“Happy Eater Bunny…Hooray!” to quote the legendary Bugs Bunny for this Easter weekend/ banker’s holiday in the Premiership.  The “boy” Rooney is bouncing off the walls, all hopped on a couple dozen chocolate bunnies.  Meanwhile the newly unemployed Sven is booking his banker’s holiday in the sunny shores of Mallorca so he can meet some sweet senioritas and splash some of the cash that he stole from the Mexican federation for a job badly done.  What a holiday!  Moving on to Gameweek 32.

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

What a wild week of highs and lows we had last week.  Manchester United rescue a win at the death of their match versus Aston Villa and seemingly that late goal by young reserve player Mancheda would be the one that would win the league for United.  2 days later, ManU are considered to be on their way out of the Champions League after surrendering a late crucial away goal to Porto at Old Trafford, with a trip to Portugal next week for the second leg of the tie. 

Liverpool seemed to lose their chance at the Premiership title while at Fulham but the rescued 3 points on Benayoun’s late heroics.  Only 3 days later, Liverpool is facing Champions League elimination after surrendering 3 goals at home to Chelsea.  The Reds need a clean sheet at Stanford Bridge and 3 goals to stay alive.  Good Luck. 

As they say, “It’s a funny old game, innit?” 

And I haven’t even mentioned all the injuries yet…what fun.

Also we haven’t heard of MLS approaching the suspended Scotland nationals Barry Ferguson & Allan McGregor about coming to America.  So…in the twisted, nonsensical, bizarro world of “MLS Rumors”… that means the pair are definitely arriving to play in New York next week.  Of course, if it is on the internet, a story doesn’t even have to be remotely true to be spread around for self-aggrandizement.  Very nice.

This week (Gameweek 32)

My favorite anti-team West Brom highlights this week’s full slate of matches.  I have a great of feeling for Pompey at home this week against them.  It is also another good week to rotate in Stoke City players to play against the anti- Newcastle sentiment.  It’s unfortunate that on Easter weekend that the “Special One” must inform Newcastle fans that their latest messiah Shearer will not raise the club from the dead.  The Magpies are six feet under right now with a load of fresh cement about to be dropped on top.  Enjoy the Championship in 09-10.

Players to watch:

• Niko Kranjcar:  I like him for the matchup at home versus West Brom.  Pompey needs this win & this midfielder should be very involved.  Besides, with a name like Niko, he has got to be a great player if not a great SoB.  
• Peter Crouch:  I mention him for the 2^nd week in a row and fully expect him and Pompey to take advantage of the West Brom back line. 
• Gary Neville:  The ManU defender will step up due to the injury to Rio Ferdinand.  They should get a clean sheet this week and he is a bargain at only 5.4 £m.
• Xabi Alonso:  The Liverpool midfielder will be expected to take charge with Steven Gerrard predicted to sit this week out with a groin injury.  It’s a gamble but you know I never trust Rafa with any of his lineups.  You have been warned before. 

Players to drop/sit:

Are there any “stars” left?

·        Gael Clichy:  The steady & loyal Arsenal defender will be out for 2 weeks with a knock he picked up in the Champions League. 

·        William Gallas:  Ditto for this defender for the Gunners but he is said to be done for the season.  Arsenal’s defense had been on a run of great form with no league goals conceded at home this calendar year. 

·        Stephen Gerrard:  The Liverpool midfield general is supposed to be a game time decision due to a pulled groin (again).  This is a tough call considering that Rafa is in charge on this call.  With Liverpool down 3 away goals to 1 versus Chelsea in their Champions League tie, Liverpool is as good as dead.  In the modern history of the Champions League, no team has ever come back from such a deficit with the 2^nd leg on the road.  Rafa may have this in mind and then risk/play Gerrard this week figuring the Premiership is the team’s only hope of a title and an injured Gerrard is better than no Gerrard.  I would start Gerrard but have a midfielder on the bench as my first substitute.

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.

• One change for me.  I finally pulled the trigger and dropped Wigan’s Lee Cattermole and replaced the midfielder with Everton’s Leon Osman who has been in good form. 
• So with all these injuries, especially the questionable status of Gerrard (I am still starting him), some juggling is needed, so as requested, my starting XI is Cech, Lescott Hangeland Jagielka Konchesky, Gerrard Osman Taylor Lampard(C), Beattie Arshavin

Next week:

Next week?  Please tell me you filed your taxes already?  At least with an extension?  No…me neither (ha!)  Happy Easter Bunny…Be chocolate!  Thanks for reading…Be good.