Score (Gameweek): Arteta-22, Drogba-20, Carew-19, Lampard-18, Malouda-17 ...... Score (Total): Rooney-216, Fabregas-212, Lampard-200, Drogba-198, Bent-166 ...... Form: Lampard-9.5, Arteta-9.2, Malouda-8.8, Torres, 8.5, Drogba-8 ...... A simple click on the ads is the best way to motivate me! Thank you.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Wolverhampton Wanderers

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Wolverhampton Wanderers


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Fantasy Top Pick: Kightly (5.5), Ebanks-Blake (5.5)
Fantasy Good Pick: Hahnemann (4.0), Doyle (5.5), Milijas (6.0)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Halford (4.5)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


Here comes the final chapter of my team-by-team pre-season analysis. The Wolves became the victor of league championship with their ultimate offense in May 2009 and step their feet into the premier league again. With their promising attacking talents, a stay in the premier league for them isn't that hard, although it's not easy as well.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
Keep your eye on Hahnemann. The US keeper is the typical type of poor man's keeper who saves a lot for the team. Given that he's 4.0m, he's a good candidate for the position of substitute goalkeeper. Note that during his years at FPL he scored 151 and 133 respectively.

For defenders, their new man Greg Halford is a catchy figure here. His height of 1.93m had pretty much helped him to score 5 goals and 5 assists for Sheffield United last season. The only problem is Wolves' offensive nature which means that he might be in trouble of deduction of marks due to goals conceded.

Midfielders
The Wolves have a superman, and he's Michael Kightly. Possibly the best player of the Coca Cola league last season, Kightly's outrageous form had gave him 8 goals and an incredible record of 19 assists last season. Not to be skipped the fact that the figure could be extended if not for his injury. His vision, his sharpness and his youth... I only expect him to improve, even if this is Barclays Premier League. Not to be forgotten Wolves also signed the Red Star Belgrade's core midfielder and also the player of the year for the Serbian league Milijas which is a great addition to the already great attacking squad.

Michael Kightly

Forwards
If there's only Michael Kightly, there's no need to fear, but there's Sylvan Ebanks-Blake! This super goaling machine hauled a record of 25 goals last season, and he's also young as Kightly! Although he'll definitely not that superior in premier league, at the price of 5.5m he's a very good choice to be your third striker. His expected partner, Kevin Doyle is also a great third striker of any team for his experience at the premier league.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: N/A
Most Goals: Ebanks-Blake (25)
Most Assists: Kightly (19)
Most Bonus: N/A
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Unknown
Points per Value: N/A
Points per Game: N/A

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Posted by Leo at 10:12 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Wigan Athletic

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Wigan Athletic


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Fantasy Good Pick: Bramble (4.5), Figueroa (4.5), Gomez (6.0)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


The Latics are set to back to the league championship this season after a series of unambitious actions. From the sale of Heskey and Valencia to the resignation of Steve Bruce, I don't see anyway Wigan is going to make a good season this year, especially there's no Zaki for them this year.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
As usual, Bramble and Figueroa are always good fourth and fifth defenders in any fantasy premier league teams, but this season they'll be less worthy than ever. Without a good control in forward (at least for now), Wigan's defense will face a lot of challenges this season. They will not play much part for any fantasy teams.

Kirkland, Wigan's keeper, is too bad to be picked. When a keeper's points per value was even worse than the defenders' of his team, why bother taking him up?

Midfielders
Cattermole might be the ace now, but still the Latics' center line currently is much inferior than the previous. Gomez? He has created 12 goals and 6 assists last season so it might be a good bargain in this inferior team.

Forwards
I don't see any impressive man here. Can I skip it? Rodallega? McManaman? Scotland? Who are them?


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Bramble (127)
Most Goals: Rodallega (3)
Most Assists: N'Zogbia (3)
Most Bonus: Bramble (17)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Figueroa (13)
Points per Value: Bramble (28.2)
Points per Game: Kirkland, Bramble (3.6)

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Posted by Leo at 9:41 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: West Ham United

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West Ham United


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Fantasy Good Pick: Green (5.0), Upson (5.5), Cole (7.0)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Jimenez (5.0)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


This is a team disappeared from eyes of the public most of the time in both Barclays Premier League and Fantasy Premier League last season. Having much of their time spending on the middle of the tables, the Hammers seemed to have lacking of motivation to battle for anything last season.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
As usual, Robert Green is a good keeper, but at 5.0m he's not my target. Unless West Ham's defence improved significantly this season, he talent will only get sunken by his teammates.

The English national Upson is always a strong character at West Ham, with 15 bonus points he's outstanding, but again, the teamplay of West Ham needs to be improved, seriously.

Midfielders
No one is great in this part. The maximum points you could get from West Ham's midfielder was only 85 points, so why spend your time on them? God, their playing time between starters and subs was distributed too evenly... The new signing from San Siro Jimenez might give you some surprises, but given that he only started for two games last season, can he prove himself at London?

Forwards
Fortunately they still have a shining star at West Ham last season, and this man is Carlton Cole. His 10 goal last season was just great for his low playing minutes, especially when he also got 5 assists and 29 bonus points as well. A good value but can he repeat this type of form? Or is this the season for Dean Ashton who flirted with the physios most of the time last season?

Carlton Cole


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Green (148)
Most Goals: Cole (10)
Most Assists: Cole, Noble (5)
Most Bonus: Modric (25)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Ilunga, Green (10)
Points per Value: Green (29.6)
Points per Game: Cole (4.7)

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Posted by Leo at 2:27 AM 0 comments
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Friday, July 31, 2009

In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham Hotspur


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Fantasy Top Pick: Modric (7.5)
Fantasy Good Pick: Corluka (5.5), Lennon (7.5)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Crouch (7.5)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


The reformation at White Hart Lane continues. After a troublesome season for Tottenham, the men of Harry Redknapp will set to break the top four control of the premiership again this season. And with such a promising squad, it's really possible to happen.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
Tottenham's main weakness is always their first class attack but second class defence. They are good but lack of consistency, and thus inconsiderable for my fantasy team as they are quite pricey. Nevertheless, Corluka is a good pick as he's much consistent and delivers assists occasionally. But still it's doubtful as all Tottenham's defenders need to struggle to secure for their position.

Heurelio Gomes, the first choice as Tottenham's goalkeeper, can be thought of to be your team as well. He had a nightmare on the first half of last season with plenty of ridiculous mistakes, but he's improving don't him? His form at the end of the season was something worth to be credited to.

Midfielders
They Croatian dynamo Luka Modric is always on my scouting list. His creativity, his passings, his shots... all of these serve as a strong foundation as he become the attacking ace of Tottenham. And 3 goals, 9 assists and 25 bonus points from him is a great record as well. As he's the main free kick taker of Tottenham as well, at the price of 7.5 he's fairly considerable.

Luka Modric

Besides him, Aaron Lennon is also Tottenham's main attacking force. His great speed and dribbling is one of the finest weapon in EPL. But he'll need to improve on his crossings if he ever wanted to be shortlisted in the hot picks of FPL. The rest of the midfielders are just occasional points scorers and thus are not recommended by me.

Forwards
Tottenham have one of the finest striking force in the premier league, but who'll get the priority to start this season after the rendezvous of Crouch with his former coach just like what Defoe did last winter? While Robbie Keane is not the old Robbie Keane anymore after going back home from Liverpool, he's still on par with the fast and swift Defore and the tall yet skillful Crouch. Who will win the triangular battle for starter? Wait and see. Note that last season top scorer Darren Bent almost surely to be sold by Harry Redknapp, so he's not in my Tottenham's list.


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Modric (139)
Most Goals: Bent (12)
Most Assists: Modric (9)
Most Bonus: Modric (25)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Corluka (14)
Points per Value: Gomes (26.6)
Points per Game: Defoe (4.2)

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Posted by Leo at 10:00 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Sunderland

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Sunderland


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Fantasy Good Pick: Malbranque (6.0), A Ferdinand (4.5), Jones (7.0), Campbell (6.0), Cana (5.0)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Gordon (4.5)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


The Black Cats only managed to complete their survival fight on the last game of the premier league, but this time it'll be much difference. With the arrival of Steve Bruce, Sunderland will be injected with much character and toughness. The only question is: how far can they go?

Goalkeepers and Defenders
Their defense was nothing but ordinary last season, but under the leadership of new manager, things are expected to change. Anton Ferdinand might worth you an eye on him now. With Bruce's disciplined defensive tactics, the younger brother of English Nationals might be able to create his fame this season.

As for keepers, the long injured Gordon is expected to retake his position as first keeper of the team, but with his ordinary performance last season, can he outdo himself for the coming 10 months?

Midfielders
They key for Sunderland's success this season will be on their midfield line. Summer newcomer, Lorik Cana, was announced to be Sunderland's new captain as soon as he arrived. The ex-Marseille captain's ability is already long proven since his days at French league. With his influence, I think he'll bag in most of the bonuses for Sunderland. The only doubt is, can you account for his expected number of cards?

Lorik Cana

Other than him, Malbranque is also a good fantasy player from Sunderland. 122 points was certainly a good performance for a midtabler's player, but at 6.0, it's just a tally-to-price performance, which is definitely not enough if you aimed to be a top achiever this season.

Forwards
They major goalscorer Cisse has gone, but that's not much to be worried. With Kenwyne Jones who surprised us during the last third of the season, and Fraizer Campbell, who joined Sunderland after his loan spell with Tottenham, Sunderland's gunfire will still be as strong as before. While Jones is proven to be a decent striker, I'm more interested for the ex-Devil youngster and I'm sure that his performance will be the key for Sunderland's position this season.

Fraizer Campbell


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Malbranque (122)
Most Goals: Jones (10)
Most Assists: Malbranque (9)
Most Bonus: Malbranque (20)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): A Ferdinand (9)
Points per Value: Collins (20.8)
Points per Game: Jones, Malbranque, Fulop (3.4)

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Posted by Leo at 2:38 PM 0 comments
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Thursday, July 30, 2009

In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Stoke City

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Stoke City


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Fantasy Top Pick: Sorensen (4.0), Beattie (6.0)
Fantasy Good Pick: Delap (5.5), Faye (4.5), Lawrence (5.5), Shawcross (4.5), Fuller (6.0)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Etherington (5.5)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


Harry Potter is the best Potter in the world, but the Potters aren't bad too. From the super grenadier Delap who popped in a lot of assists through throw-ins to the superb goaling streak of winter signings James Beattie, the Britannia Stadium was always full of excitements last season. With their mystic mask unveiled, can Stoke continue their enchantment again for this year?

Goalkeepers and Defenders
Sorensen is wonderful as a substitute for goalkeepers. With only 4.0 mil pounds, you can get a keeper who made 120 saves and got 12 clean sheets last season! This is simply an unbelievable real deal, especially when their stadium is so small - where their defenders can run without consuming much stamina.

Thomas Sorensen saving the ball from Dirk Kuyt

Their defenders are value picks too. Faye Ab and Shawcross are very decent players with both of them scored 3 goals last season. With Stoke's tough defensive playing style, these investments will definitely give you some satisfying returns.

Midfielders
Just like their defenders, Stoke's midfielders gave us surprises as well last season. Rory Delap taught us a lesson that hands can be a part of important weapon in offense too for premier league. His grenade-style throw-in had helped Stoke City to produce 6 goals last season - which might be more if not due to his arm problems. Besides him, Liam Lawrence also had a successful spell with the Potters. Despite only joining the team for the second half of the season, this man from Retford had got 3 goals and 3 assists for the team - a quite respectable figure for a low cost midfielder. Whereas the ex-Hammers Etherington is someone that can be gambled.

Liam Lawrence. Not a catchy figure of FPL but he really looked too handsome in this photo. =)

Forwards
Who's most important for Stoke's success last season? He's no other than the winter signing James Beattie. Upon arriving Britannia Stadium, Beattie had scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in just 16 games played. His premier league experience had helped the newcomer last season to firmly established themselves in the league, without much hassle. After half year of experience with Stoke, can Beattie surpasses himself this season? As for Fuller, he's slightly below of Beattie, although he's good and cheap as well.

James Beattie


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Sorensen (143)
Most Goals: Fuller (11)
Most Assists: Delap (6)
Most Bonus: Fuller (15)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Sorensen, Faye (12)
Points per Value: Sorensen (35.8)
Points per Game: Beattie (5)

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Posted by Leo at 10:11 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Portsmouth

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Portsmouth


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Fantasy Good Pick: Finnan (TBA)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Kranjcar (7.0)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


And here comes the most hopeless team of the premier league currently. Ever since the leaving of Harry Redknapp to save the troublesome Tottenham Hotspur from their relegation crisis, the Pompeys had led themselves to into the quicksand of Coca Cola League. And now with two main pillars Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson gone, what's that left on the team was just a fragile structure.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
David James is the only lad whom is still reliable on the team. His save figures of more than 100 last season was creditable, but with the Pompey's slow defense, you should be grateful enough if his score doesn't decline this year.

Whereas their defenders mostly consist of old "uncles" where you simply can't spend any pennies on them. Perhaps the new man of Pompey Steve Finnan might prove that his glory at Liverpool years before was not a fluke.

Midfielders
As awful as their defensive line-up, Portsmouth's midfielders are also someone that you can't rely to. With 73 points leading their midfielders' scoring table, you can't expect much from them. Maybe Kranjcar who's better than others can do something sparkling this season - but don't hope too much.

Forwards
They sent off Defoe last winter, and this time? Peter Crouch! An awful decision, definitely. With now only two pathetically weak strikers remaining who scored 44 points (Nugent) and 24 points (Kanu) respectively last season, I wonder how Pompey can survive on the premiership without any new signings.


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: James (123)
Most Goals: Nugent, Kranjcar (3)
Most Assists: Kranjcar, Belhadj (3)
Most Bonus: Kranjcar (10)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Distin, James (8)
Points per Value: James (24.6)
Points per Game: Kranjcar (3.5)

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Posted by Leo at 9:47 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Manchester United

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Manchester United


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Fantasy Premium Pick: Vidic (8.0, click here for player statistics), Rooney (11.0)
Fantasy Top Pick: O'Shea (5.5)
Fantasy Good Pick: Van der Sar (6.5), Carrick (7.5), Valencia (8.5), Owen (8.5), Berbatov (10.0)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Nani (9.0)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.

Here comes the champion! Having secured the Premier League title three in a row, Manchester United will definitely continue their strong domination in the English football arena again - but this time without their previous ace Christiano Ronaldo. With the league starting two weeks from now, we shall see how much is the effect of the departure of CR7 to the Red Devils in their title challenge.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
They might not be that horrific anymore in their offense this season, but their defense will be as rock solid as before - although may be a little bit weakened due to reducing dominance upfront. United's defensive ace, Nemanja Vidic, is a spectacular character. Strong markings and hard tackles, combined with his powerful attacking corner skills has made him an unmissable player for this coming season. Having the most clean sheets compared to any other player in the premier league, even at the price of 8.0 he's still a very valuable lad. And he even scored 4 goals for Man Utd as well! His only weakness? How about his clumsiness against Liverpool which he was sent off twice?

Nemanja Vidic

As for the other defenders, all long as they start regularly they will give you a lot of points too. Example are such as Ferdinand and Evra. However, compared to Vidic they are much inferior aren't they? The only exception is John O'Shea. In fact I was very surprised of his extremely low price as one of the United's regular starter last season. Tagged 5.5 million, he's a very good investment as well.

While for their keepers, Van der Sar had a very convincing performance last season. The 1311 minutes of clean sheet haul was indeed a six star performance, but with his low attendance for premier league games (2911 mins), the price is just too expensive, especially for his age.

Midfielders
With Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, Manchester United's midfield line is heavily weakened. Still, there are some good pick for you. Michael Carrick is quite worthy at his price of 7.5 mil. 4 goals, 8 assists and 21 bonus points are indeed quite an outstanding record for a average priced midfielder. Valencia is also a good player as well, but I don't really recommend him as Manchester United is totally different from Wigan whereby he's the chief director of the Latics offense... but viewing his first goal in his debut match for Manchester United, he does have the shadow of Ronaldo! Whereas Nani might have the chance to prove himself this season with the ageing of Ryan Giggs, one of the greatest legend of Old Trafford.

Forwards
The team will definitely rotate around Wayne Rooney by now. Having his ability deeply suppressed due to Ronaldo's presence, the England's best striker currently will finally be given the power to rule United's offense. His role will be far more threatening than ever as he'll now play at the center of the field, rather than to sacrifice his best position for his teammates. At 11.0 he might be a little bit expensive, but if he can perform at his best, Rooney can even be the contender for the top pointer this season.

Wayne Rooney

The doubt at the United's forward line: who will partner Rooney? While Berbatov is more expensive and proven in United's offense, my vote goes to Owen. Seriously before his pre-season friendlies what that is still fresh in my mind about Owen was only his deluxe resume, but after that, my negative thoughts on him was proven to be wrong. As the top scorer so far in all the games United had played for this new season, his sharp as ever goal-hunting sense might boost him a lot of fantasy points as well. On the other hand, Dmitar Berbatov's 10.0 price just doesn't tally with his performance last season, while Macheda has to wait for a chance to prove himself.


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Vidic (187)
Most Goals: Rooney (12)
Most Assists: Berbatov (10)
Most Bonus: Rooney (23)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Vidic (23)
Points per Value: Van der Sar (23.8)
Points per Game: Vidic (5.5)

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Posted by Leo at 1:35 PM 0 comments
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In Depth Pre-Season Analysis: Manchester City

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Manchester City


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Click here to view for squad statistics.

Fantasy Top Pick: Barry (8.0), Ireland (9.0), Robinho (9.5), Adebayor (10.0)
Fantasy Good Pick: Given (5.5)
Fantasy Gamble Pick: Tevez (8.5), Santa Cruz (9.0)

Note: The parentheses ( ) after a player name states his price.


The new juggernaut of the football arena had already risen. Under the ownership of Abu Dhabi Group, Manchester City now have enourmous amount of cash to get anyone they wanted. With the numbers of blockbuster signings this season, Mark Hughes will try his best to break the top four domination.

Goalkeepers and Defenders
Seriously, I bear no hope to their defense, due to the mere amount of money spent by City on this field. The biggest reason for that is the lack of powerful leader in this area. The highest salary ever left back, Bridge, is only regarded as a world class substitute for big clubs. This applies to newly signed Arsenal CB Toure too. Added with Richards who had lost his form long long time ago and a bunch of unrecognized names on the back line, their defense will most probably still very productive in giving negative points this season.

Their keeper, Shay Given, is the only exception. He's proven since his time at Newcastle, and with 144 points last season, quite a good bargain aren't him?

Midfielders
In terms of midfield, Stephen Ireland is exceptional last season. At a starting value of 5.5 last season, his price boosted crazily to 7 at the end of the season. And now, he will start the next season with a sky high 9.0 million pounds - something that repels you from him. While he's expected to perform greatly just like last season, he might have sudden cold of form at some periods, just like last season.

Besides him, another summer signing - Aston Villa ex-captain Gareth Barry, is also a hot pick of the game. His experience, his leadership, his accurate set pieces... all these will channel a lot of points to his pocket. And guess what? He's cheaper than Ireland! But can he combine well with his new teammates?

Gareth Barry

Forwards
Given now that City has four world class forwards and some decent replacements as well, I predict that Hughes will play 4-3-3 for his team. In my opinion, Adebayor and Robinho will definitely be safe from benching their teammates due to their ultimate skills and talents. Adebayor is already long proven to be a great player that fits into EPL, while Robinho's 14 goals last season was quite tally with his title as EPL's record-breaking transfer. Tevez should be sitting for the last spot of the frontline, while Santa Cruz will wait his chance on the bench. Still, due to the high uncertainties of their forward combinations this season, you should wait and see for several games before deciding to pick anyone of them.

De Souza Robinho


08/09 Game Season Statistics
Top Pointers: Ireland (160), Barry (162)
Most Goals: Robinho (14)
Most Assists: Ireland (10)
Most Bonus: Robinho (18), Barry (35), Adebayor (21)
Most Clean Sheets (Defensive Line): Given (9)
Points per Value: Given (26.2)
Points per Game: Robinho, Adebayor (4.7)

Note: Players' name which are coloured green indicates the performance of new signings at their old clubs.

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Posted by Leo at 12:28 AM 0 comments
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