Ahhh!  Springtime in England.  You can smell the flowers in bloom, the fresh cut grass, and (sniff) what’s that….Fertilizer?  Fertilizer; where is that coming from?  From East of England, in Ipswich Town where the legend Roy Keane is riding the lead tractor as the new manager of the “Tractor Boys”.  My thoughts; “full credit” to Roy from Ipswich.  The team should be a bountiful harvest for Farmer Roy since he is used to spreading around fertilizer just like the crap that Roy from Sunderland did before that guy “sheepishly” walked out on his team.  Very Nice!  Moving on to Gameweek 34.

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

Arsenal, with attacker injuries mounting, called AA for help, who was more like AAA coming to the rescue on the side of the road and delivered a “AAAA” performance.  Andrey Ashavin became the second gooner to deliver 4 goals at Anfield.  The Arsenal defensive mistakes were shocking in their midweek 4-4 draw with the Merseysiders, but defense was just a suggestion  for Liverpool as well.  Games like that cause havoc for Managers like us but for the neutral they are truly exciting.  For the “Special One” it was very profitable since I started Arshavin.  Very Nice!  That more than made up for the recommendation on the “Scarecow Man” Crouch who will be returned to the kindling bin.

This week (Gameweek 34)  

Injuries and the old reliable Champions League fixture congestion highlight the concerns for this week’s full slate of matches.  Chelsea, Arsenal & ManU could all be juggling line ups in advance of their first leg ties at next midweek.  Also never know with Everton and their triage section full of injuries.  So let’s focus on a few healthy players who might actually play and not face these concerns. 

Players to watch:

• Tim Howard:  I am not much for mentioning keepers, but he has been brilliant lately with his clean sheets.  Everton won’t dare rest him yet and I like his matchup with ManCity.  After all, he is Mr. America in the Premiership.  
• Junior Stanislas:  A real gamble here with the West Ham midfielder.  But I think the Hammers will be up for it at home against Chelsea who may rest stars but still play a stuggling Petr Cech.  At the very least with a name like that, this Englishman should see time in the Polish National team. 
• Chris Brunt:  Another deep in the woods gamble here but the West Brom midfielder has performed lately.  I like the matchup versus Sunderland.  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:  My thoughts from last week hold again.  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:

Injuries Everywhere

·        James Beattie:  The Stoke City surprising striker will be sitting due to injury,  The Potters could use him against the home standing Fulham though. 

·        Niko Kranjcar:  The Pompey midfielder was given the “Special.One” kiss of death last week.  Poor Fredo.

·        John O’Shea:  Another brother Fredo kiss of death.  The ManU defender is out this week also after being blessed with a recommendation from the “Special One”.  Who knew I had the power over life and death as well? 

·        Jo:  Always a fun name to type for me.  This is not injury related thought but because the Everton striker is facing his “on loan from” parent club, ManCity, this week.  Young players having problems with their parents (sigh) I always hate family squabbles, don’t you?

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.  West Ham’s Parker injury lingers on for a 4^th week so the midfielder gets dropped in favor of Liverpool’s in form Xabi Alonso
• More juggling is needed this weekend and I go traditional 4-4-2, so as requested, my starting XI is Schwarzer, Lescott Hangeland Jagielka Konchesky, Taylor Alonso Osman Lampard(C), Davies Arshavin.

Next week:

Next week?  The Champions League first leg semi-finals will be behind us and that will go a long way in telling us who to play.  Nice rhyme.  Thanks for reading…Be good.