Wasn’t it just yesterday that “good ol’ ‘arry” Redknapp was pacing the touch line in the Carling Cup Final with a huge carnation in his label, looking like he should have been cast as the East End Cockney father of the bride in the movie “My Fair Lady”? Good.  I thought it was just me.  This less than 48 hour turnaround in the Premiership is just crazy but let’s get to it for Gameweek 28.

As usual; our “Fantasy Zolo” league code is 694916-134116 to join our private league.  Select “Leagues” under your Fantasy Menu and then enter the code and you are good to go.

Thoughts on last week

Congratulations to Manchester United on the Carling Cup Final win…it is all their fault for this quick Gameweek turnaround so I’ll comment more on “last week- i.e. yesterday” next week.  Moving on…

This week (Gameweek 28)

Well it’s a full slate and then some for Gameweek 28 and the “then some” is the key this week.  Tottenham’s punishment for losing the Carling Cup yesterday seems to be playing Wednesday and then again on Saturday after three team matches in eight days last calendar week.  Imagine what they would have got if they won!

So ten fixtures on short notice plus Sunderland vs. Spurs on Sat. & Fulham vs. Blackburn next Wednesday 3.11 means the focus should be on those double fixture clubs this Gameweek.  I know there are a ton of great players to choose from but I think everyone really wants to know something about the double fixture players they might transfer in so let’s do that.

Players to watch:

Let’s focus on players who will play face “double fixtures this week”

• Fulham’s defense:  I watched them in record another shutout this weekend twice.  Yes…twice since I am disbelieving Gooner & a glutton for punishment.  I didn’t think it was possible again but Dave Flagler & Steve Dreibelbis are dancing because they were “Fulham fans before Fulham were cool”.  I can’t believe I typed that.  Anyway Pantsil is back from suspension to join Hangeland, Konchesky, & Hughes in the back.  With 2 matches this Gameweek, as “Special One” I predict 2 more clean sheet for Fulham even if they have to have Dempsey and Davies mark the inside posts for Schwarzer the entire 90 minutes!  Take that that Dave & Steve, no pressure now.
• Kenwyne Jones:  I have mentioned the Sunderland striker in the past.  He is cheap and worth a shot as a third striker this week. His Liverpool opponent could be very down in their match since they have now conceded the title to ManU.
• Roque Santa Cruz:  I have mentioned the Blackburn striker in the past also.  He is a bit pricy and it would be a gamble but I expect him to play well at home against a depleted Everton side. 
• Jonathan Woodgate:  It was hard to find a Tottenham player that should play in both matches.  The Spurs really did go all out & played their hearts out in the 120 minutes of the Carling Cup Final so I expect many to be rested on Wednesday.  Woodgate was the one regular starter that didn’t play at all in the match because he didn’t pass a pre-match fitness test.  So I say he will see time in both games for Spurs.

Players to drop/sit:

·        Carling Cup Final Players:  Let’s go into some detail on that. 

·        John O’Shea:  Played solid in defense for ManU for 120 minutes and picked up a knock late in the game. 

·        Carlos Tevez:  He started the Carling Cup Final & just won’t play.  Why? Berbatov & Rooney spent more time modeling their team suits and ties rather than playing on Sunday, that’s why.

·        Aaron Lennon:  The Spurs midfielder was pushing his team all day for a winner against ManU on Sunday and “Good ol’ ‘arry” will surely make him see the bench in one if not 2 of the Spurs matches to recover.

My Moves:

My team is SoBphillyHarchester*. You can search for my team and take a look at it, I don’t mind, and see if you can find some ideas that may help your club.

• Only one change this time & it is “double fixture” inspired.  In defense, I drop Hull City’s Michael Tuner and pick up Hangeland of Fulham in hopes of 2 more Fulham specialties, the nil- nil draw.  Knowing that is coming, I am half tempted to make him Captain.
• Vidic, who came on only as a late sub in the Carling Cup, returns and Taylor exits as I go for a 5 man defense as I expect a lot of clean sheets.  Parker becomes my first man off the bench in case Gerrard gets yanked by Manager Rafa in pre match warm ups.  By the way, have I ever mentioned how I don’t trust Rafa Benitez?!
• As requested, my starting XI is Cech, Vidic Hangeland Jagielka Clichy Konchesky, Gerrard Lampard(C), Beattie Agbonlahor Cole

Next week:

Next week?  Who cares…It’s late…I need some sleep…Goodnight.  Thanks for reading…Be good.