| PLAYER NEWS |
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Cole, Carlton - FOR (WHM)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: A hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa means that the England striker is a doubt for the match against Everton. |
| Analysis: Watch this situation. Cole is a must-start these days against any opponent if fit. |
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Hines, Zavon - FOR (WHM)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: Hines could start against Everton if Carlton Cole fails a fitness test. |
| Analysis: Hines' performance against Aston Villa deserved the reward of a start. He is living up to our tip as one to watch this season. |
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Piquionne, Frederic - FOR (POR)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: Piquionne has recovered from a neck injurey and should be fit to play in the vital match away to Blackburn. |
| Analysis: He might be worth taking a chance on against a poor Blackburn defence. |
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Finnan, Steve - RB (POR)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: Finnan will miss the Premier League trip to Blackburn on Saturday. The defender is suffering with an abductor muscle problem, |
| Analysis: There are better options at right back. |
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Bullard, Jimmy - CM (HUL)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: Bullard could be in line for his home debut at last in Sunday's game against Stoke. |
| Analysis: Watch this one carefully. Bullard has potential value for the rest of the season. |
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Myhill, Boaz - GK (HUL)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: Myhill will miss the home match against Stoke with a knee injury. |
| Analysis: Not that he was in your squad anyway, we trust ... |
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Geovanni - CM, LM, RM (HUL)
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Updated November 7, 2009 |
| News: The Brazilian will miss the home match against Stoke following his red card at Burnley last week. |
| Analysis: Select accordingly. |
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Anelka, Nicolas - FOR (CHE)
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Updated November 6, 2009 |
| News: Anelka is expected to partner Drogba against Manchester United after starting on the bench against Atletico Madrid |
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Bosingwa, Jose - RB (CHE)
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Updated November 6, 2009 |
| News: Bosingwa is Chelsea's main injury concern ahead of the clash with Manchester United |
| Analysis: Bosingwa could require surgery on his knee and if so face four weeks out |
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Edman, Erik - LB (WIG)
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Updated November 6, 2009 |
| News: Edman could start for Wigan against Fulham as Martinez considers making changes to the side that lost 4-0 to Portsmouth |
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Duff, Damien - LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated November 6, 2009 |
| News: Duff will miss Fulham's trip to Wigan as his Achilles injury has not cleared up |
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Scotland, Jason - FOR (WIG)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: Scotland says he enjoys playing in front of the home crowd at the DW Stadium as they allow the players to express themselves |
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Davies, Simon - CM, RM (FUL)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: Davies could be fit enough to be picked for Fulham's Europa League match against AS Roma |
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Drogba, Didier - FOR (CHE)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: After scoring twice against Atletico, Drogba said Chelsea need to be better when they face United this Sunday |
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Cole, Ashley - LB (CHE)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: Ashley Cole made a solid return for Chelsea against Atletico Madrid |
| Analysis: A good work out ahead of the clash with United |
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Mikel, John Obi - CM (CHE)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: John Obi Mikel hopes to be included in the squad named to face Manchester United this weekend |
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McCarthy, Benni - FOR (BLA)
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Updated November 4, 2009 |
| News: Sam Allardyce has said that he would consider selling Benni McCarthy in the January transfer window if another club meets Blackburn's valuation of the South Africa international. "At his age, I'd understand it if he wants to play first-team football and at the moment he can't get it here," he said. |
| Analysis: McCarthy has started just one match in the league this season, becoming a bit-part player at Ewood Park. |
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Murphy, Danny - CM, LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated November 3, 2009 |
| News: Murphy says he is ahead of schedule in his recovery and aims to feature in Fulham's match against Wigan Athletic on Sunday |
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Melchiot, Mario - CB, RB (WIG)
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Updated November 3, 2009 |
| News: Melchiot has told his team:"We can't continue like this," following Wigan's 4-0 defeat against Portsmouth |
| Analysis: Tricky to know how to handle Wigan players. The team is the yo-yo club of the division in terms of performances |
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Nevland, Erik - FOR (FUL)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Nevland was a super-sub last season and he could be again after he came off the bench to score against Liverpool for his first goal of the campaign |
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Zamora, Bobby - FOR (FUL)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Zamora put in one of his best displays of the season against Liverpool scoring his third league goal of the campaign |
| Analysis: Zamora was providing assists and now he is grabbing goals |
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Cole, Ashley - LB (CHE)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Cole missed the victory over Bolton at the weekend due to a knee injury but has recovered and is in the squad to face Atletico Madrid |
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Samuel, Jlloyd - CB, LB (BOL)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: The defender was sent off for a professional foul on Didier Drogba last Saturday as Bolton crashed 4-0 at home to Chelsea. |
| Analysis: Despite Drogba's flamboyant (as usual) tumble, Samuel can have no complaints. |
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Kovac, Radoslav - CB, CM (WHM)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Kovac - in for the suspended Scott Parker against Sunderland - got himself sent off for two bookable offences. |
| Analysis: He'll miss Wednesday's home clash against Aston Villa. |
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Woodgate, Jonathan - CB (TOT)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Woodgate was on the bench for the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday. |
| Analysis: He'll probably be back in the lineup for the next game as Sebastien Bassong is out for a month. |
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Bassong, Sebastien - CB, LB (TOT)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: The French defender hurt his hamstring at the end of the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal and will be out for a month. |
| Analysis: Jonathan Woodgate is approaching full fitness, fortunately for Spurs. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Jones is facing a three match suspension following his dismissal for violent conduct against West Ham United. |
| Analysis: The striker will miss matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Wigan Athletic. |
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Cana, Lorik - CM (SUN)
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Updated November 2, 2009 |
| News: Cana will miss Saturday's match at Tottenham Hotspur through suspension after being shown the yellow card against West Ham United. |
| Analysis: The captain will only be absent for one match but the number of bookings he is receiving is a source of concern to Steve Bruce. |
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Piquionne, Frederic - FOR (POR)
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Updated October 31, 2009 |
| News: Piquionne kept his place after scoring twice against Stoke City's reserves in the Carling Cup, and scored his first Premier League goal. But he left the field on a stretcher after suffering a head injury. |
| Analysis: Worth keeping on your radar, but nothing more - yet. |
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Dindane, Aruna - FOR (POR)
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Updated October 31, 2009 |
| News: Dindane scored his first Premier League goal against Wigan, followed by his second and third. And he provided an assist for Frederic Piquionne. Shame you didn't have him in your team - but after his previous struggles, why would you? |
| Analysis: Wigan's defence was dreadful - hesitant and disorganized. But there's no arguing with a hat-trick. |
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Diamanti, Alessandro - FOR, LM (WHM)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: Diamanti is hoping to start against Sunderland after changing the game against Arsenal last weekend. |
| Analysis: He's only made four starts this term. |
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Kovac, Radoslav - CB, CM (WHM)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: Kovac will probably come into the side to face Sunderland in place of the suspended Scott Parker. |
| Analysis: Parker has a one-match ban. |
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Parker, Scott - CM (WHM)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: Parker - just back from a ban - misses the game against Sunderland after being sent off against Arsenal last weekend. |
| Analysis: Radoslav Kovac will come in. |
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Scharner, Paul - CB, CM (WIG)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: A hamstring problem could mean that Scharner misses Wigan's match against Portsmouth |
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Murphy, Danny - CM, LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: Murphy's knee injury means he will not be able to face his former club at Craven Cottage on Saturday |
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Mikel, John Obi - CM (CHE)
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Updated October 30, 2009 |
| News: John Obi Mikel will have a late fitness test on his injured ankle ahead of Chelsea's match against Bolton on Saturday |
| Analysis: With no other injury worries it would appear pointless to rush John Obi Mikel back to action |
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Bardsley, Phillip - LB, RB (SUN)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Bardsley has a shoulder injury and the right-back may not be available for the visit of West Ham United to the Stadium of Light on Saturday. |
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McCartney, George - CB, LB (SUN)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: McCartney again found himself limping from the field during the Carling Cup defeat on penalties to Aston Villa. |
| Analysis: Steve Bruce has said that the injury is a "nasty one" and there are fears that the left-back will miss the visit of West Ham United, his former club, to Wearside. |
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Zenden, Boudewijn - CM, LM, RM (SUN)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Zenden has sustained what Steve Bruce referred to as a "nipped hamstring" causing him to miss the Carling Cup defeat to Aston Villa. |
| Analysis: The Dutchman will also be absent for the home games against West Ham on Saturday. |
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Mensah, John - CB (SUN)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Mensah's frustrating absence for Steve Bruce's side is expected to continue for the home match against West Ham. |
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Bent, Darren - FOR (SUN)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Bent trained for the first time on Thursday after sustaining a minor knee problem against Birmingham City |
| Analysis: The England striker is expected to return to the Sunderland game for the home game against West Ham United. |
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King, Marlon - FOR (WIG)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: King has been sacked by Wigan after being sent to prison for 18 months for groping a woman and breaking her nose |
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Figueroa, Maynor - LB (WIG)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: The Honduran will be out for up to seven weeks after a second scan revealed he has a tear in the medial ligament of his left knee |
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Johnson, Eddie - FOR (FUL)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Johnson scored twice for the reserves in their victory over Cardiff but a first team recall still seems unlikely |
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Sturridge, Daniel - FOR (CHE)
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Updated October 29, 2009 |
| News: Carlo Ancelotti said he was happy with Sturridge's performance against Bolton in the Carling Cup but Sturridge did not look happy when substituted having missed two good chances to score |
| Analysis: Sturridge had a opportunity to shine and did not take it |
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Pavlyuchenko, Roman - FOR (TOT)
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Updated October 28, 2009 |
| News: Pavlyuchenko was disappointing as Spurs beat Everton in the League Cup yesterday. |
| Analysis: He's low on confidence and doesn't deserve a place in your squad, let alone line-up. |
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Cole, Carlton - FOR (WHM)
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Updated October 28, 2009 |
| News: Cole scored his fifth league goal of the season as West Ham creditably drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He's already halfway to his total in the league for last term. |
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Bentley, David - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated October 28, 2009 |
| News: Harry Redknapp has told Bentley he could still have a Spurs future after he impressed in the Carling Cup against Everton. |
| Analysis: Bentley's only league action this term has been five minutes as a substitute against Hull. He's not a viable PlayTheGame option at the moment. |
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Elmander, Johan - FOR (BOL)
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Updated October 28, 2009 |
| News: Elmander is set to start against Chelsea in the Carling Cup as he builds to rebuild his fitness. |
| Analysis: He'd been missing with a hamstring strain. |
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Diamanti, Alessandro - FOR, LM (WHM)
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Updated October 27, 2009 |
| News: Diamanti was the definition of an impact substitute in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, his free kick parried for Carlton Cole to net and his penalty kick tying the score. |
| Analysis: An inconsistent player with a struggling team, Diamanti is probably a luxury in a 10-team league - but in larger leagues, he could be a handy man to have around. |
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Green, Robert - GK (WHM)
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Updated October 27, 2009 |
| News: Green rescued a point for West Ham in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal thanks to a stunning late save from Robin Van Persie - bit he had earlier gifted the Holland striker a goal and failed to claim the corner from which William Gallas put Arsenal 2-0 up. |
| Analysis: Green is an England squad regular and one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League but is having a jittery time. Proceed with caution. |
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Greening, Jonathan - CM, RM (FUL)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Greening was as influential in midfield for Fulham as Gareth Barry was for Manchester City on Sunday |
| Analysis: He may not be quite of the calibre of Danny Murphy but Greening made sure Fulham did not miss their captain too badly |
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Duff, Damien - LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Duff has proved an astute signing -despite doubts about his fitness- and scored his second goal for Fulham against Manchester City on Sunday |
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Zamora, Bobby - FOR (FUL)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Roy Hodgson has lamented how pundits will focus on Zamora's dreadful miss on Sunday rather than his overall contribution |
| Analysis: Crass finishing cost fantasy points |
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Samba, Christopher - CB, LB (BLA)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Samba was nowhere to be seen for the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea and it has been speculated that the centre-half might have been diagnosed with swine flu. |
| Analysis: If so, he is unlikely to figure against Peterborough United in the Carling Cup. |
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Dunn, David - FOR, CM (BLA)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Dunn missed the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend with virus-like symptoms and it is thought that the midfield player might have been struck down by swine flu. |
| Analysis: Is unlikely to play against Peterborough United in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, if the tie goes ahead. |
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Bent, Darren - FOR (SUN)
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Updated October 26, 2009 |
| News: Sunderland's top scorer picked up a minor knock during the disappointing defeat to Birmingham City, although he managed to play the full 90 minutes. |
| Analysis: Will the striker be considered for Sunderland's Carling Cup tie against Aston Villa on Tuesday night? |
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Lampard, Frank - CM, LM (CHE)
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Updated October 25, 2009 |
| News: Lampard finally subdued those critics who said he was not operating at the high levels of last season by scoring twice in the defeat of Blackburn |
| Analysis: Lampard will be among the top fantasy performers come the end of the season |
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Cole, Joe - CM, LM, RM (CHE)
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Updated October 25, 2009 |
| News: Cole won plenty of plaudits for his central role against Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea are expected to hold talks with him over an extension to his contract which runs out at the end of the season |
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Rodallega, Hugo - FOR, LM (WIG)
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Updated October 25, 2009 |
| News: Roberto Martinez has praised the Colombian for his "perfect attitude" after Rodallega scored twice in the victory over Burnley |
| Analysis: Is it starting to click at Wigan? If so, expect more goals from Rodallega |
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Altidore, Jozy - FOR (HUL)
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Updated October 24, 2009 |
| News: Altidore was omitted from the squad for the goalless draw against Portsmouth, having arrived late for the game and being dropped by Phil Brown - according to a message posted on Twitter by the United States forward. |
| Analysis: Altidore still has to prove that he is worth a place in the Hull team, never mind your squad. |
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Bullard, Jimmy - CM (HUL)
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Updated October 24, 2009 |
| News: Bullard was a surprise omission from the Hull squad for the goalless draw at home to Portsmouth after feeling the effects of a reserve match against Wigan while trying to improve his fitness following a long injury lay-off. |
| Analysis: Bullard appeared as a substitute away to Fulham on Monday, but should have been wrapped in cotton wool immediately afterwards. Fingers crossed that this is only a temporary setback for a talented player. |
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Myhill, Boaz - GK (HUL)
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Updated October 24, 2009 |
| News: Myhill was busy in the home match against Portsmouth, his save from Aruna Dindane earning a point in a goalless draw. |
| Analysis: The clean sheet was welcome but there won't be many three-point hauls this season. |
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Dindane, Aruna - FOR (POR)
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Updated October 24, 2009 |
| News: After two amazing misses at home to Tottenham last week, Dindane was more accurate away to Hull, forcing Boaz Myhill to save. |
| Analysis: But he still didn't score. Nothing yet to suggest you want him anywhere your squad. |
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Franco di Santo, Franco Matias - FOR (BLA)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Di Santo, who is on loan from Chelsea, will not be eligible to play against his parent club for Blackburn Rovers this weekend. |
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Grella, Vincenzo - CM, RM (BLA)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Still no return date for the midfield player, who will miss Blackburn's fixture against Chelsea with his thigh injury. |
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Chimbonda, Pascal - CB, LB, RB (BLA)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Chimbonda is not expected to be fit for Blackburn's match against Chelsea after sustaining a calf injury, with the Frenchman unable to train this week. |
| Analysis: "I think we have a little bit of a problem with Pascal," Sam Allardyce admitted. |
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Reid, Steven - CM, RM (BLA)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Reid has been included in the Blackburn squad for Saturday's match against Chelsea and Sam Allardyce has expressed his displeasure with Giovanni Trapattoni for his recent comments about the midfield player's injury record. |
| Analysis: Allardyce described the ireland manager's views as ¿disgraceful drivel and nonsense,¿ and has called for him to apologise to Reid. |
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Carvalho, Ricardo - CB (CHE)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Ray Wilkins insists that Carvalho was not dropped for the Champions League fixture midweek, but rested. In that case he should be restored to the Chelsea defence this weekend |
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Parker, Scott - CM (WHM)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Parker returns from his one-match ban to face Arsenal tomorrow. |
| Analysis: No surprise if he picks up another booking against such dangerously fleet-footed opponents. |
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Richardson, Kieran - CM, LB, LM (SUN)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Richardson is again available for Steve Bruce's side after his suspension against Liverpool last weekend and may return to a left-back role, with George McCartney succumbing to illness. |
| Analysis: "Kieran's available again and George struggled last week, so I'll wait and see," Steve Bruce said. |
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Mensah, John - CB (SUN)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: John Mensah will not return to the Sunderland squad for their away match at Birmingham City. |
| Analysis: The defender is still struggling with his calf injury. "The game will come too soon for him," Steve Bruce confirmed. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Jones has returned to training after being stretchered off with an ankle problem in the home game against Liverpool and is expected to be fit for the visit to Birmingham City on Saturday. |
| Analysis: "Kenwyne is okay," Steve Bruce said and the Trinidad and Tobago striker is expected to continue his striking partnership with Darren Bent. |
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Henderson, Jordan - CM, RM (SUN)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Steve Bruce has hinted strongly that Jordan Henderson, the locally-reared youngster, will be the man to benefit from Lee Cattermole's injury-affected absence. |
| Analysis: Henderson has been effective as an impact substitute for Sunderland this season and deserves his chance. "Jordan has nothing to prove. I have the utmost confidence in him," the manager said. |
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Cattermole, Lee - CM, RM (SUN)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Cattermole is expected to be absent for the next three months after sustaining ligament damage during the 1-0 victory over Liverpool. |
| Analysis: The Sunderland midfield player has been in superb from since his transfer from Wigan Athletic and his absence represents a huge blow to the club. |
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O'Brien, Andrew - CB, RB (BOL)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: O'Brien has overcome his groin problem and should be available to play against Everton. |
| Analysis: It could be a good time to face the misfiring Toffees. |
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Kightly, Michael - LM, RM (WOL)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Starting to move back towards top form as his fitness, following the summertime surgery, picks up. Back in the starting line-up. |
| Analysis: A livewire always capable of creating or scoring a goal. |
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Maierhofer, Stefan - FOR (WOL)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Suspended for three matches after his hardsh red card against Everton. |
| Analysis: A nuisance when he gets on the field. |
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Mancienne, Michael - CB (WOL)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: May struggle to regain his place after Ronald Zubar impressed on his debut against Everton but has recovered from a virus that struck him down. |
| Analysis: Has had his jittery moments but has the attributes to become a classy top-flight 'second' central defender in time. |
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Palacios, Wilson - CM (TOT)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Palacios is likely to return to Tottenham's starting line-up for the game against Stoke tomorrow. |
| Analysis: Tom Huddlestone or Niko Kranjcar might make way for him. |
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Crouch, Peter - FOR (TOT)
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Updated October 23, 2009 |
| News: Crouch is very likely to start against Stoke tomorrow as Jermain Defoe is suspended for three matches. |
| Analysis: At last, Crouch is set for a run of games, and you'll want him in your team as he has looked excellent this season. |
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Scharner, Paul - CB, CM (WIG)
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Updated October 21, 2009 |
| News: Scharner has a hip injury. He explained that the problem flared before the match against Manchester City, eased during the warm-up and flared up again during the game. He is hopeful that he will be fit by the weekend |
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Kirkland, Chris - GK (WIG)
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Updated October 21, 2009 |
| News: Kirkland dislocated a finger in the draw with Manchester City but is undergoing tests to see how much damage has been done |
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Murphy, Danny - CM, LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated October 21, 2009 |
| News: A scan has revealed that the knee injury sustained by Murphy in the win against Hull is sufficiently serious for the midfield player to be out for three weeks |
| Analysis: Fulham are less composed without Murphy but it gives Greening a chance to proved doubters wrong |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR (FUL)
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Updated October 21, 2009 |
| News: Johnson has been given an injection to ease his groin strain and is expected to be fit in time for the visit of Liverpool at the end of October |
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Alex - CB (CHE)
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Updated October 19, 2009 |
| News: Alex was on the scoresheet as Chelsea reserves beat West Ham on Monday night |
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Kamara, Diomansy - FOR (FUL)
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Updated October 19, 2009 |
| News: Kamara scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Hull City on Monday night |
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Taylor, Matthew - LB, LM (BOL)
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Updated October 18, 2009 |
| News: Taylor ensured a tense finish at Old Trafford with a 74th-minute header as Bolton went down 2-1 to Manchester United. |
| Analysis: It was the third of the season for this underrated fantasy asset - one of Bolton's few. |
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Defoe, Jermain - FOR (TOT)
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Updated October 18, 2009 |
| News: Defoe claimed his sixth league goal of the season against Portsmouth but was given a straight red for a stamp on Aaron Mokoena. |
| Analysis: Petulance against his former club will cost Defoe a three-match ban for violent conduct - and give Peter Crouch a little run in the team, in all probability. |
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King, Ledley - CB, CM (TOT)
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Updated October 18, 2009 |
| News: King headed Tottenham into the lead from a corner as they ran out 2-1 winners at Fratton Park. |
| Analysis: It was Deadly Ledley's first goal since December 8 last year. |
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Upson, Matthew - CB (WHM)
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Updated October 18, 2009 |
| News: Upson rose to head in for West Ham at the Britannia Stadium but Stoke ran out 2-1 winners. |
| Analysis: It was his second goal of the season. While it's a nice bonus, his fantasy owners have to be worried by West Ham's defensive performances in general. |
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Gardner, Anthony - CB, LB (HUL)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: Gardner, who has been out since August with a knee problem, could come into contention for the visit to Fulham after playing 45 minutes in a reserves friendly this week. |
| Analysis: Hull won the equivalent fixture 1-0 last season. A repeat would make Gardner a valuable free agent signing. Do you feel lucky? |
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Reid, Steven - CM, RM (BLA)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: Reid's troubling knee injury has never quite been right in spite of his limited involvement with Blackburn's first-team this season and the midfield player will again be absent for the game against Burnley. |
| Analysis: Giovanni Trapattoni, the Ireland manager, has cast doubt over whether Reid will fully recover from a problem which has affected him for more than a year. "We hope he comes back, but my opinion is that it's very, very difficult." |
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Samba, Christopher - CB, LB (BLA)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: Samba missed the mauling at Arsenal but is now available for selection for the derby game against Burnley. |
| Analysis: Samba is a good, experienced campaigner to welcome back for such a fiery fixture. |
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Nelsen, Ryan - CB (BLA)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: After missing the Arsenal defeat, Nelsen has proved his fitness and is ready to return to the Blackburn team for the crunch local derby fixture against Burnley. |
| Analysis: Sam Allardyce will be pleased to welcome back his no-nonsense centre-half for such a pivotal parochial fixture. |
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Robinson, Paul - GK (BLA)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: No lasting damage for the Blackburn goalkeeper who is fit and available for the derby match against Burnley. |
| Analysis: Should not be a cause of concern for fantasy managers. |
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Grella, Vincenzo - CM, RM (BLA)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Grella will miss the derby match against Burnley on Sunday after sustaining a thigh injury whilst on international duty. |
| Analysis: Big Sam isn't happy. "He was the one that could have done least with it based on his record since he's been with us, but we have to deal with that unfortunately, we've got no control over our players when they leave on international duty and when you get an injury, particularly like this, you can't really accept it," he said. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated October 17, 2009 |
| News: Another lengthy return from international duty for Jones means that Steve Bruce has a selection decision to make prior to the home game against Liverpool. |
| Analysis: Jones has been playing well alongside Darren Bent, but in similar circumstances the manager has previously started with Fraizer Campbell. |
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Cole, Carlton - FOR (WHM)
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Updated October 16, 2009 |
| News: Cole, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Monday, is expected to make his 100th appearance for West Ham at Stoke. He has eleven goals in his last 19 league appearances dating back to last season. |
| Analysis: The Britannia Stadium is not the most welcoming stadium for visiting attackers, but you would have to have some excellent options to leave Cole out of your team these days. |
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Davenport, Calum - CB (WHM)
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Updated October 16, 2009 |
| News: Davenport has returned to the club after a lengthy lay-off caused by stab wounds suffered in an incident back in August and has been given a light training programme to build up his strength. |
| Analysis: No news of an imminent return and no impact whatever on your PlayTheGame team - but we just thought you'd like to hear the good news. |
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