Hi there campers!
Time to uproot your pegs and move to our new site:
www.youthemanager.co.uk/blog
Here you will find our new blog, packed with news, transfer gossip and YTM tactics.
See you there!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Monday, August 06, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Your thoughts and suggestions
We are always looking for ways to improve every aspect of You The Manager, and the best way of achieving that is to listen to what our participants have to say.
We are very keen to hear your input on the game, whether positive or negative. Which aspects of the game do you like? What would you like to see change for next season?
If you have any thoughts on the website, the structure of the game, the prize structure, or indeed anything else then please let us know.
Either email your thoughts to help@dreamleague.co.uk or fill in the feedback form under 'Helpdesk' on the You The Manager homepage at http://www.youthemanager.co.uk/
We are always keen to listen to any input that you have, so rest assured, we will read and take note of every single comment and suggestion!
We are very keen to hear your input on the game, whether positive or negative. Which aspects of the game do you like? What would you like to see change for next season?
If you have any thoughts on the website, the structure of the game, the prize structure, or indeed anything else then please let us know.
Either email your thoughts to help@dreamleague.co.uk or fill in the feedback form under 'Helpdesk' on the You The Manager homepage at http://www.youthemanager.co.uk/
We are always keen to listen to any input that you have, so rest assured, we will read and take note of every single comment and suggestion!
Surprise packages and major disappointments of the season
The Fantasy Football season always throws up plenty of surprises, and You The Manager 2006/07 was no exception. Who could have foreseen Gabriel Agbonlahor scoring more points than Thierry Henry? Or Stephen Hunt and Ashley Young claiming more points than Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes? Let's take a look at this season's best and worst performers for each position.
Goalkeepers
Pepe Reina was, perhaps predictably, the top 'keeper this season, with 123 points. But few could have foreseen that another early favourite, Jens Lehmann of Arsenal, would come in a lowly eighth position. The big man started 36 games, one more than Reina managed, but kept only 10 clean sheets in that time. Arsenal were, of course, missing defensive lynchpin William Gallas for a good portion of the season, but still, you'd hope they could keep more clean sheets than Reading (13) and Aston Villa (12). Lehmann's special talent for attracting the attention of referees also played a part in his downfall - he collected a remarkable eight bookings this term, despite hardly committing a foul.
The best value player in this position was Reading's Marcus Hahnemann. At just £2.0m, the big American collected 82 points, including 13 clean sheets, and started every single Premiership game.
Defenders
The leader in this category was Matt Taylor, boosted by the fact that he spent a good portion of the season playing in midfield. At just £5.0m, he outshone many of his higher priced rivals.
Nicky Shorey was another great value pick at £2.0m, grabbing 87 points and forcing himself onto the radar of any serious Fantasy Manager.
Major disappointments for Fantasy Managers included Manchester United duo Mikael Silvestre and Gabriel Heinze. At £7.0m apiece, they garnered just 32 and 29 points respectively. Philippe Senderos was another underperformer - at a hefty £6.5m, a combination of injuries and poor form meant that he could manage only 14 points.
Midfielders
Cristiano Ronaldo's excellent season for Manchester United meant that he was the season's stand-out performer, scoring 212 points, with Chelsea rival Frank Lampard not far behind. They both seem to have made cemented their positions as essential picks for any team with ambitions of winning the top prize next season.
Ashley Young was the season's surprise package in midfield, earning 120 points for a meagre asking price of £2.0m. Villa's former Watford man is a prime example of a player capable of making the step up from the Championship to the Premiership - so perhaps studying the form players from this season's promoted clubs is the key to ensuring that you spot all the bargains!
Chelsea's Joe Cole was the season's major disappointment in midfield - bad luck with injuries meant that he could score only 14 points. Similar tales of woe affected the scoring potential of big-money buys Arjen Robben, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill. Others, like Kevin Nolan and Freddie Ljungberg, could not recapture their devastating points-scoring form of previous seasons, and also represented poor value for our Fantasy Managers.
Strikers
Big names like Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba had great seasons, and dominate the top of our leaderboard.
But there are still some great-value picks jostling for position with these heavyweights - Gabby Agbonlahor surpassed all expectations by achieving a score of 121 points at an asking price of just £2.5m, while Reading's Kevin Doyle scored 116 and would only have set you back £3.0m. Nwankwo Kanu turned back the clock to notch 10 goals and 111 points, proving that a change of scenery can really revitalise a player.
There were many let-downs for our Fantasy Managers among the list of expensive forwards. Injury blighted the seasons of popular picks Michael Owen and Thierry Henry, though the latter remained the fourth most selected player by the end of the season. The likes of Marlon Harewood and Mido failed to reproduce their goalscoring form of last season, and at £7.0m each, they proved poor value indeed.
A special word, too, for Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko - hailed as the solution to Chelsea's striking problems, the £31m man was outplayed and outgunned by his team-mate Didier Drogba. As he struggled to impress boss Jose Mourinho, his touch deserted him in front of goal, scoring only four Premiership goals and finishing behind the likes of Kieron Dyer and Hameur Bouazza in the race for the golden boot.
The key question is, who will be next season's great value players - Sunderland's Daryl Murphy or Carlos Edwards? Birmingham's Colin Doyle or Cameron Jerome? Or perhaps a player already plying his trade in the Premiership - a resurgent Michael Owen under the guidance of Big Sam, one last big season for the likes of Giggs or Ljungberg, or even a wounded Andriy Shevchenko with a point to prove?
If you can sort the Premiership wheat from the chaff, you could be one step closer to the You The Manager hall of fame!
Goalkeepers
Pepe Reina was, perhaps predictably, the top 'keeper this season, with 123 points. But few could have foreseen that another early favourite, Jens Lehmann of Arsenal, would come in a lowly eighth position. The big man started 36 games, one more than Reina managed, but kept only 10 clean sheets in that time. Arsenal were, of course, missing defensive lynchpin William Gallas for a good portion of the season, but still, you'd hope they could keep more clean sheets than Reading (13) and Aston Villa (12). Lehmann's special talent for attracting the attention of referees also played a part in his downfall - he collected a remarkable eight bookings this term, despite hardly committing a foul.
The best value player in this position was Reading's Marcus Hahnemann. At just £2.0m, the big American collected 82 points, including 13 clean sheets, and started every single Premiership game.
Defenders
The leader in this category was Matt Taylor, boosted by the fact that he spent a good portion of the season playing in midfield. At just £5.0m, he outshone many of his higher priced rivals.
Nicky Shorey was another great value pick at £2.0m, grabbing 87 points and forcing himself onto the radar of any serious Fantasy Manager.
Major disappointments for Fantasy Managers included Manchester United duo Mikael Silvestre and Gabriel Heinze. At £7.0m apiece, they garnered just 32 and 29 points respectively. Philippe Senderos was another underperformer - at a hefty £6.5m, a combination of injuries and poor form meant that he could manage only 14 points.
Midfielders
Cristiano Ronaldo's excellent season for Manchester United meant that he was the season's stand-out performer, scoring 212 points, with Chelsea rival Frank Lampard not far behind. They both seem to have made cemented their positions as essential picks for any team with ambitions of winning the top prize next season.
Ashley Young was the season's surprise package in midfield, earning 120 points for a meagre asking price of £2.0m. Villa's former Watford man is a prime example of a player capable of making the step up from the Championship to the Premiership - so perhaps studying the form players from this season's promoted clubs is the key to ensuring that you spot all the bargains!
Chelsea's Joe Cole was the season's major disappointment in midfield - bad luck with injuries meant that he could score only 14 points. Similar tales of woe affected the scoring potential of big-money buys Arjen Robben, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill. Others, like Kevin Nolan and Freddie Ljungberg, could not recapture their devastating points-scoring form of previous seasons, and also represented poor value for our Fantasy Managers.
Strikers
Big names like Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba had great seasons, and dominate the top of our leaderboard.
But there are still some great-value picks jostling for position with these heavyweights - Gabby Agbonlahor surpassed all expectations by achieving a score of 121 points at an asking price of just £2.5m, while Reading's Kevin Doyle scored 116 and would only have set you back £3.0m. Nwankwo Kanu turned back the clock to notch 10 goals and 111 points, proving that a change of scenery can really revitalise a player.
There were many let-downs for our Fantasy Managers among the list of expensive forwards. Injury blighted the seasons of popular picks Michael Owen and Thierry Henry, though the latter remained the fourth most selected player by the end of the season. The likes of Marlon Harewood and Mido failed to reproduce their goalscoring form of last season, and at £7.0m each, they proved poor value indeed.
A special word, too, for Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko - hailed as the solution to Chelsea's striking problems, the £31m man was outplayed and outgunned by his team-mate Didier Drogba. As he struggled to impress boss Jose Mourinho, his touch deserted him in front of goal, scoring only four Premiership goals and finishing behind the likes of Kieron Dyer and Hameur Bouazza in the race for the golden boot.
The key question is, who will be next season's great value players - Sunderland's Daryl Murphy or Carlos Edwards? Birmingham's Colin Doyle or Cameron Jerome? Or perhaps a player already plying his trade in the Premiership - a resurgent Michael Owen under the guidance of Big Sam, one last big season for the likes of Giggs or Ljungberg, or even a wounded Andriy Shevchenko with a point to prove?
If you can sort the Premiership wheat from the chaff, you could be one step closer to the You The Manager hall of fame!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Winning Team - Analysis
As Adrian Walshe begins life as a You The Manager champion, it's time to take a look at just how he went about winning our £120,000 top prize.
His initial picks were:
D James
M Dawson
S Campbell
M Taylor
B Assou-Ekotto
C Ronaldo
F Lampard
S Gerrard
L Lita
L Saha
B McCarthy
So, to secure a decent start, Adrian splashed the cash on a very strong midfield, a sound strategy given that by the end of the season the competition's top four points scorers all came from the middle of the park. Even veteran Gary Speed ultimately outscored all the defenders and goalkeepers, and trailed top strikers Rooney and Drogba by a mere three points.
A strong starting XI means very little, though, without prudent use of transfers when those crucial windows open. Adrian chose to make only one alteration to this team when the first window came, replacing the struggling Leroy Lita with Reading's surprise package, his team-mate Kevin Doyle. This proved a lucrative decision, as Doyle hit the goal trail, earning plenty of points for 'BazFran 17'.
It was a different story when the second window came, with Adrian choosing to make a radical overhaul of his team, implementing a massive seven transfers. Out went the entire back five, as it seemed that Adrian correctly recognised that Portsmouth's good defensive form could not last forever. In an inspired move, he brought in the entire Liverpool back five, probably the decision that went furthest to pushing his team to Fantasy Football glory. Liverpool's imperious defensive form over the next few months provided a points bonanza for the team that would ultimately net Adrian the £120,000 top prize. In order to fund this move, Adrian also replaced McCarthy and Gerrard with solid budget picks Ashley Young and Nwankwo Kanu.
When window three came along, Adrian used his four remaining transfers, setting up his team for the run-in. Crucially, he recognised that removing McCarthy and Taylor was not the best long-term strategy, and brought them back into the fold at the expense of Saha and Agger. Further changes came in the removal of Finnan and Kanu, to be replaced by Baines and Anelka.
This left a final eleven of:
J Reina
J Carragher
JA Riise
M Taylor
L Baines
A Young
F Lampard
C Ronaldo
B McCarthy
K Doyle
N Anelka
This was, of course, a huge risk, as Adrian had no transfers left from mid-January until the close of the season in May. Like all the best gambles, though, this one came off, and Adrian's players largely avoided injury and suspension for the crucial closing stages.
The only ever-presents in the line-up were the competition's two highest scoring players, Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo.
So, all things considered, this was a stellar performance from Adrian. Can you match, or even better his achievements next season? There's huge prize at stake if you think you have what it takes to be the next name in the You The Manager hall of fame!
His initial picks were:
D James
M Dawson
S Campbell
M Taylor
B Assou-Ekotto
C Ronaldo
F Lampard
S Gerrard
L Lita
L Saha
B McCarthy
So, to secure a decent start, Adrian splashed the cash on a very strong midfield, a sound strategy given that by the end of the season the competition's top four points scorers all came from the middle of the park. Even veteran Gary Speed ultimately outscored all the defenders and goalkeepers, and trailed top strikers Rooney and Drogba by a mere three points.
A strong starting XI means very little, though, without prudent use of transfers when those crucial windows open. Adrian chose to make only one alteration to this team when the first window came, replacing the struggling Leroy Lita with Reading's surprise package, his team-mate Kevin Doyle. This proved a lucrative decision, as Doyle hit the goal trail, earning plenty of points for 'BazFran 17'.
It was a different story when the second window came, with Adrian choosing to make a radical overhaul of his team, implementing a massive seven transfers. Out went the entire back five, as it seemed that Adrian correctly recognised that Portsmouth's good defensive form could not last forever. In an inspired move, he brought in the entire Liverpool back five, probably the decision that went furthest to pushing his team to Fantasy Football glory. Liverpool's imperious defensive form over the next few months provided a points bonanza for the team that would ultimately net Adrian the £120,000 top prize. In order to fund this move, Adrian also replaced McCarthy and Gerrard with solid budget picks Ashley Young and Nwankwo Kanu.
When window three came along, Adrian used his four remaining transfers, setting up his team for the run-in. Crucially, he recognised that removing McCarthy and Taylor was not the best long-term strategy, and brought them back into the fold at the expense of Saha and Agger. Further changes came in the removal of Finnan and Kanu, to be replaced by Baines and Anelka.
This left a final eleven of:
J Reina
J Carragher
JA Riise
M Taylor
L Baines
A Young
F Lampard
C Ronaldo
B McCarthy
K Doyle
N Anelka
This was, of course, a huge risk, as Adrian had no transfers left from mid-January until the close of the season in May. Like all the best gambles, though, this one came off, and Adrian's players largely avoided injury and suspension for the crucial closing stages.
The only ever-presents in the line-up were the competition's two highest scoring players, Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo.
So, all things considered, this was a stellar performance from Adrian. Can you match, or even better his achievements next season? There's huge prize at stake if you think you have what it takes to be the next name in the You The Manager hall of fame!
Team of the Season!
Congratulations are due to Adrian Walshe of Dublin, who has claimed our fabulous £120,000 first prize for finishing top of the You The Manager 2006/07 leaderboard. Adrian's team amassed an enormous 1458 points. But don't be put off entering next season's competition - the winner's score is mighty impressive but is, as usual, far from unbeatable.
What was the overall dream team for this You The Manager this season? Read on to find out!
Goalkeeper
Pepe Reina - £5.5 million - 123 points
The prematurely balding Spaniard enjoyed another remarkably consistent season between the sticks at Anfield. Though thieves recently stole his grey Porsche, among other valuables, not many Premiership strikers were able to plunder anything from him this season, as Pepe collected clean sheets in 19 of his 35 appearances.
Defenders
Matt Taylor - £5.0 million - 131 points
Portsmouth's former Luton Town man makes a habit of scoring spectacular goals, and this season has been no exception. Proving that last season's wonder-goal against Sunderland was no fluke, Taylor notched a stunning 45 yarder against Everton. Taylor scored eight Premiership goals, leading defenders in this category and easily outstripping Chelsea's £31 million striker Andrei Shevchenko. Then again, cynics may observe that Carlos Bocanegra scored more Premiership goals than did Shevchenko.
Jamie Carragher - £6.5 million - 112 points
Speaking of goalscoring superstar heroes, here's Jamie Carragher. This season's home tie against Fulham saw Jamie score his first league goal since early 1999, but, as you might expect, the Liverpool stopper led the league in clean sheets, with 19.
Daniel Agger - £3.5 million - 103 points
One of the hardest tasks facing Rafa Benitez was finding a replacement for the evergreen Sami Hyypia. In Daniel Agger, he has found a worthy successor. In 23 starts for the Reds, Agger claimed an amazing 15 clean sheets, while his cannon of a left foot brought two crucial goals. Agger has fully justified his tag as Liverpool's most expensive defensive purchase of all time.
Nickey Shorey - £2.0 million - 87 points
Few outside Reading knew his name prior to the start of this season, but the former Leyton Orient man is now on the verge of the full England squad. Shorey has appeared in all four divisions in England, but does not look out of place in the top flight. He amassed 13 clean sheets, a goal and a very impressive 7 KCs. One thing's for sure, he will not be priced at £2.0m in next season's game!
Midfielders
Cristiano Ronaldo - £7.0 million - 212 points
You The Manager's player of the season, Cristiano defied all of his critics to emerge as a true superstar of the English game. His stunning stats include 17 goals, 17 KCs and 13 clean sheets - there was just no competing with him this year, especially now that he has been given penalty taking duties at Old Trafford.
Frank Lampard - £9.0 million - 182 points
Frank Lampard junior - the only senior member of the England squad to attend private school - has had another good season in goalscoring terms, with 11 in the Premiership alone. His 13 KCs also contributed to his massive points total, and few could deny that Jodie Marsh's former classmate has shrugged off a disappointing World Cup to re-establish himself as a major Premiership force.
Mikel Arteta - £5.0 million - 156 points
The second Spaniard in our line-up, Mikel has had a stunning season under David Moyes at Everton. The former Rangers and Real Sociedad man has become the creative force that drives the blue half of Merseyside, and his 9 goals and 14 KCs pushed him ahead of Liverpool rival Steven Gerrard in the race for a spot in the You The Manager dream team.
Strikers
Didier Drogba - £7.5 million - 147 points
Ah, Didier. Overcoming all sorts of hurdles, not least his unusually low pain threshold, the powerful Ivorian has established himself as the Premiership's leading target man. Top-scoring with 20 league goals, he was voted runner-up in the Player of the Year vote. If he can avoid collecting so many yellow cards next time around, Drogba could make himself a must have for You The Manager participants next season.
Benni McCarthy - £5.0 million - 138 points
Perhaps the canniest buy of the pre-season, Benni Mac has rewarded the faith of manager Mark Hughes by converting a stunning 18 goals, trailing only Drogba in the race for the golden boot. If he remains at Ewood Park next season, he must be a real contender for that prize again next season, but rumours are circling already that some of Europe's top teams may be eyeing the Ewood Park hitman.
Gabriel Agbonlahor - £2.5 million - 121 points
A relative unknown at the start of the season, young Gabriel's nine league goals have drawn him to national attention. Born to a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother, Agbonlahor's next stop could be the full England team. At just £2.5 million, he proved terrific value for thousands of our Fantasy Managers, and should certainly be one to watch next season, as both he and his team, Aston Villa, ended the season in fine form.
The dream team came in comfortably under budget, at £58.5 million, and accrued a total of 1512 points. Without making a single transfer, this team would have topped our leaderboard by a huge margin. So, don't be daunted by the impressive form of the managers at the top of the You The Manager leaderboard - it's clear that our fabulous top prize is well within reach of any manager who is prepared to study the form, hope for that crucial luck with injuries and suspensions, and take a few well-calculated risks!
What was the overall dream team for this You The Manager this season? Read on to find out!
Goalkeeper
Pepe Reina - £5.5 million - 123 points
The prematurely balding Spaniard enjoyed another remarkably consistent season between the sticks at Anfield. Though thieves recently stole his grey Porsche, among other valuables, not many Premiership strikers were able to plunder anything from him this season, as Pepe collected clean sheets in 19 of his 35 appearances.
Defenders
Matt Taylor - £5.0 million - 131 points
Portsmouth's former Luton Town man makes a habit of scoring spectacular goals, and this season has been no exception. Proving that last season's wonder-goal against Sunderland was no fluke, Taylor notched a stunning 45 yarder against Everton. Taylor scored eight Premiership goals, leading defenders in this category and easily outstripping Chelsea's £31 million striker Andrei Shevchenko. Then again, cynics may observe that Carlos Bocanegra scored more Premiership goals than did Shevchenko.
Jamie Carragher - £6.5 million - 112 points
Speaking of goalscoring superstar heroes, here's Jamie Carragher. This season's home tie against Fulham saw Jamie score his first league goal since early 1999, but, as you might expect, the Liverpool stopper led the league in clean sheets, with 19.
Daniel Agger - £3.5 million - 103 points
One of the hardest tasks facing Rafa Benitez was finding a replacement for the evergreen Sami Hyypia. In Daniel Agger, he has found a worthy successor. In 23 starts for the Reds, Agger claimed an amazing 15 clean sheets, while his cannon of a left foot brought two crucial goals. Agger has fully justified his tag as Liverpool's most expensive defensive purchase of all time.
Nickey Shorey - £2.0 million - 87 points
Few outside Reading knew his name prior to the start of this season, but the former Leyton Orient man is now on the verge of the full England squad. Shorey has appeared in all four divisions in England, but does not look out of place in the top flight. He amassed 13 clean sheets, a goal and a very impressive 7 KCs. One thing's for sure, he will not be priced at £2.0m in next season's game!
Midfielders
Cristiano Ronaldo - £7.0 million - 212 points
You The Manager's player of the season, Cristiano defied all of his critics to emerge as a true superstar of the English game. His stunning stats include 17 goals, 17 KCs and 13 clean sheets - there was just no competing with him this year, especially now that he has been given penalty taking duties at Old Trafford.
Frank Lampard - £9.0 million - 182 points
Frank Lampard junior - the only senior member of the England squad to attend private school - has had another good season in goalscoring terms, with 11 in the Premiership alone. His 13 KCs also contributed to his massive points total, and few could deny that Jodie Marsh's former classmate has shrugged off a disappointing World Cup to re-establish himself as a major Premiership force.
Mikel Arteta - £5.0 million - 156 points
The second Spaniard in our line-up, Mikel has had a stunning season under David Moyes at Everton. The former Rangers and Real Sociedad man has become the creative force that drives the blue half of Merseyside, and his 9 goals and 14 KCs pushed him ahead of Liverpool rival Steven Gerrard in the race for a spot in the You The Manager dream team.
Strikers
Didier Drogba - £7.5 million - 147 points
Ah, Didier. Overcoming all sorts of hurdles, not least his unusually low pain threshold, the powerful Ivorian has established himself as the Premiership's leading target man. Top-scoring with 20 league goals, he was voted runner-up in the Player of the Year vote. If he can avoid collecting so many yellow cards next time around, Drogba could make himself a must have for You The Manager participants next season.
Benni McCarthy - £5.0 million - 138 points
Perhaps the canniest buy of the pre-season, Benni Mac has rewarded the faith of manager Mark Hughes by converting a stunning 18 goals, trailing only Drogba in the race for the golden boot. If he remains at Ewood Park next season, he must be a real contender for that prize again next season, but rumours are circling already that some of Europe's top teams may be eyeing the Ewood Park hitman.
Gabriel Agbonlahor - £2.5 million - 121 points
A relative unknown at the start of the season, young Gabriel's nine league goals have drawn him to national attention. Born to a Nigerian father and a Scottish mother, Agbonlahor's next stop could be the full England team. At just £2.5 million, he proved terrific value for thousands of our Fantasy Managers, and should certainly be one to watch next season, as both he and his team, Aston Villa, ended the season in fine form.
The dream team came in comfortably under budget, at £58.5 million, and accrued a total of 1512 points. Without making a single transfer, this team would have topped our leaderboard by a huge margin. So, don't be daunted by the impressive form of the managers at the top of the You The Manager leaderboard - it's clear that our fabulous top prize is well within reach of any manager who is prepared to study the form, hope for that crucial luck with injuries and suspensions, and take a few well-calculated risks!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Final YTM Predictions of the season!
My predicting this season has been at best 'patchy', so I will have to deliberate as to whether it would be worth doing them next season. We will be looking to update the blog on a regular basis with relevant YTM team and player news, so we will see if there is any room left for my 'guesstimates'!
Here are my predictions for the final Sunday of the Premiership season:
Blackburn v Reading
Blackburn looked good against Spurs last night, and Pedersen seems to be in top form at the moment. My money would be on him to make the difference on Sunday, as this should be a tight game, with both clubs eyeing a place in the UEFA Cup next season. For both teams this will most probably be through the Intertoto, but that would be better than nothing!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Bolton v Aston Villa
Sammy Lee's first match was definitely one to forget as they rolled over for West Ham. This match should be different, in front of a full Reebok Stadium. I think Lee will need the summer to create his own squad of players to try to beat what Big Sam achieved. Villa will want to end the season on a high, and are in good form at the moment. Should be a close game, and either side have the match-winners.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Chelsea v Everton
The title is gone, and no doubt Chelsea will want to rest players ahead of the FA Cup Final. However, they still are unbeaten under Mourinho at the Bridge in the Premiership, and Jose will not want to let that record slip on the last day. Chelsea's team may not be full strength, but they should have enough firepower to turnover the Toffees. Arteta is always a threat though...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool v Charlton
Charlton are already down, and Liverpool will have almost a full eye on the Champions League final. The main story here is Robbie Fowler's last game for Liverpool. It will definitely be an emotional day for the Liverpool legend, and it would not surprise me if he turned out to be the key man.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Man United v West Ham
One half of the relegation story. West Ham need a positive result to steer away from the drop and condemn Wigan to the Championship. Tevez will again be the main threat to the Manchester goal, but Sir Alex has promised to play his big guns to make the relegation fight a fair one. Whether this relegation battle will ever be seen as fair after the West Ham fiasco is anybody's guess.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough v Fulham
Just heard on the grapevine that Lawrie Sanchez has been installed as the permanent Fulham boss, and he has resigned from his Northern Ireland post. This should be a good move for the Cottagers, as they need to play good creative football to keep their fans happy. If Sanchez can do that with Northern Ireland, he should be able to do it with Fulham! Both Fulham and Boro are safe this season, and both will need to do a lot of work if they are to perform better next season.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Pompey still have a chance of getting into Europe next season, but will face a tough test against Arsenal, who have no need to rest any of their players. Fabregas has been in sensational form of late, contributing with goals as well as Key Contributions. I fully expect him to keep it up on Sunday, and be the difference between the two teams.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheff Utd v Wigan
A crunch match at Bramall Lane. Wigan need to win and hope that Man United beat West Ham. The cynic inside me is saying that this may be a very tepid affair, and that Wigan will knick it to ensure that West Ham go down. After all, all of the bosses at the bottom think West Ham should already be down already...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Tottenham v Man City
Spurs will be looking for the point that they need to guarantee a place in the UEFA Cup next season against the Citizens. Man City are purely playing for pride, and without Joey Barton do look a little toothless. Emile Mpenza has played well since he arrived at Eastlands, and may well be a factor. However, Berbatov, Defoe and Keane are in another league, and should take control of this game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Watford v Newcastle
Managerless Newcastle will be looking to end a poor season on a high against relegated Watford. However, the Hornets have already shown that that they are going out with a sting, as they beat Reading at the Madejski last week. Newcastle will need to have their wits about them, and the deadly duo of King and Bouazza could surprise them.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
That's all I've got. It’s been a great season, and we are all looking forward to the undoubted excitement of transfer frenzy! Next season should be even better!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Here are my predictions for the final Sunday of the Premiership season:
Blackburn v Reading
Blackburn looked good against Spurs last night, and Pedersen seems to be in top form at the moment. My money would be on him to make the difference on Sunday, as this should be a tight game, with both clubs eyeing a place in the UEFA Cup next season. For both teams this will most probably be through the Intertoto, but that would be better than nothing!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Bolton v Aston Villa
Sammy Lee's first match was definitely one to forget as they rolled over for West Ham. This match should be different, in front of a full Reebok Stadium. I think Lee will need the summer to create his own squad of players to try to beat what Big Sam achieved. Villa will want to end the season on a high, and are in good form at the moment. Should be a close game, and either side have the match-winners.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Chelsea v Everton
The title is gone, and no doubt Chelsea will want to rest players ahead of the FA Cup Final. However, they still are unbeaten under Mourinho at the Bridge in the Premiership, and Jose will not want to let that record slip on the last day. Chelsea's team may not be full strength, but they should have enough firepower to turnover the Toffees. Arteta is always a threat though...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool v Charlton
Charlton are already down, and Liverpool will have almost a full eye on the Champions League final. The main story here is Robbie Fowler's last game for Liverpool. It will definitely be an emotional day for the Liverpool legend, and it would not surprise me if he turned out to be the key man.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Man United v West Ham
One half of the relegation story. West Ham need a positive result to steer away from the drop and condemn Wigan to the Championship. Tevez will again be the main threat to the Manchester goal, but Sir Alex has promised to play his big guns to make the relegation fight a fair one. Whether this relegation battle will ever be seen as fair after the West Ham fiasco is anybody's guess.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough v Fulham
Just heard on the grapevine that Lawrie Sanchez has been installed as the permanent Fulham boss, and he has resigned from his Northern Ireland post. This should be a good move for the Cottagers, as they need to play good creative football to keep their fans happy. If Sanchez can do that with Northern Ireland, he should be able to do it with Fulham! Both Fulham and Boro are safe this season, and both will need to do a lot of work if they are to perform better next season.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Pompey still have a chance of getting into Europe next season, but will face a tough test against Arsenal, who have no need to rest any of their players. Fabregas has been in sensational form of late, contributing with goals as well as Key Contributions. I fully expect him to keep it up on Sunday, and be the difference between the two teams.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheff Utd v Wigan
A crunch match at Bramall Lane. Wigan need to win and hope that Man United beat West Ham. The cynic inside me is saying that this may be a very tepid affair, and that Wigan will knick it to ensure that West Ham go down. After all, all of the bosses at the bottom think West Ham should already be down already...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Tottenham v Man City
Spurs will be looking for the point that they need to guarantee a place in the UEFA Cup next season against the Citizens. Man City are purely playing for pride, and without Joey Barton do look a little toothless. Emile Mpenza has played well since he arrived at Eastlands, and may well be a factor. However, Berbatov, Defoe and Keane are in another league, and should take control of this game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Watford v Newcastle
Managerless Newcastle will be looking to end a poor season on a high against relegated Watford. However, the Hornets have already shown that that they are going out with a sting, as they beat Reading at the Madejski last week. Newcastle will need to have their wits about them, and the deadly duo of King and Bouazza could surprise them.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
That's all I've got. It’s been a great season, and we are all looking forward to the undoubted excitement of transfer frenzy! Next season should be even better!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, May 04, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 38
Saturday
Man City v Man Utd
Key man in this game will no doubt be Ronaldo, as he is the obvious match-winner for United, as they look to take a huge leap towards the title. Man City are without Joey Barton, and they need to score to avoid creating a new record for the least home goals in a season in the Premiership.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Everton v Portsmouth
Victor Anichebe is due to return to the Everton starting line-up, and he could prove to be the key man in this game. Everton are playing good football, and a UEFA Cup spot is in their grasp. Matty Taylor is a major doubt for Pompey, who will hope to press on after their victory over Liverpool.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Fulham v Liverpool
Fulham need to get a result here to ease the pressure that the drop zone carries. The good news for the Cottagers is that Rafa Benitez is likely to rest his key men for the Champions League final, and that will give Fulham some hope of saving themselves from a drop into the second tier.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Newcastle v Blackburn
Looks like Michael Owen will play the second game of his comeback tomorrow, and I for one hope that he gets back to scoring ways quickly! I predict Owen to be the figure of attention, but McCarthy and Roberts mat steal the show.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Reading v Watford
Watford have already started planning for the Championship next season, but they are still putting in maximum effort in their final days in the top flight. Reading have key men Lita and Sidwell back, and they will be looking for a strong performance edge a bit closer to the possibility of European football at the Madejski next season.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
West Ham v Bolton
The Hammers are still without injured defenders Upson and Gabbidon, and this may be key in the fight for survival. All eyes will be on Sammy Lee as he takes charge of his first game for the Trotters. This should be entertaining, which may not be what the Upton Park faithful really want!
YTM Prediction: Draw
Wigan v Middlesbrough
Wigan are fighting for survival, but their defence seems to be clinically unable to protect a lead in games! Against a strike force of Yakubu and Viduka, I can only see one outcome...
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Aston Villa v Sheff Utd
Villa are finishing the season with a flourish, and will be looking for another three points against the Blades to finish as high up the league as possible. Sheffield are not quite safe yet, but they look to have done enough to stay in the Premiership for at least another season. The key man in this one could well be Ashley Young. His pace against the Blades' defence could be the difference.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sunday
Arsenal v Chelsea
In a game which Chelsea must win to have any hope of pipping Man Utd to the title, Arsenal will be looking to get a good win that will fill their fans with a sense of expectancy for next season. Chelsea's season has taken a big blow in the last week, and they will see this match as a good confidence booster, if they win that is...
YTM Prediction: Draw
Monday
Charlton v Spurs
The Addicks need to win to keep any hopes for survival alive. Spurs need to win to keep any chances of UEFA Cup football kindled... Should be a good game, as both teams have the attacking potential. Spurs however, have Berbatov and Keane, who are the two most on-form strikers in the Premiership at the moment. If Keane can roll his YTM points-scoring ability from April over to May, it’s an away win.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Good luck to all your teams at this crunch time of the season!
Cheers
Dave @ YTM HQ
Man City v Man Utd
Key man in this game will no doubt be Ronaldo, as he is the obvious match-winner for United, as they look to take a huge leap towards the title. Man City are without Joey Barton, and they need to score to avoid creating a new record for the least home goals in a season in the Premiership.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Everton v Portsmouth
Victor Anichebe is due to return to the Everton starting line-up, and he could prove to be the key man in this game. Everton are playing good football, and a UEFA Cup spot is in their grasp. Matty Taylor is a major doubt for Pompey, who will hope to press on after their victory over Liverpool.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Fulham v Liverpool
Fulham need to get a result here to ease the pressure that the drop zone carries. The good news for the Cottagers is that Rafa Benitez is likely to rest his key men for the Champions League final, and that will give Fulham some hope of saving themselves from a drop into the second tier.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Newcastle v Blackburn
Looks like Michael Owen will play the second game of his comeback tomorrow, and I for one hope that he gets back to scoring ways quickly! I predict Owen to be the figure of attention, but McCarthy and Roberts mat steal the show.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Reading v Watford
Watford have already started planning for the Championship next season, but they are still putting in maximum effort in their final days in the top flight. Reading have key men Lita and Sidwell back, and they will be looking for a strong performance edge a bit closer to the possibility of European football at the Madejski next season.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
West Ham v Bolton
The Hammers are still without injured defenders Upson and Gabbidon, and this may be key in the fight for survival. All eyes will be on Sammy Lee as he takes charge of his first game for the Trotters. This should be entertaining, which may not be what the Upton Park faithful really want!
YTM Prediction: Draw
Wigan v Middlesbrough
Wigan are fighting for survival, but their defence seems to be clinically unable to protect a lead in games! Against a strike force of Yakubu and Viduka, I can only see one outcome...
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Aston Villa v Sheff Utd
Villa are finishing the season with a flourish, and will be looking for another three points against the Blades to finish as high up the league as possible. Sheffield are not quite safe yet, but they look to have done enough to stay in the Premiership for at least another season. The key man in this one could well be Ashley Young. His pace against the Blades' defence could be the difference.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sunday
Arsenal v Chelsea
In a game which Chelsea must win to have any hope of pipping Man Utd to the title, Arsenal will be looking to get a good win that will fill their fans with a sense of expectancy for next season. Chelsea's season has taken a big blow in the last week, and they will see this match as a good confidence booster, if they win that is...
YTM Prediction: Draw
Monday
Charlton v Spurs
The Addicks need to win to keep any hopes for survival alive. Spurs need to win to keep any chances of UEFA Cup football kindled... Should be a good game, as both teams have the attacking potential. Spurs however, have Berbatov and Keane, who are the two most on-form strikers in the Premiership at the moment. If Keane can roll his YTM points-scoring ability from April over to May, it’s an away win.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Good luck to all your teams at this crunch time of the season!
Cheers
Dave @ YTM HQ
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Top 5 Strikers in April
1 Robbie Keane - 34 points
2= Mark Viduka - 25 points
2= Gabriel Agbonlahor - 25 points
4 Emmanuel Adebayor - 24 points
5 Emile Heskey - 22 points
Robbie Keane's impressive haul in April included five goals, notched against Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Middlesbrough. Mark Viduka's end of season resurgence continues, while Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey's improved goalscoring form will have come as some relief to the 1000+ fantasy managers who have retained their faith in the big man.
2= Mark Viduka - 25 points
2= Gabriel Agbonlahor - 25 points
4 Emmanuel Adebayor - 24 points
5 Emile Heskey - 22 points
Robbie Keane's impressive haul in April included five goals, notched against Wigan Athletic, Arsenal and Middlesbrough. Mark Viduka's end of season resurgence continues, while Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey's improved goalscoring form will have come as some relief to the 1000+ fantasy managers who have retained their faith in the big man.
Top 5 Midfielders in April
1 Cesc Fabregas - 30 points
2 Stephen Hunt - 26 points
3 Fabio Rochemback - 23 points
4 Simon Davies - 22 points
5= Andranik Teymourian - 21 points
5= Shaun Wright-Phillips - 21 points
5= Steven Gerrard - 21 points
5= Jermaine Jenas - 21 points
If the leaders of the other tables are fairly predictable, the Midfielders table is anything but.
Show me someone who says they knew that goal-shy Cesc Fabregas would just edge this month's table from Stephen Hunt and out of favour Fabio Rochemback, and I'll show you a liar. Elsewhere, the Iranian national team's only Christian footballer, Andranik Teymourian, netted a brace against Wigan Athletic to fully justify the gamble Sam Allardyce took in signing him.
2 Stephen Hunt - 26 points
3 Fabio Rochemback - 23 points
4 Simon Davies - 22 points
5= Andranik Teymourian - 21 points
5= Shaun Wright-Phillips - 21 points
5= Steven Gerrard - 21 points
5= Jermaine Jenas - 21 points
If the leaders of the other tables are fairly predictable, the Midfielders table is anything but.
Show me someone who says they knew that goal-shy Cesc Fabregas would just edge this month's table from Stephen Hunt and out of favour Fabio Rochemback, and I'll show you a liar. Elsewhere, the Iranian national team's only Christian footballer, Andranik Teymourian, netted a brace against Wigan Athletic to fully justify the gamble Sam Allardyce took in signing him.
Top 5 Defenders in April
1 Matt Taylor - 33 points
2 Alvaro Arbeloa - 24 points
3= Alan Stubbs - 20 points
3= Joleon Lescott - 20 points
5 Steven Taylor - 19 points
Again, this table goes to form, as the season-long leader claims top monthly spot. The names below are less familiar, though, as Alvaro Arbeloa makes the most of what he describes as his 'beautiful opportunity' by establishing himself as a first-choice at Anfield. Get ready stat fans - his goal at Reading made him the first Liverpool number two to score in a competitive fixture since Mike Marsh almost fifteen years previously, in December 1992.
2 Alvaro Arbeloa - 24 points
3= Alan Stubbs - 20 points
3= Joleon Lescott - 20 points
5 Steven Taylor - 19 points
Again, this table goes to form, as the season-long leader claims top monthly spot. The names below are less familiar, though, as Alvaro Arbeloa makes the most of what he describes as his 'beautiful opportunity' by establishing himself as a first-choice at Anfield. Get ready stat fans - his goal at Reading made him the first Liverpool number two to score in a competitive fixture since Mike Marsh almost fifteen years previously, in December 1992.
Top 5 Goalkeepers in April
1= Pepe Reina - 19 points
1= Marcus Hahnemann - 19 points
3 Thomas Sorensen - 16 points
4 Robert Green - 15 points
5= Petr Cech - 13 points
5= Andreas Isaksson - 13 points
Pepe Reina is flying high as usual, but big American Marcus Hahnemann joins him at the summit of our monthly leaderboard. All six of these 'keepers have had a decent month, especially compared to Ben Foster, Antti Niemi and John Filan, all of whom managed to achieve a negative score during April.
1= Marcus Hahnemann - 19 points
3 Thomas Sorensen - 16 points
4 Robert Green - 15 points
5= Petr Cech - 13 points
5= Andreas Isaksson - 13 points
Pepe Reina is flying high as usual, but big American Marcus Hahnemann joins him at the summit of our monthly leaderboard. All six of these 'keepers have had a decent month, especially compared to Ben Foster, Antti Niemi and John Filan, all of whom managed to achieve a negative score during April.
Friday, April 27, 2007
YTM Prediction Week 37
Another week has passed. It was a fairly low-scoring week in YTM last time around, with only three players getting 10 points... the maximum for the week!
Things are obviously getting a bit tight towards the end of the season, and with Watford already fallen by the wayside, all eyes will be on the battle for survival... and the title race of course!
Saturday
Chelsea v Bolton
The first of the early kick-offs in the race for the Premiership title. Chelsea's record against Bolton at Stamford Bridge is impressive, and they should have no problem in overturning the Trotters. However, the early kick-off, the game in midweek and half an eye on Tuesday's game with Liverpool... Chelsea will need to have their wits about them to keep in touch with Man United.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Everton v Man United
The Premiership leaders travel to Goodison Park to play one of the teams that they don't like playing... Man United seem to have the more difficult run-in out of themselves and Chelsea. Everton are on good form, and are pushing for a UEFA Cup place, so this will be no picnic for Rooney and co. However, I think their strength will see them through.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Blackburn v Charlton
Charlton have flown 6,000 of their fans to Ewood Park for this game, in an attempt to essentially make it a home game for the Addicks. Whether this will work is another story, as Blackburn are on top form at the moment, and no-one would like to play them. Pardew will have to get his tactics spot on against Hughes' men. Should be a good game, and a draw, which isn't really good enough for Charlton.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Man City v Aston Villa
Joey Barton was in the news today, saying that Man City need to start buying 'winners' and not 'also rans' in an attempt to push the Citizens up the table. City have a good youth system, and are producing some real talent in Micah Richards, Danny Sturridge, Ismael Miller, and Stephen Ireland to name only a few. Villa seem to be waiting for the season to end to see what O'Neill can do in the transfer window. City could easily take the three in this one.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Gareth Southgate was buoyed this week by the news that Jonny Woodgate was staying for another 4 years. Woodgate is a class centre back, and that signing may lead to more top-drawer signings for the Teesiders. As for the game this weekend, Tottenham threw away a lead against Arsenal, and will be sure not to make the same mistake happen again. Boro's constant threat of Viduka and Yakubu will make this interesting, but Spurs should prevail.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Portsmouth v Liverpool
Pompey announced new stadium plans this week, and are looking forward to a new era on the docks! Hopefully the team keep their heads on the game against Liverpool! The Reds will want a confident performance ahead of Tuesday's clash with Chelsea. Liverpool's defence do not give anything away, and it will take another moment of brilliance from Taylor and co. to get anything out of this game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheff Utd v Watford
Watford are playing for pride now. The Blades are playing to stay in the division, and they will see this game as three points they cannot afford to throw away. Watford's Marlon King is back in the starting line-up, and he could perform well enough to get a move back into the Premiership, if he so wished... Blades should take this, but it will be a dogfight.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Wigan v West Ham
Massive, MASSIVE game! West Ham need to win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. They may have lost £5.5 million this week, but a points deduction could have been a lot worse. The fact that this burden has been lifted may push them on to perform in this game. Wigan are not a side to be take lightly, and have the ability to score a few goals. I see a draw on the horizon... useless for the Hammers.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Arsenal v Fulham
The Gunners entertain the Cottagers at the Emirates on Sunday in a match that should be quite entertaining. Lawrie Sanchez wants his team to start scoring some goals from midfield, and they will not be looking to sit back, as defeat would drag them further towards the dropzone. I have been asked if I want a season ticket for next season at the Cottage... I might... if they stay up... They should stay up... if they win this game... which they won't. Work that one out!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Monday
Reading v Newcastle
Hopefully... Michael Owen should be back for this game! There is no doubt about it... Michael Owen is a class act and a devastating finisher. Newcastle would be higher in the league if he had have been fit all season, and England would possible be on top of the EURO Qualifying table. I hope Owen gets a goal on Monday, just to emphasize the fact that he is back! Reading will probably get one too though... those Royal party-poopers!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
That's all the fixtures for this weekend. Leeds prepare for arguably the biggest game in their history against Ipswich on Saturday, and I, like thousands of other, am praying for three points!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Things are obviously getting a bit tight towards the end of the season, and with Watford already fallen by the wayside, all eyes will be on the battle for survival... and the title race of course!
Saturday
Chelsea v Bolton
The first of the early kick-offs in the race for the Premiership title. Chelsea's record against Bolton at Stamford Bridge is impressive, and they should have no problem in overturning the Trotters. However, the early kick-off, the game in midweek and half an eye on Tuesday's game with Liverpool... Chelsea will need to have their wits about them to keep in touch with Man United.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Everton v Man United
The Premiership leaders travel to Goodison Park to play one of the teams that they don't like playing... Man United seem to have the more difficult run-in out of themselves and Chelsea. Everton are on good form, and are pushing for a UEFA Cup place, so this will be no picnic for Rooney and co. However, I think their strength will see them through.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Blackburn v Charlton
Charlton have flown 6,000 of their fans to Ewood Park for this game, in an attempt to essentially make it a home game for the Addicks. Whether this will work is another story, as Blackburn are on top form at the moment, and no-one would like to play them. Pardew will have to get his tactics spot on against Hughes' men. Should be a good game, and a draw, which isn't really good enough for Charlton.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Man City v Aston Villa
Joey Barton was in the news today, saying that Man City need to start buying 'winners' and not 'also rans' in an attempt to push the Citizens up the table. City have a good youth system, and are producing some real talent in Micah Richards, Danny Sturridge, Ismael Miller, and Stephen Ireland to name only a few. Villa seem to be waiting for the season to end to see what O'Neill can do in the transfer window. City could easily take the three in this one.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Gareth Southgate was buoyed this week by the news that Jonny Woodgate was staying for another 4 years. Woodgate is a class centre back, and that signing may lead to more top-drawer signings for the Teesiders. As for the game this weekend, Tottenham threw away a lead against Arsenal, and will be sure not to make the same mistake happen again. Boro's constant threat of Viduka and Yakubu will make this interesting, but Spurs should prevail.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Portsmouth v Liverpool
Pompey announced new stadium plans this week, and are looking forward to a new era on the docks! Hopefully the team keep their heads on the game against Liverpool! The Reds will want a confident performance ahead of Tuesday's clash with Chelsea. Liverpool's defence do not give anything away, and it will take another moment of brilliance from Taylor and co. to get anything out of this game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheff Utd v Watford
Watford are playing for pride now. The Blades are playing to stay in the division, and they will see this game as three points they cannot afford to throw away. Watford's Marlon King is back in the starting line-up, and he could perform well enough to get a move back into the Premiership, if he so wished... Blades should take this, but it will be a dogfight.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Wigan v West Ham
Massive, MASSIVE game! West Ham need to win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. They may have lost £5.5 million this week, but a points deduction could have been a lot worse. The fact that this burden has been lifted may push them on to perform in this game. Wigan are not a side to be take lightly, and have the ability to score a few goals. I see a draw on the horizon... useless for the Hammers.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Arsenal v Fulham
The Gunners entertain the Cottagers at the Emirates on Sunday in a match that should be quite entertaining. Lawrie Sanchez wants his team to start scoring some goals from midfield, and they will not be looking to sit back, as defeat would drag them further towards the dropzone. I have been asked if I want a season ticket for next season at the Cottage... I might... if they stay up... They should stay up... if they win this game... which they won't. Work that one out!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Monday
Reading v Newcastle
Hopefully... Michael Owen should be back for this game! There is no doubt about it... Michael Owen is a class act and a devastating finisher. Newcastle would be higher in the league if he had have been fit all season, and England would possible be on top of the EURO Qualifying table. I hope Owen gets a goal on Monday, just to emphasize the fact that he is back! Reading will probably get one too though... those Royal party-poopers!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
That's all the fixtures for this weekend. Leeds prepare for arguably the biggest game in their history against Ipswich on Saturday, and I, like thousands of other, am praying for three points!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
How to install and use our RSS feed!
Hopefully this will explain, if you don’t already know, how to install and use our RSS feed so that you can see our blog headlines on your desktop! It isn’t the easiest procedure in the world, but I managed to do it and I am nothing special when it comes to the intricacies of the internet!
- Firstly, you will need the install a ‘Feed Reader’. This is basically a program that will let you view the news items you wish to view on your desktop. The one that I use is called ‘NewsBliss’ and you can download and install it for FREE from Download.com here.
- After you have installed your reader, you need to work out how to add an ‘xml’ address to your reader. This sounds very technical, but it is in fact what these programs were made for, so it should be very straightforward! Once you know where to enter your xml feed, you can move on to the next step… getting our feed on your reader!
- On our blog, click on the ‘Subscribe to our Feed for Regular Updates!’ link, and you will be taken to the ‘Feedburner’ page for our blog.
- Then, RIGHT-CLICK on ‘View Feed XML’, which should be on the right hand side of the page. Select ‘Copy Shortcut’ and our xml feed address is saved on your clipboard.
- Then, you go back to your reader, and in the area where you need to enter an xml feed, right-click and select ‘Paste’. This should now read ‘http://feeds.feedburner.com/youthemanager?format=xml’.
- Select ‘OK’ or the equivalent on your reader, and then you should be able to read our blog postings on your PC desktop!
I really hope this helps. We are trying to make this blog as accessible as possible, and if you do have any feedback on what you want in the blog, or how helpful (or not!) this tutorial is, please leave a comment or email me at help@youthemanager.co.uk and I will reply in kind.
Happy Feed-Hunting!
Dave @ YTM HQ
- Firstly, you will need the install a ‘Feed Reader’. This is basically a program that will let you view the news items you wish to view on your desktop. The one that I use is called ‘NewsBliss’ and you can download and install it for FREE from Download.com here.
- After you have installed your reader, you need to work out how to add an ‘xml’ address to your reader. This sounds very technical, but it is in fact what these programs were made for, so it should be very straightforward! Once you know where to enter your xml feed, you can move on to the next step… getting our feed on your reader!
- On our blog, click on the ‘Subscribe to our Feed for Regular Updates!’ link, and you will be taken to the ‘Feedburner’ page for our blog.
- Then, RIGHT-CLICK on ‘View Feed XML’, which should be on the right hand side of the page. Select ‘Copy Shortcut’ and our xml feed address is saved on your clipboard.
- Then, you go back to your reader, and in the area where you need to enter an xml feed, right-click and select ‘Paste’. This should now read ‘http://feeds.feedburner.com/youthemanager?format=xml’.
- Select ‘OK’ or the equivalent on your reader, and then you should be able to read our blog postings on your PC desktop!
I really hope this helps. We are trying to make this blog as accessible as possible, and if you do have any feedback on what you want in the blog, or how helpful (or not!) this tutorial is, please leave a comment or email me at help@youthemanager.co.uk and I will reply in kind.
Happy Feed-Hunting!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, April 20, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 36
We are coming to the season’s close, and the title race and relegation battles are very much alive!
Next season we will be looking to expand the blog even further, and we would love to hear about any improvements you think would benefit our mighty blog. Any suggestions? Leave your comments here or mail help@youthemanager.co.uk.
Anyway, here are my opinions on the weekend's games:
Saturday
Bolton v Reading
In the space of one week, Bolton have changed their target from battling with Arsenal for the 4th Champions League spot, to battling with Everton and the teams below for the UEFA Cup places. Sam Allardyce's team have improved yet again this season, and this will be another stern test of Reading's long-term Premiership credentials. This should be an entertaining draw.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Charlton v Sheffield Utd
It's a massive game at the Valley on Saturday, and could well determine who stays up and who goes down. Alan Pardew seems to be dragging the Addicks in the right direction, but Warnock's men seem to be up for the fight. Should be a close one, but Charlton's class should eventually tell.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Fulham v Blackburn
Lawrie Sanchez needs to get the Fulham players re-motivated, or they could find themselves having derbies with Palace instead of Chelsea next season! Blackburn may be suffering from an FA Cup hangover, and Fulham should be able to get back to winning ways at the Cottage.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool v Wigan
Rafa Benitez says that Liverpool need one more win to guarantee Champions League football next season. I expect Liverpool to win this game against Wigan, but I think they won’t need their league position to get into the Champions League next season, as they will win it this term!
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Man Utd v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are still unpredictable, but Man United are very predictable, in that they are in irresistible form at the moment, and any other prediction than a home win would be a foolish game...
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Spurs v Arsenal
I really want Spurs to win this game! Not because I don't like the Gunners, because I really like their style of football. Tottenham need to take some big scalps, and then they will be able to start to climb into the top echelon of English football. I want Spurs to win for the good of British football! Don't think they will though...
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Watford v Man City
Man City boss Stuart Pearce seems to have the weight of relegation lifted from his shoulders, but he will still be asking his players to give 100% to the bitter end of the season. Whether his players will respond is another matter. Watford are fighting a losing battle, but fighting they are, and Marlon King's return could see a Watford victory.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
West Ham v Everton
West Ham are in terrible form. Everton are playing very well at the moment, with AJ and Arteta a constant threat. The Hammers' back line will have to be on top form if they are to get anything out of this game.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Aston Villa v Pompey
Villa's season seems to have got a kick-start at a strange time, and their win away at Boro made sure that they were safe. Pompey still have an outside chance of Europe, and will try their best to get something out of this game.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Newcastle v Chelsea
Michael Owen will NOT be playing in this game, and with that goes any chance of Newcastle pulling off a shock result. Chelsea will be determined to keep the gap to three points between themselves and Man United and I expect another 'professional' performance from the boys in blue.
Dave YTM Prediction: Away Win
There you have it my friends. Thanks for reading and good luck to all of your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Next season we will be looking to expand the blog even further, and we would love to hear about any improvements you think would benefit our mighty blog. Any suggestions? Leave your comments here or mail help@youthemanager.co.uk.
Anyway, here are my opinions on the weekend's games:
Saturday
Bolton v Reading
In the space of one week, Bolton have changed their target from battling with Arsenal for the 4th Champions League spot, to battling with Everton and the teams below for the UEFA Cup places. Sam Allardyce's team have improved yet again this season, and this will be another stern test of Reading's long-term Premiership credentials. This should be an entertaining draw.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Charlton v Sheffield Utd
It's a massive game at the Valley on Saturday, and could well determine who stays up and who goes down. Alan Pardew seems to be dragging the Addicks in the right direction, but Warnock's men seem to be up for the fight. Should be a close one, but Charlton's class should eventually tell.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Fulham v Blackburn
Lawrie Sanchez needs to get the Fulham players re-motivated, or they could find themselves having derbies with Palace instead of Chelsea next season! Blackburn may be suffering from an FA Cup hangover, and Fulham should be able to get back to winning ways at the Cottage.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool v Wigan
Rafa Benitez says that Liverpool need one more win to guarantee Champions League football next season. I expect Liverpool to win this game against Wigan, but I think they won’t need their league position to get into the Champions League next season, as they will win it this term!
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Man Utd v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are still unpredictable, but Man United are very predictable, in that they are in irresistible form at the moment, and any other prediction than a home win would be a foolish game...
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
Spurs v Arsenal
I really want Spurs to win this game! Not because I don't like the Gunners, because I really like their style of football. Tottenham need to take some big scalps, and then they will be able to start to climb into the top echelon of English football. I want Spurs to win for the good of British football! Don't think they will though...
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Watford v Man City
Man City boss Stuart Pearce seems to have the weight of relegation lifted from his shoulders, but he will still be asking his players to give 100% to the bitter end of the season. Whether his players will respond is another matter. Watford are fighting a losing battle, but fighting they are, and Marlon King's return could see a Watford victory.
Dave YTM Prediction: Home Win
West Ham v Everton
West Ham are in terrible form. Everton are playing very well at the moment, with AJ and Arteta a constant threat. The Hammers' back line will have to be on top form if they are to get anything out of this game.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Aston Villa v Pompey
Villa's season seems to have got a kick-start at a strange time, and their win away at Boro made sure that they were safe. Pompey still have an outside chance of Europe, and will try their best to get something out of this game.
Dave YTM Prediction: Draw
Newcastle v Chelsea
Michael Owen will NOT be playing in this game, and with that goes any chance of Newcastle pulling off a shock result. Chelsea will be determined to keep the gap to three points between themselves and Man United and I expect another 'professional' performance from the boys in blue.
Dave YTM Prediction: Away Win
There you have it my friends. Thanks for reading and good luck to all of your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Thursday, April 05, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 34
Hi Readers!
Here are my thoughts on what promises to be an exciting Easter weekend of football.
Good Friday
Everton v Fulham
I would love to say that Fulham will get something here, but Everton have looked very good in recent weeks, and should pick up the three points here with AJ grabbing a goal or two.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Man City v Charlton
This is a key game before any of the other relegation battlers play on Saturday, and the team who wins would take a giant leap to safety. Emile Mpenza looks like a lively forward, and it would not surprise me if he bagged another. Never write off a team that includes Darren Bent though!
YTM Prediction - Draw
Saturday
Arsenal v West Ham
West Ham beat the Gunners in the game at Upton Park earlier in the season. The Gunners have had a good break as they were not in the Champions League Quarter Finals, and they should prove to be too strong at the Emirates.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Blackburn v Villa
Villa don't concede many goals, and they will have to be wary of the potential ability of McCarthy and Pedersen. I think that this one will be an entertaining draw, so no Clean Sheets to be had here!
YTM Prediction - Draw
Chelsea v Spurs
Match of the weekend by far. Spurs will be looking for payback after their exit in the FA Cup, but Chelsea need to keep up with Man United. Should be a fairly open game, and I expect Chelsea to keep up their good form with a win, and Drogba grabbing another goal against Spurs.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Middlesbrough v Watford
Middlesbrough were awful against West Ham, and they will need to raise their game to get three points against Watford. Aidy Boothroyd men are still fighting, and they may scrape a draw at the Riverside.
YTM Prediction - Draw
Pompey v Man Utd
Pompey are on poor form, and Man United will not turn the heat down, as they look to get three points and hope that Spurs take something from Chelsea.
YTM Prediction - Away Win
Reading v Liverpool
Liverpool's performance in Eindhoven was the most professional showing in European football a long time! Reading will have to be on top form if they are to get anything from this game. My money is on Crouch... It is always on Crouch!
YTM Prediction - Away Win
Sheff Utd v Newcastle
Newcastle had a very disappointing result at home to Man City last weekend, and they will be looking to get three points against the Blades, who have been very blunt of late. However, Warnock's men will be fighting, and they could surprise the Geordie Boys.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Wigan v Bolton
I can't see this being the match of the weekend somehow. This Lancashire derby will have a lot of grit and determination, but not goals...
YTM Prediction - Draw
That's your lot guys, have a Happy Easter!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Here are my thoughts on what promises to be an exciting Easter weekend of football.
Good Friday
Everton v Fulham
I would love to say that Fulham will get something here, but Everton have looked very good in recent weeks, and should pick up the three points here with AJ grabbing a goal or two.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Man City v Charlton
This is a key game before any of the other relegation battlers play on Saturday, and the team who wins would take a giant leap to safety. Emile Mpenza looks like a lively forward, and it would not surprise me if he bagged another. Never write off a team that includes Darren Bent though!
YTM Prediction - Draw
Saturday
Arsenal v West Ham
West Ham beat the Gunners in the game at Upton Park earlier in the season. The Gunners have had a good break as they were not in the Champions League Quarter Finals, and they should prove to be too strong at the Emirates.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Blackburn v Villa
Villa don't concede many goals, and they will have to be wary of the potential ability of McCarthy and Pedersen. I think that this one will be an entertaining draw, so no Clean Sheets to be had here!
YTM Prediction - Draw
Chelsea v Spurs
Match of the weekend by far. Spurs will be looking for payback after their exit in the FA Cup, but Chelsea need to keep up with Man United. Should be a fairly open game, and I expect Chelsea to keep up their good form with a win, and Drogba grabbing another goal against Spurs.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Middlesbrough v Watford
Middlesbrough were awful against West Ham, and they will need to raise their game to get three points against Watford. Aidy Boothroyd men are still fighting, and they may scrape a draw at the Riverside.
YTM Prediction - Draw
Pompey v Man Utd
Pompey are on poor form, and Man United will not turn the heat down, as they look to get three points and hope that Spurs take something from Chelsea.
YTM Prediction - Away Win
Reading v Liverpool
Liverpool's performance in Eindhoven was the most professional showing in European football a long time! Reading will have to be on top form if they are to get anything from this game. My money is on Crouch... It is always on Crouch!
YTM Prediction - Away Win
Sheff Utd v Newcastle
Newcastle had a very disappointing result at home to Man City last weekend, and they will be looking to get three points against the Blades, who have been very blunt of late. However, Warnock's men will be fighting, and they could surprise the Geordie Boys.
YTM Prediction - Home Win
Wigan v Bolton
I can't see this being the match of the weekend somehow. This Lancashire derby will have a lot of grit and determination, but not goals...
YTM Prediction - Draw
That's your lot guys, have a Happy Easter!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, March 30, 2007
Top 5 Strikers in March @ 30th March
1. C Tevez - West Ham United - £7.5m - 15 points
1. S Kalou - Chelsea - 5 - 15
3. B McCarthy - Blackburn Rovers - 5 - 12
3. W Rooney - Manchester United - 9 - 12
3. J Baptista - Arsenal - 6.5 - 12
1. S Kalou - Chelsea - 5 - 15
3. B McCarthy - Blackburn Rovers - 5 - 12
3. W Rooney - Manchester United - 9 - 12
3. J Baptista - Arsenal - 6.5 - 12
Top 5 Midfielders in March @ 30th March
1. F Lampard - Chelsea - £9m - 14 points
1. JS Park - Manchester United - 5 - 14
3. C Ronaldo - Manchester United - 7 - 13
3. G Silva - Arsenal - 5.5 - 13
5. V Diaby - Arsenal - 4 - 12
5. Zheng Zhi - Charlton Athletic - 3 - 12
1. JS Park - Manchester United - 5 - 14
3. C Ronaldo - Manchester United - 7 - 13
3. G Silva - Arsenal - 5.5 - 13
5. V Diaby - Arsenal - 4 - 12
5. Zheng Zhi - Charlton Athletic - 3 - 12
Top 5 Defenders in March @ 30th March
1. A Cole - Chelsea - £7m - 19 points
2. R Carvalho - Chelsea - 6.5 - 17
3. S Distin - Manchester City - 5 - 15
4. C Bocanegra - Fulham - 3.5 - 14
5. L Young - Charlton Athletic - 4 - 13
2. R Carvalho - Chelsea - 6.5 - 17
3. S Distin - Manchester City - 5 - 15
4. C Bocanegra - Fulham - 3.5 - 14
5. L Young - Charlton Athletic - 4 - 13
Top 5 Goalkeepers in March @ March 30th
1. P Cech - Chelsea - £6m -18 points
2. J Filan - Wigan Athletic - 3.5 - 12
3. P Robinson - Tottenham Hotspur - 4.5 - 10
4. T Sorensen - Aston Villa - 3.5 - 8
5. J Lehmann - Arsenal - 5 - 8
2. J Filan - Wigan Athletic - 3.5 - 12
3. P Robinson - Tottenham Hotspur - 4.5 - 10
4. T Sorensen - Aston Villa - 3.5 - 8
5. J Lehmann - Arsenal - 5 - 8
Big Weekend in YTM
It's a crucial YTM weekend as it's your last chance for transfers and your last chance for a £10,000 monthly win!
The FOURTH and FINAL YTM transfer window closes this Saturday at 12.30pm and with Thierry Henry out injured for the rest of the season and Henrik Larsson having returned to Sweden there looks set to be plenty of team tinkering in YTM.
It's your last go at making changes that could bag you one of our top prizes so use your remaining transfers very wisely.
You can make transfers via the Internet or phone.
The entry deadline for the £10,000 April manager of the month is at 3.45pm this Sunday.
To celebrate our final £10,000 competition of the season it's now five teams for the price of one if you enter online.
That's £5 for five teams, not bad when there's £10,000 up for grabs!
Player form is all-important when selecting a monthly team and it's Chelsea players that lead the way so far in March.
Petr Cech is the top performing goalkeeper on 18 points, Ashley Cole is top of the defender charts on 19, the points machine that is Frank Lampard is best midfielder on 14 and Salomon Kalou has finally found some form to be top March striker on 14.
Is this a sign of things to come for April or will Manchester United continue their relentless march to the title?
The FOURTH and FINAL YTM transfer window closes this Saturday at 12.30pm and with Thierry Henry out injured for the rest of the season and Henrik Larsson having returned to Sweden there looks set to be plenty of team tinkering in YTM.
It's your last go at making changes that could bag you one of our top prizes so use your remaining transfers very wisely.
You can make transfers via the Internet or phone.
The entry deadline for the £10,000 April manager of the month is at 3.45pm this Sunday.
To celebrate our final £10,000 competition of the season it's now five teams for the price of one if you enter online.
That's £5 for five teams, not bad when there's £10,000 up for grabs!
Player form is all-important when selecting a monthly team and it's Chelsea players that lead the way so far in March.
Petr Cech is the top performing goalkeeper on 18 points, Ashley Cole is top of the defender charts on 19, the points machine that is Frank Lampard is best midfielder on 14 and Salomon Kalou has finally found some form to be top March striker on 14.
Is this a sign of things to come for April or will Manchester United continue their relentless march to the title?
Friday, March 16, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 31
Hello all Fantasy Managers out there...
After an FA Cup respite, we are back with a full Premiership programme. This weekend will be key for anyone who is hoping to win the £10,000 March Manager of the Month competition. A solid performance this weekend will give you some leverage going into the transfer window.
Saturday
Man Utd vs Bolton
Man United need to keep winning if they are to stave off the challenge of Chelsea. Bolton are somewhat unpredictable at the moment, but they do not have the best record at Old Trafford.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Chelsea vs Sheff Utd
Blades boss Warnock will be looking to prove that he can be the next Chelsea manager after Mourinho (possibly the silliest thing I saw in the papers this week!). Chelsea will be too strong for the blunt Blades.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough vs Man City
Stuart Pearce is very close to being pushed out of the exit door at Eastlands, and many think this may be his last game in charge of City. I think a draw will be enough to save him for at least another week.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Reading vs Portsmouth
Reading's league position is no lie, as they have played mid-table teams with no fear and come up trumps. Pompey are really struggling for points, and have been since the start of the year. Don't think that they will get any here.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Tottenham vs Watford
Spurs played well against Braga in midweek, but did concede some goals from set pieces. Watford will be looking for their big centre-backs to go forward at set-pieces and force and upset. I fully expect Berbatov to have another great game, as his stock rises by the game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Wigan vs Fulham
The previous meeting this season ended with Wigan scoring a deserved winner at Craven Cottage late on. Fulham will definitely need to raise the game a lot higher than that to take anything from this. Still, Coleman is having more success away from home, and a draw is not an unrealistic target.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Charlton vs Newcastle
The Geordies will be smarting after their UEFA Cup exit and will be looking to bounce back straight away against Alan Pardew's Charlton. Charlton need points much more than Newcastle, but Newcastle's qualities heavily outweigh the Addicks'. Oba Martins is lethal, and I can't wait to see him and Owen in tandem.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Tough game for Liverpool as they look to keep up with Arsenal by beating the team the Gunners beat during the week. I think Liverpool will win, but it will be a tight affair.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Everton vs Arsenal
Second away game in 5 days for Wenger's men, and they will be looking to keep another Clean Sheet and move on from there. Everton will be happy to hear that AJ is happy at Goodison, and hopefully he will prove that by scoring on Sunday.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
That's your lot for this weekend. Good luck to all teams.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
After an FA Cup respite, we are back with a full Premiership programme. This weekend will be key for anyone who is hoping to win the £10,000 March Manager of the Month competition. A solid performance this weekend will give you some leverage going into the transfer window.
Saturday
Man Utd vs Bolton
Man United need to keep winning if they are to stave off the challenge of Chelsea. Bolton are somewhat unpredictable at the moment, but they do not have the best record at Old Trafford.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Chelsea vs Sheff Utd
Blades boss Warnock will be looking to prove that he can be the next Chelsea manager after Mourinho (possibly the silliest thing I saw in the papers this week!). Chelsea will be too strong for the blunt Blades.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough vs Man City
Stuart Pearce is very close to being pushed out of the exit door at Eastlands, and many think this may be his last game in charge of City. I think a draw will be enough to save him for at least another week.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Reading vs Portsmouth
Reading's league position is no lie, as they have played mid-table teams with no fear and come up trumps. Pompey are really struggling for points, and have been since the start of the year. Don't think that they will get any here.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Tottenham vs Watford
Spurs played well against Braga in midweek, but did concede some goals from set pieces. Watford will be looking for their big centre-backs to go forward at set-pieces and force and upset. I fully expect Berbatov to have another great game, as his stock rises by the game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Wigan vs Fulham
The previous meeting this season ended with Wigan scoring a deserved winner at Craven Cottage late on. Fulham will definitely need to raise the game a lot higher than that to take anything from this. Still, Coleman is having more success away from home, and a draw is not an unrealistic target.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Sunday
Charlton vs Newcastle
The Geordies will be smarting after their UEFA Cup exit and will be looking to bounce back straight away against Alan Pardew's Charlton. Charlton need points much more than Newcastle, but Newcastle's qualities heavily outweigh the Addicks'. Oba Martins is lethal, and I can't wait to see him and Owen in tandem.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Tough game for Liverpool as they look to keep up with Arsenal by beating the team the Gunners beat during the week. I think Liverpool will win, but it will be a tight affair.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Everton vs Arsenal
Second away game in 5 days for Wenger's men, and they will be looking to keep another Clean Sheet and move on from there. Everton will be happy to hear that AJ is happy at Goodison, and hopefully he will prove that by scoring on Sunday.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
That's your lot for this weekend. Good luck to all teams.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, March 02, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 29
Back to the Premiership after the fun of the Carling Cup Final and FA Cup Replays. Arsenal's season seems to be coming off the rails, out of both domestic cups and trailing at the halfway stage against PSV in Europe... Is this weekend such a good time to be playing high-flying Reading??
Here are my summations of the matches this weekend...
Saturday
Arsenal vs Reading
Arsene Wenger is still bitter about the linesman at the cup final. I think he ought to be worried about Steve Coppell's men coming to the Emirates and causing a major upset... something they are quite capable of doing. Generally speaking, Arsenal either comfortably win, or struggle to a draw at the Emirates. I think this one will be unlike their meeting earlier in the season, and a point each being a fair result.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Fulham vs Aston Villa
Fulham performed admirably against Man United last weekend, and Chris Coleman will be looking for a performance at that level against Villa on Saturday. Whether he gets that is another thing. However, given Villa's poor form, and the potential of Fulham's frontline, I am going to have to backs the Cottagers.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool vs Man United
No doubt the most intriguing match of the weekend. Man U seem to be indestructible at the moment, and they will need their wits about them at Anfield. Liverpool have been playing very well of late, and their victory in Barcelona was no accident! I reckon that this will be a good match that may be settled by one or two moments of magic. A draw should be a fair result.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Man City vs Wigan
Man City haven't won a game in the Premiership since mid-January, and Wigan only last weekend recorded a good win against Newcastle. This should be a tightly-contested match, and I can't really see a match-winner in either side.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Newcastle vs Middlesbrough
A North-East derby is always worth a watch in my opinion! Newcastle are showing signs of pushing for Europe, and Roeder has sounded the rallying call ahead of this match. Let's hope it does the trick, not just for him, but for the 50,000 Geordies who deserve a much better football club.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
Chelsea need to win to keep up with Man United. Pompey have only won one game in the Premiership in 2007. I don't think they will be able to cope with Chelsea's power up front. The absence of John Terry makes this fixture interesting, but Chelsea should prevail.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheffield United vs Everton
In their last three away games, Everton have won two and drawn a Merseyside derby. David Moyes seems to be able to get his tactics spot on when the Toffees are on their travels. Sheffield United will have to fight hard to stop Everton picking up another 3 points here.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Watford vs Charlton
Another relegation 6-pointer! Basically this one will come down to who wants to stay in the Premiership more, and I think that Pardew is the man to save a team from the depths this season. Plus, I don't think Aidy Boothroyd ever thought they would stay up, as he keeps talking about his '5-year plan', or whatever it was. Personally, I think he looks more like the manager of a Hi-Fi store than a Premiership outfit...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sunday
Bolton vs Blackburn
This should be a nice, pleasant Lancashire Derby with hearts and flowers a-plenty... I expect some horrible tackles, players spitting on each other and basically the type of football that you would rather not see on TV. Fair play to Bolton for being so high in the league, but I could never contemplate supporting anyone who plays football so negatively.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
West Ham vs Tottenham
Spurs have won their last three games and are obvious favourites for this game, as West Ham look like they don't want to stay up! Berbatov is looking like the signing of the season, and the Hammers defence will have their work cut out stopping him from putting another nail in their coffin.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
So there are the predictions for this weekend. Good luck to all of your teams, unless you are a Sheff Weds, Burnley, Luton, QPR, Barnsley, Hull or Southend Fan!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Here are my summations of the matches this weekend...
Saturday
Arsenal vs Reading
Arsene Wenger is still bitter about the linesman at the cup final. I think he ought to be worried about Steve Coppell's men coming to the Emirates and causing a major upset... something they are quite capable of doing. Generally speaking, Arsenal either comfortably win, or struggle to a draw at the Emirates. I think this one will be unlike their meeting earlier in the season, and a point each being a fair result.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Fulham vs Aston Villa
Fulham performed admirably against Man United last weekend, and Chris Coleman will be looking for a performance at that level against Villa on Saturday. Whether he gets that is another thing. However, given Villa's poor form, and the potential of Fulham's frontline, I am going to have to backs the Cottagers.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool vs Man United
No doubt the most intriguing match of the weekend. Man U seem to be indestructible at the moment, and they will need their wits about them at Anfield. Liverpool have been playing very well of late, and their victory in Barcelona was no accident! I reckon that this will be a good match that may be settled by one or two moments of magic. A draw should be a fair result.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Man City vs Wigan
Man City haven't won a game in the Premiership since mid-January, and Wigan only last weekend recorded a good win against Newcastle. This should be a tightly-contested match, and I can't really see a match-winner in either side.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Newcastle vs Middlesbrough
A North-East derby is always worth a watch in my opinion! Newcastle are showing signs of pushing for Europe, and Roeder has sounded the rallying call ahead of this match. Let's hope it does the trick, not just for him, but for the 50,000 Geordies who deserve a much better football club.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
Chelsea need to win to keep up with Man United. Pompey have only won one game in the Premiership in 2007. I don't think they will be able to cope with Chelsea's power up front. The absence of John Terry makes this fixture interesting, but Chelsea should prevail.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sheffield United vs Everton
In their last three away games, Everton have won two and drawn a Merseyside derby. David Moyes seems to be able to get his tactics spot on when the Toffees are on their travels. Sheffield United will have to fight hard to stop Everton picking up another 3 points here.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Watford vs Charlton
Another relegation 6-pointer! Basically this one will come down to who wants to stay in the Premiership more, and I think that Pardew is the man to save a team from the depths this season. Plus, I don't think Aidy Boothroyd ever thought they would stay up, as he keeps talking about his '5-year plan', or whatever it was. Personally, I think he looks more like the manager of a Hi-Fi store than a Premiership outfit...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Sunday
Bolton vs Blackburn
This should be a nice, pleasant Lancashire Derby with hearts and flowers a-plenty... I expect some horrible tackles, players spitting on each other and basically the type of football that you would rather not see on TV. Fair play to Bolton for being so high in the league, but I could never contemplate supporting anyone who plays football so negatively.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
West Ham vs Tottenham
Spurs have won their last three games and are obvious favourites for this game, as West Ham look like they don't want to stay up! Berbatov is looking like the signing of the season, and the Hammers defence will have their work cut out stopping him from putting another nail in their coffin.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
So there are the predictions for this weekend. Good luck to all of your teams, unless you are a Sheff Weds, Burnley, Luton, QPR, Barnsley, Hull or Southend Fan!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Thursday, March 01, 2007
YTM's March Preview
March is a weird month in YTM, with many clubs having odd-numbers of games. This is due to teams having FA Cup Quarter-Finals and an England International to manoeuvre around.
Only one team stands out with four games. That team is Arsenal.
However, the Gunners have three away games, including a trip to Anfield, so it would be a brave man to bank on them for Clean Sheets!
The majority of teams then have three games in the Premiership this Month. Personally I would put my money on Newcastle performing the best this month.
They have three games, of which two are at home. There fixtures are as follows:
Middlesbrough (h)
Charlton (a)
Man City (h)
These all look very winnable for the Toon Army, who looking fairly decent at the moment. Obafemi Martins is clearly a quality signing, and Onyewu's presence at the back seems to have blocked a leaky defence to some extent.
The team to avoid has to be Middlesbrough. The fixture list has given them a paltry two away games in March, with no home games. I predict that away games at Upton Park and St James’ won’t bring Gareth Southgate too much to cheer about…
Hope this helps people when choosing their winning teams!
Good luck!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Only one team stands out with four games. That team is Arsenal.
However, the Gunners have three away games, including a trip to Anfield, so it would be a brave man to bank on them for Clean Sheets!
The majority of teams then have three games in the Premiership this Month. Personally I would put my money on Newcastle performing the best this month.
They have three games, of which two are at home. There fixtures are as follows:
Middlesbrough (h)
Charlton (a)
Man City (h)
These all look very winnable for the Toon Army, who looking fairly decent at the moment. Obafemi Martins is clearly a quality signing, and Onyewu's presence at the back seems to have blocked a leaky defence to some extent.
The team to avoid has to be Middlesbrough. The fixture list has given them a paltry two away games in March, with no home games. I predict that away games at Upton Park and St James’ won’t bring Gareth Southgate too much to cheer about…
Hope this helps people when choosing their winning teams!
Good luck!
Dave @ YTM HQ
Top Players in February...
Here are the Top 5 Players in each position for February on YTM:
Goalkeepers
Tim Howard – Everton - £4m – 18pts
Petr Cech – Chelsea - £6m – 12pts
Marcus Hahnemann – Reading - £2m – 12pts
Ben Foster – Watford - £2.5m – 8pts
Brad Friedel – Blackburn - £4m – 8pts
Defenders
Nemanja Vidic – Man Utd - £5.5m – 18pts
Ryan Taylor – Wigan - £2m – 17pts
Joseph Yobo – Everton - £4,5m – 15pts
Joleon Lescott – Everton - £5m – 15pts
Phil Neville – Everton - £4.5m – 13pts
Midfielders
Jermaine Jenas – Tottenham - £6m – 23pts
Steve Sidwell – Reading - £4m – 22pts
Ryan Giggs – Man Utd - £6m – 20pts
Cristiano Ronaldo – Man Utd - £7m – 19pts
Gary Speed – Bolton - £4m – 19pts
Strikers
Darius Henderson – Watford - £2m – 16pts
Brian McBride – Fulham - £6m – 14pts
Dimitar Berbatov – Tottenham - £7m – 14pts
Leroy Lita – Reading - £3m – 14pts
Obafemi Martins – Newcastle - £6.5m – 14pts
Hopefully that will give you guys a descent idea (regarding form) of who to pick to win £10,000 in March!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Goalkeepers
Tim Howard – Everton - £4m – 18pts
Petr Cech – Chelsea - £6m – 12pts
Marcus Hahnemann – Reading - £2m – 12pts
Ben Foster – Watford - £2.5m – 8pts
Brad Friedel – Blackburn - £4m – 8pts
Defenders
Nemanja Vidic – Man Utd - £5.5m – 18pts
Ryan Taylor – Wigan - £2m – 17pts
Joseph Yobo – Everton - £4,5m – 15pts
Joleon Lescott – Everton - £5m – 15pts
Phil Neville – Everton - £4.5m – 13pts
Midfielders
Jermaine Jenas – Tottenham - £6m – 23pts
Steve Sidwell – Reading - £4m – 22pts
Ryan Giggs – Man Utd - £6m – 20pts
Cristiano Ronaldo – Man Utd - £7m – 19pts
Gary Speed – Bolton - £4m – 19pts
Strikers
Darius Henderson – Watford - £2m – 16pts
Brian McBride – Fulham - £6m – 14pts
Dimitar Berbatov – Tottenham - £7m – 14pts
Leroy Lita – Reading - £3m – 14pts
Obafemi Martins – Newcastle - £6.5m – 14pts
Hopefully that will give you guys a descent idea (regarding form) of who to pick to win £10,000 in March!
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, February 23, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 28
A quiet one last week in the Premiership. But we are back with an (almost) full schedule. Chelsea and Arsenal are battling it out in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday. I reckon the Gooners could pull off a shock there... Anyway, to the Premiership!...
Saturday
Fulham vs Man Utd
My housemates will be there cheering on the Cottagers, but I feel this will not be enough, and Man United will gain another deserved victory.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Charlton vs West Ham
Pardew vs Curbs... Will be a very scrappy affair, being settled by the odd-goal... I fancy the Addicks, as do the rest of the chaps in the office, so that's who we are going with!
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool vs Sheff Utd
Liverpool's midweek heroics in Barcelona will mean nothing if they slip up at home in the next Premier League match. Benitez will want to keep the confidence and momentum, and will get the three points from Warnock's men this time.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough vs Reading
Gareth Southgate's Boro lost this game on the first day of the season after being two goals to the good. I doubt that they will be so charitable this weekend, but Reading will do enough for a point.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Watford vs Everton
I’m sorry, but I doubt even Watford fans would pay £8 on Prem Plus to watch this game! Hopefully I will be proved wrong and it will be a 6-goal thriller... Watford are on a roll and should win this, but it won't be pretty.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sunday
Wigan vs Newcastle
Newcastle's players will be tired after their UEFA Cup exploits on Thursday night, and will struggle to get it together against Wigan. A scrappy draw is on the cards here.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Blackburn vs Portsmouth
Blackburn will be looking for a win to go into the replay with Arsenal in the FA Cup. Pompey are in a bit of a rut, and will see this as a great opportunity to get back to winning ways. All the ingredients for an exciting open game.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Tottenham vs Bolton
Spurs are good at home, but Bolton have an excellent defensive record... Berbatov is at the top of his game at the moment, and could be the difference if he plays. I think the Bolton's backline will hold Spurs out for a good point.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Hopefully these will come to reality, as I need a few correct predictions for my battered pride!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Saturday
Fulham vs Man Utd
My housemates will be there cheering on the Cottagers, but I feel this will not be enough, and Man United will gain another deserved victory.
YTM Prediction: Away Win
Charlton vs West Ham
Pardew vs Curbs... Will be a very scrappy affair, being settled by the odd-goal... I fancy the Addicks, as do the rest of the chaps in the office, so that's who we are going with!
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Liverpool vs Sheff Utd
Liverpool's midweek heroics in Barcelona will mean nothing if they slip up at home in the next Premier League match. Benitez will want to keep the confidence and momentum, and will get the three points from Warnock's men this time.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Middlesbrough vs Reading
Gareth Southgate's Boro lost this game on the first day of the season after being two goals to the good. I doubt that they will be so charitable this weekend, but Reading will do enough for a point.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Watford vs Everton
I’m sorry, but I doubt even Watford fans would pay £8 on Prem Plus to watch this game! Hopefully I will be proved wrong and it will be a 6-goal thriller... Watford are on a roll and should win this, but it won't be pretty.
YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sunday
Wigan vs Newcastle
Newcastle's players will be tired after their UEFA Cup exploits on Thursday night, and will struggle to get it together against Wigan. A scrappy draw is on the cards here.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Blackburn vs Portsmouth
Blackburn will be looking for a win to go into the replay with Arsenal in the FA Cup. Pompey are in a bit of a rut, and will see this as a great opportunity to get back to winning ways. All the ingredients for an exciting open game.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Tottenham vs Bolton
Spurs are good at home, but Bolton have an excellent defensive record... Berbatov is at the top of his game at the moment, and could be the difference if he plays. I think the Bolton's backline will hold Spurs out for a good point.
YTM Prediction: Draw
Hopefully these will come to reality, as I need a few correct predictions for my battered pride!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend.
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Interview with Sandor Kovacs
Name: Sandor Kovacs
Age: 32
Town: Corby
Country: UK
Occupation: I am a mechanical engineer but now I am working as a warehouse team member.
Track Record: January winner and currently 3rd overall
YTM HQ: Tell us a bit about yourself.
SK: I am Hungarian. I have been working and living in the U.K. for 2 and a half years.
YTM HQ: Do you have any plans for spending the Ł10,000?
SK: I am going to by a new car, probably some sport car.
YTM HQ: How did you find out about You The Manager?
SK: I have found it in the Mirror newspaper.
YTM HQ: Do you play any other fantasy games and have you won anything before?
SK: There is a similar game in Hungary too, I played it, but I could win just a couple of hundred pounds.
YTM HQ: How many teams do you have in all and how long do you spend playing YTM each week?
SK: I have got about 2-3 hundred teams and sometimes I made special teams for monthly prizes.
YTM HQ: Your star player so far?
SK: Ronaldo.
YTM HQ: Your worst player pick so far?
SK: Shevchenko.
YTM HQ: Who do you think will be the best value YTM player at the end of the season?
SK: Ronaldo.
YTM HQ: Who is the most over valued player in YTM?
SK: Shevchenko.
YTM HQ: How do you rate your performance out of 10 so far this season?
SK: 7-8.
YTM HQ: How many transfers do you have left per team for Transfer Window 4 and is this enough?
SK: Not too many, hopefully it will be enough.
YTM HQ: Can Liverpool continue to keep lots of clean sheets?
SK: I hope so! : )
YTM HQ: Is a block defence vital for success in YTM?
SK: Yes, absolutely.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win the Premier League?
SK: M.U.
YTM HQ: Who are your favourite football teams / players and why?
SK: West Bromwich, and hungarian striker Gera, hopefully next year they will play again in the Premiership.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win YTM?
SK: Zoran Furlan.
YTM HQ: Which players do you think could be surprise packages next season?
SK: Gera is coming! : )
Thanks Sandor for taking the time to answer these questions.
Cheers,
YTM HQ
Age: 32
Town: Corby
Country: UK
Occupation: I am a mechanical engineer but now I am working as a warehouse team member.
Track Record: January winner and currently 3rd overall
YTM HQ: Tell us a bit about yourself.
SK: I am Hungarian. I have been working and living in the U.K. for 2 and a half years.
YTM HQ: Do you have any plans for spending the Ł10,000?
SK: I am going to by a new car, probably some sport car.
YTM HQ: How did you find out about You The Manager?
SK: I have found it in the Mirror newspaper.
YTM HQ: Do you play any other fantasy games and have you won anything before?
SK: There is a similar game in Hungary too, I played it, but I could win just a couple of hundred pounds.
YTM HQ: How many teams do you have in all and how long do you spend playing YTM each week?
SK: I have got about 2-3 hundred teams and sometimes I made special teams for monthly prizes.
YTM HQ: Your star player so far?
SK: Ronaldo.
YTM HQ: Your worst player pick so far?
SK: Shevchenko.
YTM HQ: Who do you think will be the best value YTM player at the end of the season?
SK: Ronaldo.
YTM HQ: Who is the most over valued player in YTM?
SK: Shevchenko.
YTM HQ: How do you rate your performance out of 10 so far this season?
SK: 7-8.
YTM HQ: How many transfers do you have left per team for Transfer Window 4 and is this enough?
SK: Not too many, hopefully it will be enough.
YTM HQ: Can Liverpool continue to keep lots of clean sheets?
SK: I hope so! : )
YTM HQ: Is a block defence vital for success in YTM?
SK: Yes, absolutely.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win the Premier League?
SK: M.U.
YTM HQ: Who are your favourite football teams / players and why?
SK: West Bromwich, and hungarian striker Gera, hopefully next year they will play again in the Premiership.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win YTM?
SK: Zoran Furlan.
YTM HQ: Which players do you think could be surprise packages next season?
SK: Gera is coming! : )
Thanks Sandor for taking the time to answer these questions.
Cheers,
YTM HQ
Friday, February 16, 2007
FA Cup is here again!!
We have a break from YTM shenanigans this weekend, and it's time for the 5th round of the FA Cup. There are a few interesting matches, and I thought I would come up with a few predictions... just for fun!
Saturday
Arsenal vs Blackburn
No doubt this will be Arsenal under-9s against Blackburn first XI... Arsenal's second string has proved that it would probably hold a decent position in the Premiership recently, so I wouldn't put it past them getting to the Quarters...
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Chelsea vs Norwich
Peter Grant is struggling somewhat at Carrow Road, and will not get any respite in the Cup, as he and his Canaries travel to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should win this one, and take one more step towards all 4 trophies this season???
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Man Utd vs Reading
Man Utd reserves vs Reading reserves rather... Doesn't really make sense why Reading would not go for this full throttle, as they are already safe in the League for another season... Hopefully Steve Coppell will not be rueing his decision on Sunday morning... I doubt it though.
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Boro vs WBA
The Baggies are on good form in the Championship, and Boro really struggled to get past Bristol City in the last round. The key men here will be the strikers, whichever striker out of Viduka, Yakubu, Kamara, Ellington and Phillips performs, their team wins...
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Plymouth vs Derby
I really like Ian Holloway! He seems to be a good laugh. I hope that an 'upset' happens here on Saturday, but I feel Derby will be too strong. Tom gladly reminds me that Derby are facing a strike due to certain signings having massive promotion bonuses. I don't think that will matter too much tomorrow though.
Dave's 'Guess': Away Win
Watford vs Ipswich
Matt, our resident Tractor Boy, thinks his side will get run over by Watford tomorrow. I disagree. Watford are the better team, yes, but they have no firepower up front! If they don't sort themselves out, they will be facing a difficult replay at Portman Road... or worse!
Dave's 'Guess': Draw
Sunday
Fulham vs Spurs
Due to monetary constraints, I, sadly, cannot go to Craven Cottage on Sunday, and will have to watch the game from my settee. Fulham will win this. Expect a crap first half, and Fulham to push on for the victory in the second half! Montella to score from the bench.
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Preston vs Man City
The most likely upset of the 5th Round is Preston. Dave Nugent and company could cause a huge upset at Deepdale if City underestimate them. I don't think that they will, but there will be little sign of any gulf of class here.
Dave's 'Guess': Away Win
Well that's my view on the 5th Round. Biggest game of the weekend by a mile is at Ninian Park, where Cardiff entertain Leeds United. 3 wins from the last five mean that Leeds are closing the gap on the teams above, with only 3 points separating the bottom 6 teams! With QPR to come to Elland Road on Tuesday, 6 points here could see Leeds steering their way to mid-table mediocrity! I never thought I would say this after the Play-off final last year... but that would be amazing!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend (except Cardiff...)
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Saturday
Arsenal vs Blackburn
No doubt this will be Arsenal under-9s against Blackburn first XI... Arsenal's second string has proved that it would probably hold a decent position in the Premiership recently, so I wouldn't put it past them getting to the Quarters...
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Chelsea vs Norwich
Peter Grant is struggling somewhat at Carrow Road, and will not get any respite in the Cup, as he and his Canaries travel to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea should win this one, and take one more step towards all 4 trophies this season???
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Man Utd vs Reading
Man Utd reserves vs Reading reserves rather... Doesn't really make sense why Reading would not go for this full throttle, as they are already safe in the League for another season... Hopefully Steve Coppell will not be rueing his decision on Sunday morning... I doubt it though.
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Boro vs WBA
The Baggies are on good form in the Championship, and Boro really struggled to get past Bristol City in the last round. The key men here will be the strikers, whichever striker out of Viduka, Yakubu, Kamara, Ellington and Phillips performs, their team wins...
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Plymouth vs Derby
I really like Ian Holloway! He seems to be a good laugh. I hope that an 'upset' happens here on Saturday, but I feel Derby will be too strong. Tom gladly reminds me that Derby are facing a strike due to certain signings having massive promotion bonuses. I don't think that will matter too much tomorrow though.
Dave's 'Guess': Away Win
Watford vs Ipswich
Matt, our resident Tractor Boy, thinks his side will get run over by Watford tomorrow. I disagree. Watford are the better team, yes, but they have no firepower up front! If they don't sort themselves out, they will be facing a difficult replay at Portman Road... or worse!
Dave's 'Guess': Draw
Sunday
Fulham vs Spurs
Due to monetary constraints, I, sadly, cannot go to Craven Cottage on Sunday, and will have to watch the game from my settee. Fulham will win this. Expect a crap first half, and Fulham to push on for the victory in the second half! Montella to score from the bench.
Dave's 'Guess': Home Win
Preston vs Man City
The most likely upset of the 5th Round is Preston. Dave Nugent and company could cause a huge upset at Deepdale if City underestimate them. I don't think that they will, but there will be little sign of any gulf of class here.
Dave's 'Guess': Away Win
Well that's my view on the 5th Round. Biggest game of the weekend by a mile is at Ninian Park, where Cardiff entertain Leeds United. 3 wins from the last five mean that Leeds are closing the gap on the teams above, with only 3 points separating the bottom 6 teams! With QPR to come to Elland Road on Tuesday, 6 points here could see Leeds steering their way to mid-table mediocrity! I never thought I would say this after the Play-off final last year... but that would be amazing!
Good luck to all your teams this weekend (except Cardiff...)
Cheers,
Dave @ YTM HQ
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Team of the Week 26
A good weekend of football, with Steve Sidwell being the best player for the week on YTM with 15 points.Sidwell is valued at £4m on YTM , which I must admit I did think was a bit of a punt at the beginning of the season.
He is however helping Reading to a nosebleed position in their first year in the Premiership, and could well be a possible acquisition by bigger clubs in the the Summer, and by YOU THE MANAGERs in the next transfer window, which opens on the 18th March.
Elsewhere, cheap players were the name of the game this weekend, and both Watford and Reading kept clean sheets, and Sheffield United beat Spurs at home! Well played to any managers that guessed those scores last weekend!
Cheers
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, February 09, 2007
YTM Predictions Week 26
Well, here are my predictions for week 26 of You The Manager in the Premiership. Not many surprises on the cards this week methinks...
Saturday
Chelsea vs Boro
Chelsea need to win to keep the pressure up on Man United. Boro beat Chelsea at the Riverside earlier in the season... not today.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Everton vs Blackburn
Blackburn are missing Pedersen with this key game, and will be looking to new-boy David Dunn to fill some of the gap. Even without Morten, I feel Rovers will have enough against the Toffees, without AJ and Cahill possibly.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Man United vs Charlton
Charlton are going to have to fight hard to stay in the Premiership this season, but this is one of the games that Pardew has written off in his mind surely. Expect the gap at the top to be at least three points come Monday.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Buoyed by their takeover, Liverpool will come out to impress at St James Park. Their defence is so immencse that I can't see them conceding a goal at all! I expect Kuyt to head the winner.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win
Pompey vs Man City
Not the most glamorous game of the weekend, but it will be interesting to see how Pearce is handling two jobs... I think he is a good gaffer, and can see City getting a deserved point.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Reading vs Villa
The arrival of Ashley Young and John Carew has been quite impressive for Villa, but the performance needs to come from all 11 players on the pitch, and Reading are indestructible at the moment.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sheff Utd vs Spurs
Spurs away form means that I could not possible bet on them to take three points. Also, Jon Stead seems to be able to score now, so I think a Blades victory isn't out of the question...
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
West Ham vs Watford
A must-win game for both clubs will be a scrappy affair, but I feel that the ability in West Ham's team will produce one more special moment than Watford's options.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Sunday
Bolton vs Fulham
After last weekend's great victory over Newcastle, Fulham will be looking to get something from the Reebok. Neither side concedes easily, and I expect a draw from this one. I think Chris Coleman is collecting them!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw
Arsenal vs Wigan
Arsenal are playing well, and it looks like Thierry Henry is back big time. I suspect that he will pick apart a Wigan defence without their captain, De Zeuww, and Arsenal will take the three points at a canter.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win
Well that's your lot folks. As the Premiership is getting more and more interesting, so is the YTM leaderboard, with Zoran facing real competition from some regular and some new faces to You The Manager.
Good luck to all of them, and to all your teams this weekend.
Cheers
Dave @ YTM HQ
YTM Ambassadors
We are on the lookout for overseas representatives to help promote YTM outside of the UK. Ideally we'd like to appoint someone to help promote the game in any market where the Premier League is big news.
So if you've played YTM or other fantasy games, live outside of the UK and are looking for an opportunity to get involved in online football gaming get in touch to find out more.
It won't be a full time job but you never know it could well be worth your while!
Send an email with "Ambassador" in the subject line to: ytm@dreamleague.co.uk with your name and some details about yourself.
Thanks,
YTM HQ
So if you've played YTM or other fantasy games, live outside of the UK and are looking for an opportunity to get involved in online football gaming get in touch to find out more.
It won't be a full time job but you never know it could well be worth your while!
Send an email with "Ambassador" in the subject line to: ytm@dreamleague.co.uk with your name and some details about yourself.
Thanks,
YTM HQ
Monday, February 05, 2007
Team of the Week 25
Great weekend of Premiership football with some interesting results.
Liverpool and Arsenal lost ground on Chelsea and Man United with draws. However, it was ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET for Liverpool, as their defence is proving to be THE defence to have in YTM at the moment!
One man bang in form at the moment is Morten Gamst Pedersen. The Blackburn midfield is scoring a fair few goals at the moment, and has recently hit the century of points in YTM this season. He should be a major considerations for any YTM team hoping to pick up lots of points in February and beyond...
Dave @ YTM HQ
Friday, February 02, 2007
Top 10 Strikers in January
1) P Crouch - Liverpool - 28 points
2) T Henry - Arsenal - 26
3=) M Viduka - Middlesbrough - 22
3=) D Kuyt - Liverpool - 22
5) Yakubu - Middlesbrough - 20
6) R v Persie - Arsenal - 19
7=) L Lita - Reading - 18
7=) B McCarthy - Blackburn Rovers - 18
9) W Rooney - Manchester United - 17
10) G Agbonlahor - Aston Villa - 16
2) T Henry - Arsenal - 26
3=) M Viduka - Middlesbrough - 22
3=) D Kuyt - Liverpool - 22
5) Yakubu - Middlesbrough - 20
6) R v Persie - Arsenal - 19
7=) L Lita - Reading - 18
7=) B McCarthy - Blackburn Rovers - 18
9) W Rooney - Manchester United - 17
10) G Agbonlahor - Aston Villa - 16
Top 10 Midfielders in January
1) J Milner - Newcastle United - 29
2) M Pedersen - Blackburn Rovers - 28
3) F Lampard - Chelsea - 25
4=) C Ronaldo - Manchester United - 24
4=) S Hunt - Reading - 24
6) Y Benayoun - West Ham United - 20
7) S Downing - Middlesbrough - 18
8=) K Dyer - Newcastle United - 17
8=) P Scholes - Manchester United - 17
8=) S Gerrard - Liverpool - 17
8=) J Arca - Middlesbrough - 17
2) M Pedersen - Blackburn Rovers - 28
3) F Lampard - Chelsea - 25
4=) C Ronaldo - Manchester United - 24
4=) S Hunt - Reading - 24
6) Y Benayoun - West Ham United - 20
7) S Downing - Middlesbrough - 18
8=) K Dyer - Newcastle United - 17
8=) P Scholes - Manchester United - 17
8=) S Gerrard - Liverpool - 17
8=) J Arca - Middlesbrough - 17
Top 10 Defenders in January
1) J Hoyte - Arsenal - 19 points
2=) K Toure - Arsenal - 18
2=) J Carragher - Liverpool - 18
2=) S Finnan - Liverpool - 18
5) A Xavier - Middlesbrough - 17
6) I Ingimarsson - Reading - 15
7=) N Shorey - Reading - 14
7=) JA Riise - Liverpool - 14
7=) R Carvalho - Chelsea - 14
10) P Christanval - Fulham - 12
2=) K Toure - Arsenal - 18
2=) J Carragher - Liverpool - 18
2=) S Finnan - Liverpool - 18
5) A Xavier - Middlesbrough - 17
6) I Ingimarsson - Reading - 15
7=) N Shorey - Reading - 14
7=) JA Riise - Liverpool - 14
7=) R Carvalho - Chelsea - 14
10) P Christanval - Fulham - 12
Top 10 Goalkeepers in January
1) J Reina - Liverpool - 19 points
2=) J Lehmann - Arsenal - 13
2=) B Friedel - Blackburn Rovers - 13
4) Hilario - Chelsea - 12
5) D James - Portsmouth - 9
6) M Hahnemann - Reading - 8
7=) T Kuszczak - Manchester United - 6
7=) A Niemi - Fulham - 6
7=) N Weaver - Manchester City - 6
7=) P Cech - Chelsea - 6
7=) B Foster - Watford - 6
7=) T Howard - Everton - 6
2=) J Lehmann - Arsenal - 13
2=) B Friedel - Blackburn Rovers - 13
4) Hilario - Chelsea - 12
5) D James - Portsmouth - 9
6) M Hahnemann - Reading - 8
7=) T Kuszczak - Manchester United - 6
7=) A Niemi - Fulham - 6
7=) N Weaver - Manchester City - 6
7=) P Cech - Chelsea - 6
7=) B Foster - Watford - 6
7=) T Howard - Everton - 6
Interview with Diyan Stoyanov
Name: Diyan Stoyanov
Age: 30
Town: Russe
Country: Bulgaria
Occupation: Football betting
Track Record: 8 teams in current top 100. 2nd in Jan MotM by 3 points.
YTM HQ: How did you find out about You The Manager?
DS: Honestly, I don't remember. It must have been Google, FISO or some web advertising. Anyway, I'm glad I found it.
YTM HQ: Do you play any other fantasy games and have you won anything before?
DS: I play several fantasy games with different formats. Fantasy Football is quite an addictive entertainment. I have won 3 or 4 competitions but nothing significant so far. Hope this will change sooner rather than later.
YTM HQ: How many teams do you have in all and how long do you spend playing YTM each week?
DS: 60 teams, not very low and not very high as a number. But I failed to gain full advantage of that numberas I decided against block defences at the start. I had my reasons, they may prove correct next season.YTM doesn't take a lot of time because of the transfer windows.You have pre-season and then four weeks during the season when you must analyse and take decisions.You can spend as much time as you want - it depends on your motivation. I don't find it very effective to plan your tactics or transfers month or two earlier before a particular window opens.
YTM HQ: Your star player so far?
DS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool defence as a first-choice option during November transfer window.Picking Liverpool defence was a decisive moment . It may looks trivial now but it wasn't the easiest thing to go with themwhen they were at their season low point, exactly after 3:0 defeat at Emirates stadium.
YTM HQ: Your worst player pick so far?
DS: Darius Henderson, Ricardo Vaz Te, Assou-Ekotto, Dave Kitson. Henderson's Championship statistic wasn't worse than Ashley Young's but Premiership proved to be a different matter. I still rate highly Vaz Te, he had a very good pre-season, and I'm sure he will score more goals at this level in the future. But at present, Sam Allardyce doesn't find him quite suitable for Bolton's physical style. Assou-Ekotto is a normal human naivety. You see a cheap player, from a big team, playing regularly - a typical bargain. But in most cases it's "too good to be true" and I should have used my experience from the last year about Tottenham defence. Dave Kitson - actually, he should not be in this list. But selecting him in 50-60% of my teams from the start - it became a disaster for me. He scored and got injured in the first day but was rated 50/50 in the First transfer window, so I had him for further two months. He formed a deadly pair upfront with Marlon King in many teams. You can guess easy the fate of these teams. Bad picks and bad luck are inevitable. You have to take risks, everybody knows it.
YTM HQ: Who do you think will be the best value YTM player at the end of the season?
DS: It does not matter too much in my opinion. It would have been the most important question if there wasn't any transfers for making.Players performance fluctuates strongly and to predict someone's exceptional form before it started - this is the essential thing for me. Everyone has his own clues for doing this but statistic is the most objective one.
YTM HQ: Who is the most over valued player in YTM?
DS: Shevchenko, Ballack? Beattie, Jimmy Hasselbaink? The real estimation can be made in May.Managers in the game are bound to make bad picks as well as YTM team is bound to overvalue and undervalue players.
YTM HQ: How do you rate your performance out of 10 so far this season?
DS: 6 out of 10. I know I can and I should have done better. It was a story of very bad luck and very good luck. I don't quite like it that way. I should have controlled my performance more. Hope that my second half of the season will be better than the first.
YTM HQ: How many transfers do you have left per team for Transfer Window 4 and is this enough?
DS: Differently - from one to five. The problem is that you can not predict everytime when you'll need your transfers more. It's another risk in the game - you may run out of options for the last window or you may be tempted in tinkering, hardly justifying.
YTM HQ: Can Liverpool continue to keep lots of clean sheets?
DS: Yes, they can. They are on the up now. But a draw and a loss may take out their impulse for hunting the leader. Also, the Champions league is coming.Part of the secret for their clean sheets, is that not so often they have a strong first half - unlike Man United. In my opinion, the difference between concentration level at the start of the second half of the matches, brings the difference between overall number of clean sheets for the big teams.Obviously, it's related with the halftime result.
YTM HQ: Is a block defence vital for success in YTM?
DS: It's vital for the good start. And the good start is a strong premise for success. I feel comfortable in playing catch up but it's foolish to rely on that constantly. So you have to be top at some point. The block defence is almost mandatory for monthly competition which is so much different in many aspects.
YTM HQ: How popular is the Premier League in Bulgaria?
DS: Extremely popular. There is no league like the Premier League.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win the Premier League?
DS: Wolverhampton Wanderers. But maybe they should get a promotion first. I don't know who will win the title this year. But as a fan I would like to see it decided in the last round.
YTM HQ: Who are your favourite football teams / players and why?
DS: Wolves and Manchester City. It was a long time ago, I don't remember what were my teenage reasons to start supporting them. But I see myself more as a fan of the Premier League and the passion it brings. That's why I support English teams in Europe, including Man United.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win YTM?
DS: It's hard to say, there is a long way to go. Zoran Furlan is in a kind of pole position but this can change quickly. The Irishmen are the usual suspects in the history of this game, the Portuguese boys are improving strongly and there is a whole group of managers up there and to overlook or discard their chances, is the last thing I would do. Anyway, I wish good luck to all managers involved in the game.
YTM HQ: Not many Eastern European players settle well in the Premier League - what's your verdict on Dimitar Berbatov's first season in the Premier League and his prospects for next season?
DS: Berbatov has a very, very good first season and I think many will agree with this. His talent is one thing but the way he kept his feet on the groundfor the last years and kept working hard - that's a strong character, his best achievement. Excluding injuries, there is no reason his success story to stop.
YTM HQ: Are there any other young Bulgarian stars we should be looking out for?
DS: Unfortunately for me as a Bulgarian, I don't think there is anyone else who worths mentioning at the moment.Bulgaria is not a big country and it's hard to develop players like Hristo Stoichkov on a regular basis. But the optimism always remains.
Thanks for your time Diyan - some very interesting thoughts and comments I'm sure everyone will agree.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
YTM HQ
Age: 30
Town: Russe
Country: Bulgaria
Occupation: Football betting
Track Record: 8 teams in current top 100. 2nd in Jan MotM by 3 points.
YTM HQ: How did you find out about You The Manager?
DS: Honestly, I don't remember. It must have been Google, FISO or some web advertising. Anyway, I'm glad I found it.
YTM HQ: Do you play any other fantasy games and have you won anything before?
DS: I play several fantasy games with different formats. Fantasy Football is quite an addictive entertainment. I have won 3 or 4 competitions but nothing significant so far. Hope this will change sooner rather than later.
YTM HQ: How many teams do you have in all and how long do you spend playing YTM each week?
DS: 60 teams, not very low and not very high as a number. But I failed to gain full advantage of that numberas I decided against block defences at the start. I had my reasons, they may prove correct next season.YTM doesn't take a lot of time because of the transfer windows.You have pre-season and then four weeks during the season when you must analyse and take decisions.You can spend as much time as you want - it depends on your motivation. I don't find it very effective to plan your tactics or transfers month or two earlier before a particular window opens.
YTM HQ: Your star player so far?
DS: Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool defence as a first-choice option during November transfer window.Picking Liverpool defence was a decisive moment . It may looks trivial now but it wasn't the easiest thing to go with themwhen they were at their season low point, exactly after 3:0 defeat at Emirates stadium.
YTM HQ: Your worst player pick so far?
DS: Darius Henderson, Ricardo Vaz Te, Assou-Ekotto, Dave Kitson. Henderson's Championship statistic wasn't worse than Ashley Young's but Premiership proved to be a different matter. I still rate highly Vaz Te, he had a very good pre-season, and I'm sure he will score more goals at this level in the future. But at present, Sam Allardyce doesn't find him quite suitable for Bolton's physical style. Assou-Ekotto is a normal human naivety. You see a cheap player, from a big team, playing regularly - a typical bargain. But in most cases it's "too good to be true" and I should have used my experience from the last year about Tottenham defence. Dave Kitson - actually, he should not be in this list. But selecting him in 50-60% of my teams from the start - it became a disaster for me. He scored and got injured in the first day but was rated 50/50 in the First transfer window, so I had him for further two months. He formed a deadly pair upfront with Marlon King in many teams. You can guess easy the fate of these teams. Bad picks and bad luck are inevitable. You have to take risks, everybody knows it.
YTM HQ: Who do you think will be the best value YTM player at the end of the season?
DS: It does not matter too much in my opinion. It would have been the most important question if there wasn't any transfers for making.Players performance fluctuates strongly and to predict someone's exceptional form before it started - this is the essential thing for me. Everyone has his own clues for doing this but statistic is the most objective one.
YTM HQ: Who is the most over valued player in YTM?
DS: Shevchenko, Ballack? Beattie, Jimmy Hasselbaink? The real estimation can be made in May.Managers in the game are bound to make bad picks as well as YTM team is bound to overvalue and undervalue players.
YTM HQ: How do you rate your performance out of 10 so far this season?
DS: 6 out of 10. I know I can and I should have done better. It was a story of very bad luck and very good luck. I don't quite like it that way. I should have controlled my performance more. Hope that my second half of the season will be better than the first.
YTM HQ: How many transfers do you have left per team for Transfer Window 4 and is this enough?
DS: Differently - from one to five. The problem is that you can not predict everytime when you'll need your transfers more. It's another risk in the game - you may run out of options for the last window or you may be tempted in tinkering, hardly justifying.
YTM HQ: Can Liverpool continue to keep lots of clean sheets?
DS: Yes, they can. They are on the up now. But a draw and a loss may take out their impulse for hunting the leader. Also, the Champions league is coming.Part of the secret for their clean sheets, is that not so often they have a strong first half - unlike Man United. In my opinion, the difference between concentration level at the start of the second half of the matches, brings the difference between overall number of clean sheets for the big teams.Obviously, it's related with the halftime result.
YTM HQ: Is a block defence vital for success in YTM?
DS: It's vital for the good start. And the good start is a strong premise for success. I feel comfortable in playing catch up but it's foolish to rely on that constantly. So you have to be top at some point. The block defence is almost mandatory for monthly competition which is so much different in many aspects.
YTM HQ: How popular is the Premier League in Bulgaria?
DS: Extremely popular. There is no league like the Premier League.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win the Premier League?
DS: Wolverhampton Wanderers. But maybe they should get a promotion first. I don't know who will win the title this year. But as a fan I would like to see it decided in the last round.
YTM HQ: Who are your favourite football teams / players and why?
DS: Wolves and Manchester City. It was a long time ago, I don't remember what were my teenage reasons to start supporting them. But I see myself more as a fan of the Premier League and the passion it brings. That's why I support English teams in Europe, including Man United.
YTM HQ: Who is going to win YTM?
DS: It's hard to say, there is a long way to go. Zoran Furlan is in a kind of pole position but this can change quickly. The Irishmen are the usual suspects in the history of this game, the Portuguese boys are improving strongly and there is a whole group of managers up there and to overlook or discard their chances, is the last thing I would do. Anyway, I wish good luck to all managers involved in the game.
YTM HQ: Not many Eastern European players settle well in the Premier League - what's your verdict on Dimitar Berbatov's first season in the Premier League and his prospects for next season?
DS: Berbatov has a very, very good first season and I think many will agree with this. His talent is one thing but the way he kept his feet on the groundfor the last years and kept working hard - that's a strong character, his best achievement. Excluding injuries, there is no reason his success story to stop.
YTM HQ: Are there any other young Bulgarian stars we should be looking out for?
DS: Unfortunately for me as a Bulgarian, I don't think there is anyone else who worths mentioning at the moment.Bulgaria is not a big country and it's hard to develop players like Hristo Stoichkov on a regular basis. But the optimism always remains.
Thanks for your time Diyan - some very interesting thoughts and comments I'm sure everyone will agree.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
YTM HQ
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