The sharp edge of the Diamond

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After week 1, fantasy fans were happy with Ancelotti for providing them two premier strike options up front, as well as pushing Lampard into a more advanced role, with Drogba benefiting the most with his brace against Hull. However, after week 2, many will have a different opinion with Ancelotti having no place in the side for Anelka (Kalou), Malouda (Deco) or Carvalho (Ivanovic). I have questioned the long term value of Malouda before due to the potential to rotate him for Deco, Zhirkov or Cole but I expected Anelka and Carvlaho to be all but guaranteed a weekly spot. Ancelotti explained,

"I changed the team because I trust my players and I wanted to rest some. I know we have quality in the other players and I want to use them and keep them all fresh."

This is not good news for fantasy fans and I have downgraded the aforementioned players due to the fact that (a) they might be rotated and (b) they are likely to come off the bench, hence preventing your sub from coming in. Cech, Cole (at least until Zhirkov returns), Terry, Essien, Lampard and Drogba are all probably unlikely to be dropped any time soon so I would not change their value yet. Whether the Chelsea defense has taken a step back (having conceded in both games) is another issue and must be monitored closely in the coming weeks against Fulham, Burnley and Stoke.

This latest episode shows the value of finding 'undroppable players' and that weekly starts for stars like Anelka are, unlike diamonds, not forever.

Comments

老而不 said…
What do u think Mancienne & Arshavin ?

Since, Arsenal play 433 in this season.I saw Arshavin play quiet in Everton. Do you think it need time for him to play the new role?
August 19, 2009 at 6:08 AM
kurbalija said…
arshavin will score goals and assist so watch for him i think he will score 200 and more points
August 19, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Chris said…
Arshavin is a great buy and I think he could be the third best player in the league after Lampard and Gerrard. He didnt manage a goal in the opening day rout but be patient as I think double digit goals will come.

Mancienne is overpriced (5m) for Wolves as his teammates can be had for 4m. Wolves dont look like a bad bench option though.
August 19, 2009 at 2:14 PM
NotoriousDre said…
Chris,

you are so right....the key is try and find "undroppable" players.

Man U right now, as you said is a team to stay away from...at least the midfield. I feel Rooney will suffer as the creativity is lacking Man U.

chelsea midfield is up in the air as they try and determine who best suits the diamond
August 19, 2009 at 9:33 PM
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