| PLAYER NEWS |
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Klasnic, Ivan - FOR (BOL)
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Updated February 5, 2010 |
| News: Klasnic remains sidelined by an ankle injury and will miss the game against Fulham. |
| Analysis: Johan Elmander might be recalled in Klasnic's place. |
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Kaboul, Younes - CB, RB (TOT)
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Updated February 2, 2010 |
| News: Kaboul has rejoined Tottenham from Portsmouth. Spurs sold him to the south-coast club in 2008. |
| Analysis: He wasn't great at White Hart Lane in his original spell and is still an erratic presence, but is likely to play only occasionally as a back-up for the often-injured Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate. |
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McCarthy, Benni - FOR (WHM)
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Updated February 2, 2010 |
| News: McCarthy has joined West Ham from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee. |
| Analysis: He could be an interesting prospect in the final months of the season. He'll play more at Upton Park than he did at Ewood Park and he needs to impress to get in South Africa's World Cup squad. |
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Keane, Robbie - FOR, LM (TOT)
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Updated February 2, 2010 |
| News: Keane moved to Celtic on loan for the rest of the season on transfer deadline day. |
| Analysis: Disaster for his fantasy owners, who are now left with a worthless asset. No choice but to ditch him from your squads. Not that Keane had helped much recently. |
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Melchiot, Mario - CB, RB (WIG)
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Updated January 22, 2010 |
| News: Melchiot broke his nose in the game against Wolves but will play on wearing a face mask for protection |
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Davies, Simon - CM, RM (FUL)
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Updated January 22, 2010 |
| News: Davies is close to a first team return following a foot injury |
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Stockdale, David - GK (FUL)
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Updated January 22, 2010 |
| News: Stockdale has signed for Plymouth Argyle on loan for one month. His Fulham contract lasts until 2013. |
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Ivanovic, Branislav - CB, RB (CHE)
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Updated January 22, 2010 |
| News: The full back has said it was tricky to reach the milestone of 50 appearances for Chelsea - reached against Sunderland- but that he is confident he is playing at his best |
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Essien, Michael - CM, RM (CHE)
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Updated January 22, 2010 |
| News: Essien will be out of action for up to six weeks. The midfielder picked up the injury while training with Ghana in Angola |
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Milner, James - CM, LM, RM (AST)
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Updated January 21, 2010 |
| News: "He's gone on to another level," Martin O'Neill said after Milner scored another couple in Wednesday's crazy Carling Cup semi-final victory over Blackburn Rovers. "He's a character and a half." |
| Analysis: That's nine for the season, all told. Must surely rest for the fA Cup tie with Brighton, to be ready for Arsenal next Wednesday, |
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Heskey, Emile - FOR, LM (AST)
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Updated January 21, 2010 |
| News: Fantastic retort from the Villa fans after bleating Blackburn followers sang: Heskey's sh*t, m'lord, Heskey's sh*t. Holte End burst out with: Heskey's scored, m'lord, Heskey's scored. That's when Blackburn knew their number was up in the bid for Wembley on Wednesday night. |
| Analysis: Carling Cup goals might not count for your Fantasy League tallies but they do matter to a player's confidence. With John Carew injured, Heskey will be lifted. |
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Guzan, Brad - GK (AST)
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Updated January 21, 2010 |
| News: Note we did say: "in the making". An erratic performance in the second leg of aforementioned Carling Cup semi-final saw Villa concede four goals so Martin O'Neill will have a tough decision ahead of Wembley, as Brad Friedel's experience could be a major advantage. |
| Analysis: Or the season after that. |
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Guzan, Brad - GK (AST)
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Updated January 20, 2010 |
| News: Kept a crucial clean sheet in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg away to Blackburn Rovers and continues, in his cup outings, to suggest he is a class goalkeeper in the making. |
| Analysis: One for next season. |
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Carsley, Lee - CM (BIR)
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Updated January 20, 2010 |
| News: A foot injury is likely to rule Carsley out for at least six weeks, meaning he is unlikely to leave St Andrew's this transfer window. |
| Analysis: He's been a sound player. |
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Delap, Rory - CM, LM, RM (STO)
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Updated January 20, 2010 |
| News: Tony Pulis will be praying that his reliable midfield player and missile launcher recovers from a groin injury in time to face Arsenal in Sunday's FA Cup tie. |
| Analysis: Worth a place in your squad, considering his capability to create goals with his long throw-in. |
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Zubar, Ronald - CB, RB (WOL)
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Updated January 20, 2010 |
| News: Stands by to deputise for the suspended Richard Stearman in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace where a good performance could enable him to retain his place for Tuesday's visit from Liverpool. |
| Analysis: Was in good form before an ankle injury curtailed his contribution. |
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Huth, Robert - CB, RB (STO)
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Updated January 19, 2010 |
| News: Morale-boosting goal against Liverpool earned a great point on Saturday and the German defender will relish facing Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday. |
| Analysis: Looks to be on the up. |
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Larsson, Sebastian - CM, LM, RM (BIR)
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Updated January 19, 2010 |
| News: His place may come under threat as and when McLeish completes £4million purchase of Craig Gardner. |
| Analysis: Still has the quality to make goals, work hard and help the defence stay miserly. |
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Jones, David - CM, RM (WOL)
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Updated January 19, 2010 |
| News: Finally granted a chance to impress, he played tidily if safely in difficult circumstances in Saturday's demoralising 2-0 defeat at home by Wigan. |
| Analysis: Unlikely to pull up too many trees. |
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Gardner, Craig - CM, RB (BIR)
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Updated January 19, 2010 |
| News: Could be a tidy signing for you if you get in quick: set to complete a £4million switch across to Bitmingham City this week where, in a variety of positions, he could be expecting to play regularly. |
| Analysis: Birmingham don't let many goals in and Gardner's powerful shooting could earn him a few himself. |
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Cole, Ashley - LB (CHE)
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Updated January 17, 2010 |
| News: Cole was taken off at half time against Sunderland as a precaution after hurting his ankle |
| Analysis: The injury is minor and Cole is in the best form of his career so leave him in your team |
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Dempsey, Clint - FOR, CM, LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated January 17, 2010 |
| News: Dempsey has suffered suspected cruciate ligament damage which if confirmed will rule him out for the rest of the season |
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Parker, Scott - CM (WHM)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Back from injury, Parker is expected to face Aston Villa on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He has been persistently linked with a move away in this transfer window, which would enhance his PTG value. |
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Noble, Mark - CM (WHM)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Noble is fit again and ready to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He should go straight into the starting line-up. |
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King, Ledley - CB, CM (TOT)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: King is apparently not fit enough to play against Hull on Saturday. |
| Analysis: Sounds like the usual aches and pains restricting his availability. |
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Milner, James - CM, LM, RM (AST)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Scored his seventh goal of the season in Thursday's Carling Cup victory away to Blackburn Rovers when he looked as if he could run all night. |
| Analysis: His quality is improving, too. |
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Young, Luke - LB, RB (AST)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Likely to return to the starting line-up, after recovering from an ankle injury but watching the Carling Cup semi-final first leg from the substitutes' bench. |
| Analysis: In sound form, in a sound defence. Sound combination. |
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Ferguson, Barry - CM (BIR)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Now he's even scoring goals. Or A goal, at least. Has continued in imperious form, as the fulcrum on which Birmingham's 14-match unbeaten run has been built, and helps ensure the team seldom look like conceding goals. |
| Analysis: Neat and tidy in possession, out quickly to block down shots, ego sublimated for the good of the team. Manager's dream. |
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Collins, Neill - CB, RB (WOL)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Neil Collins, we salute you. Good luck at Preston North End (and thanks for the £750,000, by the way). You were often terrible, if always whole-hearted, but we will never forget your winning goal in the freezing cold away to Doncaster Rovers. |
| Analysis: About time we pulled him down off the site, isn't it? |
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Doyle, Kevin - FOR (WOL)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Wolves' top scorer looks set to return to the front line after missing the FA Cup tie away to Tranmere Rovers with illness. |
| Analysis: Looks good for a goal or two in the coming weeks as Wolves take on telegation rivals: Wigan, West Ham, Hulll, Liverpool... |
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Craddock, Jody - CB (WOL)
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Updated January 15, 2010 |
| News: Mick McCarthy has hailed the performances of veteran Wolves defender Jody Craddock and admitted he has given him "food for thought" regarding a new contract. The 34-year-old is due to make his 200th appearance for the club in the home Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan. |
| Analysis: Good bet for a goal. |
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Sanli, Tuncay - FOR (STO)
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Updated January 14, 2010 |
| News: Tony Pulis hopes to have Tuncay fit again for Liverpool on Saturday following the Turkey strikeer's recent hamstring injury, but admits it could be a late decision. |
| Analysis: Likely to play if fit. |
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Edman, Erik - LB (WIG)
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Updated January 11, 2010 |
| News: Edman's agent says three clubs are interested in the defender. As his contract runs out at the end of this season, Wigan may be tempted to cash in. |
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Nevland, Erik - FOR (FUL)
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Updated January 11, 2010 |
| News: Despite being used mostly as a substitute this season, Nevland has indicated he will accept a new contract to stay at Craven Cottage |
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Franco, Guillermo - FOR (WHM)
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Updated January 11, 2010 |
| News: Franco is likely to miss the next couple of matches because of a muscle injury suffered in training. |
| Analysis: Just what the club don't need, another injured striker. |
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Cole, Carlton - FOR (WHM)
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Updated January 11, 2010 |
| News: Cole is nearing a return to the first-team after his knee injury suffered last November. |
| Analysis: According to Gianfranco Zola, Cole could return by the end of the month. |
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Assou-Ekotto, Benoit - LB (TOT)
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Updated January 7, 2010 |
| News: Assou-Ekotto is likely to miss the game against Liverpool on Sunday with a groin problem. |
| Analysis: Gareth Bale is in line to deputise. |
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Lennon, Aaron - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated January 7, 2010 |
| News: Lennon is unlikely to be fit for the big game against Liverpool on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He picked up a groin injury in the win over West Ham, in which he was very impressive. |
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Zamora, Bobby - FOR (FUL)
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Updated January 6, 2010 |
| News: Zamora, whose form has been the surprise of the season so far, dislocated his collarbone in the defeat to Stoke on Tuesday night |
| Analysis: A huge blow to Fulham and to those of you had finally decided to put him in your team |
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Johnson, Damien - CM, RM (BIR)
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Updated January 5, 2010 |
| News: Has re-emerged from 18 months' injury hell to suggest he can bolster Blues from the bench and, if anything happens to Barry Ferguson or Lee Bowyer, in the centre of midfield from the start. A series of calf, hamstring and groin injuries followed his serious back problem but the club captain has battled his way back towards full fitness and came on against Chelsea and played the FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest to prove his worth. |
| Analysis: Great squad player for McLeish - won't score too many fantasy league points. |
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Hart, Joe - GK (BIR)
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Updated January 5, 2010 |
| News: Three clean sheets in a row, and nine for the season, reflect the growing confidence of a goalkeeper who has surely proved that he should be going to South Africa for the World Cup finals. Birmingham disappointed to hear that Manchester City still have no intention of selling the on-loan goalkeeper - but will benefit from his presence for this season and maybe next. |
| Analysis: Just buy him, now. |
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Jarvis, Matthew - LM, RM (WOL)
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Updated January 5, 2010 |
| News: The goal that enabled Wolves to knock Tranmere out of the FA Cup might not have earned you or him any fantasy points but will have boosted the winger's confidence no end. As McCarthy's main winger, that should lift Wolves as they go into their crucial relegation battles with West Ham and Wigan. |
| Analysis: Good player for a club showing signs that they can survive and prosper. |
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Shawcross, Ryan - CB, RB (STO)
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Updated January 5, 2010 |
| News: Available again after suspension - and an automatic pick. Recently signed a new contract but do not be surprised if Liverpool or Manchester United don't come back in for him. |
| Analysis: You should also sign him up. |
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Milner, James - CM, LM, RM (AST)
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Updated January 5, 2010 |
| News: Tuesday's postponement at Ewood Park will be a boon for Villa as their star player will have an extra week to heal his bruised foot. |
| Analysis: Keep him in your team - the goals are flowing. |
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N'Zogbia, Charles - CM, LB, LM, RM (WIG)
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Updated January 4, 2010 |
| News: N'Zogbia's fine recent performances have increased speculation that he will be bought in the transfer window but Roberto Martinez has promised that he will stay at Wigan |
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Sturridge, Daniel - FOR (CHE)
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Updated January 4, 2010 |
| News: Ancelotti was full of praise for Sturridge after he scored twice against Watford in the FA Cup |
| Analysis: Sturridge will be given a run in the league this month and looks set to make the most of it |
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Paintsil, John - CB, RB (FUL)
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Updated January 4, 2010 |
| News: Reports that Paintsil will be out for the rest of the season may have been premature as the Ghana defender will probably not need an operation and could be back inside six weeks |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR (FUL)
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Updated January 4, 2010 |
| News: Johnson made his first start for three months in the FA Cup and his manager confirmed he and Zamora are his first choice strikeforce once again |
| Analysis: Johnson missed a penalty and looked rusty but has a good understanding with Bobby |
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Yebda, Hassan - CM, RB, RM (POR)
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Updated December 28, 2009 |
| News: The Algeria midfield player will not have to report to his country's African Nations Cup training camp until after the home match against Arsenal. |
| Analysis: Hard to believe you can't do better with the many midfield options available in PlayTheGame. |
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Belhadj, Nadir - LB, LM (POR)
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Updated December 28, 2009 |
| News: The Algeria defender will not have to report to his country's African Nations Cup training camp until after the home match against Arsenal. |
| Analysis: Belhadj is in a decent run of form and could be worth a one-match pick-up if you're desperate. |
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Kanu - FOR (POR)
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Updated December 28, 2009 |
| News: Kanu will not have to report to his country's African Nations Cup training camp until after the home match against Arsenal. |
| Analysis: The Nigeria star will probably begin the match against his former club on the bench, but he is one of the few Portsmouth players who can match the skills of the visiting team, and should therefore play some part. |
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McCarthy, James - CM, LM, RM (WIG)
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Updated December 22, 2009 |
| News: McCarthy says he is hopeful of a loan move in January having played a total of just 83 minutes under Roberto Martinez |
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Terry, John - CB (CHE)
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Updated December 22, 2009 |
| News: Carlo Ancelotti has compared his captain to Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini in a bid to back Terry following reports he took cash for tours of Chelsea's training ground |
| Analysis: If Terry really is a mix of Baresi and Maldini you would be a fool to drop him |
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Zamora, Bobby - FOR (FUL)
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Updated December 22, 2009 |
| News: Zamora is in the finest form of his Fulham career having scored in the past four matches |
| Analysis: Maybe you bought him as a sub but he should be in your starting line up now |
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Sanli, Tuncay - FOR (STO)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: First name on Tony Pulis's team sheet for today's trip to Aston Villa after his goalscoring contribution last week. |
| Analysis: Talented player just waiting to take off - might be worth adding to your squad. |
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Foley, Kevin - RB, RM (WOL)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Should get his chance to reaffirm his credentials after David Edwards' injury, albeit in a midfield role. |
| Analysis: Has struggled to reproduce the form that made him Wolves' player of the year last season, what with injuries and Richard Stearman's good displays. |
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Davies, Curtis - CB (AST)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Good news from Bodymoor Heath today: the £8million defender is due to return to training next week and could be back in first-team contention by mid-January. |
| Analysis: Will have to battle past the might of Dunne, Cuellar and Collins to regain his place. Could be good purchase for later in the season. |
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McCann, Gavin - CM, RM (BOL)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: McCann won't have recovered from his ankle injury in time for the game against Wigan on Monday but he might be back to face Burnley on Boxing Day. |
| Analysis: He's a player who's more valuable to his club than to your PTG team. |
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Muamba, Fabrice - CM (BOL)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Muamba is suspended for Monday's short hop to Wigan Athletic. |
| Analysis: He picked up his fifth booking of the season in the win over West Ham. |
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Jimenez, Antonio Luis - FOR, LM, RM (WHM)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Jiminez returns from a calf strain to face Chelsea on Sunday. |
| Analysis: He hasn't played since scoring in the 5-3 win over Burnley on November 28. |
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Dyer, Kieron - RM (WHM)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Dyer misses Sunday's game against Chelsea because of a hamstring injury. |
| Analysis: It's not his first, or his last, you feel. |
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Upson, Matthew - CB (WHM)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Upson is back from injury to face Chelsea at Upton Park on Sunday. |
| Analysis: A fine player, but will you take the risk of plugging him back in your line-up against these opponents if you own him? |
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King, Ledley - CB, CM (TOT)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: King is back in training after his hamstring problem but won't play against Blackburn. |
| Analysis: He's too much of a risk to be considered as a PTG first-choice. |
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Bentley, David - LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: The winger has a calf strain and is doubtful for the game against Blackburn, his former club. |
| Analysis: He's also a doubt to still be at Spurs on February 1. |
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Modric, Luka - CM, LM, RM (TOT)
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Updated December 18, 2009 |
| News: Modric, just back from a long lay-off, has picked up a knock on an ankle and will miss the trip to Blackburn. |
| Analysis: Frustration for owners of the talented but fragile playmaker. |
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Drogba, Didier - FOR (CHE)
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Updated December 16, 2009 |
| News: Drogba picked up a back injury in training and may miss the game against Portsmouth tonight |
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Gomez, Jordi - CM, LM (WIG)
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Updated December 16, 2009 |
| News: Roberto Martinez has a fully fit squad so Martinez may have to make do with a place on the bench at Anfield |
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Kirkland, Chris - GK (WIG)
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Updated December 16, 2009 |
| News: Chris Kirkland has not had a recurrance of his back problem and will face Liverpool, his fomer club, tonight |
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Johnson, Andrew - FOR (FUL)
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Updated December 16, 2009 |
| News: Johnson is struggling to be fit for Fulham's game against Manchester United. Roy Hodgson has admitted he was overly optimistic about his striker's progress |
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Upson, Matthew - CB (WHM)
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Updated December 15, 2009 |
| News: Upson will have a late fitness test ahead of tonight's game against Bolton. |
| Analysis: He's been struggling with a hamstring problem. |
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Noble, Mark - CM (WHM)
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Updated December 15, 2009 |
| News: Noble is suspended against Bolton tonight because of his red card against Birmingham. |
| Analysis: Jack Collison will probably replace him. |
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Klasnic, Ivan - FOR (BOL)
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Updated December 14, 2009 |
| News: Klasnic grabbed a brace in the 3-3 draw with Manchester City. |
| Analysis: The Croatia striker, on loan from Nantes, now has four top-flight goals and is getting starts ahead of Johan Elmander. |
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Cahill, Gary - CB (BOL)
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Updated December 14, 2009 |
| News: Cahill scored a superb goal as Bolton drew 3-3 with Manchester City. |
| Analysis: A precise curler - who knew? Sadly, three goals against don't help his fantasy owners any. |
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Noble, Mark - CM (WHM)
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Updated December 14, 2009 |
| News: Noble was sent off for a second bookable offence as West Ham lost again, 1-0 to Birmingham. |
| Analysis: The red card was very harsh but he'll miss a game. |
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Crouch, Peter - FOR (TOT)
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Updated December 14, 2009 |
| News: Crouch was surprisingly only used as a substitute against Wolves, coming on in the 58th minute as Robbie Keane started with Jermain Defoe. |
| Analysis: And Spurs duly lost. Surely Harry Redknapp must realise that Crouch and Defoe is his most effective strike pairing? |
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Ashton, Dean - FOR (WHM)
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Updated December 14, 2009 |
| News: Ashton has officially retired after failing to recover from a long-term ankle injury picked up on England duty. |
| Analysis: It's a personal tragedy for the 26-year-old, who's a real loss to the game. |
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Kirkland, Chris - GK (WIG)
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Updated December 10, 2009 |
| News: Despite his ongoing back problem, Roberto Martinez says: 'You can never rule Chris out' and the keeper might feature for the game against Stoke |
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Essien, Michael - CM, RM (CHE)
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Updated December 10, 2009 |
| News: Essien will not feature for Chelsea until February. A scan revealed his hamstring will take a month to heal and then the midfielder has African Cup of Nations duty |
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Stoor, Fredrik - RB (FUL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Stoor, who cost Fulham £2 million, has been unable to oust John Paintsil and will be sold in January |
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Kallio, Toni - CB, LB (FUL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: The defender will be sold after Christmas as part of Roy Hodgson's clear out |
| Analysis: Worth checking, has Kallio fallen down the back of your sofa? |
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Ki Hyeon, Seol - FOR, LM, RM (FUL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: The Korea winger has been told he is not part of Roy Hodgson's plans. |
| Analysis: No reason to think he should be part of yours |
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Johnson, Eddie - FOR (FUL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Johnson, who had hoped to use the Premier League as a lever into the US side for the World Cup, will be sold in January |
| Analysis: Probably best to do as Hodgson has done and bin him |
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Kakuta, Gael - FOR, LM (CHE)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Kakuta was the only bright point in a stodgy Chelsea performance midweek according to Carlo Ancelotti |
| Analysis: Will the Chelsea manager heed his own words and give the prodigy more time in Premier League matches? |
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Essien, Michael - CM, RM (CHE)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Essien pulled up with a hamstring injury in the Champions League game against Apoel |
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Phillips, Kevin - FOR (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Niggles have been limiting this fine goalscorer's opportunities and, excellent last season, in lifting the club back into the Premier League, he is barely getting a kick. At his age, needs to be playing. |
| Analysis: Currently out with an ankle injury, he may well move next month. Notts County believed to be interested. |
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Carsley, Lee - CM (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Could well be on his way out - excellent last season, in lifting the club back into the Premier League, he is barely getting a kick due to the excellence of Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer and, at his age, needs to be playing. |
| Analysis: One for Notts County? |
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Iwelumo, Chris - FOR (WOL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Chris Iwelumo should be fit for the festive period, after injuring his foot in his one match this season, at former club Stoke City, and has missing the last four matches. "I¿m hoping Lumes will be in full training this week,¿ Mick McCarthy said. ¿It will be great if we can get him back out there.¿ |
| Analysis: Would be good to have him back for Burnley at home. |
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Zubar, Ronald - CB, RB (WOL)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: The French defender is set to return to the squad after an ankle injury. "Ronald will be training some time this week,¿ Mick McCarthy said. "He was out doing some work yesterday and he¿s doing fine. It¿s doubtful he will be ready for Saturday but we¿ll see.¿ Zubar had been in fine form before turning an ankle before the disappointing derby defeat by Birmingham City. |
| Analysis: Looks a good player but will struggle to displace the in-form Richard Stearman. His superior ball retention should get him a place in the centre of defence at some stage. |
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Hart, Joe - GK (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Alex McLeish has tipped his on-loan goalkeeper as a "real prospect" for England's World Cup squad. With David James, Ben Foster, Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson struggling on various fronts, Hart, who is on a season's loan from Manchester City, has been improving his game at St Andrew's and playing his part in the team's climb up the table. |
| Analysis: West Ham at home.... |
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Hart, Joe - GK (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Alex McLeish has tipped his on-loan goalkeeper as a "real prospect" for England's World Cup squad. With David James, Ben Foster, Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson struggling on various fronts, Hart, who is on a season's loan from Manchester City, has been improving his game at St Andrew's and playing his part in the team's climb up the table. |
| Analysis: West Ham at home.... |
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Ridgewell, Liam - CB, LB (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: The former Aston Villa centre-half is relishing his role as a makeshift left-back. "The gaffer asked me to do a job there when I came back from injury and I¿m fitting in well," he said. ¿I like getting forward and trying to play a little bit." |
| Analysis: Adds even more steel to one of the Premier League's most resolute defences. |
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Gardner, Craig - CM, RB (BIR)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: Martin O¿Neill has confirmed that midfielder Craig Gardner is making good progress with a back problem ahead of the visit to Manchester United. ¿He was complaining of being pretty sore, went for a scan but it has shown nothing too significant. I¿m hopeful." |
| Analysis: It's a long queue, with James Milner barging his way in at the front alongside Stiliyan Petrov, but Gardner does not want for character. |
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Collins, James - CB (AST)
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Updated December 9, 2009 |
| News: James Collins is set to hand Villa a defensive boost ahead of Saturday¿s trip to Old Trafford by returning to training after overcoming a groin injury. Collins is hoping to be back in contention after missing Villa¿s last five games with the problem he picked up against West Ham, his former club, at the start of last month. |
| Analysis: Worth adding to your squad, as he was in excellent form before the injury, though he may have to bide his time to regain his place with Carlos Cuellar and Richard Dunne on top of their game. |
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Kirkland, Chris - GK (WIG)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Kirkland was substituted early in the game against Birmingham City with a back problem and is a doubt for this weekend |
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Zamora, Bobby - FOR (FUL)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Aaron Hughes has praised Zamora's physical presence echoing the thoughts of Roy Hodgson, his manager, who said, after Sunday's victory, that the striker had what it takes to be part of England's World Cup plans |
| Analysis: Physical presence is no good in terms of fantasy points |
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Cech, Petr - GK (CHE)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Cech has accepted responsibility for the defeat to Manchester City saying he should have saved the free kick taken by Carlos Tevez. |
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Sidwell, Steve - CM, RM (AST)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Notwithstanding being dropped to accommodate Stewart Downing, Steve Sidwell was still able to claim an assist in the 3-0 victory over Hull City by throwing the ball back for Gabby Agbonlahor to tee up James Milner for the second goal. |
| Analysis: Benched. |
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Guzan, Brad - GK (AST)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Likely to be in the USA squad that faces England next summer, Villa's No2 consistently proves his excellence when coming in for cup games, and helps keep Brad Friedel at the top of his game. |
| Analysis: Any injury to Brad Friedel would earn him a regular slot at proving his worth. |
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Dunne, Richard - CB, RB (AST)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Regaining top form after his international disappointment and bouyed by smashing in his third goal of the season in the 3-0 victory over Hull City. |
| Analysis: The former Man City defender will relish the challenge at Old Trafford this Saturday. |
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Young, Luke - LB, RB (AST)
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Updated December 8, 2009 |
| News: Right back to the top of his game, excelling at right-back against Hull City, and keeping Aaron Lennon pretty quiet the previous week. |
| Analysis: In England form - if he wanted it. |
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