Never Captain Nicky Butt

Butt's Brain: Wednesday

2009-12-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Israelis advance in Europe, Scots do not...

A bit of what's bouncing around Butt's Brain in the past few days:

How a soccer game survived a hijacking attempt. Big respect to most Celtic supporters for their actions during last week's Europa League match with (John Pantsil's former club) Hapoel Tel Aviv [Jerusalem Post]

Avram Grant plans to raid Chelsea's bench for two players in January. Don't forget - Grant was criticized for all three of his January signings as Chelsea boss - he brought in Nicolas Anelka from Bolton, Branislav Ivanovic from Lokomotiv Moscow, and Franco Di Santo from Audax Italiano. Two of those are now permanent fixtures in Chelsea's starting 11, while Di Santo is also starting in the Premier League at Blackburn. Avram clearly has an eye for talent, and if he can bring in three players of similar quality from across Europe, Pompey will stay up [FansFC]

Tony Pulis may or may not have head-butted James Beattie naked in the Stoke locker room after the Arsenal match [Dirty Tackle]

The population of the WC 2010 nations. Very interesting. Slovenia, population of 2 million, is the least populated while USA - 308 million, is the most. They are in the same group and if I was a betting man, which I am, I'd put my money on Slovenia, which I will [The Best Eleven]

Cristiano Ronaldo. Need we say more:

Rooney Out but Valencia on Fire for United

2009-12-08T15:01:00.007-05:00

Even the strongest Scottish ogres injure hamstrings sometimes

Wayne Rooney is doubtful for United's match Saturday against Aston Villa with a hamstring problem. He did not feature today in the Champions League against Wolfsburg.

And while United have a massive defensive injury crisis, I think the loss of Rooney for a game or two is not the end of the world...

As I mentioned last week, I am very high on Antonio Valencia at the moment. And while his price tag (8M) may deter some Fantasy Premier League managers, I believe he is playing at a top level right now. With Rooney out, look for Valencia to continue putting forth even greater influence into United's attack.

No point in lauding Valencia all over again or making a statistical case for his inclusion, but I'll just copy and paste what I wrote last week when I included him as a stud and also put him in the gameweek 15 best eleven (a superbly predicted midfield if I may say so myself which saw Valencia, Bowyer, and Milner all star):

"Valencia was playing the game at a higher gear than anyone else on the pitch - he's just so fast. I think he could be influential against West Ham - so Valencia is a stud"

Valencia proved me right - as he put up 12 fantasy points against West Ham, and though he is only 4% owned I believe he will be a strong fantasy performer from here on out for United. David Dunn and Andy Reid may be 2M cheaper and performing at a higher level this season from a points per game perspective, but I think Valencia offers more at this precise moment. He definitely offers more right now than similarly priced and much more popular options Benayoun (10% owned) and Barry (10% owned).

So, Rooney is most probably out on Saturday - but will you be transferring a certain Ecuadorian in to pick up some United attacking points?

Bullard. Injured. Obviously.

2009-12-07T18:06:00.003-05:00

Not smiling now, Jummy

We are big Bullard fans. Long time blog readers know that, so it pains us that Bullard is out once again - this time for about two months.

The 31-year-old injured his knee, again. This time his left knee. He's out for 6-8 weeks. I mean this is just so obvious. It happens every season. No big surprises here. A brilliant talent, but always injured.

Grass is green. Children love candy. Fire trucks are often painted red. Jimmy Bullard is injury prone.

Just totally obvious, really.

Get well, Jimmy.

Penalty Misses Galore: A Statistical Analysis

2009-12-06T21:45:00.008-05:00

Just two weeks ago I complained about professional footballers not being able to score penalties at a higher rate than 71%.

While I converted a penalty today in my 2-1 Sunday League win (and converted from the spot in last week's horrible 8-3 loss), Cesc Fabregas, Frank Lampard, Jermain Defoe, and Cristiano Ronaldo were not able to duplicate my nerves of steel across Europe this weekend.

What is up with these guys? Four of the best footballers in the world (all four will certainly be at the World Cup next summer and three are certain starters) all missing from 12 yards in a 24 hour period?

Statistically speaking, the chances of all four missing are 0.29 x 0.29 x 0.29 x 0.29 = 0.007. Or 7/10th of 1 percent.

There was over a 99% chance that at least one of those four world class footballers would score. But none of them did. And my fantasy footie team was hit hard (Fabregas (c) and Defoe) by the misses.

Weak.

But forget maths. Just get to practice a bit early and put in the work. It's really not that hard to score a penalty.

Here Comes the January Window...

2009-12-06T10:20:00.006-05:00

Midget Maestro, What a Player

The holiday season is upon us. Walking up and down Abbot Kinney two nights ago in Venice Beach, the Christmas Carolers were already out - entertaining locals and tourists alike with their festive renditions.

And you know what that means - the busy Christmas fixture list is around the corner, and then - a bunch of injuries due to exhaustion, overuse of muscles, and cold weather. And then, even better - the January transfer window.

Premier League clubs do most of their business over the summer, but last winter we saw the likes of Arshavin to Arsenal, Heskey to Villa, Beattie to Stoke, Diouf to Blackburn, Rodallega to Wigan, Quaresma the gypsy to Chelsea, Bullard to Hull, and of course - Bridge, De Jong, Given, and Bellamy all making the winter switch to Man City. Palacios, Defoe, Keane, Cudicini, and Chimbonda all made a winter switch to Tottenham.

Wow, those are some big names.

So, here are some of the early winter transfer rumors / results this season:

Manchester United hinting at a move for Wolfsburg superstar Edin Dzeko.

Portsmouth somehow believing they can land Benfica defender Miguel Vitor.

Real Sociedad keeper Asier Riesgo has been handed a trial with Tottenham.

Elizabeth Lambert: Meet Your Match

2009-12-05T12:07:00.003-05:00

Elizabeth Lambert may like it rough, but at least she attacks her opponents.
These Corinthians teammates took a page out of the NCAA women's soccer book this week with a little on the pitch violence at practice...

Saturday Musings: Avram!

2009-12-05T10:36:00.003-05:00

Some thoughts on today's action on a lazy Saturday morning. It's half time across the country...

In the early game, Portsmouth won 2-0 at home to Burnley. Avram Grant got his first win and it came courtesy of a game-changing substitution in the 60th minute. Pompey looked 2nd best throughout the first half, but Grant introduced the classy and composed Kanu in the second half - and that made the difference. Dindane and Boateng had all the pace and opportunities but lacked composure in the final third, but that all changed when Kanu came in to steady the ship. Nice win, Pompey. Fletcher (5.5M) should have scored for Burnley.

Just my luck - I captained Fabregas and it looks like it's turning into "Sour Grapes Saturday" already. 95 games out of 100 Fabregas would already have a goal in the same circumstances. 1 - He has already missed a penalty and 2 - He saw another easy goal cleared off the line by his own teammate. Yes, the goal was wide open. Cesc's ball was about to hit the back of the net but who else - Eboue - decided he'd knee the ball out of goal. Unreal, to be honest. Youtube it if you missed it. You see a penalty miss by someone of Fabregas' caliber once a season. You see a goal cleared off the line by your own teammate once every few seasons. Fabregas saw both in the span of 10 minutes. Still, Arsenal lead 1-0 and Fabregas/Arshavin are running the show. Cesc should have 2 goals and 1 assist. Poor Cesc. Woe is me.

In happier news, one of my most consistent performers, James Milner, who is in our weekly picks again this week, has already scored a goal and has an assist for Villa in just 45 minutes of play. Milner looked amazing in the Carling Cup against Pompey on Wednesday and is currently in top form for Villa.

In less happy news (for Hull fans), blog favorite Jimmy Bullard is injured again. We've mentioned this time and time again - when Jimmy plays - he's amazing - but he just never plays. He's always hurt.

Manchester United have the half time lead against West Ham, but no, it's not last week's hat trick hero Wayne Rooney on the score sheet. It's the old timer Paul Scholes who sent a powerful effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

So there you have it, half time around the league. Some score updates. Arsenal have impressed me today going forward, and I expect 1 or 2 more goals in the second half. No big surprises elsewhere other than Blackburn holding a Torres-less Liverpool 0-0 at the half. Good luck to all Fantasy Premier League managers.

World Cup Draw Update

2009-12-04T15:05:00.010-05:00

The groups have been drawn and are as follows:

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Take your pick of places to check out guides to the group stages from English media, American media, or the Official FIFA World Cup site. While it would be easy to write a book about the possibilities, two things jumped out at us:

Group C is relatively safe for both England and the USA. It will be fun to watch many of our favorite American and English players and Ashley Cole compete on the opening Saturday of the tournament.
Group G is an absolute minefield. And while this will make North Korea feel at home, it's undoubtedly the group of death. Brazil, Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire will be competing for two spots and we should keep an eye out for what could be the most exciting and beautiful football in all of the group stages.

It's a long time until June, so don't forget to read the Gameweek 15 Preview and decide who deserves your captain's armband tomorrow.

World Cup Draw Today at Noon Eastern Time

2009-12-04T09:09:00.015-05:00

That's right, Charlize Theron will have the footie world's balls in her hands today as she co-hosts the World Cup 2010 draw. The action is being covered in a live text format by all of the big news sites. The BBC coverage has plenty of content and updates quickly. Or ESPN2 viewers can watch it live on TV.

The pots from which the 8 groups will be assembled are as follows:

Pot 1: South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England

Pot 2: Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, Honduras

Pot 3: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay

Pot 4: France, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Greece, Serbia, Denmark, Slovakia

As the rest of the world catches up with Europe and the South American giants, this tournament draw has the potential to produce the worst group of death in World Cup history (think Brazil, USA, Ivory Coast and France). But for reference, here are a few from World Cups of yesteryear.

Ibrahimovic vs Xerex CD

2009-12-04T05:49:00.001-05:00

It's a shame Zlatan and Sweden won't be at the World Cup next summer. Sometimes, he's just so magical.

Funny Feeling Friday: Lee Bowyer

2009-12-04T00:03:00.007-05:00

He may be racist, but he's cheap and in form (and Nicky Butt approves)

Most Premier League fans will forever remember Lee Bowyer for his famous on the pitch brawl with his own teammate Kieron Dyer a few seasons back. Bowyer is one of those players who statistics / trivia addicted footie fans (like myself) can always impress their friends with fun facts:

"Did you know Bowyer is Mark Noble's cousin?" (I did)

"Did you know Bowyer was charged with assault along with Jonathan Woodgate for allegedly beating up a student at a nightclub about 10 years ago?" (I did)

But Bowyer isn't just a bad boy of football. He's this week's Funny Feeling Friday.

The attacking midfielder has been omnipresent for Birmingham's surprisingly successful side thus far this year and comes in at just 4.8M in the Fantasy Premier League game. A cheap price tag for a decent performer.

Bowyer is nothing more than a 5th midfielder option (along with O'Hara from Pompey for example) but he is in form and he is facing a Wigan side this weekend that just two games ago conceded 9 goals.

With four goals already to his name, and Birmingham's recent ability to score (and win) on the road, he could be worth a look as a 5th midfield starter or at least first off the bench option - and thus, he's our Funny Feeling Friday.

Lee Bowyer, most probably a Class A jerk off the pitch, but straight up just classy on it.

Premier League Gameweek 15 Fantasy Preview

2009-12-03T23:37:00.002-05:00

He looks like a woman but plays like a half-man, half-beast

We've had some exciting midweek matches and a mouthwatering Carling Cup semifinal between Manchester City and Manchester United is soon to come, but all eyes are on the Premier League (and the World Cup draw) this weekend. Let's preview the fantasy matchups and take a look from all angles:

I. Chelsea @ Manchester City: Can Chelsea bounce back from their Carling Cup defeat at Blackburn and operate on all cylinders with just a couple of days rest when they visit Mark Hughes' very, very, very expensive but underachieving side on Saturday?

The league leaders will surely be confident - coming off back to back shutouts of title contenders Manchester United and Arsenal, but a clean sheet in this one looks a tough ask - Manchester City have scored in every home game this season.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole showed his comfort in the final third of the pitch in the win over Arsenal - bombing forward but also tracking back when necessary and he will have his hands full with City's tricky winger Sean Wright-Phillips, who is in superb form at the moment.

And while there are other marquee matchups (Toure and Lescott vs Drogba and Anelka, for example) Chelsea will not be able to duplicate what they did against Arsenal - which was to physically bully the weak Gunners. City are a much stronger side physically, and thus Carlo will have to switch tactics.

I think we'll see a rejuvenated City in this encounter because they are one of those teams that play to their opposition's level - poor showings against Hull and Burnley but superb efforts against Arsenal and Manchester United this season are the perfect example.

That's why I don't think Chelsea will run out 3-0 winners like they did against Arsenal last week. I think both teams will concede and it could be the overshadowed Nic Anelka (last year's Golden Boot winner, don't forget) who perhaps comes back home and haunts his old club. Anelka was rested for Chelsea's Carling Cup loss and his fresh legs will be vital against a City side who are coming off a mid-week match.

Didier Drogba, as always, has been the man this year - I wrote about his absolute dominance way back in September - and I'm probably the only fantasy footie manager in the world who doesn't own him: He leaves for Africa in only 3 weeks, and sits on 4 yellow cards (5 yellow cards is an automatic suspension) but besides those two negative aspects, I'm still personally leaning towards the illogical / insane: going against my own will and purchasing an 11.4M striker when he is playing on the road and will need to be turned around and sold in three weeks... (Defoe and Anelka are the other contenders and are much longer term plays).

Prediction: 2 - 2 draw

II. Stoke @ Arsenal: Get this, Arsenal have failed to score in three straight matches. Three straight. That's nuts after their high-flying start. A 1-0 loss to Sunderland, a 3-0 loss to Chelsea, and a 3-0 loss to Manchester City and the Gunners have looked toothless without RVP. Rubbish in the final third, really.

So why do I think they'll bring the fantasy returns this weekend? After all, Liverpool are playing Blackburn with Torres possibly fit and United travel to West Ham - who haven't kept a clean sheet since the Bush administration - not to mention Arsenal will be without midfielder Alex Song (suspension: 5 yellow cards)?

I don't know. The prediction is obviously not based on any sort of statistical analysis. It's clearly not based on form (you'd choose United at West Ham if you wanted to play it conservatively). It's just a "funny feeling." Those funny feelings usually come on Friday but this week it came a bit early...

No one has been able to lead the line in the absence of RVP (Eduardo has failed miserably in two attempts) but Arshavin / Walcott / Fabregas and to a much lesser extent - Denilson, Rosicky, Nasri, and Vela still possess quality that even Stoke can't deal with.

Arsenal still passed the ball beautifully against Chelsea - they just couldn't finish. Cesc orchestrated it all. Arsenal still passed the ball beautifully against Sunderland - they just couldn't finish. Cesc orchestrated it all. I think Stoke (minus the injured Ryan Shawcross) will come out and park the team bus, but a goal in the first 45 minutes and it's game over.

One speedy Walcott run past the slow-footed Stoke midfield and into the box - and boom, Arsenal are flying high again. Cesc has not gone three games this season without a goal or assist. He's gone two without one. My only worry (from a Cesc standpoint) is that with Song out he will be forced to track back more and play defensively, rather than bomb forward. But perhaps Denilson will offer some suitable cover.

Arsenal beat Stoke 4-1 at home in May, and while RVP had two goals in that game, I can see a Walcott, Nasri, Vela, or Eduardo coming up big in this one and breaking the Gunners' slump. Ricardo Fuller doesn't agree with me, but do you?

Prediction: 3 - 0 Arsenal

III. Studs and Duds: I like Villa's Milner and Ashley Young as studs at home to Hull after a nice Carling Cup win away to Portsmouth. Add Agbonlahor in there, but he seems kind of pricey with alternatives like Bent and Defoe out there...

United's midfield - Antonio Valencia (8M) and Ryan Giggs (7.3M) impressed me in the away win at Portsmouth. Valencia was playing the game at a higher gear than anyone else on the pitch - he's just so fast. I think he could be influential against West Ham - so Valencia is a stud. Giggs straddles the stud/dud fence because he is rested every now and then, but he didn't play midweek, so should be OK to go.

Pompey may have conceded 4 goals to United last weekend and another 4 to Villa in the Carling Cup - but I think offensively they have some decent options this week as bargain studs. O'Hara, Boateng, and Dindane - as we've mentioned time and time again - are the three most likely to produce at home to Burnley - all cheap bench / last starting spot studs.

I was impressed with Everton's gusty performance against Liverpool despite the 2-0 loss (nothing was bouncing their way but the effort was great) and they did win in the Europa League midweek, but they are still not studs at home to Tottenham this weekend. They straddle the stud/dud fence - I can see Tottenham scoring 1 or 2, but Everton will look to keep it tight.

Duds this week come in the form of major injuries and suspensions, obviously: Carlton Cole (7% owned) is out. Davin Dunn (12% owned) is doubtful. Both of those players are popular. The even more popular Ryan Shawcross (30% owned) is doubtful, while the less popular Alex Song (2% owned) is suspended. John O'Shea is also doubtful (10% owned).

Other duds include Hull's popular Zayatte (20% owned) on the road at Villa and Villa's own James Collins (10% owned) who is doubtful - still struggling with niggling groin/calf injuries and hasn't trained in 2 weeks.

IV. Gameweek 15 Best Eleven:

GK: Reina

D: Scharner - Wes Brown - Pantsil

M: Gerrard - Fabregas - Valencia - Bowyer - Milner

F: Drogba - Rooney

Subs: Hart - Bikey - Ben Haim - Dindane

Rooney & Defoe Lick their Lips this Weekend

2009-12-03T10:06:00.005-05:00

England's strikeforce? World Cup Draw is tomorrow

I've been on pins and needles all week - excited about tomorrow's World Cup Draw, with my mind wandering from my love for the Premier League to my love for the world's greatest sporting competition...

And while some doubt that Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney would make a good partnership as starters for England in South Africa next summer, there is no doubt that these two strikers are in superb form at the moment.

So, Wayne and Jermain, here's some more good news for you heading into a weekend where you will already find out which other national teams you will compete against come June 2010:

Jermain: Everton (despite their 1-0 Europa League win yesterday in Greece) are in crisis mode at the back. Neville and Jagielka are long term absentees, but Yobo, Gosling, and Distin are all rated as doubtful for the matchup vs. Tottenham with hamstring problems. Add to the mix Heitinga's 5 yellow card suspension, and Defoe (and Crouch) will line up against the slow-footed Hibbert and a hodgepodge of others. Unless American Tim Howard can come up with the game of the season, I think Everton will concede.

Wayne: Your good news is even better than Jermain's. Manchester United travel to West Ham and face off against Zola's side who have conceded a Premier League worst 15 goals at home this season! 15 conceded at home! Bottom of the league Portsmouth have only conceded 12 at home, and that includes your hat trick last week. By contrast, Chelsea have only conceded 1 goal at home. Add injury to that insult: West Ham's best defender, your England colleague Matthew Upson, will miss this game with a hamstring problem. Looks like goals for you as well, my big Green friend.

So, there you have it. An exciting weekend for international news - as the World Cup Draw is announced tomorrow - and Jermain and Wayne will surely be watching. But then, an even tastier weekend for the two as they head off to Goodison Park and Upton Park, respectively, and wreak absolute havoc.

Consider this an early warning to fantasy footie managers. Drogba may be the dominant flavor of the season, but this weekend - it's all England, all the time. If you don't own one of Jermain or Wayne, you will miss out.

Carlton Cole's World Cup Dream All but Over

2009-12-02T14:39:00.005-05:00

Cole is out, Franco / Hines take over...

Just as Jermain Defoe, barring future injury, booked his place in South Africa with his 5-goal performance against Wigan last week, Carlton Cole's latest injury news will all but rule him out of England's World Cup plans.

The West Ham striker was in superb form but the 26 year old could miss the next 4 months after suffering serious knee ligament damage in the win over Burnley.

If surgery is required, Cole is out of the WC squad - opening the door slightly for a Darren Bent, or perhaps even Gabriel Agbonlahor (a long shot) to make the Cup squad...

As for Fantasy Premier League mangers looking for bargain purchases- our timing couldn't be better: We firmly backed Mexican great Guille Franco (5M) last week and he didn't disappoint, and could now continue producing as West Ham's main weapon.

Zavon Hines (4.5M) - my budget man crush of the season - caught my eye way back in September but has failed to string together a few starts. This could be his opportunity to put together a few performances like he did against Liverpool early in the season - absolutely abusing Jamie Carragher in that one.

Lastly, and you definitely don't own him - but another sub 5M bargain at Upton Park could be Junior Stanislas - the young attacking midfielder (4.9M). Stanislas quietly has picked up 1 goal and 4 assists in his last 3 games - an excellent return. He also took charge of a number of set pieces in the Burnley game. He comes with a major warning, however - Noble and Diamanti are nearing full fitness and could cut into his playing time or at least his free kick duties.

So, there you have it. Your West Ham update for the week. Elijah Wood would be proud.

Cole looks to miss out on the World Cup. Hines & Franco look like great bench / budget options, and Stanislas waits in the wings as one with "potential."

Rocky Baptiste: The Miss of the Century

2009-12-01T18:03:00.001-05:00

Barcelona's Messi wins Ballon D'Or

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi became the first Ballon D'Or winner from Argentina last night, eclipsing runner up Cristiano Ronaldo (last year's winner) by a 240 - point margin.
Of the 10 finalists, 7 players ply their trade outside of the English Premier League - which got me thinking, who would you love to see come over from the continent to join arguably the greatest league in the world?
While we cover all of world football (from Colombia to Israel to the USA and Egypt, to dozens of other countries as well, etc.) and love all aspects of the beautiful game, we do tend to focus our efforts on the Premier League (Nicky Butt is a Manchester United legend after all) because that's just what we were raised with: It's the most visible / popular league in the world both from a fantasy and non-fantasy footie perspective.
But that being said, it looks like about 70% of the world's top 10 players are kicking it around outside of England...
Eto'o? Ibrahimvoic? Iniesta? Kaka? Messi? Xavi?
Who should Manchester City buy next?

Twitter... Join Us in the Footie Conversation

2009-11-30T18:45:00.008-05:00

I'm not as funny as Shaq, but I'm not as stupid either

Just a heads-up to some of our readers about our Twitter account. We've been in and out of activity for the better part of a year now, but we're doing our best to tweet and maintain a consistent voice...

Recently, we've had some great back and forth with the likes of ladyarse on Arsenal's recent struggles and the loss of RVP, as well as providing some in-game commentary and thoughts when watching the EPL (when our phones are handy and we're not holding beers). A lot of our tweets are exclusive to Twitter, you just can't find these morsels of information on the blog!

So if you're on Twitter, come join the conversation at http://twitter.com/nickybutt and let us know what's on your mind in the world of football - fantasy EPL or otherwise - go ahead and praise us for our brilliant weekly predictions (Guille Franco) or have at us for completely missing the boat on your favorite players...

Tweet you soon.

Butt's Brain: Monday

2009-11-30T10:40:00.004-05:00

He may only play every other game because of his lingering knee problem but Butt Buddy Jimmy Bullard is one superb set piece taker, and quite a character. Watch this whole clip to see him pulling off his best Phil Brown impression [YouTube]

Arsenal played some beautiful football yesterday but beautiful football doesn't necessarily win games. They dominated possession but sorely missed Van Persie in the final third. The Arshavin goal should have counted but other than that they looked toothless in the box. The team is filled with midgets and Chelsea's men had the sheer physical advantage over the Gunners in many areas. Despite playing poorly for long stretches offensively (they couldn't string 5 passes together), Chelsea were compact defensively and got the "ugly" win. That's what champions do. I know trophies aren't handed out in November, and that Drogba, Essien, Mikel, and Kalou are going to Africa for a month mid-season, but Chelsea are certainly blowing away their competition at the moment. For me, Walcott or Vela should start against Stoke this weekend. [Vital Football]

Here is a list of the 10 best players in the world. The finalists for the Ballon d'Or where Messi must be the favorite. There are zero defenders or goalkeepers on the list [France Football]

Fantasy Premier League managers will be sweating over a number of potential injuries to their star players this weekend. Stoke's best defender Shawcross (groin), Blackburn's best player Dunn (calf), and West Ham's most prolific striker Cole (knee) all failed to complete 60 minutes and were substituted early due to injury. [ESPN]

Arsenal Fail to Win Trophy Again: RVP Out 5 Months

2009-11-28T08:16:00.006-05:00

Arsenal's Dutch forward Robin van Persie has been ruled out of action for 5 months following a scan on his injured ankle which has revealed the need for reconstructive surgery.

RVP was in the form of his career - and Arsenal were scoring left and right - but that has come to a screeching halt...

Who's left to pick up the pieces? Cesc Fabregas will continue to orchestrate brilliantly from midfield but a front line of Niko Bendtner, Eduardo, or perhaps Vela / Arshavin / Walcott is not a Premier League winning front line.

Run to your sportsbooks before the professionals move the title winning odds lines for Chelsea.

Funny Feeling Friday: Guille Franco

2009-11-27T11:11:00.006-05:00

Sweet shadow

He's owned by less than 1% of Fantasy Premier League managers, and may be an unknown to most - but not me.

My Sunday League team here in the US is comprised of approximately 18 Mexican Americans (out of a roster of 22 players) - and Guille Franco is an absolute legend to them. I've been quizzing my mates about his skills in recent weeks, and it's clear that he finally belongs as our Funny Feeling Friday selection.

Franco is only 5M but is clearly installed as a starter up front for West Ham alongside Carlton Cole. (Zavon Hines or Diamanti owners - you can now safely drop those lads. The hype is over. It's a Franco / Cole partnership at Upton Park).

Franco was a legend at Monterrey (or so I'm told) and he looks to be adapting decently to the pace of the Premier League as well.

Cole and Franco take on Burnley, Birmingham, and Bolton in 3 of the next 4, so expect a few goals. If Franco doesn't work out - or loses form, he's so cheap that he can always be benched.

A great selection - Guille Franco - a proven international player - our Funny Feeling Friday.

Premier League Gameweek 14 Fantasy Preview

2009-11-26T18:56:00.013-05:00

Mission impossible at Portsmouth? Avram Grant takes over

It's a holiday here in the US, so this weekend preview will be short but sweet. But here are the key players and matchups to look out for this weekend in the fantasy Premier League.

I. Chelsea @ Arsenal: Another top of the table clash in the league, with Chelsea visiting the Emirates. But both sides are depleted through injury - William Gallas is the latest casualty (a swollen eye after a clash of heads in the Champions League midweek) and the Frenchman has played every single league game this season - so Arsenal will miss him.

The club's best defender (Gallas) and best attacker (Van Persie) are both out - and those two major absentees, in my opinion, give Chelsea the edge despite being the visiting team.

Gallas' replacement will either be Alex Song (moved from midfield to defense), or one of Senderos or Silvestre (who could deputize at left back) in the middle. Didier Drogba will be licking his lips at those prospects. The Ivorian is fit again after two weeks out, and will look to return to his pre-injury form - which saw him as the most dominant striker in the league. Frank Lampard will also be back for this one.

I think Arsenal's defensive injuries (Clichy, Gibbs, Gallas, etc.) will haunt them and I can see Chelsea grabbing an away win here.

Prediction: 2 - 1 Chelsea

II. Hull @ Manchester City: This is the most fantasy friendly matchup of the weekend, from an offensive perspective. City can score against anyone at home, and Hull have somehow managed to score 6 goals in their past 2 games. That said, Hull also conceded 5 goals, despite playing both of those games at home...

Hull will travel to City in high spirits but 5 of the last 6 league meetings between these two teams have ended in home wins. I expect goals on both sides - and perhaps Robinho's return to the City lineup will provide that extra bit of firepower needed to put 3 or 4 past porous Hull...

Manchester City have kept only one clean sheet in their last 9 games, so holding on to a Hunt or Bullard wouldn't be a terrible decision, especially considering those two bargain priced players' recent form...

Prediction: 3 - 1 Manchester City

III. Studs and Duds: Clint Dempsey, David Dunn, and Jimmy Bullard were all in our Gameweek 13 best eleven picks - and all came up with massive double digit scores - but it's not as straightforward this week when looking for studs.

The obvious choice is Jermain Defoe - coming off of his 5 goals against Wigan - but what will happen with Robbie Keane back in contention? Will Defoe continue to hog all the chances up front? Defoe remains a stud - and I personally think Redknapp should leave Keane on the bench and stick with Crouch / Defoe.

A major sleeper pick stud this week is West Ham's Guillermo Franco - who is less than one percent owned - but has played 60 + minutes in 5 straight games. Franco is only 5M and takes on Burnley at home. Other studs include Carlton Cole (Franco's partner up front) and any attackers from either of the Manchester teams...

City take on Hull at Home and United travel to bottom of the league Portsmouth, so expect goals for Rooney or Adebayor, or both.

Duds this week include Everton players not named Saha. Somehow - very quietly - Saha has already scored 8 league goals this season - and despite his lingering calf problem and the chance he could break down at any moment (somewhat like Jimmy Bullard), when he plays - he produces. I could see Saha coming up with a goal against Liverpool in a loss - or he could sprain his ankle within 15 minutes and Yakubu could score - either way, Saha is not a dud despite the team's poor form.

Duds this week include Stoke's very strong back line (Shawcross, Sorensen, Faye)- because Blackburn have been strong at home this year - and Burnley's usually strong back line at home (Alexander, Bikey, etc.) because the Clarets are on the road... Many fantasy owners will keep faith with those players based on recent results, but don't forget - these teams are excellent at home, but mediocre (at best) on their travels...

IV. Gameweek 14 Best Eleven:

GK: R. Green

D: Evra - A. Cole - Hangeland

M: Valencia - Wright-Phillips - Lennon - A. Young - Gerrard

F: C. Cole - Adebayor

Subs: Kirkland - G. Franco - Dann - Nelsen

Butt's Brain: Wednesday

2009-11-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

I guess I'll actually have to start paying attention to this competition too

Looks like the swine flu will be in Europe longer than Liverpool will be. Fiorentina beat Lyon last night, knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League before the knockout stages. Liverpool had advanced from the group stages for five straight seasons, but six was the unlucky number. Looks like the team will have to go on and win the Europa League now... [Oh You Beauty]

Paul Hart is out at Portsmouth, but is Bolton's Gary Megson next? According to reports, he seems to have lost a bit of the dressing room and the team is playing some dreadful football as of late. Terrible form - with 3 straight losses and a combined score of 11-1 against [EPL Talk]

Arsene Wenger is a bit defensive over his coddled (and oft-injured) kids but at least the Gunners advanced to the knock-out stages of the Champions League [The Spoiler]

Some more Arsenal news: Armand Traore, welcome to the starting lineup. Kieran Gibbs has suffered a broken bone in his foot. Former fantasy footie stud Traore didn't look great against Sunderland but Clichy should be back in December [Tribal Football]

Fantasy footie stud David Dunn for the England team? He has appeared once for the national team in a friendly way back in 2002 but Fulham's manager Roy Hodgson thinks Dunn is pure quality. Fulham and Blackburn face off at Craven Cottage today [Sky]

Breaking News: Paul Hart Out at Pompey, Avram Grant In?

2009-11-24T12:49:00.008-05:00

Update: Portsmouth have distanced themselves from speculation that Avram Grant will take over for Hart.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has left the club with immediate effect.

He seemed like a nice enough guy, but he just wasn't a results guy. And we're in the results business. After 10 losses in just 13 games, and on the heels of a dreadful performance at Stoke which once again exposed his tactical deficiencies - it looks like Paul Hart is out as manager of Portsmouth.

The obvious replacement is Israeli Avram Grant - hired less than a month ago to serve as Football Director at the club.

Grant led Chelsea to the Champions League Final two seasons ago before a John Terry slip resulted in a missed penalty that forever changed the legacy / perception of the Israeli manager. Had Terry not slipped, Grant would have been a European champion.

Instead, he is set to take over a Pompey team in last place in the Premier League, on only 7 points, the only team in the league not to have broken double digits in points this season.

Perhaps Pompey will spend in the January to boost the club's talent, but it will be a massive uphill climb to save the team from relegation. One thing is for certain, no matter how much the club spends in the winter transfer window, they won't be picking up the anti-semetic and racist Amr Zaki - who has refused to play at the club.

Butt's Brain: Tuesday

2009-11-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

May you suffer a career ending injury, Amr Zaki

So here's a bit of what's been going on in Butt's Brain these past few days:

In case you missed it, Roy Keane's mobile phone rant is classic [Unprofessional Foul]

They beat league leaders Chelsea 3-1 just 2 months ago, but lost to Tottenham 9-1 yesterday. Do Wigan make any sense whatsoever? [Football Corner]

Have you heard of Rolando Fonseca? A cool list of top active international goalscorers. I may love the Premier League as much as anyone else, but I must admit I'm getting pretty excited about the World Cup every single day and my focus is shifting to the international stage... [The Best Eleven]

Please don't read this sentence any further if strong language offends you, but fuck you Amr Zaki [ESPN]

And on a lighter note, the Thierry Henry handball game [Jeu de Main]

How Not to Strike a Penalty

2009-11-23T16:16:00.006-05:00

Bradford's Gareth Evans strikes a fan on Saturday, not the back of the net
I'm always amazed at the number of penalty misses we see on the professional level, week in and week out. Last night for example, US star Landon Donovan skied his PK over the bar in the MLS Cup Final.
I understand the emotional difficulty, the tension and stress, and that the crowd sometimes plays a big part - but I simply feel that a success rate of 71% (World Cup penalty kick success rate) is too low. Of the 78 penalty kicks taken during the Premier League 2005-2006 season, only 57 resulted in a goal, meaning almost 30% of the penalties were unsucessful.
I am by no means a professional footballer - far from it - but I have played the game for 20 + years and feature in a competitive amateur Sunday league complete with a promotion and relegation system. For the past two years, I have been my team's designated penalty taker. I rarely (if ever) score from the run of play, but my mental toughness is decent enough that when we win a spot kick, I take the ball. And I haven't missed once in two years. It's really not that difficult. Just practice a bit every few weeks, take a deep breath, have a routine / run-up and finish.
71%? For professional footballers? I'm sure we can do better than that.