Finally the uncertainty is over and Fantasy-managers can go on with their life. It will take a few weeks till we’ll find out how the new boys are doing at their new home. Arsenal has been the busiest club in the final minutes of the transfer window bringing in Arteta and some others, not all of them with Premier League experience.
There is a question mark over the new players whether they will instantly fit into their new team. At some clubs they will be forced to because of injuries to established players – though it is still risky business for the cautious fantasy manager.
Swansea will take what’s on offer – they can’t lose; a promoted club at the Emirates – they only can win. Still I wouldn’t have too many Swans in my team.
Manchester City in their backyard versus Wigan! The question will be how many times Wigan’s brave keeper Al-Habsi has to fish the ball out of his own net. The other question will be who will score them. Dzeko is on fire, Aguero not far behind, Tevez can’t wait to be back on the pitch, David Silva leads the orchestra in midfield, Nasri is a doubt after injuring his hand in a French international, Yaya Toure got more freedom this year, Adam Johnson and Milner are fighting for a first team start. In City’s defence Kompany and Lescott are the likely pair of centre-backs, Richards is a doubt, Zabaleta may start.
Manchester United has to travel to Bolton where Coyle’s men will try to beat the odds. Klasnic can score even against the best, Petrov is able to torture any right-back and Cahill is a solid centre-back.
But there is Rooney, Hernandez, Ashley Young, Nani (just to mention a few) on the red side. Youngsters Smalling and Phil Jones with the support of Evra and Ferdinand will shut the gate for a clean sheet – if deGea has a fine day.
Chelsea is not yet the final product when they are facing Sunderland in the North-East. Sunderland’s Brown did well so far, also their keeper Mignolet; but this time Abramovich’s boys are coming and Torres has something to prove. Drogba is still ‘groggy’ and Sturridge wants to show his abilities. Lampard has recovered and in defence Bosingwa seems to be reborn. New signings Juan Mata and Lukaku are trying to find their way into the Premier League while Liverpool signing Meireles is keen to get his first start.
Liverpool will have a go at Stoke at the Britannia – that’s really tough.
Pulis reinforced his squad with Crouch and Jerome, in defence they are well known for their ‘no prisoners’ attitude, and with wingers Walters, Pennant and Etherington they will be hard to beat.
But Liverpool spent their money very well. Adam though is a doubt, Henderson, Downing and Suarez will make up for it. Carroll hasn’t landed yet but new signing ‘old boy’ Bellamy could spring a surprise.
Jose Enrique is the cheapest option in a good organised Liverpool defence.
The other negative surprise North-London’s has to travel to the Midlands. Wolves found a new confidence and they will make life hard for Spurs. Roger Johnson stabilised Wolves defence, Jarvis (a doubt), O’Hara and Hunt are a fresh breeze in midfield, up front Fletcher and Doyle are unpredictable.
Tottenham lost playmaker Van der Vaart for about 6 weeks, Lennon and Kranjcar are doubts, Pienaar is still injured, Modric seems still to be confused about his transfer saga, Bale is dreary. Crouch got sold to Stoke, Defoe and Pavlyuchenko are not on form. All hope lasts on new loan signing Adebayor.
A nil-all draw wouldn’t be a surprise when Everton meets Aston Villa at home. Both teams rely on a strong defence and are not yet in full attacking swing. Everton lost Arteta to Arsenal, the Villans may have to do without Bent.
Fulham signed quite a few players but it is unrealistic that they will play already this weekend. Schwarzer, Hangeland and Hughes are a save bet, Dempsey could be on the score sheet when they play Blackburn at Craven Cottage. Zamora is doubtful.
Blackburn fans are facing a worrying season.
Newcomers Norwich will try to bag their first win against the Baggies. Norwich players are grossly unknown and fantasy managers will find out over time whom to involve in their teams; defender DeLaet is an option.
West Brom’s defence is struggling like last year; goalkeeper Foster couldn’t change this yet. And with Odemwingie and Long doubtful it will be difficult to gain their first point.
Queens Park Rangers are having ‘on and off’ days, you never know. This time surprising Magpies are in London. Taarabt hasn’t found his Championship form yet and there are many new signings – the most interesting of them Newcastle’s bad boy Barton. It will take time till coach Warnock will find his team.
Newcastle will be tough to beat with both Taylor’s in defence, Gutierrez in midfield and Best as a striker.
Chelsea and Liverpool are having difficult away games what could trigger an early escape on top of the League by the Manchester teams.
Arsenal and Tottenham are in need of a win to save their reputation and the anger of their fans.
West Brom and Blackburn are planted at the bottom and are already in a likely relegation battle with promoted clubs Swansea, Norwich and QPR.
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