| PLAYER NEWS |
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Shevchenko, Andriy - FOR (CHE)
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Updated August 7, 2008 |
| News: Shevchenko is thought to be unlikely to start the first game of the season. |
| Analysis: Injured? Inadequate? Or perhaps both. |
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Robinson, Paul - CB, LB (WBA)
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Updated August 7, 2008 |
| News: The £1.5 million rated left-back is interesting Celtic, according to reports. |
| Analysis: With his contract expiring at the end of the season and West Brom in no hurry to renew, he could well be on his way out. |
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Bellamy, Craig - FOR, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated August 7, 2008 |
| News: The hamstrung Bellamy will miss the first month of the season with the injury picked up in a friendly. |
| Analysis: He is "gutted" and so will his owners be. The Wales striker will sit out the Wigan, Man City and Blackburn clashes. After last season's injury nightmare, buyer beware. |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR, LM, RM (EVE)
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Updated August 7, 2008 |
| News: Johnson has finally signed a four-year contract with Fulham after moving from Everton for an undisclosed fee. "There has been a lot of speculation regarding this transfer during the last week, very little of which has had any foundation," Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, said." |
| Analysis: So his knee isn't dodgy, then. Good news for a player who relies on speed for much of his effectiveness. Whether he can form an effective partnership with Bobby Zamora is another question. |
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Petrov, Martin - LM (MCY)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Martin Petrov scored Manchester City's goal in their 1-1 draw with Celtic in a pre-season tournament at Parkhead.` |
| Analysis: Petrov's fine pre-season form continues, and he weighed in with a typically powerful surge into the box and pinpoint finish. Expect many more. |
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Corluka, Vedran - CB, CM, RB (MCY)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Vedran Corluka played the first half of Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Celtic at Parkhead. |
| Analysis: Corluka's appearance at right back was as good a way as any to refute claims that he was in London talking to Tottenham about a move south. |
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Djourou, Johan - CB (ARS)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: The centre back captained Arsenal as they won 2-1 away to Huddersfield Town. |
| Analysis: All of the goals came after the Swiss was substituted in the 65th minute but Djourou will be used to watching the action from afar with William Gallas and Kolo Toure entrenched as Arsenal's first-choice centre backs. |
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Danek, Michal - GK (WBA)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: The goalkeeper is reportedly looking for a way out, having slipped to third choice with the signing of Scott Carson. |
| Analysis: Motherwell are said to be interested. |
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Ballack, Michael - CM (CHE)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Ballack said he has been having extra fitness sessions to get ready for the new season, having returned to training late because of Euro 2008. |
| Analysis: He seems in good and confident shape, with past injury problems behind him, and is poised for an excellent year. |
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Ljungberg, Fredrik - CM, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Ljungberg has agreed a lucrative pay-off, reportedly £6 million, after agreeing to end his West Ham contract. |
| Analysis: It was clear last season that he's only an average Premier League player these days. However, given his wages, transfer fee and pay-off, he's cost West Ham about £13 million for 25 games. One of the worst signings in history, then. The word is that he may move abroad. |
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Prica, Rade - FOR (SUN)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Roy Keane has confirmed that the club are in negotations with several Scandinavian clubs with a view to selling Prica. |
| Analysis: The Sweden forward has stared only 14 games on Wearside since he signed in January. Today's news confirms he does not have a future with the club's first team. |
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Chopra, Michael - FOR (SUN)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: The Sunderland manager Roy Keane has dismissed reports that Hull City have made a bid for Chopra. |
| Analysis: Keane did not, however, go as far as to say he wants Chopra to stay at the club. Which is not a great suprise, given that the arrival of El-Hadji Diouf and possibly one more forward could limit Chopra's first-team opportunities. a player to be avoided, for the moment. |
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Smith, Alan - FOR, CM, LM, RM (NEW)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Smith has been linked with a surprise move to Everton after reports emerged that Kevin Keegan is prepared to sell the forward. |
| Analysis: Keegan's squad lacks depth and Smith is unlikely to command a significant transfer fee - reports suggest anything between £1.5-£4.5m - but no goals in 33 appearances for the Tyneside club may have persuaded them to cash in. It might also warn PTG managers against drafting the forward. |
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Jose Enrique - LB (NEW)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Enrique insists he will make the Newcastle left back position his own this season despite reports that the club hope to sign another full back. |
| Analysis: The Spaniard started regularly under Keegan but reports leaking out from St James' Park suggest the management remain uncertain about his talent. Best avoid him for now. |
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Beye, Habib - CB, RB (NEW)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Beye has recovered from an Achilles injury and will make his first appearance in Newcastle's pre-season campaign against PSV Eindhoven. |
| Analysis: The Sengalese defender only started full training last Thursday, so could struggle to be fit for the start of the season. If he can repeat his form of last season, though, he could be a decent PTG acquisition. |
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Skrtel, Martin - CB (LIV)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Skrtel picked up a groin strain during the victory over Rangers in a pre-season friendly and is likely to miss Friday's match against Lazio. |
| Analysis: The Slovak is expected to be fit for the Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege next week, so is should be available for the start of the season. Whether he will be in the first team then remains to be seen. |
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Mascherano, Javier - CM (LIV)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Mascherano could return from the Olympics early along with his team-mate Ryan Babel after the Court of Arbitration for Sports ruled that clubs can keep players back from the Games. |
| Analysis: With Steven Gerrard struggling with an injury and the Gareth Barry deal still undecided, Rafael Benitez is short on midfielders for the start of the season. He is certain to want the Argentinian back at Anfield as soon as possible. |
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Babel, Ryan - FOR, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Babel could return from the Olympics early and in time for the start of the Premier League season after the Court of Arbitration for Sports ruled that clubs can withhold players from the Games. |
| Analysis: Rafael Benitez has long complained about having to let his players go to Beijing so, with Steven Gerrard struggling with an injury and the Gareth Barry deal still undecided, he is certain to consider calling Babel back. |
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Pennant, Jermaine - RM (LIV)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: West Ham United have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Pennant. |
| Analysis: Apparently, Alan Curbishley believes he can beat Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign the £7million-rated winger. Whatever happens, Pennant seems likely to leave Anfield. Best wait for developments for making a decision on him. |
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Johnson, Glen - RB (POR)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Johnson scored in the 4-0 victory away to Havant & Waterlooville. |
| Analysis: This was a reminder that Johnson was Portsmouth's main attacking threat down the right for much of last season, although with Glen Little now available to cover John Utaka's inconsistency, that may change in 2008-09. |
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Sahar, Ben - FOR, LM, RM (POR)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: The teenage striker on loan from Chelsea scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Havant & Waterlooville, his second and third goals in his past two matches. |
| Analysis: Injuries to Kanu and David Nugent mean that Sahar and John Utaka are Portsmouth's back-up strikeforce, although Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch will start most Premier League games - fitness permitting. |
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Ashton, Dean - FOR (WHM)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Tottenham have denied making a £15 million bid for the striker. |
| Analysis: It's unlikely that West Ham would sell to local rival anyway, though every man has his price. A fit Ashton could be a real asset. |
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Jones, Kenwyne - FOR (SUN)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Sunderland have confirmed that Jones will miss the first two months of the season to allow him to recover from knee surgery. |
| Analysis: They had feared he could be out until Christmas, so this represents good news for the Wearside club. It might also persuade PTG managers to have him in reserve ready for his return. Given the number of players Sunderland have bought in pre-season, the forward should get more goalscoring opportunities this season. |
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Gerrard, Steven - FOR, CM, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated August 6, 2008 |
| News: Gerrard had to be substituted before half-time in Liverpool's victory over Valerenga after suffering a thigh strain. |
| Analysis: Liverpool expect him to miss only a week of action so, though he could miss next week's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege, he should be fit for the start of the Premier League season. |
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Zaki, Amr - FOR (WIG)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Zaki scored his second goal in as many pre-season games as Wigan won 1-0 away to Hibernian. The forward started the match but was taken off immediately after the goal, in the 69th minute. |
| Analysis: Zaki will sneak under the radar at many PlayTheGame player allocations but he is increasingly looking like an interesting late-round acquisition. Keep him in your sights. |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR, LM, RM (EVE)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: The forward's move to Fulham is expected to be finalised on Wednesday after a restructuring of the fee in light of Fulham's concerns over an old knee injury. |
| Analysis: Johnson's fantasy stock will rise, but be warned, he joins an attack that scored only 38 goals in as many games last season. |
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Yobo, Joseph - CB (EVE)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Yobo believes he will be fit for the Barclays Premier League kick-off despite a turbulent close season in which his brother was kidnapped - and released - in his home land of Nigeria. The centre back also played five internationals in the summer. "I didnżt really have a proper rest but I feel Iżll be ready for the new season," Yobo, who played 45 minutes of Everton's 2-1 victory against Colorado Rapids last Sunday, said. "I'm not too worried." |
| Analysis: Phil Jagielka has played every minute of pre-season so it looks like Joleon Lescott would have to be shuffled over to left back for Yobo to show his fitness as part of a starting line-up. |
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Ayegbeni, Yakubu - FOR (EVE)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: The forward has been named in Ngeria's squad for a World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifying match against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on September 6. |
| Analysis: That Saturday is an international break so Yakubu's services won't be lost for his fantasy owners. |
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Bojinov, Valeri - FOR (MCY)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Bojinov has been handed the No 9 shirt for the new season from Mark Hughes, the manager. |
| Analysis: The No 9 is the most-coveted shirt for any striker and provided he stays fit, Bojinev will be hoping to prove he's worth it this season. |
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Hart, Joe - GK (MCY)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Joe Hart has been given the No 1 shirt for Manchester City, taking over from Andreas Isaksson. |
| Analysis: This definitely counts as a promotion for Hart, who becomes City's confirmed first-choice goalkeeper. This could be a major season for the young Englishman, with international honours likely to follow too. |
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Berbatov, Dimitar - FOR (TOT)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Tottenham are rumoured to be preparing a bid for David Villa, the Spain forward, and will finance the club-record move by selling Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United. |
| Analysis: Berbatov to United is about as tedious as Barry to Liverpool. But it's easier for PlayTheGame managers: the Bulgarian will score goals wherever he is playing, just so long as he is. |
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Bellamy, Craig - FOR, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Bellamy was involved in an altercation with a fan at Ipswich after he left the field having been substituted because of injury during a friendly yesterday. |
| Analysis: They're not big fans of ex-Norwich players at Portman Road. More concerning is Bellamy's injury. We await word on how serious it is, but it means fantasy owners should approach with caution given his recent history. He kicked an advertising hoarding in frustration, suggesting it might be a recurrence of his groin problem. Or else the Wales striker vehemently disapproves of football's marketing and sponsorship culture. |
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Diop, Papa Bouba - CM (POR)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Diop started in a below-strength Portsmouth side in the friendly match away to Oxford United and opened the scoring in a 2-1 win with a finish from close range. |
| Analysis: Being omitted from the FA Cup Final side was probably a sign that Diop will not be an automatic selection this season, despite a good performance at the Kassam Stadium. |
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Diarra, Lassana - CM (POR)
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Updated August 5, 2008 |
| News: Diarra was substituted as a precaution after a heavy challenge during the friendly match with Oxford United. "Lassana got a bit of a knock but he'll be all right," Joe Jordan, the coach, said. "It was a bit of a crazy tackle but he managed to get out the way and just got clipped." |
| Analysis: Diarra will be an energetic and creative presence at the heart of Portsmouth's midfield this season, and will be doing his best to impress. Impress bigger clubs, that is - but why worry if it helps your fantasy team? |
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Drogba, Didier - FOR (CHE)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Drogba is expected to miss at least the first two games of the season because he has not fully recovered from a knee injury. |
| Analysis: It looks like he's staying put at Chelsea - who would want to spend big money on a 30-year-old with a persistent knee problem? How much this issue will affect his performances when he does return remains to be seen. |
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Schmeichel, Kasper - (MCY)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Kaspar Schmeichel played all of City's pre-season friendly against Stockport County at the weekend. |
| Analysis: Good to see the young Dane get a game, but he'll be on the bench at best by the time there are real points at stake. |
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Ben Haim, Tal - CB, RB (MCY)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Tal Ben Haim started City's pre-season friendly against Stockport County, his first match in the Sky Blue. |
| Analysis: And, by all accounts, it was a solid debut from a player who perhaps hasn't had the chance to show what he can do in the English top flight. |
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Guzan, Brad - (AST)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Brad Guzan is part of the American Olympic football team competing in the Beijing Olympics. |
| Analysis: He won't be back for the start of the season, so think about dropping him down the rankings. Second-choice anyway, Guzan shouldn't feature too prominently in many sides this pre-season. |
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Sidwell, Steve - CM (AST)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Steve Sidwell could miss the start of the season after picking up a calf injury in training. |
| Analysis: Sidwell is a player who has a lot to prove after his disastrous spell at Chelsea, but he'll have to wait a couple of extra weeks to start proving those detractors wrong. |
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Friedel, Brad - GK (AST)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Brad Friedel saved a penalty as Villa managed a 1-1 draw with Reading in a pre-season friendly at the Madjeski Stadium. |
| Analysis: A decent start for Friedel on his club debut, and no one will be surprised. Provided he can remain evergreen, the veteran will be a good signing for Villa. |
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Hutton, Alan - CB, RB (TOT)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Alan Hutton has missed all of Tottenham's pre-season campaign and is rumoured to be a good four weeks away from full fitness. |
| Analysis: He's a first choice at right-back for Spurs, but has a mystery injury at the moment and may miss the start of the season. Will that be reason enough to drop him down your rankings? |
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dos Santos, Giovani - FOR, LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Dos Santos scored his first goal in Tottenham colours during the 3-0 victory over Borussia ortmund in the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament in Holland. |
| Analysis: With Tottenham strikers leaving in their droves, Dos Santos could see a lot of action in his first season at Tottenham. And if he lives up to his early season promise, he could be an excellent prospect. |
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O'Hara, Jamie - CM, LB, LM (TOT)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Jamie O'Hara scored Tottenham's third goal during a 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament at the weekend. |
| Analysis: O'Hara won't be a guaranteed first choice, but weighed in with a couple of goals last season and is showing sufficient confidence to do a job when it is demanded by the manager. |
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Kranjcar, Niko - CM, LM (POR)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, says that Kranjcar could become one of the top performers in the top flight. "I think he's got the capability to be a full force in the Premier League." |
| Analysis: Sounds like Harry has received an offer and is trying to bump up the price. "I don't want to sell him, I've no intention. This is a player who can be absolutely massive for us." That's definite, then. |
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Ki Hyeon, Seol - LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: The Korea wide man played alongside Bobby Zamora as a forward in the 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly away to Birmingham City. |
| Analysis: Ki-Hyeon was a valuable contributor at Reading, but a bit-part player after his move to Fulham. Hard to see much change, if any, this time round. |
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Bojinov, Valeri - FOR (MCY)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Bojinov took mere minutes to get back into the goalscoring ways after a year out of action when he netted City's first equaliser in their 2-2 pre-season draw against Stockport County. |
| Analysis: "It was crucial for me to play and to score," said Bojinov, who has endured a wretched time since joining City. Will it be the first of many? |
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Gomes, Heurelho - GK (TOT)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Gomes kept a clean sheet as Tottenham won the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament in Holland by beating Borussia Dortmund 3-0. |
| Analysis: He'll have tougher days in the Premier League, but he kept an extraordinary number of clean sheets for PSV Eindhoven and could sure up Tottenham's notoriously porous defence. |
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Jenas, Jermaine - CM, RM (TOT)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: Jermaine Jenas captained Tottenham in their 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament in Holland. |
| Analysis: With Robbie Keane departed and Ledley King still not fit enough to play every match, Jenas is Tottenham's captain-elect. A confidence player, this might be just the boost he needs. |
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Osman, Leon - LM, RM (EVE)
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Updated August 4, 2008 |
| News: A six-yard finish from Osman with three minutes remaining gave Everton a 2-1 victory against Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The midfield player was making his first start of the season. |
| Analysis: That the game was played at a stadium going by the name of Dick's Sporting Goods Park casts some doubt over the fantasy significance of a player's performance. Astute managers will know that the only park at which the solid Osman can be judged is Goodison. |
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Zaki, Amr - FOR (WIG)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: The Egypt forward slotted in a last-minute winner as Wigan won 3-2 away to Sheffield Wednesday. Zaki came on as a 58th-minute substitute for Marlon King. |
| Analysis: With King still at the club despite Hull City's best efforts and Emile Heskey and Henri Camara providing competition up front, Zaki faces a battle to win a regular place. However, the 25-year-old has made an impressive start to his quest. |
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Vaughan, James - FOR (EVE)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: The forward has expressed remorse over the challenge on Daniel Woolard that led to his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat by the Chicago Fire. "I ended up mistiming it and going over the ball with two feet," Vaughan said. "It was an accident and there was nothing malicious in it. I am just glad I didn't seriously hurt the player." |
| Analysis: This isn't Vaughan's game and it is even more of a pity that he didn't play every minute available to him given that shoulder and knee injuries derailed his 2007-08 campaign. Hopefully a lesson learnt. |
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Adebayor, Emmanuel - FOR (ARS)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: The forward missed a last-minute chance to equalise in Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Juventus in the Emirates Cup, after coming on at half-time. |
| Analysis: Arsene Wenger reiterated Adebayor's commitment to the club after the game, a day on from the Togolese's declaration that he would sign a new contract with Arsenal. The only doubts over Adebayor's fantasy worth - his Premier League future - appear to have been allayed. |
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Cook, Lee - (FUL)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Cook has joined QPR on a season-long loan just a year after leaving Loftus Road. The winger joined Fulham for £2.5million in July 2007 but was allowed to join Charlton on loan in January. |
| Analysis: Cook is a talented player who is entitled to feel that he has never been given a proper chance at Craven Cottage. |
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Davies, Simon - CM, RM (FUL)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Davies put Fulham ahead in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham City at St Andrews, picking up a stray pass, charging forwar 40 yards and beating Maik Taylor. |
| Analysis: If Davies continues to get playing time, his crosses could be a useful source of assists, and he is capable of scoring his fair share of goals, as this effort shows. |
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Etuhu, Dickson - CM (SUN)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Rangers are considering a bid for Etuhu, with reports suggest Sunderland are willing to sell him for £3m. |
| Analysis: The Scottish club apparently value the midfielder at £1.5m. Whatever happens, with a glut of new midfielders at the Stadium of Light, Etuhu is unlikely to feature much for the first team this season. |
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Leadbitter, Grant - CM (SUN)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Leadbitter signed a new contract this summer keeping him at Sunderland at 2011. |
| Analysis: He will face fierce competition for a first-team place now that Roy Keane has signed Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio and El-Hadji Diouf. Best wait to see Keane's early selections before considering the young Englishman |
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Ameobi, Shola - (NEW)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Amoebi limped out of Newcastle's 1-0 pre-season defeat by Hertha Berlin with a tight hamstring and faces ten days out. |
| Analysis: The forward could have been challenging for a first-team place before this happened, as Michael Owen and Mark Viduka are injured. But he remains available to any club prepared to pay a reported £3m. Best you avoided him. |
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Martins, Obafemi - FOR (NEW)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Martins flew home to Nigeria last week after the sudden death of his mother in Lagos. |
| Analysis: The forward was extremely close to his mother but turned down Kevin Keegan's offer of extended compassionate leave and joined the club on a pre-season training camp in Mallorca. |
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Plessis, Damien - CM (LIV)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Plessis says he hopes to be given more first-team opportunities this season than he had in the last. |
| Analysis: The 20-year-old played only twice for the first team in 2007-08 but Rafael Benitez has praised him and expects him to make the step up to the seniors. Probably too early to promote him in your ratings, though. |
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Alonso, Xabi - CM (LIV)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Luis Aragones, the former Spain manager in charge of Fenebahce, has offered Liverpool £13 million for Alonso. |
| Analysis: The midfielder does not want to leave Anfield but reports suggest the board need the money from his potential sale. Whether the Turkish side can afford to go to the £16.5 million asking price remains to be seen, though. |
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Faye, Abdoulaye - CB, CM (NEW)
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Updated August 2, 2008 |
| News: Faye is expected to return to full training early next week after recovering from a calf injury. |
| Analysis: Expect the Senegal international to be close to a first-team start if he proves his fitness by the start of the season. |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR, LM, RM (EVE)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Johnson's move to Fulham has hit a snag. His medical is reported to have shown up an old knee injury which has raised concerns with the London club, who are understood to be keen to renegotiate terms of payment to Everton. |
| Analysis: Johnson's value will be higher if he is at Craven Cottage rather than on Everrton's bench, so let's hope the deal eventually goes through. |
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Barry, Gareth - CM, LM (AST)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Despite reports to the contrary, Gareth Barry might yet move to Livepool from Aston Villa. |
| Analysis: Who knows and, frankly, who cares any more? This is one of the most tedious transfer sagas in recent memory. |
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Davies, Curtis - CB (AST)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Curtis Davies "stunned" doctors by playing 60 minutes of a pre-season friendly against Notts County, demonstrating that he has recovered from an Achilles injury two months earlier than expected. |
| Analysis: Maybe he'll be fit for the start of the season? Excellent news, if so, because Villa will be looking to Davies to replace the departed Olof Mellberg. Keep monitoring the situation before finalising your rankings. |
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Sturridge, Daniel - FOR (MCY)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Sturridge started the match between City and EB Streymur in the Uefa Cup qualifying rounds, playing 70 minutes before being replaced . |
| Analysis: And he was lively. Sturridge looked excellent when he broke through last season, and while he's not going to start all matches this year, he's one to watch for the future. |
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Vassell, Darius - FOR, LM, RM (MCY)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Darius Vassell scored the second goal in City's 2-0 home victory over EB Streymur in the qualifying rounds of the Uefa Cup. |
| Analysis: Vassell may be getting on but he's still got it. Probably not sharp enough to lead the line, but can still wade in with the occasional goal. |
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Petrov, Martin - LM (MCY)
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Updated August 1, 2008 |
| News: Petrov scored one goal, hit the post and went close on another couple of occasions as Manchester City progressed comfortably in the Uefa Cup qualifying rounds. |
| Analysis: More great stuff from Petrov, who seems to be starting this (pre-)season as he started the last. Get him high in the rankings: he's a class act. |
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Barton, Joey - (NEW)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: The FA has charged Barton with violent conduct for his assault on Ousmane Dabo, a former Manchester City team-mate. |
| Analysis: He must await his punishment and could face a suspension. Newcastle are supporting him, best if you didn't. |
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Fulop, Marton - GK (SUN)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Fulop's transfer to Stoke City has fallen through after a disagrement in negotiations. The newly promoted club have signed Thomas Sorensen instead. |
| Analysis: Keane called Stoke's conduct "a disgrace" because they were so unwilling to budge on their offer. He also insisted that he rated Fulop highly. Don't expect him to choose him ahead of Craig Gordon, though. |
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Wallace, Ross - (SUN)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Wallace has been loaned out to Preston North End for the season. |
| Analysis: No surprise there. Wallace was transfer-listed in the summer, and was unlikely to break into the Sunderland first-team with Roy Keane signing high-profile reinforcements. |
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Murphy, Daryl - FOR, LM (SUN)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Murphy has signed a one-year extension to his five-year contract, keeping him at Sunderland until 2012. |
| Analysis: Encouraging news for the Irishman with Roy Keane rumoured to be interested in signing a striker. It is hard, though, to see the 25-year-old playing more than a fringe role again this eason. |
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Pennant, Jermaine - RM (LIV)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Pennant has been linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers despite having insisted that he wants to stay at Liverpool. |
| Analysis: The Blackburn manager Paul Ince says: We'll be filling David Bentley's boots with a player of equal quality." Pennant fits that description, and is likely to make more first-team appearances at Ewood Park than he would at Anfield, making him a more profitable PTFG contributor. |
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Babel, Ryan - FOR, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Babel has returned from injury earlier than expected and impressed in Holland's 2-0 victory over Cameroon, a warm-up for their Olympic campaign. |
| Analysis: A mixed blessing for Liverpool. Rafael Benitez had hoped Babel would miss the Games, but will be pleased he has found form quickly. Worth ranking highly once he returns from Beijing. |
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Vassell, Darius - FOR, LM, RM (MCY)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: With Jo away on international duty, Darius Vassell will lead the line in Manchester City's Uefa Cup qualifying round match against EB Streymur. |
| Analysis: Good for confidence building if he can score a couple, but pre-season matches can often do more damage than good and players will be keen not to pick up knocks. |
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Ben Haim, Tal - CB, RB (MCY)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Tal Ben Haim will be in competition with Micah Richards, Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuoha for a centre-back berth. |
| Analysis: Those three are not quite John Terry, Ricardo Carvahlo and Alex, but Ben Haim might not necessarily cruise straight into the Man City first team. |
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Owen, Michael - FOR (NEW)
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Updated July 31, 2008 |
| News: Owen has not flown to Mallorca for Newcastle's pre-season tour due to a calf strain. |
| Analysis: Kevin Keegan would not say how long he expects the forward to be out, but insisted that it was only a minor problem. Even if he makes the start of the season, though, that does not bode well given his recent problems with injuries. Consider him with caution. |
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Stoor, Fredrik - RB (FUL)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Stoor, 24, the Sweden defender, has joined Fulham from Rosenborg on a four-year deal for £2 million. "He is a player I have followed for some time through my contacts with the Swedish national team," Roy Hodgson, the manager, said. "We decided that this was the player for us at right back." |
| Analysis: Hodgson's remarks indicate that Stoor will be first choice despite the signing last week of John Paintsil from West Ham United. |
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Barry, Gareth - CM, LM (AST)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Gareth Barry will remain a Villa player for the forthcoming season after Liverpool and Aston Villa could not agree a transfer. |
| Analysis: Good news for PlayTheGame managers: Barry is a first-team regular at Villa, as well as the penalty taker, so keep him high in the rankings. |
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Lennon, Aaron - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Aaron Lennon responded in the best fashion to the arrival to White Hart Lane of David Bentley, by scoring in the pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient. |
| Analysis: With his head as well. With his head. Lennon is about six inches taller than the grass, so he must really have been desperate to prove his worth to Juande Ramos. |
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Malbranque, Steed - LM, RM (SUN)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Steed Malbranque has joined Sunderland from Tottenham, following Teemu Tainio and Pascal Chimbonda to the Stadium of Light. |
| Analysis: Sunderland fans, and PlayTheGame managers, can expect more of the same from Malbranque: tireless running, a good bit of skill and the odd goal. Spurs fans wish him well. |
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Modric, Luka - CM, LM (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Luka Modric scored his first goal for Tottenham with a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the club's 5-1 pre-season victory over Leyton Orient. |
| Analysis: A goal capped another encouraging match for Modric, who will probably justifiably feature near the top of most PlayTheGame rankings this season. |
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Bent, Darren - FOR (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Darren Bent scored another hat-trick in Tottenham colours as Spurs beat Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly. |
| Analysis: That's seven goals in two games and five in nine for the previously-misfiring striker. Can he do it in the Premier League? He might have to if all the other Tottenham front men leave. |
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Assou-Ekotto, Benoit - LB (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Assou-Ekotto has featured regularly in Tottenham's pre-season matches, confirming a return to fitness for the left back. |
| Analysis: Unknown and injured for nearly two seasons at White Hart Lane, is this the year that Assou-Ekotto shines? Well, Gareth Bale and Gilberto might stand in his way, but two legs out of plaster is a start. |
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Ben Haim, Tal - CB, RB (MCY)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Ben Haim has joined Manchester City from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. |
| Analysis: A worse team than Chelsea, certainly, but this adds to his fantasy value, since he will probably be a first-team regular. |
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Malouda, Florent - FOR, LM (CHE)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Big Phil says that he doesn't know if Malouda will stay at Chelsea - and he's not sure of his best position if he does. |
| Analysis: His best position? Not in your fantasy team. |
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Drogba, Didier - FOR (CHE)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Drogba's agent says his client is "not close to joining any club." |
| Analysis: Which is a strange state of affairs given he's been desperate to leave for months. The prospect of him leaving recedes by the day, but are you prepared to take the risk in your PlayTheGame draft? |
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Shevchenko, Andriy - FOR (CHE)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: The Daily Mail is of the opinion that Chelsea and AC Milan officials will meet at the weekend to discuss Sheva's transfer. |
| Analysis: We've heard this sort of thing a thousand times before, but both clubs will be in Moscow for a pre-season tournament, so they might well hob-nob. |
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Ivanovic, Branislav - CB, RB (CHE)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Bayern Munich are being linked with a move for the young defender. |
| Analysis: Signed in January, he hasn't played yet, and probably won't see much action this season either. |
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Robinson, Paul - CB, LB (WBA)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Robinson says he is becoming frustrated about the lack of progress on a new contract. His deal runs out at the end of the season. |
| Analysis: Is this a sign he could be on the way out at the end of the year? |
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Bellamy, Craig - FOR, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Alan Curbishley says Bellamy has been working hard and is "like a new signing". |
| Analysis: If he can stay fit given his problems last year, Bellamy could be an effective player. But will the injuries have affected his pace? |
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de Ridder, Daniel - FOR, LM, RM (WIG)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: The attacking midfield player narrowly missed out on scoring an eight-minute hat-trick after his penalty was saved in a 6-0 victory away to Barnsley. De Ridder also contributed an assist. |
| Analysis: De Ridder's 2007-08 season was one to forget at Birmingham City under Steve Bruce because of injuries (only 578 minutes played) but he can have fantasy value as a goalscoring threat on the wing. If nothing else, Bruce must like the Dutchman to take him to Wigan. |
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Toure, Kolo - CB, RB (ARS)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Arsene Wenger expects Toure to be fit for the start of the season despite the centre back being afflicted by malaria after a trip to the Ivory Coast this summer. "He has started to practise now but it will take him another two weeks to play for us," the Arsenal manager said. |
| Analysis: Relief for all concerned. Fantasy managers are used to dealing with strains, metatarsals and breaks but malaria is entirely different. Fortunately it is a mild strain and Toure retains his status as an elite defender. |
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Cattermole, Lee - CM, RM (WIG)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Steve Bruce has tipped Cattemole to win senior England caps after the 20-year-old completed a move to Wigan for £3.5million. "If he dedicates himself and he keeps learning, there's no reason why he can't progress to full international honours," the Wigan manager said. |
| Analysis: With two goals and two assists in the past two seasons, only Cattermole's defensive attributes would attract Fabio Capello's attention. Fantasy managers can also give the midfield player a wide berth for now. |
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Bentley, David - CM, LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: Blackburn have admitted that they are in talks with Tottenham over the transfer of David Bentley to White Hart Lane, with the winger expected to take a medical and complete the move imminently. |
| Analysis: With no strikers currently expected to be at Tottenham next year, it might not be the best time to snap up Bentley for his assists. But the talented former Arsenal player can also score his fair share, so maybe sign him up based on his own finishing prowess. |
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Lennon, Aaron - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: The imminent arrival of David Bentley to White Hart Lane has brought into question Aaron Lennon's place in the first team. |
| Analysis: First England, now Spurs. Lennon has suffered most owing to the emergence of David Bentley, but since the former Leeds player can also provide impotent runs down the left flank, his fantasy value may not have altered all that much. |
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Paintsil, John - CB, RB (FUL)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: The signing of Fredrik Stoor, the Sweden right back, suggests that Paintsil will be fighting for first-team chances again, as he was at West Ham. |
| Analysis: From a bit-part player to one worth fantasy consideration and back again. Cruel game, football. |
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Bendtner, Nicklas - FOR (ARS)
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Updated July 30, 2008 |
| News: The Denmark striker made an early statement of his intention to win a regular first-team place this season by scoring four goals in the first half of Arsenal's 10-2 victory against Burgenland in Ritzing. |
| Analysis: We're not sure what the Danish is for "bully" or "you've made your point", but it will take more than that to cement his place ahead of the likes of Adebayor and Van Persie. However, an Arsenal fringe player is still a sound fantasy bet. |
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Benayoun, Yossi - CM, LM, RM (LIV)
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Updated July 29, 2008 |
| News: Local newspaper reports in Liverpool claim West Ham have contacted Anfield about the prospect of re-signing Benayoun. |
| Analysis: The Israeli started only 15 Premier League matches last season, suggesting he has not lived up to Rafael Benitez's expectations. A return to a club where he excelled could suit the player and his fantasy potential. |
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Keane, Robbie - FOR (LIV)
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Updated July 29, 2008 |
| News: Keane has said he expects to play predominantly in a central role beside Fernando Torres for his new club. |
| Analysis: Reports had suggested that Rafael Benitez was considering using the player on the flank, too, so this news makes him an even more enticing fantasy proposition. |
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Duff, Damien - LM, RM (NEW)
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Updated July 29, 2008 |
| News: Duff has been linked with an £8million return to Blackburn Rovers, the club where he started his career. |
| Analysis: The Irish winger has said he would like to finish his career at Blackburn, but reports from Newcastle say he is showing signs of improvement in pre-season, having disappointed over the past two years. They will think hard before selling. |
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