What are the chances of Spurs and Chelsea being 0-0? What are the chances of either of them not scoring? Not that good I think and so I'm putting both Ivanovic and Walker on the bench and bringing Walters (he's due a goal and he's up against Norwich) back in to the XI.
The dilemma is Benteke. I can't have £9m sitting on the bench for 3 weeks. From the top of the point scorers I can afford Sturridge, Negredo, the ultra cheap Fraizer Campbell, Soldado and many others. And then there is Lukaku. Looking at the forthcoming fixtures I think Liverpool have the easiest next 3 games. So I'm bringing in Sturridge.
I'm going with Baines as captain. Everton are against Newcastle. I don't see them scoring.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Real Wrexhamcelery for Gameweek 6
Annoyingly Anelka is doubtful with a 50% chance of playing but I can't bring in Borini because he can't play against his parent club, Liverpool. There are no alternatives.
In midfield Joe Cole is still not fit. So the choice is once again between Duff and Sidwell. Sidwell is the highest scorer of the two and seems to be playing more minutes. I'm going to swap them over and probably regret it. He will be on the bench.
Neil Taylor is now fit but whether he can displace Ben Davies, Swansea's highest scoring defender is debatable.
Sturridge stays as captain against managerless Sunderland.
In midfield Joe Cole is still not fit. So the choice is once again between Duff and Sidwell. Sidwell is the highest scorer of the two and seems to be playing more minutes. I'm going to swap them over and probably regret it. He will be on the bench.
Neil Taylor is now fit but whether he can displace Ben Davies, Swansea's highest scoring defender is debatable.
Sturridge stays as captain against managerless Sunderland.
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Real Wrexhamcelery Gameweek 5
44 points. Not brilliant.
The bulk of the points come from 16 of the interloper Baines. And there is the goal from Lukaku and the assist from Sinclair. But after that the points are just standard. Captain Sturridge among them.
Next week Joe Cole may be available. Do I replace Duff? Or do I replace Duff with Sidwell?
And up front, is Borini worth a try in place of Anelka. I think not.
The bulk of the points come from 16 of the interloper Baines. And there is the goal from Lukaku and the assist from Sinclair. But after that the points are just standard. Captain Sturridge among them.
Next week Joe Cole may be available. Do I replace Duff? Or do I replace Duff with Sidwell?
And up front, is Borini worth a try in place of Anelka. I think not.
The Winning Strategy Gameweek 5
61 points. Decent score.
The key contribution this week was from midfield. Ramsey, Nolan and Paulinho managed 2 goals and an assist between them. The decision to leave Walters on the bench paid off. His days may be numbered. It's hard to see Stoke scoring many goals this season. Paulinho has earned a reprieve.
The defence also played a big part with clean sheets for Ivanovic and Walker and the stupendous 2 goal contribution from Baines. Zabaleta and Szczesny solid, but the less said about Vidic the better.
Strikers were disappointing. Giroud chose this week not to score but the real problem was captain Benteke. He only lasted long enough to score 1 point. How fit is he? Will he play next week? I can't afford to have that much money tied up in a non player. This is the unpredictable uncertainty that injuries bring.
The key contribution this week was from midfield. Ramsey, Nolan and Paulinho managed 2 goals and an assist between them. The decision to leave Walters on the bench paid off. His days may be numbered. It's hard to see Stoke scoring many goals this season. Paulinho has earned a reprieve.
The defence also played a big part with clean sheets for Ivanovic and Walker and the stupendous 2 goal contribution from Baines. Zabaleta and Szczesny solid, but the less said about Vidic the better.
Strikers were disappointing. Giroud chose this week not to score but the real problem was captain Benteke. He only lasted long enough to score 1 point. How fit is he? Will he play next week? I can't afford to have that much money tied up in a non player. This is the unpredictable uncertainty that injuries bring.
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Wrexhamcelery Gameweek 4
55 points is a good above average total and better than I hoped for. The points really all came from 3 clean sheets from the interlopers Baines and Evra plus Huth, and the goal scoring of captain Sturridge and of Moses.
I did miss out on a goal from Sidwell who is not currently in the squad. I have preferred Duff, who was on the bench anyway, but it is Sidwell who is being preferred by Fulham at the moment. I will reconsider the position for gameweek 6 by which time Joe Cole may be available again after injury. Only one of them will be in the squad unless there are injuries to Moses, Walters, Parker or Sinclair. It is hard to understand why Sinclair is not starting for WBA considering the fact that their first league goal of the season only came in injury time of their fourth game.
Which brings me to Lukaku, or rather who he will replace. Sturridge stays obviously although there is an injury worry, but when isn't there for the poor, fragile lad. That means that either Borini or Anelka must drop out. I thought it would help me make a decision to know who Sunderland and WBA were playing, but it turns out that they are playing each other. So it is how likely they are to play. Borini seems to have a lot of competition at Sunderland (Fletcher, Altidore, Whickham, Ji) and the fact that Di Canio played two big lads up front last week suggests that his opportunities will be limited. At WBA Anelka has less competition (Long, Anichebe) so I think he is likely to play more. So Borini is out and in comes Lukaku.
I did miss out on a goal from Sidwell who is not currently in the squad. I have preferred Duff, who was on the bench anyway, but it is Sidwell who is being preferred by Fulham at the moment. I will reconsider the position for gameweek 6 by which time Joe Cole may be available again after injury. Only one of them will be in the squad unless there are injuries to Moses, Walters, Parker or Sinclair. It is hard to understand why Sinclair is not starting for WBA considering the fact that their first league goal of the season only came in injury time of their fourth game.
Which brings me to Lukaku, or rather who he will replace. Sturridge stays obviously although there is an injury worry, but when isn't there for the poor, fragile lad. That means that either Borini or Anelka must drop out. I thought it would help me make a decision to know who Sunderland and WBA were playing, but it turns out that they are playing each other. So it is how likely they are to play. Borini seems to have a lot of competition at Sunderland (Fletcher, Altidore, Whickham, Ji) and the fact that Di Canio played two big lads up front last week suggests that his opportunities will be limited. At WBA Anelka has less competition (Long, Anichebe) so I think he is likely to play more. So Borini is out and in comes Lukaku.
Monday, 16 September 2013
The Winning Strategy Gameweek 4
Even before the last game has been played I have taken decisive action.
A score of 57 points will probably end up being above average, but once again it is built on the foundations of 4 clean sheets in the back 6, including captain Vidic. Only Benteke and Paulinho (jury is still out on him) scored any additional points. The midfield and strikers are under performing. My decision not to sign Giroud ahead of gameweek 3 has cost me dearly with 2 goals and an assist since then. As a result I have already brought him in to replace the misfiring Berbatov. And looking at Arsenal's start to the season, despite the opening game defeat which coloured my thinking, it looks like Ramsey is a steal at under £6 million and so he is in also at the expense of Snodgrass.
Now I just need to think about which pieces I put on the board in gameweek 5.
A score of 57 points will probably end up being above average, but once again it is built on the foundations of 4 clean sheets in the back 6, including captain Vidic. Only Benteke and Paulinho (jury is still out on him) scored any additional points. The midfield and strikers are under performing. My decision not to sign Giroud ahead of gameweek 3 has cost me dearly with 2 goals and an assist since then. As a result I have already brought him in to replace the misfiring Berbatov. And looking at Arsenal's start to the season, despite the opening game defeat which coloured my thinking, it looks like Ramsey is a steal at under £6 million and so he is in also at the expense of Snodgrass.
Now I just need to think about which pieces I put on the board in gameweek 5.
Friday, 13 September 2013
The Winning Strategy changes for Gameweek 4
To transfer or not to transfer. The temptation is to beef up the misfiring midfield and attack because they are not delivering. However, this week they all look to be playing against "weaker" opposition so I have decided to save the transfer so that I have 2 next week. It is easier to get the players you want if you can make two changes.
On the pitch I have decided to play all 5 defenders because it is the defenders who have been picking up points. I was tempted to leave out Baines as Everton are playing Chelsea and may find a clean sheet difficult, but he is so strong going forward and his dead ball threat is so great that he has to stay. Vidic, up against Palace, is captain.
I have also decided to play all 3 strikers, Benteke, Lambert and Berbatov as they are playing Newcastle, West Brom and West Ham and the prospect of goals is good.
This means only 2 in midfield, Nolan and Paulinho (who is on borrowed time). On the bench then are Walters (up against Man City), Snodgrass (v Spurs) and Lucas who doesn't score highly anyway.
On the pitch I have decided to play all 5 defenders because it is the defenders who have been picking up points. I was tempted to leave out Baines as Everton are playing Chelsea and may find a clean sheet difficult, but he is so strong going forward and his dead ball threat is so great that he has to stay. Vidic, up against Palace, is captain.
I have also decided to play all 3 strikers, Benteke, Lambert and Berbatov as they are playing Newcastle, West Brom and West Ham and the prospect of goals is good.
This means only 2 in midfield, Nolan and Paulinho (who is on borrowed time). On the bench then are Walters (up against Man City), Snodgrass (v Spurs) and Lucas who doesn't score highly anyway.
Wrexhamcelery changes for Gameweek 4
No new eligible defenders have appeared although Boularhouz and Gallas are still out there, so no change to the defence. Johnson and Taylor are both injured so Baines and Evra will feature again.
No new keeper either so Ruddy and the injured Foster stay too. Ruddy will play obviously but I am lazily keeping Foster in the team as he is my first choice and that way I don't have to remember to swap him back in as the substitution by Ruddy will take place anyway.
With Lukaku not able to play against his parent club, Chelsea, this week there is no point in transferring him in yet. That means that the only post window activity this week is bringing Moses in for the injured Joe Cole. In midfield Sinclair, Walters and Moses and Parker pretty much pick themselves. That leaves me with a decision about whether to play Duff and have five in midfield with either Borini or Anelka on the bench, or to play both of those alongside Sturridge. Borini has just moved to Sunderland and will be keen to impress. Anelka is a wise old player who WBA have surrounded with some younger talent in Anichebe and Sessegnon. Who knows if Duff will play at all. I am going for 3 up front with Duff on the bench. Sturridge stays captain with Moses as vice captain as he too will be keen to impress.
No new keeper either so Ruddy and the injured Foster stay too. Ruddy will play obviously but I am lazily keeping Foster in the team as he is my first choice and that way I don't have to remember to swap him back in as the substitution by Ruddy will take place anyway.
With Lukaku not able to play against his parent club, Chelsea, this week there is no point in transferring him in yet. That means that the only post window activity this week is bringing Moses in for the injured Joe Cole. In midfield Sinclair, Walters and Moses and Parker pretty much pick themselves. That leaves me with a decision about whether to play Duff and have five in midfield with either Borini or Anelka on the bench, or to play both of those alongside Sturridge. Borini has just moved to Sunderland and will be keen to impress. Anelka is a wise old player who WBA have surrounded with some younger talent in Anichebe and Sessegnon. Who knows if Duff will play at all. I am going for 3 up front with Duff on the bench. Sturridge stays captain with Moses as vice captain as he too will be keen to impress.
Friday, 6 September 2013
The Winning Strategy looking back at Gameweek 3
Underachieving is the word that springs to mind. Although 57 points was above average and lifts the team to a position of 17,510 overall, (up from 93,722 in Gameweek 1), it was achieved on the back of 3 players, captain Zabaleta with a massive 24 points, Baines 8 and Szczesny 8. The rest were mediocre. My decision to bring in Lambert when I could have had Giroud backfired.
In Gameweek 4 Benteke and Ivanovic will be available. I'm having serious doubts about Paulinho and Berbatov. They are going to have to show something.
In Gameweek 4 Benteke and Ivanovic will be available. I'm having serious doubts about Paulinho and Berbatov. They are going to have to show something.
Wrexhamcelery looking back at Gameweek 3
Another satisfying week for the ex-Chelsea and Wrexham squad and some changes to look forward to after the transfer window. A wildcard may be needed.
52 points was above average. According to the standing that puts the team at 749,147 overall. Considerably better than the position of 2,059,634 after Gameweek 1. The future is bright.
Good performances from captain Sturridge (again), debutant Ruddy, Johnson, Huth (about time) and the interloper Baines.
The Transfer Window has opened up opportunities with the movements of Moses, Lukaku and Borini.
The choices of goalkeeper remain the same, Ruddy or the injured Foster.
The defence remains the same with Johnson, Huth and the injured Taylor being the only valid options with the addition of Evra and Baines. There is talk of the free agent Bhoularuz coming to the Premiership and Gallas is also available f someone picks them up. Sadly no one went for Mancienne who is apparently surplus to requirements at Hamburg.
In midfield there are now 8 players for 5 places. Moses, Sinclair, Walters and Parker pick themselves I think. Joe Cole would too if he was not injured. Joe Allen is ruled out because of the limit of 3 Liverpool players (Sturridge, Johnson and Moses being ahead of him) and that leaves Duff and Sidwell. It's a tough one but I think Duff will get the nod.
In attack there are now 4 players for 3 slots. There might have been 5 but apparently Carlton Cole, having only left West Ham 2 months ago, has not been able to prove his fitness to rejoin them. Sturridge and Lukaku pick themselves which leaves a choice between Anelka and Borini. Again it is a tough one. While Borini was going to struggle for games at Liverpool, he may get more chances at Sunderland. Anelka on the other hand may drop down the pecking order at West Brom with their additions. I may well gamble on Borini.
52 points was above average. According to the standing that puts the team at 749,147 overall. Considerably better than the position of 2,059,634 after Gameweek 1. The future is bright.
Good performances from captain Sturridge (again), debutant Ruddy, Johnson, Huth (about time) and the interloper Baines.
The Transfer Window has opened up opportunities with the movements of Moses, Lukaku and Borini.
The choices of goalkeeper remain the same, Ruddy or the injured Foster.
The defence remains the same with Johnson, Huth and the injured Taylor being the only valid options with the addition of Evra and Baines. There is talk of the free agent Bhoularuz coming to the Premiership and Gallas is also available f someone picks them up. Sadly no one went for Mancienne who is apparently surplus to requirements at Hamburg.
In midfield there are now 8 players for 5 places. Moses, Sinclair, Walters and Parker pick themselves I think. Joe Cole would too if he was not injured. Joe Allen is ruled out because of the limit of 3 Liverpool players (Sturridge, Johnson and Moses being ahead of him) and that leaves Duff and Sidwell. It's a tough one but I think Duff will get the nod.
In attack there are now 4 players for 3 slots. There might have been 5 but apparently Carlton Cole, having only left West Ham 2 months ago, has not been able to prove his fitness to rejoin them. Sturridge and Lukaku pick themselves which leaves a choice between Anelka and Borini. Again it is a tough one. While Borini was going to struggle for games at Liverpool, he may get more chances at Sunderland. Anelka on the other hand may drop down the pecking order at West Brom with their additions. I may well gamble on Borini.
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