| PLAYER NEWS |
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Reid, Andrew - CM, LM (SUN)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Reid made a telling contribution to Sunderland's final game of the season when he came on as a substitute and provided the cross from which Kenwyne Jones scored his side's second goal in the 3-2 defeat by Chelsea. |
| Analysis: Less flattering for the winger was that he appeared after 65 minutes with the scores level. Most often a substitute this season, he may find his future is thrown into doubt under the club's new management this summer. |
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Benayoun, Yossi - FOR, CM, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Benayoun continued his impressive recent form with a goalscoring performance in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat of Tottenham, his shot just evading Heurelho Gomes after a neat one-two with Dirk Kuyt. |
| Analysis: The Israeli has scored at an average of a goal every other game over the past three games and established himself as a member of Rafael Benitez's first XI. PTG managers who picked him chose wisely. |
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Gerrard, Steven - FOR, CM, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Gerrard finished the season with yet another influential performance in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield, the most significant of which was his tackle-and-pass that set up Yossi Benayoun to score Liverpool's third goal. |
| Analysis: With 16 league goals, Gerrard has been his side's top scorer and the third-highest in the Premier League, a brilliant return for a midfielder and one that has placed him among PTG's most valuable players. |
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Torres, Fernando - FOR (LIV)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Torres brought his league goals for the season to 14 when he scored in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham in Liverpool's final game of the season. |
| Analysis: With typical elusiveness, the Spaniard escaped his marker to head home from close range. Even though his season was interrupted by injury, he has delivered a handsome PTG points tally. |
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Hyypia, Sami - CB (LIV)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Hyypia made his final appearance when he came on as an 84th minute substitute in the 3-1 defeat of Tottenham on the final day of the season. |
| Analysis: It was an emotional farewell for the Finn, whose name was chanted by the Kop all game, leaving him in tears at the end. He almost added to his PTG points tally, too, hitting the bar with a header from a corner. |
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Leadbitter, Grant - CM (SUN)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Leadbitter finished the season strongly even though Sunderland lost 3-2 to Chelsea on the final day of the campaign. The winger put in a performance rated as being worth seven out of ten in The Times and provided the cross from which Kieran Richardson scored. |
| Analysis: Leadbitter failed to nail down a regular starting spot this season but at 23 he is relatively young and has a contract with the club until 2011 so should have a part to play under the club's new ownership. |
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Richardson, Kieran - FOR, CM, LM, RM (SUN)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Richardson scored Sunderland first goal in the 3-2 loss to Chelsea on Sunday when he capitalised on a mistake by Petr Cech, the goalkeeper, and converted Grant Leadbitter's cross. |
| Analysis: The winger's performance overall was merely adequate, earning him six out of ten in The Times, but he remains one of Sunderland's most creative players and should have a part to play in their future. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Jones headed home Andy Reid's cross in stoppage time in the 3-2 defeat by Chelsea on the final day of the campaign, bringing his league-goals tally to ten for the campaign. |
| Analysis: Ten goals may seem a poor return for a player of Jones's calibre but disappointed PTG managers should remember that injury delayed the start of his season until October and he received a limited number of opportunities as Sunderland's form went into decline. |
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Kuyt, Dirk - FOR, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated May 26, 2009 |
| News: Kuyt scored his twelfth league goal of the season in Liverpool's final game of the campaign, a 3-1 victory over Tottenham. |
| Analysis: The Dutchman put his side 2-0 ahead after his shot was diverted off Alan Hutton, having earlier provided the cross from which Fernando Torres gave Liverpool the lead. PTG managers fortunate enough to have Kuyt in their squad have been rewarded well over the past nine months. |
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Owen, Michael - FOR (NEW)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Owen was fit to play only the final 24 minutes of Newcastle's 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa yesterday, a result that condemned Alan Shearer's side to a new life in The Championship. |
| Analysis: Whether a fully fit Owen would have displaced Mark Viduka or Obafemi Martins in the starting XI is hard to say. Far easier to predict is that the club are unlikely to renew Owen's £115,000-a-week contract when it expires next month. |
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Coloccini, Fabricio - CB, CM (NEW)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Alan Shearer had to resort to picking Coloccini for Newcastle's final game of the season against Aston Villa yesterday, having mostly ignored the Argentinian during his eight-match reign. |
| Analysis: Coloccini justified Shearer's apparently low opinion of his abilities with a predictably nervous performance in the 1-0 defeat. As one of the relegated club's highest earners, his future could lie elsewhere. |
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Duff, Damien - FOR, LM, RM (NEW)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Duff scored the own goal that handed Aston Villa victory yesterday and consigned Newcastle to relegation. |
| Analysis: Little blame should be attacked to the Irishman. He simply stuck out a leg and inadvertently diverted Gareth Barry's shot into the net, having performed fairly well playing out of position at left back. |
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Stanislas, Junior - CM, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: The youngster scored his second goal for the club as West Ham beat Middlesbrough to rubber-stamp their relegation. |
| Analysis: It was a low drive that was fumbled horribly by Brad Jones in the Middlesbrough goal. Stanislas, like several of his team-mates, looks one for the future. |
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Cole, Carlton - FOR (WHM)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Cole scored his twelfth of the season in all competitions as West Ham beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at Upton Park to confirm the Teessiders' relegation. |
| Analysis: Injury means it was his first goal since March. He was named in the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers later in the day. |
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Kalou, Salomon - FOR, LM, RM (CHE)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Kalou scored Chelsea's second as they overcame Sunderland 3-2 at the Stadium of Light. |
| Analysis: It was his sixth goal of the season. |
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Cole, Ashley - LB (CHE)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Ashley Cole left it very late to score his first goal of the season, netting in the 86th minute of Chelsea's 3-2 win over Sunderland yesterday. |
| Analysis: Amazingly for a full back considered to be attacking, it was his first goal since March, 2008. |
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Anelka, Nicolas - FOR (CHE)
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Updated May 25, 2009 |
| News: Anelka scored a superb strike in the 47th minute against Sunderland on Sunday to bring him the Premier League's Golden Boot. |
| Analysis: It took him one above Cristiano Ronaldo, who didn't play, to 19. |
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Neville, Phil - CM, LB, LM, RB, RM (EVE)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Neville, who is a doubt for the FA Cup Final because of a hamstring injury, finished fourth in the clean sheets category among right-back eligible players, with 16, after a 2-0 win away to Fulham in which he was substituted. |
| Analysis: The versatile player didn't score for Everton this season but that prized "RB" tag by his name was the reason for fantasy managers taking him on, not his prowess in front of goal. |
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Bramble, Titus - CB (WIG)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Bramble finished sixth in the defensive points category after recording a thirteenth clean sheet for the season in the 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth. |
| Analysis: Hands up who saw this coming? Bramble was one of the most pleasant fantasy surprises of the season. |
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Fabregas, Cesc - CM, RM (ARS)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: The Spaniard finished on three goals, eight assists and 1,232 successful passes after playing the 90 minutes of a 4-1 win at home to Stoke. |
| Analysis: A season that promised a rich fantasy harvest turned out to be a rather disappointing crop for Fabregas as a knee injury took three and a half months out of his season. Expect better in 2009-10. |
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Jo, Joao Alves - FOR (MCY)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Jo was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win away to Fulham after David Moyes, the Everton manager, confirmed that the striker would return to Manchester City at the end of his loan spell. |
| Analysis: On two glorious days, Jo was the king of Goodison as he twice scored a brace of goals, but now he goes back to being a lowly prince in the Arab-run kingdom of Manchester City. The talent is there to stir fantasy interest if he stays in the Premier League. |
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Figueroa, Maynor - CB, LB (WIG)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: The left back, who played in every league game for Wigan this season, finished joint eleventh among left backs in the clean sheets category with 13 after a 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth. |
| Analysis: Figueroa was also eleventh in the defensive points category but his fantasy value was dragged down by his team points and combined goals and assists tallies. A respectable enough performance, though. |
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Diaby, Abou - CM, LM, RM (ARS)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: A headed goal by Diaby helped Arsenal to defeat Stoke 4-1 at the Emirates. |
| Analysis: Season's totals of three goals and two assists just don't cut it in the demanding world of fantasy football. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may be a believer but many aren't. |
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Lescott, Joleon - CB, LB (EVE)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: The defender had another excellent season in every fantasy category, finishing with a combined goals and assists total of six and moving on to 16 clean sheets thanks to Everton's 2-0 win away to Fulham. |
| Analysis: Lescott moves on to face one of his few fantasy equals in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea - John Terry. |
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van Persie, Robin - FOR, LM, RM (ARS)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: The Dutchman finishes the season on 11 goals and ten assists after his brace, including a penalty, in the 4-1 win at home to Stoke. |
| Analysis: They're excellent tallies but it doesn't surprise us that Van Persie cashed in during the last game of the season. Such flashes of quality production always leave you to rue the significant chunks of the campaign when he is rested or injured. |
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Rodallega, Hugo - FOR (WIG)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Rodallega's third goal in four games gave Wigan a 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth. |
| Analysis: The Colombian confirms his rise as the anti-Zaki, finishing the season excellently after a poor start for Wigan. One to watch next season. |
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Mendy, Bernard - RB, RM (HUL)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Bernard Mendy should feature in the Hull squad against Manchester United at the KC Stadium today. |
| Analysis: The Frenchman missed the draw at Bolton last weekend due to a hairline fracture in a toe and may need pain-killing injections, but is hopeful of making the Tigers' starting line-up. |
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Zayatte, Kamil - CB, LB, RB (HUL)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Kamil Zayatte has recovered from his head injury and is in contention for a place in the Hull side to face Manchester United this afternoon. |
| Analysis: The defender was knocked unconscious in the defeat against Stoke and missed last week's draw at the Reebok, but returned to training this week. |
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Pugh, Danny - LB, LM (STO)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: Danny Pugh is expected to be recalled for Stoke City's final match of the season against Arsenal at the Emirates. |
| Analysis: Pugh is likely to fill the left-back slot, but it has been a disappointing season for the 26-year-old with only ten Premier League starts. Don't expect him to earn you too many points this afternoon. |
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Osman, Leon - FOR, CM, LM, RM (EVE)
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Updated May 24, 2009 |
| News: The midfield player lifted himself out of his Mr Average fantasy standing with two goals, the only ones of the game, as Everton won away to Fulham. Osman finished on six for the season, with four assists. |
| Analysis: Sadly, many of Osman's fantasy owners will have lost the faith during his run of 20 league appearances without a goal in the middle of the season. |
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Evans, Jonny - CB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Northern Irishman will presumably be absent from this weekend's league match against Hull City with the Champions League final three days away. |
| Analysis: Evans is on standby to face Barcelona if Rio Ferdinand does not prove his fitness so United will not want to risk the youngster picking up an injury against Hull. |
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Foster, Ben - GK (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The goalkeeper is having surgery on his thumb and will not add to his two league appearances this season when United face Hull City on Sunday. |
| Analysis: This is a shame for Foster's owners as he would have been in line to play given that Edwin Van der Sar is being rested for the Champions League final. |
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Anderson - CM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Brazilian will not face Hull City on Sunday with the Champions League final just three days away. |
| Analysis: Until his recent discovery of his form, Anderson might have expected to face Hull. Instead he is seen as one of their first XI to take on Barcelona and thus in need of preserving. |
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Tosic, Zoran - FOR, LM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Serb may make his second United league appearance - and possibly even his first start - in the final league game of the season away to Hull City on Sunday. |
| Analysis: Tosic could get his chance because United are resting all their leading players ahead of the Champions League final. |
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Berbatov, Dimitar - FOR (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Bulgarian will not feature in the final league game of the season against Hull City this weekend as United face Barcelona in the Champions League final three days later. |
| Analysis: Berbatov has scored one goal in his past 12 appearances for United so perhaps his absence will not be felt too keenly by his fantasy owners. |
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Rooney, Wayne - FOR, LM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The England forward does not have the slightest chance of facing Hull City on Sunday with the Champions League final three days away. |
| Analysis: Rooney has done his fantasy owners proud but there will be no more joy for them. |
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Tevez, Carlos - FOR, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The forward will probably be rested for this weekend's final Premier League match away to Hull City. |
| Analysis: Tevez is unlikely to start the Champions League final against Barcelona but he will at least be on the bench, so United need him fresh. |
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Giggs, Ryan - FOR, CM, LM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Welshman will not face Hull City this week as he rests in preparation for Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: Giggs might well start against Barcelona, but even if he is on the bench Sir Alex Ferguson would not risk tiring out the midfield player's 35-year-old legs against Hull. |
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Carrick, Michael - CM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Englishman will play no part against Hull City on Sunday as he prepares for the Champions League final against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: Carrick has been United's best midfield player this season so there is not chance he will be risked against Hull. |
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Vidic, Nemanja - CB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Serb will be rested this weekend as United face Hull City in their final league game of the season. |
| Analysis: Having enjoyed such an outstanding campaign, Vidic is certain to face Barcelona in the Champions League next Wednesday so his Premier League - and fantasy football - work is done for the season. |
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Evra, Patrice - LB, LM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The left back has spoken confidently about coping with Lionel Messi, of Barcelona, in Wednesday's Champions League final. |
| Analysis: Sir Alex Ferguson thinks highly enough of Evra to make him a first-choice, so he will be given a break for this weekend's league game away to Hull City. |
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van der Sar, Edwin - GK (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Dutchman is a certainty to play against Barcelona in the Champions League final on Wednesday so he will be rested for this weekend's final league match of the season away to Hull City. |
| Analysis: Van der Sar has given his fantasy owners much joy this season but their fun is over. |
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Kuszczak, Tomasz - GK (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Pole has a decent chance of facing Hull City in United's final league game of the season this weekend. |
| Analysis: Given that Edwin Van der Sar will be rested ahead of the Champions League final against Barcelona, either Kuszczak or Ben Amos will play against Hull. |
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Eckersley, Richard - CB, LB, RB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The 20-year-old defender could make his first league start for United away to Hull City this weekend. |
| Analysis: With United needing to rest their main defenders ahead of the Champions League final, Eckersley will hope to add to his one substitute appearance in the league game away to West Bromwich Albion. |
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Gibson, Darron - CM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Ireland international could make his first league start for United - having made two substitute appearances - in the Premier League match away to Hull this weekend. |
| Analysis: Gibson has played 11 times in cup competitions this season, as well as appearing for Ireland, so he will not be overawed. |
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Welbeck, Danny - FOR (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: As a player who is some way from the first team yet has proved he can hold his own against Premier League opposition, Welbeck may well start this weekend's league match away to Hull City as United rest their main players ahead of the Champions League final. |
| Analysis: Welbeck's owners will hope he can match his excellent display against Everton in the FA Cup semi-final, or even repeat the goal he scored against Stoke City in the autumn. |
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Macheda, Federico - FOR (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Italian seems well placed to start the match away to Hull City on Sunday. |
| Analysis: Macheda will have the extra motivation of knowing that a good performance might just win him a place on the substitutes' bench for the Champions League final against Barcelona. |
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Da Silva, Fabio - LB, LM, RB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Brazilian could make his league debut for United away to Hull City on Sunday. |
| Analysis: With most of United's senior players being rested ahead of the Champions League final, Fabio might be given the chance to repeat his outstanding display at left back in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Everton. |
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Neville, Gary - RB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Englishman, out of action for a month, could return for the final league game of the season away to Hull City on Sunday. |
| Analysis: Neville might well play, given that Rafael will probably be the first back-up to John O¿Shea for the right back position against Barcelona on Wednesday and is thus likely to be rested this weekend. |
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Brown, Wes - CB, RB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The right back is in contention to play against Hull on Sunday in United's final league game of the season, which comes three days before the Champions League final against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: Brown has been close to a return recently after injury but he will surely play on Sunday, given United's need to rest all the likely participants in Rome. |
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Ferdinand, Rio - CB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The defender insists he will be fit for the Champions League final against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: If Ferdinand returns for that match in Rome on Wednesday, he will not have played for three weeks since the semi-final against Arsenal. There remains a slight chance he will be given a run-out against Hull City on Sunday. |
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Ji Sung, Park - FOR, LM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Park reportedly will be in United's starting line-up in the Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday, having been omitted from the matchday squad for last year's final. |
| Analysis: Even if he does not mak the starting XI, he is too important a substitute to be risked against Hull on Sunday. |
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Ronaldo, Cristiano - FOR, CM, LM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Portuguese says he intends to stay at Manchester United rather than join Real Madrid. |
| Analysis: Ronaldo seems to think he will win more trophies with United. His inevitable start in the Champions League final next Wednesday against Barcelona means he will play no part against Hull in the league this weekend. |
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O'Shea, John - CB, CM, LB, RB (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Irishman says he would rather play regularly elsewhere than be a bit-part player at United - and nearly 350 appearances for the club shows he has been more than that. |
| Analysis: This season he has been so impressive at right back that Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have guaranteed him a start in the Champions League final, which suggests he will play no part against Hull this weekend. |
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Scholes, Paul - CM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The midfield player says he always expected United would rediscover the glory days even after the nadir of their Champions League group stage exit in late 2005. |
| Analysis: Scholes himself has recovered his form over that period, but he seems unlikely to start the last league game of the season against Hull this weekend as United rest him for the Champions League final. |
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Fletcher, Darren - CM, RM (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Banned from the Champions League final, Fletcher is sure to face Hull on Sunday with United anxious to put out as strong a side as possible - in fairness to Hull's relegation rivals - without compromising their hopes of success against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: Paul Scholes, Fletcher's team-mate, says the Scot has been playing brilliantly recently, and his fantasy owners hope that will continue this weekend. |
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Alonso, Xabi - CM (LIV)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Alonso will be in contention to start the game against Tottenham on Sunday, having fully recovered from an ankle injury that restricted him to a place among the substitutes against West Brom last weekend. |
| Analysis: The Spaniard has been linked again with a move to Real Madrid in today's press but PTG managers should note that similar rumours have never affected his form in the past. |
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Hyypia, Sami - CB (LIV)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Hyypia has been called up to the Liverpool squad for the game against Tottenham on Sunday and is expected to make a substitute's appearance in what will be his final match for the club. The Finn is joining Bayer Leverkusen. |
| Analysis: Given that he is hardly featured for the first team of late, Hyypia's appearance is unlikely to much longer than is necessary for him to bid farewell to the Liverpool fans after ten years at the club. |
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Coloccini, Fabricio - CB, CM (NEW)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Coloccini could earn a recall to centre of Newcastle's defence for their final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday as Sebastien Bassong is suspended and Habib Beye is injured. |
| Analysis: Coloccini lost the confidence of Alan Shearer very quickly into his reign as Newcastle manager. Shearer must hope that, in turn, has not significantly damaged the Argentinian's self-esteem. Either way, given his several uncertain performances before being dropped, PTG managers would take a big risk by also calling up the defender. |
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Taylor, Ryan - LM, RB (NEW)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Taylor is a stong contender to win a place in Newcastle's back four against Aston Villa on Sunday as Sebastien Bassong and Habib Beye, their first-choice defenders, are both missing. |
| Analysis: The most likely line-up will see Taylor slot in at right back, where he could face Ashley Young, the Villa winger who is expected to shake off a calf problem. The Newcastle player could then face a difficult afternoon. |
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Owen, Michael - FOR (NEW)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Owen has spent the past week trying to overcome a groin problem and will return to full training tomorrow in the hope of proving his fitness for Sunday's game away to Aston Villa. |
| Analysis: Alan Shearer did not sound optimistic about the forward's chances of being available to start the game. "I'm hopeful he can play some part," the Newcastle manager said. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Jones says he is more likely to score as the lone frontman in Sunderland's new 4-5-1 formation. "I've been seeing the ball a bit more," he said. "I went through a period when I wasn't getting any chances." |
| Analysis: The forward may have had more goalscoring opportunities but he has converted only one - against Portsmouth on Monday - since Ricky Sbragia deployed the alternate system. |
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Malbranque, Steed - LM, RM (SUN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Malbranque suffered three minor injuries in the defeat by Portsmouth on Monday but is expected to be fit to face Chelsea on Sunday. Ricky Sbragia, the Sunderland manager, said: "Steed has had a little problem with his hip, ankle and knee but he should be OK." |
| Analysis: Sunderland will be fighting to preserve their Premier League status at the Stadium of Light, and Malbranque has more freedom to attack in his side's new 4-5-1 formation. He could struggle, however, to penetrate a solid Chelsea defence. |
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Collins, Danny - CB, LB (SUN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Collins has been named as Sunderland's player of the year, fitting reward for his consistency and effort in a difficult season for the club. |
| Analysis: Ironically, he could find his place under threat on Sunday for the game at home to Chelsea as Ricky Sbragia has suggested George McCartney could return to the starting line-up, having recovered from injury. None of the Sunderland defence impressed in their most recent game against Portsmouth but, given that Collins has been playing in McCartney's best position of left back, he must be among a strong candidate to step aside. |
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Woodgate, Jonathan - CB (TOT)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Jonathan Woodgate will have a late fitness test to determine whether he will play for Spurs at Liverpool. |
| Analysis: He's rated a no more than 50-50, so bear that in mind if you're looking to pick up some last-minute points. |
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Assou-Ekotto, Benoit - LB (TOT)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Benoit Assou-Ekotto will have a late fitness test to determine whether he will play the final match of the season at Anfield. |
| Analysis: If not, it looks like it will be Gareth Bale, ruining any outside chance Spurs had of winning. |
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Lennon, Aaron - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Aaron Lennon is still injured and will miss Tottenham's final game of the season. |
| Analysis: A shame for all fans of nippy wingers with dubious end products. But all in all, this has been a good season for Lennon. |
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Robinho - FOR, LM, RM (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Robinho is still suffering from a groin problem and may miss the final game of the season at Eastlands. |
| Analysis: Despite never quite living up to billing, Robinho has found the net 14 times in the league this year and is by far City's most effective striker. He'll be missed if he isn't fit to face Bolton. |
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Zabaleta, Pablo - CM, LB, RB, RM (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Pablo Zabaleta will be hoping for a recall to the City starting XI for the meaningless match against Bolton on Saturday. |
| Analysis: He came on as a sub in the meaningful match against Tottenham, but could pick up a few points if he gets the nod against the Trotters. |
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Caicedo, Felipe Salvador - FOR (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Felipe Caicedo was given a starting place for Manchester City after the recent injuries to Robinho, Craig Bellamy et al. |
| Analysis: Caicedo didn't exactly set the world alight after he was given his chance but he's another one for the future. |
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Bridge, Wayne - LB (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Wayne Bridge has made the left-back spot at Manchester City his own and will play the final game of the season against Bolton in that spot. |
| Analysis: As expected after such a big money move, Bridge has been the go-to guy for Mark Hughes. He'll surely pick up some points this weekend too. |
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Ball, Michael - LB (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Michael Ball seems likely to leave Manchester City in the summer after falling far down the pecking order for a first-team role. |
| Analysis: He's been a good enough servant but his time is probably up. Oh, and he probably won't play against Bolton on Saturday either. |
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Bojinov, Valeri - FOR (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Valeri Bojinov scored an excellent goal for Manchester City in their match against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. |
| Analysis: Despite losing much of the season to injury, Bojinov has again battled back to fitness and showed what he can do. Definitely one to look out for, provided he is not in the treatment room. |
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Wright-Phillips, Shaun - FOR, CM, LM, RM (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Shaun Wright-Phillips has been ruled out of England's two upcoming internationals, meaning he'll also be unavailable for Manchester City's final game of the season. |
| Analysis: A shame for all managers -- Fabio Capello, Mark Hughes and any fantasy bosses -- but Wright-Phillips' season is done. |
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Blumer, Elano - FOR, CM, LM, RB, RM (MCY)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Elano should be fit to play Bolton in Manchester City's final game of the season. |
| Analysis: He was forced off at Spurs after taking one in the eye -- a finger, that is -- but his vision has cleared and he should be fit for Saturday. |
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Drogba, Didier - FOR (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Drogba has been charged with improper conduct by Uefa for his behaviour towards the referee of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona. |
| Analysis: The case will be heard on June 17 and Drogba faces a fine and probable European ban of a few matches, though whether he's at Chelsea next season is debatable anyway. |
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Bosingwa, Jose - LB, RB (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Bosingwa has been charged with insulting the referee of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg exit to Barcelona and will deal with the case on June 17. |
| Analysis: Bosingwa implied Tom Henning was a "thief" in comments to a TV station afterwards. He faces a fine and perhaps a European ban of a couple of games. |
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Deco - FOR, CM, LM (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Deco has recovered from his hamstring injury and is in contention to face Sunderland. |
| Analysis: You'd have to figure he'll be on the bench, unless Guus Hiddink feels really sympathetic towards the Wearsiders. Deco has not played since April 11 and has been a major fantasy flop. |
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Carvalho, Ricardo - CB (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The oft-injured defender is in contention for a starting place in the final game of the season, against Sunderland. |
| Analysis: He could replace Alex. Injuries have made Carvalho a fantasy disappointment this year. |
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Ballack, Michael - CM (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Ballack is expected to start against Sunderland after recovering from illness. |
| Analysis: Even better for the German, he's somehow escaped Uefa censure for harassing the referee in the Barcelona game. |
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Barmby, Nick - FOR, CM, LM (HUL)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Nick Barmby should be in the Hull starting line-up to face Manchester United this weekend, depsite being substituted last week against Bolton. |
| Analysis: Tigers' boss Phil Brown has been singing Barmby's praises and has called on the 35-year-old to provide the experience and calm needed to guide the club to safety. |
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Folan, Caleb - FOR (HUL)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Caeb Folan returns from suspension and should feature in the Hull squad to face Manchester United on Sunday. |
| Analysis: With Manucho ineligible for the game, Folan is vying with Daniel Cousin for a place in the starting line-up but has been warned by Brown that he must keep his head. Expect Folan to be warming the bench. |
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Behrami, Valon - LM, RB, RM (WHM)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The West Ham official website reports that Behrami is targeting mid-August for his return from his cruciate ligament injury. |
| Analysis: That is slightly ahead of the original schedule. |
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Dyer, Kieron - FOR, CM, RM (WHM)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Dyer is back in training and in contention for a place to face Middlesbrough in the season finale on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He may be worth taking a flier on late on next term if he has a strong and injury-free pre-season. |
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Gabbidon, Danny - CB (WHM)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Gabbidon has returned to full training this week after his long-term injury. |
| Analysis: He won't be available for the final game against Middlesbrough but this is good news as regards next season. |
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Sears, Freddie - FOR (WHM)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Sears could go on loan to Crystal Palace next season to gain first-team experience. |
| Analysis: He hasn't scored this season and has had few opportunities. |
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Anelka, Nicolas - FOR (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Anelka will be looking for a goal on Sunday that could see him finish above Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Premier League golden boot. The pair are tied on 18 league goals. |
| Analysis: He's been used less, and scored less, since Didier Drogba returned to form and fitness, but you'd want Anelka in your starting line-up against the hapless Black Cats. |
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Cole, Ashley - LB (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Cole has been named Chelsea's players' player of the year for 2009. |
| Analysis: He's been decent enough, but hardly outstanding, and the fantasy frustration is how little he contributes going forward, given how adventurous he was in his Arsenal days. |
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Lampard, Frank - CM (CHE)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The midfielder has been named the club's player of the year for a record third time. The previous two were in 2004 and 2005. |
| Analysis: It's well deserved, as Lampard has had another excellent year, as his fantasy owners know well. But there aren't too many other Chelsea players who can honestly say they've played to their maximum all year. |
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Zaki, Amr - FOR (WIG)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The striker has returned to Egypt after Steve Bruce, the Wigan manager, opted not to make Zaki's loan deal permanent. |
| Analysis: The final chapter in the sad tale that is "Amr Zaki and Wigan: Where did it all go wrong?" |
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Agger, Daniel - CB, LB (LIV)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Agger will be hopeful of retaining his place in the centre of Liverpool's defence against Tottenham on Sunday, having impressed since he displace Martin Skrtel in the starting line-up. |
| Analysis: He will face a Tottenham attack deprived of probably its most dangerous attacking player in Aaron Lennon, who is injured. However, Harry Redknapp's men are chasing a place in the Europa League and should still be fully motivated. |
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Beye, Habib - CB, RB (NEW)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Beye has failed to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham last weekend and will miss Newcastle's final game of the season away to Aston Villa on Sunday. |
| Analysis: Alan Shearer said: "He's been fantastic for me but we've got other players who will come in and we'll be looking for them to do a job." Most likely to step up is Ryan Taylor, a decent replacement, even if he is best in midfield. |
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Jose Enrique - LB (NEW)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Enrique has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the past three weeks and returned to full training with a view to playing against Chelsea on Sunday. |
| Analysis: With the defenders Habib Beye and Sebastien Bassong unavailable to him, Alan Shearer desperately needs the Spanish full back to be fit. "He will train again over the weekend and, if there is no reaction, will be in the squad," the Newcastle manager said. He's likely to be in the team, too. |
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Richardson, Kieran - FOR, CM, LM, RM (SUN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Sbragia has identified Richardson as critical to the success of his new system of selecting Kenwyne Jones alone in attack in front of a five-man midfield. The Sunderland manager said: "The biggest thing is that Kieron is giving Kenwyne good support and is getting into the box." |
| Analysis: Even in a struggling Sunderland side, Richardson was a useful PTG midfielder, but this more attacking role makes him an even better asset. |
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Cisse, Djibril - FOR (SUN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia is expected to re-deploy his new 4-5-1 system against Chelsea on Sunday, leaving Cisse on the bench again. |
| Analysis: The Frenchman has looked dangerous as an impact substitute recently, but that shouldn't persuade PTG managers to select him. |
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Manucho, Mateus Alberto - FOR (MAN)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: Mateus Manucho is ineligible for Hull's do-or-die clash with Manchester United. |
| Analysis: The Angolan forward is on loan from United and cannot appear against his parent club. Remember not to select him for Sunday. |
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Kirkland, Chris - GK (WIG)
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Updated May 22, 2009 |
| News: The goalkeeper is doubtful for Wigan's final match of the season, at home to Portsmouth on Sunday, because of his back injury. Richard Kingson would don the gloves again. |
| Analysis: There is little reason to take a chance on Kirkland given that Wigan have little to play for, which is a belief that seems to have afflicted their players' performances for some weeks now. |
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Bramble, Titus - CB (WIG)
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Updated May 21, 2009 |
| News: The defender, who is on 12 league clean sheets, has won five separate player of the year awards at Wigan's end-of-season ceremony. |
| Analysis: Five player of the year awards? Even Bramble must have been getting bored by the end of a very long evening. |
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Nasri, Samir - FOR, LM, RM (ARS)
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Updated May 21, 2009 |
| News: A knee injury has put Nasri out of Arsenal's final match of the season, at home to Stoke. |
| Analysis: The midfield player ends the season with a highly respectable six goals, two assists and 1,136 successful passes. Expect more in 2009-10. |
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Taylor, Matthew - LB, LM, RM (BOL)
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Updated May 21, 2009 |
| News: The forward heads into the last game of the season in good form after delivering a series of dangerous crosses against Hull last weekend. |
| Analysis: An eleventh league goal of the season against Manchester City on Sunday would come as no surprise. |
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