concede goals with Rogers' philosophy and current lack of quality, Vidic (7.0) because of recent injuries, may be bit part player this season and Cahill/Luiz/Ivanovic (6.5) for their unreliable starting place as they all vie for one spot, although they may be good value if a regular starter is found. Despite being the most expensive defender, Kompany (7.5) is a sure starter and likely to pick up numerous bonus points along with the inevitable clean sheets and also on occasions he picks up the invaluable six point worth goals - guaranteed points but at a price. One of Ashley Cole (6.5) Walker (6.5) Vermaelen (7.0) or Jones (6.0) would be my other 'expensive' defender choice. Possibly not Jones just yet as he has not cemented a position within United's team but always looks like scoring goals. Vermaelen has proven he can score goals from defence but whether Arsenal can keep them out is a recurring question. Cole and Walker do not score goals (Walker the odd screamer,) but they do score assists and a crucial three points. It is goal and assist scoring defenders which set those above the rest, in Williams (5.0) Shawcross (5.0) R Taylor (5.5) and McCauley (5.0) have all proven that, and come at a good price. The newly promoted sides will also have good value defenders, especially considering they boast cheap 4.0m regular starters - do not be naive enough to assume they are incapable of clean sheets because they are 'new.' Gunter and Mariappa (4.0) of Reading ought to start and could pick up points through assists and goals respectively. Similarly Clyne (4.0) of Southampton is likely to pick up assists, as is Demel (4.0) at West Ham whilst Reid (4.5) is a likely candidate for goals.

The Midfield:

I am sure you will notice a similar pattern emerging; those players capable of scoring goals and assists will be high point scorers. So clearly the players I will mention are likely of achieving this. First of those is David Silva, the most expensive at 10.0 but in a team of top class players it is him and Yaya Toure (8.0) who will be sure starters in an illustrious side. And then the first new foreign signing I will mention is Hazard (9.5) I tend to avoid new signings as they are always over priced but Hazard may be worth it. I think had he gone to United or Man City I would not be mentioning him, under the grounds I would doubt his regularity of a start. Although at Chelsea I expect him to be their star player, maybe even their top scorer and he would most certainly challenge Silva in my team - if you can get them both in then well done. And if you have you will need some cheaper options in the midfield - Ross Barkley (4.5) may well be the man, not a sure starter but he will most certainly feature and could be a revelation with a regular run of games. Dembele (6.0) Nathan Dyer (5.5) Allen (5.5) and Morrison (6.0) may be good value. Other new signings that may just be worthwhile are Oscar (8.5) Santi Cazorla (9.0) Michu (6.5) Kagawa (8.5.) But more reliable proven candidates would be Ramires (7.0) McClean (6.5) Cabaye (7.0) Wilshere (6.5) and Walters (6.5.) I would avoid Modric (7.5) despite a good price as he is likely to move and Dempsey (9.5) because at that price I think he has lost value and will not be able to repeat his performance of last season, and similar to Modric he has also been the subject of transfer speculation.

The Strikers:

Following a remarkable end to the season both Jelavic (8.5) and Cisse (9.5) will be on the radar of most, although they have been considerably priced up I would still look at getting both of these in to my team. Saying that Ba (7.5) would be a very tempting prospect for a man forgotten since Cisse's arrival but one who has proven he has the ability to score goals. I would be hesitant to put Torres (10.0) in my team but he is a good price and will have no Drogba to intervene this season. Rooney (12.0) and Aguero (11.5) are likely candidates for the golden boot so if you can get one of them in then do, although I would wait and see where Van Persie (13.0) goes, if it is United, as reported, then I would look towards Aguero. Although Aguero himself will have Balotelli (9.0) Dzeko (7.5) and Tevez (9.0) to contend with because of this you might choose to avoid the Man City strikers to begin with but bear them in mind and monitor which players are starting and which are not as City will score goals. Some cheaper options for the third striker would be Pogrebnyak (5.0) Ruiz (6.0) Graham (6.0) Holt (6.5) Crouch (6.5) and Long (6.0) as they will all aim to score 10 goals or more this season.

I hope I have been able to give you a few tips for the season ahead, enjoy the Fantasy Football, and if you are looking for a league to join then use this code: 28465-192955 and join the 'Baney Talks Football Fantasy League'

Also please do have a look at my other blogs and feel free to give us a follow. One last plug - please give us a follow on Twitter: @RobBaney25 

Thank you and good luck.

Weekend Preview: New Years (31/12/11)

Its the Last weekend of the year, a great year of Football it has been, but only the half way stage for the Premier League season. And there's plenty more in store. The title race is wide open with arguably 5 or 3 teams in it.

Liverpool v Newcastle: 3-1 was the final score in this one, Gerrard marking his long awaited return by scoring the winner. Newcastle took the lead with their goal eventually given as an Agger own goal. But goals from Bellamy either side of half-time gave Liverpool a deserving win. Additionally Martin Skrtel's brilliant goal-line clearance from Demba Ba's effort was key in moving Liverpool level on points with Chelsea in 4th.

Man Utd v Blackburn: A draw for birthday boy Sir Alex's side will see Man United sit top of the league through another year. A draw would be a bit of a party spoiler though, United will have to beat the leagues struggling sides to win the league -  Fergie would be the first one to tell you. My Prediction: United win! They have got problems at the back but that didn't matter against Wigan and I think they'll be just as ruthless against Blackburn.

Arsenal v QPR: Thierry Henry isn't available for this match but I'm sure the Arsenal fans will be singing his name. They need to bounce back from their draw to Wolves to keep the pressure up on Chelsea and Liverpool in that fight for the Champions League places. QPR need anything to turn their season back around, they are on a free fall to the relegation zone. Prediction: Arsenal win! And RVP to brake Shearers record with a hat-trick.

Bolton v Wolves: Both sides find themselves in the bottom four and consequently will know they have to beat the sides around them to stay in this division. Prediction: Draw! I can't split these two, both have dodgy defences, both struggle to score goals.

Chelsea v Aston Villa: If its anything like last year it should be a classic! Chelsea will hope not to concede 3 again this year. They seem to have assured their defensive options with the imminent signing of Villa product Gary Cahill, the deal isn't completed and Cahill will play his last game for Bolton today. Prediction: Chelsea win! Three draws on the bounce for the Blues may come to an end today!

Norwich v Fulham: Two mid table sides come face to face, the more direct Norwich versus the mini Spurs, Fulham who attempt to play attractive football but ultimately aren't as good as Spurs. Fulham ought to be safe but Norwich will till have doubts; Blackpool were 4 points ahead of them at the same stage last year with 25 points and still got relegated. Prediction: Fulham. Ruiz and Dempsey are top draw and could be the undoing of Paul Lambert's side.

Stoke v Wigan: Wigan have yet again shocked teams all round the country and will want to do the same to the quality Stoke side that could potentially earn another year in Europe through their league position rather than a cup run. Prediction: Draw! Vital points for Martinez and his men, points in games such as these will surely see them stay up.

Swansea v Spurs: Brendan Rodgers described Bale and Modric as "perfect players" but could they come back to haunt him. A win for Swansea could take them as high as 9th and only 18 points away from the 40 point safety mark. Spurs on the other hand will be up to 41 points and 49 points from 20 games from there on in will take them to Mancini's 90 point mark. Prediction: Spurs! Can't think of many who will be able to stop Spurs and unfortunately Spurs will keep the ball better than Swansea.

West Brom v Everton: These sides kick off the year of Premier League football. They are two of the leagues steady sides come face to face at the Hawthorns. Both should be safe, both mid-table. Prediction: Everton! Sooner or later they will start making that 7th placed push!

Sunderland v Man City: Man City will probably be in second place by the time this match comes along so a three points is imperative to keep themselves in pole position going in to the New Year and the second half of the season. A win for Sunderland and they will be back to mid-table where they belong with the quality they have in their squad. Prediction: Man City win! Need to rack up points against these lower clubs in order to win the league.

Happy New Year everyone! Keep following...

Boxing Day Preview 26/12/2011

First and foremost, Merry Christmas! But, just cause it's Christmas doesn't mean i'm going to stop blogging. After all these matches are just as, if not more, important that another group of premier league matches. As any manager will tell you that the festive season in late December is crucial to determining their final standing in the league come May. The Boxing Day match especially has thrown up many a surprise over the years and expect some today

Chelsea v Fulham: After beating top of the league, Man City, Chelsea seemed to be back in the title race: two games and two draws later and they are considered big outsiders in the title race. Hence why picking up maximum points in the next 3 games is imperative to maintaining their Premier League challenge. On current form Fulham ought to be an easy game for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea! Not by much though. Despite the Cottagers leaking 5 at home to United on Wednesday the game against Chelsea will be a closer match; derby games are never easy.

Bolton v Newcastle: Bolton will be encouraged by their victory over Blackburn which gives them a huge boost in the fight for survival! Newcastle however have suffered some poor results of late - coinciding with a few injuries in key places. Prediction: Draw! Will be a good result for both sides who will look to push on for the second half of the season!

Liverpool v Blackburn: Both sides have struggled recently, especially Blackburn, who seem to heading for the drop following defeat to Bolton. Liverpool need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after dropping points to Wigan last Wednesday. Prediction: Liverpool! Not the end of the world for Rovers but they need to start picking points up soon. P.S. Steve Kean does not deserve the abuse he is receiving...

Man United v Wigan: 2 points from 2 games against 2 of the top teams in the Prem. Another point here and  Wigan could seriously look towards another year staving off probable relegation. United have, as expected, bounced back strong from their Champions League disappointments! Prediction: Man U! Undoubtedly favourites for this match and ought not to disappoint, and for me United are still favourites for the title! 2 points is nothing...

Sunderland v Everton: Sunderland, like I've said previously, have the quality to score goals but have lacked a player to score the majority of those goals i.e. Darren Bent/Asamoah Gyan. Similar can be said for Everton, the only striker scoring for them is the player they loaned to Blackburn this season; the Yak. Prediction: Sunderland! Not going to be a thriller by any means, O'Neil's men may just knick it.

West Brom v Man City: Mancini has publicly expressed the need to "remain top of the tree" over the Christmas period. Considering in three games time he loses the Toure duo to the African Cup of Nations, they must take advantage of their full strength squad. West Brom have won their last two and Odemwingie is back to form - he's the sort of player who could hurt City. Prediction: Man City! Would stay 2 points clear but lots of games to come!


Stoke  v Aston Villa: Stoke have won 4 of their last 5 games but were played off the park by City before Christmas! Marc Albrighton was the 20,000th Premier League goalscorer but Villa couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Nevertheless they dominated the game, possession and shots statistics favoured Villa, who will be encouraged going to the Britannia. Prediction: Villa! Stoke away is one of the hardest games possible, yet Villa are overdue a win and one here would be a huge result.

The Premier League is renowned for its end to end football and consistently brilliant matches throwing up shocks left, right and centre! The festive period itself is renowned for all the same characteristics. So my advice to you neutrals is: sit back and enjoy. My advice to you fans: well there isn't much... just hope it goes your way!

Premier League preview 20/12/11

What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas is the general trend for Premier League positions, especially regarding the bottom of the table. Only West Brom have been bottom at Christmas and survived so Coyle and Kean know how important their upcoming 'six pointer' is. Similar can be said for the top and fights for the Title and the Champions League places may well be decided in the coming games. The festive period is crucial in every season; four games in the space of 17 days can make or break a season. The first of those games as important as the last, like in a major tournament, it is imperative not to lose your first game.

Wolves v Norwich:
Mick McCarthy's side sit one point and one place above the relegation zone and take on a Norwich side where a win will put them closer to the Champions League places than the bottom three. Norwich find themselves in a similar position to Blackpool did last year but look like a ready made Premier League side. Prediction: Wolves win! But only providing they keep Holt and Morrison quiet - defence will be key to Wolves' success.


Blackburn v Bolton:
The game Owen Coyle described "the whole world will be watching" is one which, as I alluded to earlier, may   determine the fate of one of these two clubs. Prediction: Draw! Won't particularly help either club but will mean, as history suggests, Bolton will be relegated and Blackburn could follow suit. Although admittedly a cold Tuesday night in Blackburn doesn't sound great this match, as Sky are describing, has all the ingredients to be somewhat of a 'Christmas Cracker.'


Aston Villa v Arsenal:
Following Super Sunday defeats for both sides the importance of this match immediately increases. Villa Park is an extremely tough place to go, especially for the top clubs, as the fans love the chance of an upset. McLeish will always be under pressure as Villa boss; the fans see him as a "blue nose" when they lose but a hero when they win. He'll be hoping he is seen as a hero over Christmas. Prediction: Draw! Villa are always one to take points off the top teams and expect that trend to continue for years to come.

Man City v Stoke:
Two of the in form sides come face to face at the Etihad on Wednesday, yet use completely contrasting playing styles; the fluent and dominant City versus the long direct Stoke. What they do have in common is their physical presence on the pitch; Huth, Walters and Crouch against Kompany, Yaya Toure and Balotelli should prove to be one of City's biggest threats this season. Prediction: Man City! Just... should be a tight game!


Newcastle v West Brom:
Newcastle have suffered a slight blip of late, and will want to get back to their form from the start of the season. Whereas West Brom will want to keep up the form that has taken them within the top half of the table. Prediction: Newcastle! Coloccini is back from injury and should help Newcastle get back to form.


Swansea v Everton:
Swansea have been passing established Premier League sides off the park since their introduction to the top flight (just ask Wolves) and will look to do similar to one of the most established clubs around! Prediction: Everton! If they do win they will jump above Swansea in the table and look to consolidating a top half finish.

Fulham v Man United:
United travel to West London for the second time in four days, and will want to pick up their second win keeping up the pressure on Man City. Fulham, however, will also hope for a second win on the bounce, and that Bryan Ruiz can continue his good form and score another high quality 'lob.' Ruiz looks a real talent and if the flair continues expect a big club like Man United to be in for him. Prediction: Draw! And maybe even a Ruiz special?


QPR v Sunderland:
Martin O'Neil's Sunderland are still struggling for goals and are still making a lot of chances. Even with a managerial change you can't create a proven goalscorer without the transfer window - Pavlyuchenko, the man who consigned them to defeat on Sunday, would be an unbelievable yet realistic signing. Thankfully for O'Neil the window is not far away, and nor, if reports are to be believed, is Gyan from returning from loan. QPR will too be delving in to the transfer market but will hope some good results over the festive period will help attract some big names. Prediction: Sunderland win! They have looked good all season but maybe someone can step up and score for the Black Cats


Wigan v Liverpool:
Wigan have had some surprising results in recent weeks and despite having a squad which would struggle to make the top half in the Championship, Roberto Martinez has continued to keep Wigan alive and kicking in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have hit the woodwork the most times this season and will hope it doesn't prove to be their undoing in what may be an uncomfortable night in the North West. Prediction: Liverpool! Grit and determination needed, ought to be installed in the players with a Scot in charge.


Spurs v Chelsea:
A crunch game to say the least, people forget that this is a derby, after Arsenal v Spurs, the biggest London derby possible. Like most derbies, Religion has its role to play but it will be even bigger if both these teams continue to succeed... I barely need to tell you what a win can do for these two - 'Title' springs to mind. Prediction: Chelsea! I went draw when they played City, and was wrong so I've got to back the blues this time - big game players may be the difference

We will know who is almost certain to go down after this week of games but also we will know who is to join the list of Brian Deane, Chris Sutton, Les Ferdinand and Moritz Volz. These names make up the list of 1st, 5,000th, 10,000th and 15,000th goal scorer respectively in the Premier League. And soon we will know who is to join the list by scoring the 20,000th Premier League goal!