May 11^th…May11th….I keep on counting the days until May 11^th.  Speaking of counting…

Never count out “the Boy” Rooney or “the Puppet” Ronaldo.  You do so at your own peril.  The latest to learn that lesson are Spurs and their manager “the cowardly lion” ‘arry Rednapp.  There was no yellow brick road to Oz for old ‘arry but only Howard Webb dressed in all black as the wicked witch of the west casting a spell of a magical non existent penalty.  Does the “Special One” sound bitter?  No.  I know that “the Boy” & “the Puppet” are not only talented singers but also clinical finishers.  I know ‘arry is now pushing for video replay in matches.  Well maybe he should have seen a replay of this video…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=S34hvMmnJ4A&feature=channel_page better yet maybe not.

As usual; our “Fantasy Zolo” league code is 694916-134116 to join our private league.  Select “Leagues” under your Fantasy Menu and then enter the code and you are good to go.

Thoughts on last week

It is obvious that ManU’s second half attack was the highlight of the week.  But let’s turn the spotlight on the lightly heralded defender Ryan Nelsen.  The New Zealand international scored his first goal in his career in England with Blackburn as the Rovers got a crucial 2-0 win over Wigan as they try to fight off relegation.  Many of us “old heads” remember that Ryan honed his skills in the States with Stanford University & then moved on to DC United after graduation.  Nelsen was one of the anchors that DC United back line before the Premiership came calling.  Congrats Ryan and who says MLS doesn’t make great players?  Very Nice.

This week (Gameweek 34)

More stars will see time on bench than on the pitch due to the Champions League fixtures coming up at midweek.  So beware and be prepared to juggle your lineup.  Will Gerrard ever play again?  It feels like it has been forever waiting for him.  However there are a few other Liverpool players who I do favor this week.

Players to watch:

• Dirk Kuyt:  I like the matchup for Liverpool versus the “messiah” Shearer and Newcastle.  Also Kuyt has been on fire lately in the absence of Gerrard, 23 points in 2 weeks.
• Xabi Alonso:  Why mess up a good thing as I recommend him again this week?  Stunning work on the free kick last week & I fully expect him to be up for it against the life-support Magpies. 
• Chris Brunt:  Who’s your buddy?  Why the “Special One” of course.  Who else could give you a great pick like Brunt with 14 points?  35 points in 3 weeks; who can beat that?  In honor of the Kentucky Derby, I am gonna beat this horse until he drops. 
• Andrey Arshavin:  Yeah, yeah, it is an easy pick.  So what?  He’s ineligible for the Champions League and he’s going to be the main offensive threat for Arsenal who figure to run out a lesser side against Pompey.  The “Voyeur” Wenger will surround Arshavin with young kids to feed him the ball in the box while Wenger tries to figure out how to score 3 at the Emirates versus United on Tuesday.  Yes, you read that right…the Gooners will need 3 goals to kill off the United vampires.

Players to drop/sit:

·        Phil Jageilka:  The Everton defender is out for the year and leaves a big hole for the Toffees in their back line. 

·        Rio Ferdinand:  The Red Devils backliner won’t play this weekend for sure due to the knock he took in the CL match vs. Arsenal at midweek.  I don’t what to believe after that though.  In reading the English papers online I have seen everything from him being at death’s door to Rio being a modern day Lazarus.

·        Didier Drogba:  The “Potato” Guus will rest Drogba as Chelsea has locked up 3^rd spot  and really need the striker rested for the CL match hosting Barcelona on Wednesday  

·        Any United offensive player:  No one has any idea what the crazy like a fox Meester Alex will do in his lineup.  And he likes it that way.  I can see Rooney, Ronaldo & Tevez all being rested considering they are playing the lowly ‘Boro.

My Moves:

My team is SoBphillyHarchester*. You can search for my team and take a look at it, I don’t mind, and see if you can find some ideas that may help your club.

• This week; only one change.  Everton’s Jagielka has done well but is out for the season.  So he gets dropped and I pick up Spurs defender Vedran Corluka.  He can’t be as bad as he was last week, could he?  Don’t worry, I won’t start him.
• All kinds of shuffling this week with the anticipated return of Gerrard to Liverpool.  However, as usual with Rafa he may no start so with fingers crossed; I go traditional 4-4-2.  With no confidence in Lampard getting much time this week, I make a change at captain as well & give Xabi the armband.  As requested, my starting XI is Cech, Lescott Hangeland Shawcross Konchesky, Taylor Alonso(C) Gerrard Lampard, Beattie Arshavin.

Next week:

Next week?  Who Cares!   Philly MLS is finally getting a team name and colors!  I want to see everyone’s smiling faces there for the big announcement on May 11^th.  Our 2 ½ year wait for a team, with a real name, with a real jersey we can wear proudly is almost over.  This is very exciting.  Thanks for reading…Be good.