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[Wes]

Just signed up to the yahoo fantasy sports thing too. I'm Truthiness XI

I can see this getting very competitive!

 

[jamesinclair]

Apparently, thanks to Brasilian election laws that require radio and TV to give free time to candidates, tonights Libertadores final will kick off at 10pm (9pm EST 6pm PST) instead of 9:45. I guess the powerful Globo network arranged for this.

Id check at 9:45 just in case though

 

[Osorio]

Apparently, thanks to Brasilian election laws that require radio and TV to give free time to candidates, tonights Libertadores final will kick off at 10pm (9pm EST 6pm PST) instead of 9:45. I guess the powerful Globo network arranged for this.

Id check at 9:45 just in case though

Nice for me. I can watch most of the game right after the RBNY- DC United match.

 

[jey_16]

some news going around that Hargreaves has signed for Man Utd (not confirmed)....good signing IMO if its true, plus it seems right that atleast a few teams are signing english players even though they are overpriced

now all we need is a good striker and i'll be happy...rumours are suggesting that Huntelaar is a possibility

is Rooney playing this weekend?....he is an injury doubt but he is in my team, i was planning on taking him out after the first game since he is banned but i might take him out now if he isnt going to play anyway

 

[jamesinclair]

Starts in 10 minutes.

Lets hope we can see the field. :lol

 

[Ryck]

some news going around that Hargreaves has signed for Man Utd (not confirmed)....good signing IMO if its true, plus it seems right that atleast a few teams are signing english players even though they are overpriced

Link?

 

[jamesinclair]

Starts in 10 minutes.

Lets hope we can see the field. :lol

:lol I was dead on, match stopped for 5 mintues because there was no visibility on the field.

First half ended, with 6 mintues added to the end.

1-0 for Inter

The ref is really pissy though. He was the guy would refed the world cup final.

 

[jey_16]

Link?

The Sun - NSFW

considering its The Sun...its probably not true but you never know

 

[jamesinclair]

2-2, giving Inter the championship.

Last 5 minutes were intense, as SP tied it, and the entire teamw as in Inters box trying to score. Of coursem the entire Inetr teamw as also in the box defending. Rogerio Ceni, the Sp goalie, was in the midfield line returning any balls that inter would kick out of the area.

 

[radicalbunny]

Sounds like an exciting game, too bad I missed it (it was on the only channel I don't have :lol). That's Inter's first title. Nice.

In somewhat related news, there are rumors going around that MLS clubs might soon be participating in Mexico's Interliga. Winner of the Interliga, of course, gets a spot in the Copa Libertadores. This plus the rumored CONCACAF Champions League would greatly improve international club competitions in a region DESPERATELY in need of it.

 

[jamesinclair]

Sounds like an exciting game, too bad I missed it (it was on the only channel I don't have :lol). That's Inter's first title. Nice.

In somewhat related news, there are rumors going around that MLS clubs might soon be participating in Mexico's Interliga. Winner of the Interliga, of course, gets a spot in the Copa Libertadores. This plus the rumored CONCACAF Champions League would greatly improve international club competitions in a region DESPERATELY in need of it.

MLS clubs have been invited to join the Copa Sudamericana before, but I dont think any were included this year. Speaking of which, that tournament starts soon, and although not as important as Libertadores, it does provide some good matches.

For example, River Plate will come to Curitiba to play either Atletico Paranaense or Paraná Clube. Im hoping for Paraná (my team). The winner of that might then see Boca Juniors.

As for the Interliga, I only think Mexico would do that if Mexico/USA was allowed a 4th spot in Libertadores. And of course, there comes the issue, which country loses a spot?

The Champions league is essentially just a tweaking of the champions cup, already in place.


As for the Libertadores game, I forgot to mention two bits:

1 Inter player was expelled at mintue 22 of the 2nd half after scoring the 2nd goal. He took off his shirt, and already had a yellow. Thus the end was even mroe exciting.

Also, Sao paulo and Inter fans set off fireworks here at their respective goals, im in Curitiba.

This is like hearing fireworks in New York when the patriots beat the eagles.

 

[Shinobi]

Also, Sao paulo and Inter fans set off fireworks here at their respective goals, im in Curitiba.

This is like hearing fireworks in New York when the patriots beat the eagles.

:lol :lol :lol

 

[Ghost]

Glen Roeder is saying now that Owen might not play at all this season because of his injury, the FA will have to foot the bill for his wages and medical treatment for virtually a year :lol.

Apparently its taking so long because Owen only had his last operation in July, he cant be operated on again till September.

Newcastle have also been screwed out of getting Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool have agreed a fee under their noses...so i guess Crouch is gonna be fighting fo his place in the team.


More great news for the premiership this season...

The Premier League has asked players, managers and referees to end the custom of the ball being kicked out of play when a player goes down injured.

Decisions on whether a break in play is necessary for treatment to be received will now be taken by the referee.

"There was a general feeling that this player-led convention had gone too far," Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told BBC Sport.

But the Football League told BBC Sport it had no plans to make changes.

The custom has gradually established itself in football over the years, but has never been formalised in the rules.

But the feeling that this "gentlemen's agreement" was being taken advantage of has become widespread, with frequent breaks in play at the 2006 World Cup cited as the most high-profile abuse.

If only they'd done this last season West Ham would have won the FA cup [/bitter]


Great news though, theres not enough gentlemen left in the game for agreements like this to work.

 

[Ghost]

By the way we're now up to 21 players on the fantasy football which is fantastic, still time to register if you havent yet...I will lock it off to new members after the first weeks transfer lock down this saturday, people joining late will just mess up the rankings.

So if you want in or you want other people in, get 'em signed up fast.

 

[Hooker]

Newcastle hasn't been screwed out, they never had a chance. Kuijt wants to play in the Champions League, that's the only reason why he left Feyenoord.



Newcastle was chasing ghosts. I'm glad he got the deal though, may he turn out to a good follow-up for Huntelaar ^^

 

[hadareud]

Not a big fan of Kuyt, I think he is overrated. I don't think he's the answer to Liverpools problems up front. Then again, what do I know. Or care for that matter.

 

[psycho_snake]

The Sun - NSFW

considering its The Sun...its probably not true but you never know

Even if it isnt true i expect it to happen sooner or later. He's said that he would like to move to the premiership several times and now manchester united is giving him that opportunity. He isnt going to turn it down, its just a matter of convincing bayern to let him go and agreeing on a fee.

What I dont get is that hargreaves said that he received a fantastic offer from united, but the only way that can be possibble is if bayern gave united permission to speak to hargreaves, but bayern have said that they wont sell hargreaves, but why would they say that if they have let United speak to hargreaves. It could mean that United made an illegal approach for hargreaves, but bayern would have said that if it was the case and they would have reported it to fifa.

 

[psycho_snake]

Kuyt would have been a good buy for newcastle because they could do with any half decent striker at the moment, but I cant see Kuyt making a major impact at liverpool, he isnt going to improve their strikeforce that much. Atleast it gives benitez more options upfront.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I really haven't seen enough of Kuyt to give an opinion, though he didn't really impress me at the world cup. Having said that, plenty of England players who didn't impress me at the world cup impress me week in, week out in the Premiership, so I'll wait and see.

I'm glad the ball isn't going to be kicked out anymore. I didn't mind that it happened, it was the aftermath that was getting ****ing stupid. Like the example where Sheffield United kicked the ball out for their own player against Arsenal, then Arsenal didn't throw it back to them and scored, and United walked off the pitch and managed to get the game replayed.

I mean, wtf? Why should Arsenal give it back in that scenario? Sheffield United gave up their possession to get their own player treated. There's no gentlemanly gesture towards the other team there that should be repaid, it's been done for purely selfish reasons. Which is fine, they just shouldn't expect the ball back afterwards. Drives me mad.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Skysports have their predicted Premiership table up now. Just to make sure: SKY'S PREDICTIONS, NOT MINE (which will be sometime tomorrow).

1 Chelsea
2 Liverpool
3 Arsenal
4 Man Utd
------------
5 Tottenham
6 Newcastle
7 West Ham
8 Everton
9 Blackburn
10 Bolton
11 Middlesbrough
12 Portsmouth
13 Man City
14 Aston Villa
15 Charlton
16 Wigan
17 Fulham
------------
18 Reading
19 Watford
20 Sheffield United

I disagree with quite a few things right now, some wildly so.

 

[MrPing1000]

that table is very very wrong.

 

[hadareud]

prediction time, I love it. I don't agree with sky, so here's mine:

1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool
-----------------------------
5. Tottenham
6. Newcastle
7. Portsmouth
8. Blackburn
9. Bolton
10. Middlesbrough
11. Aston Villa
12. Everton
13. West Ham
14. Charlton
15. Wigan
16. Reading
17. Manchester City
----------------------------
18. Watford
19. Fulham
20. Sheffield United

Although in reality I predict Arsenal to win it. I just don't admit it

 

[MrPing1000]

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Arsenal
4. Tottenham Hotspur
-----------------------------
5. Liverpool
6. Portsmouth
7. Everton
8. Bolton
9. Aston Villa
10. Blackburn
11. West Ham
12. Charlton
13. Wigan
14. Newcastle United
15. Fulham
16. Manchester city
17. Reading
----------------------------
18. Middlesbrough
19. Sheffield United
20. Watford

I'm being a little adventurous.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Ghost is going to kill you, hadareud.

 

[Ghost]

I'd be ok with 13th i think, As long as we dont go down im happy. I think we'll do better though.



1 Chelsea
2 Liverpool
3 Man Utd
4 Arsenal
------------
5 Tottenham
6 Everton
7 Blackburn
8 West Ham
9 Portsmouth
10 Bolton
11 Wigan
12 Aston Villa
13 Charlton
14 Man City
15 Middlesbrough
16 Fulham
17 Watford
------------
18 Newcastle
19 Reading
20 Sheffield United



18 is more in hope than expectation, but the rest is what i think.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Oh well, I might as well make mine now. I still reserve the right to change them based on transfers up until the deadline, you never know what might happen (Rooney to United and Owen to Newcastle were last day transfers) and some teams completely change with just a couple of good buys. I won't change because of form or even long-term injuries though.

1 Chelsea
2 Man Utd
3 Liverpool
4 Arsenal
------------
5 Tottenham
6 Newcastle
7 Blackburn
8 West Ham
9 Portsmouth
10 Everton
11 Reading
12 Bolton
13 Aston Villa
14 Wigan
15 Charlton
16 Middlesbrough
17 Fulham
-------------
18 Man City
19 Watford
20 Sheffield United

It's actually really difficult to pick some things this season.

1 Chelsea

If they'd strengthened like normal, I wouldn't have felt so sure. But they've really gone out of their way this year to get the best, bringing in Shevchenko, Kalou, Ballack, Obi Mikel and maybe soon Ashley Cole. I know they've lost players too, but some wouldn't have gotten in the team anyway and with the new signings neither would the rest.

I do think they're weakening their own chances for no reason though. They've decided to have an even smaller squad than normal, just so they won't have stars wanting to leave at the end of the season as they've spent too long on the bench. Who cares if people want to leave, they just sign someone new (and generally better), it hasn't hurt them so far. I'm also unsure about Mourinho's desire to switch to an AC Milan system with no wingers (even players who are wingers will have to play more central in the team). If it doesn't work, will he be willing to change or just stick with it until it (hopefully) works?

2 Man Utd

I realise looking at the top 5 I have the exact same positions as last year, but I really do think they'll end up here again, I haven't based it on last year.

I like United's squad a lot. They might only have signed Kuszczack and Carrick so far this year, but whether it's Hargreaves, Senna or even Diarra, it seems inevitable another midfielder is joining them. Anyone else is the icing on the cake, but I'm basing this on the assumption they won't buy another striker, for example. Yes, they've lost Van Nistelrooy, but I genuinely don't see them suffering much from it.

It's not just their new signings, it's the players returning. They were strong last year, and that was without Heinze, Scholes, Solskjaer and Smith, for the most part. Those returning, plus the 3 signings, make them the second best team in the country for me.

3 Liverpool

I almost surprise myself with this one. Not so long ago I really thought if they got a right winger and a new strikeforce, which they have, I'd have them 2nd and chasing Chelsea hard. And I do think that, in the actual games between sides, Liverpool are the most likely to beat Chelsea out of the teams in the Premiership. Simply because I think they have the right players to deal with them and mess with them.

Now though, I wonder about Pennant. I think he's a good player, but does having him out there rather than Gerrard necessarily make Liverpool stronger? If he's there, then Gerrard's in the middle, and assuming they're playing a 4-4-2, that means one of Sissoko or Xabi Alonso missing out. Now if Pennant is just going to be a squad player for sub appearances or playing against teams where a natural winger will be a big advantage, that's fine, but I suspect that won't be his role, and I think Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko is stronger than Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso/Sisokko. So it could be a step back.

I can't argue that their strikeforce has improved dramatically. They began last season with Crouch, Morientes, Cisse and Pongolle. Now their main 4 are Bellamy, Kuyt, Crouch and Fowler. So I do think they're a better team, overall, they;re certainly a better squad...I'm still just not sure they're past United yet.

4 Arsenal

Again, I think they're stronger than last year. On the whole. Unfortunately, they could be 15 points better than last year and would still only just match Liverpool in 3rd...and of course, Liverpool have since improved too.

I don't even think Arsenal have improved as a squad, in terms of the names there. I mean, to lose Campbell, Bergkamp and Pires, and only bring in Rosicky (as a player likely to play first team football freqeuntly, some youngsters have come too)? He seems like a good player, but I will be so impressed if he can make up for Pires. Not that I'm saying hanging onto Pires would have been any better, he is getting on, just that I'm unsure if he's been adequately replaced.

You might even still lose Reyes and Cole before the season starts, and I'm no longer all that certain Wenger will buy replacements. He trusts his youngeters, which is great, but if you always trust youngsters then you'll always be losing points as they get their feet.

Still, that's where they have improved: youngsters coming through into the first team. They had to find their feet last year, and they did eventually, but they can show that quality from the off this time round. So long as they can stick with the players who did so well last year, rather than trying to blood even more in such large numbers, this is a good thing.

My main problem with Arsenal is...I still see the same weaknesses as there were in the past. Silva just isn't good enough, and better players in that position have been available, but they've passed by. Toure's an excellent centre back, and Senderos is good, but it still strikes me as a weak position. Wenger obviously knows this as he's tried to buy there, but he seems to be of the opinion that if he can't get a bargain, he ain't paying. Sometimes you just ahve to suck it up and pay even over the odds for someone, to make the team better as a whole. Finally...do they have a plan B? Can they go down the wings and cross the ball when they can't go through the middle? Are they willing to play a long ball games when the midfield is packed? I'm not sure.

5 Spurs

Spurs have had one hell of a good pre-season. They've lost Carrick, sure, but I like the look of Zokora a lot. Still don't have a left winger, when good ones have been possible, and I think that'll remain their main weakness. They're also a bit short on numbers in some positions, particularly up front, though the players they do have are good. I don't know if they're going to get any more points than last year, but at the same time I'm not sure anyone chasing them will surpass their total.

Perhaps I'm ignoring their great pre-season, I just can't see how that squad is good enough to make the top 4.

6 Newcastle

Owen might be out for the entire season now, which is a major problem, but I still think they'll do well. They had such a good time under Roeder, often without Owen or Shearer, and I think they'll continue.

I like their midfield a lot, but they certainly need to make a couple more signings minimum. I'm basing this position on the assumption that they'll pick up either a striker or a centre back. They have to, surely.

7 Blackburn

Last year I underestimated Blackburn, not wanting to seem biased even though I did think they'd do better than I said. Hopefully this year I've not gone the other way and are too optimistic.

Yes, we lost Bellamy. Yes I'd have preferred to keep him, No I don't think we're a weaker team. I'm relying on Roberts and McCarthy to back up my belief that those two together are better than Bellamy plus whichever striker we used with him last year.

I still might knock Blackburn down a couple of places depending on transfers. We have a European campaign coming up and a small squad, we just need greater numbers. I still want a right winger, though I haven't heard anything on that front for a while, but defensive cover is crucial. Ooijer might still make it, which would be perfect.

If we lose Neill and don't sign other defenders, I'm putting us down to 10th Sparky! I mean it!

Mark Hughes is my main reason for faith, more so than any individual player.

8 West Ham

Ashton is a blow, but they have other good forwards. He'll probably still manage to play 2/3 of the season anyway. Signed a few defenders and a good goalkeeper, as conceding goals was definitely their weakness. Can beat anyone on their day, but will also lose points to easier teams than ones they've beaten so well.

9 Portsmouth

They have lots of money, did well last year, made a couple of good signings and I expect them to get a better striker in too. They'll probably be even stronger after January.

10 Everton

They basically spent all their money on Johnson and Lescott, putting all their eggs into one basket. Better hope those two perform. Not sure about the loan deal for Howard, he's no Martyn. They had a good run last year, following a bad one, I expect it to be a bit more mixed up this year. Saw them agaisnt a rubbish Celtic and they were only as good as them, so I'm unsure if they can do better than this.

11 Reading

I'm expecting a Wigan style really good start, then average form until they drift down to 11th. No one will be sure of beating them though. Definitely the strongest side coming up.

12 Bolton

Maybe this is the year the bubble bursts. They've let a lot of players go, not many have come in, and Fat Sam has stored all his money in his fat cheeks for a striker. Unfortunately, no well known strikers want to go. He's likely to end up with a 10th choice, and I hope he doesn't waste his money on someone not worht it. Not when it's basically the only position being bought this year. Bad form towards the end of last year plus bad pre-season form plus missing out on the England job might still be hanging round them.

13 Villa

O'Neill is great. Money is great. I just don't think the first season is where we'll truly see the new Villa, the manager will need time to get his players working right and they've not got much time to spend any funds. And even if they do, so many players have already been signed this transfer window that they probably won't get the strength they could have.

14 Wigan

Heskey? Come on! They've let Roberts and Bullard go and brought in Heskey and Landzaat. Doesn't seem equal to me. They seemed to lose something last season after a great start, I'm not sure they can recapture it. I don't think they'll face much threat of relegation, if anything they might drop to this position from a better start, but some of the teams below them are unknowns so....who knows?

15 Charlton

Here's an unknown. Curbishley's gone, the man who could always ensure a md-table finihs, not to mention and end of season collapse. But does that means Dowie won't be able to keep them up? Or does it mean he'll finally cure them of the collapse? I like the frontline of Hasselbaink and Bent, his other signings make me think quanitity not quality. I'm so not sure of this position.

16 Middlesbrough

This is even more of an unknown. Who knows how good or bad Southgate is as a manager? Some players are naturals and do fantastically well immediately. Some are complete flops. His transfers have been rubbish so far, I reckon they're weaker than last year and even a more experienced manager like McClaren had trouble keeping them going. It's hardly encouraging that he wants Emerton, as whenever I hear it I shrug and say "Take him if you like, he's not bad but nothing special".

17 Fulham

They had such amazing home form last year and such atrocious away form that I'm unsure which is the real Fulham. Perhaps they'll be mid-table certainties, perhaps they'll go down in flames. Instead I've put them just above the relegation zone...regardless of if they keep Malbranque. Can't say I understand Bullard going to them over Wigan, maybe they offered more money, but he's a good signing.

18 Man City

Seriously, I didn't know who to relegate with the other two. I don't think any third team is going to go down, everyone else will be so far ahead that the Premiership will say they'll just relegate two this year. I don't think Man City are that bad, it's just a strong league. The impact of Pearce's passion has run out for me, now we have to see if he can actually manage tactically...and I don't think he can. It's strange to relegate a team with so many good strikers, but I've seen better sides go down.

19 Watford

They could have been 20 just as easily, just a feeling that got them 19th. The Premiership's too strong for them.

20 Sheffield United

See above. Maybe it's just their strip, but they make me think of Sunderland. Don't think they'll be that embarrassing....but down.

That was short.

 

[Ghost]

I dont think Reading have the squad or the money to stay up this time round, they look blunt upfront to me....thats despite the 20 odd goals they've scored pre-season :lol

 

[Mama Smurf]

They've actually scored 39 goals pre-season, though admittedly 25 of those came in 3 games.

I don't know about a lack of firepower. They scored 99 goals last year in the Championship, only second in the last seven years (probably longer, I got bored of checking at this point) to Man City, who got 108 five years ago.

That's 2nd out of 168 teams, and quite a few of those teams are now established Premiership sides. Maybe they won't finish as high as I have them but I think they're strong enough to survive with ease.

 

[Ryck]

1 Man Utd
2 Chelsea
3 Liverpool
4 Tottenham
------------
5 Arsenal
6 West Ham
7 Everton
8 Blackburn
9 Newcastle
10 Fulham
11 Aston Villa
12 Wigan
13 Man City
14 Middlesbrough
15 Portsmouth
16 Reading
17 Bolton
------------
18 Charlton
19 Watford
20 Sheffield United

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~884019,00.html

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

 

[radicalbunny]

:lol

 

[Shinobi]

Meanwhile, Leeds chairman Ken Bates said: "I haven't laughed so much since Ma caught her tits in the mangle."

:lol :lol :lol Brilliant...

 

[Stevie Gerrard]

:lol :lol :lol

 

[Ghost]

He did call the chelsea board a bunch of Siberian schisters.

 

[hadareud]

this is great :lol

 

[MrPing1000]

He did call the chelsea board a bunch of Siberian schisters.

Which isn't even that bad. Like he said I'd love to see the Chelsea report on that one. :lol

 

[psycho_snake]

My prediction:

Chelsea
Man Utd
Liverpool
Arsenal
--------------
Tottenham
Newcastle
Blackburn
West Ham
Everton
Aston Villa
Bolton
Portsmouth
Fulham
Middlesborough
Wigan
Reading
Charlton
--------------
Man City
Watford
Sheffield United

 

[Mama Smurf]

:lol

I like how Ken Bates is now sort of a hero in many fans eyes for having a go at Chelsea, when pre-Abramovich everyone knew he was one of the biggest tossers in football. He still is really, but now he's focused in his bitterness at Chelsea and no one cares if they get shit.

Ghosts Gaudy Misfits - Ghost
ThugsWithSkill - Mama Smurf
Chicago Crúz - radicalbunny
The Wajiros - Osorio
Notvery Athletic - MrPing1000
Great King Bowsers - Great King Bowser
FC United - jey_16
Killbot Utd - Newbie
Teenage Armchair Honved Fan - DCharlie
Ryck Fc - Ryck
Wax Free United - Wax Free Vanilla
mo's ho's - psycho_snake
Evolution Buff Horns - seanoff
Crys Carlos - Crys
Melbourne United - tracky_dacks
permanent vacation - hadareud
Japseye Crew - Timbuktu
DonPach followers - ourumov
Ikari Warriors - ???
Igor Biscan our hero - Stevie Gerrard
Truthiness XI - Wes

Who are yoooouuuuu Ikari Warriors?

 

[Falch]

PSV has just completed the signing of experienced Equadorian midfielder Edison Mendez. Personally I'm quite happy with his transfer, since he can play almost anywhere on the pitch, an will give PSV more options up front.

 

[Mama Smurf]

So is everyone happy with their fantasy team? I have players who aren't certain to play this weekend, but they're not injury based so I can't be so certain that I can drop them. Actually there's another one who definitely won't play I've just realised...should probably do something about that.

I reckon dropping players everytime there's a suspension or short term injury would be annoying anyway, I might just stick with it unless they're going to miss a considerable number of matches.

 

[Ghost]

I had the Ashton problem, and i had a center back who i wasnt sure was going to start, but i found someone cheaper who'll definitely start now so im good.

Im not planning on making any changes unless things go badly, im pretty close to my budget anyway.

 

[Great King Bowser]

I'm just sad I chose such a boring team name.

 

[Juno]

Ghost, Mama Smurf,

I've joined the league.

Team name: Juneau FC

 

[Mama Smurf]

Chelsea have signed Khalid Boulahrouz, a Dutch right back. It's no surprise that Mourinho has bought in that position, though perhaps that it's taken him so long, they've had Ferreira, Gallas, Johnson and Geremi out there and he clearly hasn't been satisfied with any (well...maybe Gallas, but then the player wasn't happy).

That could free up Ferreira as reserve left back potentially (after Bridge...perhaps even before Bridge) with Boulahrouz as first choice right back and Geremi in reserve. They'll be under less pressure to get the money together for Ashley Cole now anyway.

EDIT: I've just read he can play all along the backline, so that'd be a great signing.

 

[Falch]

Chelsea have signed Khalid Boulahrouz, a Dutch right back. It's no surprise that Mourinho has bought in that position, though perhaps that it's taken him so long, they've had Ferreira, Gallas, Johnson and Geremi out there and he clearly hasn't been satisfied with any (well...maybe Gallas, but then the player wasn't happy).

That could free up Ferreira as reserve left back potentially (after Bridge...perhaps even before Bridge) with Boulahrouz as first choice right back and Geremi in reserve. They'll be under less pressure to get the money together for Ashley Cole now anyway.

EDIT: I've just read he can play all along the backline, so that'd be a great signing.

Good, though suprising signing. I didn't know Chelsea was looking for a rightback. Also, imo he's better as a central defender than as a rightback.

Oh, and Boulahrouz can't play as a leftback as far as I know. I've never seem him do that.

 

[hadareud]

So is everyone happy with their fantasy team? I have players who aren't certain to play this weekend, but they're not injury based so I can't be so certain that I can drop them. Actually there's another one who definitely won't play I've just realised...should probably do something about that.

I reckon dropping players everytime there's a suspension or short term injury would be annoying anyway, I might just stick with it unless they're going to miss a considerable number of matches.

I think I'm gonna stick to my team as well, give or take one or two long term injuries (or other problems).

I was quite surprised how easy it was to get almost all the players I wanted (I chose them by how likely they are to play almost all games and receive good ratings), only Henry is not affordable.

 

[Dagless M.D.]

only Henry is not affordable.

Yeah. I mean he's a lock to get a shitload of points, but he just costs too much to be a great buy.

 

[radicalbunny]

No predictions? Come on now gents, bold your winners or both teams if you're thinking a tie.


- English Premiership Week 1-

Sheff Utd v Liverpool
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Everton v Watford
Newcastle v Wigan
Portsmouth v Blackburn
Reading v Middlesbrough
West Ham v Charlton
Bolton v Tottenham
Man Utd v Fulham
Chelsea v Man City

 

[BatiGOOOOOOL]

Mamhadou Diarra is a Real Madrid player!!!

The King is making a comeback bitches!!!

 

[jey_16]

not sure if i'll keep Rooney in the team....he is playing in the first game (vs Fulham) but he will miss the second game against Charlton and we cant change the team until Saturday