International Roundup

England 5 -1 Croatia
Braces from Lampard and Gerrard along with a goal for in-form Rooney served to underline the strength of the top fantasy players available. Lennon also played well and has all but convinved me that he is the logical choice to replace Modric for those with the extra bit of cash - 0.3m - to spare. The main thing is that there were injuries and a goal for Eduardo will also be welcomed by the Arsenal fans.

Scotland 0-1 Hollland
De Jong, van Persie and Kuyt all played a part here and got through the game unscathed. Kuyt should have scored at least once where as van Persie was largely quiet. Kuyt looks like a great bet this week at home to Burnley and he will take confidence from another good performance here, though his booking for diving was not good to see. Hutton, Alexander and Fletcher were all in action for Scotland with, again, no injuries noted. Elia's goal was brilliantly taken and I think we might here more than that boy in the future.

Serbia 1-1 France
Eventful game in Serbia involving a whole host of Premier League players including Vidic, Ivanovic, Milijas and Tosic for Serbia and Evra, Gallas, Sagna, Anelka, Malouda and Clichy for France. Milijas added a goal from the spot for Serbia, while the French boys were largely restricted having been reduced to 10 men when keeper Lloris was sent off after just 10 minutes. No injuries to note which is great news for Arsenal, Chelsea and all the other teams watching this one on the edge of their seats.

Wales 1-3 Russia
Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko played for the Russians tonight while the Welsh side featured Hennessey, Ricketts, Gabbidon, James Collins, Ramsey and Bellamy. Arshavin failed to find the net but the ran the game all day, showing the kind of pace, power and composure that convince me he can join Gerrard and Lampard in a new big three. He grabbed an assist for the first goal with a lovely through ball. Villa new boy James Collins (4.5m) responded with a header from a Ramsey cross, and with Davies out for O'Neill's men, it could get better for the Welshman as he looks to establish himself in the Villa first team.

Spain 3-0 Estonia
Premier League stars Fabregas and Torres played here and enjoyed distinctly different nights. Fabregas was excellent on his way to a man of the match display, and even added a goal to complete his evening. Torres however was very quiet and failed to impress again for La Furia Roja. The main thing for fantasy players is that they both got through the game without injury as Fafbregas will go to back alongside Diaby instead of Xavi and Torres will get his old friend Steve Gerrard back, so don't read too much into these displays. Torres is probably the top captain pick alongside Gerrard this week as Liverpool welcome Burnley to Anfield.

Elsewhere
- Michael Ballack converted a penalty in Germany's 4-0 win over Azerbaijan
- Rosicky played his first game in 20 months, playing just shy of an hour in the Czech's 7-0 demolition of San Marino.
- Martin Skrtel played 90 minutes for Slovakia in there 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland. With his fitness confirmed he should be the logical choice to replace Insua if you cannot afford Aurelio.
- Bendtner scored as Denmark drew with Albania though don't get the idea that this makes him a legitimate fantasy option just yet.

Comments

ChuckZed said…
Chris - 1st para, you mean Lennon to replace Modric, right?
Chris said…
Yes Charlie, thanks for that. I have updated the article.
I want to Arshavin in for Kuyt and Lennon in for Modric but to do so I'd need to ditch Foster for a 4.1 keeper. Can't decide if its worth it.
Unknown said…
Looks like the decision is made for you Chris, for the moment at least. Arshavin is out for the game against Man Utd.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5548216,00.html
Unknown said…
Sorry, I meant out for the game against Man City.
Chris said…
Just read about Arhavin. Very puzzling how he managed to last 90 minutes in the Russia game that was already won (3-1) but will now miss 2 weeks. Very strange.
NotoriousDre said…
yeah, Arshavin is a big blow! It forced me to take a -4 this game week to replace him.

i believe he picked up the injury late in the game at OT against Man U.

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