Top Stories

Fantasy Premier League: Matchweek 14

NaniReuters

By AVI CREDITOR

Wayne Rooney is on his way back, and it couldn't happen at a better time for Manchester United.

With three very favorable matchups in the coming weeks (home against Wigan Athletic and Blackburn, away to Blackpool), Rooney can transition back to game shape and form just in time for the Red Devils' Matchweek 17 and 18 tilts with Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively.

Should you expect a hat trick this weekend from Rooney? Probably not, especially considering his playing status has yet to officially be confirmed. However, now is the time to take a look at acquiring or re-acquiring him at his current £11.3 price tag. As soon as he proves his worth, that price will most certainly skyrocket upwards of £12. If you believe that he can re-discover even a fraction of last season's success, don't hesitate in making the move.

Here are a few more Fantasy Premier League notes along with our captain pick of the week and an SBI league standings update:

AMERICAN WATCH

Stuart Holden exploded onto the fantasy scene with his first goal and first assist of the season against Wolves last weekend, breaking a string of two- and three-point performances with a 10-spot that was good for third-most points among all players. He's worth a look given Bolton's match at home against Newcastle.

Clint Dempsey is also a decent play, as he's at home against Manchester City.

All three starting American keepers, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard and Marcus Hahnemann, have road games, but each has an enticing matchup. Fridel against Blackburn, Howard against Sunderland and Hahnemann against Blackpool are all worthy of starting consideration.

INJURY QUICK HITS

The mid-week friendlies have struck again, with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and West Brom's Chris Brunt the latest casualties of international play…Chelsea's central defense has been weakened a bit with word that Alex and John Terry are both un-fit. However, Alex is delaying his necessary surgery to play this weekend, and Terry appears to be trying to play through a nerve issue in his leg, though he'll miss the Blues' league match this weekend. Both are risky selections for your team…Blackpool's Charlie Adam is a doubt for the weekend, though he would merit captain consideration if fit (at home vs. Wolves)…Tottenham's Jermain Defoe is set to return to action this weekend, and it couldn't come at a better time for Spurs, who face Arsenal.

LAST WEEK'S CAPTAIN PICK

Florent Malouda, Chelsea (1×2=2 points; Sorry guys)

WHAT I REALLY MEANT TO SAY WAS…

Gareth Bale, Tottenham (18×2=36 points)

THIS WEEK'S CAPTAIN PICK

Nani, Manchester United, £9.1

The Red Devils have a stellar matchup at home against lowly Wigan, and Nani should be able to deliver the goods. In four of his 12 appearances this season he's tallied a goal and an assist, giving him four double-digit performances. Should Rooney return he'd have another option to find offensively and more space with which to work. Considering the matchup, Nani should be a safe bet for the armband.

Other options: Liverpool's Fernando Torres (vs. West Ham); Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda (at Birmingham); Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Marouane Chamakh (vs. Tottenham); Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart (at Arsenal); Everton's Tim Cahill (at Sunderland); Bolton's Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies (vs. Newcastle)

Soccer By Ives League Standings (Top 10)
1. The 14ers FC…………………….745
2. typos by ives………………………735
3. Austin Killbotz!!…………………..727
4. SP………………………………………727
5. Sloppy and Careless…………716
6. scoobys doos…………………….714
7. De Jong's Right Boot…………713
8. Zlatans Revenge……………….712
9. The Old Onion Bag…………….707
10. vonruedenFC……………………706

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER

TheSoccerSage (86 points)

——————————Van der Sar(2)————————-
—-Sagna(8)—-Hangeland(5)—–A. Cole(1)—-Jagielka(1)—
–Bale(18)–Fabregas(C-18)–Van der Vaart(10)–Holden(10)–
——————Gyan(8)—————Carroll(5)——————

——————-

Who are you making your captain this week? What's your lineup looking like?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Whats Holden worth? I know this probably has nothing to do with real life contracts and salaries, but I was wondering what Holden is making now and could he be the highest paid American player in history if he keeps the current form he has right now until the end of his current contract?

    Reply

Leave a Comment