So I issued a challenge to a number of e-mates regarding an English Premier League fantasy team. I don’t have a lot of time to put into this but the game’s fairly straight forward and the first eleven will likely make you or break you. Here’s my initial team, picked in about eleven minutes this morning:

Goalkeeper, Petr Cech—Chelski Defender, Michael Dawson—Tottenham Defender, Tal Ben Haim—Bolton Defender, Celestine Babayaro—Newcastle Midfield, Claude Makelele—Chelski Midfield, Aaron Lennon—Tottenham Midfield, Xavi Alonso—Liverpool Midfield, Phil Jagielka—Sheffield United Midfield, Nobby Solano—Newcastle Striker, Craig Bellamy—Liverpool Striker, Thierry Henry—Ars*nal

This will likely change as I’m questioning the inclusion of Claude Makelele as, having now read the rules, I realize he won’t get points for a clean sheet since he counts as a midfielder. Dude never scores and points aren’t awarded for tackles. No wonder he was so cheap… Phil Jagielka? Who the hell is that? Apparently he’s played every game for Sheffield United for the past two years and, most importantly, was affordable.

My plan was to go with a guaranteed keeper and guaranteed striker, which I’ve done with Cech and Henry. The rest of the team could go either way. Can Bellamy score with Liverpool and will Solano continue to produce with Newcastle? Will Tottenham, Bolton, and Newcastle be solid in defense? Was Xavi Alonso overpriced? I guess we’ll find out. I’m a little disappointed ESPN can’t keep up with the transfers. Damien Duff is still listed at Chelski, for instance, even though he recently transferred to Newcastle.

Let me know if you want to play as enrollment is now open. Free transfers until the season starts in mid-August.

Current Mood: Passive |
Currently Listening To - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros - “Global a Go-Go”