All posts by h79snht.top

When it comes to shirt numbers I’m sure many people won’t even bat an eyelid at the significance of certain digits and the importance that they hold within the walls of a football club.  There is a number, however, so revered in English football you’d think it was a crown jewel considering the proud way fans talk about it. The number nine shirt means a lot more to football fans than they could possibly explain. To wear the much-respected number you have to be a certain type of player and more importantly you have to earn it!

Since individual squad numbers were introduced into English football in 1993 they have soared in tandem with transfer fees. Don’t be surprised if, in the very near future, you see a maverick player sporting three digits on the back of his shirt. In my opinion squad numbers have become a bit of a gimmick and aren’t treated with the respect that they once were. That said the number nine shirt will always retain its majesty, power and prodigious tradition. Since the dawn of our beautiful game that digit has grown to signify something holy and special turning an average player into a symbol of hope and glory. It takes an amazing character to take up the mantle of being a number nine and I believe the game needs them to separate those who play football with pride and those who play for the wrong reasons.

A majority of footballers, these days, are seen to be lacking in passion and commitment with the sport now just an avenue to a colossal bank account and a stress free existence. Traditions seem to be lost on this new breed of player as they continue to lose touch with the people that come out to support them every week. The chasm between players and fans is widening every year and doesn’t look like stopping with there being no feasible way to relate or feel connected to footballers anymore. They are more focused on fast cars, expensive watches and garnering a celebrity status. They are visibly ignorant and a poor representation of the traditions that once made football romantic and magical. Being a Newcastle United fan I know full well what that shirt means to those who wear it and those who chant their name from the stands. Jackie Milburn, Malcom MacDonald, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and dare I say it Andy Carroll are just some of the names to sit above the famous figure and all have been worshipped in their own right at St James’ Park.

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Everyone knows that number nines are goal scorers but they hold much more importance than that. They are the focal point of the team, the spearhead if you like, and in no uncertain terms are the ultimate heroes of a football club. Whilst their job is to hit the back of the net they must also keep those faces in the stands smiling broadly and wear the shirt with absolute dignity and honour.  There may be shouts that I’m being biased but you have to agree with the sentiment that Shearer is the greatest number nine the Premier League has ever seen. His first class attitude, consistent goal scoring exploits, roughhouse nature and battering ram approach to games made him the archetypal leader on the pitch. He was the first to throw his head into a crowd or charge down an opponent when possession was surrendered and didn’t mind taking a few cuts and bruises along the way. To cut a long story short he was inspirational and is still idolized to this day despite hanging up his boots over five years ago. Blackburn Rovers fans i’m sure you’ll agree?

The fact of the matter is Shearer encompassed the sort of passion and respect that the makes a number nine so special. He knew what it meant to wear that shirt and how much it would hurt the fans if it was ever besmirched. He is the model that every number nine should aspire to be and it seems that they are a dying breed. The adoration and esteem that surrounds the number nine shirt makes it sacred to so many football fans around the country. Perhaps the pressure surrounding it is considered too much to handle at any club. Thats why a special type of character is required to take on that role as avant-garde. As well as being seen as a leader they’ll also be identified as an equilibrium between fans and modern footballers. Someone who understands the tradition that they are currently steeped in. The influence a player like that holds should never be underestimated  No one ever forgets a true number nine!

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Edin Dzeko has apologised to Roberto Mancini for his behaviour after he was substituted in the second half of Tuesday’s Champions’ League defeat to Bayern Munich. The Bosnian told Sky Sports that he has spoken to both the manager and his teammates and apologised earnestly, and now hopes to put the incident behind him. Mancini must find it refreshing that a star striker should actually address their apology at him – but he will now return his concentration to his other problem, Carlos Tevez. Scroll all the way down for one possible solution.

In football’s other big stories this morning, the chase for Palace superkid Wilfried Zaha is spreading across Europe as two of the continent’s biggest names join the fray; Titus Bramble might be joining Carlos Tevez on the golf course, as the defender has been suspended by Sunderland following his arrest earlier this week; Harry Redknapp admits he was fearing a Shamrock surprise for a while after last night’s Europa League tie; and David Moyes backs Tim Cahill to score another Merseyside Derby goal this weekend.

Dzeko apologises to Mancini

Redknapp admits fears over Irish surprise

Dalglish wary of rushing Gerrard back too soon

Arsenal backer Kroenke supporting Wenger

Scholes questions Mancini’s decision

Pulis hails Stoke victory

Titus Bramble suspended by Sunderland after arrest

Jol praises Johnson after victory

Moyes backs Cahill to star again in derby

Wenger and Fergie still keen despite Brazilian’s new deal

Tottenham face £12m battle with Milan for Spanish hitman

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Villa-Boas set to gazump North London duo with January bid

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Newcastle entertain Tottenham at St James’ Park on Sunday looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season which has raised expectation levels on Tyneside.

The Magpies have yet to taste defeat in their seven Premier League games and are unbeaten in 10 stretching back to last season – their longest run since 1997. Boss Alan Pardew’s summer transfer activity is paying instant dividends and the midfield battle between Yohan Cabaye and Luka Modric will prove to be an interesting spectacle. The Frenchman has settled into English football without a hitch adding an elegance to the centre of the park at St James’ proving the perfect foil for the bruising qualities of Cheick Tiote. The attacking philopsophy that has been adopted by Pardew has also brought the best out of Leon Best and Demba Ba with the latter scoring four goals in his last two games including a hat trick against Blackburn. However the basis of Newcastle’s superb campaign to far has been the defence with Steven Taylor and captain Fabricio Coloccini looking impenetrable whilst Tim Krul has proved to be a worthy winner of the race for the number one jersey. The young Dutchman has pulled off save after magnificent save and he was man of the match against Wolves a fortnight ago pulling off a series of stunning stops to ensure a 2-1 win. Credit has to go to Pardew for his attention to detail and he’s got the best out of Ryan Taylor despite him playing in an unfamiliar left back position although he has been aided by Jonas Gutierrez’s diligent tracking back. The defence has conceded only four goals this season but will be majorly tested on Sunday against Spurs.

Harry Redknapp’s side are hunting a fifth consecutive win and have won their last two away from White Hart Lane. They were involved in one the more entertaining games this season a fortnight ago as they claimed all the North London bragging rights beating Arsenal 2-1. Kyle Walker struck the winner in that game and will be full of confidence ahead of the visit to the North East. The Londoners full backs and wingers are key to their offensive game with Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon providing pace and directness on the flanks. Supported by Walker and Benoit Assou Ekotto the Magpies back line will be in for a real test especially with Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defore partnered up front. The little and large combo have struck up an instant accord with Adebayor scoring three in four games since his loan move from Manchester City. Redknapp will need him to have his shooting boot’s on this weekend as Spurs have failed to register a win in the last five meetings between the two sides.

Key Players

Yohan Cabaye – The Frenhman has looked an absolute steal since joining from Lille in the summer for £4.5 million. Cabaye has brought an elegance to the Newcastle midfield that was missing last season with his creative tendencies and energetic displays already endearing him to the Geordie faithful.

Gareth Bale – After a blistering 2010/11 campaign Bale has simmered down to a degree this season but is still as dangerous as ever on the left. His lung bursting runs and boundless energy making difficult to for defenders to stop him and Danny Simpson will be in for a difficult afternoon.

Verdict: 1-1

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Yohan Cabaye and Chiek Tiote topped the charts for distance covered again with 11.7km and 12.1km respectively. Chieck Tiote is the top ranked Newcastle player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index after rising 11 places to 30th after their last game. Tiote has won 55% of tackles attempted and completing 94 passes in his opponent’s half Young full back Kyle Walker scored the second in that game with an impressive long range effort that earned him a senior England call up. It also pushed him 57 places up the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to 58th place. As well as having an impressive strike, Walker has been in excellent defensive form for Spurs this season winning 92% of the tackles he has attempted.

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Watching Anderson play for United, reminds me of watching Ryan Giggs in the late 90′s, early noughties, people may forget this, but contrary to revisionist history, the Welsh wonder, was not always a stellar performer.

Yes, there was THAT goal, against Arsenal, but there was also THAT miss, which seemed to sum up Giggs around this period, sublime one game, anonymous the next.

The same description could be added to United’s Brazilian midfielder, I remember standing in a pub two seasons ago arguing the case for him to be kept, while a few other Reds seemed to think he was never going to be the answer to our future midfield. All the drooling over Anderson’s first few games this season, has quickly gone to question marks, straight through to downright disbelief as his performance levels have plummeted.

The game against Norwich was a case in point, he may have scored but it was without a doubt the worst shift I’ve seen him put in for quite some time. His passing was simply dreadful, his movement, sluggish and his drive non-existent at times. The main statement being shouted by Reds, is that once Tom Cleverley returns, so will Anderson’s form. After the Chelsea game, that was my first thought: ‘give Anderson Cleverley alongside him, making those runs and giving him an easier option and his form will return,’ yet to be perfectly honest, this argument is deeply flawed. For starters, a player who’s now entering his fifth season at Old Trafford, should be able to perform alongside anyone in midfield.

Do you think if Jonny Evans could only play alongside Rio Ferdinand, he’d still be at United? Or if Michael Carrick had to have Darren Fletcher next to him, he’d have been given a new contract last season?

No. Of course not, a player for United, has to be able to adapt to having different midfield partners, Roy Keane was just as awesome alongside Paul Ince as he was Paul Scholes or Nicky Butt- admittedly Scholes was his best partner, but Keano still performed well, whoever he was alongside.

It’s very harsh to compare anyone to the great Roy Keane, but the point I’m making is Anderson cannot just be an asset as long as Cleverley’s there, otherwise he’s almost useless. Imagine the scenario -’Cleverley’s out for a month- that means we lose Ando as well’ it’s ridiculous.

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My view of Anderson is he needs to be kept in the team, regardless of his form for at least a few months, ever since he arrived at Old Trafford, he’s been in and out of the side more often than Ji Sung Park, playing a great game one week, then going missing, then getting dropped. Playing a great game on his return, then another great game, then having three poor ones, then getting droppped. Playing a great game for the reserves, then being brought back into the first team….you get the point. Anderson suffers from inconsistency, of that there is no doubt, but this constant cycle he’s been in of having a run of say four games, then missing four has done him nor the club any real good. Anderson still has a big question mark over him, there’s still no certainty that he’ll be the answer to United’s midfield problems, after well over 100 games for the Reds.

What he needs, is a run, a proper run, regardless of how his form dips. That’s insane! I hear you cry, after all we’ve got Liverpool, City and tough Champions League games coming up, we can’t afford to carry passengers. Well, I’m sorry but if we really want long term answers then we may have to risk the short term gains.

Anderson should be kept in the side, regardless of whether Tom Cleverley’s fit, until at least the end of November, let’s give him a real run, where there’s no excuses. If at the end of that run, he’s been the player we saw against Arsenal more often than the one who turned up for Norwich then, happy days. If not, it’s time to realise that January’s transfer window may be tailor made for that midfield signing we didn’t make in the Summer.

Article courtesy of Justin Mottershead of Red Flag Flying High

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Win VIP tickets to the titanic clash at Anfield

If you have ever predicted a goal from a set piece, the time of the next goal or where a penalty will be placed, then there is finally a game for you to prove your mental powers. The Heineken Star Player app allows you to do so in selected UEFA Champions League games.

Once downloaded you are able to follow live UEFA Champions League games on your mobile and compete with your friends or anyone around the world in a live learderboard that scores how clever you are at predicting what will happen during the game.

You score points by guessing what will happen at certain points of the Champions League game, for example when a corner is won, you will get options as to what will happen, a goal, a defensive header away or the goalkeeper to come and claim it etc. You will try and score as many points in the game as possible to climb up the leaderboard and boast to your friends and rivals that you know more about the beautiful game than they do. You also have to predict similar outcomes to free-kicks, penalties, timing of goals and whether the keeper will make the next save. The addictive style of the StarPlayer app will keep you hooked week after week, trying to improve on your final score from previous games and all while being able to watch the greatest club competition in the world.

Fantasy football is the only football competition on the market that has survived for years, but this new technology blows this away, with the interactive, live streaming of games and second by second decisions to be made by you at the touch of your screen. With constant updates and trivia questions, proving your guess work is no fluke, the fun-packed app can also be played on Facebook with your friends and you can even play it in the pub or on the move. The free app is growing in size and the more people that join Heineken and get involved the more impressive gaming can be had with your fingertips.

StarPlayer is a groundbreaking ‘dual screen’ digital initiative from Heineken which transforms TV watching into a social interactive experience for football fans. The game, which was created and devised by digital agency AKQA, taps into competitive banter of the fans by creating a live TV game experience that can be played from home.

Do you ever find yourself playing on your phone while watching the football in your living room? Then why not get involved and download this unique app that will get you and your mates eager to get competitive over who truly knows their stuff.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, has sponsored the prestigious UEFA Champions League and with innovative ideas such as this, long may that continue.

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Join the Football FanCast League now and compete in next week’s competition for a pair of tickets to Man City v Bayern Munich

Register here – http://www.heineken.com/gb/ucl/star-player/Create-Join-League.aspx

League Name – FootballFanCast.com

Entry Code – 3mtcpqkduu

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There are only 25 places in our League so sign-up right away.

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Under pressure Blackburn boss Steve Kean will face the boo boys once again as he attempts to lift his side off the bottom of the Premier League with a win over Swansea at Ewood Park.

Rovers slipped to the foot of the table following last week’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium last week as they made it eight top flight games without a win. Manager Kean was once again the subject of derision from his own supporters who vociferously informed him that he is unwelcome in their dugout. It’s been a tough year in charge for the Scot who has managed just six wins from 34 games in charge since taking over last December after owners Venky’s dispensed with the services of Sam Allardyce. The club has evidently gone downhill since the Indian company took over and appointed Kean and they angered fans even further by handing the boss a new two-year contract despite club looking strong candidates for relegation. It’s a mystery as to why Rovers are performing so badly with a dressing boasting the likes of of Christopher Samba, Scott Dann, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Yakubu. Talented youngsters like Junior Hoilett, Steven N’Zonzi, Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina are also at the club and have shown flashes of their potential this season after being given their chance by Kean. Despite the talent in the dressing room Rovers have looked a shambles at times this season with teams able to cut through them like a hot knife through butter. Stoke cruised effortlessly to three points last week and there is no doubt Kean will demand improvement as they come up against Swansea who have picked up only two points on the road this season.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has seen his side struggle on their travels losing four of their six games away from the Liberty Stadium although he’ll be confident of breaking that run at Blackburn. Performances have been encouraging from the Welshmen who have surprised every single critic who predicted they would be propping up the table going into the festive period. In fact the Swans have performed well above expectations and now sit in 13th place following their goalless draw with Aston Villa last Sunday. Their staunch possessional play and slick passing game has won them a hoard admirers with their approach to games proving a refreshing change from the usual caution applied by promoted teams in the past. However one element of concern that remains for Rodgers is his side’s lack of creativity in the final third which was something that became evident in Sunday’s stalemate. Despite possessing the attacking talents of Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer along with the predatory Danny Graham the Swans failed to break down the Villa defence or test goalkeeper Shay Given throughout the 90 minutes. They’ve failed to score in their last two home games and have found goals hard to come by on their travels scoring only four times in their away games. A trip to Blackburn should change that with the Premier League’s bottom team losing five times at home although Swansea haven’t won in the North West since 1971.

Blackburn – 20th

Last Five: Lost 3-1 v Stoke (A), Drew 3-3 v Wigan (A), Lost 1-0 v Chelsea (H), Drew 3-3 v Norwich (A), Lost 2-1 v Tottenham (H)

Potential Starting X11: 1. P. Robinson 5. G. Givet 4. C. Samba [C] 15.  S. Dann 3. M. Olsson 23. J. Hoilett  15. S. N’Zonzi 35. J. Lowe 12. M. Gamst Pedersen 10. M. Formica 24. Yakubu

Injury News: Kean should have captain Samba and left back Martin Olsson back for the visit of Swansea whilst Ryan Nelsen could return the week after. Simon Vukcevic and Vince Grella are also out and don’t look like returning until the new year.

Key Player: Junior Hoilett

The Canadian winger has been one of the few bright spots in a relatively dark start to the sea season for Blackburn with his energetic performances giving supporters hope for a revival. Hoilett’s combination of pace and skill on the wing have lit up Ewood Park at times this season and he looks like a threat every time the ball is at his feet. Should he be given time and space on Saturday he could do real damage to Swansea who will likely field inexperienced right back Ashley Richards.

Match Fact: Blackburn haven’t met the Swans at Ewood Park since 1984 and will certainly be hoping for a repeat of the scoreline the last time the Welsh club came to the North West. Rovers won out 4-1 winners that day and have lost only once in their last seven clashes.

Swansea – 13th

Last Five

Drew 0-0 v Aston Villa (H), Lost 1-0 v Manchester United (H), Drew 0-0 v Liverpool (A), Won 3-1 v Bolton (H), Drew 2-2 v Wolves (A)

Potential Starting X11: 1. M. Vorm 27. A. Richards 2. A. Williams 16. G. Monk [C] 3. N. Taylor 27. M. Gower 24. J. Allen 7. L. Britton* 12. N. Dyer 11. S. Sinclair 10. D. Graham

Injury News: Rodgers has one injury worry with Angel Rangel forced off against Villa last week and looks likely to miss the trip to Blackburn.

Key Player: Leon Britton

It’s amazing to think the midfielder has played for Swansea in all four divisions in English football and is now finally getting an opportunity to display his talents in the Premier League. Britton has taken to the top flight like a duck to water and certainly hasn’t looked out of place on the big stage. Blessed with a natural elegance on the ball he has shown just how good his vision and range of passing is whilst his passion for the club see’s him put no less that 120% into every game he plays.

Match Fact: The Swans have never met Blackburn in the Premier League era and you have to go back even further to find their last win at Ewood Park. A 2-1 win in the old Division Three in 1971 was the last time they left the North West with maximum points and they’ll be hoping for much of the same on Saturday.

Last Time at Ewood Park

Premier League 7 March 1984

Blackburn 4-1 Swansea

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Attendance: Unknown

Referee: Unknown

PREDICTION

Blackburn’s season continues to lurch from one crisis to the next under Kean’s stewardship and the negativity coming from the stands isn’t helping the teams performance. They’ve won only once this season and don’t look like that doubling that any time soon having failed to taste victory in 12 of their 13 games this season. Swansea, on the other hand, were predicted to be propping up the table at this point of the season but sit gleefully in 13th having enjoyed a tremendous start to their debut Premier League campaign. Winning games away from home has been a problem although they will be confident of securing their first victory on the road at Ewood Park.

Score: 0-2

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With the international break interrupting the exciting business end of the Premier League season, England fans will be looking unenthusiastically to the game with Montenegro. Especially since the dismal World Cup display last summer, the fact that no one seems to want Fabio Capello as manager – it’s not one of the best times for England.

So, why not enjoy a look at the negative side to England’s past with a list of the worst players to ever be capped wearing the Three Lions on their football shirt. Whilst the Jules Rimet trophy hasn’t gleamed for a while, there was a long list to choose from, in fact I shortlisted well over 50 players that could fit into a top ten.

Although, many fans may point out that it should feature 10 players that underperformed in South Africa, I didn’t want to get that band wagon started again. So the following list is my very own ten worst players to be capped by England, with an honourable mentions list at the end to save extended comments about any omissions. It was also hard not to make the list just those players capped by Graham Taylor.

Click on Graham Taylor below to see the Top TEN

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has stated that losing 3-2 to Swansea on Sunday was disappointing, especially the nature of the home side’s winning goal.

Robin van Persie gave The Gunners the lead before Scott Sinclair equalised from the penalty spot; the game went into the half time break at 1-1.

Nathan Dyer put the Welsh side ahead in the second half before Theo Walcott brought the match back to all square, however Danny Graham scored the winner less than a minute later.

The loss was disappointing for Wenger, who feels his side could well have won the game.

“We played against a good side and I believe as well we lost the last two (league) games under very special circumstances,” he told Sky Sports.

“We were very unlucky because it was never a penalty and after that I feel as well we were guilty because when you come back to 2-2, we could feel that there was space to win the game.

“Straight away we gave the 3-2. They were a bit struggling at the time and that gave them of course morale again and their keeper kept them in the game after.

“We missed some great chances at 3-2 and in a game like that, you can not afford that,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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QPR are on the verge of signing Nancy midfielder Samba Diakite in a loan deal until the end of the season.

Mark Hughes is looking to bring in as many new faces as possible before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, and has already signed Taye Taiwo and Nedum Onohua for the Loftus Road club.

With Alejandro Faurlin currently injured, the newly promoted side could do with an extra option in the middle of the park, and Diakite looks set to finalise a loan deal on Monday.

The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with Mali at the African Cup of Nations, but Nancy president Jacques Rousselot has confirmed that Diakite will fly to London to undergo a medical.

“Alain Giresse, coach of Mali, agreed that Samba could go to England to complete his loan,” Rousselot told L’Equipe.

“It will be a loan with an option to buy if QPR are still in the Premier League at the end of the season.”

The reported fee if Rangers decide to make the deal permanent is around €4million (£3.4m).

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By Gareth McKnight

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Endure a tough weekend in Fantasy Football last time out? Do not be afeard! It’s time to strike back with a vengeance in Week 27 of the Premier League. Not only are there some good games in prospect but there’s also an opportunity for some serious point scoring this weekend. This week, it’s time to place an emphasis on those who will be creating the chances on Saturday and Sunday.

The Captaincy Debate

Let’s commence with a player who had a good weekend with Manchester City last time out. David Silva notched up his 14th assist of the season as the league leaders easily overcame Blackburn. There’s no reason to think it won’t be the same against a Bolton side which has also been struggling this season. Silva has shown great composure in the final third and the Spaniard faces the division’s second worst defence on Saturday afternoon, something he’ll no doubt be relishing.

However, why not consider Everton’s Steven Pienaar? The South African playmaker was at the heart of the Toffees last Premier League game, a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Chelsea. The midfielder faces another West London club on Saturday in the form of QPR. It presents an ideal opportunity for Pienaar to impress again as Rangers have looked despondent in their last few games.

Then again, with Newcastle looking solidify their claims for European football, Ryan Taylor is certainly worth a shout. Taylor has operated in midfield for the large part this season and in his last seven starts, he has five assists. Having grabbed the winner against Sunderland earlier this season, the Black Cats will be wary of the impact which the former Wigan man can have on Sunday’s Tyne Wear Derby.

Another man in action on Sunday is Emmanuel Adebayor. Now in a playmaker special, you might be thinking as to why the retired Togo international is being mentioned. The answer  is in the statistics. Adebayor is the second best provider in the Premier League, to Manchester City’s David Silva, with 12 assists. Five of these have come in his last two games along with two goals. If he can keep his recent form going, then Spurs will have a very good chance of overhauling their nearest rivals in the title race.

The Captain: David Silva – Don’t look further than the Premier League’s creator extraordinaire this weekend.

The Vice Captain: Emmanuel Adebayor – He may not be able to eclipse Silva but Adebayor will give Manchester United food for thought on Sunday afternoon.

Long Term Look

Finding bargain playmakers isn’t easy at the best of times. Sometimes you have to look at what’s right in front of you. Ryan Giggs may appear too obvious a choice for a Fantasy Football piece but with a small bit of investigation, you’ll discover when he plays,Giggs is usually in the thick of the action as well.

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For example, take the last five games in which Giggs has played in. The mercurial midfielder has a goal and four assists. As we enter the back end of the season, it looks likes Giggs experience is coming good yet again for Sir Alex Ferguson. Take into account his £6.8 million price tag looks relatively cheap and he’s certainly one to consider as the Premier League season approaches its climax.

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